April 20th, 2008

While life is incredibly busy between home, church, and work, we continue to have memorable experiences that if undocumented will be forgotten.

Garrett's First Time Bowling...During 2007, Christine and I decided that we would each take one of the children out for an "outing" each month. (Elena and Carson don't get outings yet : ) April was my month to take Garrett out for his outing. He has really wanted to go bowling, so he and I went to the "Tower Bowl" here in Parsons. Garrett did really well, and had a great time. They even gave him a signed bowling pin for having bowled for the first time. For the lanes on either side of us, the real entertainment was watching me try to remember how to bowl (probably has been 15 years) and then teach Garrett- who knocked about as many pins over as I did.

Camille's Dance Class...With all of Garrett's activities (soccer, baseball, piano etc...) Camille has begun to express a desire to do "fun things". She loves to play soccer- which we do in the backyard. Unfortunately, she's too young to play on a team. Camille also loves to play dress-up, and be a princess. So we decided that Camille would enjoy taking dance lessons. So for the past few weeks, Camille has been taking ballet, tap, and tumbling once each week. She loves it, and it appears to be the highlight of her week. I can tell that it really makes her feel important.

Funny Conversation... For being two and a half, Elena has an amazing vocabulary and a real ability to carry on conversation. Not long ago, came down the hall, hearing her talking to someone. I thought this was odd, as Christine had taken Garrett and Camille on errands and Carson was down for a nap. I cautiously peeked into the toy room- as not to disturb her- and found her talking back to one of the toys. While I realize this is not uncommon for toddlers, this was a toy that asks questions, and Elena was frustrated, because she had already given the toy all of the answers. "I alweddy told you that!" she exclaimed. After a few more bursts, she got up in a huff and said "I no wanna talk to you anymoa!"

Trip to Kansas City... Last weekend, we made a trip to Kansas City. First we stopped by Children's Mercy Hospital to visit Katherine. This was the first time the kids had the opportunity to see Katherine. When we first entered her room, Camille was extremely shy- she wasn't prepared to see Katherine in a wheelchair- and she visibly looked different. For Christine and I, seeing Katherine like this was a dream. That last time we had been up to see them, Katherine was still in the Pediatric ICU on a ventilator, with very little movement. Katherine is now talking, singing, and eating. We're confident she will be walking before long. Anyhow, while we were in her room, the girls had to go potty (of course- typical girls). Camille walked into the bathroom and announced- "Dad, something's wrong with this potty". We got a real kick out of what we saw. (picture) We had a very nice visit with Katherine and her mother JoAnne. JoAnne and Katherine accompanied us to the hospital entrance, and Camille got to push Katherine in her wheelchair. Just before leaving, Camille tugged and JoAnne and said "Heavenly Father is hearing our prayers". Oh, how's that?- said JoAnne. "Because Katherine is getting better"- Camille said.

I love the faith of little children. And I'm grateful that my children are being raised in a home where a loving mother is always present, and where principles of the gospel are taught on a daily basis.

April 13, 2008

There are three reasons, really, for starting this blog. First, this is (I think) an effective way of keeping a journal for our family. Second, I feel compelled to document the activities and events of our children--which are always very entertaining. And Third, this keeps us in the 21st century (at least for a few months).

My goal is not to give a daily play by play of events, but rather to mention those things that are most important--most memorable in our family.

Events of Tragedy...The past 8 weeks have been extremely challenging- emotionally. On the evening of Saturday, Feb 23rd (my 33rd birthday) Christine and I had just arrived home from Stake Conference meetings when we received a call from a chaplain at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Earlier that afternoon, our friends the Cooks had been working at their new home in Linwood, Kansas- just outside Kansas City. Three of the Cook children were playing outside on the back patio, when all of a sudden there was a clap, and Katherine (age 5) was shot in the head from an unknown source (appears to be an accidental stray bullet) and fell over unconscious. She was life-flighted to Children's Mercy Hospital- where neurosurgeons gave her 72 hours to live.

After receiving the call from the chaplain, Christine and I arranged care for our children, and quickly headed for Kansas City. The Cooks don't have family nearby, and we felt we should stay with the other 6 children while Lamont and JoAnne stayed with Katherine. 7 weeks later (today), and after 4 weeks in the Pediatric ICU, a number of surgeries, and 3 weeks in the Pediatric Rehab Unit, Katherine is very much alive and doing well--and it appears that she will regain most if not all of her mobility and functions. It's truly a miracle.

Just 3 weeks after Katherine's tragic accident, Emily Russ (2 years) was playing outside in her grandparents backyard. She was apparently playing in or near a small pond, and accidently drowned. The Russ' (John and Linda) are Emily's grandparents and attend our branch in Parsons. Christine- as the Primary President- was asked to speak at her funeral, and I provided the music. The primary children sang a special number of "I Am A Child of God". It was a touching service- and while this tragedy is difficult, Emily's parents who were both separated and inactive from the Church, have been attending church meetings the past several weeks.

What's amazing to me, is how amidst tragedy, our Heavenly Father's love and mercy is so evident. Countless numbers of people have pulled together in prayer and faith around these two families- and miracles have occurred. I am a changed and better person because of the events of the past 2 months. I know more than ever before that Our Heavenly Father lives- and that He is very aware of us- on an individual basis. I'm grateful to have the gospel in my life- I know it is true.
Derek

2007 Christmas Letter

Dear Family & Friends

2007 has been another good year for the Kansas Vances. . .

We welcomed Carson Orwell Vance to our family on March 9th. He weighed in at 7 lbs 10 oz. He has a great temperament and we are so thankful he is here.

Elena turned 2 in August. She speaks well and is very busy. She likes to play with her older sister, especially dress-up and house, and is a great helper when it comes to retrieving things for Carson.

Camille turned 4 in August. In the early summer she took a dance class and loved it, and in the fall she started preschool. Tuesdays and Thursdays are her favorite days because those are school days—the other five days of the week are somewhat of a disappointment in her bookJ

Garrett is 7 and in the second grade! Reading is still one of his fortes at school and he is coming along nicely with the piano. In fact, he plays the prelude music for Primary most Sundays. Garrett adores his baby brother and was extremely pleased his “prayers were answered” in March.

Derek and Christine are busy and happy with a good job and wonderful family. Derek continues to work for the hospital here in Parsons and serve in the Branch Presidency at Church. Christine finds being a mother of four to be more than full time work but still manages to squeeze in time to serve as the Primary President at Church.

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Years and are blessed with all you need!