Sunnyside Summary

As you can see from my past two posts, I had a wonderful time visiting Kent and Natalie's family in Sunnyside--and hopefully, I helped out a little while I was there, too.  Ordinarily, you love seeing the changes in your grandchildren after you haven't seen them in awhile--they've grown, they are learning new things, they have new plans and goals.  But, each time I see Cannon, my heart just breaks to see that instead of progressing, he is actually going backward.  That is so disheartening until I realize:  He doesn't need to progress.  He is already perfect--a perfect little spirit inside a body that is actually like a prison for him while he is here on this earth.

 We know from revealed truth that these little children will not only be saved in the Celestial kingdom of God, but they will be heirs of exaltation in that kingdom.  These are glorious promises for a family who loves this little guy beyond words.

 

 I couldn't believe how tall he has gotten--but still only weighs about 15 pounds.  He must be fed a liquid diet through his feeding tube once each hour.  You almost have to set a timer because an hour goes by so quickly, and he can't really tell you he is hungry.

 

 His little lips get so dry because he breathes mostly through his mouth.  But, thank goodness to "Baby Kisses," which applied very liberally,  helps to keep his lips from cracking and bleeding.

It is very difficult to get him asleep, but when he does, he sleeps for about six hours and nothing can wake him up.  This is so interesting how in his sleep, he was able to raise his little arm--something we never see when he is awake.  The first night I tended him, even after he had been awake all day, he finally went to sleep at 5:30 a.m. the next day.

But though he takes so much care, he has so much attention paid to him by his family.  Every time they walk by him, they say hello and stop to give him kisses.  They affectionately call him "Bubba" or "Bubby."

 I love these pictures Natalie took of Ella and Ethan reading to him.

 Yes, we all love our little Cannon boy.  No matter what home George and I visit throughout our entire family, we hear Cannon's name mentioned in every prayer that is said.

 Cannon has truly taught all of us so many lessons for good.  Thank you, too, Kent and Natalie, Ethan and Ella, for all you've shown us about what is important in this life.  Your constant love and devotion, hard work and good attitudes are really a source of strength to us all.  No one can look into those eyes, which have the longest eye lashes I've ever seen on a baby, and doubt there is a God and he is watching over all of us.

 I was, also, able to spend the 4th of July in Sunnyside.  One pretty funny thing that happened.  Kent had bought a couple of small packages of fireworks for the kids to enjoy out on the street.  He lit one, it died out--Dud!  He lit another--Dud!  Ethan went and told his dad he wasn't lighting them right.  He tried.  Dud!  Finally, Ethan pulled on the string and out came confetti!  We all laughed so hard!  They weren't fireworks at all--just little party confetti makers!

 Everyone still had a great time with them!

 It doesn't get dark until nearly 10:00 being that far west and north, so we all drove to the parking lot to watch the fireworks.  It was a perfect place to watch from--lots of other families were there, too.  Trouble was--it was freezing!!!  Yes, freezing on the 4th of July, so after this picture, I got in the car with Cannon and we watched through the car window and had a perfectly warm seat.

 One final post:  Natalie decided she would like to put curtains up in her living room, so just like Natalie and I do--we decided then and there to do it.  We got a baby sitter and drove to Tri-Cities to a JoAnne's and a Lowe's to get everything we need.  We only had the baby sitter for 2 1/2 hours, so we had to dash and make a lot of decisions quickly.  We always find the person who will stick with us and help us through finding all the things we need.  We always kid that they put an injunction against ever having us come back again after we leave, but we always manage to get it done!

With Kent installing the hardware, Natalie pinning and ironing (not so much cutting--Hah!), and me sewing (after trying two different machines and having troubles with both!), we finished at 3:15 a.m., went to bed, and got up at 5:15 to leave for the airport.  But, I think we accomplished it, don't you think!!!  A 5-Star hotel look for sure!

Thanks, Kent, Natalie, Ethan, Ella, and Cannon!  I loved staying with you all for ten days.  You made me feel so loved and wanted.  I really appreciate all your kindnesses!