Home Again

Last weekend I took a trip back to...

Boston!

After living there I had hoped that a trip back would be relaxing and enjoyable- especially with no kids. However, Boston is still the crazy city that I left it. I still don't have it figured out. I was there to attend my first Child Life Conference. The generous Seely's put me up! Thanks a lot you guys! The weather was much better than I had dreamed it could be in May, I got to enjoy a few edifying classes, and a run down the Charles topped it all off!

I also got to see the Christopher's and the Pugh's! I miss you all! And I even got so go see this little guy...

Zachary Christopher. Born April 26th at 25 weeks gestation. What a fighter!

New Employee at the Hosptial

I am an official employee of:

I recently was offered a job as a Child Life Specialist. Don't worry, I won't be leaving my kids for a job. I am in a supplemental role so I will only be filling in when needed. This is a dream I have been working for since 2000. It has been a long haul!!!
So for those of you who have never heard of a child life specialist here is just a breif description of just a part of what I do:
"A hospital can be a scary place. Helping kids cope with stress and uncertainty is what child life specialists do best. They assess needs and explain what is about to happen, using age-appropriate language and medical play. They calm fearful patients with relaxation and distraction techniques. Soon that scary place isn't so scary anymore."
If you want more information, I have plenty and I could talk your ear off- I have a lot of passion for what I do.

Proud Parents

Here is just one of Dylan's many "funny faces." Dylan is transitioning from nursery to primary. So the "moonbeams" get to go to part of primary. The primary in our ward has been working hard on learing their articles of faith. Each week a few children, who want to, can go up to the microphone and "pass off" an article of faith of their choice. Last week Dylan really wanted to go up. I told him we needed to work on it. Within a few days Dylan was ready. Today we was so excited. He practically ran to the podium and sang his first article of faith with brilliance. He is the first moonbeam to pass one off. How proud we are of him! He now says he is ready to do the next one!

I received my certificate in the mail yesterday. I am now officially

Michal E. Thompson, CCLS

I also have been called as a nursery worker. Just when I thought I could finally listen for two of the three meetings! I should be more careful what I think about next time!

It's Official!!

I have spent the last three months living, breathing, and worrying about my Child Life Certification Exam. I traveled to SLC to take it at the beginning of this month. I felt prepared until I actually took the test. It was very difficult and I had talked myself into believing that I didn't pass. However, all my hours (and Connor's) and all the money I put into it finally paid off! I PASSED!!! So I am now a certified Child Life Specialist!!