Hope Chest Treasures

Yes, it's been FOREVER since I've posted. I thought I'd try blogging again! This year I've set some fun new goals for myself, and I'm excited to see them through. Don't be skeptical, as we renewed the goals our family set last year, 50% were met completely, 25% were met 50%, and the last 25% about 25%. Not bad! I enjoy improving myself and seeing the positive changes.
Back to the point! I spent some time going through my hope chest and discarding some things that I had held on to for too long, adding a few new things, and enjoying the experience. Here's some treasures I found:
Since I can't seem to position the pictures where I want them, here's a summary in no particular order.
Monte spent a big part of his first few years in the hospital, but had amazing nursery and primary leaders and teachers in the BYU 172 Ward. In fact, they truly went far and beyond anything I could've imagined in their quest to help Monte feel their love, and the love of His Savior. Here's a card that they made with the kids to celebrate Monte's favorite song and let him know how much they missed him. So absolutely adorable.
When Monte was 18 months old he spent 3 months in the hosptial having 17 shunt revisions. (Brain surgeries with a million complications and...well, everything you could imagine). At the time I was in my absolutely last semester of a tumultuous college experience. I had everything arranged so I could finish and graduate in August, but only if I kept up a full load of summer classes. If I didn't finish them, I would be pushed out a few more semesters in able to get all the right classes and times...
So, in one of the hardest and heartwrenching summers of my life, I balanced the complications of having a child in the hospital, a husband working full time, driving back and forth from SLC and Provo, and keeping up with the homework and studying. Luckily I was in the right major: one of my classes was called "FAMILIES IN CRISIS." I've always loved irony. I was blessed with kind classmates who covered for me often when I couldn't be in class, and kept pushing forward, day by day. It was with a heart full of indescribable emotion when I finally finished. (And with good grades too!)
The day of graduation both of my families came down to support me. Heartbreakingly, Monte was still in the hospital. My beloved Aunt Allyson sat with him so that I wouldn't miss the ceremonies. I was trembling with emotion as I walked up the final hill into the Mariott Center and into the tunnel. I couldn't believe that I had finally done it. The entire time I was in college I had felt and enormous pressure and drive to get my Bachelor's degree. I couldn't rest until it was finished. As I came out of the tunnel surrounded by amazing friends that had helped me through the last seemingly impossible semester, big posters held by all of my family caught my eye. It took a minute for me, then my friends to process what we were seeing, then the entire Family Science graduates burst into tears. THANKS MOM. Here's what see were seeing: Big posters of pictures of Monte in his hospital scrubs, shaved holes in his hair, wrapped limbs with IV's, ect...smiling and "saying" how proud he was of me. Sob. I know that having my degree has blessed me as a mother and wife absolutely everyday. I'm so grateful to have had that experience, and the examples of my Mom and Grandma to support and push me. (My wonderful grandma sent a very welcome check and a box of See's Chocolates to celebrate. WOW!) My mom booked a room at the hospital for a surprise party, she knew that I wouldn't want to be away even a minute longer. Monte was in a wagon stuffed with pillows, the walls were covered with posters celebrating the occasion, and cake was enjoyed by all, including our favorite Dr.'s and Nurses. What a crazy day.

Lastly is a cute letter from my sister Allison, written not long after I was engaged. I laughed through the entire thing, even at 10 she was pretty clever.
Enjoy!

l

Miles for Monte-the final product!

All the months, phonecalls, door to door solicitations, sleepness nights and endless phone calls were worth it! Monte has his bicycle! He has been on it almost everyday, even in the 100% humidity and 99+ degree temperatures. I just had to share these pictures of the joy on his face as he rides. He's a complete natural, HE insists on doing all of the pedalling himself, and he LOVES steering himself also. This is remarkable for a child who struggles with the ability to lift his left foot when walking and HATES to hold onto anything, unless it's his idea. The bike allows him to sit up tall and proud, exercises him in a fun, cool way, and helps him learn to control the direction he goes. It's amazing and oh, so fun! He just laughs, and laughs, and laughs...
l

a

Miles For Monte, The Event

We had an amazing and miraculous event for Miles for Monte. The day started out dramatically miserable, terrible rain, gloomy dark skies, and a general discouraging outlook. We kept up smiles and positive attitudes, confirming over and over that the race will go on...regardless. Privately, Piper and I prayed together that "it could rain all it wanted all day long, but Heavenly Father, please make it stop for 2 hours for Monte's race." Well, the rain continued up until the event, making the set-up and preparations a bit hectic, then immediately stopped about 20 minutes before the race time. Wow. I had avoided looking outside the last few hours before, and was shocked to step outside for the run to find sunny skies and dry pavement. It was a miracle from heaven. Later, as we left the gym for the final time, it was to see that the rain was again pouring, and continued all night long. Our hearts were gratified to have almost 200 people attend, and at least 150 runners participate. We felt loved and supported by this great community that we live in, and so excited at the number of friends and family that ran their own races in Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, and more!
We could not have done it without the many sponsors, volunteers, and helpers, we're so grateful!
The entire night was so incredible, it's hard to share it all. Here's a few of my favorite moments:
Before the race started we had everyone line up on either side of the gym and put Monte in his walker down the middle. As we chanted "Monte, Monte" he started out limply standing in it, then as he heard his name stood taller and taller and RAN his way through the crowd with his head held high and strong, marching leg action, running all the way to the door.
Monkey Moes donated a gigantic bounce house, Piper spent hours racing up and down on it, and was thrilled when she was able to drag me away from the last minute preparations to race through it with her. It made us collapse with laughter, and helped me calm down a bit!
I handed out huge chocolate feet to the winners in each category, saying things like, "I had the fastest feet!" "My feet are so fast, they might melt!" "I won the foot-race at Miles 4 Monte"
I was able to run one of my best times, even after having been up most of the previous nights that week finalizing everything. Each time I was tempted to walk for a bit I remembered Monte and his remarkable strength through each of his health struggles, and I couldn't quit.
Our family friend George Dyer surprised us and agreed to be our last minute MC, using his beautiful voice to make everything seem special!
The Andy's Frozen Custard and Krispy Kreme donuts were a perfect addition to the evening!
The LDS Missionaries were all able to attend and race, doing surprisingly well, one of them even placing 2nd in his age category. They helped both before and after the race, modeling their service and smiles to the community.
Anyway, it was exhausting, amazing, wonderful and overwhelming, and will always be one of my most special moments...
here's a few pictures of the night!

Guide to Helping in a Rough Situation

A sweet friend asked me for advice. They know a family who just had a baby that will be in the hospital for a long time, and she wants to know how to help. I sat down and typed up a novel, then thought that maybe someone else might want to know also! Here's my response:
First off, I am very thrilled that we've had any kind of influence on your family and that you're concerned about them and wanting to help them, it means a lot and shows what great people you are! SO many people say, "wish I could help, but.." and never do anything.
Janell Fluckiger showed up at the hospital one day with Bath and Body Works Eucalyptus Spearamint Lotion, a soothing eye pillow and scented bodyscrub. It was exactly what I needed and to this day is my absolute favorite product. It calmed me down, made me feel special, forced me to take 5 minutes for myself and still brings me fond memories of her and her love!
One day after 4 months in the hospital I had a huge craving for cinnamon bears...mentioned it off-hand to someone, and 3 different people from my ward made sure that they got some to me over the next week or so. Again, it was a small thing to them, but meant a LOT to me. Can you ask the grandparents what the Mom and Dad's fav junk food is? For Doug, a 100 Grand bar goes a long way! We all have the cravings, it's worse when we're so stressed and exhausted, it helps make me feel a tiny bit better!
Gift cards for local restraunts would be so thoughtful, it get's really expensive to live in that situation long term...
Someone loaned us the first 3 seasons of LOST once, we watched them over a period of a few days! We were desperate to find something to take our minds off what was happening at the time, and it REALLY helped!
People Magazine, Redbook, and Reader's Digest keep me distracted when I can't seem to be able to concentrate on a book.
Soothing music, like Josh Groban can really calm both Mom and Baby, maybe a compilation CD for them to have? One of my mom's friends made us several CD's, "Soothing Music for Monte," "Happy Music for Monte," we played them constantly and noticed that they actually lowered his blood pressure.
Did you hear the conference talk this April about the angels that were around the children in the hospital? I'll bet they missed it, copy it and highlight that part for them, it meant the world to us.
Also President Hollands talk from last October, it talks about parents of Special Needs Kids and really touched my heart.
Call first, and try to see if they want visitors, then come by with a re-heatable dinner or cupcakes or anything in small portions that they can eat later. Anything homemade is AMAZING after being in the hospital. Go extra heavy on the fruits and vegetables, I start to feel a craving for them quickly.
Good Chapstick and lotion are so hard to find in the hospital, and your hands quickly get chapped and burned from the frequent washing and the chemicals, your lips are SO dry from the recycled air.
Small bottles of great smelling shampoo and conditioner were really nice for me, I was there for 26 days this year, I really appreciated not smelling like a hospital.
Finally, one friend met me at the hospital and kidnapped me to take me to a movie. We didn't talk about the situation at all, just laughed our hearts out at the funny movie, then went for a nice long walk. It was just what I needed at the time.
The siblings have got to be so confused right now, a cute care package for them with tons of stickers, books, markers, toys, and chalk would make them feel special also.
I had friends visit me this time and bring me an awesome room scent thing with twigs and essential oils, everyone commented on how nice the room smelled. They also brought stickynotes so visitors could leave positive notes for us to read later.
Last thing, someone make us a special blanket for Monte's room, we kept it with him, it brightened his room and made us feel happier.
I know that this is a lot of info, I encourage you to talk about it as a family and go with what feels right. It's such a hard situation, I really feel for them, and hope all goes well. I hope it helps a bit!!

Allison and Lance

Ok, my trip in December really was an incredible week, it's taken 'till April to post it all! My family graciously let me fly to Idaho and Utah for a week to spend time with my sisters celebrating their big moments. One of those was to spend a few days with Allison and Lance, the newlyweds. Ok, this really is an incredible couple. I was touched by the affection and respect that they share for each other. They uplift and inspire each other, and help each other grow in a positive and fun way. Allison is an amazing cook and creative decorator, and Lance is a thoughtful, encouraging, computer genius. He prepared an amazing bed for me without even being asked, carried by luggage, and put up with a bevy of crazy Higley's without complaint!
And how many men do you know that would write and sing a farewell song tailored specifically to his 2 sister-in-laws? I did promise that I wouldn't post it on you-tube, but a blog doesn't count, right? Enjoy!!
It was sad to "Leave on a jet-plane" to go home again, but I had a million special memories to bring...
And I showed up to happy, clean, well cared for kids, and what seemed like a new house! It was clean, sparkling new, and filled with brand new things! Doug installed a new dishwasher, 2 new toilets, and a new faucet. What a wonderful husband!!

My Awesome Sis Amy!!

One of my favorite "sister" moments was getting to go attend Amy's graduation from BYU-Idaho. She is an amazing, articulate, attractive, awe-inspiring individual, and I am so proud to be her sister. I so enjoyed spending time with her, whether it was talking, packing, trudging through the snow (and in heels!), crying, and laughing. It was very special to see her not only receive her diploma (in a shorter amount of time than any of her 6 brothers or sisters) (Wait, I might need to wait on verification on that!), but to see her handle some of life's tough challenges and decisions all of the same time. She's a remarkable young lady, and now proud to report that she's living in Salt Lake, working at her dream job as an editor for the LDS Church. Pretty classy!
It was a perfect weekend, and I can't wait for the next girl's weekend!

My new nephew!

So proud of my sister, the newest mommy! I got to be there to help and enjoy all the excitement and drama of a first baby, so amazing! Loved the experience...even better since it wasn't me doing to birth!

My new blog!

So I started my blog one late night several years ago...and it was fine. Now my awesome friend Gloria has made it amazing! Love it, love it, love it! Here's to fun, talented friends!

Anyone Can Sing "Happy Birthday"

But this is REALLY special. Our sweet friend George Dyer, our favorite tenor, sang Monte a special song to celebrate his birthday!

Monte's 9th Birthday Party!

Ok, I know you were all as worried as I was that we didn't get to celebrate Monte's birthday on his birthday...due to the hospital stay and ect...
Better late than never, we had an amazing time on Friday, here's the recap!
Welcome to Monte’s 9th Birthday Greek Mythology Adventure!
To ensure a fantastic experience, make sure to do all of the following activities:
o Try out flying shoes with Hermes.
o Learn to throw a lightning bolt with Zeus
o Play water tag with Poseidon.
o Eat pomegranate seeds with Persephone.
o (Sisyphus was a king punished in Tartarus by being cursed to roll a huge boulder up a hill). Practice with him!
o Avoid Medusa’s stony glare in freeze tag!
o Roast a marshmallow for s’mores with Hades
o Search for the golden apples with Paris.
o Drink Nectar of the Gods! (Nectar of the gods, to put it simply, is a name for the drink which has the sweetest taste of any drink in the world. The first time someone consumes this sweet, sweet nectar, they will instantly realize that it is by FAR the best thing they have ever tasted in their entire life).
o Eat Food of the Gods! (Theobroma is Greek for "the food of the gods," and the common names are taken from the Aztec and Mayan languages. Aztecs considered cacao to be man's inheritance from Quetzalcoatl, the god of the air).