Friends are the threads that hold our lives together

I cannot believe the love and support we have receive this past week. It is a good reminder to me of all the friends and family we have in our lives, that love and care for us. We are so blessed. We had people send us cards and flowers. We had many phone calls from caring people offering their help. My parents have taken my kids for many, many hours.And we had meals brought in. It's been a hard week, but I can definitely say we have ate well. And if you know me, you know food ALWAYS makes my life easier!
My Grandma and Grandpa recently moved down South but they sent this figurine of a father and son for Mike. And they surprised us both and were here for the funeral. I was so excited to see them.
Brandi gave me this cute bucket that says "Gallon of Girlfriends Wisdom" It had a poem in it that I really liked it said:

"This is my wish for you:

comfort on difficult days,

smiles when sadness intrudes,

rainbows to follow the clouds,

laughter to kiss your lips,

sunsets to warm your heart,

hugs when spirits sag,

beauty for your eyes to see,

friendship to brighten your being,

faith so that you can believe,

confidence for when you doubt,

courage to know your way,

patience to accept the truth,

love to compete your life."

-anonymous

I again am just so overwhelmed with all the service that has been given to our family this past week. But let me tell you a story that topped it all for me. I'm not sharing it cause I want you to feel bad for me. But because I am truly grateful. We had spent Wednesday evening at the viewing and my mom so graciously came to the viewing and then took my kids. We finally got home, Brayden was having a hard time with his asthma but we got that under control, and we got the kids in bed around 9:30. We were exhausted from the night, but had a lot on our minds so we couldn't sleep. Finally around midnight we started trying to get to sleep. A half hour later Brayden woke up having an asthma attack, and when I went in to help him his room REEKED of throw up. Kade had thrown up, and then fallen asleep in it. We help Brayden and got him calmed down. So now we are cleaning up throw up and bathing kids at 1:00 in the morning. Side note: Kaylee is now awake too:) We finally get them all calmed down. I took Kade out on the couch so Mike could try and get some rest. And I spent the rest of the night catching throw up in a bowl and wondering what on earth I was going to do with Kade during the funeral in the upcoming hours. I couldn't take him to the church and have in puke all over in the chapel. I had had many people offer to watch my kids but vomit and getting their children sick was never in the equation. So at 6:30 am Kade finally fell asleep and 15 min later my alarm went off. Yes your right, I got ZERO sleep that night. I hopped in the shower and began thinking of the ward list and any women that A) were at home B) had no children at home that we would infect and C) wouldn't mind cleaning up my child's vomit. And then I got on the phone and began calling people. This is so NOT my personality, I hate calling people, and I hate asking people to help me. But I was SO desperate! I called people that I normally don't even associate with. I called people that I haven't even talked to before. I desperately begged them "Can I bring my vomiting child over to your house?" I had 3 women willing to drop all their plans, rearrange their schedules, and take care of my child that was throwing up! My mom then took the rest of the day off of work to go pick up Kade after the funeral, and take care of him the rest of the day. This will forever be a lesson to me. How willing am I to help someone in need? Even if it's somebody I don't know so well. How often do I check my caller ID when someone calls and mumble "Oh what do they want today?" and then not answer the phone. I am so grateful that these sisters were there and answered their phone when I called and were willing to serve me that day. Thank you to everybody that has been their for us.