The start of our sumer trip to Utah

We arrived in Utah and the first thing the kids wanted to do was visit Narnia. Payton and Savannah were so excited to see their Grandparents and cousins. Payton wanted to try out all of the swings and was much braver this summer. Savannah had no problem climbing up into the clubhouse and jumping off with the rope. We had a great evening roasting hot dogs and marshmallows and visiting with each other.

Payton's Spring Kindergarten Program

I have to admit that I was a bit teary at Payton’s Spring Program and Graduation. It just felt like such a huge milestone to see my little guy graduate from Kindergarten. Every milestone in Payton’s life makes me appreciate having him even more. What a special day.

One of Payton's favorite things to do is to help his dad make "smoodies".

Easter Day

We told the kids the Easter Bunny would come while they were at Church since Mom had to work and wanted to see them with their baskets.

We decorated Easter Eggs with Payton’s friend and our neighbor Conrad and his mom Carly.

A Wish With Wings Easter Egg Hunt

Payton’s A Wish With Wings Easter Event. The kid’s enjoyed lunch from Chick-Fil-A, a fun Easter Egg Hunt, a Bounce House and all the kids got the chance to pick out an Easter Basket

1 year mark

I can hardly believe that it has been a year to the date April the 12th, that Payton went in for surgery to find out what the growth on his liver was. I look back and recall what an extremely stressful time this was for my family. We were so scared and worried if we would be facing a relapse. Every day I have this experience as a constant reminder to remember to stop worrying about the things that we have no control over and the things that we cannot change. I can honestly say that through all of my challenges with Payton that I have come through with an entirely different perspective on life. I have learned not to threat about the small things that we cannot change and to remember the bigger picture. Still to this day we are dealing with the repercussions of the chemo and radiation that Payton received. Every trip to the dentist I am reminded of the effects that the chemo has had on Payton and will still continue to have on his teeth. At school, I am reminded of how spending 12 months of isolation in the hospital has put him behind. It feels like this is constantly staring us in the face. But the best part of all, every six months when we have our scans, I am reminded that I still have my son. And it doesn’t matter what we have been through or what we will continue to go through, the bigger picture is that I have him with me by my side. I am truly grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that has carried me through the past 4 years. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for him. I am grateful for the test of faith that I have learned and still continue to learn. Everyday seems like an adventure with Payton, but it is so worth it, no matter what we have to go through. Today is another huge milestone in our life. I am extremely grateful to have my little guy by my side.