i am alive and kicking!
thank you for your patience the last week and a half-you guys were making me tear up, laugh, and feel so grateful with your comments and concern. thank you. nothing bad is happening, thank god. we are all fine, the whitney house is in one piece, and things are moving along wonderfully. i just needed a bit of time to pull back and focus. i am still needing to focus, but think i can add the blog back in to my daily routine. however, please be patient with me if i cant respond as quickly to emails. especially until school starts in a few weeks. everything should be back on track by then!
SO-back to regularly scheduled programming. the final performance of the miracle project day camp was WONDERFUL! we dropped mckenna off and had to wait for an hour while they had a dress rehearsal. the whole family came up that day, so we walked down the street to find something to do. we came across a busy street with super wide grass medians and we hung out there under the shade of a tree.
well i hung out in the shade of the tree. they climbed the tree.
and had a jumping contest.
and then, they hung out in the shade of the tree. with me.
nate took both of these of me and anna, and i adore this one. i didnt know he was taking a picture-i was breathing in the smell of her.
then it was time to go back and watch the show. here is coach elaine.
and the decorations.
her solo:
that led into this:
the final song:
and a photo with coach kat, and coach e.
we even got video. ill see if i can get it going and post at the bottom here.
we are signing her up for the full program this year-and hopefully the other kids will be able to volunteer. still finding out details. i havent had a chance to really think about this experience since the performance, but looking at the photos brought back the rush of joy and gratitude i had that whole week. mckenna was full throttle happy like i havent seen her in a long time. life really stresses her out. she is cranky and whiny a lot of the time, it is hard to bring out her joy some days. but this entire week it was there, obvious, for all to see. for me to be able to go with her, and be able to see HER, the way i know she is inside was absolutely priceless to me. because she cant always show us the real HER on her own. it took a miracle to bring it out.
and here is a clip! working on her solo one next.
Ahh!! Thank you for sharing the joy! I am so happy for all of you and thrilled the Whitney household is thriving and well!! Great news that she will continue with the Miracles ~ the world needs her and her spirit ~ thanks for sharing it with us. Hope to hear her singing if that worls for you. Again, so glad all is wonderful in your world.
“…because she cant always show us the real HER on her own. it took a miracle to bring it out.”
This line is amazing! Isn’t this what all parents want for ALL of their kids? Sometimes my non-special needs kids need that little extra push to show the world their real selves…Don’t we all?
Tara,
those pictures are totally awesome!!! As a special ed teacher with four days of pre-planning under my belt after ten weeks off…I really needed to see that and be reminded of how important kids having fun is…McKenna truly looks as though she is in her element, I love the picture of all of the group singing and how her eyes are closed…so great! Thanks for sharing, glad to see you are posting again! I have an OPAM to share this weekend!
welcome back. phew, i was starting to worry. : ) mckenna looks so happy in the pics. i am thrilled for her.
i love the pic of you and anna. it is hard to explain but i love the smell of the people i love. there ain’t nothin better.
i’m glad all is well
smiles and hugs
ria
Ok. I can breathe. I was worried about you. I love you, ya know??? I am so glad you are doing better. I left you a message today. I just love you.
Loving the picture of you smelling Anna. Jake crawled into bed yesterday and crashed without telling anyone and I was so sad to not say goodnight so I had to inhale his scent. So yummy and awesome that Nate-doggy captured that moment. By the way, Nate rocks!
Beautiful tara, just beautiful. I got goosebumps just looking at the pictures. If there’s gonna be a video, I”m sure I’ll break out into full fledged tears.
thanks so much for sharing this with all of us:)
I’m SO glad to hear you are all doing alright! I check here often and was happy to see an update. Can I just say that I got teary-eyed when you described McKenna’s experience and showing her real self. What a miracle to find Coach E and to continue with the program. Love the photos, esp. the one Nate took. Priceless moment! I smell my children too. ;)
YAY, McKenna! And, while I don’t have kids,I would *totally* be a kid sniffer…that picture made me get all misty-eyed!
Ah, too sweet! Glad to have you back :) I missed you!
beautiful…absolutely beautiful!
completely amazing! thank you for sharing mckenna.
That video is one of the most beautiful-gets-me-close-to-heaven things I have ever seen. I’m all misty. thanks for sharing it. I’ve had a lot of experience with people who were mostly grumpy…you LIVE for those days when you see joy. I’m so happy that gift was given to you. Just beautiful.
Tears STREAMING down my face – I’ve been checking regularly for this update. Thanks so much for sharing. I won’t pretend to know McK but I have to say she just looks more relaxed in these photos. So very sweet. And the video – well there are no words…thanks again for sharing. And kuddos to you for going the extra mile to have her continue this program. On a side note I have a friend who will begin home schooling her 10th grade daughter this year due to some severe anxiety issues and while hs has NEVER been on her agenda – she’s willing to give it a go to help her daughter transition in this ‘ole world we live in. I know driving to the LA area weekly [daily-?] has never been your plan – but again, kuddos for giving it a go! And thanks for sharing so I can go along for the ride…
Oh Tara…I just watched the video and it brought tears to my eyes. Your daughter McKenna is so beautiful and her singing was fantastic. My 13 year old daughter watched it with me and she said “She is so cute!” We are both looking forward to seeing her solo. It was so great that she got to do this. I’m so glad it went well and she will be able to do it again!
I just want to hug the crap out of McKenna :) LOVED the video and song (the high notes at the end were the BEST!) :) So cute. You guys are the cutest family. Just reading along with your blog makes me feel like I “know” you all. All of your personalities just jump out in the photos. If you’re ever in San Diego, let me know. I’d love to meet the Whitney clan :)
Tara, she looks soooo happy. It made me cry. She looks so comfortable, like she has been singing in front of people forever. What an amazing experience.
what an amazing wonderful experience, thanks for sharing these pieces of it with all of us! so very heartwarming…:)
Oh man. When did McKenna grow up so much???? Wow!
And that looks like a totally wonderful program!
Such cute photos!!! Love the one of Anna running! And now I’m totally curious about the necklace you are wearing! :)
I found your blog through Emily’s and started reading regularly because I love your photography, decorating/projects, and other stuff…your blog rocks. I have been absolutely ENTHRALLED with your last entries about the Miracle Project. I think all children could use an outlet to let their real selves shine (especially those children that have a hard time doing it on their own!) and am just so thankful that you found this for McKenna. I have been on the edge of my seat hoping that you would post pictures of her performance so was thrilled to see a video. Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us out here. I do hope the whole family can get involved in the “whole program” — it sounds like it will be amazing for the whole family. Again, thank you for sharing.
ok– 2 things… wait… 3things:
1- Soo glad youre back and everythings cool at home
2- How awesome was that song!! very fun. Mckenna Looked like she loved it!
3- Ok, who is ” Mr. Engaging”… the dude to Mckenna’s right? If I wasn’t living in the midwest with the love of my life, I would most certainly want that dude’s number! :)
Oh Tara thank-you for sharing your wonderful family with us. Your children are beautiful but since I first started to read your blog I’ve had a soft spot in my heart for McKenna. That little video clip brought tears to my eyes, she looks so happy. Can’t wait to see her solo, I know that I will be cheering for her from here in Cape Breton, N.S. for her!
Jennifer Burchell
just beautiful. really warmed my heart. thank you for sharing this moment.
I am totally bawling! That was the sweetest thing. I could here her over everyone! You should be so proud!
Wow amazing that video left me with tears streaming…very powerful!!
Brought tears!!! So sweet!!!
Tara, I have loved your blog for a while now and seeing these posts about the Miracle Project has been so awesome! I am moving to LA this month and will be working at a private school for kids with autism, and I was so glad to learn more about this wonderful program that is in the same area as I will be moving to! Thanks for sharing your beautiful life with us :)
Wow!!! I have been admiring your work from afar for a long time now. I get so much inspiration from your site. I always wanted to be a professional photographer and ended up taking another path. However I am changing all that. I am currently taking an online course with Karen Russell (love her)
http://www.snapshotsofagoodlife.com. Your photos inspire me and I love your style. However I am writing to you today about the video of your daughter. I cried for 15 minutes after seeing it. I have a 5 year old son (a twin), who was born with Down Syndrome. Seeing your video made me proud and filled with overwhelming joy and I don’t even know your daughter or you. Thanks for sharing!! I look forward to seeing her solo too.
Your family is totally awesome. McKenna is a wonder. I am so happy for you. Your family is an inspiration to us all.
you had me i n tears over here listening to her……how precious is she.
oh my gosh. that was soooooooo sweet tara. i am just smiling through my tears at
how proud she was!
tara
how awesome is this. it made cold chills all over me, and brought tears to my eyes. how proud you must be!!!!
totally awesome!!! lucky that you are close enough to get her involved!! the musical has been running on hbo recently…very good stuff there!
Tara, thank you so much for sharing this. Probabally one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen, it’s left a permanent smile on my face!
Tara, that is so wonderful. I think I could hear McKenna over others. She Really knew her stuff! So glad she enjoyed it so much. Can’t wait to see the solo. Thanks for sharing it with us. I forwarded everything to my brother whose son has Asperger’s.
so sweet and inspiring! thanx so much for sharing…
Missed you — happy to hear all is well. Thanks for sharing the video!
my heart just grew a little.
im so glad to go to sleep on such a happy note.
you should be a proud proud momma and thanks for sharing that. cant wait to see the solo.
i feel your joy!
Wow … I have followed your progress over the past few weeks in awe. I actually sat here with tears in my eyes ( all the way here in Africa) and I felt proud ! Crazy but true !
What a great experience and truly thanks for sharing !
Abolutely beautiful. I am so glad you all got to have this experience.
Just watched the video…beautiful. And what a beautiful song-the words are so great.
I am so touched by this! I am sure Mackenna will continue to blossom in this environment. Your kids participation will be a positive experience to the whole family too I am sure.
I am familiar with the area you took those pix at… I am amazed what looks like nothing to me brings so much beauty with your clicks! Taco place across the street is actually quite amazing and authentic. My mexican nanny loooooves it there. It’s worth a try and the price is unbelivable too!
Oh she is just divine!!!! She knows all the steps/word/movements to perfection, what a star! What an amazing programe…
its been a long time since i left a comment here but i had to after reading this….the photo of mckenna during her solo is mesmerizing….there is something in her eyes that is so magnificent – i am humbled by this. you are truly amazing and i had to tell you.
christine
Oh, that is the most wonderful video I’ve seen in a long time! What a gorgeous song for them to sing and they all did such a beautiful job! Well done McKenna! :-)
thank you for sharing your joy! the video and the song are inspiring! :)
i am crying. tears of joy for you as a mom and for mckenna…
this is the coolest program.
that song is perfect for anyone really. i want to sing it all day.
it is AWESOME that you found this and she got to be a part of it and will next year too.
wow.
so happy for your little one’s wonderful experience!
lovin’ these photos
That is the most precious thing I have ever seen. McKenna is so dang adorable and I think it is so sweet that her whole family was there to cheer her on and share in achievement. That is not an easy drive Tara so major props to you for recognizing something so wonderful for your daughter and making it happen.
Tara.. love your waiting around photos espically the last one of you and your baby girl.. the show looks awesome.. Way to go Mckenna..
i am so glad you posted that video! i cried all the way through with a big ol’ smile on my face. how freaking awesome. she’s beautiful. they all are.