Witness to a sweet exchange

At church on Sunday Lila and I sat next to a guy who has downs syndrome. He is about my age and is a super sweet guy who always plays with the kids in the ward. He started to rub Lilas feet and her arms. I wanted to tell him that Lila has special needs because I didn't want him to feel bad that she wasn't responding to him like the other kids do. But I didn't know quite what to say so I didn't say anything. All during Sunday school he continued to be in contact with her one way or another. After class was over I put Lila in her stroller and was chatting with a friend. I realized that the guy was still touching Lila and giving her loves. My friend and I sat and watched. He rubbed her arms and legs and sat and talked to her. It looked almost like a sweet reunion. Then he kissed the palm of his hand and put it to Lila's cheek. As he turned to go it was the first time I saw his face. He was sobbing. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he walked by me. I tried to reach out and give him a love but he quickly walked away. I have to wonder what was passing between these two great souls. What he can see when it comes to Lila that I can't. I am sure he is so sensitive to her sweet spirit as she is to his. Once again it was a reminder just how special these special needs people are.

Gracies Iion house B-day party

Gracie invited Lila to her 9th Birthday party at the Lion house. How sweet is that?! I must admit I was very excited to tag-a-long. Talk about reliving your childhood. I remember when I had my 8th birthday there. It was so fun. We pulled taffy, played games, opened presents and had birthday cake. Lila gave Gracie a webkin and some Giraffe Earrings. I love that Giraffes are their special thing. Thanks for having us part of your day. Love you Grace.

People are amazing! Thanks Holdaways

At Eliza's birthday party a few weeks ago I met a mother, Lisa, who had lost three children to MLD the same genetic disease that Eliza suffers from. We got to chatting and I felt like I had found another kindred spirit. We were able to relate about our special needs world and were able to talk about the realities of having to face the fact that you will say goodbye to your child in this life instead of them saying goodbye to you. I felt very uplifted by her.
This week I was surprised to see I had received a package from her. In it was this adorable outfit and a few articles and how to survive the unsurvivable. I just sobbed! Thank you so much Lisa! That was so incredibly kind.
Just when you are starting to think that this world kinda stinks you are reminded how many good people there are out there. I was so touched. It just melted my heart and again inspired me to be a better person. I have been amazed by these warrior moms, these angel keepers. They have written me notes, sent gifts and offered me words of courage. Even when they are facing the same trials or even worse. It is humbling! I love you guys. Thank you especially to my special needs moms Nikki, Lisa, Nichole, Shirley, Sandy, Rachele and Tiffany. And to all the other Moms and friends who support us!

St George

I have been craving sunshine for months now! We were lucky enough to head down to the George house (as Calder has named it) and enjoy the rays. It was so nice! The last day was overcast but we had three sunshine filled days full of walks and feeling the warmth on our faces. I could live there!
Right after we took the picture above Quinn put Lila in her stroller and ran through the fountain, of course I yelled at him to get out but Lila had a huge smile on her face.
These little legs were bare the whole time, just on the last day was it a bit cool. We loved the sunshine.
These GORGEOUS blossoms were on the tree in my moms backyard, I can't wait for spring


Quinn's parents were down in Vegas for meetings so we met up with them.
We met Robyn at their hotel and sat by the pool till Todd was done with meetings. It was pretty windy but Lila loved it. She kept laughing and kicking her legs. She adores the wind.
The Gardens at the Bellagio (I know I always post about them, but I adore them! And really what else is there for a Mormon mommy to do in Vegas?) had a Holland theme with thousands of tulips! How incredibly perfect!
Enjoying Holland! like always......




So this Pic is out of order, blogger just can't seem to load right for me, but I love this one of Lila. She loved her new ride and car seat. She fell asleep several times on the drives to and fro. She kept sticking her little arm in the side and raising her hand. Quinn kept saying, "yes Lila? you have a question?"

lots of quality time

These past 19 months Lila and I have spent a lot of quality time in doctors offices and hospitals. Sherilyn took this picture of us at the eye doctors. I love these moments with Lila. She is always so patient. She teaches me a lot about "enduring well".

Lila's First Sleepover!

you can see evie's giraffe picture she drew for Lila in this one. so sweet


Here are some pics from when Lila spent the night at Kelli's house. I know she had so much fun with her cousins and Aunt and Uncle. She get so much attention and loves to chat with them. Thanks again!!

Actually there are only 20......

We were contacted by the UK docs yesterday. They wanted to let us know they have submitted the manuscript for publication. Although who knows how long it will actually take.....
He also wanted to let us know that he saw I mentioned that there were about 50 Vici children in the world, he had only been aware of around 20. TWENTY!!!!!!! He would know better than me. Its hard to not feel a bit lonely having one of twenty in the world. We wished we know some more kiddos like Lila.