Children with Cancer Christmas Foundation Event

We had no idea what to expect the last couple of nights, but we where completely in shock and amazed by what happened. To explain...back near the beginning of November. We got a comment from a woman named Alyson Calaway on Brynlee's Blog. She said that she was given information about us from my cousin Lance Smith. She told us that she volunteers for the organization called Children with Cancer Christmas Foundation. She said that someone would be in touch soon to give us more information. A few weeks ago, we got a card in the mail from them inviting us to participate with their Christmas event. Jen called and talked to them and was told what to expect. Here is what happened. On Tuesday, we went to Lavell Edwards Stadium, to a multi purpose room there. Each child received 1 large gift, and 2 small gifts, as well as several other items, that Santa does not want disclosed at this time. My expectations were far exceeded, by what we received, I didn't think that we were going to get anything to great, but when we were told to pick the gifts for our children, I was amazed. What I expected was not even comparable to what they labeled as the "small gifts" let alone the "large items" which were truly significant. After spending a couple of hours choosing presents for our kids, we loaded up our stuff and headed home. The next night we returned with kids for the Christmas party. The BYU Basketball team was there helping run the games for the kids, and signing autographs. Cosmo the mascot was also going around meeting everyone.

Kenzie playing the snowball toss game.

Brynlee playing snowball toss.

We were overwhelmed by everything that was going on. Another family started to talk to us and told us what else was going on. Each kid got to go into "Santa's Workshop" and choose a toy to take home with them.

Bryn couldn't decide between one big doll, or 2 smaller
twin dolls, eventually she picked that later.

They had a pizza dinner for us, and then a magic show by Zane Grey, who just happens to be friends with Mariah, and we used to be in his family's ward. The kids got lots of prizes from the games and they got to do some Christmas crafts. At the end of the night they had one of the board members speak to everyone. He was emotional, as he told everyone that because of what these kids had been through they want to give them some joy and happiness. He said several times, this is for the kids, tonight is for the kids. We were given a bag with a extra large teddy bear sticking out the top of it, as we got ready to leave. Inside were a couple of wrapped gifts, and as Jen went to get ours, the lady asked our name. When Jen told her she said, "Your family is new, so we added a couple more gifts." They then handed us a large turkey. I was so overwhelmed by everything. I went up to the board member that had talked to us and thanked him, he grabbed my hand and shook it and wouldn't let go, as he spoke to our girls. At the door Coach Rose, BYU basketball coach, was thanking everyone for coming. I thanked him for everything, and he just patted me on the back and again thanked me for coming. They made if feel like we were doing them a favor, not the other way around. I absolutely couldn't believe it. As we were walking to the car, one of the basketball players passed Garrett, and said "Good night, Garrett" and gave him a high five. It was an incredible night, I still can't believe happened. So much has been done for our family for our Christmas, I am so thankful to all of you for making this Christmas so special for our family.

Brynlee at the Christmas Party

Make A Wish Christmas Party

The Make A Wish Foundation invited us to their "Cookies with Santa" event. It was a lot of fun and the kids got to sit on santa's lap. Well, not all the kids, Andrew would only stand next to him, and Garrett wouldn't sit on his lap, so santa sat on his. For several weeks now, when asked what she wanted for Christmas, Brynlee would first say "candy." and then say a doll. When we arrived at the event, Brynlee wouldn't sit on Santa's lap either, so Kenzie went up and sat on his lap, while she was replying to Santa's question of "What do you want for Christmas, Bryn shouted, "Tell him you want candy!!"
After eating cookies and telling Santa what they wanted, everyone watched Charlie Brown Christmas and then Santa read "The Night Before Christmas" for everyone, and then as everyone left to go home, he handed everyone a stocking. The kids all ate their stocking candy on the drive home, and a couple fell asleep on the way. When I got Bryn out of the car, she was sound asleep, she woke only long enough to be placed on the stairs, then fell asleep, in a classic Brynlee odd sleeping position.


Speaking of Make A Wish...Bryn has her appointment to make her wish, Dec. 22. The plan is Disneyworld, but she could give some oddball wish, like asking for candy, so we won't know for sure until that time. We'll let you know!!!

A monumental day

The day we thought would never happen just did. When Brynlee was first diagnosed, they had to put in a port to administer all the medications, and chemotherapy. Her "central line" was surgically inserted into her superior vena cava, just to the side of her heart. Nearly all of the medications that she received at the hospital and several antibiotics she received at home were done through her central line. At least weekly dressing changes, (she only made it that long on one occasion. most of the time it was every few days.) and twice daily saline and heparin flushes. Her central line was a very high maintenance device, that was also a major source of infection to the body. It is what signified the beginning of her treatment for cancer. And today it was removed!!! This day was so far down the road for us that we just didn't spend much time thinking about it. After her surgery, we walked up to ICS section.(Cancer and bone marrow area of the hospital) We talked with a couple of nurses, including 2 nurses that were assigned to us on her first day of treatment. They couldn't believe that Bryn was already done with her treatments. We have been so blessed at how fast it has all gone by. We are so thankful to all of you for your thoughts, prayers and financial help.

Yesterday we all got up early to be to the church so that we could baptize Logan. There were 4 kids from our ward that were getting baptized. He had me show him the night before, what he needed to do. He said that he was a little nervous.

We went into the font room and waited our turn. It went without a hitch, I didn't need to hold him under to make sure he was all clean, he's a pretty good kid. Jen's dad gave a talk on the Holy Ghost, then we did the confirmations. Both Grandpas, the Bishop and Bo stood in the circle as I confirmed Logan.

Afterward we all met back at the house for a brunch. We are so proud of Logan and his desire to follow the Savior.

Today we received some of the best news for a long time. Tuesday we were up at Primary Children's for Brynlee's end of treatment CT scans. Jen contacted them today and they gave us the news that Brynlee shows no signs of tumors in her head, neck, or abdomen. We are so incredibly grateful for this news. We know that we are blessed. At the end of Bryn's last chemo, we were talking to a couple of nurses that told us that earlier in the year Primary Children's lost a 5 year old boy to the same cancer that Brynlee had. I have no doubt in my mind that the prayers of all of you...friend, family, and stranger helped to bring about this most incredible of test results. Thank you all so much for your help and support.

Dinner with Elder L. Tom Perry

Yesterday we spent the most part of Saturday afternoon visiting Temple Square, and the Conference Center. We arrived early enough to go through some of the buildings before it got too crowded, then we walked around temple square looking at all the Christmas lights, and nativity.
After our Temple Square tour we decided to find a place to have dinner. A Chuck o rama was just up the street a few blocks so we decided to head up there. We were a large group so it took a little time getting a place for us together. When we got to our tables, and started arranging seats an older gentleman was trying to get by to get more food. As we noticed him, we realized it was Elder Perry at the table next to us having dinner with his family. He made a funny comment about squeezing by and smiled his trademark smile and confirmed his identity. I laughed and patted him on the shoulder as he passed. We were in the midst of eating when he and his family got up to leave. He said another cute comment to Brynlee, as she ate her fries, and then they went on their way. Garrett noticing the attention that this great man was getting asked Jen who he was. Jen told him it was L. Tom Perry a member of the quorum of twelve apostles. To which Logan replied with "So that's why he was wearing a nice suit!"
Elder Perry's presence in the restaurant caused quite a stir, because a few minutes later, a waitress approached Jen's Dad and told him that she had enjoyed is recent talk.
What a classic ending to a great trip to Temple Square.

Joseph Smith Jr. Memorial Building

Nativity in Main Street Plaza

Main Street Plaza Nativity

Salt Lake Temple with Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights and the Temple

Christmas Lights in a Flower Garden

Jen guiding the kids into the Orange Colored Trees

The Assembly Hall in the midst of Lighted Trees

Lighted Trees at Temple Square

The Whole Gang

The Family on the Steps of the Salt Lake Temple

The Kids

From the Roof of the Conference Center

The Girls looking from the Conference Center

Cousins at the Water Fountain

We had a really great Thanksgiving. There was lots of food, family and friends, and lots of cousins hanging out and having fun. It took 2 rooms to fit everyone for dinner, but it all worked out in the end. Most of the morning, and evening was spent stratigizing the shopping on "Black Friday". Everyone started arriving around 2 pm, and soon the feeding frenzy was in full bore, devouring 2 turkeys, and spiral ham and all the trimmings.

We also celebrated Logan's 8th Birthday later that night. He got to open presents in front of a large audience, and made multiple wishes over trick candles that kept relighting after he blew them out. Sadly, it took him at least three times before he realized that something wasn't right with the candles.

Today was a shopping madhouse!! After getting up at a little after 3 am. We got to Walmart shortly after 4 am. Jen assigned me to a gift for Logan that Walmart only had 9 items and about 12 people wanting them. I guess being my size does have it's advantages. Nobody was willing to fight me for my box. (Just kidding.) It was extremely crowded though and after I retrieved the said item, I attempted to make my way toward the front of the store where Jen was waiting with the rest of the stuff. The lanes were more crowded than an LA freeway. Most of the time spent in the store was just trying to get out again. After Walmart, Jen and her sister and sister in law went to Target, then to a couple other stores. I went to Big 5 and Cabelas with 2 brothers in law. After spending about over 2 hours in Cabelas waiting in line we were finally liberated, and made our way home for some relaxation. It was a crazy, but fun day, and I have gained greater respect for my wife who has braved the hysteria for several years now.

We have been getting ready for Thanksgiving next week. It's going to be a busy day at our house. We are going to have both the Card's and Poulson's over for Thanksgiving. Our biggest concern was Brynlee's blood counts, as she recoups from her last chemo. The nurse came over the other day and tested her blood. Everything looks good so far. She'll get her blood tested again on Monday, and hopefully we will see some improving numbers. We want her to be well enough for everyone to come over. We will post the results of her test on this and on her own blog.
Earlier today, I tried to go to the gun show to get some ammunition. Because of the election, everyone was in a frenzy to pick up any guns or ammo that they could get their hands on. It was insane. Needless to say, I walk out of the show empty handed. I think I'll try later or go online to get what I need.

Although it is nearly impossible to get a family of our size to all look at the camera at the same time this photo is about the best that we could get. This was taken on Kade's Blessing day.

We had a spur of the moment blessing day for Kade. The biggest factor was making sure that Brynlee, who was undergoing chemotheraphy treatments for Burkitt's lymphoma was feeling well enough to attend. She was doing well, so we made a few quick calls to family who lived in the area, and blessed him on the 19th of Oct. This is the most recent photo of the entire family.

At the time of the picture, Andrew is 12, Garrett is 10, Logan 7, Kenzie is 5, Sadie 4, Brynlee 2, and Kade 1 and a half months.

The Beginning

In an attempt to move our family in to the modern age, I have started this blog to keep family and friends updated on our family happenings and to serve as a type of journal for ourselves. Please have patience with us as we are truly beginners in the realm of blogging.