Catch up

So I am playing catch up again.  My computer has been down for a while and for a minute it is working, so I am busily adding posts.  I still have more to catch up on, but for now I hope you will enjoy these last few new ones.  If you don't see anymore for a little while, you'll know my computer was being bi-polar again.  Thanks for reading, it is greatly appreciated.

Wendy

WENDY

16 years ago, this beautiful angel finished her earthly mission.  While on this earth, she accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime.  Diagnosed at the young age of 14 with Ewing Sarcoma, she spent many years going through Chemo and fighting for her life.  She is a hero.  She saved my life in many ways.  Her life was dedicated to serving the Lord and helping those around her.  I am one of those lucky recipents of her dedicated service and love.  I have spent the last 16 years trying to repay her by paying it forward.  I'm sure I have many more years to go before I come close, but I am grateful for her example and the courage that she showed.  I miss her everyday.  I miss her contageous laugh and smile that brightened my days.  When we are lucky enough to have someone like this in our lives, we hold on to the memories a little tighter and treasure them even more.  Wendy, I am blessed that you came into my life.  I love you!! 477

Payton's MRI

Yesterday, Payton had an MRI.  It was a follow up to check on the changes in her spine.  To start at the beginning, when she was born I noticed a small bump on her lower back.  I took her to the doctor, who then sent me to a surgeon.  They did an MRI and said it was a lymphangioma (a pocket filled with fluid).  We were told to check back if anything changed, but that it would probably go away by the time she was 5.  It didn't, it actually got larger so we went back to a different surgeon due to insurance changes and with a fresh pair of eyes, the surgeon found something suspicious in her spine.  He ordered another MRI to get a baseline to compare future MRI's to.  They called it a Syrinx or fluid in the spinal cord.  The fluid is supposed to be on the outside of the spinal cord, not the inside. 

They asked us to come back in a year to see if anything had changed.  I put it off by almost 6 months mostly out of fear that it would be worse or that the news would not be good. 

Yesterday, my prayers were answered.  The Neurosurgeon couldn't explain the results.  The fluid in her spinal cord was almost completely gone.  He couldn't explain it, but I can.  The power of a priesthood blessing and many prayers.  I saw the hand of God in our lives.  I know He is always there, watching over our every need.  He answers our prayers today.

Payton is a stong little girl and we are so blessed to have her in our family.  I love you baby girl!!!

First day of School

 I was a little unsure how the first day would end since it didn't start out so good.  It started with her waking up on the wrong side of the bed, but I was able to get her excited about school when I told her we could paint her nails.  Even after we got to school she was still excited, she even walked in tall and proud.  As we got to the classroom, she noticed one of the kids crying and upset.  That's when she looked at me, looked at the boy, then back at me and the tears started.  I picked her up to sooth her, not a good idea.  They had to pry her off me.  She had a good hold on me and my hair.  I had to just walk away and let her cry.  You could hear her all the way down the hall.  All day, I waited for the school to call, but they didn't.  When I picked her up, she was smiling and asked if she could come back.  She said it was the funnest day.  YAY!!!  A successful day!  It's been all she can talk about.  This will be good for both of us since we spend so much time together. 

I didn't get a really good picture of her because of the tears, but this was the moments right before she fell apart.  You can almost see the concerned look on her face as she's about to start crying.

She really has loved going to school.  She askes me everyday if she can go today.  I wish they stayed this excited about school.

Birthday Girl

This beautiful little girl just had her 3rd birthday.  She  blesses our lives everyday with her funny attitude, big smiles, bear hugs, and kisses.  She's almost always happy and laughing.  We love her very much and can't imagine life without drama, girly squeels, and all the frills.  Happy Birthday baby girl!!  We love you!!

After she opened each present she would stand back, pose, and tell me to take a picture.

She spent hours playing with Barbie's hair.