Well, of Course It's Santa!

The Down South Chapter of the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation (UDSF) had a very nice Christmas party for families of individuals with Down Syndrome on Monday evening, December 8, 2008. Everyone enjoyed carnival games and a nice ham dinner. We are beginning to know more and more people here in St. George and came across several of them that evening. We enjoyed visiting with them.

Angie was sitting at the table when Santa tapped her on the shoulder. She acted as though it's a common occurrence for her. "Well, of course it's Santa! Just another celebrity who knows me!"

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday. It's a time for gathering loved ones around. It's a time for traditions and sharing and gratitude. The sights and smells of Thanksgiving are unforgettable. Thanksgiving is especially nice because it hasn't been commercialized as much as other holidays.

The older I get the more I appreciate it for what it really is.

(Pictures will follow when I get them from Jaime.)

I Voted

Election Day 2008 (11/04/08) was an important one. No matter who won, it was going to be historical: Barak Obama (a man of color) and Joe Biden or John McCain and Sarah Palin (a woman). At this point in time, our country is facing some very difficult issues with the economy, illegal aliens, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, national security, health care, jobs, fuel prices (even though they are dropping dramatically as I write), and many other very important issues.

I wish I could have been excited about the election, but the politics started two years before election day. They were not pretty. The media was obviously very biased toward one candidate or another. I did not feel I could depend on what they shared with the public. Email was just as biased depending on who sent it. It was difficult to know where to go for accurate information.

The only candidate I felt I could have gotten behind was Mitt Romney, not because he was a member of the church but because his values are what our country needs to move forward in a positive, healthy manner.

I was unable to make up my mind until I got to the polls and even then I'm not sure I did the right thing.

As American citizens we have spoken. Barak Obama will be our new president, Joe Biden our vice president. It is now time to get behind them and pray that they will be open to guidance from on high. I would feel the same way if John McCain and Sarah Palin had won.

Angel Mutual has Begun!

Since my last post on Special Needs Mutual in September, much has happened. We have been very busy organizing and filling board positions. We are now fully staffed with the exception of a few more advisors and specialists. We have spent a good deal of time meeting and planning.

Special Needs Mutual became a reality last Thursday evening, November 13, 2008.

I had spent the day with my mom helping deliver the Pioneer Shopper paper all the way over to Kanab and back. It was a good thing I was busy and distracted. I might have spent my day worrying about Angel Mutual.

It was a wonderful, marvelous spiritual experience! Every board member took care of their assignments without any hitches. We had approximately 48 special needs participants and about 50 youth counselors. We had some parents stick around to watch; some bishops and stake presidency members came to observe and find out what the buzz is all about. So with SN participants, youth counselors, board members and visitors, we estimate there were at least 125 people there.

I can't express the feelings I experienced that evening. The joy on the faces of the special needs individuals would have been enough for me; but as I looked around I could see the joy in the faces of the youth counselors, the parents, the adult leaders and even the visitors. President Lyman was beaming. He spent the entire evening with us moving from activity to activity. The spirit of the Lord was very keenly felt by everyone in attendance.

I spoke with a mother who had brought several special needs persons that night. She did not hesitate to tell me that she is not a member of our church, but she was amazed at what she witnessed that evening. She is so anxious to tell all her friends about SNM and encourage them to participate.

We are doing the Lords work. The miracles have already begun!

Our Trip to Virginia, Part 2 - The Vacation

Virginia. What a beautiful green place, especially if you live in the desert. After the wedding (Sunday) we drove back to South Riding via Annapolis, Maryland. We so enjoyed the waterfront area near the Naval Academy. It was like taking a step back in time by at least 200 years. It is where they used to dock and unload slaves. The highlight of our visit to Annapolis was the leisurely boat tour we took.

On our way around Washington, DC we dropped Brandon off at the subway to hook up with his friend, Blaine, who worked at the Capitol as an intern for Representative Jim Matheson. It felt really strange dropping our "innocent young son" off in such a foreboding place where he knew nothing and no one. Jaime and Lisa politely reminded us that we probably would not have done that for them so willingly. They're right in that we would have hesitated a little more. Shame on us. It's hard to remember that our children are adults now and fully capable of taking care of themselves . . .

We hooked up with Brandon the following day, spent a little time with him and then sent him back to Salt Lake on a plane. His short weekend went very quickly, too quickly for my way of thinking.

Mom and Pop flew home mid-week.

We spent a few days that week touring some of the sites in and around Washington, DC: the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center where we saw the Enola Gay (dropped the bomb on Hiroshima); the National Archives where the original Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are well protected; the National Museum of Natural History where the live butterfly exhibit was so fun to walk through; some needed to visit the National Gallery of Art looking for art for their homes; a personal tour of the Capitol building courtesy of Brandon's friend, Blaine.

Mid-week we made a road trip to Newark, NJ where we stayed overnight and then took a train into New York City to see the site of the World Trade Center. Along the way we found ourselves off-track and driving through a very quaint little town known as Pilesgrove, NJ. When I think of small town America, this is what comes to mind. The restaurant we ate at had real home cooking. It was Halloween time and all the lamp posts along the main streets were decorated with scarecrows, witches, etc.

The site of the World Trade Center is really only a construction site at this point, but we visited St. Paul's Church across the street. There was a lot of memorabilia and pictures of many of the victims. It was at this little church with the cemetery all around it that many of the rescuers took refuge from the difficult task of trying to help in the aftermath of 911. It is also in this church that President George Washington worshipped immediately following his inauguration as our first president on April 30, 1789.

While in New York, we also checked out a vantage point where we could see directly into the open construction site. Great plans are in the works.

We went through the WTC Visitor Center which was a tremendous help in bringing the experience of 911 home to me. There was a wall of pictures of every one of the victims along with a few personal items. I think the thing that struck me the hardest was a piece of a plane where an entire window had been. I kept wondering who had been sitting in the seat next to that window and what they must have seen and felt. Very sobering.

That day was not an easy day for Jaime and me. Neither one of us felt very well and New York City with all it's smells and noise is not the place to be when you're nauseated and have a bad headache.

We all quite enjoyed the lunch we had. I think Duane will remember that more than anything.

The last few days were just quiet and relaxing. Lisa flew home on Saturday, the 11th. Duane and BJ spent that day out hiking and enjoying themselves. Tanya, Jaime and I spent our time trying to feel better. Angie was content to watch movies since she hadn't seen any all week.

The flight home was uneventful. Angie got on the plane without any problems. We arrived in Las Vegas early enough that we drove all the way home to St. George.

It was a wonderful vacation. Tanya and BJ are very easy to spend time with and they make you feel very welcome. And they don't fuss over their company. I'm sure they breathed a sigh of relief when all their visitors were finally gone.

Now all we have are memories . . . but they're happy ones. And lots of pictures.

(More pictures to be added when I get them from Jaime.)

Our Trip to Virginia, Part 1 - The Wedding

Duane, Jaime, Lisa, Angie and I flew to Dulles International Airport near Washington DC on Thursday, October 2, 2008. We were on time to the airport in Las Vegas. All was going well until I discovered Angie did not have her ID. (We still haven't found it.) Nevertheless, she got on the plane with only a little extra hassle. I'm sure they made an exception because of who she is and the fact that she was travelling with family.

Our flight was uneventful. We rented a car, stopped at Tanya's house to pick something up for her and headed toward Cape Charles, Virginia, about a 4 1/2 hour drive south. Lisa's Iphone was a great help with directions. No glitches until we learned our back lights were not working. Two young men at an auto parts store in Richmond, VA, were so very helpful. It turned out to be only a burned out fuse.

Tanya had rented a beautiful home across the Chesapeake Bay not too far from Cape Charles. All of BJ's family and our family including Mom and Pop were together. By the time everyone arrived, there were 18 of us, but it was still a very comfortable, pleasant experience.

When we finally arrived close to midnight, everyone was still up and waiting for us. What a welcome! Tanya had a nice meal prepared, we visited a short while and laid our exhausted bodies down to rest after a very long day of travel.

Brandon flew in on a redeye Friday morning. We drove back across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel in the daylight. What an amazing feat of engineering! It spans 18 miles across the Chesapeake Bay, going across the surface for a while and then dipping down under the water so large ocean going vessels can cross without difficulty. The next day was fairly laid back. Some went running and for walks, some swam and did the hot tub thing, some of us just visited. We helped dip pretzels and bag them. (Dipping chocolate is not an easy task. There is definitely some skill and know-how involved.)

That afternoon we went over to Cape Charles for family pictures. The wedding rehearsal dinner was that evening, so those of us not involved did our own thing. We explored the tiny town of Cape Charles and went to dinner at a Mexican restaurant. I believe we were the lucky ones. Our evening was quite relaxing.On Saturday, the 4th of October in the middle of the afternoon we gathered at the end of the pier where the wedding was to take place. It was a beautiful, serene setting, one I think we all enjoyed. I'm not sure the bride and her mother were feeling what we were feeling, but that's to be expected. Marissa was an absolutely gorgeous bride. Brock is an incredible man. We were so happy to meet him and look forward to getting to know him.

After the ceremony there were cocktails, a photo op and we found ourselves at the reception.

Have you every experienced the sunset on the ocean? Try it sometime.

It was a fun evening with eating, toasting, laughing, crying, music, dancing. Some even enjoyed the drinking part - a little too much. The best part is that we were experiencing Marissa's wedding together. And it was a joyful event.

Catch Up!

Oh my gosh! I almost completely forgot about blogging! I have even forgotten to check other people's blogs. Since our trip to Virginia I have been in a whirlwind trying to get Angel Mutual organized.

I'll catch up soon -- after we get back from doing ten schools and 30 assemblies in Salt Lake with our ARTS program.

Ciao . . .

Virginia or Bust

Brock & Marissa

My only sibling's only daughter and my only niece, Marissa, is getting married on the 5th of October in Cape Charles, Virginia, which is near Virginia Beach and Norfolk. We are really thrilled that our entire family (all four children) will be able to be with us - one for only a few days, one for a week, and two for the entire 11 days. We will dearly miss Rusty and Rob because they are now an integral part of our family, but it's not very often that you have the opportunity to take a family vacation "just like the old days" once your children have grown and left home.

It didn't start out that way. Originally we thought only I would be able to attend. Then Angie was going, then Jaime thought she would like to go. When I was making reservations for three of us, Duane decided he wanted to be included. Lisa didn't want to be left out and she needed a break, besides weddings are her specialty so why wouldn't she want to be there? Finally Brandon called and asked if there was any chance he could come despite the fact that he would have to miss a few days of school. We assumed he wouldn't be able to go, so I'm glad he spoke up.

So on October 2 we will all fly to Virginia. I'm sure our haphazard plans caused much consternation for the bride with seating arrangements, but we are thrilled to be able to support her and her family in this all-important once in a lifetime event.

Virginia, here we come!

A 48-Hour Whirlwind

At 1:30 PM on Friday, September 19, 2008, we met our friends, Bruce & Sandy Iveson, at the Jean exit south of Las Vegas. We were headed to Riverside, California to call a square dance for the Cowtown Singles (Stupid name, I know. Very redneck. It gets its name from the fact that the entire area used to be covered with cattle ranches.) Eight squares of wonderful people. Bruce and Sandy moved to Santa Clara, Utah, from California. They used to dance with these people. The dance went well. Duane did a Plus tip "with attitude." We had a great time in a very nice dance hall.

After the dance, we still had another 100 miles to drive to Santa Clarita where we were so graciously hosted by Roy and Jean Woodard. Bed never felt so wonderful.

The next morning Bruce and Sandy escorted us to Hollywood Boulevard where we saw Darth Vader and Marilyn Monroe among other interesting "look-alikes." We also drove past Graumann's Chinese Theatre. Then we went to Universal City Walk, a shopping experience just outside Universal Studios. Fun place, especially if you have lots of money and time. We also drove to the top of a tall hill (Odyssey was written on it) to overlook the cities and get some perspective.

That evening, after a nice meal at the Sizzler, we found ourselves in Northridge where Duane called a great dance for the Valley Trailers. We were very pleased at the 17 squares in attendance. It was a flashback to the Fun Times Squares when we had an average of 20 to 25 squares each night. Enthusiasm begets enthusiasm. Duane called an Advanced-1 tip at the end of the evening. I was very proud of him.

We took off toward Las Vegas about 9:00 on Sunday morning and found ourselves passing the Jean exit almost exactly 48 hours after we met our friends there two days earlier.

We now look back and are amazed at all the things we did in those FAST 48 hours. Good memories, good times, good new friends . . .

Meeting the "New" McCracken Family

On Sunday, September 21, 2008 we were privileged to meet the "new" McCracken family. It has been quite a journey watching this Colombian adoption unfold over the past year. I am so grateful Rachel and Adam were so willing to share this adventure with anyone who was interested.

In the afternoon Juan P (Wompy) & Ezzie came by with their dad to visit Jaime & Rob. Jaime and Angie were in the process of making chocolate chip cookies to take to the McCrackens later in the evening. Wompy and Ezzie thought it was great fun to help.

We came bearing gifts for the children. It was so fun to watch them. They are pretty good at sharing and taking turns.
Their anticipation as they waited for the pieces to pop up was delightful.
My heart leaped as I remembered how one of the dreams Daniel had was to have a dad who would play with him.

It was amazing to watch the gift of tongues in action in their home. Both the children and their parents seem to be able to make their wants and needs known. However, there are times when a little extra help is necessary. Uncle Rob took the time to explain the chore chart, the purpose of clothes hampers, how to rinse the dishes and make sure they get in the dishwasher BEFORE they get in the cupboards. Hands on lessons were included.

There is a wonderful spirit of love and gratitude in the McCracken household. What an example they set for all of us!

Violin Lessons for a Little Sweetheart

At four years old you think you are a pretty big girl -- and you are! Rachel Marie, Lisa's oldest daughter and our oldest grandchild, is no exception. She has wanted to learn to play the violin for a long time, and she is now big enough!

One of the perks of being the grandma is that you get to enjoy these kinds of things without the work and the stress. I was invited to attend her second lesson with her and her mom on Friday, September 19, 2008.

I had no idea there is so much technicality involved in playing the violin! There is a proper way to hold it under your chin, a proper way to hold the bow, a proper way to move the bow, and even a proper way to stand!

These are pictures of Rachel listening intently to her teacher, Suzie, as she demonstrates the how-to's. What a special opportunity for me to be with her on this particular day! Thanks, Rachel Ree for letting Grandma join you!

Riverside, California, Here We Come!

We are leaving for Las Vegas today. It is our plan to spend the night there and celebrate Lisa's 27th birthday, sort of. How much celebrating can you do when her husband,Rusty, is out of town?

We will continue on to Riverside Friday afternoon.

Duane has been asked to call square dancing for two clubs, one in Riverside and the other in Northridge, California. We had some visitors at the Sunshine Dancers earlier in the summer. It was a very good night and they were impressed with Duane's calling, so they set up this weekend for him to visit their clubs. Bruce & Sandy Iveson, who live here and used to dance at these clubs, are caravaning with us.

Duane is a little nervous, but it's only because he hasn't traveled to a new area to call for a long time. I think he's just lost some of his confidence. He tends to do his best when he is a little out of his comfort zone. He is very capable and will do a wonderful job. He always comes across with enthusiasm.

We're looking forward to a fun experience and making lots of new friends.

My Life Is About to Change!

As mentioned in previous blogs, Special Needs Mutual is truly becoming a reality. Duane and I are excited and proud that we've had a part in making it come about.

As of last evening (2008.09.16), I find that I will be an integral part of Special Needs Mutual. I have been called to be the Young Women's President. The work begins!

At this point, I think the most daunting task is calling a board. I have been given some names and have names of some who have volunteered, but I only know two of them. The rest I have never met nor do I know anything about them. This is where inspiration will come in. I only hope I'm worthy of receiving it.

Fellow Temple Workers

It was such a nice surprise to get a call from Joy & Leon Hendrickson on Saturday, September 12, 2008. They were passing through St. George on their way to Arizona and wanted to get together.

They met us at church on Sunday and came home with us after. We enjoyed a very simple lunch and had a great visit.

We worked together in the Baptistry at the Jordan River Temple for three years. Joy and I had opportunities to visit on a personal level during that time, but it was wonderful to visit with both of them. I remember attending a party at their home in January of 2005. Our shift had wonderful people. I do miss it.

Leon is a dentist in the Holladay area. Joy runs his office. They have four children (three boys and a girl). They have a beautiful home just behind the home I lived in when I was a small child in the Cottonwood area.

They are a delightful couple. I'm so very glad they called and we were available to get together.

Simply Wicked

I love to eat. Oh, not the healthy stuff, unfortunately. I crave sugar -- and if it has chocolate in it, all the better. I wish it wasn't this way. I really do. I wish I craved fruit and vegetables; but alas, it is not nor will it ever be that way. I have also noticed that sugar helps me deal with stress. Not good . . .

I woke up this morning craving these little gems. It was early and no one was up, sooooo . . .

Many years ago my mother introduced me to Whoopsie Pies, a homemade delectable with plenty of chocolate and sugar and gooey cream cheese frosting in the middle. (But she had the self-control to only make them occasionally.) I still love them and probably prefer them, but they are a huge project to make.

When one of my daughters was in homemaking class in junior high school she shared a recipe for mock Oreo cookies, and they make a pretty satisfactory subsitute for Whoopsie Pies. They're a lot easier to make, too.

It was a pretty nice Saturday morning.

Forever Friends

Richins Cabin - Labor Day 2008

We have a tradition of going to Island Park, Idaho (just West of West Yellowstone, Montana) every Labor Day Weekend. We used to go for the Knothead Jamboree Square Dance but time has taken its toll on some of us, so now we go more to be with forever friends.

I always marvel that we all have such different personalities and yet we get along so well. I know that some of us would never have been drawn together were it not for the fun and friendship of square dancing. What a neat activity! It has provided us so many friends and opportunities over the years. I can't imagine my life without it!

Linda and Leland Richins are such gracious hosts. Over the years the men have taken on several projects as a thank you for their hospitality. Some of those projects include building a removable railing around the decks, building an over-sized garage and loft which sleeps 14 people comfortably, installing a washer and dryer, building a pretty classy outhouse and gathering firewood. This has been particularly helpful for the Richins since Leland has been plagued with Parkinsons Disease for the past ten years.

There are no rules, no expectations other than good food, good fun and lots of laughs. We read when we want to, nap when we want to, sit and chat when we want to, take walks or hikes when we want to.

There is four wheeling, bicycling, horse shoes, sightseeing and shopping. There are plenty of movies to watch and lots of games to play. I learn a new one or two every time I go. Too bad I can't remember them when I get home . . .

We always eat very well. Each couple is pre-assigned to be responsible for at least one meal. We plan it, do the shopping and prepare it. Everyone else pitches in to help. Imagine feeding 20 people and then having it cleaned up within 20 minutes! Amazing! There is always a table piled high with goodies for munching purposes. As I said, we eat very well.

Each year there are boutiques, antique and otherwise, in the area. Tradition is that we go to West Yellowstone for dinner and the Playmill Theatre. This year we saw "Oklahoma." It was great fun. We went for ice cream afterward.

These friends are amazing. Each one has a special and unique gift to offer. We have been through a lot over the past 30 years -- happy times, sad times, good health, poor health. We have watched each other's children grow and watched them wrestle with challenges. We have celebrated graduations and weddings and births (children and grandchildren) together. We have mourned the loss of loved ones together. We have traveled together. We have spent many, many hours dancing together and enjoying the camaraderie of after-parties telling "true" stories and laughing at each other's jokes. We have celebrated birthdays together -- and, boy, do we know how to celebrate!


Friends provide a safe haven for us when we need it. They buoy us up, they tell us like it is. They make us laugh and they cry with us. They are honest with us, but they pick the time and choose their words carefully. True friends give us the benefit of the doubt in all things. There are some things that are easier shared with friends than with family. And that's okay, because their life experiences are different from ours and they can offer a new perspective.

Duane and I moved away from all our friends when we left Draper; and we do feel the distance physically, but our hearts are just as close to them as ever because we love them and we know they love us. And they'll be there for us if we ever need them.

Friends . . . what would life be without them . . . I shudder to think of it.

International Adoption by the McCrackens

For the past year I have been privileged to watch an international adoption unfold. I can't tell you how emotional a trip it has been for me. First of all, because I dearly love the sweet couple who made the courageous decision to do it. Secondly, it has opened my eyes to a whole new world that I hardly knew existed. I have been educated about some of the stupid ideas I had and the insensitive things I may have said throughout the years.

This adoption has been a series of miracles. As I look back, I marvel that the Lord is aware of every one of his children, no matter where they live or what their skin color. It is not chance that these four children (siblings - 8, 7, 6 & 5) were plucked from an orphanage in Bogota, Columbia and placed in Las Vegas, Nevada with parents who will love and appreciate them and teach them right from wrong and about their Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am overwhelmed at the courage and determination it took for Rachel and Adam to follow through despite all the road blocks that were placed in their way from government red tape to financial obligations to discouragement and many others. And they didn't even meet the children until they went to Colombia to pick them up!

Through all of this, I have also learned to appreciate my own blessings, little things I take for granted every day. These children have little or no memory of their biological parents. They had never experienced a hot shower, had never seen a bathtub or a swimming pool. They had never been to an airport or played with bubbles or pinwheels or jacks. The few clothes they had and the toys they played with at the orphanage were communal. And they were happy because they knew nothing else.

Rachel and Adam have been so generous to share their journey in international adoption on their blog. It was fun to follow along each day while they were in Colombia and get to know the children. I can't wait to meet them in person next week.

My hat off to Rachel and Adam McCracken. There are very few people in this world who would have the faith and fortitude to pull off something as wonderful as saving four children from a life of uncertainty -- and to do it under public scrutiny and with such grace. They are my heroes.

Retirement - What to Do, What to Do?

There are a few things about retirement Duane has not particularly enjoyed. His life changed a little too dramatically all at once. He loves the freedom he has never experienced, but he is a little bored to say the least.

We were sooo busy when we lived in Draper. He worked full time. He was square dance calling at least once week, sometimes more. We did assemblies in the schools (ARTS, Inc.) at various times. He loved his huge garden and spent a lot of time in it. He had a gigantic lawn to mow and weeds to keep down. He was getting very tired of all the "have to's" -- or so he thought.

He really misses his garden. He LOVED the harvest, but truth be told, he loved being out there digging in the dirt, planting those tiny little seeds, irrigating (especially when it was flood irrigation), watching it grow, stalking those pesky little birds who tried to raid his grapes, and eradicating the weeds. Even when there wasn't anything in particular to do, he would wander around and investigate every little thing. I think he talked to it a lot, too.

He went from too busy to not busy at all. He has said, "I went from a pumpkin patch to a pomegranate bush." Yep, that about sums it up.

If we were to do it all over again, I don't think we would have retired AND moved all at the same time. We would have done it in steps. But, alas, that is not how it happened.

So here we are in sunny St. George, Utah's Dixie, and Duane has been climbing the walls. He has attempted to be happy at home, but he has an incredible amount of nervous energy. Earlier this year he got his real estate license, but the market isn't good right now. Then he decided to become a school bus driver. He thought it would be perfect because he could be a substitute and drive only when he wanted to. I thought it would be perfect, too. And it is, except now he seems "driven" to be doing it more and more.



First day 2008.04.23
Special Ed Bus
Duane & his Aid





Behind the Wheel






Away he goes!



Don't get me wrong. Duane truly loves being here in St. George. He loves being close to our daughters and grandchildren. He's just desperate to find some outlets for his energy. I must say, he has NEVER missed the 7:30 - 4:00 rat race he endured at ATK for 25 years. I think it's just going to take time . . . and lots of patience . . .

Innocence in It's Purest Form

David Aldous & Angie

David has been in love with Angie since they met in junior high school. When they were in high school and old enough to date, we did a triple date with them and David's parents, John & Susan Aldous. We went to Applebee's because that is Angie's favorite place.

David turned to me out of the clear blue sky and said, "Heavenly Father made Angie just for me. We can't be married in this life, but I know we will be together in the next life." He caught me off guard. All I could say was a sheepish, "Oh?"

He has managed to keep in touch even though we moved away from Draper. On August 23, 2008, David and his parents came to visit for the weekend. We went to dinner at Golden Corral and played games afterward. Saturday morning the guys took a walk up Half-way Wash. We then enjoyed a brunch at the house and more games. In the afternoon Susan and I and David and Angie went shopping for a few games for David to take back to his group home. Duane and I were busy in the evening, but David and his parents took Angie to a movie and for an ice cream. I think she really enjoyed her weekend with her special friend and his parents.

David has Prader-Willi Syndrome. He has some reasoning difficulties and problems with handling his frustrations, but his biggest challenge is food. I can't imagine what a living hell he must be experiencing because his body is always hungry. He has never known the feeling of being satisfied. As a result of his penchant for eating, he gets himself into a little trouble with his caregivers.

But he is a sweet young man. His intentions are always pure and he wants so desperately to do the right thing, especially when it comes to Angie.

I really don't know how Angie feels about David. She doesn't really talk about him much, but she is always excited to see him.

I think it will be wonderful in the next life when these special children of our Heavenly Father are no longer restricted by their imperfect human bodies and minds . . .

It's a Reality!

Angel Mutual (Special Needs Mutual) is going to become a reality on October 16, 2008! Many little miracles have taken place for this to happen. So many things have had to fall into just the right place. Again we are reminded that the Lord indeed has a hand in all things.

We moved to St. George in December of 2005 and quickly learned there is no Angel Mutual here and, in fact, no one had even heard of it!

Over the past 2 years and 8 months we have met with three different stake presidents, spoken with several others, kept in contact with individuals at the Church headquarters, attended the first ever Special Needs Mutual Mini-Conference in October of 2007 in Salt Lake City, spoke with numerous Special Needs Mutual leaders in the process of gathering as much material and information as possible, and spent many hours on the telephone speaking with parents of special needs "youth." We wanted to be ready when we found the right priesthood leadership.

On May 6, 2008 we met with President Don Lyman of the Bloomington Hills Stake. He and his counselors were discussing which building to use before we even finished our first meeting! A few weeks later he confirmed their desire to help us.

On August 3 we met with our Area Authority, Elder Rick Wheeler, along with President Lyman and his counselors and were given permission to start our planning process. Before the end of our meeting they were talking about the very real possibility of having three mutuals in our area within the first year! I couldn't believe what I was hearing! We're just happy to have one!

I have since put together material for President Lyman to give to the area stake presidents at his meeting on August 24. He wants to inform them of the program and will be requesting information on all special needs individuals under their stewardships.

We are amazed at the enthusiasm of our priesthood leaders. It's wonderful to have others as excited as we are. The people here in Utah's Dixie have no idea what blessings are soon to come their way! I feel like I'm holding a big secret and I'm about to burst!!!

Brandon McCloud

I'm go grateful to have a son like Brandon. He is my youngest and only boy. I know that if the Lord had given me the opportunity to choose my own son, I couldn't have done any better.

He has been a delight. Here are a few reasons why I love him (in no particular order):

• He has a great sense of humor.
• He's very good at masking his thoughts which constantly keeps me guessing.
• He's kind to everyone, almost to a fault.
• He's a good example.
• He works hard and studies hard.
• He plays hard.
• He shows respect.
• He likes to spend time with his family.
• He makes me laugh.
• He loves the Lord.
• He is willing to serve the Lord.
• He has great knowledge of the scriptures.
• He honors his priesthood.
• He is not afraid to try new things. As a matter of fact, his intrigue with adventure has caused me some consternation at times.
• He takes me to lunch now and then.
• He is a good listener.
• He is a good friend to everyone.
• He is so sweet with Angie.

I am so proud of him.

I love you, Brandon.

Lisa Marie

Lisa is my second child and second daughter. Here is a list of only a few of the reasons I love her so much. They are in no particular order.

• Lisa Marie is a joy.
• She was my busiest child. She really kept me hopping from the time she could walk. Actually, I don't think she ever walked; once she hit the floor vertically, it was a dead run. But she kept me young.
• She was a very happy child, very pleasant. She still is.
• She is very intelligent. School was not her favorite thing, but we got through it.
• Lisa is very talented. She loves to sing and play the piano. I'm so grateful I stuck to her practicing . . .
• She is very creative. She and Rusty started a wedding planning business in 2007. They have more business than time! It is so fun to watch her plan and create unique wedding designs for each of her brides. She not only creates the decor but also designs flower arrangements and cakes. She has a very elegant touch.
• She has a knack for interior design and it is very evident when you see what she has done with her home.
• She is a hard worker.
• Lisa is probably the most forgiving person I have ever known. And she does it more quickly than anyone I have ever met.
• Her smile lights up the room.
• She married Rusty. He is a very special young man whom I love as if he were my own flesh and blood.
• She is the mother of three beautiful children: Rachel Marie, Logan Reed and Abigail Ann; and she loves them with all her heart.
• She loves to cook and is very good at it.
• Lisa loves the Lord and is willing to serve him.
• She is teaching her children the gospel.
• Lisa loves to serve others.
• She is adventuresome.

Lisa is a beautiful person. I'm so proud to be her mother.

Lisa, I love you.

Jaime Lynne

Jaime is a blessing in my life. She is my first child and my first daughter. These are the reasons she is so special to me (in no particular order):

• She is and always has been very responsible.
• You can count on her word.
• She has a real zest for life which makes her a "fun girl."
• She has many friends because she is one.
• She loves to read.
• She loves to take pictures and is very good at it.
• She is a very creative scrapbooker. I love that she loves to document even the littlest things in life.
• She brought Rob into our lives. I couldn't have chosen a better husband for her and I love him with all my heart.
• She is a good example.
• She is a very talented musician, who sings as well as she plays the piano.
• She is not afraid to share the gospel.
• She loves to serve the Lord and others.
• She reads her scriptures daily.
• She keeps a journal, sometimes. When she was younger, she wrote in it daily.
• She is a hard worker.
• She loves to serve others and looks for opportunities to do so.
• She is beautiful inside and out. Her beauty glows when she smiles.

It's a privilege to be her mother.

I love you, Jaime.

Acting Silly

I do my best to act silly, but it doesn't come naturally most of the time. However, there is hope if I continue to hang around Jaime and Rob long enough. Maybe it will become a habit!

This picture was taken on our trip to Disneyland in April of this year. I had fun taking these pictures, but it was a stretch for me. When Jaime joined the Lea family, they decided to take a personality color test. She brought it to us. I learned that I am very gold (organized, need a schedule) but also a suppressed orange (one who loves to let her hair down and be spontaneous).

Since I have been aware of color personalities, I have watched our interaction as a family and found it very interesting. I have determined that I have been a suppressed orange for so long I don't even know how to let loose anymore. What a shame. I'll have to work on it . . .