Ethan's Run

I am getting as many people together as I can to participate in Ethan's Run on February, 11 2012 in Mesa AZ. All proceeds go to families and their children with a CHD (congenital heart defect). There is a 10k (6.2 mile) run or a 1 mile fun run. It is 25 dollars for the 10k or 15 dollars for the fun run. There is a pancake breakfast for 5 dollars each or 20 dollars a family after the run. There will  also be bounce houses for children included with that 5 dollars.

I am also getting Brigham shirts made to wear during the run if anyone wants one. They will be $8. Let me know if you want a shirt and what sizes you want.

For more information and to register go to ethansrunaz.com

thought overflow

 Today my dad spoke in his ward, so Joe and I decided to go listen. I'm not really sure if it was a good or bad idea. The talk was amazing, and very touching. He talked about our sweet son and how he brought many to prayer, even those who didn't know him.  People who prayed for our family. It was kind of hard to re-live some of those moments he spoke about between our family and Brigham and watch the people in the congregation go about as if it were just another talk. I don't blame them, but it just makes me realize once again how different it is to go through something then to hear about it. I hope to make a point to sympathize more with people when they are going through a  hard time, then to just let that problem pass by me without a thought.
 Recently a few of my good friends have had babies. I feel so happy for them and find so much joy in holding the babies precious bodies. I defiantly feel a void in my heart and arms, but my sweet girls always remind me they are here right in front of me waiting for love. But I want to thank my friends for letting my just hold and kiss on their babies. It's nice to have that feeling of a baby in arms.
 I was also thinking about how awkward it must be for some people to talk to me. I can tell sometimes people don't know what to say or how to react. My worst fear was to have someone ask me how Brigham is doing. But now I have come up with a cleaver response of, "who's Brigham?" To make the situation really awkward at first and then light hearted. Am I a terrible person for that?  (I'm sure Brig will understand our families weird sense of humor...) The other thing I didn't know how to respond to was when someone I haven't seen in a while asked me how many kids I have now. I say three, and sometimes I tell them: two girls and a boy. Or sometimes I say three, and tell them Brig's story. Depending mostly on how much time I have and what emotional state I'm in.
 I have also found it is easier for people who have lost a child to talk to me rather then people who have not lost a child. Just so everyone knows, I love to talk about Brigham. I really truly do, so anytime anyone ever wants to know something about him or about our story please ask, I would love to tell you. Sure I might cry a few times, but that is expected.
So these are a few of my recent endeavors. Goals for me this year spiritually are to be more sympathetic, study the scriptures more personally and diligently and try to live a life to where I can be with my sweet Brigham again to raise him.

keeping up

Time has come and gone since Christmas, but I might as well catch up before I completely get behind. We had a really nice Christmas with my family and the girls loved every minute of being with their cousins. It's cute to see little Aubree try and keep up with Ryah. She does pretty good.

The new year has also come and gone. I did make some new year goals and besides losing the baby weight from Brigham I have decided to apply for the nursing program. I'm not sure if I will get excepted, but it is worth a try. Now is as good as time as any right? Going back to school after three kids is intimidating! We are trying to get back into the swing of things, to a little bit of normalcy and I think we are doing pretty good.

So here is to a life changing last year and the beginning of a beautiful new year.

Sometimes life's okay

Were to even begin? I think that saying, "We're Okay" is a good start.

I never knew I could experience such happiness and sadness in a single situation. Brig's funeral was beautiful. It was perfect, just like him. I loved that Aubree was climbing up and down Joe and I while we were giving our talks, and I loved that Ryah tried to grab the microphone while the kids were singing there song. I've come to terms that life is funny, and you really need to enjoy it and find purpose in every journey, even the hard ones, but especially the easy ones.
It's hard to accept that life moves forward. I'm really glad that it does, it's just hard. I feel lucky to know I will eventually get to raise him, but for the time being I get a little thrown off still with no baby in hand. You have to let life move forward and find purpose and meaning... to find happiness. I feel we may have lost Brig for the time being, but have gained so much more in return and for that I am thankful.There are things that I have felt and learned that I never would have comprehended before. Brigham taught me very much with his short life here on earth. I know these newly gained experiences have already helped me be a better person and will continue to help me to remember my purpose in life. So with that I say thank you Brig.

Thank you everyone who came, and who wished that they could have come. If you missed his graveside, the picture above is all the kids letting go of their balloons for Brig. Sweet Klaire gave her balloon a kiss and said that she was "sending" it up to Brigham. We have amazing family and friends and I really can't thank everyone enough. I love you all.

Our sweet angel Brigham

Brigham Paul Denhalter

Born to Joe and Chelsea Denhalter on October 26, 2011 at 2:18 pm

Our sweet little lion man passed away November 16, 2011 at 2:05 am

Words can't describe the sweet tender moments we were able to spend with Brigham. I feel so blessed that I was able to have him for three wonderful weeks. I look forward to be reunited with him when the time comes!

I love you Brigham, thank you for teaching me so much in the three weeks you were here. You may have had a weak body but I know you are a mighty and valiant spirit. I feel so lucky to be your momma. I can't wait for the day when I get to hold you in my arms again sweet son! Until we meet again.

Saturday at the pioneer park chapel we will hold a viewing from 9 to 10 and then briefly Joe and I will speak and the we will head over to the cemetery. All who have been touched by Brig's legacy are invited to come. Thank you everyone for your support, love, meals, cleaning, and so much more. We love you.