They Changed Me.

This week our YW and YM groups were in charge of a Special Needs Mutual.

Basically it was our opportunity to put on a fun activity for those in the area who have special needs and just need someone to love them.  

For those of you who don't know, 

I went to college with the intent of majoring in Elementary Education.

Early in my major, after hearing of a new double major available (ECSE, Early Childhood/ Special Education) I had a strong feeling that I was needed there.  

And I never regretted it.  

I now look at my degree with pride, knowing that I was changed through that process.

I learned that they didn't need me, but I needed them.

The night of the activity came and I felt nervous. 

I wanted my girls to be respectful and kind.  

To be a friend and love them for who they were, just as they want to be loved and accepted.

  I also wanted them to feel the way I feel about these amazing people who made me more loving, compassionate and kind.

I felt pressure...which I know sounds silly.

The activity began and we were able to meet some of these beautiful men & women, boys &girls.

The disabilities varied.  But the happiness was all the same.

 The youth sang and signed to us the song titled,

"In This Very Room."

I can't express the Spirit felt, in that very room.

Tears streamed down my face as I remembered once again just how much Heavenly Father loves his children.

Throughout the night I watched my YW change from typical teens, to loving, beautiful, and accepting daughters of God.

After the activity I was able to help one of the ladies walk out.

I asked if she had liked the games, because I was blessed to watch her smile through each one...and cheer as she won a price :)

To this she shook her head and said,

"No....I like you."

So simple.  But so important.

How can she love so easily?  How can she look past her challenges?

How can she lift me up, when I should be lifting her?

She can, because she Knows God.

This night reminded me to be like each and every one of them.

Non Judgmental.

Confident.

Loving.

Kind.

And to NEVER forget Who we are and Where we came from.

How to be happier.

It's no secret that my littles make my life better.

and it's also no secret that they make life very difficult when they are stuck inside :)

It's no secret that snow can be lots of fun.

and it's also no secret that months of it can make you feel depressed and fat :)

It's no secret that living in an apartment is the best choice for us right now.

and it's also no secret that having someone above, below & beside you can make you feel claustrophobic :)

It's no secret that being a one car family can save you money and give you a workout.

and it's also no secret that in the winter you can feel trapped :)

What's my solution to all of the above?

SUN!!

Today was just what we needed!

Avery waves to every car, bird, airplane etc that passes us.

 Kai says, "Mom, will you take a picture of me and my sister?" haha love him!

 I love how Avery checks over and over to make sure I am the one pushing her.  That girl melts me!

 Kai taking a "break" he says "Wow, what a hard day.  I think I need a break." I wonder where he hears that from? haha

We kind of love Utah winters so far....KNOCK ON WOOD :)

A Christmasy, New Years!

 This year we had a very merry...after Christmas, Christmas :)

Logans Mom and sister were able to come visit after Christmas and the kids were so excited!

And as usual we did WAY too much, with way too many pictures...so photo dump blog post it is :)

New Years party: Kid Edition

New Years.

Just the thought of the Holiday gives me anxiety.

We have a love/hate relationship.

Looking back on the year gives me good tears and bad tears

and looking towards the new year makes me excited and nervous.

No matter the year, no matter the trials I always feel the same :)

This "New Years" could not have been better.

We went to our "go to" rec center who always welcomes families for a party,

and with family in town, we were ready to party.

 Kai LOVED these slides...I can't even count how many times he went down.

 Soccer STAR!

 Felicity was flying down these slides and loved every second of it.

 Magic show

 Then we went home to celebrate the new year...New York style :)  And the kids had so much fun.

 Love these little munchkins.

 Dance Party!

 Getting Tired

 Oh Logan :)

Ending the year by the love of my life could not have made the future look any brighter.

So although I may be the first to tell you that the change of the New Year scares me.....

with this family of mine, I am ready!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!