In honor of Mia...

...Desert Palms Church had a blood drive this afternoon after their morning service.

There wasn't a blood bus this time, they set up in 2 of the church rooms. It worked out great.

Mia came to thank everyone who donated blood, she knows just how very important it is and how it truly saves lives.

Mia watching dad getting his poke...

...and mom.

Grannie donated blood for the first time...thank you Grannie!

Even Pastor Kelley donated blood in Mia's name...

Thanks to everyone at DPC who donated blood in Mia's name, it really means so much to our family that you would take the time out of your busy day to do that. We appreciate it!

Out to lunch...

My mom and I went out without kids...for lunch and some shopping. We went to this really yummy Italian place called Brio. Can you say, tasty?!

It was kind of chilly sitting outside in the shade, so we ordered soup.

This spinach dip tasted as good as it looks...

And for dessert, we shared a very small tiramisu. YUM! After lunch, we browsed around the shops, and ok, went to Macy's again. It was a fun afternoon, thanks Matt for working at home today!

Mia stayed home from school...

...but that didn't stop her from fashionably walking to the bus stop to pick up big sister Alyssa, even though she hiccuped and sniffled all the way there.

...in her new pink cowgirl boots! - Thanks to some 'hand-me-downs' which I love! (Janna!)

If you were wondering if it was finally 'fall' here - it is. But this is the extent of the leaves falling off the trees in Arizona.

Yep, Mr. Cool Dad waiting for the bus too...

Alyssa was/is probably thoroughly embarassed that I had my camera in hand waiting for her to get off the bus.

I thought she looked rather cute earlier this morning leaving for school in her new shoes, coat, and backpack. She's growing up...

Three years ago today...

Madison was born at 1:00 am weighing in at 8.9 pounds...

Little baby Maddy still in the hospital...crying. Yep, she still does that too.

Madison's 1st birthday...

Madison's 2nd birthday...

Happy 3rd birthday Madison!

I know, my camera is...getting blurry.

Make a wish...


Madison wanted a 'pink' birthday...with pink cupcakes.

She picked 'Asagna' for dinner - she doesn't say the L.

There were lots of presents for her to open...but what was so cute, was that she didn't realize they were all for her. After watching 3 of her sisters have their birthday's, she must have thought to herself, well...no presents for me. So everytime we would say, 'Madison, it's from Mia'...(or whoever) she would give it to that person. Ohhh, you had to be there, it was so sweet.

Hope you had a fun birthday Madison!! - The next morning, the first thing out of her mouth was, 'I want to have another birthday.'

Mia's 51st blood transfusion

We love the new Children's wing at the hospital!

Matt dropped off Madison at about 8:30 am - Mia's IV was already going when they arrived, so we were set.

We love the new rooms because they all have TV's...lol. We only have had DVD players, so it was nice for Mia to catch some of the disney channel for a change.

Dad also brought Mia's ipod...so she was singing the morning away.

The new nurses station - oh, speaking of nurses...

Miss Christine was there...yep, she rocks!

Look who else we saw...Layla again!

Can these girls get any cuter?! They both have their IV's...

Mia - 'Hey Layla, do you want to see my guitar?'

Layla - 'Sure.'

It was hard for Mia to hold the guitar with her IV...so Layla helped her.

Layla's turn...

Mia & Layla sure know how to rock! - If only I had a video...

Since Mia's iron count is below 1,000 - we are not doing the 4 hour IV desferral to get the extra iron out of her body, so it was a quick day compared to usual.

Mia had to get a flu shot since she hasn't had one yet, and she got really anxious about it. Her heart rate was beeping away. Layla calmed her down and told her to put some numbing cream on so she wouldn't feel it. Layla helped Mia count to 3...easy. Thanks Layla!

Layla hopped up onto Mia's bed and hung out...

Time to go, Mia taking her IV out.

Awwww, they are so cute. As I am blogging this, I really see now why God gives us friends. We weren't meant to go through this life alone. It's so important when facing trials in your life to have someone there who understands exactly what you are going through. Friends are meant to sharpen eachother ( Proverbs 27:17), and they'll always be there for you no matter what. Prayer Request - Layla's cancer has relapsed since last Friday (6 days ago). Please take a minute and pray for her...I know her family would greatly appreciate it.

This Andrea's Closet is huge...you could spend an hour in here just looking.

They picked out some super cool toys. I am so thankful Layla was there today.