a busy May 2014

Still catching up

In May we were so busy-

Who Isn't?

May & December are the two busiest months of the year for us.

We had our annual YW graduation fireside on the Bountiful Temple Grounds.

I'm so proud & happy for these two friends.

Hailey was in the chalk art festival for the first time!

SERIOUSLY! So fun & so exciting- Hooray for Hailey going way outside her comfort zone & doing something she has always wanted to do.

We went to Baccalaureate with Chloe & friends.

Its such an exciting time. 

Trent has been in a Social Dance class this whole year.

They had their spring recital - dance concert- at the University of Utah.

IT WAS HANDS DOWN AMAZING

We are so grateful for good teachers!

It was a lot of time sitting in a theater for mom- brought back memories.

Chloe flipped over it & was wishing her school had a program like this!

Brett & I celebrated 28 years of marriage!

Chloe & friends graduated from Seminary!

Busy - Busy - Great - Month

senior photos~ Chloe Edition!

Can you believe.... this?

This girl!

She is amazing- Truly amazing!

She has been through so much- and even with all the hospital time etc.- she did it!

She graduated and on. time. with her class. 

This is a big, fat deal for any kid- but for Chloe... it's an even bigger accomplishment.

She went back to her public High School nearly 9 months after with withdrew her last year. 

We worked with an amazing school counselor (we LOVE our school counselor- he has been so much help) to get her schedule just right. He communicated with the teachers - us too.  She had a bit to make up- she did most of the make up in the hospital & didn't really have a summer vacation last year. 

In fact- it was no vacation at all.

 It was hard work & very difficult for her & the whole entire family. 

But then look at her! Look at us!

Look at us now!

 Miracles happen & they happen to real people. 

In every class - as a "new" student, most kids knew her but didn't know where she went?

She gave a little presentation on Tourette Syndrome & Depression. She talked frankly about her illnesses & it was amazing what it did. At first- it was hard & painful at times. There were the typical "popular girls" who rolled their eyes & whispered behind her back- p.s. she could hear you... idiots.

Then the kids who are just clueless & don't get it. 

Kids who treated her like she was deaf & would talk slowly & ask her oddly if she was okay.

But-- there were others- kids who she could tell needed to see someone get through a day of depression, to see that they could get through it too. Tourette did not get her! 

She ticked (mostly swearing- yes lovely in High School) and laughed! 

Her seminary teacher was the best-

He got up in front of the class & said

"Yes, Chloe says shit.

It's just a word.

Let's all say it together-- shit."

That was that.

People stare- but can you blame them- she is beautiful!

Inside & Out

*This is Kevin- he is named after Chloe's celebrity crush, Kevin James. He is a HUGE stuffed dog. We bought him for Chloe while she was in the hospital to help her feel touch. In the hospital- it's not uncommon for doctor's & nurses & staff to not touch their patients. In fact in some situations it's not allowed. She was going through a lot of counseling etc. and we could not be there to give her hugs. This dog is so big it felt comforting to have him with her at night. On really hard days, nights she would lay on Kevin. It was like having someone there to hold her. Ya- we love him.

 Human touch - don't take it for granted.

Go Hug Someone Today!*

Behind the scenes with our wonderful photographer - Anisha!

More on Chloe- her progress & where she has been-

Prom- Graduation - future plans... to come.

Graduate!

 It was a sad day here in the United States.

We mourn the loss of those beautiful children & their brave teachers.

We talked about it all- Brett & I- on our way up to Weber State University.

Our prayers go out to our whole country as we wonder?

What in the world? This has got to stop.

It was an important & long awaited day for our sweet Laura!

She is done- GRADUATED from College!

AH- sweet success- and just (who knows how long) before the twins arrive.

Of course we do not want them to come too soon....

but they are rowdies! She is lying down trying to keep them in place.

We are hoping to meet them officially in February.

 (blurry picture of Brian pushing Laura in a wheel chair to get her diploma-

 she is not allowed to stand that long)

We came home & she laid down and we had a GREAT big dinner with her family here.

I wish I would have taken photos, but I was too busy having fun & serving food & more food.

shoot- oh well.

We LOve You Laura

We are so proud of you & grateful our grandchildren have a smart mom.

and a cute mom!

HOw cute is this picture of Brian & Laura?

they will have the cute babies

hailey graduates!

What a great day!

I couldn't sleep last night & I made one million mistakes at work because I was so excited.

I just couldn't think about anything, except how Hailey is graduating & how I am so proud of her.

It is truly a wonderful day.

(chloe, rob- hailey's friend & the almost graduate)

We started off the celebration by going to a restaurant we just don't get to nearly enough. Roosters in Ogden. The food is great, the setting- perfection. It's darling & beautiful & did I mention the food is fantastic?- check out the menu!

Hailey had to line up early- & get dressed in her robe & cap. 

We enjoyed beautiful weather & visited- it was nice. 

There she is on the mega tron. So cute.

 Hailey's high school years have been difficult to say the least.

Hailey has accomplished a lot especially considering everything she has been though.

She has given me permission to write a bit about it.

Hailey has had (she is so much better!!) severe depression, anxiety & psychosis.  

Without going into detail- it's been a lot of doctors, psychiatrists, hospital stays & mostly prayers. Sometimes we are put through trials that are so hard- it's hardly bearable.

Sometimes it's hard to see the end of the road. Not that we are at the end of any roads... it's just so much better now. She is back & I love her. She is a good kid - a GREAT kid. Talented, smart, pretty-- why? I don't ask that anymore. I just say- we are humbled & we are learning so much. 

Hailey's plans?

She is going to live at home & go to LDS business college where she will be working on an associate's degree in entrepreneurship - then transferring to Utah State University where she will get her bachelor's degree in music therapy. 

Hailey will be a terrific therapist- with so much to offer.

Because- she's been there- and she has conquered & continues to every day. 

I love you Hailey- I'm so lucky to be your mom.