August , Not too Shabby

I feel so blessed, calm and happy. My Birthday was so special with Emmy coming to visit and spending time with my folks. Celia, Joseph and Emmy went with me to Santa Cruz. Lately, I have had one on one time with each of our children and  It has been a blessing.

  After many months and preparation for a long while, Spencer is moving onto the rest of his life. He is transitioning to life as a young man. I feel the Lord is delivering us. I hope that this new transition will help our loving relationship with Spencer to grow even more. We will always be there for him. He is etched in our hearts. He has taught me so much and serving him has refined me in ways I could not of experienced otherwise. He has the best smile and will bring joy to all who care for him. He seems to want a change, I do believe that. Who knew he would fly away or launch to more independence in the community and have the opportunity to be with adults like him more. He can have diet changes that can benefit his life and so many experienced professionals to work through challenges. We have been blessed and help all along the way in his life and he will continue to be supported in his life, but not only from us and not only at home.

Last night, Joseph and I were able to see President Oaks at a youth devotional at the Mormon center. So much truth came from that man and those he felt inspired to as to speak on the spot. I love that there were so many friends an familiar faces of those brothers and sisters in the gospel. I feel as though I am being watched over and blessed and that the Lord watches over him in my life. Gates that have been shut and roads that have been denied access to me are now being opened. It isn't scary, it is fantastic. I feel so much peace and joy mixed with sadness at times. The Lord is good and I am so grateful to be an integral part of Joseph and Celia's life. They have started school and Joseph has started seminary. I am hopeful for the things they will learn and accomplish this year. I love the unity of our family and I hope that never changes.

Change, Yet always the same

Change is inevitable, although are we the same as we have always been? As I've have considered what field of work interests me as my children progress in independence. I feel I have always ha a life long dream to strengthen families, to nurture and to mentor others. I am so glad I am still able to do this with my special needs kiddos and because of them. I feel so pleased and happy to lift another and to explain things in a way that shows concern and care for each person I know. The spirit helps me with this desire, even if sometimes I read the signals wrong, My efforts however imperfect can help a little. I started a Facebook group called Autism and Aggressive behaviors. I wanted to vent and have resources from my friends who are mom's of Autistic kids. I have had several women outside of my little circle have asked to join and have joined in on the conversation. We all help and support each other with words and thoughts even if we have never met in person. We have a few things in common and can try to  understand one another. This group is a small way I can start a conversation in my community and it feels good.

I taught the beehives today at church about ordinances. We have such a short time here on earth an I am grateful for the ordinances and covenants I have part in my life.  These girls are receptive and smart. I love to see in their faces that they are learning and coming up with their own ideas, sharing their thoughts, presenting their take on the conversations we are having. I am glad they aren't too sheepish to speak out or to participate.

I love that Spencer is using his I PAD again  with me, the tutors and school. Sometimes he doesn't know what he wants, but that is communicating how is feeling by default. I like his new app better than the last as seems more easily accessible for communication. Spence has been out of school one week and we have driven all over. When Brian gets home from work( and as he was home for the holiday) he drives even far and more places with Spencer for hours. I m not allowed, Spencer makes its clear I am not to hop in and join them. That boy gets around and see beautiful places and eats out more than most people I know. We are like his limo service with unlimited snacks and meals. It would be fun. We go obviously, but It is less fun. I am trying to have a good attitude and enjoy our time together. I was so pleased that he came to Grandma's for Fourth of July for a little. He had some fajita's, chips, and a piece of angel food cake on the way out. I remember when he didn't eat anything at all except some popsicles and 30 seconds was the max time spent visiting there.

We are appreciating all the  time we have with the children as they age up and move out. I think I will be okay. I can mother and care and support them from a new position and they will always have my attention and support when needed. I have been enjoying the one on one time with each of the three children at home. It is so enjoyable talking with Emmy over the phone or or social media. I care about each of them so deeply. Brian and I got to go on a date night on the fourth. We went to the Lazy dog I had the coolest drink and was happy with that time together with him. We enjoyed fireworks at the sun city Davis' and liked hanging out with Eric, Lisa, and their kids. I am going to take July as it comes and look for the positive and happy blessings in my life and adjust to new changes as they come.

Fun and First Times

We have had a little bit of fun this June. Celia got to go to girls camp for the first time and Joseph enjoyed High Adventure. The Priests and Deacons went to Lake Oroville and slept out on the river and then water river rafted down the American river to top off the week. Joe came back sun burned and reset with stories and good memories made. Father's day was nice. I barbecued and we had the grandparents and Kieran over. Kieran and Addison have been visiting from Hawaii so it has been fun . Celia has enjoyed swimming with them. She actually swims across the deep end herself! She has watched and encouraged Kieran on his skating .She is becoming a lovely young woman.I heard she even bore her testimony at camp. :)

 Celia and I got to go to Tahoe overnight and it was beautiful. No drama and everyone slept well. We hung out at the Diamond Resort beach and walked around shops down the street. I loved the Italian restaurant we found and visited that night. It was the yummiest food and I was happy I had a coupon for garlic bread. The kids were in heaven. I shared with Celia an we had the best spaghetti and meatballs, I've ever had. Another great experience was visiting inspiration point. The road to there is curvy, high and narrow. It was fun to drive the family there in my black car. We looked for bears and enjoyed all the trees. I couldn't believe the air quality. So clear and crisp.It was lovely to be there. We visited North-star on the way home after a slight accidental detour to Carson city. Now we can say we have been there. While at North star we took a ride up the Gondola. There were two and the second one rose up 1000 feet in elevation. Celia was a little nervous when we'd reach each point and the gondola made a sound. She said "Well that is a concerning sound". I agreed, but we made it safe and it was a fun little ride. The top of the mountain was beautiful too. The Sierra Nevadas are impressive and I am reminded how much I love nature and the outdoors.

We had a youth temple night recently too. I drove and was so please to have Celia actually be baptized. The sensory sensitivity she has with water was a deterrent, but she was brave. Joe was so tender with her. He was like a missionary baptizing a new member. So respectful and with care he slowly dipped her into the water and checked on her when she came up. Once was good for her and I felt the spirit so strong that evening.

Half the Year?

I can't believe it is June already. It doesn't seem like it has been six months since the beginning of the year. The routines and seasons help me know what time of the year it is. I have a lot of things coming do with paperwork and meetings. I  had the opportunity to take my kids to Dream Night at the Sacramento Zoo last night. Spencer didn't want to go this year. Joseph took his friend Ethan and with Celia we had a great time. We ran into one of the kids tutors from a few years ago an it was nice to see the beautiful animals. I liked the walk tot he zoo, everything was in full bloom and the nature setting and smells were great. Some highlights, were the red panda, the bird from UP, and the giraffes. the anteater looks otherworldly to me. I loved seeing the kids all happy and enjoying themselves. Celia's allergies were acting up, but we still had a great time. I love her honesty, when asked if she wanted to take a picture with the princess, she said "No." She is doing great socially, but I love her bluntness still. These years are precious because time flies by. I'm grateful for this half of year with the kids and hoping for a lovely second half of the year.