Toy drive

 Today we delivered all the donated items that you all generously contributed this year to our 5th Love Like Kenzie toy drive, spreading love and kindness. We filled a truck with toys and other items and took them to Primary children's hospital to celebrate Makenzie's birthday, a day she would have turned 19 this year, and honor her memory. We had some special visitors surprise us - some of Kenzie's Dr's and nurses - which made the experience even more emotional and meaningful since the last time I saw them was when we were able to take Kenzie home from the hospital before she returned to our Heavenly Father. Thank you all so much for your kindness and generosity, which made our day a little bit brighter and easier to get through. #LoveLikeKenzie #findingjoyinourgrief #missmygirlalways #apieceofmyheartisinheaven #couldntdothiswithouteveryonesgenerosity

Makenzie birthday 19

 Happy Birthday to our sweet girl Makenzie. I'm sure 19 would look amazing on you. Life is definitely different with out you always being sassy, helping around the house, rolling your eyes, baking goodies. We miss you everyday and love you so much and we are so proud of the imprint you left on this world, and on us.

Happy Birthday my sweet girl. I love you with every beat of my broken but grateful heart that you are mine forever. 🩵

Happy Birthday to my incredible daughter. Today we celebrated the gift of your life with loved ones visiting, we had hot chocolate around a Fire pit and released 19 balloons, ate brownies and then had a family Christmas party. Thank you Kenzie for being a precious blessing and teaching me the true meaning of life. I love you more than words can express. Happy birthday sweet girl. #LoveLikeKenzie #decemberisahardmonth #missmygirlalways

UNOs honoring Makenzie

 A few months ago, I received an inspiring call from a lady at UNOs (united network for organ sharing), who had heard about Kenzie's remarkable story and our annual Lemonade stand, which we've held for the past four years to honor Kenzie's memory and raise funds for DonorConnect  and other non-profit organizations we're proud to support. We've kept in touch, and yesterday, she messaged me about an email she'd sent, which contained a heartwarming surprise. I eagerly waited for Tyler Madsen  to arrive home, so we could experience it together as a family for the first time. As we watched, I felt tears of joy, knowing that Kenzie's legacy lives on, inspiring others. We're deeply grateful to continue our partnership with DonorConnect and UNOs. Their thoughtful gesture is a testament to the impact of Kenzie's story. I'm so grateful her story is still circulating around. What a wonderful Christmas/birthday gift they've given us! 

I had no idea 4 years ago when we started the lemonade stand how impactful it would be to everyone that knows us or have heard about the stand and Kenzie's story we shared in the summer.  in 2021. We were just planning on doing the stand for one day in June but when the news and the newspaper told it differently and said we would be out there every Saturday in June we decided to do it and here we are planning the 5th year of doing it in June again in honor of Kenzie.  

We are so grateful for this sweet message they gave us. 

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://unos.wistia.com/medias/9obtvckn23__;!!PJZHZg!3Wtkczyh8uJhyxmp6JmXylmuck_BjAsvAY9frHj9flKuu0hN2ZgWsYJ6DCrwx3nOsaQM6wFmaZH0Tih2SPaLwwA$

Braxton Homecoming dance

 Braxton's first high school dance was at Roy High with his lovely girlfriend Emmary. He and their friends had so much fun at Homecoming. I must admit, I shed a few tears; it's surreal that he's at the high school dance stage. During our drive to Roy, Braxton played songs that reminded him of Kenzie. He would have cherished sharing these experiences with his sister and enjoying double dates together. It warms my heart that he carries her memory with him.

Braxton 17 Birthday

 Braxton, my charming, fun-loving, and laid-back dude, just had the best birthday ever! He's not about flashy things or huge bashes, but Emmary, his amazing girlfriend, surprised him with a room makeover and said yes to homecoming - we adore her! We celebrated with lunch, Beetlejuice, cheesecake, and gifts. I'm so grateful to be his mom. We love him to bits and hope his birthday was as awesome as he is. Happy 17th birthday, time needs to slow down.

Braxton first girlfriend

 Braxton met a girl at Lagoon this season, and it's been wonderful to see the glow and light back in his eyes. We love Emmary; she's been so good for Braxton. He asked her to the homecoming dance yesterday. 

Age 16 

School year 2024/2025

 All of them have started school now. It's a bitter sweet moment knowing Kenzie would have been heading off to college which is crazy to think about, but we wish we could experience it and feel the emotions of dropping our child off at college. Braxton is in 11th grade and doing online school, which has been great for having an extra driver around. Myleigh is in 7th grade and trying out a charter school this year, while Makayla is homeschooling with a hybrid program at Canyon Grove and is in 6th grade. Paetyn is in preschool and participating in the Upstart program.