Hey, remember when Cotton came to Utah? This is what he looked like when he got here. It’s really a miracle, now he’s walking pretty normal. Some of you might say this is embarrassing, but I’m not posting to say look at the freak, I’m saying WOW, this is amazing! I found this old video on my computer while cleaning files off and thought this is an example of hard work and faith paying off. Many, many nights we prayed that he would not be stuck in a wheelchair his whole life. And I watched as Cotton worked hard everyday to increase flexibility and push himself past using canes and all of that; so when I saw this I was really proud and grateful.

Ahh memories.

My mother came over tonight with a couple of items from her treasure box. The treasure box is a pile of stuff she wanted to keep from when we were kids. Some of the items she brought over were not labeled, so without further introduction, here are some poems which are probably by me at age unknown:

Place

It is very strange, this place of mine,
it is a place of dim sunlight.
My place is a wonderful place.
Where you go to fly jets,
shoot at enemy spys,
or kill the bad guys.
You can go flying through the air,
and land anywhere.
You can stay all day,
but you have to wake up with the sun rays.

-Unknown McCulloch Son

Mom

Mom makes me laugh
Mom makes lots of crafts,
Mom lets me go and roll.
Mom likes to make bread
but can’t do it on her own.
Mom has a million recipes,
three boxes it’s true.
Mom burn food, no way,
just a little dark.
“Mom, lower your voice.
What’s for dinner? Make a choice.”
“What looks good?”
“I don’t care.”
“Good night. I love you.”
“Ditto, Mom.”

-Unknown McCulloch Son

Can you watch this video without getting up and scarfing some chocolate afterwards?

The main reason the Fernstens came to Utah over Labor Day weekend was see us. The second reason was to celebrate Rachel’s old friend Allison Funk getting married! The reception took place over an hour away from where we live, but it was a lot of fun to be there in that beautiful backyard setting.

Here is a photo of Chase, and Allison’s nephew, Bryson. He’s the son of Allison’s older sister, Jamie. Jamie was my best friend growing up, and without her, my teenage years would have been a lot more boring! She is such a beautiful, vivacious, entertaining person.

I love the photo below because the two boys were just sitting there, enthralled as they watched the newlywed couple have their first dance together. So precious!

I was so glad the groom’s parents had this ground-level trampoline in their yard for the kids to enjoy! I loved it that Chase had such a blast running around with all those little Funk cousins. He doesn’t have any cousins of his own, but he’s always glad to adopt any that he comes across!

Becky also came with three of her four kids, and I was glad they came to join in the festivities. It’s always so much fun to be with my friends that I can laugh with and with whom I also used to laugh when I was 13. Becky is not only one of my favorite people ever, she’s also gorgeous, and she is raising four healthy kids!

The girls and I also met up once at Becky’s place a couple days before the wedding, because we love every excuse to spend time chatting and laughing together. (Photo courtesy of Becky’s talented 4-year-old daughter).