Happy Halloween

This morning when I awoke I quickly remembered where we were last year. Payton was stuck in isolation in his hospital room the whole day from a hard round of chemo. I remember breaking away to take Savannah to the trunk or treat and carrying around a bag for Payton; Savannah and I took it to the hospital afterward. Wow, what a difference a year makes. When Payton awoke this morning I told him it was his day since he missed out last year. I asked him what he wanted to do and he replied “go to the donut store and get a chocolate donut.” We took off in our PJ’s and got us some yummy donuts. It was great seeing Payton and Savannah dress in their costumes, getting so excited to go trick or treating. Payton was a Pirate and Savannah Tinker Bell. We went to our ward trunk or treat and then came back and spent the evening eating snacks and enjoying each other’s company. It was such a great day and we feel so blessed that we got to spend the day with our little Payton. Reflecting over the past year really makes me want to keep my life in perspective. Hope that everyone had a fun day!

Last year at Cook's

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween to all my friends and family! Have a fun day and be safe!

Field trip to the Pumpkin Patch...

Yesterday was Payton’s preschool field trip to the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch. It was supposed to be on Wednesday but due to the rain was rescheduled. Payton was so excited to go; first thing he said when he awoke was “Do we get to go to the Pumpkin Patch today?” When we arrived Payton squealed with excitement that we were finally there. It was a little cool, but felt absolutely wonderful to me. Have I expressed how much I love the fall season? The kids had a blast enjoying playing in the jump houses, going through the corn maze, going on a hay ride to pick out pumpkins, eating a picnic lunch and looking at all the cute painted characters. I love that place and still can’t believe they don’t even charge. I heard that they have a couple vendors that come in on the weekend and sell kettle corn, corn dogs, etc. it sounds better than the fair to me. I would really love to go back with Savannah and Chad; we’ll have to see it we can make it happen. The day was very fun and well worth it, so glad I got to spend the day with my little buddy.


I remember going to the Pumpkin Patch last year with Payton and he had just finished up a round of chemo and was so sick and skinny, I posted a picture of him last year, because I can’t believe the difference. Ok; so I already know that I am a little pictures crazy, I could have worse habits though, right?

Last Year's trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Ella, Geoffrey and Payton in Miss Becki's Car

Snack time

Looking at the 25 year old Turttle (Bertha), Pigs, and Horses

Maze ending with a slide

Giving Mickey and Miney a hug

Fun days playing in the rain…

I was trying to fix dinner on Tuesday night and my kids insisted on playing outdoors. As soon as we went outside it started to downpour. It stopped Savannah from wanting to be outside so she sat inside the garage with me, but it didn’t stop Payton he saw the neighbor kids playing in the rain and insisted on joining in on the fun. The kids had a blast; I couldn’t help but get my camera and take a few pictures.

A fun day spent with Payton at the Shrine Circus..

We received some free tickets for the circus, so Payton and I decided to take the morning and go. We had a great time. Payton actually found it more fascinating that the animals pooped on the ground than anything else. Payton would say those animals should go poop on the big boy potty and not on the ground. Maybe it’s because we are still in the potty training phase. It was a fun event to get out and spend some quality time with him. Payton is busy as ever and has not let this surgery slow him down much at all. I guess I should have expected that since two days following his nephrectomy he was busy in the play room. He really must have a high pain tolerance.

It’s a tea party…

We have these neighbors that moved in next door a few months ago and they have the 4 cutest, most polite little boys. Savannah and Payton love to play with them. They will spend hours outside jumping on the trampoline, playing soccer, or playing pirates with all of our pirate gear and today they decided to have a tea party. Savannah was the host and I love how cute she is with them. She loves to mother them and take care of them. Their mom is single and works full time and just sometimes needs a break when she comes home. I love that my kids have bonded so well with them.

Payton's Port Removal Surgery...

When we awoke Payton this morning he was not thrilled to get out of bed. When we arrived at Cook’s he said “I just want to go home now.” He really did remarkably well though. It was a bit of a wait before the surgery since Dr. Miller was running a little behind. They gave Payton some medicine to help settle him down and to make him so he didn’t care. He was rambling on and we couldn’t understand most of what he was saying. He kept on saying “I love you mom.” Finally it was our turn and they came to wheel him out thanks to the medicine he didn’t get upset. The surgery went well and Payton’s port was successfully removed. You would think that each surgery/procedure would get easier, but it doesn’t. I still hurt every time I have to say goodbye to him, knowing what he will have to go through. Payton was really sleepy and had a hard time waking up after the anesthesia. Once he awoke he really did great. In recovery, there was a little boy who was crying across from us and Payton said “He’s tired; he needs to go home and take a nappy.” After some apple juice and a popsicle Payton decided he was ready to go home and so were we. They gave us some pain meds and we were sent home. Also, Dr. Miller gave us Payton’s port, both Chad and I commented that the port brings back memories of all the times he was accessed and all the times he had to be poked multiple times because it wouldn’t flush. I fell so blessed that everything went well today.

I can’t believe how fast time is flying by. It was a good weekend, even though I am exhausted from working. Payton is doing great with going on the big boy potty, with only a couple of accidents. He will go on the potty and then say “Mom, tell Payton thank you for going on the big boy potty.” I will reply thank you Payton and then he will smile. His personality is coming out and he is growing and changing so fast.

We are ready to get Payton’s port out this week. I hate any time Payton has to be put under anesthesia; hopefully all will go well and it will be a quick day.

Savannah had a good weekend as well. She went swimming with Aleeya and has really turned into a little home body; she is quite content staying at home watching t.v. and making cookies. She always starts to dread the week to come on Sunday evening. She is still doing great in school and is a little over achiever. Savannah is supposed to read 100 minutes weekly, she really gets upset if we only read 100 minutes and wants to read more.

Off to start another week and hoping it will be a good one. No big plans other than to help Payton recover from his surgery on Tuesday.