Wooby

Emily loves to grab and hold things her hands.  She is developing some great hand-eye-mouth coordination;).  The other day as I picked her up, she continued to clutch her blanket tightly like a wooby.  It was so cute to see her standing there with her blanket held tightly in her other hand.

Little Person

Each day Emily's little personality reveals itself a bit more.  We are discovering she is a sweet, but spunky; patient, but persistent; attentive, but free spirited.  Of all her traits, loving shines brightest.  Emily loves to snuggle and smile with her mom and dad.  We love these special moments with her.  As we catch glimpses of Emily's personality, we recognize more and more, "She is just a little person!" - an expression we often use for her.  We love the special person she is and becomes each day.

Falling from High Places

Mitchell's Journey Facebook Page

The other day some of my friends from my previous work, Butterfield Canyon Elementary notified me of some sad news.  Last year before leaving for Arizona, I had the privilege of having two boys with muscular dystrophy in my classroom.  They were adorable and amazing all-stars!  Although I was their teacher, I felt they taught me so much more with their humility and determination.

I wrote about them in a post after the first week of school. . .

As a teacher there is a hidden rule that you are not supposed to have any favorites. However, sometimes it is hard not to break the rule. I cannot say I have one particular favorite, but favorites for different reasons. Most of my "favorites" become such because of the unique relationships we share.

This year my class includes 2 students with "Muscular Dystrophy, md." This is a disease that affects the muscles, weakening them with time. Eventually, they will lose the ability and control of their muscles. While their friends muscles are getting stronger as they grow up, theirs are failing. They will lose the ability to do small activities most of us take for granted like walking and sitting up. Children with Muscular Dystrophy major organs, including the heart and lungs, thin causing a premature death in their early teens.

It has only been one week of school and I feel such admiration for these 2 boys. I have been touched by their courage and strong will. Due to the weakening of their muscles, the boys can fall easily with minimal balance. I marvel at their quickness to get right back up.

Both Mitch and Carson have bright eyes, happy smiles, and quick senses of humor. Their love is magnetic.  After losing balance this week, partly because he was sitting wrong on his chair, Carson told Mitch, "I only fall from high places." Mitch then told me the little joke.  This made me laugh out loud. As the day and week went on, I continued to think of this as Carson's theme phrase.

Life is a little like this phrase as we "fall" from heaven to come to experience the magic of life. Along the road of life we experience escalating growth and challenging falls, only to be led to higher ground. Our response to each fall is most important, not necessarily how many times we fall or why fell in the first place.

As I reread this entry and capture events on his father's Facebook page, I am overwhelmed with sadness.  I know Mitch has touched my life and many others.  He will definitely be an angel for his family.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to have known and taught him.

While following his story, my mind has also been saddened thinking about his parents.  Their is such a deep love that a parent has for their children that cannot really be explained until it is felt.  I know this is the case for me.  I didn't realize how much you could love someone, until I had sweet Emily.  Each time I read the story I find myself kissing, hugging, and holding my sweet little one a bit longer.  I wish I could keep her from all the challenges she will face, but I can't.  Like Heavenly Father, parents are there to support, care, and provide for their children so they can return home grown into their Godly potential.

My Little Cougar

Emily is my "Little Cougar."  Lately she has been mumbling and/or singing herself to sleep.  One day I hope to get it recorded on tape.  I tease Nelson that she is singing, "Rise and shine the cougars are out  . . . Go Cougars!!"  He of coarse is quick to say it, "Utah! Utah! Utah girl am I."  We will wait and see, but her blue eyes seem to give a hint;).

My Little Monkey

 

 

 

Emily is becoming quite talented with her hand-eye-mouth coordination.  She is persistent to get anything near her in her mouth.  I love my little monkey!

Hospital Trip

I am so grateful for God's hand in all things.  He is truly there to bless and provide a way to overcome all things.  Even though life is filled with challenges, Heavenly Father is there each step of the way.  His blessings always exceed the challenges we face. 

Nelson has been sick with a few colds since returning from Utah at Christmas.  Over the past few days he has had exceeding chest pains.  With time they have gotten worse.  Last night we took him to the emergency room.  They found that he has some fluid in his lungs, which is causing the pain.  After some time, they felt it necessary to admit him to the hospital to watch him overnight. 

The time to find out what was going on was anxiety producing.  I am not one that likes to wait.  Yet, I am grateful for the blessing of finding what is causing the pain.  I recognize Heavenly Father's hand in much of this challenge.  Nelson was recently put on AHCCCS health insurance (the state insurance) and some of his classes are not meeting today.  I am grateful for medical professionals who can help in times of need.  I am grateful for families and the extension of their loves and prayers.  I am grateful for eternal covenants that bind me to my sweet husband forever.  I am so proud of his diligence, patience, and hard work.  He is a superb father and husband - my better half.

Pretty Pok-a-dot Princess

Emily was such a cute pok-a-dot princess on Sunday.  She is so cute!  Often others comment on her beautiful eyes.  I totally agree.  She is my princess, my Tink, the love of my life.