A Precious Little Boy

This is something that makes me cry. If you have a minute read about little Kaden. He has touched so many lives already. If you are the praying type- say a prayer for him and his family.

Nature Deficit Disorder

If you suffer from "Nature Deficit Disorder" may I suggest bundling up and spending a day in the snow to soak up some rays. Oh, and don't forget to chalk one up for exercise too!

We enjoyed lots of bright sun on Monday and I think it even got above freezing. We were all actually pretty hot and were about ready to ditch the coats.

It was our warmest family ski day so far! These three guys are getting pretty good considering it's really their first year of skiing. However, don't refer to S or H as beginners... they get offended. LOL.

Peeping Tom

We have a "Peeping Tom" in our neighborhood- isn't that nice! Two incidents that I know of within the last week all within the 2 square blocks surrounding my house. I just don't understand how someone could be so freakin' messed up.

GIGGLE... IT'S VALENTINES

I've never really been great with this holiday. I'm a big time procrastinator and by the time I get to the store the pickins' are slim. So... this is what I came up with for Crew's classmates: Oh, and something for the teachers and bus driver and bus aides.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY... remember to GIGGLE!

Acceptance

Two of the neighbor kids came over to play with Crew on his birthday. You have no idea how happy this makes me. We tried out his new bowling set. The kids were great about taking turns and setting the pins up for Crew.

Today the RS Pres and her counselor came by for a visit. We got on the subject of Crew and how we feel its good for other kids to be around him. There is so much to be learned. Every person has talents and abilities and something to share. I think his friends are "getting" that.

One of the other neighbor kids (not pictured) rides the bus with Crew. She is one of the mainstream kids at his preschool. The day of Crew's birthday, when I stepped on the bus to get Crew out of his seat I could hear his little friend singing "Happy Birthday Crew". It made me so happy and she told her mom that they sang to him the whole way home. *tears* At church we have a hard time keeping Crew quiet. I was sitting with him in his Sunbeam class while the teacher tried to give her lesson. Crew started his famous happy scream which was slightly disruptive and some of the kids in there don't quite know what to think, with which Aubrey replied, "That means he's excited"! Ah, I love moments like that!

Random Gratefulness

I can't help but be grateful for today and considering that it is Monday I'd have to say it wasn't too bad. It was a balmy 45 degrees today which is a huge improvement from last Monday. Crew's appointment with the ENT went better than expected. I knew that his tubes were plugged and I expected the Dr. to suggest surgery to have new ones put in place. Instead, he thinks they will fall out soon and requested a follow-up in April.

I was able to get some cleaning done, make S (who was home sick from school) a music mix CD with fun songs, take a power nap, and get some reading done.

S and I worked on Scouting together and everyone was happy with the Scones I made tonight.

Happy Monday!

How Many of Me

Either I'm really really special... or NOT!

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 0 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Opinionated People

If there is one thing that I really tire of it is people who think they know it all! Now these are the "know it all" people that claim to be experts in all areas. Don't get me wrong... I am more than willing to seek advice from someone when their experience or education gives them that knowledge. Personally, I am quite willing to look at other points of view even when I have strong opinions. Then I usually say something like "That's interesting.... I've never thought of it that way" and let it go. Surprisingly, the past little while I'll actually go out on a limb and flat out disagree but only when I am sure I know what I am talking about.

I've had experiences in my past where I've let others' opinions change some of my life altering decisions... and it sucks! Consequently, it makes me a bit testy and as I get older, I am less and less tolerant of those who think they "know it all". So when Crew's respite worker, who wears a size 24 (and weighs twice as much as I do), told me that exercising on an empty stomach will ruin my metabolism, it was all I could do to turn around and walk away.

4 Years old on the 4th

Yesterday was the big 4th Birthday for our Crewzer! I can't believe that he's not a baby anymore. I look back at all the pictures and I'm amazed at how far he has come. Each step has been a struggle but ironically enough those struggles have brought us joy. There is something about "pressing forward" during those difficult times that brings a satisfaction that cannot be duplicated.

I am so thankful for Crew's spirit. He is a blessing to our family. I've said it again and again, "What would we do without Crew in our family". He is the icing on the cake. He completes us.

Yesterday I spent the day with Crew... with him calling the shots. He really wanted to go down to the lodge and practice walking and climbing the stairs- so that is what we did. We also took him to Wingers because.... well- he likes their popcorn. I'll tell ya... it's the little things that count:)

Running all day

Okay, so I did my run early today. SEVEN MILES! It doesn't sound like much when comparing it to the women over at Marathon Mommies but for me it was a stretch. It took me 68 minutes so maybe that isn't really considered "running". Ten days ago I could barely run 3 miles so I feel good about it. I ran all of it on the treadmill while watching a documentary on President Hinckley. It really helped keep me going. There were times during the show that I was so touched by something President Hinckley said that I would get choked up... and then I had to breathe deep or die. It's really hard to run when you are crying. I'm very thankful for this challenge because it really made me reflect not only on the life of Gordon B. Hinckley, but also my own life. I can clearly see what it is I need to be doing... where I am falling short and where I am struggling. There are so many things! It makes me want to "try a little harder, be a little kinder, be more prayerful", say I'm sorry more.... I have so much to work on.

H and I were able to attend a Baptism today for the neighbor boy. It was nice to go and feel the peacefulness of it and see how happy little Jaron was. Then, we came home to watch the funeral and then back to the church again to clean. Our ward is in charge of cleaning the church this year and so I signed up last sunday before I knew there would be so much going on today with the Baptism and the Funeral too. S and H loved cleaning the church. I wish they would get that excited about cleaning my house. H helped me sweep and mop... oh and entertain Crew. S and Carl vacuumed. Another couple in our ward (they are expecting their 3rd boy... lol) were there cleaning too. We had a good time. H said he wanted to do it every Saturday:)

S had a basketball game. He was able to score 6 points... but they lost by one basket:( Then I was off shopping for Crew mans birthday. Two haircuts, dinner, baths, bedtime basketball (always), grocery shopping, phone calls... Good night.