WOW!! Callie is 16!!

Isn't she gorgeous? People tell her she looks just like her mom. Hmmmm.

I really am very proud of the wonderful girl Callie has become. She is smart, funny, pretty, humble, obedient, spiritual, a good friend, talented in many ways, a great dancer, and courageous. I marvel at the way she handles life as a teen in these trying times. She is willing to stand up for what's right even when it means and has meant being ridiculed. She is a great example to me, her mom, of being in the world and not of the world. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for the blessing that she is in my life and in our family's life.

Happy Birthday Matthew!!

I can't believe it's already been two years since Matthew joined our family. It is not possible to describe in words the absolute joy that he is in our family. I have said many times that he is the blessing I never knew I wanted, or needed, until I got it.

I love watching how he affects the people all around him. As an example... The other day I was standing in the check-out line at the Dollar Tree. I heard someone get in line behind me. I don't typically turn around to check out every person behind me and this time was no different. All of a sudden, from behind me, I hear, "BOO!" I figured they were interacting with Matthew so I still didn't turn to look. I just smiled at Matthew as I watched him watch the Booer. He didn't really react much at all. Then I heard again, "Boo!" Again, not much reaction from Matthew. I rubbed his head and continued waiting. This went on for several "Boos". Eventually he started to smile at whoever it was behind me that kept boo-ing. At last, I turned to see the person who was so intent on playing with Matthew. It was a body builder guy from LA Fitness! Hilarious! This is how it is when I go out with Matthew. All the ladies at the various stores I shop at know Matthew. Not because I have ever talked to them about him but because they notice him every time he comes in. I frequently get comments from random people about how big he is getting, etc... I know he is noticed because he has Down Syndrome and it is less common to see a little baby or now toddler who has it. I believe that he is also noticed because he absolutely radiates joy and peace and people are drawn to the spirit that is in him.

Matthew is fully into toddler mode. He makes mischief like any two-year-old does. As I type this, I can hear him in the family room ripping all the videos out. He does this many times every day. I am grateful that he has a healthy body and an inquisitive mind that drives him to explore with vigor the world around him. Soon enough he'll move on from happily tearing out videos and toys and have to face the bigger world. I look forward to all that life will bring with Matthew and I enjoy reflecting today on the past two years I have had with my special boy.