Devin's on the move!!!

Yesterday ended up being a day of pain control and much needed rest for Devin. His spirits are still good and like his usual self he does a great job entertaining the people around him. I get tears in my eyes every time I hear him recount his experience on 6 mile canyon in Sterling, UT. He describes his ATV ride as the best ever...no regrets! If we could all live by that principle...think how full filling life would be!

The anticipation of walking for the first time was almost unbearable... but he did it! Up on his feet, supported by his back brace, Devin took two laps around ICU. As a reward for his hard work he got a bath and brushed his teeth. The only draw back to this whole scenario was his father and male nurse Mike were the care givers. No luck in the cute blond nurse department...

EVIL KNEVIL (aka Devin)

Talk about Dejavu...yesterday was a whirlwind of events that made me feel like I was reliving February 28th, 2009 all over again! I am seeing a little clearer this morning and wanted to share a little information with our friends and family on Devin's ATV accident. I don't know what's worse...waiting in a hospital room for test and radiology reports or being 600 miles away when someone you love is in a major accident (Gerald and I will debate that later). Once again, I had my camera with me and was able to record some of the events from yesterday. Your texts, voice mails, prayers and phone calls are so appreciated. There is no question in my mind that Devin's 250 foot fall was cushioned by angels. The Lord has a definite plan and purpose for this kid!!!





Broken Thoracic Vertebrae 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 9

7 Broken Ribs

1 Punctured lung

No suurgery needed!!!

Devin has already tried on the "Turtle Shell" that he will be wearing for the next 12 weeks and should be up and walking a bit today 7/30/2010. He has determined that a broken neck hurts alot less than 7 ribs and and 6 back bones (go figure).

Mom's Are Human Too

There are times in a mothers life when we realize we are human. This became a realization when Devin and I showed up 7 hours late for a very much anticipated appointment at the DMV! Devin's excitement was crushed when he was told he missed his behind the wheel driving appointment and his only option was to make another appointment later in the month (he was less than thrilled with his mother). As I began to turn to apologize, I was abruptly cut off with a ...""Don't even say it Mom." There was no arguing... I couldn't change what had just happened and nothing that I could say would make it better. We rode home in silence as I thought about how I should have or could have done a few things differently earlier that day to prevent the mix-up.

There are also times in a mothers life when your children completely surprise you with their ability to overcome obstacles in their life and move ahead! Upon returning home Devin disappeared in the house and I immediately began to research when another appointment at the DMV would be available. Not but 15 min. had passed and Devin engulfed me in a hug saying, "It's no big deal Mom". He had rearranged his date plans for the night and put the past behind him just like that. Man, I really love that kid!

I was able to schedule an appointment for one week later and on July 6th, Devin received his drivers license. Maybe if he had taken his test one week earlier he wouldn't have had Lupe as his instructor? She was so darn cute we had to have a picture with her!

Fourth of July in Big Bear California

Any chance we get to ecape the heat we jump at it! July 3rd was spent at Troy's for a swim party and BBQ and the 4th was spent in Big Bear with Grandpa and Grandma Hampton. Hal and Shela are running a church camp for the second year in a row. They did such a dynamite job the first year... they asked them back for a repeat season in the mountains. Everyone loves the them and all they do to serve on their mission April through October.

Fireworks in Big Bear are some of the best to be seen and to top it off, the back ground is Big Bear Lake. The Pyke Family had a big Fourth of July Celebration at their home on the lake so we had perfect seats for the show! It really was a picture perfect day spent with freinds and family and patriotism was in the air for sure. Natalie commented on how Sue had decorated everything so perefectly...
... red, white and blue was everywhere!

Pioneer Trek

The worst of times...the best of times...the dirtiest of times...

Gerald and I had the opportunity to be a Ma and Pa for the Pioneer Trek. Devin and Trevor were also part of the Trek and if you were to ask any of us how it went... we'd all have a different response.
Trevor would tell you that he would have never made it as a Pioneer and you'll never see him on another Trek... but his Ma and Pa were pretty cool and had good snacks.

Devin would tell you..."Read my 5 page journal excerpt...I sound just like Joseph Smith. It was so cool except for when I rolled down the hill and found every sticker and thorn inside my overalls!"

Gerald had everyone of his new family members nick named and whooped into shape by the first 30 minutes.

I was in awe of the reality I felt being a Pioneer and the daily obstacles they had to overcome. An awesome experience! We all spent a few days talking about our own experiences, laughing and sharing our new found love and appreciation for the pioneers. However, there is a reason they only do this trek every 4 years...

June 2010

Our 96 year old Grandma Green past away this June. Her funeral was really more a celebration of life than anything. Tears that were shed were for the wonderful memories she has given her posterity to keep in our hearts and thoughts. It was a great trip to the Pacific Northwest especially being greeted by blue skies and warm weather! We managed to drive through our old stomping grounds of Canby, Oregon and a quick visit to the Coast as well. The sights and familiar smells put smiles on all our faces as we spent the weekend remembering Grandma and Grandpa Green and the wonderful lives we had as children growing up in Oregon.