Anson's Poem

Anson's Poem

It is always fun to find little things in the boys' backpacks from school that give some insight into what they are thinking and how they view things.  Anson just finished studying different types of poems in his second grade class.  This was the worksheet that he used to create a poem.  It is pretty funny and also touching.  Clearly he really misses his sister and recognizes his father's aversion to screaming girls. 



First name: Devin (Dad)
2 Physical Characteristics: Brown hair, Brown eyes
3 Personality Traits: cool, funny, loyal
Sister or Brother of: Matt Shumate
Who loves (two things): Ella and me
Who fears (two things): screaming girls and car crashes
Who wishes (two things): there were no wars, my sister was still alive
Who creates (two things): laughs and pinewood derby cars
Who wonders about (two things): why people die and why school couldn't be shorter
Who dreams (two things): my sister could be alive
Who remembers (three things): Ella, his grandparents, Sea World
Who believes: Families can be together forever
Last name: Shumate

The Ella Award

The Ella Award 

Last week, we were invited to the pre-kindergarden graduation at Tanner & Anson's elementary school.  Ella would have been in this class this year and the school wanted to do something special to recognize her.  Dacia was asked about Ella's personality so they could find a little girl that Ella would have had fun playing with.  The Ella Award was presented by the principal, Ms Houck, as the final award before the closing videos and pictures. 



The "Ella Award"

This is Alley, who was presented with the award and her parents.After the ceremony, the children and their families went outside for a balloon release for Ella, just like we did at her Washington burial.  This was all planned by the school and PTO without our knowledge or involvement.

They also set up a table with Ella's picture, a pink flower and a pink balloon.  This is the Saxe Gotha Elementary principal, who came to visit our family at the hospital after the accident.  When she came into the room last May, the boys suddenly became very serious.  We should have her over more often!  Apparently the boys haven't told Joseph anything about her. 

Pink for Ella on Mother's Day

Pink for Ella on Mother's Day

The couple in the center of the above picture is our Bishop and his wife, Pame.  On the 16th of every month since the accident, she has made it a point to let Dacia know that she remembers Ella.  Some months it was a beautifully touching email and some months she brought brightly colored flowers.  Every month it was something special. 
This week will be one year since the accident and the McHugh family really surprised us this time.  As we walked into church today, EVERY man and boy had a pink tie and EVERY woman and girl had a pink bow.  Looking out on the congregation, it was overwhelming to see the entire congregation of 160 or so "remembering Ella". Her two best friends in the above picture wore the pinkest clothes they had.  Also impressive was that all of the girls' bows were handmade!  It is very easy to feel the love of our Savior when we are surrounded by such good people.  

This was taken prior to Priesthood meetings.   

Then we found that they also contacted family and friends in Washington and we were further surprised to have these pics trickle in all Sunday.  

Mom & Dad Shumate

Mom & Dad Call

Ella's best friend, Mia and her brother, Tucker.

Devin's brother Matt and his family in Spokane, WA. 

Dacia's brother Jacob and his family in Florida.  

Jacob's entire family in Florida got in on the fun!

Devin's brother Travis and his family in Tacoma, WA.

Dacia's sister, Dani and her family in Hawaii. 

And more of our friends from both the east and west coasts: 

My Rearview Mirror

I miss seeing this in my rearview mirror.

Remembering Ella

Sometimes 3 months can feel so long... thankfully, eternity is longer.
 
Saturday we were trying to clean our house & recover from the last days of summer break and the first days of school, work and busy activities. Devin suggested I finally hang the pictures that have been displayed on the dining room table since the accident 3 months ago. I wasn't sure I was ready for that. We had talked about an "Ella wall" to display a collection of some favorite pictures. We hadn't however, decided where to put it. I wasn't sure I was ready for the pictures to be tucked away on some obscure wall. I also wasn't sure what wall to choose, and I have ALWAYS had picture hanging commitment issues. I mean, I LOVE a well decorated wall. But, when I hang pictures, I want to do it right the first time. I want the pictures arranged perfectly, lined up properly, spaced precisely, etc. This is where my perfectionism and design background sometimes plays as my down fall, because it has to be just right, or EVERY time I walk by it, look at it, it will drive me insane! And, this was our "Ella Wall," I wanted it to be perfect. So, could you image my hesitation? A lot was weighing on my mind.

Devin boldly suggested "the hallway wall would be a great place... but whatever you think" I hadn't thought of that. It's such a large wall (height wise) and it's a major focus. Very prevalent. Hmm, this might work. I started laying the frames out on the floor. Arranging, changing pictures in the frames, finding different frames, arranging some more until it was perfect. I was ready to put the nails in the
wall. I measured, marked, hammered and then finally I was finished. It was just how I wanted it. We have so many wonderful pictures of her, so I like that I have the option to change pictures out, without
having to rearrange the layout. Now, anytime I walk through the hallway, up the stairs, in or out of the house, I can see Ella. What a great way to remember her smiling, happy face.

 I love this saying that I have hanging right in the middle of it all. This was given to me by my friends Cammie and Veronique. It's special to them, and they have it hanging in their homes too. They've both also experienced losing a child. Thank you both for sharing that with me.

And thank you sweetheart for pushing me to hang the pictures. It's even better now than on the dining room table, and it makes me smile every time I see it. I love you!

First Day of a NEW School Year

The boys for were very excited for school to start today. Anson had been trying to let a tooth hold on for a little longer, just so he could be the first one at school to lose a tooth this year. Unfortunately, he lost it in the pool yesterday, and when I say lost, I mean... He was so disappointed we spent 20 min scouring the bottom of the pool. No luck. Alas, we headed off this morning bright eyed and ready for the day. They're both very excited about their teachers. I am happy that they both wanted me to walk them to their classrooms and send them off with hugs and kisses.

I love my boys! I'll sure miss them while they're at school! And so will Joseph! When I got home from taking them Joseph asked where they were, when I told him, he just said with saddness in his voice "why?"  He has liked the extra attention though, so he might get over it quick.

Where are we?

Flying high across the US today. Bright blue skies, with fluffy tufts of clouds spotting the view. We have a fantastic view to the land below. Anyone know where we are now?