Kenzie Speaks at a News Conference

Makenzie recently spoke at a news conference announcing the expansion of Phoenix Children's Hospital. She spoke along with a nurse who used to be a patient, a young man who is a former patient, Mayor Phil Gordon, Congressman Ed Pastor, and the CEO of the hospital. She did a great job and even made it on the evening news. By the year 2030 (I think) the hospital will nearly double in size.

Youngs Farm

Kenzie ended up w/ treatment on Friday. She has done great this time around. She has felt pretty good. She felt good enough to go to Youngs Farm in Prescott. All the kids had a great time. We met the Phelan's there. They just moved up there and it was great to see them. We took a picnic lunch and rode a few rides. The kids liked riding the horses. It was really crowded towards lunch time. I am really glad we got there early.
The kids had their primary program today and I am so proud they did so good and really CUTE. Both sets of grandparents came and then came over for lunch after church. The kids love their grandparents. Brayden is saying quite a few things. New words are: gotcha, dog sound, cow sound, Kenzie, bubba, dada, mama, money, breakfast, want more, up. I know there is more I just can not think of them.

Kenzie wanted to write: hi how is everyone doing i am doing fine i do not like treament but i am happy that it is going to zap the tomer it is nice to have such a big family and so much care. i get
mail so much just about every day but some days i dont get anything and brayden got a buzz cut. Look at the picture above: isn't he cute! Love Kenzie and family :)

Finally these pictures will post. I have tried and tried. I do not know why today it is working , just happy it is. enjoy :)
THANKS oliva, rachel and nanci

A Princess Room

I have so much to update you on I hope I can remember everything. I am way behind with everything. First of all, Thanks to everyone for meals, helping me clean and taking good care of our family. :) Makenzie had her Wednesday treatment. Everything went well. She is goofy and happy. We LOVE to see that.She was in the ER on Friday night. She had a fever. We can not take chances because of her port and shunt. She hates going there. The only nice thing is you say Tumor and Chemo. They rush you into the back so she is not exposed to the other sick kids. We get check out right away. Thank goodness.Kenzie's most excited these days about her room. A very special friend did a room makeover for her (Olivia Montez). Let me start off by saying: "BEAUTIFUL" It turned out so awesome. I love just going in there to look. I was quite proud of myself because Olivia liked the color we had painted her room. It is a bright pottery barn pink. She got a new bed spread that went w/ the room better than the one I had. They had the furniture sprayed white. Rachel Despain made curtains, round pillow and a chair cover. They hung shelves (David Despain) and a beaded chandelier (SP?). She is so excited to have a canopy at the head of the bed. She thinks it is cool to have different shaped pillows. Nanci Jarman helped them w/ the set up and made a really cute box for organization. To finish it off Olivia gave her the most beautiful hand held mirror. Makenzie shows everyone the mirror first thing. Thanks to everyone who help lift the spirtit of our whole family. Much appreciated.Our fiend Kelli Barkley lives around the corner from us. She has had a brain tumor removed twice. We are walking with her for the National Brain Tumor foundation. Here is a link to donate : http://www.firstgiving.com/kellikbarkleyThe walk will be held on October 14th, 2006.The rest of the family is doing well. Brayden has learned to open our doors this last week. Now the bathrooms are locked and we are trying our best to keep him out of things. Carson dropped a metal stake on his toe and cut it open. We thought we would have to take him to the ER and get a stitch but we took him to a friend dr. and he looked at it. He could have used a stitch but he butterflied it and who cares if he has a scar on his toe. Thank you so much for doing that. We really appreciate it. He probably saved us $500.Today is a half day at school so Makenzie home for the day. Her and Carson have been playing really good together. They play stuffed animals. I have no idea what that is all about or how to play but they have a great time. This still does not totally catch us up but it will have to do for now. :) It will not let me post pictures of her room. I will try tomorrow. :)