April

Can you believe we are already almost half way through the year. Wow, time sure flies!!! On April 2nd, Talen saw Dr. Such-Neibar again. She is just wonderful. She is making sure that everything is on track for Talen to get his wheelchair, as well as, a stander, versa forms, neck brace, etc., etc., etc. We also discussed Talen's situation with the baclofen. I have spoken with several doctors and medical professionals and nearly all of them don't think that Talen should be taking baclofen. From what I understand, baclofen causes muscles that are tight to loosen. I believe that they put him on it because at times his arms can be tight. However, the baclofen will affect his entire body, not just his arms. Given that he has a weak neck, I decided that the best thing for him would be to stop the medicine. I may have made his neurologist a little upset by doing this, but I feel that it is my decision to make. So, now we wait to see what our next step will be.

On the 6th, we went up north for several more doctors appointments. Talen had his check-up with Dr. Muntz to make sure everything looked good from getting the adnoids out. He gave us a thumbs up and said that we should have him checked again in 6 months, but it can be done by a doctor in St. George unless there are any problems. While in SLC we also went to see Dr. Humphries and Now I Can (intense physical therapy facility). Dr. Humphries specializes in the hyperbaric chamber and also suggested that we get Talens MRI's looked at to see if he has Ciari I (I am not sure of the spelling). The doctor that will look at them is in New York City. If he has Ciari I, there is surgery that can be done to fix the problem. However, we would have to fly to NYC to have it done. And, yes, it is brain surgery, but at this point I will do whatever I have to to see that Talen has every opportunity available to him. After we know for sure on the NYC thing, then we want to take Talen to Now I Can. They have an amazing physical therapist that would work with Talen 5 days a week, 4 hours a day, for 3 (or 4) weeks. So, Talen and I would have to move up to Provo for about a month, but like I said, I will do whatever I have to to help him out. The only problem is that Medicaid will not pay for it. So, we are probably going to be having a fund-raiser sometime in the next couple months. We will just have to see what happens.

On the 16th, Talen saw Dr. Gooch (eye doctor) he said that Talen is far-sighted and may need to have glasses when he gets older, but for now everything looks good. We will have a follow-up appointment with him again in a year.

Kennedy had her Kindergarten Round-Up on the 23rd. She got to meet some of the teachers and they evaluated her to see what her abilities are so that they can place her in a class. They said that the classes for next year will be posted by the last day of school, so next month, we should know who her teacher will be.

Wow, what a busy month, no wonder it goes by so fast!!!

Laurel's Date Night

For one of the YW Activities, the Laurel's had planned a date night. They each invited a date and we (Sister Leslie and I) arranged the dinner. After they all arrived with their dates, we played a game or two of spoons. Then we sat down to have our spaghetti, french bread, and salad. The fun part was that each of our hands were tied to the person sitting next to us. So, we were one huge circle with all our hands tied together. We all had so much fun!!! Afterwards, they played games while we served up dessert, rice krispy treats. I just love the girls that I get to work with. They are all so good and such great examples to the other girls in the ward!!!

PreSchool Easter Egg Hunt

I don't know why, but Easter always turns into a three or four day event for us. Today Kennedy's preschool had their Easter egg hunt. I went a little early and helped Miss Kami hid the eggs. It is always fun to see the kids run around looking for eggs. They are so good about sharing too. Miss Kami said they could each collect 15 eggs and any who collected more, gladly opened their bag for the others to take some out so that every one was equal. What a good group of kids!!

Easter

I think I have the best mother-in-law possible. Every year, she takes care of the Easter Bunny for us. (Which is wonderful when you are working on a tight budget.) This year the Easter Bunny left the baskets for the kids at Grandma Robin's house, so after church, we drove over to collect them. Talen got a bunch of movies (including The Tale of Despereaux, Madagascar 2, Furious Five, Elmo, and Bolt), books, clothes, and candy. Kennedy got clothes, a Don't Break The Ice game, My Little Pet Shop toy, a coloring book, and candy. This year the "basket" was a beach pail and shovel. Grandma Robin is so creative!!!

Coloring Easter Eggs

I am not big on decorating Easter eggs because I know the huge mess it makes and I know who will have to clean it all up when we are done. But this year, my mom was here and she convinced me to give in and let KiKi color some eggs. So, I cooked up a dozen and we all joined in the fun. We even made an egg for Talen. (he was real thrilled, hehehe)

After cleaning up, we went over to Grandpa's were KiKi participated in an Easter egg hunt with a bunch of her cousins. I think she likes the finding the eggs almost more than she cares about what is inside of them.

Grandpa's Funeral

Grandpa was called home on April 4th. The home healthcare nurse came over to the house to check on him and told Cathy that he was nearing the end, but probably had a week or two left. After the nurse left, his breathing got really labored and about 30 minutes later he was gone. All it took was Cathy telling him that it was all right to go, he could go be with Grandma and Chris. I can't express in words how much I love and am going to miss my grandpa. I am so thankful for the knowledge we have of the plan of salvation. What a blessing it is to know that we can return to our Heavenly Father and be with our loved ones again!!!

Since all the kids and grandkids had made the trip here to see Grandpa before he passed, they decided to forgo a traditional funeral service. We had a viewing on Thursday the 9th and a small graveside service was held on Friday the 10th. Afterwards, we went to the chapel and had a nice luncheon that was prepared by the Relief Society and then back to Grandpa's for reminiscing and a few card games (you can't get the Collins's together and not play cards). It was nice to spend time with family even given the circumstances.

Here are the last pictures I have of my kids with Grandpa. They were taken on March 19, 2009.

Boys in Bandanas

Jay had been on a bandana kick lately. I think it is because I am too cheap to get him a haircut and too lazy to do it myself. So there have been a lot of bandanas laying around and one just happened to make itself onto Talen's head. What a cutie pie! or I guess when you are wearing a bandana you are tough, so I should say "What a tough guy!!"