Saturday, July 25, 2015

From her point of view

I'm tired.

It's been a REALLY big day.

I was in the Spanish Fork Fiesta Days Parade because it is tradition to have the 20-year alumni be part of the parade on the 24th of July every year.

I graduated high school 20 years ago....

What?

Then we had a huge gathering at our house in the evening with friends and family for food and fireworks.

Did I say I'm tired...

Anyway, Sister took some awesome pictures for me so I am just going to let her have the chance to tell us about the evening through her photography:









































There were a lot of UPs today.

I have to say my greatest UP was seeing a couple of hours through Sister's eyes and being so grateful that she has the ability to capture her views that are important to her.

My heart is happy. Good night.

Day 204 of 365 Days of UP

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Yep. We're that couple...

I got to volunteer again today at the kids' summer camp.

I didn't go as the volunteer photographer, I actually just went today to help with the kids.

In the beginning I didn't have much to do, but I did have a chance to get to know a few of the kids better. I'm just proud of myself for knowing most of their names after only being there for 2 weeks off and on.

Where I really did get to help was when we went swimming.

Whoa! That was a lot of new experiences for me.

I don't know if I've ever talked about it here on the blog, but until I had my own children with special needs I never did well around people who had special needs, especially those with physical struggles.

I know.

I feel bad.

It just wasn't something I understood.

Maybe that's why I try so hard to be understanding about those who are not very sensitive with my kids now.

Anyway, I had the opportunity to help a young man today who has some physical deformities and struggles. It was SO awesome to get to know his personality and to watch his excitement about the freedom he has while in the water.

It was a slight glimpse into seeing what he will be like in heaven.

It really touched my heart.

I also had the opportunity to rough house with a few students along with my own son, Brother, who are mostly fine physically and are challenged mentally. It made me feel young again, made me laugh, made Brother laugh, and made me feel like I got a little bit of exercise in today.

After getting home and getting ready Marc and I went out on a hot date to the local Chinese restaurant and got Gelato afterwards. The restroom at the gelato place was occupied so I went next door to use Harmon's restroom. When I came out there was a party outside! No. Seriously. There were friends gathered outside talking to Marc. I guess that's why I don't mind telling you I had to use the bathroom because half the people I know were there anyway! Ha!

After we socialized a bit we decided to take a drive to Squaw Peak up Provo Canyon.










I have to admit I always get a little nervous wondering if we're gonna end up catching some young teenagers making out in their car.

I think we may have shocked the teenagers when they were the ones who may have seen us making out... ya... we've been married almost 20 years... and there you have it.

We were that couple.

Don't worry. It was all PG. We were sitting on a rock out in the open... no worries. (I put that in there for my family so they don't get too freaked out that I just admitted to making out with my husband at Squaw Peak on my blog.)

It was just cute and romantic to be up there as the sun was setting and it's always a good reminder to keep your marriage ignited.

My UP today was being up in the mountains with my hubby on a sweet date and feeling young again all day!

Day 203 of 365 Days of Up

Awareness... in more ways than one

Today was National Fragile X Awareness Day.

Green is the color they have decided represents Fragile X.

So I wore green.



I wanted to show my FXS support and get a picture of me in my green bright and early this morning.

It was bright.

And early.

That's why my eyes are squinty.

I tried to get another one later in the day so that you could see just how much support I was showing...
I know. You don't have to tell me. My shorts are cool. (wink)

I try really hard to bring awareness to Fragile X Syndrome because it affects every facet of my life.

Every facet.

Nook.

And cranny.


I volunteered at summer camp again today so that Brother could go again.

I love being a photographer and I love being able to have the chance to help other families document their children's lives by capturing them in photos. It's also a nice side perk to get pictures of my kids at the same time.



I am starting to realize that this is her "picture smile." Scrunch face... too cute.

Brother wanted to make sure I got a picture that showed his feet.
I think he was quite proud to be playing with his shoes off.

Sister had an eventful day today playing basketball with her friends. I even witnessed her make a shot without help. It was so awesome and she knew it!

Swinging at the park.
Later on after Marc got home from work we all headed down to my mom's house for dinner and a movie.

My mom made homemade pizza and we all stuffed ourselves silly! It was so yummy

Then we watched "Teen Beach Movie 2." I know, I just love cheesy stuff! I can't help it.




While watching the movie I was reminded of how much I love musical theater and how I just can't wait until it is time for me to have a chance to be in another play. I haven't been able to audition because of things going on around and during different plays.

I'm truly aware of my love for theater after today.

That's my UP, awareness

Day 202 of 365 Days of Up