a few of our favorite things

the green grass

80-ish degree weather

a little extra time in the afternoon

the crazy girls
fun times

Peas in a pod

3 rosy-cheeked girls after playing at the park

My girls love that "Cware" lives closeby now, too fun!

Look who's 8 weeks

That's right. My baby is 8 weeks old. He is still such a good baby though, sleeping from 10 to 6 in the morning and starting to smile. I just love to kiss those chubby cheeks!

The Waiting Game...

So, if anybody is wanting an update, here's the latest. I started physical therapy today doing water exercises and was surprised by how uncoordinated I am. I mean, I'm always clumsy but this was crazy. Just getting in the water made my hands twitch on their own. I couldn't walk in a straight line because of how much resistance the water puts against you. I feel like I made good progress though in only a day! We keep thinking surgery will be soon but we've been waiting forever! I have to get one more test done that will see how the blood is flowing through the brain (it's just done with an ultrasound machine, no MRI's for a while, hallelujah) and we are waiting on Dr.s and insurance to come through. That's really it. I'll be sure to post if anything actually happens :)

The Hunt

A little wet this year but just look at those faces...totally worth braving the rain.

Tomato. tomato

Gabs has been loving her afternoon snacks lately, fresh tomatoes from Grandad's garden. She eats a few every afternoon and picks them herself.

Easter '09

Our first family pic with all 5 of us!

These girls love their little brother, or "baby brother Nathan Thomas Sparks" in Gabby's words.

Just being honest

Tonight, I was trying to play some songs in the Children's songbook and my Dad had the following conversation with Carter:

Carter: That piano playing in there is really bad.
Dad: Why is it bad?

Carter: Because it's my Mom playing.

Dad: So why does that make it bad?

Carter: Because she had a sloke! (Not a typo)

Leave it to the 5-year-old to tell it like it is.

Long post, no pics...sorry

What a crazy couple of weeks we've had! We have been to lots of Dr.'s and called HUNDREDS of others trying to get things taken care of. Trying to coordinate appts for a Primary Care Dr, Cardiologist, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Nuerologist, Hematologist, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist is tiring, to say the least. We still don't have a date for surgery but hopefully by the end of the week we'll know a little more info. I'm still making huge improvements though! Ex: Last night, I starting walking without a walker (still a little shaky but not bad). Writing is getting a little better, even though my 5 year old can still write better than me. Plus, I finally have some tone back in my voice and am not so monotone. I'm even talking at almost normal speeds. Yay!

We also made the big move from Flagstaff this weekend and are permanent Mesa residents once again. It was extremely humbling to have good friends and some of Robert's classmates and teachers help pack up our house for us. I am going to get teary-eyed just thinking about it. We had lots of help loading up and unloading here in Mesa (not to mention that they loaded up during a blizzard in Flag!). We are so, so grateful for all the help we have recieved. Thank you!

During this crazy time, I was especially grateful for the conference messages we got to listen to this weekend. There is nothing that will make you feel as peaceful, reassured, and inspired to do better than the words and testimony of the Prophet. I really liked Pres. Eyrings talk on Saturday morning. It reminded me that Christ is always with us through our trials and that there is something to be learned from every situation. I have been trying to stay positive and look for the blessings that have come from our recent turn of events. It is amazing how much good can come from our trials! To listen to Pres. Eyrings talk go here: http://lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,23-1-1032,00.html

Da Brotha

Nathan got to have a photo shoot the other day compliments of Beth, Amy's friend/co-worker. She did a great job and got some really precious shots. Here is a link to her photography blog: http://elizabethjarmanphotography.blogspot.com/ Thanks Beth!

Da Sistas

The girls were feeling a little left out from the photo shoot so they got in a few pics too. Too bad they were wearing play clothes and had scraggly hair, oh well. You know Beth is a good photographer because she still made them look cute even though we were borderline homeless looking!