Lucy has been thoroughly loving the outside world.

The Families of SMA organization is so supportive. A few days after Lucy was diagnosed, we received a big box full of toys that Lucy could play with, all from a very kind SMA family. This red wagon is from the Tumbleweed's Wagon Fund for SMA in memory of Braden Ray Campell. Through fundraisers and charitable donations they purchase these wagons for children with SMA Type 1. Lucy just received hers and we use it to go to the park everyday. She knows when we pull it out, we are going outside.

Lucy also received a new friend from Shauna, Thank you!

We tried putting Lucy on her tummy so she could be like her friend, Jonas. I didn't realize how out of control her hair is...

But she liked being on her tummy. Thanks Lindsey!

And Thank you, again, Shauna. Dallin wore this shirt almost everyday this week. And Jocey has started a new look, all because of the cute shirt you sent her! Thank you!!!

Vita-Mix

A few months ago, Lucy's GI Dr. and I were talking about her diet. We discussed a blendorized diet and she suggested buying a Vita-Mix. I questioned her, "The expensive mixer that you buy at Costco, the one they are always doing a sample display for?" She said, "Yes, you don't want to buy any others because the motor doesn't last like a Vita-Mix." She gave me a few sheets to fill out and send to Vita-Mix because she said that they sometimes give discounts to families who need one. I filled them out and explained what we would use it for.

To my surprise, I got a phone call (while Lucy was in the hospital) from Vita-Mix and the woman I talked to said that they wanted to donate a Vita-Mix to our family. I almost started to cry... life was a little crazy at the time but mostly I was taken back by their kindness.

I often feel overwhelmed by the support we get from all of those around us... from those we know and sometimes from people we have never met, and Vita-Mix is no exception. The only thing they wanted in return was for us to keep them updated on Lucy.

What a nice company.

Remember...

My dear children,

Sometimes when we are at home I want to pull out my hair because of the constant noise and chaos, but then there are moments that I wish I could put in a little box and store forever. I try to write things down so that I can read them and remember... and so that you can read them and laugh or understand your own children a little better.

I want to remember taking you, Jocelyn, to J. Crew with your collar popped and sporting sunglasses. As I was walking out of the dressing room you passed me, going the opposite direction, with something for you to try-on. You asked the employee by yourself if you could have a dressing room. I continued by because I knew Aunt Mel was following you. After I made my purchase I returned to the dressing room where you were spinning with your un-purchased dress. The employee was telling you how beautiful you looked. You then smiled at her and asked her if she wanted your autograph. You opened your little notepad, wrote your name with a backwards J and ripped it out and gave it to her. I am not sure how you will turn out but I hope that we can channel your extrovert personality into something good.

I want to remember you, Lucy, yelling loudly when I put you to bed last night. After several minutes of "tough love", I caved and entered our room. I put my face close to yours so that I could see your eyes behind your bubble mask and asked you if you wanted to hold me. You smiled and laughed, indicating that, yes, you did want to hold me. I want to remember how happy you were when you got to hold me on the couch and just relax.

I want to remember how unselfish you are, Dallin. And, that you hardly demand any attention. You entertain yourself until your most favorite person in the world comes home. I want to remember that on nights that Chad works late you get so upset that dad has "extended day." I don't really want to remember how much you cause your sister to scream but I think that a lot of times she deserves it. Once I saw you jump in the wagon in a way that she didn't want and she gritted her teeth and told you "you're ruining my life." I love that it went in one ear and out the other. You are so forgiving.

I want to remember what you two tell me when you get home. How Jocey learned about gravity and how your body would move when sneazing with no gravity. I love that Dallin really does listen in school and tells me all kinds of cute facts about all sorts of things .

I want to remember how much you guys wrestle with your Dad. I am so glad that I am not the jungle gym. I think it is funny that you will "nail" him when he isn't paying attention. I think sometimes he wishes he wouldn't have taught you guys how to be so rough.

I want to remember how funny Lucy's personality is. Even with your very limited capabilities, your personality still bursts from that frail body. I want to remember, once, when Dad was putting you three to bed, he was doing his regular 2 songs and 1 story. He picked Lucy up to dance with her while he sang and she just started singing/yelling beautifully. Her face was so serious and she was trying so hard. We couldn't help but chuckle.

I want to remember your prayers and the sweet and funny things you prayed for today:

Please bless Lucy to walk and crawl and talk. -Jocey
Thank thee that I could see Charlie at school today. -Jocey
Please bless Dad to get home at 6:30 (it was 7:30 at the time). -Dallin
Please bless Aunt Melanie to find a house here so she can stay. -Jocey

I wan to remember how you, Lucy, get so mad when the TV is on, or the internet, and your favorite show isn't playing. We always give in so that you get your way... it makes you so happy!

I know you are all growing up so fast and gone will be the days when I can hold you and keep you home with me all day. If only time would just stand still....

2 Wheels

Our most stubborn child is riding on two wheels.

She is the type of child that really excels...if it is her idea.

We used a lot of persuasion to get her to that point.

She actually got really excited about the whole idea and Aunt Melanie took her training wheels off.

I didn't get any pictures but the first day she had to wear her Miss. Frizzle dress and Dallin's old shoes!?! She was sweaty, whiney and kept breaking and turning her wheel into me when I was holding onto her, causing me to trip over her. It was a mess. There was a few times that Dallin, Melanie and I were chasing her down to get her back on her bike. We told her over and over, "you are not a quitter".

As soon as some youth showed up, she started riding by herself-totally needs an audience to perform. I was so glad because we kept telling her that if she didn't quit she would do it (I didn't have 100% faith in my words... you should've seen the drama).

We went out for the 2nd time yesterday and look...

Riding like a champ.

Showing off for Dad.