Viva Las Vegas

We've been having a fantastic weekend in Vegas visiting Oby's sister's family. They live here for Med School. Oh my, oh my, we have been enjoying the blue skies and sunshine -among other things - such as....

Swimming:









Hoover Dam touring:







Buffet-eating:



Dancing:



Sleeping:



Road Tripping:





And to think, we still have one more day of good times! Yay!

Happy Memorial Day!

Please Go For Me....

Why is it that when you have something to do, you actually have 100+ things to do? That's my dilemma next weekend.... I already have tickets to a concert that I am super excited about, but there is also this FREE concert with two of my FAV artists: Meaghan Smith and Mindy Gledhill!



If YOU can go in my stead, please do! You'll thank me later, I promise. Did I mention it's free? Seriously! Go!

The "R" Word Hurts

This PSA aired only a few hours ago, and already it has undergone significant scrutiny. The criticisms I've heard/read include that the slurs used at the beginning are outdated and/or too offensive to even be used. However, I think that is exactly the point.... those words ARE offensive and that's WHY they became a thing of the past. That's exactly the message the special needs community is trying to send about the R-word. It is offensive. It is not acceptable. It HAS to become a thing of the past.



I've asked people I interact with to stop using it when when I've heard them say it (usually in reference to themselves). I try not to lecture or act offended. I try to express that I know they didn't mean to offend and I understand that it's unfortunately a common saying. Then I go on to explain that since I've become Chloe's mom, I've come to understand what a cutting word it is and when used in jest, it is not funny but highly degrading. People always seem supportive and understanding when I bring it up, which is why it shocks me how often I hear them use it afterward. Do they forget? Do they think I'm being oversensitive? Do they just not care? Since I can't answer those questions definitively, I politely remind them again. And I will remind them again and again and again.... as many times as I have to.

Please join me in spreading the word....

Preschool Peeps

Chloe's last day of her first year of school was this week. She just loves her teachers and the feeling is mutual! Because Chloe will be going back to this same class next school year, she didn't officially "graduate" preschool, but her teachers did give her a certificate of achievement for having the best laugh! So sweet :)

Chloe with Miss Megan, Miss Tonya & Miss Linsay

Chloe was SO excited that Grammy and Papa were able to come to meet her preschool peeps....

Chloe with Papa & Grammy

She did not stop smiling and squealing the entire time. I'm pretty sure if she could have talked and walked, she would have been dragging Grammy, Papa and I around by the hand showing us everything in her classroom and introducing us to all of her friends. She kept looking at us, then would look at a person, as if to say, 'Hey, did you see her? She is my friend and I'm so happy you get to meet her!' It was really heart-warming, actually.

Miss Chloe

Speaking of heart-warming, watch this video that one of her teachers made as a reflection of her class and the commencement of their school year. It is just SO sweet!....

Special Needs Preschool class from Tara Bennett on Vimeo.

Can't get enough? Then feel free to also watch this video of the class that meets after Chloe's class goes home. We are friends with quite a few of the kiddos in this class, so I had to share it too!

Preschool from Tara Bennett on Vimeo.

I want to publicly thank Miss Megan, Miss Tonya, all the other assistants and therapists who helped Chloe this school year. It was so frightening to send her to school and entrust her into the care of perfect strangers. But as the title of "stranger" melted away, and as I began to feel how much they loved Chloe and how fiercely they fought for her well-being and progress, any fear or apprehension was replaced with complete trust, respect and appreciation. I cannot explain the depth of my gratitude to know that she was in such great hands! I never worried about her for one second while she was in school. I never wondered if they were taking good care of her or giving her enough attention... I knew without a doubt that they were providing the best care and helping Chloe meet her potential in every way possible. It is an honor to know them and a humbling experience to allow them to help me prepare Chloe to be a confident little lady who will be ready to begin her elementary education. "Thank you" just doesn't seem enough, but I know the adoration Chloe has for them is all the thanks they need. So until next year, friends, THANK YOU!!!!!

Short But Sweet

My brother's cute family lives in Montana. I'm not a fan of family living far away, yet somehow the majority of our siblings live out of state. BOO!

They were in town for just one night this week. Their visit was short but sweet. We love them!!!....

Isabella, Aspen, Aunt Katrina & Chloe

Wyatt found the stash of toy guns at Grammy's house. Watch out, world!!!!.....

A Big Girl, a Blustery Day & Beautiful Bows

Is it just me, or is Chloe starting to look more and more like a big girl and less and less like a little toddler....

She has such a fun personality always, but has a particular fondness for the wind on her face. She is coming into her own and I think she is just lovely! Plus check out her improved head control!....

She is tall and slender with big blue eyes. Even when her hair is wind-blown, those curls are stunning. What a treasure!....

Do you know how much she loves to swing? I am so proud of the advocate she is for the playground. Oh my, have we made huge headway on the playground recently. I never know for sure how much I dare/can share on it, so I keep tight lipped. As soon as I get an official green light, good news is to come!

A neighbor told me recently that she is the neighborhood's mascot. I thought that was profoundly adorable.... good choice, neighborhood!....

By the way, isn't her bow beautiful? I saw a similar one on my niece and demanded my sister-in-law tell me where she got it. She said her sister-in-law, April, made them. I instantly ordered one in every color and I LOVE THEM ALL! If you want to order any, you can contact April on her Joia Flowerz facebook page (here) or by email (joiaflowerz@yahoo.com).

See that horse pasture in the background? We hope to be galloping there soon.... If Utah decides to ever let the sun shine, that is!!! ;)

This Week's Music in Review

Before I get to the playlist, I have to do a quick review of the live concert I went to last week: Joe Purdy, opened by The Milk Carton Kids.... SO fun! SO incredible! My friend and I were literally FRONT and CENTER. I felt like a total groupie, but well, I guess I sort of am a groupie! Joe Purdy and Milk Carton Kids played together for several songs and it was a total Mumford and Sons vibe -- they rocked (watch this video if you want a taste)! Joe played the song I wanted him to play (Can't Get it Right Today), but didn't play the song Melissa wanted him to play. Well, when he came back for the encore, we were close enough that Melissa literally just asked him to play her song and he said, "Okay." We. Seriously. Flipped! This version of the song doesn't even begin to compare to the song in person. The lyrics as they relate to my friend and so many of the ridiculously hard things she's been through..... sheesh, you guys, we were in tears. It was amazing! He sang right to her, then afterward held his guitar out toward her, as if pointing and saying 'That was for you.' Sigh, it was one of those moments where I had to pinch myself! I was kicking myself that my phone battery was dead so I couldn't record the video. Sniff, well this will have to do....

Some of the stunning lyrics:

you wish things were different
the hand you were given
just don't seem fair
yah you playin' with what you given
and you're doing fine
ya but you try not to think about it
most of the time
you just do what you have to
to make sure you get through
yah but sometimes it hurts

yah well you're still so young
but you feel so old
it's just the things you been through
that are making you cold

listen i can't fight your demons
cause i'd have to fight you
cause there so far inside you
and i just cant seem to get through
it ain't none of my business
it ain't none of my place
yah but i still had to try

oh now i think i've lost you
can't reach you no more
cause you're high as i kite
and i'm down here on the floor
yah i'm begging you to come back
now you cant even hear that
you just floated away

Okay, so now to this week's playlist. Most new-to-me artists were found through Brite Revolution (love - check it out!) and miscellaneous TV show soundtracks, friend recommendations, etc, etc. I hope you enjoy it!

I've also uploaded some actual mp3's that you can listen to for free HERE. Check out my previous playlists and favorite tunes as well!

Concert this week: William Fitzsimmons! SQUEAL!!!!!

We Believe in You

Today was Chloe's dance recital. Here she is with her special needs dance class performing their Beauty and the Beast number ....

And here is the entire dance company....

Chloe's class got one of the only standing ovations out of all 30+ performances. The other standing ovation happened when the dance directors were publicly thanked by Chloe's class for providing their instruction and time for FREE.

I thought about that quite a bit.... How we were at a talent show of sorts, yet the thing that brought people to their feet wasn't about talent at all.... It was about overcoming, believing, loving and serving.

As proud as I was of Chloe today, I was even more proud of Oby. Wow, is he a special dad to have taken Chloe to all of her classes and to be her shadow. I am blessed SO MUCH MORE than I deserve!

I overheard someone talking to Oby about that today, how special it was that he would do this for Chloe. He said, "Well, she smiles when she's at dance class, so anything I can do to make her smile, I'll do it. As long as she keeps smiling when we dance, then we'll keep dancing."

*sigh* See what I mean? He's amazing. I don't think he gets enough credit, but I hope he knows how much I love and appreciate him and all he does for Chloe and for me.

I thought even more today about why we take Chloe to dance and we she was performing today... Oby was the one doing every single move for her. But like Oby said, she was smiling.... Oh boy, was she smiling! She truly glistened on that stage!!!

But more than the fact that Chloe likes dancing, the music, and being with friends, I think we do this so she knows she can do anything.... that there are no "can'ts" for her because WE BELIEVE IN HER. Me, Oby, her dance teachers, her grandparents, every person who knows her, all those people who gave that class a standing ovation..... WE believe in her.

We Believe in You by Bess Rogers From Tara Bennett

on Vimeo.

Look around
The world is at your feet
And isn't it sweet
To know that it's true

Look around
There's nothing you can't do
And if you wanted to
You could reach the stars

Cause we believe
In you

Look inside
At who you are
Who you are to be
Is it far

And if you fall
It won't hurt at all
You stand up tall
Know it in your heart

That we believe
In you



Cause we believe
In you

I hope every single one of those girls feels the support and love of everyone around them, believing in THEM and their BRIGHT futures! They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a special village to raise a special needs child. I'm so grateful for my special village. THANK YOU from a mama with a very full heart!

If the Shoe Fits....

I remember when Chloe was just an infant in my arms, I would talk to her and tell her all about my wishes for her to have a beautiful life. I would look into her eyes and wonder what they would see and how they would see. I traced her lips and wondered what wonderful words of wisdom she would share with me. I touched her hands and imagined what those hands may hold and how they may touch the lives of others. And I would squeeze her sweet feet and wonder where those little feet would take her.

We've been on quite a journey in just a few short years, her eyes and lips, her hands and feet.... Oh how disappointed I once felt and how surprised I've been almost every day to see how a seemingly "broken" body could see and speak and touch and go so many unexpected places!

If you had told me three years ago that Chloe's little feet would one day be in ballet shoes ready to hit the stage for a dance recital, I would have either laughed, cried or just been angry. I thought that was not to be for my Chloe and her little feet.

How wrong I would have been....


Maybe I'm wrong, but I think the directors of the dance company may have had Chloe in mind when they came up with the theme of the recital:

"If the shoe fits, DANCE."

She participated in two routines and even had a costume change!




She and the other six girls on her dance team each had a "shadow" to help them onto the stage and help them with whatever moves they may not have been able to accomplish on their own. Chloe was lucky enough to get a handsome shadow!



They performed with about 12 other dance teams in a fairly large venue. I'm sure when Chloe wheeled onto that stage, all the other parents in the audience probably felt pangs of sorrow that Chloe was in a wheelchair. It didn't take her long at all to show them that there is SO MUCH MORE TO HER than that chair or her disabilities, and so much more to all the other girls than their walkers, braces, spastic limbs and other disabilities. Chloe was all smiles and seemed to soak the spotlight into her skin... she radiated and sparkled! By the time the first number was done, there was not a dry eye in the audience and they gave a standing ovation. That was one of those moments in time that seemed to stand still, when every single thing that had ever happened into my life was just a building block to get me to be able to experience the feelings I had right then.... the pride, the joy, the love, the excitement for a bright future with Chloe and my handsome hubby. It was perfection.



There is a 2nd performance tomorrow, so stay tuned for more pictures and video that is sure to bring a smile to your face!

Birthday Babble

A few pix from Chloe's actual birthday.

Teddy wearing Chloe's Better Than Normal birthday crown!

Papa sang Happy Birthday to little miss. She is under-reacting here. Usually she kicks and squeals up a storm when Papa plays the guitar and sings for her. Since when is this little ham camera shy!?!?!....

We saved the Sprinklebelle cake to eat on her birthday.
That was so selfish of us -- it was truly delicious!
And I really, really need to work on my photography skills....
um, the giraffe on the high chair wasn't meant to be in primary focus! haha

Aside from really cute swimming suits and sandals,
Chloe's birthday present was meant to be a tablet (iPad-like).
We got one, but the touch screen was SO not user friendly,
which obviously won't work for Chloe.
We're still on the look-out for the right product, and I may have to give in
on my anti-Apple snobbery and get an iPad after all.
In addition, I made this wall display with prints I found on Pinterest
sprinkled with cute pictures of Chloe
hung on laundry twine that I got at the dollar store
with colorful paper clips!
It turned out really adorable for the large blank wall that was in her room.
And she really loves looking at it!
I like reading the messages because they are all inspiring/motivational
and very Chloe-like....

Sigh.... I cannot believe she's 4. How does life pass so quickly?....