August 19, 2013 Family- It's About Time

Following our scripture reading in the morning, Matt challenged Bryce to a Foosball Game.

Bryce Wins!  (He always wins)

Bryce's painting of Ben Lomond

Water Therapy with his Aqua Jogger belt

Front Porch Prayers

Chinese Chess at Bear Lake

Our last update, Bryce had just been to the Physical Therapist and visited with the Doctor. On Wednesday, August 14, Bryce had another therapy appointment and they changed up his routine a bit- focusing more on his stabilization and core exercises. They aren't sure what's happening with his hips right now, due to the pain being more global in his whole hip. If his pain was more confined in one area, they could diagnose it better. However, we do know that he still has a lot of inflammation and Ibuprofen is not doing the job. After a visit with a Homeopathic office, we are now trying something a little different to see if it helps. We are hoping to see results soon.

We took a short family trip to Bear Lake and Bryce and Matt spent some quality time playing Chinese Chess. (It was a game that Tom got when he was young.) This proved to be the game of the week. However, Bryce had learned how to play it so well, that he has gone undefeated.

Grandma Stakebake came over to paint and teach Bryce how to get the white snow, white again. He uses a small razor to scrape the paint off. This has added quite a bit of detail to the tops of the mountain. He is getting very excited to get it finished. When painting with watercolors, you need to wait for the paint to dry before painting over the area again. So it takes time and patience- much like his therapy and recovery.

Our front porch has been added to with notes for Bryce. Grandma Hales, Bill, Aunt Katie, Grandpa and Grandma Stakebake, Joy, Mom and a few mysterious others have added in their prayers for Bryce. It's getting a little tricky when watering the flowering pots out by the porch.

Tuesday evening, we received a phone call from the Counselors in the 12th Ward Bishopric. This is the ward we were in before they created our new ward. Brother Hartley and Brother Hone asked for permission to come and visit with Bryce. Of course we said, "Yes!" We love to have visitors! During our visit, they asked Bryce if he would like a Priesthood blessing. Brother Hone, anointed Bryce then Brother Hartley asked Matt if he would like to give Bryce the blessing. Matt gave him a wonderful blessing and told him that he would have a speedy recovery. He also blessed him with the ability to do what is required of him. Then after the blessing, of course mom was crying- (I tend to do that when we have spiritual moments) Bryce then gave his mom a blessing of comfort, which was greatly needed. Tom was at the church for Bishopric meetings, but it would have been nice to have him here for special things like this.

Every prayer that is offered in our home, we pray for Bryce that his hips will be healed. We pray for a quick recovery and that he will have the strength to keep doing what is required of him to get better. He is an amazing young man! He has never complained or whined. He has kept a smile on his face and has been a great example of faith, patience, long suffering and enduring to the end. When we ask for volunteers to help with chores, he is always the first to volunteer. We love him and have learned so much from him in the past 8 months.

On Sunday, we had a special Stake Conference. Tom was also privileged to go to a meeting on Saturday, with Apostle Dallin H Oaks, Elder Donald Hallstrom, Elder Craig Fisher and Presiding Bishop Gary Stevenson. He came home and shared the highlights of their meeting with our family. Sunday, Elder Hallstrom circled the chapel, shaking many hands of the members that were attending Stake Conference. During the meeting, Bryce was asked to share his testimony. He worked his way to the stand on his crutches and then bore a powerful testimony. He was then able to talk with Elder Hallstrom after the meeting. He always feels uplifted after attending meetings like this.

We have a loving Heavenly Father who hears and answers prayers. Brother Hartley and Brother Hone, Grandma and Grandpa and those who come to visit us, you are the angels from D&C 84:88. Thank you for taking the time to share your life with us. We are looking forward to school starting so that Bryce can go to Institute again. Mom is lucky to be the transportation and gets to attend with him.