Kyles Eagle

Ive written here about Kyle once or twice before. He is my nephew who just turned 18 and has autism. He is one of the kindest, whole hearted, special kids I know. This last Sunday he did something that not many people achieve, something he had to work very hard for and something that took him a really long time. He earned his Eagle Scout award. We went to his court of honor on Sunday which was the most moving, tender thing I have seen or been to in a very long time. They did a great job recognizing him and his accomplishments. Kyle even gave a talk and sang a song because the music on his slide show was not working. I bawled almost the whole time trying to blame it on pregnancy hormones but I know it wasn't all that. Kyle has such a special spirit about him and you could certainly feel it strong that night. The reason that I write about this is one  I never want to forget how hard Kyle worked but two it reminds me that we can accomplish anything we put our minds to!! He didn't let his disability get him down, he didn't use it as an excuse he simply choose to do something and did it. I hope that one day I am as strong, brave and special as Kyle. He is one of my hero's here on earth and I am so happy that he is part of my life to remind me of what really is important. Love, charity and kindness!!

Bott Family Christmas Party

Today we had my side of the families Christmas Party. We did our annual breakfast, cousin gift exchange and then my mom gave all of the grand kids their presents. Its always fun for all of the cousins to get together even though it can be hectic. Food was yummy and the company was fun.

School Chirstmas Fun

This past week the boys had lots of fun with school Christmas activities. They had parties, gift exchanges, assemblies and the parents were invited for a school sing along. It was so much fun to be able to help out at their parties, and to go to the sing along with Layne and Landon. This sure is a fun time of year with kiddos in tow!!

Family Trip to see Santa

Friday night we had a little family date. We went out to dinner then hit up the mall to see Santa. The boys took a turn sitting on his lap and telling him what they want for Christmas and then we got their picture with him all together. Once we were done with Santa we looked around for a bit and then let the boys ride on the rides in the middle of the mall. When we got home we had a movie night with lots of treats and popcorn. It was a fantastic way to spend our Friday night!

Field Trip to Santa

On Wednesday I went with Landon and his preschool class to the mall to visit Santa. It was so cute to see the little kids get to excited when Santa walked in and was jingling his bells. They all took a turn sitting on his lap and telling them what they wanted for Christmas and then Santa gave each of them a coloring book. We took a few pictures of the class as well. It was a fun afternoon.

Verizon Christmas Party

On Tuesday Verizon had their annual Christmas party. It was so much fun this year!! They brought in horse carriages that gave families carriage rides around the center outside, they made each child a badge like the workers there use, they had crafts, a cake walk, 2 photo booths, tattoos and then gave out sandwiches, cookies, cider and hot cocoa, they also had some special visitors Santa, frosty and 2 penguins from the north pole. Its always fun to have the family come to work. They love being able to visit and seeing where I work. Verizon did a outstanding job this year. We loved every second of it!!

Children...

It always stops me in my tracks to hear my kids talk about Kael in great detail. They mention him often, we have his pictures all over and we keep him a part of all family events but when the boys go out of their way to ask questions, talk about their memories and express their feelings it is very bittersweet for me. The sweet part is I know that they know him, think of him, remember him and love him.... the bitter part is I also know that they are hurting, miss him and wish he were here just the same that I do. Daxton got down Kaels book just before bed time last night. He looked through all of the pictures and asked questions. He didnt remember Kaels casket and was very thorough with his questions... then he asked me when Kael is going to come back alive... how I wish I knew and had a anwser for this question. Its hard for me to even try and grasp I cant even imagine how it must be hard for their little brains to wrap around. Once Stefon and Landon heard Dax and I talking they wanted in. So we re-read his book and they both got to ask their questions. Its very interesting to me to see how much they want to know and understand. Now that Landon is older he also wants to know all about it. He wants to know why Kael passed away how come his body didnt work and when he gets to meet his big brother. I love hearing Daxton and Stefon tell Landon about Kael it really is a sweet thing. To hear their memories and talk about how special he is. Its a little bit tough to explain to Landon why he cant meet Kael on earth and how he passed away. Im sure as he gets old it will be a bit easier but it stings right now just a little bit. The good news in all of this is that I know Kael wont be forgotten in our little family. We will live his legacy forever and Landon and baby girl will know all about their big brother, how special he is and the huge impact he made on our lives. With todays events it saddens me to know that now 26 other families will know this heart break, a child, a sibling, a mom a dad it will hurt so badly and they will have to learn to walk this grief walk. I pray for thier families there are no words, nothing that can be said or done to make their situation any easier. I pray those children did not have to suffer long and that the horror that they witnessed was short lived. I cant imagine how awful it was for them. I will pray for their families for weeks to come as this journey I can only imagine will be rough. Remember hold your kids tighter, tell the ones that you love just how much you love them and never take one second for granted.