The Big 3 !!

Last Saturday was Kaybri's birthday. Because I had to work, we decided to have her party Sunday. She got so many toys!! Its kind of ridiculous when there are two HUGE toy chests in her room and we still can't get all the toys into them, but its okay. She had a really good time and loves her new things. That's all that really matters (I have pictures I'll post soon).

I guess we tend to go a little overboard on birthdays. Its not uncommon for us to spend a few hundred dollars on our kids for their birthdays (which is way outside of our budget!). Its just that when Brody was born, it seemed uncertain that he would live to see his first birthday. When it came, we knew we better celebrate it big because we didn't know if he'd be around for his 2nd or 3rd or... Needless to say, that same idea rolled over into Kaybri's birthdays too. To us, birthdays feel like a big accomplishment and not just a celebration of the day you were born.

However, that way of thinking doesn't really apply to Joss and myself. In September, I celebrated my 21st birthday... again ;) And in November Joss will be celebrating his 21st birthday again as well. The funny thing is that Joss really did forget how old he'd be next month. He truly thought he was a year younger. Man, it sucks getting old! ;)

New Job Update

For confidentiality reasons, I will never post much of happenings inside the dispatch center. I will say this--the job is interesting. I have not had a chance to take calls yet. I just listen in on those calls and observe the dispatchers in action. I have been doing a ton of reading and training. Its going well so far and I think that I will really enjoy the job.
Joss has been enjoying my new job too. Its taken some pressure off of him having two incomes instead of us depending upon his. He has been really supportive of my new job and been really good to help out all he can in Kaybri's daily activities and in some light housework. (I could really get used to his helpfulness!)
Kaybri has been such a good girl. With my returning to work, I thought it would be really hard on her for a while since I have been a stay-at-home mom for a year and a half. She taken it really well so far. Thanks in large part to my in-laws and my mom. They have been great to babysit and keep her distracted and happy while Joss and I work. Thanks guys! :)

Hurtful Remarks

I recently read a post from one of my friends (pam and rhett). It talks about her recent trip to their local toys-r-us store. Rhett has Downs Syndrome and is as cute as a button. While in the store, the girl at the checkout made some very rude and very uncalled-for comments to Pam about Rhett. I was appalled and disgusted to think that they let people like that work in a place revolved around kids of various lifestyles and backgrounds. I encourage you all to read their story and put yourself in Pam's shoes for just a moment. I pray that a day will come when people will see these special needs kids for what they are-- beautiful blessing that should never be taken for granted.

*Pam's post is dated Oct 5 under "okay seriously, why do I run into all the idiots?" (so true, Pam!)

TAG

I am- a wife and mother
I want- health and happiness for my family and friends (and some $ wouldn't hurt either!)
I have- so much to be thankful for
I wish- I could hold Brody just one more time
I hate- my new found anxiety. I am always keyed up!
I fear- losing another loved one
I hear- the sweet laughter of BOTH my kids
I search- for ways to improve the lives of those around me. I'd do anything to help.
I wonder- what Heaven is like and what Brody is doing there.
I always- regret my sarcastic nature. The last thing I want to do is offend someone.
I usually- give my opinion way more than what it is asked for.
I am not- perfect nor will I ever be.
I dance- when I have the MP3 player blasting my ear drums.
I sing- as loud as possible in the car. It is my most effective stress reliever.
I never- give myself or Joss enough credit. We may not be perfect but we have successfully done hundreds of truly amazing things in our lives.
I rarely- tell Joss how much I really appreciate the sacrifices he's made in order to bring happiness into our family. He is such an amazing husband and father and I love him so much!!
I cry- when I get frustrated. (and when Kaybri tells me that she wants to go to Heaven and visit Brody and Jesus)
I am not always- appreciative of all the opportunities I've been given in my life.
I lose- it! (If you had lost your house, your car, been forced to quit your job, and then lost your child all within a six month period, you'd probably lose it too!)
I'm confused- how anybody could make fun of a special needs child. It happens a lot and it is SO incredibly painful to see. These kids are amazing and bring with them so many blessings. Not many things anger me more than this!
I need- a nap. I came home sick from work and I feel awful but can't sleep.
I should- be at work. I am shaky and feel yucky but I feel so useless and ashamed by coming home sick. I hate when I feel like I might have let someone down.
I dream- of a world in which children are not sick or abused. A world where less than great parents could realize the blessings that only a child can bring.
I TAG- anyone who would like to share a little about themselves with us (its quite therapeutic)

Crandall Canyon Memorial

This week I attended POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) in Price. I actually learned quite a bit from the class. At night it was quite difficult for my co-workers and myself to find anything to do. Price is a little boring. The second night we were there, we decided to take a trip just South of Price to visit the Crandall Canyon Mine. I'm sure everyone remembers holding their breath last August as the news headlines told the story of these six men trapped miles under ground. And also how the story became more tragic when three of the rescuers trying to reach them were also trapped. Incredibly tragic.... The memorials set up in honor of these men was really amazing. It was sort of eerie and peaceful at the same time. Here are some pics:
Huntington Cemetery: Heroes Among Us

Near the trailhead at Crandall Canyon Mine: You are now entering sacred ground dedicated to the men who died in the Crandall Canyon Mine disaster of August 6, 2007 and who remain forever buried in this mountain... walk with respect. reflect in grace.The bench of one rescuer reads: Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends ... John 15:13
6 engraved headstones for the miners and 3 engraved benches for the rescuers