Happy 9th Birthday Jenna!

Today was Jennas 9th Birthday. Life has been a little hectic around here but I did not want her to be neglected like last year. She wanted the new DSI that is coming out in 2 weeks as her present, but like any 9 year old she wants something on her B-day. Lucky for us we had a bike up in the shed that I bought on black Friday (it was meant to be a Christmas gift). We had Andy put it together and lured her outside to do "chores" on her B-day.

(This was her look when she was coming outside to do chores, notice how happy and coperative she looks)
(This was her look after she realized that she put he shoes on for a good reason, I think she may be a little sad that she didnt have to do chores)

( as a side not, I let my kids pick out their own clothes. Their sence of fashion has no bearing on my parenting)
We went up for a quick visit to see Grandpa at the hospital and then the Birthday girl picked IHOP for dinner. We went on the right night because the balloon man was there to make balloon animals for the kids.

Many projects get done!

As most of you know we are adding on to the house to make it more accessible for Brian. With that comes many major projects that we have needed help with. A few weeks ago the Elders Quorum came and framed up the walls for the addition. My Dad and I were planning on doing the roofing with the help of our favorite worker Eric, but with my Dads recent stroke that was just not possible. So the Guys from church showed up today and roofed the addition and the entire front of the house. There were over 22 people that helped this project go so quickly. We had people scrapping shingles, laying down tar paper, nailing in roofing, cleaning shingles off the ground, running the tractor, watching kids, making food and shop vacing the water out of the addition. It was a long and hard day for those that were doing the muscle of the work. It took just over 8 1/2 hours to complete this project. Brian and I are so very thankful to all those that were able to help with these projects. It means so much to us to have people willing to help us with the things we were so used to being able to do for ourselves one year ago.

Quinton's first day of Nursery :)

This year has been year of many firsts for our family. Having a toddler makes that list of firsts multiply. The long awaited 18 months has arrived. (Actually it was in February) Quinton was finally able to go to Nursery class at church.

Usually when my kids start walking I count down the time until nursery. They either spread crumbs around class, play the piano or smack people in the butt so its hard to contain a one year old for 3 hours of church.

He looked like a lamb going to the slaughter. He did really good until the last 20 minutes when Marlyn had to hold him. He likes to be cuddled.

Brians Anniversary!

So one year ago today I was sitting in an ICU waiting room waiting to see how Brian was. Alot has changed in the last 12 months for our family. So in honor of Brian I am writing the 12 things I love about him!

1. He loves me unconditionally

2. He is a awesome father

3. He is super funny

4. He always makes me feel loved

5. He understands me

6. He would do anything for me

7. He is always willing to help others

8. He learns from his mistakes

9. He gave me another baby even though it messed up his 18 year plan

10. He treats his mother like a Queen

11. He never complains about life being too hard

12. He never gives up even though things are tough

These are just a few 0f the wonderful things about the man I was lucky enough to marry. I am so thankful to have him in my life and I will be forever grateful that the Lord let me have him for a little longer.

Gameboys and Maxipads!

Quinton pretty much does what he wants at the house. You know the 5th child spoiled to death syndrome. He takes anything that belongs to the kids and does as he pleases. Today was no exception. He found an old gameboy took it to the bathroom and found his own "game".

Quad Rugby

Rugby is a pretty rough sport. Put a bunch of guys in wheelchairs and let them go at it and you get quad rugby. This sport is not for wussies. Brian has been to two practices and really enjoys playing with the guys.
They put gloves on and cover them with a "sap" like substance to help them pick up the ball and grip better. The guys get pretty rough and bang into each other. They sound like a stampede of bulls.

Brian had a really good time and he hopes that all the exercise will strengthen his upper body. I know I was worn out just from watching them wheel around.

You don't have to be wheelchair bound in order to play quad rugby. You need to have some sort of impairment to all four limbs. I saw one guy walk in pushing his chair. You could tell he was a quad by looking at his hands. The fingers were curled up like Brians. Hopefully one day Brian will walk behind his chair too.

Wheelie Man

Brian working his wheelis. He is able to do a five minute static wheelie now and about 2 minutes when he's rolling.