10 Things That Make Me Happy Today

1. Playing at the park with the girls

2. Sephora

3. The warm weather

4. Free music on itunes

5. Chatting with my bestie

6. Early birthday presents

7. "Standing for Something" by Gordon B. Hinckley

8. Pink Otter Pops

9. The kindness of strangers

10. Feeling healthy

Changes

Over the past year and half Ashlyn has attended the Lincoln Early Childhood Center, where I feel she has progressed by leaps and bounds. 

Ashlyn's story: When Ashlyn was six months old, we began to notice odd behaviors. She threw uncontrollable tantrums in which she would bang her head against the wall. She began echoing everything she heard and was not making progress in her language development. The only way she would fall asleep was when I held her extremely close and rubbed her back or arms. After her first birthday I began to notice more of her repetitive behaviors, such as staking blocks in perfect lines, cutting paper into almost identical little pieces, and self stimulation. Adjustments were incredibly difficult for her and it took hours sometimes to calm her down. I also noticed she became incredibly focused on learning her shapes and colors. She would almost instantly hum back tunes she heard, all around 18 months. I automatically assumed she had autism. I turned to my mother, who is a speech-language-pathologist, autism specialist and an Intensive Behavior Intervention (IBI) trainer. She reiterated to me just how important early intervention was (which I am of course a strong advocate for, don't wait) for children like Ashlyn. She helped me find appropriate services and gave me ideas how we could help Ashlyn at home. We became dedicated to helping our child. 

Ashlyn has come so far, she really is not the same child. During a recent psych evaluation we discovered that Ashlyn now has a mild form of PDD-NOS. I am quite aware of how unique our situation is, I thank my Heavenly Father for blessing us! I am also more than grateful to all of Ashlyn's teachers for realizing our little girl's potential and helping her reach her goals. She no longer qualifies for the The Lincoln Center and will be moving on to a new school in the fall. We are excited for the change and look forward to a fun summer.

In Remembrance

My Grandparents were humble individuals who never really sought after praise or riches, however they both deserve all the praise in the world...

My grandmother was a beautiful women both inside and out, she never needed makeup just a little lipstick before church. Her favorite pastime was tending to her garden, which I loved. Every night without fail you could find her knelt down beside her bed in prayer. Her love knew no bounds and she always made me feel so special, just as she made all her children and grandchildren feel. Thank you grandmother for raising seven compassionate and loving individuals. I hope to be like you someday.

My grandfather was a teacher in his younger years, but that role stuck with him throughout his life. His gospel knowledge was infinite, we all have learned so much from him. I also remember his love of music. I loved to hear him play a tune on his guitar, my favorite was "The Yellow Rose of Texas." Grandpa sure did know how to make all of our eyes twinkle with excitement when he pulled out the candy tin. Even as an adult I still counted on a yummy treat when visiting grandpa. Thank you grandfather for raising seven hardworking and strong individuals. I hope to be like you someday. 

Water Park Goodness

Last year we discovered this fun little park while in St. George. This year we had to go back and play in the water (last year was to cold). This little park has to be one of the coolest outdoor fun places we've been to, I wish they had one like it here!

Grand Canyon

John and Nanna excited to explore
Don't even dare take my picture
Looking Down
Breath taking
Steve and Lydia ready for some Ice Cream
Kellie and Mandy resting
Extreme close-up 
Nanna and her buddy Jonah
Hold on tight mom
Lookin cool
You mean this is all mine?
There is that beautiful smile
The girls were fascinated with this little guy, can you spot our camouflaged friend?
Me on top of a big rock
The kids playing in the dirt
The girls in their new shades
Beautiful
Our good buddies, The Forseys, invited us again this year to St. George. This time we were able to make pop over to the Grand Canyon and make a day of it. This was my first time and I have to say it was so amazing, It didn't seem real.  I thought I was looking at a magnificent painting! The kiddos had fun and were troupers on our half mile hike. We had a wonderful time, more pictures to come from our five day vacation.

Quote of the Day

10 Things That Make Me Happy Today

1. Chasing bubbles

2. Hugs and kisses from my babies

3. "Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan

4. Encouraging words from my momma

5. Peanut M&Ms

6. A clean kitchen

7. Knowing my hard work payed off this semester

8. Positive attitudes

9. "I love you" from the hubby

10. Reading a new book