A year of JOY and MIRACLES

I considered titling my post, "Thank goodness 2010 is over...here's hoping for a better 2011" but I decided to change my attitude.


MIKE:

The year began with the welcomed announcement that Mike and Lisa were engaged. JOY!

In March, I got a call in the middle of the night that Mike had been in an accident and had been air-flighted from the scene. When I arrived in Provo a few hours later, this is what I found:
The trauma team was working furiously to save Mike's life but we were told to prepare for the worst...he probably wouldn't make it through the night. But he did. MIRACLE. In fact, MIRACLES continued to occur for the next several weeks as Michael fought the odds. At that point, the doctors told us his prognosis and it was horrible. But again, MIRACLES have continued to occur as he learns to do things that we were told he'd never be able to do again. This is due in large part, to Lisa's role in this. Their love for one another is something most people will never experience and I have had the privilege to witness it. Lisa and I have grown close through the past 10 months. I stay with her when I go to Utah, we talk daily on the phone for Michael updates, and we encourage one another when we feel we can't go on. Not only is Michael fortunate to have her in his life, but I am also fortunate to have her in mine. JOY!

She is so clever with the things she does for Mike. For instance:

4th of July: she bought sparklers and we lit them outside his hospital room so he could see them through the window.

Halloween: she dressed in costume, dressed Mike in costume, (and I may or may not have been in costume as well for a few minutes). then she had the nurses and CNA's come trick or treating in Mike's room.

Christmas: Rather than decorating the tree herself, she helped Mike decorate the tree we put in his room

New Years Eve: we counted down (at 9:00 before he fell asleep) and had glow sticks, poppers, and noise makers.

New Years Day: Bundled Michael up and took him outside in 17 degree temperatures so she could set off fireworks for him...he loves explosions. He also got to use his remote control car and have a snowball fight.

She has taught him to shoot a nerf gun and he has had a lot of fun shooting CNA's, his friends, and even family members. She has read multiple books to him, watched multiple movies with him, and brought her nieces and nephews in to party with Mike.

KATIE:

There is a lot of JOY watching your children as parents. Katie and Spencer continue to amaze me. Not only are they raising and teaching their children, but Katie is Primary President and Spencer serves with the Young Men as a Scout Master. Spencer is also attending school full time, working on a Ph.D, and he works full time. They have a cute home, fun children, and lots of love and JOY in their family. I don't know how they do all that they do!

I have been happy to have been able to visit them twice this year, most recently, last week JOY!(more about that in a later post)JEFF:

Jeff is working at a job he loves. He is a genius...he works at the genius bar at the Apple store. But the big news with Jeff is......

drum roll, please.....

He's engaged...JOY!

Olivia has stolen not only Jeff's heart, but also the heart of our entire family and extended family. She is darling, smart, educated, confident, and talented. I'm sure I will have much to add to the list as I get to know her better. I couldn't be happier and am so grateful to have her be a part of our family this spring. JOY!

LAURI:

I've managed to stay employed (MIRACLE) during a very difficult Arizona economy and to stay afloat financially when I've had a lot of added expenses (MIRACLE) and to find pieces of JOY during a very difficult year. I have a strong testimony that there is a plan and even if I don't understand it, I know Heavenly Father knows and all will be alright.

Here's looking at a better 2011.