T-licious - D-zire and C-hillins: July 2009

We went to the Hopekids (www.hopekids.org) old fashioned family picnic! It was out at Antelope Island. We had a lot of fun! It was soooooo windy though, it was nuts! So on our drive out there, we told the kids to watch for Bison. Evidently Lily missed that part of our conversation, because as we approached one of these mangy animals, Lily shouted out in pure excitement "WHAT THE! A MOOSE!!" We all laughed so hard! :)

Since we were already up North, we swung by the Hill Airforce Museum. DJ LOVES airplanes, so we couldn't pass it up. :) Ever since Hopekids provided us the opportunity to see the Air show up there, DJ has been obsessed with airplanes, helicopters and jets.

We Love Hopekids!!!
Besides the awesome opportunities they have provided us, we have met many wonderful people/friends. Hopekids sends out a daily inspirational message that I so often need. I find myself quoting them saying "Hope is a powerful medicine".... I truly believe that!
Recently I read an article about T-cell ALL and the 'very high' rate of relapse, of which is not treatable/curable. It got me so sad and scared. But I wont give up hope.

I officially declare myself to be a "lemon" (comparable to an item you buy that just doesn't work like it should). Some people are prone to buying lemons. I feel like I AM a lemon.
It all started a couple of days ago when I got an invitation to my 15 year high school reunion. They want updates on everyone, and sent out a questionaire that asked for the highlights of my life for the past 5 years. I didn't know what to write because my life has just been crazy. Then this afternoon it went into a spiral. I headed up to Primary Children's Hospital with 4 kids in tow for Toby's appointment. On the way home, I stopped at Costco to get some milk. Lily had to use the bathroom, so she and I went in the store. I left Kyle in charge in the car, as DJ was taking a much needed nap. When I came back out to the car, it was surrounded by police officers and Costco employees. Now keep in mind, I have done this before, and Kyle knows all the rules. I left him my cell phone. The car was running with the AC on. Kyle locked the doors after I went in. So my thought is (Oh noooo something bad happened!!) But no, it was just a grandma and bunch of Costco employees who decided I had abandoned my children and they were in grave danger (despite Kyle telling them I would be right back and they were fine). I was so embarrassed (still am) and felt horrible. Come to find out, it's a law that I can't leave my children in a running car until Kyle is 12 (he will be soon, but that doesn't matter ugh). But not knowing this law doesn't matter, because despite the crowds and gossip and drama of it all, I got myself a nice ticket! Ok so that goes on my list for my highlights along with....

*My son nearly died and was diagnosed with Leukemia

*My husband left me

*I had to move from AZ to Utah because I couldn't take care of my ill son and my other children alone

*I moved into my parents basement

*I met a wonderful man and married him, gaining 3 more children, and sending 2/3 of our income off to his x-wife. Hospital bills and mouths to feed (thank heavens for his savings....and thank heavens she'll marry soon so we wont lose our home).

*My best friend since the 3rd grade writes me off completely because 'we are on different paths'

* I got pregnant and threw up every day for 5 months..... DJ was born making "Yours Mine and Ours" and uniting our family (what a blessing he truly is)

*My daughter got kidney reflux and spent a year on antibiotics

*I broke my right ankle

*My son finished chemotherapy treatment! YAY! (with 5 years left of monthly blood draws before he's considered in remission)

*My daughter lost 2/3 of her kidney, and had to have invasive surgery to correct the problem

*My son had surgery to remove his port-a-cath

*My sister got upset with me and wont speak to me

*I got a ticket and watched people gossip and imply that I am bad mother :(

Now, I know that there are more pleasant hightlights and of course many blessings, but out the big things that have happened in my life, the traumatic/bad outnumber the good. And it seems neverending now. :(
I know I shouldn't be so negative, and I really do know that I have been blessed even through the crappiest days of it all, but I just want a normal life without all the drama. Ok enough whining.

Happy Birthday to my amazingly wonderful husband last month!!!!

Don't you just LOVE DJ in this picture.... I think it's hilarious!!!

Dave, thank you for being one of the positive highlights in my life!!! You are such a blessing. You are a wonderful husband and father!!! You are talented and smart and occasionally funny ;) I love you!!!!!

Happy Birthday Brandon!!!!!!!!

Brandon got a 'super pickle' cake (design by Kyle lol) Brandon, you are 1 of 3 of the best children to have entered my life. You are growing up so quickly and becoming such a handsome young man (mushy cheesy, but nice to hear nonetheless right?) You are a great brother and a great son. I love you.

Now here are some pictures that we took on our trip to AZ last week. We didn't take many, but the ones we got were cute. I sure do miss AZ and my friends there. Everytime I go back I feel like it's my home and I cry. Maybe someday we'll be able to move back.