Happy St. Patrick's Day

Dear Family and Friends,

Here we are!  Starting Mandi's 3rd treatment and nearing the half way point of her treatments.

At this moment Mandi is in a feel good live well class, and being taught how to apply different types of makeup, trying some different hair styles, and making new friends along the way.
I found my way to a restraunt I have been hearing a lot about called The Point.  It overlooks the whole Salt Lake Valley, and you can see everything from the North to the West, and South of the Huntsman Institute, due to all the exterior being windows.  From what I have heard, I thought this place would be packed, but I am the only one in the entire place.  Actually pretty peacful.  On the way to Mandi's class her pole that the IV bags for infusions hang from was wandering all over the place.  She started up a funny conversation with some fellow makeup students about walking dogs and IV poles having minds of their own.  She always has a fun sense of humor, and can make any experience up lifting.  In the class she was asked to be the model for the instructor.  I think she was really enjoying the pampering session, plus all the donated makeup that she received in a take home bag.

These past few weeks have been great.  With the busy hustle of normal family life.

Deaken is signed up for Soccer this spring, and is very excited.  He got a new bike for Christmas that I just remembered is still locked up, because it (the bike) has a hard time finding its (the bikes) way home.  He is full of energy and always onto the next adventure.  This past week or two he has mastered counting and writing 1 - 100. He is very proud of this accomplishment.













Mayci decided to stop taking dance, and started taking piano lesson.  She is doing very well in school and is a hard worker at everything she does except cleaning her room and picking up her shoes and socks after they have been removed from her feet.  She also loves this time of year where she can get out in the sun and ride her bike with the neighbor kids.

Harli just had her 13th birthday and it was pretty hard for her to blow out 13 candles.  Must be a teenager thing where she is getting more hot air.  She is always very willing to be helpful around the house and with her younger siblings, she is a very pleasant person to have around.


Taeden is on the SV track team, SV has their first track meet today.  He is excited to dive into this sport.  There is no green on their uniforms, so I'll bet there's a lot of pinching going on today.  Hope it helps him run faster and jump higher:)

Ziggy eats, licks her pig, sleeps in her favorite spot in front of the sink, sleeps in her bed, sleeps in her kennel when she is home alone, and sleeps in a random bed each night.  She sleeps a lot!  During the winter she will sneak out to do doggie business, but then hurry back in to get warm.  She is looking forward to summer and going on walks.

We are very proud of, and love each of our kids and their accomplishments.

Mandi is cute as ever and wanting to get out in her yard.  This morning she asked the doctor again if it would be okay to wear gloves and a mask to dig in the dirt, and do yard work?  She was shut down.  Turns out there are numerous  molds and bacteria that live in the soil.  After hearing about it, I'm not sure dirt is safe for anyone.  She finally decided it's best to watch other people dig in mold and bacteria this year.
This treatment is going good.  Mandi knows most nurses by name and at times reminds them of certain steps that should be taken.  Her room during this bout is on the east side of the hospital and the cell service is about non existent. It gives her a reason to take her pole for a walk to the lobby for socializing, make phone calls, and to check and send texts.  Funny thing, during her last treatment the nurses were doing a fair portion of their checks in the lobby.

I would say over all, things are as good as we could ever ask for.  We know that there are many different types of struggles and adverse situations that we all can face from day to day.  Some we get ourselves into and others come by way of mortality.  Mandi and I have had conversations discussing the agreement we made when we were admitted to earth, and accepting these various situations that are put in our paths.  Now we only hope, we will be able to gain the perspective and outlook that comes from going through these experiences that will help us to progress.  I have tried to get Mandi to update a post or two and help lighten the burden of updating this blog, but considering, I guess this is a burden that I can deal with.
 
We have been blessed with so many great family members and friends.  Each of you are in our thoughts and prayers.  Your kind acts do not go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated.

Love Always,

The J&M Poulsen's