Bug's Weblog

I case you didn’t know, Jordan is a girlie girl. She LOVES to do girlie things with mom like shop for shoes, or shop for bracelets, or shop for anything bright to put in her hair.

One of Jordan’s favorite things was to visit mom at work and have some make up done. I thought you would enjoy some pictures of the process.

Here is Jordan getting some eye shadow.

Here is Jordan helping mom put on eye shadow.

What pretty girls. Can you see mom and daughter?

Mom’s job ended at the end of the year because her store is closing. It was fun to go see mom at work and play with makeup but it will be nice to have more of mom’s time at home. I’m sure there will still be plenty of time for makeup.

Jordan turned 14 this year. We brought her home for a small family party with cake and barbeque.

She has really enjoyed our new dog Jake when she has been home. Jake is just over one year old and still has unbounded puppy energy. Jordan and Jake will play for hours with Jordan throwing a toy into the yard and Jake dutifully retrieving it and dropping at her feet.

Here is Jake watching over Jordan has she creates some original chalk art. Good doggy.

Earlier this month Tonya was asked to speak at a Utah Social Services Appropriations Subcommittee meeting. They wanted to hear from individuals and families impacted by the State’s social services programs. I would love to sit Jordan down in front of them for a little direct Q and A.

Tonya also helped out with this segment on Studio 5 (although she was not on the air): http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=71&sid=16549944 As the boys get older she would like to get more involved in advocating for families like ours. With her political background and people skills she would be awesome at that.

Next month Jordan starts are second year of Jr. High School. Last year was kind of rough. We hope next year will go better, we will report how that goes.

Some quick pics of me and my family.

First, Mom comes to read to me at night. We lay on the bed and snuggle and read books. I love books. One of my favorite books is U.S. History. It’s a text book from school. Go figure. It is my favorite time.

Here is me with my brothers Britten and Jackson. We went to lunch the other day. We ate and played and it was fun. I did not hit or pinch or spit or throw food or scream or cry. That’s pretty good for me.

The doctors are still trying to manage my seizures. I’m on a new med that has allowed me to be more alert. That is both bad and good, but mostly good.

I am lucky to have the best caregivers in the world!!  Of course there is no way to adequately thank them for all they do for me, but my mom has been trying to figure out a way.  Aunt Sherry inspired her with a beautiful lap quilt she made for Cousin Ashley’s piano teacher.  Mom asked Gramma Johnson to help her create special “Bug Quilts” for my wonderful elementary school teacher and two “surrogate moms” at my care center.  I have a new case worker at the center who really likes me and “gets” me.  I will miss Miss Dian at school when I go to the jr. high in the fall.

Thanks to Gramma for sewing these quilts with so much love.  I hope my caregivers understand and feel my family’s great appreciation for all their effort on my behalf.  The fabric was chosen to remind them specifically of me.  Even though I can’t express it well I hope all those around me know that I love them too…

Today is Jordan’s birthday. She turns 13 and is officially a teenager.

Jordan is a very active girl this summer. She went to Stadium of Fire where she loved the music, but hated the fireworks. She goes swimming every week, and has trips planned for the area water parks. Later this summer she will go to Lagoon with the other kids from the care center. Besides all of that, she has summer school. She loves to be busy and active, so this is good.

Jordan will start junior high this fall which will be a new adventure. She has loved the last three years of elementary school where she has had wonderful teachers. The kids from her elementary class will be with in Jr. High, so she should have many friends to help her adjust.

Happy Birthday Bug. We love you.