Staying Busy...

The past couple weeks have been filled with us making the early arrangements for our special project--our donation to Primary's, RMH, and Gunnison Hospital. We have a long way to go but things are starting out really well. I want everyone to know how much I appreciate their eagerness to help out. Above is a pic of just a few of the journals we made by covering some plain notebooks. As for us, things have been going alright. Joss has been working really hard. Usually 12 hour days. This week he has been helping a friend who owns a towing business with a few of his tows. So Joss has been especially wiped out. And when he's not doing all that, he is working to lay tile in the house. The poor guy is overworked!! Kaybri has been growing up so fast and learning so much. What a smarty! She already knows all her colors, can count to 10 (except she always skips 6) and knows some of the alphabet. I know that its not uncommon for two year olds to know all these things but I still have to brag her up! :) As for me, I haven't really had a lot going on. My sister in law talked me into reading the Twilight Series. Vampires and all that Science Fiction stuff is not for me, but I love these books. They are much better than what I was expecting. Other than that, I'm not up to much. I'm still anxiously waiting to find out about the 911 dispatcher position. Its been 3 months and they are still not done with background checks. There were two open positions. One person was selected last week so I'm hoping I'll hear soon--one way or the other.

So, we're just doing what we can to stay busy. Nothing will change how much we miss Brody. We are doing what we can to incorporate him into our daily lives. I think its going well. The days seem easier sometimes. However, when we have bad days, they somehow seem worse, but as long as his memory stays so strong, that is alright with me!

Giving Back

Memories are the glue that holds you together after losing someone you love. I wish to say thank you to the hundreds of people in the medical industry who helped to make those memories possible. I know that I will never be able to repay them for all they have done to give us four incredible years with Brody, but I'd like to try. We are excited to announce that we are planning a service project to donate items to Primary Children's Hospital, Gunnison Valley Hospital, and the Ronald McDonald House. We just want to do whatever we can to help out sick children and their families. We anticipate to donate twice a year, May 26 (Brody's birthday) and November 26 (around Thanksgiving). In order to gather things for Novembers donation, we are starting now. Unfortantely, we can not do it alone. Anyone who is interested in getting involved, please contact me by leaving a comment or by email at crazy_amie83@hotmail.com Here is a list of items we will be collecting for our donation:

Primary Children's Hospital (Ped ICU):
-Games: card, board, electronic
-Books: for reading levels infant to young adult
-Blankets: both fleece and non-fleece (none made entirely of red, it bleeds into other fabrics)
-Journals: notebooks decorated with fabric, scrapbook paper, ribbon and other embellishments
-Art Supplies: paper, washable markers, paints, glue, crayons, etc.

Ronald McDonald House Charities:
-Hygiene items: shampoo, body wash, toothbrush, tissue paper, etc.
-Cleaning supplies: laundry detergent, disinfectants, dish soap, paper towels, etc.

Gunnison Valley Hospital:
-Blankets: both fleece and non-fleece of any color to be donated to children at the hospital
-Toys: for both infants and young children

Zoo, Temple Square, & The Mayan

Last Saturday we took a trip up to Salt Lake with Joss' family. We started out at the zoo. Then we went to Temple Square and then ended the day at the Mayan restaurant for dinner. It was so much fun! We all went home utterly exhausted, but it was a good time! Here are a few pics from our day:

Kaybri Jo striking a pose in Temple Square

Joss and Kaybri hanging out with a gorilla














Me and Kaybri taking a break from the heat





Joss' sister Trista and her boyfriend Scott near the zoo entrance











Joss' sister Tandi and brother Skylar accompany Kaybri on the zoo carousel

Sweet Memories

Adapting?

Last night I was very sad as I started thinking that I might be adjusting to only having one child in the home. Afraid that I was getting used to only dressing one child. Only washing one child's clothes. Only kissing one child goodnight. I hate thinking that I am adapting!! I'd give anything to be up 5x night giving medications or starting the Cars DVD over again. However, this morning as the alarm went off, I began to head for Brody's room to check on him like I used to do each and every morning. I didn't get as far as the hallway when I realized his room is empty. Not a bedroom but more like a shrine of what used to be. The bed and blankets are still on the bed from 7 weeks ago. His wheelchair, pictures, and toys on display around the room. From my bedroom doorway, I quickly realized that I couldn't see that familiar glow of his TV screen from down the hall. Or hear the rhythmic sound of the ventilator. Just cold, dark silence. It was in that moment that I realized that I will never adapt to his absence. And that's okay with me. I've said it before-- if losing the pain means I have to lose the memory, I'll keep the pain forever.