Max Gets Baptized!

 

Max had a special day today - he was baptized by his big brother Eric and confirmed a member by his father Darrell. The Bishopric attended and his Primary President, our home teachers, Max's Primary teachers and his Primary helper. He was wonderful! Bryanna led the music, Eric performed a special musical number on the piano and I gave the talk. The Spirit was so strong - I couldn't help but cry. Even my Mom got up and bore her testimony - fantastic considering she isn't a member, but she felt so strongly she just needed to get up and speak from her heart. Our Bishop was also moved to tears when he welcomed Max as the newest member of the Salt River Ward. It was a wonderful experience and Max was so good. He seemed to really understand what was happening and his behavior was amazing. It was a wonderful day and one that we will remember always. I hope that clarity will remain with Max - the veil seemed so thin. Great decision Max! We are so proud of you.

Summer 2009 So Far

 

What a fun summer we have had! Darrell and Eric had their birthday, complete with sundaes! And Max turned 8 on Friday and we took him to Knott's Soak City and Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate. Even Bryanna got into the act at Chuck E. Cheese by riding in on her white horse - that was fun to watch! Eric graduated and formed his fake Christian Rock Band (this picture was just for grins, but when he posted it on Facebook he got lots of reactions - yeesh!) Max has been swimming almost every day in our new pool and we have generally had lots of fun. Bryanna would like to end with Maui as her favorite part of summer. HA! Hope your family has made fun memories too. XOXOXOXO - the Hadders

Hawaii Memories

It has been too long since I have posted. I wanted to share some pictures of our Hawaii trip.

Eric and Bryanna at Surf School.


A girl and her daddy!


Best friends.

Eric's Senior Pictures

Eric graduates with honors from Mesa High School next week. Enjoy these pictures of Eric - the photographer caught both his serious and fun side. We are so proud of him!

Max Goes to Work

Max didn't have an especially good day yesterday. When I asked him about it, he told me it wasn't his fault, because he had a secret. A secret? Max assured me that the reason he didn't do well yesterday was because his brain had taken a job on Mondays and wasn't there in school with him. I am not kidding! I laughed so hard (to his surprise) and then explained how important it was for his brain to be with him at all times at school and it needed to quit its day job.

Ah the joys of parenting an autistic child. I just can't make this stuff up...

Senior Prom

 
Eric took Jillian Alger to the senior prom over the weekend. They had such a great time with the close friends in their group. It was really a wonderful way to celebrate the end of senior year at Mesa High. We sure appreciate Jillian and her gentle influence on Eric - they have been friends since they were 8! I am so happy he chose one of his best friends to go to prom with. We sure love Jillian - and they look so cute together, don't you think?

PICC Free

Darrell was given a clean bill of health as recovered from the parotitis. No more PICC line! No more IV antibiotics! Sometimes it's hard to be grateful for a body that seems to betray him at every turn. But as he faces each new physical challenge, I am constantly amazed at how he can stay positive and grateful. And it's not for show - quiet moments between us and the family, heartfelt prayers he voices, all remind me how strong and focused on the big picture he truly is.

Darrell has taught me so much - not only about him, but about my shortcomings. I know I would not face the challenge with the same faith that he has. I wish I could say that I would be as strong, but I fear I wouldn't be. I guess I need to pay better attention and learn. Because we all will face seemingly insurmountable trials in our lives. Every single one of us. It has made me ponder - how would I do? Not how do I HOPE I would do, but how would I do? It has made me make some mental adjustments.

A volunteer position came up in the community that required a 5-year committment and Darrell was considering throwing his name in the ring. I was so proud of his thought process - he is living like he will beat the odds. Who is to say he won't? Not me! I am gonna stick around and watch the miracle.