Abi's Blessing

Abi's blessing happened yesterday on Sunday, April 20 (Aunt Holly's birthday as well!) and it went off like a charm. She looked like a little princess in her outfit and the tiara that Kathryn had for her. I got to the church early to save some seats with the kids, Kathryn and Abi were to be there when Kathryn was ready to go. Well, church started and they weren't there yet. I was sweating bullets on the stand but thankfully they walked in during the opening hymn and I could relax a little. Then after the bishop read the letter from the First Presidency he started to go right into the sacrament portion of the meeting and I had to tug on his suit coat. Poor Jess, he felt bad about that but with all that he has to worry about, I don't think I would have remembered either. Although this is the 10th blessing for our children, it never gets old nor does it get routine. Each one is special and each one is different. After the 3-hour block we all retreated to our home and enjoyed each others company over a light lunch. The kids played and the adults talked, it was very enjoyable.
Thanks to all of those who went to great lengths to be there and bring things. We know that many of you got up early to travel to Tooele, Kathryn and I know what a struggle that can be sometimes. We are so thankful to be around good family members who love us and support us, it truly is a blessing to be home.

Abigail Blessing Update

Kathryn and I apologize to those of you who made or bought food for Abigail's blessing yesterday, we tried to find a way to do it but 4 sick kids didn't allow it to happen. We have rescheduled for this Sunday and hope that everybody is better by then. We understand that some of you will not be able to attend due to prior commitments and we are sorry to hear that, we will miss you. Yesterday was a long day for us, lots of technicolor yawn messes, multiple loads of laundry, several baths, and I had meetings and tithing until after 7:00 PM. These are the days you remind yourself that being a parent is a wonderful thing. Now for pictures (not taken yesterday, yech!) of the culprits!

Struggles in the Birdcage

I read an interesting article the other day about Asperger's Syndrome from the perspective of an LDS adult. We know that Brennan has Asperger's and he struggles with it every day in one form or another. Dallin is different, he displays some traits of Asperger's and then there are some things that he does that are completely different. Last Fall, Kathryn and I visited a neurosurgeon at Primary Childrens Hospital to talk about Dallin's condition. We found out that the two halves of the brain are connected by a tissue (I am a web programmer, not a doctor!) that allows interaction between the two halves. Dallin is missing 75% of that tissue- yet he still continues to function! He has such a sweet-loving spirit but there are several things that are so very difficult for him. Brennan wants to do the right thing most of the time and he has a fantastic long-term memory (better than Mom or Dad's) but he struggles too. It is a learning process on all sides as we love both of these boys and they are an important part of our family. Take a look at the article and see if you can learn how to relate to these two wonderful spirits! Click here to read the article.