Easter Weekend...

Can I just tell you all how much love I feel? I love this feeling of tremendous gratitude for life and all its beauty. This past week has been an overwhelming week for me. I have felt so good and so much love for everyone. I really love you all. Monday was my mother's surgery. My parents in Law came in the week before, to visit. It's been so great to have them here. My mother in law has been such a great help to me, also with my mother. Our little niece Leina has been such a bundle of joy, to have in our home. I'm baby hungry now. LoL. I know this love I feel for everyone, is Christ like. I mean I have felt his love and recognize all the blessings in our lives. We have been able to enjoy the luxury of life, even in a time where most suffer from the downfall of our economy.

When it was time to take mom home from the hospital, my arthritis was at its worst state. After taking two days to be at the hospital to help mom bathe, my hands and legs were so sore. My mother in law came with me to the hospital to help with my mom. As I completed paperwork for her release, my mother in law dressed my mother and packed her things. We took her home. My mother in law undressed and re-dressed my mother. She made sure there were meds and water sitting on the table, next to my mother. We were both impressed with my mother. Before her surgery, she scrubbed her house down. She even rearranged my brother’s room, scrubbed bathroom and left her clothes for recovery, on the bed. I got her clam and salmon chowder, and lobster bisque from Zupas. It was really neat how everything came with bread and chocolate strawberries.

We took our parents in law to Chili’s for luncheon and the best desert every, paradise pie. We did grocery shopping for the house and then took a ride to the Distribution Center, for temple shoes. My mother in law assisted me in tackling the mess in our game room. We finally set up my 27 inch flat screen connection to our PC. I just love it now. Blogging will be a whole different experience with the new computer. I really love my laptop, but the desk top is just amazing. Leina has been watching curious George all weekend. LoL.

Friday, we had our Schwenke family dinner. Aunty Felila flew in from California to be with mom. Together, we all broke fast for my mother’s recovery. Even the young elementary kids fasted. It was amazing. My mother was so grateful for the love her family had shown her, through this trying time. My parent in law attended the Missionary Reunion dance at the Sauniatu chapel. Leina and Lana were great, in keeping me company at home. When my parent in law returned, the kids were already fast asleep.

We stayed up laughing about our silly courtship stories. My father in law, Losi and I carried our conversation until after 5:00am, Saturday morning. Only 2 hours of sleep and I was back up to finish up some of my spring cleaning. Mone and Ashly came up to set up the Easter egg hunt for Lana, Leina and Kathy’s kids. I was expecting eggs, but Ashly went all out with HUGE treats for the hunt. Afterwards, she had gifts for all the kids. Mone and Ashly are going to be amazing parents. Aunty Kathy bought Pizza for the kids and hamburgers for the adults. I think Leina and Lana had so much fun. They received a lot more than they expected. On top of all that, Mone and Ashly still gave Lana another Easter basket, with clothes and shoes. She felt way special.

Sunday morning was greeted with an amazing breakfast. Sho went to take mom some breakfast ingredients for Aunty to make them some healthy omelets. The first conference session was amazing. We met at Spencer and Lisa’s for the second session. I love how Monson, always knows how to close conference and leave you on a spiritual high. His words and tone can make you laugh and make you cry. Most importantly, his truth will make you understand and motivate you to always choose what is right. Following conference, we enjoyed the company of Sherwin’s Tapusoa family, for dinner. The food is always good.

Afterwards, we returned home to relax for the new work week. Lana and I made bracelets, rings and necklaces. She’s such an amazing little girl. I realized that though my physical condition may be somewhat of a burden, it’s also a blessing in disguise. RA has really slowed me down. It has left me a whole lot more exhausted. Too tired to fuss and fight about anything and in return I have really noticed a change in Sho and Lana. They are happier and more willing to do more around the house, since I have been speaking with a soft voice and I have not sweat the small stuff. I’m showing a lot more joy kindness, consideration and love in our home. I didn’t realize how much this would heal and bless a home.

I’m so grateful:

To be alive
Our Savior
Heavenly Father
Gospel of Jesus Christ
Loving Husband
Adorable daughter
Amazing siblings
Awesome In Laws
Wonderful parents
Warm and cozy home 
Transportation
Atonement
Caring Friends
Health