A series of unfortunate events

Have I mentioned that this has been the craziest summer of my life?

Here is just a taste of it…

It started back in June when I was patiently waiting to make a left turn in my car and out of nowhere a 16 year old kid (who HAD TO HAVE BEEN TEXTING) "didn't know I was stopped" and slammed into the back of my car. He was probably going about 40 right before he slammed his breaks. His car was hammered and had to be hauled off with a tow truck. My car actually took it pretty well. Very little outside damage but about $4000 worth of hidden damage under the car.

Adaliah was in the car- which made me extra mad about the situation- but she seemed to be just fine. After we got slammed into she exclaimed an enthusiastic "Uh-Oh!" and that's about it. That was a miracle.

As for me- I have been suffering from extreme whip lash. I’ve had neck and shoulder spasms that send shocks of pain down my arm... I've been more vulnerable to migraines for the last 6 weeks.. and it hurts to exercise which has been so annoying. But after shots in my neck, a few adjustments, and some muscle relaxers I'm finally beginning to feel like myself again.

But this is just the start of my crazy story..

Because of this, my car has been in the shop for almost 2 weeks now- and we were sent home with a Chrysler 300 until is ready. It's been a sweet car- I've loved it. That being said- we learned all the "smart" features the new cars have can be do your disadvantage.

So yesterday evening Pete offered to take Adaliah to the store with him. He pushed a button on the key chain that automatically starts the car, but when he opened the door to put Dali in her car seat the engine turned off. He tossed the keys in the front seat, shut Dali's door and walked around to get in the car. He tried to open the door but found that ALL THE DOORS were LOCKED, with DALI INSIDE. It was about 90 some DEGREES outside, so probably 100-120 DEGREES INSIDE THE CAR.

Pete came inside panicked “I locked Dali and the keys in the flaming hot car!” (did I mention black interior…it’s a heat wave just opening the car door…I can’t imagine what it’s like sitting inside it with the engine off) It’s also a rental so we didn’t have any spare keys.

We called the police and waited for about 10 or 15 minutes. We kept entertaining Dali from the outside with Peek-a-boo and funny faces. I ran and got some neighbors… just because I didn’t know what else I could be doing. It felt more like 30 minutes before the police arrived but just in time because Dali had started to get fussy and flushed. Luckily the cop started using his device to try to unlock the car door, and we are thinking,"finally"... But the car door WOULDN'T UNLOCK... he sat there and tried for what seemed another 40 mins which was probably more like 10 or 15.

Dali started crying and saying over and over “Hot! Hold you! Hot! Hold you!” (Hold you…meaning she want s me to hold her..) I tried to stay calm and keep giving Dali smiles and reassurance. The cop had tried pushing the unlock button and the trunk button but neither would work because of the anti-theft features. He tried pulling the keys through but there was no way that was happening….

I lost it at this point…we were coming up on 30 mins and all that could go through my mind were the horrifying stories of children having seizures because of heat…brain loss, and even death.

I was balling, the police officer was out of ideas, time was ticking…So Pete did what any loving father would do. He grabbed a 30 pd dumbbell that was sitting in the garage and shattered the window.

I pulled her out…she was DRENCHED with sweat but seemed to be all right. She immediately pointed at the neighbors dress and said "DRESS!" then pointed at her stroller in the garage and started insisting we go for a stroller ride.

What a relief. I quickly stripped off all her clothes, gave her some water, washed her down with a cool baby wipe and then took her for a stroller ride- per her request.

It helps put into perspective how fragile life can be and how valuable our daughter's life is. There is nothing worse as a mother then to be inches away from your child…watching them suffer…but being completely helpless.

Talk quickly came up of how many hundreds of dollars we are going to have to pay to get the window fixed…but no dollar amount would have kept me from getting Dali out of that car… I’m so glad she’s safe.

The Mary's in my life

I have been truly inspired and touched by the two Mary's in my life. Both have been faced with trials and opposition that would seem unbearable to most.

But both have faced their trials with faith and perseverance, and are still fighting for recovery.

1st- The family that I have been helping with for the last 2 years, has 5 children. The 2nd oldest is Mary- age 12. Mary is a beautiful, smart, caring, sweet girl. At the end of May- Mary was playing in a soccer game and announced to her team mates that she felt funny. She walked off the field and then suffered a full stroke. They rushed her to primary children's hospital. There were no answers to why she had this stroke- and no answers to if she would ever recover. Her entire left side would not work. Her mouth, body, arm, leg...everything. By the 2nd or 3rd day in the hospital Mary was ready to stop feeling sorry for herself and get to work. She started learning to write with her right hand (she was left handed). She worked hour after hour with the physical therapist trying to get some of her strength back.

I am happy to say that only 6 weeks later, Mary can walk with a brace and eat and talk again. She still has no movement in her arm- but I know there is hope.

She has been optimistic and determined though all her hardships. I have been truly touched and inspired.

2nd- My wonderful sister Mary. Mary has fought depression her entire life. After baby #2- the mixture of postpartum and her previous case of depression became unbearable. Mary spent most of June in the hospital trying to regain a desire to keep moving. I'm happy to announce that she is home now- with an attitude of hope and change.

Both of these sweet Mary's have helped give me a different perspective on life. Enjoy each moment and count your blessings. Enjoy laughter, smiles, and the motivation to start a new day. Enjoy running, dancing, and doing as you wish...but when trials come- don't give up hope. Fight.

Side Note: Because of my sisters condition: I have had the opportunity to spend lots of time with her two sweet children. Her 3mth old, Quinn, came and lived at our house for awhile. I was a little worried how Adaliah would do with the sudden change but to my surprise, she did great.

We all loved having his sweet little spirit in our home. Adaliah wanted to give him hugs and kisses all day long.

We also had a few days with Lily. It is so fun spending time with my sweet niece and nephew, but I'm happy they are home now with their loving Mom.

Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated as both of these Mary's are still fighting for full recovery.

4th of July

On Saturday the 2nd we headed to Riverton Days with some of Pete's brothers.

Adaliah went on a few rides with her cousin Izzy. I was worried how she would do- Pete kept insisting on putting her on rides I thought she was much too little for...but she loved it!

That night we stayed up late watching the firework show..


The 4th of July began at 8:30 am in our front yard. Our street had a 4th of July breakfast, parade, water fight, and then fire work show that evening. It was so fun to get to know our neighbors better and let Adaliah play with her little neighborhood friends.

Adaliah and Sienna
Adaliah and her best friend Abby. Abby's mom and I work in Young Womens together so they get to play every Sunday and ever Wednesday at activities. They play so well together....it's so adorable.

After the nighborhood bash- we caught the end of the Provo parade and met up with my family. Here are a few of the Armstrong cousins: Caleb, Hannah, Lily and Adaliah.
Sweet cousins in their matching dresses.....

Hannah holding baby Alice.
You might be wondering what Karen and I are doing with the Star Wars gang.... oddly enough we are just spending some good quality time with family. My brother Dave is the storm trooper behind me. He's a member of the 501st and does these gigs at charity events and parties.

So that was our holiday weekend in a nut shell. Happy 4th of July!

The Youth

I LOVE the Youth programs of the church...

Have I mentioned this before?

I spent the 2nd week of June at YW's camp and the 3rd week at youth conference.

(Thanks to Susan, Karen, Pete and my Mother for making this possible and watching the girl)

While there....I got thinking.

When I was 11 (1999) my Dad was the Bishop of our ward so he let me come up to YW's camp for testimony meeting with him. I remember how amazing the spirit was...I was SO EXCITED to be in yw's the following year.

So 1999- 2005 I went to Yw's camp.

2006- I went as a Youth Leader

2007- I spent the entire summer working as an ESPECIALLY FOR YOUTH (EFY) Youth Councillor

2009-2010 I went to Camp and or Youth Conference with my Draper ward.

2011- Here I go again with my Lehi ward.

So- 12 out of the last 13 years of my life I have spent my summer being uplifted and spiritually fed by the youth of this church...I LOVE it. I EAT IT UP! The gospel is true ladies and gentleman. These programs are inspired programs made to help our youth get through this crazy world and set them on a path that will lead them to the blessings of the temple and eventually Eternal Life.

Okay- I'll step off my soap box... And now get ready for a pop quiz question...

What is the difference between a Beehive and Miamaid?

Answer: A few years....and a few feet...

Young woman's Camp

Youth Conference

The End

Happy Fathers Day

I declare June 2011 the new craziest month of my entire life. Thank goodness July is here. Maybe the craziness will end.

So..I have 1 million things to catch up on. We'll start here...

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO THE MEN IN MY LIFE!!

Pete for being the worlds best husband and dad.

(Adaliah and Pete May 2011)

(My Dad and I Summer of 1990?)

Also- my father Robert Armstrong, for being the best Daddy any girl could ask for.

And of course my precious Father-in-law, Jim Ackerman, for being the best Grandpa In the world- and for loving me like I'm one of his own.

(Adaliah and Jim March 2010)

Adaliah and I are lucky girls to be surrounded by such amazing men who have blessed our lives with their Christ-like examples.

Happy Fathers Day!