Gratitude Post #27 - Jeffrey

Gratitude Post #27 - Jeffrey is thankful for his Dad!
I know that Jackson already wrote about being thankful for his parents but, today is James' birthday so we are going to talk about him twice (lucky guy!). James is an incredible father to Jeffrey. James takes Jeffrey with him everywhere he can and makes sure that Jeffrey gets the most fair treatment he can possibly have. James has taken several days off work to go on the Priest overnighters so that Jeffrey can have that experience and go as well. He made it a point to have Jeffrey at Youth Conference with him so that Jeffrey could go and have fun with his friends. James wants Jeffrey to have the best of everything and isn't afraid to do all that he can to make that happen. They have such a special bond between the two of them that is evident in all that they do together. I love watching Jeffrey rub James back during sacrament and giving him kisses at the end of the night. I love hearing James talk with Jeffrey and try to make him smile and laugh. The closeness between the 2 of them is special in so many ways, it's hard to describe. But I know, at the end of each day, Jeffrey is so grateful for his dad! Happy Birthday Dad! Love, Jeffrey

Gratitude Post #24

Gratitude Post #24 - I am thankful for traditions, both old or new!
I am so grateful for all the traditions that we have in our families. For James and his family, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without candy day, the acting out of thenativity or the ringing of the bell to open each and every present. With my dad, it's the constant teasing about how much he hates Christmas when in all reality, we all know he would search high and low to get the kids whatever present they desire. With my moms side, it is the extended family Christmas get together with all the loud laughter and teasing you can imagine, along with little smokies and BBQ sauce. And who can forget the annual reading of the story Mr & Mrs Wright! We have started a few traditions around here that I really enjoy. We started caroling to a few of our neighbors with some of our friends last year and it was so much fun that we have decided to make it an annual tradition! Going on a special "Polar Express" with a bunch of new friends, is another tradition we started last year and are continuing this year as well. And delivering the multitudes of neighbor gifts that I insist we deliver much to the dismay of James! I love the fact that I try and read a few of the different versions of the events and actual birth of our Savior, from the scriptures, in front of the Christmas tree. And there is nothing like singing Christmas carols with my family doing our everyday life living! I am so grateful for all the smiles, laughs, and tender moments that these traditions bring into my life and I am so grateful for them!
*Webster Christmas Party
*McBride Christmas Party
*West Christmas Party
*Our Version of the "Polar Express"

Gratitude Post #24 - Jackson

Gratitude Post #24 - Jackson is grateful for his cousins!
I am grateful for my cousins because I have fun with them! I like to play ping pong, wrestle, play "Attack of the baby!", play soccer, and have fun in the fort with all my cousins! I like that my cousins and I have played at Boondocks, Raft River, Hebgen Lake, and just played at each others house, or Grandma & Grandpas! My cousins are some of my best friends and we ALWAYS have fun when we get together. I laugh really hard when they are around. That is why I am grateful for my cousins!






*We had to use the pictures on the laptop so there are a few of my cousins missing but I have lots of fun with all of them!

Gratitude Post #23 - Julie

Gratitude Post #23 - Julie is grateful for clothes

I am grateful for clothes because I get to choose what I want to wear. I like clothes that make me feel pretty. I like getting all dressed up to look pretty. There are lots of cute clothes out there. Shirts, dresses, pants, skirts, leggings, boots, shoes, jewelery...I love all of it! I like looking through my Justice and Childrens Place catalogs at all the cute clothes. I am very grateful for clothes!

*Julie in her modeling poses!

Gratitude Post #21 - Jeffrey

Gratitude Post #21 - Jeffrey is grateful to know he can speak to our spirits without having to say a word!
Alright, I am going to preface this by saying that I am already crying as I type this. It is something that has been on my mind a lot lately and I am currently praying for help to direct me in a way that I can say what I want to on a grander scale, but for now, our silly little blog will have to do. Through our amazing friends, the Deardens (another blessing they have brought into our lives!), we have become closer friends with the Roe Family. John & Tauna are such great people and we would be friends with them just because they are so incredible, but the thing that makes their family shine the most is their little guy, McKay. He is an amazing 10 year old boy with a lot of the same diagnosis' as Jeffrey, but on a more severe level. I just know that McKay and Jeffrey were friends in the preexistence and are celebrating the fact that they get to spend time together now on earth! The great thing about their friendship is, I feel like I can actually hear their spirits talking to each other. Last week, we saw Tauna and McKay at their church. I went up to tell McKay hello and as we walked in, Jeffrey squealed "Hi!" I don't think that anyone really noticed but as I heard my little guy communicate with his friend, I knew I was witnessing a little gift from our Father. These 2 miracle boys really can communicate without saying a single word and that is the message that I am hoping to "get out there". (More on my endeavours with this will come at a later date.) But I have to share a special gift with you that our friend, Amy Alvord, shared with us. She wrote a song about Jeffrey and McKay and when you hear the music and the words together, it describes these 2 boys in a way that will touch your heart. Until we can get it recorded, this will have to do:

More than Words Can Tell
for Jeffrey & McKay

Every word spoken exacts a price.
The cost hard to know, words just come and they go
with no thought of how or why.
In life very few have never spent a word.
To a world of noise and care, filled with despair--
would their message be worth more than gold?
And if their days were few, and if they really knew
life was really as short as it is
Perhaps they would share a message more rare than words....

So listen to their voice,
A voice worth more than words.
Never a word.
For some speak more than words can tell.

Another day of being, they submit to all.
Through the endless pain, with nothing to gain
but pure joy in the moment of it all.
And those caring for these angels--not words enough divine.
In losing self they find a quiet peace of mind
ending up with more than they could ever give.
A smile lights the room, a hand clasp dispels gloom,
showing us that all may serve.
These angels in disguise have seen with blinded eyes
the Light, The Son.

So listen to their life,
So much to hear.
Can we hear?
For some know more than words can tell.
For some know more than words can tell.

So today, Jeffrey and I are grateful for more than words.
(The Beautiful Roe Family)
If you want to read more about McKay and his family, check out, http://www.miraclesformckay.blogspot.com/ or http://www.johnandtauna.blogspot.com/

Gratitude Post # 20

Gratitude Post #20 - I am grateful for many things starting with the letter "H"!
*I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who watches over me, listens to my prayers, loves me with a love I can not even fathom, and sees me for the person I am trying to be.

*I am grateful for the house we live in! It is such a blessing for our family to live in a rambler so that we have very few stairs to carry Jeffrey up and down. I also love my big open basement where I can hold big family gatherings, have game nights with friends, and hold youth discussions.

*I am grateful for the humor in my life. Whether it is the "out of the blue" hilarious comments James makes, hearing Jackson laugh hysterically at the silliest commercials on TV (here is his current favorite),

I also love hearing the humor of James chasing the kids around the house as they squeal with delight, or Julie dancing around the front room while Jeffrey laughs with his hand over his mouth thinking it is the funniest noise he has ever heard. I love the humor in our lives!

*I am grateful for my husband. (Without too much feeling...I don't want James to cry or anything...) James is responsible, compassionate, dedicated to his family, has his priorities in the right order, a hard working man (despite popular belief!), multi talented yet humble, a man worthy to hold the priesthood, an amazing father, and dare I say, sexy! I am so blessed that I have been able to be married to my best friend for over 16 years and into the eternities! I definitely married "up" and I strive everyday to be a better wife so that I can give him the support and love he deserves.
(Let me explain, this is the gender confused cat that lives with my in-laws. HIS name is Vivian and he is more lion than cat.....He's huge and the kids & James love visiting him)

*I am grateful for the heat that is currently blowing through my house so that I don't freeze with the snow that is coming down right now.

Today I am grateful for many things that begin with the letter "H"!

Gratitude Post #20 - Jackson

Gratitude Post #20 - Jackson is grateful for Church!
Jackson is grateful for church because it is fun to go to Primary. I like hearing all the people talk during Sacrament. We get treats from teachers. I like to sing the Primary Songs and Hymns. I like to learn about Jesus. I know that He is a real person. I like it when the little kids bear their testimonies. I feel happy when I am at church. This is why I am grateful for Church!



*Our Church

Gratitude Post #19 - Julie

Gratitude Post #19 - Julie is grateful for books!





















I like books because they are fun to read. Books are fun to read because you can learn new things and you can have fun reading them. In the Ramona books, they kind of remind me of when I was little. They also take me to my imagination. In the Polar Express, it takes me to a whole different world, the North Pole! I love reading about Santa Claus. In You Are Special, it reminds me that I am special in every way. And if you don't do everything right, it doesn't matter, because that's just the way everyone is! Books can always have lessons in them. If you have a hard day, it might have a funny part and it can make you laugh! That's why I am grateful for books!

*Julie's Favorite Book!

Gratitude Post #18 - Diet Coke

Gratitude Post #18 - James ...
I really appreciate a Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi...whatever as long as it is bubbly it is good to me. I found this poem on the web that best expresses it for me....






red for passion
white for purity
it must be cold
anything else is blasphemy

anticipation as i crack the top
fizzles~~
oh joy, oh love, oh happy days
tickling bubbles~~

down my throat and into my heart
i am revived again
‘ahh…’ i rejoice
coke you are my friend

Don't pretend you don't know what I am talking about. I too have quit drinking soda, but I just really enjoy it so...bottoms up!

Gratitude Post #17 - Jeffrey

Gratitude Post #17- Jeffrey is grateful for loving hands
When we walk into church every week, it isn't uncommon to see certain friends of our family coming up immediately to touch and talk with Jeffrey. They will take his hands in theirs and caress him while they tell him how excited they are to see him. When we visit Jeffrey at school, his peer tutors and teachers are holding his hand or giving Jeffrey a high five. When Jeffrey gets to go play with his friends, the Deardens, he sits in his favorite chair and little two-year old Aleeya will use her caring hands to feed Jeffrey, over and over again. Julie uses her loving hands to play with Jeffreys hair and run to get Jeffrey his pills every morning. Jackson uses his hands to get Jeffrey's pajamas and he will help rearrange Jeffrey when he is falling off the couch or looks like he is in an uncomfortable position. James has used his hands to pick Jeffrey up, or get him on the bus every morning. So many people use their hands to help Jeffrey in his life, and I know, Jeffrey is grateful for loving hands in his life!
*Julie and Jackson using their hands to care for Jeffrey
*Jeffrey sitting in his favorite chair at the Deardens while Serena uses her loving hands to pull him into a hug
*James using his loving hands to feed Jeffrey some yummy cake!

Gratitude Post #16

Gratitude Post #16 - I am grateful for those who serve in the Armed Forces!
Tomorrow is my Brother-in-Laws birthday and I would love to go to dinner with him and celebrate his special day. That won't be happening because Dan is serving in the Air Force on a 6 month tour to Afghanistan. He won't be having birthday cake, or opening presents with his family. He has given up such a large chunk of time to help protect our freedoms and serve the people of Afghanistan. I can honestly say, I am proud of you Dan. Another one of my Brother in Laws', Coach Joe, served in the Air Force as well. When Court & Joe were engaged, Joe left for a 6 month tour to Iraq. My cousin Chris, serves in the Army. He went to Afghanistan for a year and missed the first year of his daughters life. A good friend of ours serves in the Army and wasn't able to be there for his family while his new little daughter battled cancer. My dad served in the Navy and did a tour in Washington State during Desert Storm while I was in ninth grade. My step-mom, Kaye, served in the Navy as an officer. Both of my Grandpa's and both of James' Grandpa's served in the Armed Forces. So many incredible people and at such a high cost! Yet, if you ask them, they are glad they did it. My cousin will tell you without skipping a beat that if he didn't have a family, he would go back in a heartbeat. These wonderful people serve and do their jobs no matter the cost. THEY GIVE UP SO MUCH! I am honored to know them and I am so grateful for their service to our country and my family. THANK YOU!
*My Cousin Chris and his wife Emily
*My brother in law Coach Joe at Julie & Jacksons school with some of the crew chiefs from the Thunderbirds
*A great friend who serves in the Army (and one heck of a primary teacher!)
*The Birthday Boy himself
*We love you Dan!
*Yes, some of these pictures were stolen off Facebook....Sorry boys!

Gratitude Post #15 - Julie

Gratitude Post #15 - Julie is grateful for school & teachers!

I am grateful for school because I can learn new things. It gives me opportunities that I usually couldn't have. My favorite subject in school is reading and science. I love all the teachers I have had. They give me lots of encouragement and help me become a better reader and a better student. All my teachers are SO nice. Since I am in 4th grade, some of the chances I have had are eating with the teacher, having a monthly junior wapitis lunch, and right now we are doing a dancing thing in PE (with boys! YUCK!). I have good friends at school too. I grateful for school and good teachers.
*Julie at her first boy-girl dance doing the waltz
*Julie with her 3rd grade teacher Mrs Hales

*Julie's 3rd Grade Class

*One of Julie's 2nd grade teachers, Mrs D! (She was a great friend before she taught Julie and continues to be a good friend to this day.)

Gratitude Post #14 - Jackson

Gratitude Post #14 - Jackson is grateful for FOOD!
I am grateful for food because it is good. My favorite fruit is pears. My favorite vegetable is carrots. My favorite meat is chicken cordon bleu. My favorite grain is cereal. My favorite sugar is candy. My favorite dairy is cheese (yes, he is my son!). My favorite place to eat In & Out Burger. My favorite after school snack is ice cream. My all time favorite food is nachos (definitely my kid!). I am VERY grateful for food!
*Jackson eating the ice cream from a baggie that he made while we were camping at Chalk Creek! 2010
*Jackson and Jeffrey eating Subway for dinner at the Father & Sons campout. 2010
*Jackson eating his first woofum at Raft River....YUMMY! 2010
*Julie, Jackson and Logan enjoying a free smoothie after the Ragnar Race 2010

Gratitude Post #13 - Jeffrey

Gratitude Post #13 - Jeffrey is grateful for his friends!
Alright, I understand that James already posted about our friends but this is a twist on that. I guess it isn't so much about friends but about the youth of Jeffrey's generation. When Jeffrey finished with 6th grade, I will admit, I was scared for him to go to Junior High. I remember how much teasing and harassment the kids who were physically and mentally disabled endured when I was in junior high and I didn't want Jeffrey to suffer through that. Not that Jeffrey would understand what was going on, but I would. I really struggled and prayed that this horrible treatment wouldn't happen to Jeffrey. We were fortunate enough to get into a program at the local junior high and when I met the teacher who would be running the program he was enrolled in, my fears were put to rest. She assured me that her peer tutor program was the "cool class" to take at school. And I soon found out how true that was. In making this program "cool", the peer tutors started to develop true friendships with the other kids like Jeffrey whom they were serving. We were amazed at the scrapbook pages, cards, and gifts Jeffrey would bring home from his new friends. Then it was time for Jeffrey to enter high school and the nervousness started to settle in again. Fortunately, I had developed a faith in Jeffrey's new friends and this generation. I knew that Jeffrey's winning smile and funny personality could win them over! I was right. Everywhere we go in our city, we hear teenagers say, "Hey Jeffrey" "Hi Jeff" and they come over to touch his slobbered on hand. It melts my heart every time. Jeffrey even has a best friend in our neighborhood who comes and checks on Jeffrey, hangs out with him, eats lunch with Jeffrey, and will sit and talk with him for long periods of time. This young man means so much to our family! This summer we received a letter in the mail from a young woman who told us that Jeffrey was her best friend. That she missed him so much and even though Jeffrey couldn't communicate verbally with her, she understood what he was trying to say. Then just a few weeks ago we received a phone call telling us that Jeffrey needed to be at school for his choir concert at a certain time. We had never had a peer tutor be so insistent that Jeffrey come to an after school activity. This young lady made sure Jeffrey was included in his Men Choir performance and held onto his wheelchair while Jeffrey did his best to wheel his chair off the stage and clapped the entire time. It was so cute! When we asked her when she was singing, she let us humbly know that she was only there for Jeffrey, she wasn't in any choir groups! All of these wondeful youth make me realize we are blessed to have them in our lives. So today I am grateful for the youth and Jeffrey's friends....you really are the best!!!!
*Jeffrey at his first choir performance
*Jeffrey having fun with his friends at the Youth Conference Dance
*Helping Jeffrey off the wall at Youth Conference
*Jeffrey making it to the top with the help of his friends (and his dad)

Gratitude Post #11 - Service

I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to serve. Whether it is helping someone move, dropping a dinner off to a friend for no reason, visiting with "more mature" family members, fulfilling my church calling to the best of my abilities, helping at the school, smiling at a stranger, babysitting for friends, singing at something, visiting a sick friend in the hospital, or helping someone with a craft or home improvement project. There are so many opportunities to serve and take a minute to think of and brighten someone elses day and your own in return! Last year we started a tradition with the 8-11 year olds in our neighborhood. The girls go out and deliver papers explaining what we are doing. And the next week the cub scouts went out and collected food people had left on their porches. (BTW, we have incredible support from this and our neighbors are so generous!) Last year, we were able to feed local families an entire Thanksgiving meal (including the turkey) for over 8 families. This year, we collected enough to feed 15-20 families for over a week! It also helps the kids catch the spirit of service and I can honestly say, they did it with a smile. If you truly want to get your own personal struggles out of your head, finding an opportunity to serve will definitely turn your frown upside down and I am grateful for those moments in my life!
*About 20% of the canned food collected in 2009 by the 8 - 11 year olds!

*Passing out flyers for the Smiles for Suzi Benefit Concert

*Babysitting Winter

*Helping my Grandparents move out of the home they had lived in for 52 years!