Normal--what a wonderful word

This a long-past due post. I have been thinking about life and it's twists and turns a lot lately. I have mentioned that I have had some health concerns as of late. I won't go into the ugly details, but suffice it to say, I have had more ultrasounds, x-rays, exams, ct scans, blood drawings and poking and prodding than I would have liked to have in a lifetime. It has been a long 4 weeks. I finally received two letters in the mail this week stating this: "Your cytology study showed no malignant cells meaning the test did not reveal cancer" and, "your lab test was NORMAL."

So, do you sit down and cry? Yes, you do. Do you kneel down and pray and thank Heavenly Father? Yes, you do. Do you feel more empathy and understanding for those facing cancer and dealing with it on a daily basis? Yes, you do. Do you appreciate your NORMAL life and family routine? Yes, you do!! Do you have a change of perspective? Yes, you do. I have learned through this experience that we CANNOT take whatever our NORMAL is for granted!! Normal is different for each one of us, and we can handle our NORMAL however we choose. I have a new view on the word NORMAL. So, I want to just share some photos today of my NORMAL--my world, my life, my reasons to live....my eternal family. I thank each one of them for helping me stay grounded--they bring me joy, and they are the reason for the journey.

Bret and I have been married 19 years in August. I love him more today than 19 years ago--he completes me in every way. XOXOXOXOXO to him.

Four of the sweetest blessings ever given to a mother.

40 perfect little toes!! Their baby steps are so quickly turning into adult strides---it is a pleasure watching them as they grow.

My sweet Jessica---so nice to see her carefree--she is usually a pretty serious girl with lots of high aspirations and goals. Her potential is limitless.

My determined Savanna. She has an amazing handle on life--she just DOES it!! No questions asked. She is on the track team, and this is her taking second in her race!!

My sensitive Rebecca. She has a heart as big as a mountain. Her sensitivity to people, animals and life in general is so tender.

My happy Karissa. If you need to laugh or smile or observe the little things in life, hang around this kid. She turns 7 tomorrow...so glad she came to our home.

Sorry, if this post sounds like I live in a fairy tale world. I really don't. We have our trials and weaknesses like all other families. But, my appreciation and love for my family is so at the surface this week. I am so thankful for each one of them.

I am going to a Women's Conference at BYU for the next two days. I will return determined to be a better woman, wife and mother. Life is good---I love normal!!

Be nice to people,

Julie