Perfect Princess

On Sunday Sammy and Callie came home with these CTR crowns. Rarely does Sammy allow something on her head. And when it's there, it doesn't stay on too long. But she kept this on for about 2 hours. And I thought she looked so cute. Normally I'm in awe of those crystal blue eyes. But in this picture, it's those lips. Since she was born, she's always had rosy lips...so pretty, so perfect.

At times I've looked at her and wondered what she would be like if she were just an average 8 year old. What would she look like? The truth is, she would look very similar, however with a larger head, her features would be a different. And I wonder. I wonder what she would say to me. I wonder what she would do on her free time. I wonder what would be important to her and what would make her laugh. Those things I don't know, and won't know, right now. I look forward to the day when I do know those things, but then I wonder about that. What will our relationship be like? I'm sure it'll be incredible...but our relationship is so much based on her daily needs. Will I know how to not take care of her? Will I be able to just sit and talk to her? Yep. I will. And it'll be great.

Until then, what I do know is that she's amazing. I do know she has gorgeous, gentle eyes and beautiful, happy lips. She needs to eat soon after she wakes up, but is patient and will wait until other things get done. She enjoys being with other people. She will follow Callie and Micah around just to be with them. Colin is her dearest friend. She has an infectious laugh and has very ticklish legs. She likes a good massage and is able to truly relax when someone takes the time to rub her muscles loose. She gets excited by whipped cream, chocolate almonds, and marshmallows. Her fingers curl inward. She has a little bump on the side of her skull. She has a small birth mark on her leg. And she is an angel in a little girl body. These are things I know. And these are things I love.

Goodness and Wheels

I love Christmas. It's an exciting time. I love giving gifts...it's my love language...or service. I'm confused because to me giving gifts can be service. So who knows what I am, but I love to give gifts. Boom. There you have it. And I start thinking about people and what I want to do for them starting around July. There are 2 main reasons to think Christmas in July.

1. I get excited and it makes me happy.

2. Because if I can get things done earlier, than there's no rush at the end. I get to enjoy the season and feel the spirit of the season so much more. And that makes me happy.

So, back in July, I was thinking about our kidlets. Callie. I knew she'd been enjoying scooters. Though she had never asked for one, I thought she would love it. Micah. He needed a bike. I regret that we didn't get Callie on a bike sooner and didn't want to make that mistake again. I was looking at a Strider Bike. Sammy. This wasn't a Christmas thought, but since we're talking about wheels, we've been wanting to get her a bike that costs roughly $4,500. But that purchase would require a lot more thought and planning.

Fast forward.

November: I went to Savers looking for a large mirror. As I walked around, I saw a scooter for $4.99! Are you kidding me?! Immediately that sucker was purchased and hidden in the garage. It was a little scuffed up, but it worked great. Yes, I tested it out in the store to make sure. I'm just kind of thrilled about the amazing deal and for whoever decided to donate it instead of trashing it...and donating it to really the only second-hand store I go to! (I have a thing about Good Will and only go to Savers in this area. That's another topic though)

December: I was very determined to get Micah a Strider bike. A new bike store opened by our house and I even talked to the guy about it. I was ready. Then our car needed about $700 in repairs. Regrettably, I went back to the store and told him I wouldn't be ordering a bike. I was so sad. On Christmas Eve my friend, Christine, sent me a text. "Will you be home later tonight? We have something we want to drop off." I was expecting a plate of cookies or some other Christmas treat, but what did I see when I opened the door?! A wrapped up Strider Bike! I was floored. Marcus and I were speechless, just staring at each other wide eyed!

January: Today we received another delivery. You guessed it. Sammy's new BIKE! WHAT? Well, new to us anyway. Years ago I was contacted by a publisher and asked to read a book and write a review. For the Love of Aimee was written by Julie Matsushima, Aimee's grandmother, and touched my heart. Aimee is so much like Sammy I felt like much of what she wrote were words from my own heart. Years later, Julie and I met. We used Sweatin' for Sammy to raise awareness and money for an all accessible park being built in San Jose, a project that Julie is heading up through the Rotary Club of San Jose. Julie had bought the bike for Aimee, and since Aimee doesn't use it anymore...she thought of Sammy. Her son just drove down from Modesto and delivered it! The bike, new, is roughly $4,500. Used, they could get at least 1/2. It's old, but it's in good shape. They gave this to us. Gifted it over to another little girl who will use it just like Aimee did. And I'm...just so grateful. I'm looking forward to our family walks together, where Sammy can ride along...not just sit in her wheelchair.

These pictures are from a couple years ago. Callie and I went to Sammy's class for a party and Callie was able to push Sammy on the bike and LOVED it! The new bike doesn't have this high back on it. It will fit her size just perfectly! I can't wait to use her new bike with her in it...pictures will certainly be coming in the near future.

Here's the thing. We can get good deals all over the place. If I went to the store and was given free bikes, that would be awesome. But it means so much more when there is love and friendship behind it. My heart is so full of love and gratitude for our friends, but also for people in general. There is so much good in the world, and I'm lucky to be a recipient of that goodness. I hope that I can be the source of that goodness for others too.

Life is so so good.

Happiness Is...

I love seeing how we've grown...and I'm not just talking about the circumference of my face. I'm talking about these adorable kidlets who make our lives fuller, funnier, and fabulous. One by one they come and one by one they have molded us into better people.

I'm not sure when our next family photo will be...probably not too soon since we just did them in July. But, I can't help but hope that in our next family picture, there'll be one more.

Helping Hands

A couple years ago, our Relief Society took pictures of people's hands doing many different things...serving, praying, helping, working, etc.  I wasn't there for the presentation, but my understanding was that it was supposed to show us all that our hands do...and tie back to Christ.  His hands.  And, are we doing what His hands would do if He were here?  Are we serving like He would?  Are we remembering His sacrifice for us...are we remembering His hands?  Though I wasn't there for the evening, the concept has stuck in my mind and I've thought about my hands a lot.  

I have also thought about my children's hands...all they do, and what I learn from them.

Since she was young, Callie has been a helper.  She likes being intimately involved in a task, especially when it comes to mothering.  Helping me with Samantha was something she took part in as an infant.  Callie has always been very observant and interested in what others are doing.  And while still an infant, when I needed a diaper for Samantha, Callie would go and get it for me and bring it, proud to be Mama's helper.  Callie has loved taking care of her baby dolls, but it has never compared to being able to take care of her sister, and for years she has done so.  She knew how to feed her cousin, Nate, through his G-tube months before I did!  Her curious, ever-wanting-to-learn mind and attitude keep her hands busy.  

When Micah came into the picture, this was thrilling for her.  She continued to help with Sammy, but Sammy has become a little easier, and now there is a baby in the house who needs extra care.  Callie has come, with her helping hands, time and time again to jump in to assist.  Whether it is to practice walking while he was young, or learning to use a fork, she is right there.  She is continuing to learn as she goes, learning the different types of hands she needs when being there for someone.  And though he may not always appreciate Callie's hands all over...I think he 100% understands that her hands mean love...and he absolutely is in love with her.

Teaching Hands

Careful Hands

Mothering Hands

Learning Hands

Loving Hands

Helping Hands

Christ-like Hands

To the Sun

I love the moments when you are filled with so much love for your kids that you are almost knocked over.  You know that feeling?  Today, I was in the car with Callie, and we were just talking.  And it hit me.  I'm so in love with this girl.  I love her so much.  I felt like I was going to burst.  And, so I said...
Mommy:  Callie, I just love you so much.  Really.  Do you know how much I love you?
Callie: To the moon.
Mommy:  Oh Callie, I love you even more than that.
Callie:  To the sun?
Mommy:  (big smile)  Exactly.  All the way to sun...and even more.  I love you kid. 

I look back and she's looking out the window, smiling. 

Now that's a moment.

Callie while we were picking out our Christmas tree.