BYU

I wonder if they know what at treasure they got!

He sure does.



August = Birthdays

Birthday by proxy

Family party



Extended family party



Birthday future



Birthday good-bye



Birthday siblings



Birthday puzzle



Birthday-in-laws

Happy Birthday to one and all.

All 4!

Summer ended too quickly as it always does.  But, watching my children joyfully prepare for another school year makes 'my' transition much easier.  I would never want to hold them back and stifle their progression because I miss them.  While I linger at the door I have time to think of what not progressing is. 

8th

8th

2nd

2nd

Not quite as excited as his brother and sister.

5th

5th

Back to school shopping brought big smiles...

 Going to 'meet the teacher' and seeing Mrs. Lawson brought more smiles...

Tomorrow will bring even bigger smiles.

 

For Nathan not so many smiles.  It will be more of a transition back for him.  I was able to get him to walk into the school after a very concentrated effort and a promise that he could leave once he walked in the school and saw his classroom.  He did manage a good-bye to everyone.  Day at a time.  We will be starting off a bit slower than expected.

So this is what he looked like leaving the hospital after his scheduled sleep deprived EEG.  Which he did not sleep a wink in.

This is what he looked like after we drove home.

This is what he looked like 3+ hours later. 

Priceless

 

 

 

 



Excited for his school haircut!

Not quite as excited during.

 But, Aunt Rachel pulled it off as usual.

Now we just have to finish school shopping!



It is almost that time.  We had her farewell party tonight.  We were able to use the decorations from my party last night.  As I ended my education from BYU she is just beginning hers.

What a wonderful night to welcome such a great group of friends to our home.  With so many teenagers it was impossible to find a picture where there wasn't someone shoving food into their mouth.  I actually love it.  I wouldn't want it any other way.  Chase had a blast hanging out with the big kids.  I am always amazed at the care in which the girls' friends have always taken to include the 'little brothers'.

Graduation Party

Pictures to come



Just the other day a friend of mine spoke of her retirement and the mission trip to follow.  My thoughts immediately went back to Give Kids The World and our life-altering, not just changing, but truly altering vacation.  Nathan's Make-A-Wish trip to Florida set up our home away from home at Give Kids The World Village.  We were surrounded and engulfed in the love of others. 

I couldn't even walk around the grounds without my eyes being moist with tears.  We met young and old.  College and retired.  Families and individuals.  All there to serve.  The best part is that we are now considered Village Alumni!  That means we can return to the grounds during daylight hours and even have ice cream for breakfast again. 

So my thought is...what if we took a vacation to serve as volunteers. 

Who knows better how much it means to families that are struggling with challenges.  Who want to just take a vacation and not think about doctors appointments or the next hurdle.  We had no worries on the trip.  Those around us wanted us to be there. It made them happy.  I get it!  Joy in service.  It feels so good it almost seems selfish, but it is far from.

I know I wouldn't have to talk this family into it.  The oldest has spent her time in the service of making families smile after seeing the change come over her brother as he experienced true joy and peace that lasted a year after his very special trip.

That's it.  It is decided.  The change I saw not only in Nathan as his wish was fulfilled, but the change I saw in his sisters and the paths they are choosing now came directly from being involved in the Make-A-Wish program and staying at Give Kids The World.  What a gift we were given.  To give back to other families is just as priceless as the vacation itself.  To relive those feelings and train my children up to serve others is a magical soulful journey I can't wait to make.



This is the way we roll. 

I plan to make this walk again!!







Art Inspired Academy

Family Night for the finale of the first class of the academy!

Each student left with a special recognition.

Chase for the 'Happiest Student'.

Nathan for the 'Most Energetic Student'.

Samantha for the 'Most Focused Student'.

Thanks Kelly, Jamie and all the volunteers who have helped and who will help in the future.  What a bright future I see for all involved.

Never want to go.

Never regret going.

The Fair.

The girls and I went to the fair this evening.  We had a fun time as I reminisced about my childhood trips to the fair.  The smells.  I remembered the smells.  You could have had me close my eyes and set me there.  Then said I could be anywhere in the world.

When asked I where in the world I was I would have said,

"the fair".

(Still working on getting the pictures off the phone) 

My dear sweet friend gave me the greatest gift

yesterday and then again today.

Knowledge.

The perfectly petite and abundantly positive Elaine Hall

of the Miracle Project

taught me:

to breathe

accept myself

*joy changes the brain

what reverse inclusion is

to listen to the child who does not speak

importance of multi-modality communication

to make the world more accessible

and to set my intention.

Just to highlight a few points.

 

Thanks Elaine and Ryan!

This will take you right to her books...which I highly recommend.