Good Reads

While visiting family this summer, I was able to do some recreational reading -- something that I haven't been able to do for quite a while. I began reading Band of Brothers which I was really enjoying. Marcus really enjoys WWII history, and so this was a book that I agreed to read. Though I got tangled up in some of the war-time lingo, the story was captivating. I was intrigued with the courage of these men and the brotherhood they created. However, that reading took a brief break because while in California, Peggy introduced me to Twilight. This was definitely her kind of book with the cute vampire, etc. I wasn't sure about it, quite honestly, because that normally doesn't really interest me. To my dismay, when I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Twilight is a little too high school with the girl completely obsessed with the mysterious boy. And as annoying as it was, I found myself passing Samantha off to everyone in the house so I could finish the book. She was content playing with Grammy, Bumpa, her aunts and uncles, and I didn't put the book down until I finished it that night. When we got to Michigan, continued to put Band of Brothers on hold; I found it completely necessary to go out and buy New Moon, which is the 2nd book in the Twilight series. I finished this book equally as fast. The house wasn't as full of people to watch Samantha, so I found myself staying up extra late at night, but it was worth it. I have my problems with the protagonist. There seems to be some inconsistencies. And I have found that you are either an Edward or Jacob fan -- there is no in between. I'm all Edward. I can give my explanations why upon request. I look forward to reading Eclipse in December when I have more time again. So, what ever happened to Band of Brothers? A couple months after getting back to Utah, I finished the book. It only took so long because I could only read it 15 minutes at a time. I really really liked it. It was a truly inspiring book (for me at least). For those of you familiar with the History Channel, they periodically run the mini-series Band of Brothers which was directed by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. I found that the series was close to the book. I have a few more books that I want to read, but I can't reveal those yet, as they are a part of Marcus's Christmas present. Anyway, it's always nice to have a good read.

Happy Halloween

Tinkerbell, Wendy, and Captain Hook. What a trio! Halloween party anyone?

A Tribute to Scott D. Green on his Birthday

A few weeks ago, after watching The Office, I was laying in bed thinking about how Michael wanted to buy Ryan Oh the Places You'll Go. I then started to think about a recent conversation I had with the said birthday boy. The creative juices began to flow and at midnight, I began writing until I was finished. This tribute was inspired by The Office, Scotty, and of course, Dr. Seuss.

Oh The Places You've Gone

by Jenny Green

Sometimes when you feel like you've been beat,
I suggest you take a look at your feet.
Mr. Right and Mr. Left have taken you far
Whether by walking, running, or driving your car.

In 26 years you've done a whole lot
You've laughed
You've loved
You've watched iRobot.

You've danced
You've pranced
You've flipped in the air
You've let many people know just how much you care.

You haven't died!
Now that's a big deal.
When others have cried,
You've helped them with zeal!

You're a smart clever man
You know your ABC's.
You do all you can
To avoid infectious disease.

You've lived in Honduras
Only few can say that.
You've taken care of your health
So you haven't gotten too fat.


You lived with Marcus, Spencer, Bart, Matt, Zach, and Bryn
In a house where no rent was collected,
Wow! What a win!


You've written songs
Read lots of books
Critiqued movies galore
No argument could possibly prove
your life's been a bore.


You're a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend,
You're life is just getting started,
This is nowhere near the end.


Oh Scotty, the places you've gone.


From Cali to Utah to Washington DC
You've even crossed over a big mighty sea....


To Taiwan of all places
My stars that is grand!
Really, can anyone say your life is bland?


And boy have you learned,
I'll assume quite a lot,
From reading to driving
and connecting the dots.


And what about Scouts?
Oh man, what a pain,
but just think of all the fortitude you gained.

Many a girl I'm sure have changed your life,
But only one near perfect girl will be your wife.
I say "near perfect" because no one can be
As kind, generous, and perfect as me!
But she will come, I 110% guarantee.

Of course there are places
You don't want to go again.
'Cause it'd feel like you're stabbing yourself
with a sharp fountain pen!
But that is A-OK because this is your show,
If you need a reminder, just look at your toe.
Mr. Right and Mr. Left have taken you far,
Whether by walking, running, or driving a car.

Oh the places you've gone
And you'll only continue to go
"Forward," "onward," "sally forth" you'll scream!
Because your heart deep inside
Still wants all your dreams!

Happy Birthday Scotty!

Brrrrr! Go Cougs!

BYU vs. Eastern Washington. We were pretty much expected to win, and I wanted to go to the game. Our neighbor had an extra ticket. How convienent. It was a little chilly, but I thought, "Samantha hasn't grown that much. I'm sure she'll fit into her snow clothes from last year." About 15 minutes before we left, I tried to fit her small 16 month frame into a 0-3 month snowsuit. It was a definite no go. I was really disappointed, but it was too cold for Samantha to go without being bundled up. This was to be Samantha's first live BYU game. Marcus and Colin left without us, and Samantha and I headed straight to Shopko. They were having a sale, and I got Samantha a winter coat for $10 and snow pants for $8. I got her some shoes to wear, which actually are slippers (but she's not standing or walking yet anyway. I just needed something to keep her feet warm.) and some mittens. At half time, we headed up to the stadium. I know she's only 14 pounds, but 14 pounds is heavy when you are running to the stadium while carrying her in the Baby Bjorn! So, we get to the stadium and my shoulders are killing me and I'm sweating. Marcus, is shivering, literally shivering all over because he is freezing and Uncle Colin took Samantha off my shoulders for a rest.

3rd quarter. BYU's looking good and things are great. Samantha's all bundled, warm, and smiling. Then, the snow hits. A lot of people start leaving, but Samantha and I just got there, and I'm still recovering. But this snow has no mercy. It's really coming down. At the end of the 3rd quarter, I decide Samantha and I should probably head back. I was worried about her getting cold, even though she seemed warm enough. On the way back, there was so much snow, at times it was hard to see. I had Samantha facing me to help keep her warmer and dry, and it seemed to work. By the time we got home, though, my jeans were completely wet, my shoes were soaked, and Samantha's cheeks were bright red. Was it worth it to see one quarter of a football game? I'd have to say...Samantha was ok, I was ok...most definitely worth it!

What Kind of Icecream are You?

Mint chocolate chip has been my favorite for as long as I can remember -- but coffee? Not so much. Despite our icecream personality differences, somehow Marcus and I still ended up together! Amazing.

Jenny:
Mint chocolate chip ice cream wakes up people's taste buds, and you do the same thing when you walk into a room. The chocolatey bits represent your sweet, flirtatious side, and the minty flavor represents your high energy level. You are smart, witty, and you make a great first impression. Your friends value your advice, because you tend to see things from a fresh new perspective.




Marcus:
Compared to other ice creams, coffee ice cream has a strong flavor, and it's packed with caffeinated sweetness. You're like that, too! You're always busy, and determined to stay focused as you move from one task to the next. You get frustrated when other people slow you down or hold you back, but when you're in control, you can find ways around any obstacle.

Mama Made New Shoes

With Samantha's orthopedic braces (DAFOS), she has to wear shoes. To do so, we had to buy a size 6! Ridiculous. I recently went to DI and found some sandals. Because the DAFOS make everything a bit thicker, I couldn't strap the velcro across. So, being the wise and talented mother that I am, I bought some pink velcro and sewed it on. I think these will work much better!

Before





Now

Foundation for Children with Microcephaly

As a part of my desire to learn more about microcephaly, I have engaged myself in a new project. A couple months ago, Marcus's Aunt Arlene sent me an email with a website about a darling little girl with microcephaly. I looked through the photographs and read her story online. I then found a link to Foundation for Children with Microcephaly (FCM). FCM was started by this little girl's mother, Jenni, who wanted to create a support group of sorts for families coping and dealing with all the struggles that involve microcephaly. I was so excited to find this site. Jenni wants to hold the first annual convention for FCM in June 2008 where specialists, doctors, geneticists, etc will be there to speak with us about the condition, research, and resources. I immediately made a plan to attend.

I emailed Jenni right away and told her of my desire to get involved. I feel like this convention is so important to the microcephalic community, as distant as we all are from each other, and told her that I wanted to start writing letters to companies to try to raise money for it. She, of course, was thrilled that I wanted to do that. But, I wanted to do more. So, officially, as of Tuesday, I am the Utah State Representative for FCM. This means I am the contact person for anybody who lives in UT and needs help. I can make home and hospital visits if needed/requested. I help families know about services available to them. I contact pediatricians, neurologists, and specialists throughout the state to let them know of the foundation so if they have a patient with microcephaly, they can refer them to us. I also am responsible for fundraising. It's a great support system for these families. When we found out about Samantha, I would have loved to have a specific person I could contact to ask questions about what it's like to live with this, what to expect, etc. I'm so so very excited to be a part of this.

There is a link to the website on our blog. My email address hasn't been posted yet, but should be soon. BUT, Samantha's picture is on the website. Go to the website and you should see her on the page. You won't miss her!

I am just really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this and help other families. I can't wait to get my first email, whenever that may be. In the meantime, I'm busy going to doctors' offices and writing letters.

If you are interested in donating to FCM, let me know and I can help you arrange that. FCM is a recognized charity, so it is tax deductible.