I am always grateful for Lila. What started as a service to me has turned into friendship. Lily was really not feeling well today. Thankfully it was her day with Lila, so she sat on her lap and slept on her shoulder most of the morning. Here is a little clip of Lily singing Happy Birthday to her (she had a birthday recently).
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Day #146 - Good Reminder
I have really enjoyed watching my tulips come up this Spring. The flowerbeds are so colorful and beautiful. I just love opening my door or driving up to such a pretty site. Emily planted three big pots for me with tulips as well and one sits right next to my front door. I have threatened the kids not to touch the flowers. In fact I pulled Joseph out front and gave him a full list of things NOT to do to my flowers. Well, today Anna and Eryn raced and elbowed each other into door trying to be first home from school. In the process Anna knocked my big pot off the porch. When I realized what had happened, my delight at seeing the girls so happy turned to horror. I looked outside to find my pot of blooming flowers upside down on the ground.
I was so upset. Immediately I just sent Anna away. I was too upset to do the right thing (hug her and say she was more important than the flowers and say it was just an accident. . . right? ). Even though I didn't react perfectly, after stuffing everything back into the pot and giving myself some space, I did talk to her. I explained to her that I was not angry with her, but that I was just sad about my flowers. We hugged and it was ultimately not a big deal. It's been a good reminder to me that my children are more important to me than things. Hopefully next time I will have that immediate "charity" reaction.
I was so upset. Immediately I just sent Anna away. I was too upset to do the right thing (hug her and say she was more important than the flowers and say it was just an accident. . . right? ). Even though I didn't react perfectly, after stuffing everything back into the pot and giving myself some space, I did talk to her. I explained to her that I was not angry with her, but that I was just sad about my flowers. We hugged and it was ultimately not a big deal. It's been a good reminder to me that my children are more important to me than things. Hopefully next time I will have that immediate "charity" reaction.
Day #145 - Family Home Evening
Anna taught us a little lesson about the last week of Christ's life for FHE tonight. Her simple lesson was a great reminder to me of the amazing sacrifice Jesus Christ made for all of us.
Day #144 - Uncle Siope
We had dinner with Joel's side of the family today. It was great to be together with everyone. I felt especially grateful for Uncle Siope. He really reaches out personally to Lily and because of this she really looks forward to seeing him. Today he walked around the house carrying her and saying, "where do you want to go?" She would point and he would turn where ever she guided him: up stairs, around corners, etc. So grateful for Siope's support and kindness.
Day #143 - Awareness Shirts
I bought these shirts recently. I love the message. More than that, I love wearing it when I know we are going to be in big crowds. Everyone looks at us (who wouldn't right? Lily's so small and she's sitting in a cute pink wheelchair) and I am sure they have questions. All they have to do is read my shirt to know what's going on! So grateful I can answer questions without saying a word.
Day #142 - Mountain Moved!!
I want to share this amazing video of Lily climbing stairs on the playground all by herself!!
Lily's physical therapist taught me how to work with her on playground equipment last summer. Since then I have been taking her to the park as a way to play and "work." Winter was long and we didn't get to the park much, but now with the warmer weather we are back in action. Normally I help her do stairs by encouraging her to go up then I support her body from behind. Today, for the first time, she was able to climb those stairs without my support. I can't explain my emotion and excitement when I realized she didn't need me anymore. Letting go and just watching her was such a blessing.
This achievement means so much for her, but also hopefully it can bring hope to other people! I watched a youtube video last year of a boy with no arms or legs climbing the stairs. It amazed me and gave me so much hope for Lily. I hope that this video can do the same for others out there.
Lily's physical therapist taught me how to work with her on playground equipment last summer. Since then I have been taking her to the park as a way to play and "work." Winter was long and we didn't get to the park much, but now with the warmer weather we are back in action. Normally I help her do stairs by encouraging her to go up then I support her body from behind. Today, for the first time, she was able to climb those stairs without my support. I can't explain my emotion and excitement when I realized she didn't need me anymore. Letting go and just watching her was such a blessing.
This achievement means so much for her, but also hopefully it can bring hope to other people! I watched a youtube video last year of a boy with no arms or legs climbing the stairs. It amazed me and gave me so much hope for Lily. I hope that this video can do the same for others out there.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Day #140 - My Parents & Finally Caught Up!
My parents - I am blessed every day by their dedication to their family (past and present), their good examples and their love.
This gratitude project has been great. I am so glad that I am sticking with it. It just weighs on me when I get behind. So I am glad to be back on track. Here's to only 226 more days to go!
This gratitude project has been great. I am so glad that I am sticking with it. It just weighs on me when I get behind. So I am glad to be back on track. Here's to only 226 more days to go!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Day #139 - Spring
I am tempted to feel little gratitude for spring because of the way it taunts me with good, warm days then slams me with cold, wet, even snowy days. But I do feel grateful. Having grown up in Hawaii where there are two seasons: Warm and Hot, it's nice to observe each of the four seasons. Spring is the most miraculous of them all to me. It is incredible how the trees begin to flower and grow leaves again and how the little plants start to poke up out of the earth. Winter really is like a death of sorts and Spring is a rebirth or a resurrection. It really is amazing to behold.
Day #137 - Emily
My sister is so thoughtful. I asked her to buy milk for me, so we could have some when we got home for breakfast the next morning. She not only bought it, she got the code to my garage and put the milk into my fridge and put the heat on in the house. The next day she made dinner for us, too. Thank you Emily.
Days #128 - #136 Trip to Texas!
We spent Spring Break with my parents and my brother's family in Texas. We had a great visit. Here is my gratitude for each day.
Safe Travels - The kids behaved so well on the way over. Thankful for that. Also grateful that we arrived safely. On the same day a plane flying out from our same airport got a huge hole in it and had to land on emergency. Crazy.
Seeing My Parents - We haven't seen each other for about 6 months. I loved seeing them and they were so excited to see the kids and how much they have grown. They were so proud of the progress Lily has made as well.
Ramps - We went to two different parks that had ramps. I was so grateful I could push her right up in her chair. Honestly, we tackle any kind of playground equipment and make it fun for Lily. I slide down slides with her, or we put her on with her siblings. I follow her as she crawls over surfaces and support her as she tries to pull up to things. We also play hide-and-seek with her in her wheelchair around the floor area. Anyway, it's rare to find ramps on playground equipment, so it was just nice to have another option for play. :)
General Conference - I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Normally we attend church every Sunday for three hours. This weekend (while we were at my brothers') we were able to watch a special worldwide church meeting at home. I look so forward to this special meeting and to hearing our prophet and other church leaders speak. I definitely felt a new sense of hope and a renewed faith after hearing their messages.
Mike & Shawna - My brother and his wife were such good hosts to me and my family. I am grateful for the time and energy that they put towards our visit. It was great to see them and to spend time with their family.
Play dough - Funny thing to be grateful for. I know. This is Lily's new obsession. She wakes up in the morning and says, "play dough." It is her favorite thing to do. So my mom bought her some play dough so that she could play while we were there visiting. It turned into the big entertainment for everyone. All of the cousins would sit down and play together. Grandma played with her, various cousins and siblings would take their turns sitting with her to play as well. It was such fun for her.
Changing Tables In Public Bathrooms - I guess I was always glad that they existed. Just much more grateful now. Lily has to be catheterized every four hours. This is fine at home, but a hassle on the go. My favorite spot for a changing table is when it is inside the handicapped stall. Then we have total privacy. I hate it when they are right next to the sink or the door. It's a lot harder to be discreet. But the worst is when a bathroom just doesn't have one! I bring a changing pad, luckily so I can lay her on the floor inside the handicapped stall, if I have to, and change her. Anyway, changing tables really are a blessing.
Time with my family to PLAY - We spent a few days in San Antonio with just us. I really enjoyed the time together. It's always nice to just get away from the monotony of everyday life and make memories together!
We took pictures with a bunch of Sesame Street Characters at Sea World. Lily was thrilled to meet them (especially Elmo). But up close she was a little freaked out.
Positive Comments - I hate the phrase "confined to a wheelchair." I see Lily's wheelchair as something that frees her and gives her more opportunities to thrive.
On the way home, we were at the Phoenix airport on a layover. Lily and Joseph were a little over-tired and hyper. So they started chasing each other. Then, when Joseph gave up, I continued to follow Lily around in her wheelchair. She was a rock star. Honestly. She was amazing to watch as she went wherever she wanted. There were pretty big crowds of people walking around and waiting for flights. So she had a big audience. I was proud as I overheard people say things like:
"She's so strong."
"You have a beautiful daughter."
"Look at her go."
"That is amazing."
I couldn't help but feel grateful for the positive attention. Go Lily! and yay for your wheelchair that grants you freedom and independence!
Safe Travels - The kids behaved so well on the way over. Thankful for that. Also grateful that we arrived safely. On the same day a plane flying out from our same airport got a huge hole in it and had to land on emergency. Crazy.
Seeing My Parents - We haven't seen each other for about 6 months. I loved seeing them and they were so excited to see the kids and how much they have grown. They were so proud of the progress Lily has made as well.
Ramps - We went to two different parks that had ramps. I was so grateful I could push her right up in her chair. Honestly, we tackle any kind of playground equipment and make it fun for Lily. I slide down slides with her, or we put her on with her siblings. I follow her as she crawls over surfaces and support her as she tries to pull up to things. We also play hide-and-seek with her in her wheelchair around the floor area. Anyway, it's rare to find ramps on playground equipment, so it was just nice to have another option for play. :)
General Conference - I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Normally we attend church every Sunday for three hours. This weekend (while we were at my brothers') we were able to watch a special worldwide church meeting at home. I look so forward to this special meeting and to hearing our prophet and other church leaders speak. I definitely felt a new sense of hope and a renewed faith after hearing their messages.
Mike & Shawna - My brother and his wife were such good hosts to me and my family. I am grateful for the time and energy that they put towards our visit. It was great to see them and to spend time with their family.
Play dough - Funny thing to be grateful for. I know. This is Lily's new obsession. She wakes up in the morning and says, "play dough." It is her favorite thing to do. So my mom bought her some play dough so that she could play while we were there visiting. It turned into the big entertainment for everyone. All of the cousins would sit down and play together. Grandma played with her, various cousins and siblings would take their turns sitting with her to play as well. It was such fun for her.
Changing Tables In Public Bathrooms - I guess I was always glad that they existed. Just much more grateful now. Lily has to be catheterized every four hours. This is fine at home, but a hassle on the go. My favorite spot for a changing table is when it is inside the handicapped stall. Then we have total privacy. I hate it when they are right next to the sink or the door. It's a lot harder to be discreet. But the worst is when a bathroom just doesn't have one! I bring a changing pad, luckily so I can lay her on the floor inside the handicapped stall, if I have to, and change her. Anyway, changing tables really are a blessing.
Time with my family to PLAY - We spent a few days in San Antonio with just us. I really enjoyed the time together. It's always nice to just get away from the monotony of everyday life and make memories together!
We took pictures with a bunch of Sesame Street Characters at Sea World. Lily was thrilled to meet them (especially Elmo). But up close she was a little freaked out.Positive Comments - I hate the phrase "confined to a wheelchair." I see Lily's wheelchair as something that frees her and gives her more opportunities to thrive.
On the way home, we were at the Phoenix airport on a layover. Lily and Joseph were a little over-tired and hyper. So they started chasing each other. Then, when Joseph gave up, I continued to follow Lily around in her wheelchair. She was a rock star. Honestly. She was amazing to watch as she went wherever she wanted. There were pretty big crowds of people walking around and waiting for flights. So she had a big audience. I was proud as I overheard people say things like:
"She's so strong."
"You have a beautiful daughter."
"Look at her go."
"That is amazing."
I couldn't help but feel grateful for the positive attention. Go Lily! and yay for your wheelchair that grants you freedom and independence!
Day #126 - Talented Relatives
Some of you know my brother-in-law Jake. He is such a talented person. We had him and his family over today and it was so fun to see them. He has done some graphic art work for an episode of Hawaii 5-0 (one of my "shows"). So when they were over visiting we watched the episode together and he pointed out his work. We had to laugh because some of his work went past the camera in such a flash that we could hardly see it. But how cool, right? So grateful to know someone so talented.
Here is a link where Jake shows stills of his art on Hawaii 5-0: http://createoutlouddesign.com/hawaii-5-0/
Here is a link where Jake shows stills of his art on Hawaii 5-0: http://createoutlouddesign.com/hawaii-5-0/
Day #125 - Office Max
I took Joseph and Lily to Office Max with me today. I had to print up invites for our Spina Bifida Support Group Education Night and time was very short. So, normally I wouldn't have brought the kids with me (too chaotic), but I had to. As it turns out, we had a fun time. The store was pretty empty and while we waited for the copies Lily and Joseph chased each other up and down the aisles. It was honestly a joy to hear Lily say "run, run, run" and laugh and giggle. She amazes me, the way she maneuvers around in her wheelchair and moves so quickly. Glad I took them after all.
Day #124 - Possibilities
I posted a picture of Lily on her knees a few days ago. As it turns out, Lily has continued to "accidentally" get up on her knees over the past little while. Her Occupational Therapist came today and we talked a little bit about it. He thinks it would be a great idea to work on helping her bear weight on her knees! This does not mean that Lily will be crawling on her knees in the future. But it means that she may be able to use this position to get up and down from low surfaces. It would also be useful to tackle stairs. One of our physical therapists has told us that there's not much she can do for her. So she just calls and checks up on us. Another therapist we work with has put us on hold until she gets bigger and stronger. This is a little exasperating for us as parents to feel like there isn't too much we can do right now. So I am grateful to have something to work on with her and to see that there are possibilities for some progress.
Day #123 - Eryn
Here is Eryn playing with Lily before she leaves for school.Day #122 - My friends Growing Up
I count my childhood friends (including high school) as one of my greatest blessings in life. Each girl had her own personality and gifts that blessed me personally. I feel like I really benefited from their goodness and their sweet influences in my life. None of us were perfect, but we all supported each other in trying to make good choices and to be good people . I am still in contact with lots of these wonderful girls and I honestly continue to be grateful for their influence and their amazing examples. {You know who you are.} :)
Day #121 - A Day with Family
Betsy and her family came into town this morning. They decided to come at the last minute for a family wedding. So, since they were only going to be here for a short time, I let the girls stay home from school. We spent all day just playing, eating and visiting. So fun.
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