Surprise Blessings

As I awoke this morning, alone (Alan was already gone for call), I told myself that it was going to be a difficult day, but that we could make it through. I managed to get myself, Nate and Abbie dressed, ready and out the door to church by 8:30 (a half an hour early) to practice the song that the women were singing during Sacrament Meeting. We made it through that and barely through Sacrament Mtg. I am so grateful for Nursery and Primary. Abbie cried when I left her in the nursery, but I checked back moments later and she was happily playing musical instruments on the slide. Sunday School was very spiritual and educational. Our teacher is from South Africa and is the best Sunday School teacher I've had. I actually enjoyed the lesson! Our Relief Society lesson was on John the Baptist. It was interesting to learn about his life, as I had only known him as the cousin of Jesus and the man who baptized him. After church, we pulled into the driveway and lo and behold, Alan was home! I guess his intern and resident said that he probably wouldn't be doing anything anyways, so he should just go home. What a treat for us! For dinner, we invited Ryan Solomon, the aforementioned Sunday School teacher, over. It was fascinating to learn about life in South Africa--The kids loved hearing about all of the animals that he had encountered. He is just starting his PhD work in Rhetoric here in WI, although his wife and daughter are not loving it, so they're not sure how long they'll be here. (They are currently on a trip back to South Africa) Bedtime was smooth. I am so grateful for Alan's presence today. It started the week off on a good note, something I can't remember happening for a while now. Tomorrow is Nate-Nate's FIFTH birthday (tears). I am grateful for his health and strength and what a wonderful young child he is. I love him so much. Thank goodness for surprise blessings.