More time at the Mayo.

More tests today for Sharon. We will be here til Thursday or Friday. There were tests today that we will get results from tomorrow or the next day. Things are becoming clearer as to where the problems are. I will put more when we have the answers for sure.

First set of results Sharon at the Mayo.

We met with the Neurologist this morning. The pain in her head is NOT a tumor or an anyrism or even vasculitis. It appears to be radiating from the disc in the neck up (and also down her arm). We can work with that. They are going to test it a bit more to find out exactly where and decide what to do, but some of the big scary possibilities are off the table in regards to that pain and that is a very good thing.

More to come as we know.

the end of tyranny*

When Mr. Christopher first heard about the Petersen 4th of July piñata tradition, he asked if we broke a piñata of a British soldier dressed in the garb of the Revolutionary War. I explained that they don't really sell those—not a big market. We'd used several kinds of piñatas through the years: a pirate treasure chest, a star, and maybe even a Pokemon when piñata stocks were running low one year.

When he realized this year that we could just make our own piñata, he was determined that we wouldn't decorate it with no stinkin' pokemon. That tyrannical king looks angry (and also, rich):



















Here is the Petersens' beating down of tyranny, as captured on film, youngest—as always—first:






































































Everyone felt pretty tough after beating tyranny. Stephen also may have felt like he needed to go to the bathroom.














*Special thanks for this post go out to Mr. Christopher for piñata concept.

i finally hooked my camera up to my computer

What a slacker I am—never giving you guys pictures from the flaming gorge trip. I have 179 of them total, so this is just a taste. I'm definitely not going to load all of them here.

We made it:

















For some reason, Christopher thought the gorge would be bigger:












And it was! :















So we smiled, :









and made funny faces:

Mayo Clinic ratings

US News and World Report put out there "America's Best Hospitals" list for 2009

The Mayo Clinic Ranked:

2nd Overall (John's Hopkins was 1st but Mayo has been 1st before)

1st Diabetes and Endocrine disorders
1st Neurology and Neurosurgery
1st Digestive disorders
2nd Respiratory disorders
4th Rheumatology disorders
3rd Kidney disorders
4th Cancer
7th Ear Nose and Throat

I am taking Sharon to the best place in the world for what she needs to get the answers she needs. We are leaving Monday morning to be able to be there for an appointment starting at 7:00am Tuesday.

I will keep you posted on this blog (pun intended) on what we find while there. Also, our cell phones will work there. If we don't answer, we are where they tell you to turn off your phone.

We appreciate the prayers, support and love that we feel from family and friends.

Anne is a traveling girl

Anne had several days at Flaming Gorge with the family. She was home for a weekend and then went to girls camp and had a great time. Then home for the weekend and then off to EFY at BYU. She is having wonderful experiences but we miss her.

Mayo Clinic and a Family Fast

Sharon and I will be leaving on July 20th for the Mayo Clinic. Her pain level has steadily increased as well as many other symptoms. It has been a long wait to get her into there, but I am grateful that we started the process when we did. What ever the We need to get some answers for her to change how we are going about treating her. We are confident that it will be a good experience and will give us help to get her better.

Now comes your part. For those who are able and wanting, I would like to have a family fast this Sunday on her behalf and gather for a blessing for her on Sunday. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated and helpful.

Thanks, DAVE

While I was at girl's camp

So just recently I went to girl's camp. It was a blast, and I'm really grateful for the girls in my young womens group. I learned a bunch of stuff and hopefully made new friendships.
But I missed you guys. And I'm so happy and grateful for such an awesome family like you. Thanks for being who you are.

--Anne Marie

4th of July water fight and the Mayo Clinic

I know that we just barely got the word out about the annual 4th of July water fight at our house, but there is change to the plans now. We have loved hosting that and enjoyed it every year, but this year we are needing to give a last minute cancellation to the event.

Most know that Sharon has had a lot of challenges with her health. She has weathered them with great grace and diginity and worked very hard to not have it impact others. The complexity of her situation has baffled the doctors here. Because of that we are going to the Mayo Clinic on July 21st to go where we feel that the extra expertise and communication between doctors will give the answers she needs to get back to full health.

We're sorry, but the situation is such that we aren't able to put on the event right now because of what is happening right now. We'll look forward to it for next year. We have called all the parents in our generation and Dad/Grandpa Lloyd and Dorothy. Please spread the word to all nieces, nephews, kids etc. so we don't have anyone uninformed about the change. Thanks.

David