Lily's Giraffe Song

Lily is a beautiful little singer. I love this short video of her singing at the piano with Lila. Her high note is so sweet.

These are the words: "Yesterday I had to laugh, because I saw a big giraffe. He had a neck so very high, it reached way up into the sky."

Easter 2012

Thank you Grandma Ruth for the Easter clothes.

Visit from Dear Friends

Guillen Family, friends from my mission to Guatemala

Two 10 year olds, Melanie and Anna

Laura was three years old when I lived with them. Isn't she so grown up and gorgeous??? She is smart and talented too.

Melanie, named after me. Beautiful and sweet girl!

We had a visit from a family from my mission over Conference weekend. I lived with the Guillen family as a missionary in Guatemala for six months. Our missionary "apartment" was attached to their house, so I was able to get to know their family very well. I loved the time I had with them. They gave me a lot of support and love. At the time they only had one daughter, Laura who was only three years old and Bro. Guillen was Bishop of the ward. After returning home from my mission I received word that they were expecting another baby. When she was born they decided to name her . . . Melanie, after me. :) I have always wanted to meet my namesake! Finally, after 10 years, we were able to meet for the first time. She is adorable! I love her and felt so much joy in spending time with her (and her family). Their whole family is doing well, and living in Reno, Nevada now. I am looking forward to many more visits with this exemplary and wonderful family!!

Look who's learning to stand!

These are not the greatest pictures, but I just wanted to share! Lily has received her first pair of HKAFO's (Hip, Knee, Ankle, Foot Orthotics). These are tall braces that will help her to stand and eventually walk (with a walker). We are trying to keep things very low pressure right now. So any time she wears her braces we try to do something very fun. We make her feel as safe as possible, then as she gets more comfortable we are allowing her more freedom to be independent. So . . . if you see her out and about in these . . . please cheer her on!! She is very proud of them.

The Worth of a Soul

". . . some of the sweetest spirits are housed in frail frames."

I heard a beautiful talk during General Conference (church) last week related to raising children with physical challenges. I really related to so many of the points made. One scripture Elder Rasband quoted was: "Remeber the worth of souls is great in the sight of God."

I believe so strongly in the "worth of a soul." In fact this was something I deeply pondered during my pregnancy with Lily - because of the "options" we were given. Joel and I were clearly keeping our baby. But it was hard to come to terms with the fact that we were bringing a child into the world with so much working against her. So many challenges upfront. Over time I came to realize that it was God's will that her life start in this way (not mine). I also came to see that my daughter's life had no less worth than a child born with a perfect frame. Although at the time I mourned her impending trials (all outlined in brochures handed to me on my way out the door from my ultrasound). I now marvel at her strength, her courage, and her beauty.