Big truck day

I love these boys. They enjoyed big truck day this morning.

Look who's learning to read!

My Friend Kelly

Have you been enjoying the nice spring weather for strolls around town, walks to the park, playing with the kids? Do you toss and turn to get comfortable at night? Many of us take our mobility for granted, despite the times it may be painful or difficult- for the most part, the majority of Americans are independent with their mobility. May is National Mobility Awareness Month.

If you had never heard of this observance, no worries- it is not a well-known cause. One of the main reasons I am interested in it is because several dealerships around the country are giving away handicapped-accessible vans. Recently, a close friend of mine demonstrated how fortunate we are to have mobility. Now I am on a crusade of sorts to help her and to raise awareness.

Kelly Carmody is one of the true definitions of a local hero. She is a foster mom with heart of gold. During six years of being a foster parent, she has dealt with many of the difficult issues that many foster parents would back out of. Throughout the years, even as a single mom, she has taken it upon herself to love her foster children unconditionally. One particular child is named Peyton. He was born with SMA Type 2 Disease which makes the large muscles deteriorate. Peyton was placed with Kelly after being abandoned because of his diagnosis, suffering neglect, and after witnessing horrific events. His disability has made it difficult for foster parents to take care of him, yet Kelly has created a loving and accepting home for him for five years.

Last year, Kelly became pregnant and found it physically difficult to continue to take care of Peyton and give him the care he needed so she searched and found a great foster home for him to move to. She continued to visit throughout the time and loved him dearly. Soon, though, Peyton’s new foster family found it difficult as well to meet the demands of his growing yet deteriorating body. When Kelly found out about this, she put in a request to bring Peyton back to her residence. Already dealing with lack of sleep with a newborn, Kelly put her needs aside yet again to take care of Peyton, who also needs to be moved every 2-3 hours each night. Currently, it is very difficult to take Peyton on trips to town, doctor’s appointments, or even to the park due to the lack of handicap accessibility and his physical needs.

As a single mom, teacher of teenagers with emotional disturbances, and foster mom, Kelly is the perfect candidate for the donation of a vehicle! She spends time and money to ensure the best care for Peyton. Kelly is educated, active in her community, taking care of friends and neighbors. She is known for her giving spirit and always being there to lend a hand or hug. Kelly never shies away from difficulties yet has such a contagious, positive attitude despite the challenges she faces. She would love to be able to provide transportation to make Peyton’s life more enjoyable as he is just as much a part of her family as her biological babe.

If you would like to help Kelly in her efforts to provide more independence and mobility for Peyton, you can vote once per day at: http://www.nmeda.com/mobility-awareness-month/heroes/kansas/leonardville/1300/kelly-carmody The promo code is 837 and can be used once. The contest ends on May 13th.

Happy Easter 2012

We had a pretty low-key Easter. After being sick for most of the week and doctor's appointments on Friday, it was nice to have time this weekend with family. Thanks for the encouraging words and prayers. Another doctor's appointment tonight and one tomorrow should help shed some light and give some answers for healing- all around. It's almost difficult to get hopeful anymore. Here are a few pictures from Easter. I didn't get any from the Chance Easter. :( I was really slacking that day. Brady helped me take a lot from my family's Easter.

Fun Family Times

Last weekend, the boys went fishing with their grandma Brenda (Shawn's mom). It had been a VERY long time since we'd been fishing. I, myself, am not a fisher/outdoors person. They seemed to enjoy it however and that's the main thing.

Here is Malachi with Grandma Brenda:


Zachary is actually really good at casting. I was proud of his skills.


Uncle Bill and Malachi were checking out the fish he caught.

Malachi found a snail shell. It had water in it and when he picked it up he shouted, "OOOOO! It peed on me!"


Malachi thought he should let his MANY cows graze while we fished.


Logan pretended to eat a worm.

Later that evening, we had supper plans at my parents house with my sisters and their kids. Here is Malachi & Tarin:

Malachi was trying to tackle Taige: (I can see some great football players soon.)

The boys were a tad skeptical about Brienna playing with them. They had been 5 grandboys for awhile until Brienna broke that boy streak. She is all girl so they were all watching to see if she fit in with them. She did great and they were great helpers. I can see them being protective of her in the future! :)




Brienna had a lot of fun helping with the rock construction.

Malachi found the horse he used to ride on and brought it out for Brienna.


She only stopped to tell a few stories to Tarin as he listened so patiently! :) He has quite the personality and is a sweetie.

Fun Times with Brienna

Brienna has finally warmed up to me and she will play and be happy as long as mama is not in sight. We had some fun times Saturday. My cousin's wife had a baby shower that we went to and since Jarin was helping with it, I watched Brienna.

We had a few times that we had to walk outside and pick "flowers."


Later that evening, at Grandma Pams's house, the boys were a little skeptical about Brienna playing with them. It had been the 5 boys for so long (Logan wasn't out there) that having a girl play with them was a little different.

They watched for a little bit and waited for her to whine or complain but she shared graciously and was very kind.



Although she may have wanted to, she didn't even throw the rocks!!! :)

Malachi found Grandma's horsie for her to play with and she really enjoyed it!

Tarin was a very patient listener as Brienna told him about her wild rides.

She's growing up soooo darn fast and reminds me of my sister so much.

She's got the most fun expressions and is starting to have a more friendly personality.

Overall, it was a great weekend. I have some more pictures from the boys fishing with their Grandma Brenda. Also, Friday we started to make some MAJOR decisions that could affect our family life within the next few months. We were talking with several trustworthy friends and they all seemed to have the same message, "Why do you try to be superhuman?" My response was to be flabbergasted at first, but really, I don't think I try to do it all. . . . I try to do what others do. . . but I have such limitations. I am still having a very difficult time accepting that I CANNOT do the things I used to do- work full-time, be a mom full-time, cook a lot, enjoy cooking, and especially exercising/running. I am struggling with letting some of it go and trying to discern God's will for me as I walk into the future, not knowing what will be there for me. Please continue to pray for my family and myself.