Our Cup Overflows

We are so happy to report that Audrey is out of the hospital!  Our family is back together at our temporary home in MA and she's busy toddling and making up for lost time! :) (She'll head in for her next procedure, a scope and probably dilation, early in the coming week, but hopefully with much less dramatic consequences.)

Wednesday night I was also blessed with the incredible opportunity to attend the Nutcracker ballet at the Rosecliff mansion in Newport, Rhode Island... Justin decided to spoil me with a ticket for my birthday. It was a dream come true.

Photo copyright Island Moving Company

Photo copyright Island Moving Company

The two oldest kids really wanted to go also, and thanks to a friend writing a beautiful letter and an anonymous donor at Island Moving Company, the dance company invited the children to attend as well. No photography is allowed inside the mansion but we had an unforgettable experience.

 

The dancers traveled from room to room telling the Nutcracker story, while the audience stood and followed until we were all seated in the ballroom for the second act. Breathtaking.

Photo Copyright Island Moving Company

Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible, including my wonderful husband for watching the three youngest so that we could attend this amazing event.  When he had purchased the matinee ticket we had not expected that Audrey would be discharged that morning, so it was a very full day--I drove to Boston to bring them home before heading to Newport with the older children.  We also had a special surprise for Justin and Audrey when they first walked into the house-- we had decorated for Christmas!

On top of that, we've just learned that we'll be together for Christmas! Justin's telework extension has been approved, so he and the older children will remain with Audrey and I until January 8th. This incredible news is still sinking in.  As if that wasn't enough, yesterday was also our 16th wedding anniversary. Justin shocked me with a gorgeous flower arrangement delivered to the house, and a sweet church member watched all 5 children and sent us to try a favorite local seafood restaurant. We've also had three meals brought to us from caring church members this week, treats and visits from neighbors and church members (some who drove over 45 minutes to reach our home), outgrown clothes from an inspired neighbor that were perfect for Eden including a much-needed winter coat, Target gift cards from a hospital angel making it easier to replace pants and pajamas for the kids, and--cream on the cake--

a tabletop Christmas tree was brought and decorated by a church family for us.

I am feeling very humble and happy; just being together is heaven to me. In fine, the magic of this week has done much to heal the experiences of the past week.