I just pulled my TED hose on for the night. I swear they make your wear those after surgery because they want you to get your arobic exercise trying to put them on. I have been grateful they have not bothered me as much as last surgery. They seem to make my leg feel better. I have been trying to not take my extra percocet today and for the most part I was successful except for once this afternoon. It has been good to see that I may be able to get off the pain medications without having to go cold turkey and get sick. I feel like the spirit is helping me to know what to do and to have the strength. But I called Nathan to wish him a happy birthday and started crying telling him about the day so I am still on the edge.

Nathan is 34 today. It is hard to believe that. I don't feel old except for the arthritis.

We had the family Christmas party last night. It was great. Everyone except Nikki was able to come. We missed her. We had lots of food and good conversation. Larry and I were able to give the kids their presents and I was able to enjoy it better than I think I would have at Christmas. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Larry and I didn't fix anything except a turkey but we have plenty of food for the week that was left here.

Erick had an Italian dinner for some girls in his ward on Saturday evening. He always fixes enough for 15 even though there are six coming so we also have plenty of that to eat this week.

Larry was home all day today working on a presentation for his final class for his bachelor degree. He will have it offically once this class is finished. He will not be able to walk for his graduation until the first weekend in May but I am really proud of his accomplishment and hope that many of you can plan to be at his graduation in May.

Maren came over with Brinlie in the afternoon and we had a good talk. She never seems to get upset when I tell her the same stories over and over. They gave me a spoon display so she helped me get up the display this afternoon with all the spoons that my kids have brought me over the years. I was surprized at how many I had but now I need you all to bring me spoons from where you go around the world to fill up the case.

I have been thinking lately how lucky I am to have such a good family. I appreciate all they do for me and help me to learn. I am grateful that many of you are getting blogs that help us to know what is going on in your lives. Thank you for being good human beings. I appreciate all that you do to help me and love me.