Chillins of MDA

I enjoyed my third and final year at the Muscular Dystrophy Association's summer camp for kids. As hard as it was not being able to see nor speak to my husband for an entire week, it was an experience I'll never forget. I was lucky enough to get paired with my camper, Kaden, for the third year in a row. Most volunteer-camper pairs have an adjustment period for a few days while they figure each other out. Kade-oh and I are way past that by now. He was so excited the first night that he decided it would be fun to keep all of the other 12 people awake in our cabin by singing not-so-pleasant songs. I had no qualms about telling him what was what which finally got him asleep. From literally carrying him to the bathroom to brush his teeth to begging him to change his dirty socks, there were several times we were ready to pull each others hair out. But somehow, through it all, he ended the week in tears and clinging to my waste because he didn't want to be separated for yet another year. Kade has showed me that even though he's facing such a destructive disease like MD, he can still see the bright side of life and enjoy it to the fullest.

Third year together--summer 2012



Second year together--summer 2011





First year together--summer 2010
How things have changed!

 As much as I love and adore Kaden, he is not the only kid that is near and dear to my heart. Last year, a six year old little boy named Ryan was put in our same group. He has a much more severe form of MD than Kade and can't do much for himself. He DOES, however, have a magnetic personality that makes everyone drawn to him. He has the sweetest squeaky voice that simply melts your heart. His favorite things are kisses on the cheek and singing "Single Ladies" to anyone who is within ear shot of him. I love this little boy and will never forget his bright smile!



Ryan cheesing it up--summer 2012



 

Being obsessed with our hair--summer 2011

Ryan's amazing talent

Not all children with MD have only a muscle disease to battle with. Three brothers we called the "Honey Boys" also have severe autism. All three of them were in our cabin, which made for interesting bedtimes. I have never worked closely with autistic children, but from what I have studied of them, they have a hard time expressing their emotions to others. Perhaps it was the magic of MDA Camp, or maybe these boys are truly remarkable, but I had many special moments with each of them. Joshua (9) is the oldest and also has a severe form of exima where his skin is cracked and dry all over his body. But none of his disabilities stopped him from having the time of his life. He was obsessed with my camera and LOVED taking funny pictures of us. Andrew (7) woke us up every morning with growls coming from his bunk bed--he thought he was a dinosaur sometimes I think. He knew what was going on a lot more than he let on. Since I was our cabin leader, it was my job to make sure everyone was following the rules--one of which is lights out at 10. I told all the boys they couldn't turn their flash lights on anymore. After Andrew turned his on for about 2 seconds, all I had to do was clear my throat and immediately he shut it off--I must have been scarier than the dinosaur he thought he was! And then there's Anthony (6) who I adored instantly. Unlike his brothers, he actually let you hug him and hold his hand for extended periods of time. On the last night when I went to tuck him in, I gave him a kiss on the cheek which resulted in a HUGE grin across his face. I proceeded to kiss his other cheek, then his forehead because he liked it so much. Before I knew it, he grabbed my face and gave me a big, sloppy, wet one! As you can see, these boys could express their emotions just fine with a little bit of love and attention.

Josh's cute, toothless grin

Haha Andrew totally fell asleep at the final dance

Precious little Anthony

Thanks to MDA Camp, I will never be the same. And I don't want to be. Loves to all the amazing volunteers and brave MDA kids that make summer camp possible!

Something borrowed, something blue

Jared and I had an awesome time together this last weekend driving to Denver for a close friend's wedding. It made me think back on all the beautiful weddings we have attended in our year and a half we've been together...

Jared's mission buddies: Aaron and Heather Daybell

Another mission buddy of Jared: Nephi Szvoboda and his lovely bride (who he played a part in her conversion) Lilla

Our amazing big brother and sister: Eric and Kimi Maycock... Can't wait to meet Baby Maycock :)

Once again, mission buddy of my RM: Ryan and Marissa Mullen--love these kids!

FINALLY one of my girlfriends got married: the gorgeous Ashlie Rose and John Bankhead

And then we had toasts on the Cali beach with Sarah and Kenny Donkersgoed (again one of MY friends)

The couple that inspired my trip down memory lane: Ryan and Becca Drake

We had lots of fun attending all our friends weddings, but there will never be a day like this one: the day I married my best friend!

Bear Hugs in Bear Lake

Had a blast on our latest "couples retreat" with our dearest Eric and Kimi. We didn't waste a single moment once we got there; we went straight to Pickleville Playhouse and enjoyed a delicious country western cook out and "The Hanging of El Bandito." The show was absolutely delightful and of course hilarious, as you can see from the writer/directer/star: Juanito Bandito (T.J. Davis)



Beautiful People!



Enjoying the show



Big fans

After a good nights rest, we were awaken by the smell of bacon emanating from the breakfast buffet downstairs. We packed in as many activities as we could, starting with the 4-person bike. Although we gave up pedaling MUCH before our 1-hour rental was over, it was worth the money and time spent.

After bikes, we cooled off with a delicious Hawaiian snow cone... Yummm

Raspberry Pina Colada w/ sweetened condensed milk

We next decided to visit our good friend, the Bear Lake Monster via a wave runner. The skies threatened to take away our joyful day, but we played on, through the wind and rain.





We retreated our shivering bodies to the warm waters of the Inn's hot tub. It was outside, but covered which was awesome with all the rain going on just feet away.

All in all, it was an awesome weekend with my 3 best friends 

and I look forward to MANY more like them :)

Sugar Daddy

On this Fathers Day weekend, I want to reflect on all the "fathers" in my life!

First and foremost is the man who will be the father of my children: Jared Anthony Egan. Even before I met him, I knew he would make a wonderful father. The way he loves his nieces and nephews so completely was something that made an impression on me when we were writing on his mission. I now know he wasn't just blowing up steam, but that he would do almost anything for them. I can't wait to embark on the journey of parenthood with him by my side. I love you, Jare Bear, Happy Fathers Day.

Jaxson-Bud loves his Uncle Jared!

The first man that ever loved me is my father: Lee Roderick. I feel that dad and I have a special connection I don't have with anyone else. He's someone that I've looked up to my entire life and always strived to make him proud of me. I like to think that I take after him in many aspects of my life. If there is one thing I learned from him it would be to find a worthy Priesthood holder to marry, because he was always there to give me a fathers blessing whenever I needed it. I love you, Daddy, Happy Fathers Day. 

Our last embrace before dad gave me away to Jared for Time and all Eternity

They say, "you can't choose your family," well... In the case of my father-in-law, Ron Egan, that is not the case. I loved him the moment I heard him speak at Jared's homecoming sacrament meeting. His sweetness and his testimony endeared me to him immediately. He is one of the most selfless people I've ever met, and if you take a look at all his boys you will know what an excellent father he was in raising them. He has always made me feel part of the Egan family, no matter what function we are at. I love you, Papa-Egan, Happy Fathers Day.

Cute Dan and Jo-Jo with their Grandpa Ron

Someone that I have considered as one of my best friends is: Eric Maycock. Although his child is not yet born, I know what a fantastic father he is going to be. We have had so many great times together and MANY more to come... I have seen him in action working with children and all I can say is that he has one of those paternal instincts that is a rarity in today's society. I can't wait to see our children become best friends :) Love you, Ewic, Happy Fathers Day.

Eric, Kim, and Baby-Bump at the Happiest Place on Earth

The man that always makes me and Jared want to be parents THAT much more is: Matt Egan. A mere stranger can tell what a great father he is and how he adores his children simply by the plethora of photos of them on his facebook page. An example of his excellent fathering is how much 3-year-old Shayla already has a Testimony of Jesus Christ. He is just as good a brother as he is a father, which is saying a lot. Thank you for all you do for us, Matty Ice, we love you. Happy Fathers Day!

Matt with newborn Shayla-Roo

My Uncle Scott is just about the most fun-loving and sincere person I've ever met. But not only that, he truly loves his family. There is never a dull moment when he is around and at the same time he is very real and interested in whatever it is I have to say. He is an excellent provider and father not only to my cousins but goes out of his way for his loved ones as well. I am lucky to call myself his niece. Love you, Uncle Scott, Happy Fathers Day.

Scotty with Aunt Val and Laura

Last but certainly not least is my awesome brother-in-law: Brandon Egan. Not only does he make beautiful babies, but he loves them with his whole heart. Every time Jared or I talk to him about wanting to have kids, he always know just what to say to keep up our hopes while teaching us patience at the same time. Over and over again, I am amazed at the lengths he would go to make his family happy. From flying home from New York for our wedding (only two weeks after arriving there) to calling every single week to catch up with us. We sure love you, Breday, Happy Fathers Day.

Brandon loving up on sweet Jo-Jo

These are a few of my favorite things

• My husband

•  Since June 1, 2010 when I received his first letter, I knew there was something spectacular about Jared Anthony Egan. My love began that day and has only grown since. He is everything I could dream of and more. It's kind of disgusting how much I adore him. He is one of those guys that has every quality each girl describes on paper but knows she could never have... Because someone with all that amazing-ness couldn't possibly exist! I am in awe every single day that he would choose ME, when he had his pick from just about any girl in the world. I love you, baba tortak, till the end of time!
• Babies

• You know those creepy ladies in the grocery store that make funny faces at your child while you are loading the milk and eggs onto the conveyor belt? Welp, that would be me. The condition I have goes WAY beyond "baby-hungry". It's more like "baby-starving"!! Anyone that knows me well can expect to see a babe in my arms if there is one anywhere in a 10 foot radius. Even my boss has promised that I will be the permanent babysitter for his unborn child. "What about ugly babies?" you might ask. Well, my dear reader, I say that there is no such thing as an ugly baby! I'll even go as far to say that Benjamin Button was adorably sweet in his own way. Needless to say, do not worry if you can't seem to find your ankle-biter if I am anywhere in the vicinity.
• Shoes

• Why is it that us females need to feed our shoe craving? This is a question that has puzzled men for centuries. If I had the answer, believe me I would give it to you. But it is one of those unspoken truths of womanhood that we just can't deny. I couldn't even begin to tell you the number of shoes that I call mine. Not only do I have a closet designated for them here in my town-house, but two closets at my parents house, many in my cars, under most of my furniture, and some left at my sisters and friends houses. You would think since I have size 3 in children's that I wouldn't have needed to buy any more shoes since the 4th grade. Perhaps I could have survived. But I constantly find myself gravitating towards those perfect strappy heels or suede boots! This is a condition that will not be easily cured.
• Chinese lanterns

• Ever since I began planning for my wedding a year and a half ago (yes, I'll admit I began planning even BEFORE I met my hubby in person) I have been dazzled by the look of plump, colorful Chinese lanterns. Because of the theme of my wedding, they were sadly not included in the decor. However, my sweetheart knew of my fascination with the things and ordered me some for our new little house. They now decorate our bedroom, bathroom, and guestroom. I think they will make the perfect addition to our baby's room someday :)
• Mango Haagen Dazs ice cream

• I believe it was the lovely Hayley Kanski who introduced me to this delicious snack. I will be eternally grateful, my dear. This has been a special treat for me and Jared for about one year now. Every time the tropical taste of this sherbet melts on my tongue, memories of cool summer nights with my love come flooding back. This is one of those sensations that I have a feeling will keep me young forever.
• Dancing 

• Speaking of staying young forever, comes my love for the art of dance. It doesn't matter if I am watching, creating, or performing--I am entranced by it. Having started classical ballet at age 3, I literally do not have a lasting memory of not having dance in my life. I have experienced everything from tap, celtic, jazz, ballet, military, hip hop, lyrical, to ballroom. Some of my fondest memories as a child were blasting Enya in my living room and twirling around until I passed out dizzy. Even though I am not actively pursuing any team or company at this point, dance will always be a part of my life.