I'm not a pack rat, I'm not!

Payton really likes to carry things around. He always has a backpack or bag full of toys, books, puzzles, ...stuff. Always. Everywhere we go. We have been giving him a hard time about it lately, saying "Payton, you're a pack rat" and he seems to be getting a complex about it. The other night he came up to me and said, "I'm not a pack rat" and then paused like he was wanting some reassurance that he wasn't. I didn't say anything, waiting to see what he would do, then after a few moments of silence repeated several times, "I'm not a pack rat". I couldn't wait any longer and had to snap this picture of him (as you can see, he had his Diego backpack, his bear, his light saver, an Elmo back with some toys, his Speed Racer blanket, and who knows what else) after which I said, "no Payton, you're not a pack rat". Decide for yourselves whether or not Payton is a "pack rat".

Happy Birthday Payton!

We celebrated Payton’s Birthday by going to Rain Forrest Café for dinner. I get gc’s for Landry’s from work through referrals and so we all got to eat for $4, what a deal. The kids had a lot of fun and Payton thought it was the coolest place ever. I had told Payton that his presents were in Dad’s car and that he couldn’t open them until after Dad got home. It worked out pretty good since I know that he would have been bugging me to open them all day. Payton’s favorite gift was his Diego Castle. He has really taken a liking to Diego these days. Every time that I would tell Payton that he was the “Birthday Boy” he would reply “no I’m not, I’m just Payton.” That’s Payton’s latest anything that you say to him, like come here buddy or you are getting so big, he will come back with the reply, “no I’m just Payton. “ It was quite the week after Payton’s party, we felt like we celebrated his Birthday all week.

I was looking at pictures of Payton last year on his 3rd Birthday and I cannot believe how different that he looks. Last year Payton had just finished up with chemo and was completely bald. I cannot put words together, to describe what an absolute fantastic year it has been with him. Knowing that I was given a second chance with him has made me learn to enjoy every day with him. I loved watching his hair come back in and watching him fill out again and loved being able to be with him, no matter what we were doing. He is such a blessing in our family and we are so blessed to have his sweet little spirit with us. Happy Birthday Payton!

Payton's Birthday Party...

Today was Payton’s Birthday Party. I told him that he could invite 4 little friends since he is turning 4 years old. Our activities included catching lizards in the sand, fishing for frogs in the water, catching snakes in the bushes, throwing rocks in the water, playing football, making Easter necklaces, bracelets, going on an Easter egg hunt, and eating lunch. I thoroughly loved doing the party and just love this cute age. The kids were in there element looking for the frogs, lizards and snakes and it was so much fun watching each of them. I can hardly believe that Payton, my youngest, will be turning 4 on Thursday. Wow, where does the time go? It makes me sad and yet so excited that I get to be with him to celebrate his 4th Birthday. I often wondered throughout treatment if I would get the opportunity to see him grow up and have more Birthdays. What a fabulous day and it’s just a constant reminder to me to enjoy every minute of these special moments. Thanks so much to Lisa for saving me and helping me with the party.

Savannah's Spring Break

Day 2 of Spring Break started with a trip to the park with a picnic and feeding the ducks. It was another gorgeous day and the kids thoroughly enjoyed being outside. The kids loved playing on the play ground and Payton played in the sandbox and did not want to leave. We came back home and accomplished a few chores, made dinner and waited for Chad to arrive. We spent our evening at Main Event since I had some free game passes. The kids loved the games. We didn’t have to spend much on Payton since all he wanted to do was sit in the Race Car; he didn’t realize it wasn't actually on. We ended the evening by going to Braum’s for Brownie Ice Cream Sundays and French Fries (I know it sounds really healthy, doesn’t it?) It was great spending an evening together as a family; it seems as if our life is so hectic when Savannah’s in school and with our crazy work schedules that we don’t seem to find much time together as a family. As much fun as we are having, at this rate, I’m going to be exhausted by the end of the week.

Fort Worth Zoo

It was Savannah’s first day out for Spring Break; we took the day and went to the Fort Worth Zoo since it’s been a couple of years since we have been there. It was a bit busy, but the kids had a great time and it was a beautiful day with temperatures in the mid 70’s. I love this great weather after the 3 straight days of rain that we had.

Note from Savannah...

Ever since I can remember Savannah has been leaving cute pictures and notes for Chad and I. She is such a sweat heart, peacemaker, and true blessing in our family. Savannah left this note for me yesterday and it made my day. She is such a thoughtful little girl.

Chilling tonight after two long days, we cannot put our back pack down; we’d sleep with it if mom and dad would let him. Dr. Bowman had to convince Payton to take it off for just a few minutes during his checkup.