Miracles

I have been around a lot of baseball over the last many years.  I have thrilled to watch my oldest boys make spectacular plays, hit out-of-the-park home runs and pitch some mean innings.  But I have never been prouder of them on a baseball diamond than I was at Sophi's and Lexi's first baseball game two weeks ago.  Soph and Lex are playing in the Salt Lake County Miracle League on the Tampa Bay Rays team.  This is a special league.  Each player has a helper that assists them both in the field and at bat.  Nobody gets out, and the competitive fire is non-existent.  Christi was at the hospital with Graci that Saturday, so I was the only parent going.  I asked the kids who would like to come to the game, and Taylor and Parker both said they would love to go.  I can't remember which of them said, "They've come to so many of our games; I would love to support them today!"  What great young men.

On the way there, I tried to point out this support from their brothers.  "Sophi,"  I said.  "Taylor and Parker are so nice and want to come to your game."  I expected perhaps a thank you.  Instead she very seriously nodded her head and said, "OK.  They can come!"  :)

At game time, Taylor and Parker said they would like to be the assistants for their sisters.  Both boys were so sweet and patient.  The girls just loved it.  Sophi batted with her chin.  Lexi couldn't stop giggling as they ran the bases.  After each hit, the rec center staff throw balls out toward everyone in the outfield so everyone can field a ball and throw (or in Sophi's case, kick) it back in.  I was moved to tears, not only by my own children, but by all of the special, special people involved in this endeavor.  Our kids have helped us to experience so many wonderful blessings and added such richness to our lives.  Here are some pics:

 

Our lives are certainly filled with miracles!  Our favorite to follow right now keeps growing:

 

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Jeremy

Perfection

-->

Every once in awhile, I get to the end of a day and think, “This was a PERFECT day.”  April 13^th was one of those days.  I will never forget it.   It started off with a beautiful morning.  Cali, Lexi, and Xander all chose to be baptized as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It was such a sweet service.  They were able to choose the music, speakers, etc. for the baptism and they did such a good job.  At the risk of boring you, I’m going to outline the program—I’m sure they’ll love reading about it in the future!  Again, you’ve been warned!  This will be a long post!  (:

Grandma Nelson was chosen to lead the music.  The opening song was “I’ll Walk With You” which Xander chose.  The words seemed extra fitting for these children:

If you don’t walk as most people do,
Some people walk away from you,
But I won’t! I won’t!
If you don’t talk as most people do,
Some people talk and laugh at you,
But I won’t! I won’t!
I’ll walk with you. I’ll talk with you.
That’s how I’ll show my love for you.
Jesus walked away from none.
He gave his love to ev’ryone.
So I will! I will!
Jesus blessed all he could see,
Then turned and said, “Come, follow me.”
And I will! I will!
I will! I will!
I’ll walk with you. I’ll talk with you.
That’s how I’ll show my love for you.

Grandma Rose gave the opening prayer, followed by "spotlights."  It’s tradition at most baptisms to spotlight those getting baptized.  The kids picked who they wanted to spotlight them—Lexi picked Parker, Xander picked Taylor, and Cali picked Graci.  They did such a beautiful job.  It was so sweet to hear the things they chose to say about their siblings.  After the spotlights, Cali and her darling friend Kara sang “When I am Baptized.”  It was precious and I was so proud.  Cali had been so excited to invite her friends to her baptism.  She kept asking me for more invitations to give to people.  I was really praying that at least a couple of friends would show up.  As it turned out, about 15 of her cute school friends (few of whom I had even met) showed up.  Cali was so excited as they started to file into the room, but soon got overwhelmed.  I could see her getting emotional and I asked what was wrong.  As it turns out, she was scared to sing!  As she told me, she had little tears trickling down her cheeks.  This was right before the baptism started, so I was nervous that she would get up there and be afraid.  Well, she may have been scared, but she didn’t show it.  She sang SO sweetly and it was absolutely perfect.  Here are the words to that song:

I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain

And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain

I want to be the best I can and live with God again

I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away

And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain

I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

Following the song, Aunt Megan gave a talk on baptism.  Uncle Matthew had been asked to talk but had gotten sick that morning, so she filled in.  You wouldn’t know that she hadn’t had any time to prepare—it was perfect.  After the talk, it was time for the baptisms.

I wish I could explain in words how strong the Spirit was as these sweet children were led into the water and baptized by their Daddy.  Lexi in particular had pure JOY written all over her face as she came out of the water.  She couldn’t contain the giggles and it was just perfect.  Are you getting that “perfect” seems to be the theme of the morning?   She kept saying throughout the day how she felt the Holy Ghost in her heart as she was baptized and how it felt so warm.

As the kids changed from their wet clothes, those attending the service had a few minutes to write notes for them, which I’m sure they will always treasure.  

This was followed by a song performed by Lexi and Jesi called “I Will.”  This song was written by Hilary Weeks, who Lexi happens to be absolutely obsessed with.  They were so precious singing their little hearts out into the microphone.  Once again, the Spirit was so strong in the room and I’m not sure there were any dry eyes.  It was simply beautiful.  I wanted to attach a video of them practicing, but I couldn’t figure out how to get it from photobooth to here—so I just put it on facebook.  I also included a clip of Sophi singing with Lex.  You can access them HERE.
 

Aunt Jenny then gave a wonderful talk on the Holy Ghost, followed by a testimony from Sophi.  Sophi hadn’t been coached on what to say, and these were her words as close as I can remember:

“I bear my testimony that I know the church is true and I know Jesus will fix my arms and I know Jesus will fix Lexi’s eyes and Elli’s eyes and I know Jesus will fix Cali’s legs and I know Jesus will fix Xander’s legs and I know Jesus loves me.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

Love that girl.

The kids were then confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by laying on of hands and were given the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Grandpa Nelson confirmed Cali and Lexi and Grandpa Green confirmed Xander.  They were all given beautiful blessings and had many wonderful men standing in the circle.  I am so grateful for so many righteous men in my life and for the power of the priesthood.

Our wonderful stake president, President Davey, and our bishop, Bishop Short, then shared their testimonies and gave some beautiful thoughts that I will never forget.  The closing song was picked by Lexi, “If the Savior Stood Beside Me” and the prayer was given by Jessica.  Here are the words to that song:

If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example? Would I live more righteously
if I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind if He was never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel? Would I speak more rev’rently
if I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

He is always near me, though I do not see Him there,
And because He loves me dearly I am in His watchful care.
So I’ll be the kind of person that I know I’d like to be
if I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.

Following the baptismal service, we had a wonderful luncheon at the church.  So many people helped with set-up and food and clean-up.  I was so grateful!  One of the highlights of the day was seeing Cali surrounded by all of her friends at a table, laughing and clearly loving the attention she was getting. As a mother, I am SO VERY GRATEFUL for these incredible young ladies who have rallied around Cali and taken her in.  Thank you!!!

After the luncheon, our family was so blessed to be able to go to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple to have Cali sealed to our family.  Again, there isn’t any word to describe the afteroon besides PERFECT.   It was simply heaven on earth.  To have our children inside the temple dressed all in white was such a beautiful reminder of what is to come someday.  Cali absolutely GLOWED.  Many people commented on it—she was just radiant.  I don’t know that I’ve ever seen her look so perfectly happy and peaceful and content as she did in that celestial room as she held her hand over ours during the sealing ordinance.  I am absolutely overwhlemed with gratitude that she is mine forever.  This absolute angel on earth is my daughter—it is so humbling.

The only “un-perfect” part of the day was that our camera kept having issues.  I’m grateful to those who stepped in and took some photos for us.  Pictures aren’t allowed in the temple (we consider it a sacred place) but you are able to go out onto the temple grounds in your white clothing to take family photos afterward.  We’ve done this in the past but we were too exhausted this time!  We did take a few pictures in our church clothes.  Speaking of which, you may notice that I chose to dress Elli all in white for the baptism even though she wasn’t baptized that day.  In our church, we believe that only those accountable for their actions are in need of baptism.  Little children are perfect and alive in Christ—so they are only in need of baptism when they reach the age of accountability.  Because Elli is obviously not accountable, she is incapable of sinning and therefore is also perfect in Christ, having no need of baptism.  I still wanted her to wear white because it represents purity, and she is the most pure little soul I know.  I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that she is a celestial little spirit who is so much closer to Christ without baptism than I will ever be with baptism.    I love you, my darling, perfect Elli.  I love you, sweet Lexi, Xander, and Cali!  I am so proud of your decision to follow the Savior.  I love you, wonderful Graci, Taylor, Parker, Jesi and Sophi!  You mean everything to me!  And I love you, little Emily and Jacob.  I felt your presence in the temple and know that we will all be eternally together someday...

             Aunt Jenny snapped a photo during their song but didn't want to have a flash on....

                                      My friend, Denise, makes the most amazing cupcakes.
                                           These are pink lemonade flavored-- so yummy!

 Cali showing off the flowers sent by Kristen-- her dear friend and the lady who made her adoption possible

               Graci made this pillow for Grandma Rose-- it took hours and hours and hours!

                                                              Xander and cousin Ben

                                                        Nikki and her neice, Hollie

                                                       Aunt Laura, Ben and Uncle Tyler

                                     We were all cold and tired by the time we took photos...

             My beautiful children!!!  Can you tell it's hard to get a photo of them all smiling?!

Joys and Sorrows

OK.  So this miracle has been coming for a long time.  It's been a year since Chrissy Probst first came and told Christi that she felt inspired that she (and whoever would help) needed to build us a home.  From that first day I have experienced so many emotions.  Excitement, humility, fear, joy, disappointment, hope, discouragement, gratitude, and many others.  I have alternately felt like this was absolutely going to work and like there was no way it would happen.  Even since last month at the groundbreaking I have been kind of numb.  Like this just doesn't happen.  Like this can't be real. 

Something clicked today.  We went up after the framers were done for the day.  The basement is probably 75% framed in.  It is really starting to look like a house.  And it hit me.  This is ours!  We will be moving in less than four months.  And it is big!  It will fit our family so well.  And yet, as Christi is so happy about, it doesn't feel TOO big.  It is a fantastic size for our family.  As we walked through this evening, I was filled with a no-caveat joy.  I wasn't worried about any details.  I didn't feel any guilt for being the recipient of such an unheard of gift.  I was just absolutely thrilled for our family.  Thrilled for our kids.  I literally started jumping around and yelping like a kid on Christmas morning.  I carried Cali through it and watched her eyes get big as I explained different rooms to her.  I saw her get so excited as I showed her the elevator shaft.  This is such an incredible thing that you are all helping with!  Thank you.  Thank you!  THANK YOU!!!

Elli has lots of tricks.  This was one of her better ones.  We know this window was shut and the screen was in place when she went in the room.  We think the window was locked.  Go Elli!  (Notice she is directly above the basement window well below...)

Cali is doing so well!  90% of the time she seems so comfortable and happy in her new surroundings and with her new family.  But there are times when she clearly struggles with all the change.  Tears may be shed.  She may just seem down.  Or she may actually show some frustration with something or someone.  The other day she was in a sad mood.  I asked her what she wanted, but she wouldn't answer.  I pressed a little, really wanting to know if there was something I could do to help her.  Someone I could talk to about something they were doing which hurt her.  Finally she answered my question.  The first time I didn't quite catch what she said, so I asked her to repeat it.  She tearfully said, "I want to stand up."

Oh, Cali.  Someday you will. 

Once again, please know how grateful we are to everyone who is making her now so much more manageable with this beautiful new home.

Jeremy

PS. Graci had another trip to the ER on Sunday night. She is doing ok, but golly that poor girl has gone through a lot lately!

Progress:)

Can't believe how busy building a house can keep you.  I've certainly heard people talk about it, but like many things in life, you just can't understand until you do it.  But it's sure fun!!!  Here are some pics of the basement:

And one of the backfill in the garage:

Today they put several more dump truck loads of dirt in the garage and delivered two huge flatbed trucks full of lumber.  They should start framing tomorrow.  We are SO excited for this whole thing.  I seriously keep feeling like I'm in a dream.  This just doesn't happen.  Needless to say, we are all having a blast with this.

Jesi and I went on a Daddy date yesterday.  First we went to Scheel's, rode the ferris wheel and took pictures with the wildlife.  (Scheel's is somewhat similar to a Bass Pro Shop or Cabella's).

 

Today, Sophi and Cali accompanied us to the cabinet store to pick out our cabinets.  It took a LONG time.  Usually Sophi can become quite cranky, but today she had a special helper.  Mark, who works at the cabinet shop and is helping us through the process, acted as a surrogate grandpa and kept her entertained for at least an hour.  If you know Soph, you know that this is a monumental achievement!

Looking forward to visiting the property again tomorrow!

Jeremy

The basement has been poured...

...and it is beautiful!  It's amazing how wonderful a smooth concrete surface can look.  They will start framing tomorrow.  I promise to post some pics tomorrow.  Tonight I am exhausted.  Add building a house to our already rather crazy pace and you wind up very tired each night.  I keep falling asleep during I Love Lucy!

Jeremy

The Impossible Dream

Christi and I love watching YouTube clips of Britain's Got Talent.  We are blown away by some of the amateur talent showcased there, and of course Simon Cowell's snarkiness adds a certain zest:)  The clip I am embedding here is possibly my favorite of all time.  These two brothers introduce themselves as sandwich makers who love to sing classical music.  Of course this elicits a "please-get-me-out-of-here" eye roll from Simon.  Then they proceed to sing this:


The Impossible Dream is one of my mom's favorite songs, so I grew up listening to this song and playing it on the piano.  Once in awhile my mom and I would belt it out together as I would play it.  (We didn't sound quite as good as the Johnson Brothers:)

Christi and I were both getting chills as we listened to this performance, so we replayed it several times.  Each time we were struck by the humility and sweetness of the performers.  About the fifth time through, I really tried to find the meaning of the song.  "To dream the impossible dream.  To fight the unbeatable foe.  To fight with your last ounce of courage.  To run where the brave dare not go.  This is my quest.  To follow that star.  No matter how hopeless.  No matter how far.  To fight for the right, without question or pause.  To be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause.  To reach the unreachable star."

I started thinking about what that might mean to different people.  To the Johnson brothers it might mean, as it once did to me, to find success as singers.  I truly hope they do find success, because I would love to listen to their album!  For others it might mean athletic accomplishments.  It could entail spiritual goals, educational milestones, or climbing to the top of a mountain.  I ran through dozens of possible meanings of "reaching the unreachable star."  And then it hit me.  Sophi is our star.  Graci, Elli, Xander, Lexi, Cali, Taylor, Parker and Jesi are our stars.  We have dreamed a dream that at times seems impossible.  We have fought with our last ounce of courage, even if the only foe is the daunting task of bedtime for nine children.  We have run where the brave (or perhaps the sane) dare not go.  It has at times been a hopeless road, a road eternally far.  But it is the right road for us.  And I wouldn't be truthful if I didn't admit that we have been through some terribly rough patches as we have pursued this heavenly cause.

But like the mountain climber who endures intense discomfort and puts forth supreme physical effort to earn the reward of the panoramic views and gorgeous vistas, so we have been rewarded with unbelievable joy and beauty.  A priceless hug from Soph.  A sincere and grateful smile from Cali.  The unsurpassed expressions of pure happiness from Lexi.  And so many, many other ways we are blessed by our children.  (Not to mention Puzzle Them Home!)

I hope each of you who finds this post can enjoy this beautiful, inspirational music as much as we have.  I hope each of us can reach our unreachable stars.  The world is a better place when are all making the effort to do our very best.

Jeremy

Two amazing boys

Many of you who read this blog are likely aware of the passing of "Miracle Ryker."  The story of his courageous battle with heterotaxy has touched so many people.  Ryker is the most adorable little guy on the planet with the biggest, most handsome eyes you've ever seen.  I don't know him personally, but having connections to his family somehow makes it all more personal.  Ryker's brothers, Trett and Jad, have played baseball with Parker for many years.  They are such good boys and my heart is breaking for them.  Also, Ryker's aunt Missy is a good friend of mine and has been Elli's teacher in primary.  I love her.  In addition, the charity that is working with us on our home, Children and the Earth, has also been helping Ryker.  I can tell you from many meetings we have had with them that Ryker holds an especially tender place in their hearts.  These small connections make Ryker's story more real to me even though I have never met him, and he has been in my thoughts a lot lately.

Yesterday especially, Ryker was really on my mind.  Being in the hospital with our own little heart patient who is currently doing so well was a reminder of all of the blessings and miracles I have been part of.  As I thought on him and his story and read through the many comments made on facebook, there was one common thread:  that he had an AMAZING family.  It's true-- the absolute ADORATION and perfect, selfless love that this family has for their children is easily sensed as you watch his videos and read his story.  If there was one bright thought that I had as I pondered his death, it was that he was and will forever be completely cherished by a family.  He was never alone.

As we were getting ready to have Graci discharged yesterday, a sweet lady showed up at our door.  Her name is Deanne and she is the mother of 17.  Jeremy and I had met Deanne and her husband Doug for dinner before, but we had yet to meet their beautiful children.  They just returned a couple of weeks ago from China, where they adopted the most adorable boy, Gideon.  He underwent open heart surgery Thursday morning and he had just been moved to a room a few doors down from Graci's.  As I went to meet Gideon and his new siblings, I was overcome at the amount of love in that room.  Gideon looked fantastic-- he had energy and was moving about and just doing so great.  He has been astounding the doctors with his quick recovery.  They had anticipated spending 3 weeks in the hospital with this surgery, and instead it looks like it might be less than one.   As we were talking, I asked what his specific heart condition was.  Deanne said, "You've probably never heard of it-- it's really rare.  It's called heterotaxy."

Of course, my heart instantly went to Ryker.  As it so happens, heterotaxy is so rare that from what I understand, it affects only 1 in 1,000,000 children.  And yet here I was being touched by two little boys with the same condition on the same day.  I pondered on it the whole drive home.  The prevailing thought I had was how both of these sweet, beautiful boys were part of such amazing, loving families.  As I said, nearly every comment on Ryker's facebook page talked about what a loving family he had.   Sweet little Gideon has now been blessed with that same kind of family.

I think with all of the times I have jumped on my adoption soapbox, you know where this is going...  (:

What would have happened to Gideon had Deanne and Doug not taken that leap of faith to bring him home?  I know they had many fears and many reasons (16 of them come to mind!) that they could have used to justify leaving him there in China to die.  A doctor, in fact, gave them that advice.  But they went forward with faith knowing that they might only have him a very short time and now-- regardless of what heterotaxy does to him, Gideon has an eternal family like Ryker's.   A family who loves and cherishes and sacrifices for him.

 Reading their thoughts as they have been on this journey gives me no doubt that despite their grief and shattered hearts, Ryker's family would not give up ONE SINGLE DAY that they had with him.  That if they had to do it all over again, they would still choose life.   I also know that despite whatever challenges come their way, Gideon's family is firm in their decision to love him and give him a family.  I know that both families will be forever blessed to have these little boys in their lives.

With that in mind...

What if just ONE of the wonderful people who have been touched by Ryker's courage and beautiful spirit considered bringing home one of the millions of children who are facing their own battles ALONE.   What if they loved and adored and cherished that child just as Ryker's famiy cherishes him.   Can you think of a more beautiful tribute to this brave little guy? 

I used to be less bold when I talked about adoption.  I had a friend tell me one time several years ago that because of how much I talked about adoption and my desire for more people to adopt, she felt judged.  It broke my heart.  That is so opposite of what I want to do.  I don't want people to think I look at them and think that they are in any way "less" because they haven't adopted.  I also really don't want people to think that I hold myself higher in any way because we have.  I truly do not.  Most of the people I admire and look up to the most and totally want to emulate haven't adopted, so believe me, it is not important to me in how I look at someone.  Adoption is such a personal decision and I know full well that it is not for every family.  I also know that many families have the desire to but cannot.  That is heartbreaking.

But I wouldn't be being true to myself and the thoughts that the Spirit places on my heart if I didn't share that I think adoption is BEAUTIFUL and NEEDED.  It would be crazy to have discovered chocolate and not share it with the world, right?!!  (:  Likewise, we have discovered something amazing and life changing and beautiful.   When I see the Christlike, perfect love Ryker's family holds for him I just ache for others who are left alone.  So I HAVE to share!  (:  I would shout it from the rooftops if I could.  Gideon has a family now!!!  It's a beautiful thing!!!  And if my being bold can fan a spark in someone else to do the same thing, well, then I guess I will be bold.  (:   Please know that it comes from love for these children and a desire for others to experience something sweeter than chocolate!    It does not and never will come from a place of judgement.

Just consider it.  That's all.

--Christianne 

By the way-- Graci is doing so well.  I am so thankful for the miracles of our Heavenly Father and of modern medicine, which in my opinion, go hand in hand.  Thank you so very much for your prayers.

Home At Last!

Graci finally came home! She was discharged around 4:00 pm tonight. It's so good to have her back and so good to see her looking so much better. Christi and I haven't seen each other since Tuesday. It's so nice to be back together as a family again. We're exhausted. We'll write more tomorrow.

Jeremy

Another Night

Graci had a pretty good day overall, but she is still not eating or drinking enough. Because her hydration correlates to her blood pressure, the doctors are having her stay in the hospital another night. Her temperature has also gone up a bit and she has a low fever. Christi is up there with her tonight.

My night at home with the kids was pretty interesting. I'm a bit too tired to share it tonight, but if I'm still alive tomorrow, maybe I will then:)

Jeremy

Getting Back to Normal

Graci is doing so much better this morning. Her blood pressure, pulse and temperature are close to normal. And she is much more like her normal self, which, when I'm around, usually consists of giving dad a hard time. We are hopeful that she'll be able to go home sometime today. She's still not eating much, but at least she's eating something. She didn't want anything for the first 24 hours she was in the hospital.

Grace is a tough kid. She's been through so much and continues to be resilient. I know there's a TV show that says it's someone else, but the real truth is: Everybody Loves Graci!!!

Jer

Out of ICU

The good news is that we've moved out of ICU into a regular room. Graci's blood pressure and pulse are much better. The echocardiogram was normal (for Grace), so that's a big relief. The bad news is she continues to be extremely lethargic. Her fever has returned so she's back on Tylenol. We can't get her to eat anything, and she's only drinking the smallest amounts of water. She's getting fluid through an IV, but will have to start eating and drinking on her own before they'll discharge her.

Some friends of ours are up here at Primary Children's while their newly adopted 2-year-old is recovering from open heart surgery. This is their 17th child (yes, you read that correctly). Most are adopted, some are biological. I often hear people say, "Nine kids??? How do you do it???" I feel exactly the same way about these sweet people.

While Grace and I are up here, life continues to move on. Baseball practices, Providence Hall fine arts night, meetings with contractors, subcontractors, landscape designers and more are keeping Christi busy and me on the phone. The secret is to enjoy the journey. The Lord knew that I needed lots of practice on this one, so he's given me lots and lots of experiences to enjoy!

Jeremy

Graci Update 2

Another quick update:  Grace has slept all morning. (Wish Jer and I could say that!)  Blood pressure continues to be low but the doctors are more concerned now about her heart rate which has been having a very wide range.  They are trying to get that to stabilize.  An ECHO has been ordered and it will be done right in her PICU room.  Fever is still down.

Thank you so much for all of the prayers and texts.  We know that Heavenly Father is watching over her.  I just want to fast forward til she's home with us and being her usual fabulous self.  (:

--Christianne

Graci Update

Graci is doing better! Her blood pressure is still pretty low, so she is still in the PICU, but the fever has been controlled all night. While she was still at Riverton, they tested for both bacterial infections and viruses. During the night we got the virus results back and it turns out Graci has influenza B. This likely explains all of her symptoms, but they may still do an echocardiogram to rule out any problems or infections around her heart. If she continues to be stable but with the low blood pressure they will likely move her out of ICU into a regular room.

I'll update as soon as I know anything more.

Jeremy

Poor Graci part 2

It's 1:15 a.m.  I just arrived home from the hospital and I'm a little wired right now so I thought I'd give a quick update on Grace.  Jer had it mostly right (we'll forgive him for minor details being as how he learned everything through texts.)  Grace had been sick, as he said, but actually woke up this morning feeling better and went to school.  Just after school let out, I got a phone call from a teacher there saying that she was worried about Graci-- she had her head on a desk and wasn't acting like herself.  I went in the school to pick her up and she was in tears, saying that she was dizzy and didn't feel well.  She could barely walk out to the car.  I got her an appt for an hour later and by the time we got to the doctor, her fever was 103.8.  It wasn't the fever that concerned me so much as how she was acting-- very delirious and unwilling to sit up straight or move.  Strep test was negative and the dr. did a chest x-ray that showed some possible signs of pneumonia.  He was also worried about the way she was acting and her low blood pressure and sent us to the ER.  By the time we got to the ER, Graci was very delirious.  She would go from being in a total daze to lashing out-- which she has NEVER done.  The doctor that treated her there was fantastic and thorough.  He first thought that she was likely septic and possibly had meningitis.  Sadly, Graci's scar tissue from her back surgery made it difficult for them to get any spinal fluid.  They put the needle in three times and couldn't get it.  She was hysterical during that time, screaming in the most pathetically soft voice, "Please stop hurting me!"  It was awful-- especially when it didn't even work.  They started IV fluids and antibiotics and waited for her lab work.  The strange part is that all of her labs were normal.  As her doctor said, "She has everyone baffled."  By 10:00 tonight they finally got her fever down.  While that was of course, good, her other stats started going down too-- her oxygenation and blood pressure.  The doctor had talked throughout the night about possibly transferring her up to Primary Children's in Salt Lake, but hadn't felt an urgency yet.  Apparently her drop in blood pressure did the trick.  They are concerned that she might have endocarditis.  As the doctors here spoke to the doctors there, it was decided that she needed to go on life flight straight to the PICU.  That way, she would be attended by pediatric ICU nurses rather than EMTs on the way up there.   About 15 minutes before she took off on the helicopter, Graci started to come around.  She was talking a little and looking so much better.  She even gave a big goofy grin as I took her picture getting onto the helicopter.  I'll post that later if she's ok with it.  Made me feel so much better to send her off when she was able to do that!  The flight from our hospital to PC is just 7-8 minutes and Jeremy was there waiting for her.  I came home to take care of the 8 cute kids I left here alone all night!  I was so grateful that I had Papa Murphy's pizzas in the fridge-- Taylor was able to cook dinner for everyone and put them all to bed.  Parker cleaned up the kitchen.  What wonderful kids I have.   I wish that Jer and I could both be with Graci, but I am grateful that I have an actual bed to sleep in for a few hours (there are no beds in the PICU and all of the "guest beds" have been taken tonight.)  Now if I can get my mind off of Graci and get some sleep so I can conquer tomorrow!  That girl sure knows how to worry us!  It was such a blessing that I was able to see her smile and respond before I had to say goodbye for the night.  Thanks in advance for prayers her way.  

--Christianne

Poor Graci

Our sweet Grace has had it rough lately! Sunday she came home early from church because she wasn't feeling well. She has slept most of the time since then. She had a fever around 100 so we gave her ibuprofen. She has missed school all week. Then this afternoon, she had a 103 fever, so Christi took her to our family doctor. Not only did she have the high fever, her blood pressure was extremely low. The top number was about 70. The doctor sent them over to the emergency room at Riverton Hospital.

At the emergency room they were worried about meningitis, so they tried to give her a lumbar tap, which was extremely painful and unsuccessful. They are not sure yet, but Grace will likely end up riding in an ambulance up to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake tonight. Second ambulance ride in a month for the poor thing! (Feeling very grateful for good insurance right about now.) And of course I'm on a business trip in Denver until tomorrow. Fortunately there was a late flight available, so I'll be able to get home tonight.

Pray for Grace, poor kid. She's been through so much.

We love you Graci!

Daddy