February Fun!

 Once upon a time I was young, silly and fun..... (Now... silly, fun and OLD!)

 

 I got to spend the morning at the Mesa Temple with my Mom, Satya and Grandma.  What a great spiritual experience to get to be with them. Then we met up for lunch with my Aunts, Martha & Janet.

I love that I have such a close relationship with my family!

Photography

 Photography Class

Snow, Resolutions, Change of life....

 

 Date Night (Into the Woods) and Hunting with Daddy!

 

Inspired By Charlotte

Charlotte was born with Cerebral Palsy. She has endured lots of biopsies, surgeries, therapies, procedures etc. trying to figure out why she has this disability. Two years later her little sister, Kalicia, was born, two months early, but mysteriously escaped the bitter grasp of any handicap. She was a jewel for her big sister, and quickly became best friends! Charlotte rolled around to keep up with Kalicia and to get around the house. After 3 years, “Sweet Caroline” became apart of our family. She too was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Our home was equipped with handicapped installments. Walkers/gait trainers and wheel chairs became a natural part of our life style. Caroline followed the same path, more surgeries, MRI's, tests, needles, therapies, traveling distances for hospital stays and Dr. appointments to see specialists. Doctors were stumped... Why did these children have these disabilities? They told me my children would never crawl, walk and function in society. My husband and I are teachers, how could we let that happen? We will educate and give them the same chances as everyone else! They have participated in Little League/T-ball, Auquatics, Horses, Soccer, Dance, art etc. Their disabilities make it tough trying to discover talents.

            When Caroline was 3 years old, her little brother, Harrison, was born and was quickly diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Third time was the charm, we recognized all the signs and knew exactly what to do! It was quite a shock to our family and it took awhile to digest. He has had all the same surgeries, therapies, hospital stays etc. Kalicia is the best little helper. She calls herself the “Little Mommy”. She stays by my side and helps with a sibling while I work with the others. There is no way I could do it without her.
            Three out of the 4 children struggle with speech because of their diagnoses. But they are not shy, especially about their Cerebral Palsy. Charlotte loves to make sure everyone knows, with a big smile on her face, that she can do everything they can do! It's harder and will take her longer but she will do it! And her little sister and brother are following her example. Kalicia is their biggest supporter! Charlotte decided at 8 years old that she was going to walk! She also gave her first speech and she left her audience of 100 plus people in tears, including her mother! She at that point decided she wanted to be a motivational speaker.
              Miss Arizona took her under her wing as well as the other children and guided them in the direction of pageants. There Charlotte could get the word out that Children with Disabilities can do it and be successful!! The three girls took part in their first pageant in the fall 2014. Their talents and speeches were priceless. At the end of the pageant, every child earned a sash and a crown, not one child was left out except for my Charlotte. I have been used to Charlotte being left out or forgotten in the past. My heart sank and I was ready to jump up on the stage , when the music came on, roses and trophies were brought to the front of the stage and my Daughter's name was announced, Charlotte Merrill, won Miss Cinderella! She was treated as royalty! (I had to eat my words...) Charlotte is going to State in June and her sisters were invited to go with her! My Daughter has inspired me and has made a difference in my life. She wants to make a difference in yours!

Thank you so much for all your continuing love and support! It means so much! Especially to my girls! Charlotte has been practicing her speech and piano piece, which is very difficult because her muscles don't work like they should. In the beginning, Charlotte had to do hand over hand to have the strength to push one note. With the help of a loving patient piano teacher, years and her diligence/Practice Charlotte is now working on a simple piece that uses top and bottom hand. She is thrilled! (and so am I!!)