Carsen's Birthday #9

Classic skating had no idea what we were about to unleash on them....friends, cousins, aunts. uncles and grandparents were all on hand to celebrate Carsen's 9th birthday. Her favorite gifts were Zoobles and of course CASH$ We celebrated in the DJ room and everyone had fun being a DJ, except Gpa Grover. Carsen even decorated her own cake for the occasion.

Fun with the cousins 4.02.2011

We got an unplanned visit from Paige and Ella, so we made the most of it. Lunch at Artic Circle (duh, shakes!) and then off to the Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point. After that to the park for the balloon launch for Autism Awareness month. Chandler bailed after the museum, but the girls and the moms played all day-even little Shayla. After that Gma Grover bought us all pizza. Super day and super love from our family for Autism Awareness. Thanks Joni and TaNece and Mom! Love you all!

Autism..April....Overload

April is Autism Awareness month.  I am going to try to learn more about Autism and help you to as well.  I found this interesting video on YouTube, made by someone with Autism, trying to explain what it feels like to have sensory overload.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPDTEuotHe0

St. Francis' Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.



Where there is hatred, let me sow love.


Where there is injury, pardon.


Where there is doubt, faith.


Where there is despair, hope.


Where there is darkness, light.


Where there is sadness, joy.


O Divine Master,


grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;


to be understood, as to understand;


to be loved, as to love.


For it is in giving that we receive.


It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,


and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.


Amen.


 
I have loved this prayer since a good friend introduced me to it, puts things into perspective for me.

Carsen is full of love....

Last week, we tragically lost two of our dogs.  Carsen was heartbroken and made some R.I.P. signs and put them up in her room to remember them.  Next week will be Chandler's 11th birthday and Carsen asked who was coming, so I gave her the list (family with a few close friends).  She immediately said "before Shay comes over I will take down the R.I.P. signs about the dogs so she isn't sad".  How sweet is that!!  I think we will be okay, since Shayla can't read.....

Words to Live By

We were getting Carsen's Reflections contest entries ready tonight.  She is just more interested in getting them to school, and getting that award.  I am more interested that she learn to do a good job and hopefully receive recognition for that work.
ME:  It's important that you do your best work and don't settle, just to get an award.
CARSEN:  I'll do my best work, but I'll settle for any award.

Grand trip to Arizona

Toby, Carsen and I headed out to see the Grand Canyon.  It was the day after the big fire in Herriman, so we were low on sleep.  We stopped in Kanab, an area of Utah I had never seen-I loved it.  Our destination was Toby's Step-Dad's, inside the Grand Canyon National Park.  Once we arrived it was pure bliss, we were miles away from anyone, just Harry, Janet and the animals.  The picture above is the view we had all around us.  Carsen couldn't wait to meet her mule, Cricket.  Although once Grandpa threw her up on Cricket she was a little nervous.  Soon, she got comfortable on the sweet mule, much like a dog she comes when you call her. 





The view from behind.....

Harry took us to see Indian writings in rock, just a short drive from where we were staying.

Then, Carsen's second favorite part of the trip......

Toby taught Carsen how to shoot, she was really excited that she "killed" a can of Coke.  We all tried to kill us some soda, but Toby and Carsen were the only ones who got any.


Carsen and Grandpa Harry



What a climb!