Wedding in Oakland...

We were able to go to my nephew's wedding this past weekend in the Oakland Temple! Larry (nephew) married Kendall (DIL's former roommate and good friend!) How fun is that?!!! So, now Kendall is not only a dear friend but now a cousin to the girls!!! Kendall was a bridesmaid to Diana and met Larry there... at Devin and Diana's wedding last Aug. Who would have guessed they would get married THIS Aug??!!! Too fun!! Anyway, here are some pics from this past weekend!

The Bride and Groom... Mr. & Mrs..... Larry & Kendall

Grandpa B, the sealer (he also sealed Derek & Brittany!)

At the temple...

Derek & Brittany

(he didn't want his sunglasses off, but Britt wanted them off, they crack me up!)

Devin & Diana...

After the luncheon and before the reception we jumped on the BART and ran into San Francisco! Waiting for and on the BART...

Pier 39...

At the reception that night...

Back to the hotel...

A little more info...

Pam, thank you once again for hacking into my blog. And, yes, I think I will let you keep my password. For NOW. But, you ARE on probation! °Ü° Seriously, all of your sweet notes were SO nice to come home to! It is so wonderful to have friends!!!! I am so very grateful for the support, prayers and love. I can't thank you all enough!!!

Friday, my dad went in to have his CT scan. If you remember, we thought all was okay, the radiologist had commented on just HOW MANY gallstones were in his gallbladder. We thought that that (a gallstone) was what was blocking his duct, causing the bile build up in his body. So, we weren't too worried when he went in for his CT scan.

The radiologist, who performed the CT scan at the hospital, told them (my parents) that he would send the results to the Dr. office and they would probably call them on Monday to let them know of the results. My parents left the hospital and went to lunch. Before they got home the Dr. was calling and wanted them to come in and see him. NOT. A. GOOD. SIGN. My mom, freaking out, called my brother to hurry home from work and to meet them at the Dr. office. He called me on route and told me what was up... and that he would call me as soon as he knew more. THAT WAS THE LONGEST HOUR AND TEN MINUTES OF MY LIFE.

He called back.

My dad was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma, Klatskin tumors. It is a cancer of the bile duct. You can click HERE to read more about it. (Scroll to the bottom where it talks about Klatskin tumors).

When my brother arrived at the Dr. office my parents were just pulling out of the parking lot. My mom TRIED to tell him what she could remember but she was sobbing and could hardly talk (or remember what his Dr. had told them) so my dad and brother went back into the Dr. office. My family LOVES his Dr. He cried and hugged each of them... He gave them a print out about this type of cancer. Dirk (my brother) basically told me that the Dr. said that this type of cancer is very rare. It is an ugly cancer. It does not respond to chemo or radiation. The tumor is blocking the duct and so tomorrow they are going to go in and put in a stent so that the bile can get through. They will also do a biopsy to see if it is in the liver, etc.

So, we wait... patiently... for more info...

The Dr. did say that if they cut out the tumor it WILL grow back.

But, wouldn't it would give him more time?!! ...not sure how fast it would grow back etc... Anyway, we are fasting and praying tomorrow that it has not spread and that it is operable! THANK YOU once again for all your kind words and prayers!!! You are the best!!! (I feel bad, I know that MANY of you are also struggling with health issues... whether it is your or your family... you are in our prayers too!!!) Life is short and we don't know what each day holds. Hug your family... hug your friends... tell them you love them!

THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN!!! Every word of kindness means SO very much!

P.S. I am SURE NO one from my parents ward reads my blog, LOL, but... I would like to add a THANK YOU to them anyway!!!!! A member of the RS Presidency came by and brought my mom a "hospital survival bag" tonight. In it was a blanket, chocolate, books, cards to write to family or friends, water bottles and more chocolate. VERY cute. VERY thoughtful. It just made me cry. It is hard being 10 hours away at this time. I will go but not sure when yet... once again, waiting for more info... anyway, my mom said, "We have a wonderful ward family, there were many hugs at church today and many dropped by after church to tell them of their love and prayers." This reminds me of the wonderful quote by Pres. Spencer W. Kimball. I am sure most of you have heard it, but it is a good reminder to us all... Spencer W. Kimball said, "God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs." THANK YOU to my parents ward family!!!

Some not so great news.....

Well, as you are all well aware- Shaila is out of town.... and yes the resident hacker is back on. I debated all day on posting. I talked to Shaila earlier today.. the scan results came back for her dad and things arent good. (She can tell you how much or how little she cares too when she returns)

I only post to ask that you pray for my dear friend Shaila. Pray for her mom -Shari Measles and her Dad, James and brother Dirk. I dont know how many of you know her parents, but, simply stated -they are the salt of the earth. Giving caring people. ALWAYS welcoming.

I know she is hurting today. I got an email from her mom today as well... a wonderful family could use some prayers ..... they could use the strength that can come from many united in prayer.... thank you for listening, and mostly for your prayers in their behalf.... its going to be tough focusing on Institute. Maybe, if you are in her ward you could volunteer to be a sub at a moments notice? Maybe you could send her a card in the mail? Or just an extra tight hug the next time you see her.....

Shaila, forgive me for posting on your blog, yet again..... and maybe you should consider changing your password one of these days! Love you my friend, and I am praying for you all!

Answered Prayers!!!

First of all I want to thank you ALL for your SWEET SWEET comments! You are the best!
Today my dad had the ultrasound... he has about a million gallstones! The Dr. was amazed by the amount! It looks like there are so many that they are blocking the duct to the liver therefore he is very jaundice etc! He said that he has had a build of gallstones for years! There ARE 2 spots on his liver that they are going to check out via a CT scan tomorrow morning at 10. Then they will do surgery and remove the gallbladder and biopsy the liver while they are in there. We are so RELIEVED, my mom sounded like a new person when she called this afternoon, bless her heart! Anyway, I just wanted to share the WONDERFUL news and thank you ALL for all the prayers!

I am leaving EARLY tomorrow morning to drive up to Oakland to my nephews wedding... so I will post any other info that we get on Sunday night late or Monday... Again, that you for all your love, support and prayers!!!

Out of Right Field...

It is kind of ironic that I would post yesterday about our faith being on trail.
Today started out like any other normal day...
went to the high school and volunteered...
ran a couple of errands...
ran into a friend and went to lunch with her...
while I was out to lunch with my cute friend, my brother called me...
I didn't answer it... thinking I would call him back after lunch so we could chat and not to be rude to my friend.

My dad has liver failure.

Yep, that came out of right field.

My sweet dad has had a rough life, health wise. He is a great man and has been so blessed in many ways but his health has been HIS big trial. Although, if you asked him, he would tell you it was not a trial, he is healthy. I called him today to check on him... I asked him how he was feeling and he gave me the SAME answer he has for years and year... "With my fingers."

Now, it HAS been a trial to my dear mother... about 48 years ago or so he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, actually a venous malformation in the brain. At the time, there was really nothing that they could do about it. No surgery due to location, etc. The Dr's told my parents they could not say how long he might live with this. They described "the tumor" to my parents like it was a hand... with fingers (veins) extending. Once in a while a "finger" would rupture and he would be hospitalized. It would cause blood to run down his spine, they would give him vit. K to clot the blood and then they would do a spinal tap to check for blood in the spinal fluid. He would be in horrible pain and they would have to give him pain meds to help. I recall the pain meds causing him to hallucinate. But, he did quite well with it over the years... yes, he was in and out of the hospital... yes, he had to change jobs... yes, he was told not to do anything too strenuous, etc... but he was able to work and support our family, and THAT he did!


Continued from yesterday....

In about 1986 my father went to Harvard and had Lazar surgery, cauterizing the tumor so not to have any more bleeds. He hasn't had any problems with the tumor since then BUT he had serious side effects... seizures. So they put him on seizure meds. HEAVY duty ones for years. With time they have changed the meds and/or reduced the amount but... nevertheless, he has been on heavy meds for years. I am guessing that that is what has caused the liver failure. (I must add that even with the seizures, the meds have controlled them for the most part and he has been able to continue to drive etc. I also would like to add that he served 2 missions, back to back at the cannery, he loved it! Dang, while I am at it, I must also tell that he helped 2 young girls - twins - to join the church, save their money and serve missions for the church! I could go on and on about all the good he has and will continue to do... You are awesome dad! Actually, you can go HERE to read more about my great dad!)

Anyway, he has not been feeling well... he is quite yellow (jaundice) and is really itching. When I was there just a few weeks ago his HANDS were REALLY itching but we thought it was because he has husked the corn for us a couple of different nights. (He is allergic to corn) Since I have been home the itching has increased and a few other symptoms have occurred. So, they took him to the Dr. yesterday. His sweet Dr. gave my mom a hug and told her he was sorry. They did blood work yesterday and they are doing a scan tomorrow. They hope to be able to tell us more as soon as they get all the results. The Dr. did say it could be the "C" word or they might have to put him on a transplant list. Yes, I have done a lot of reading the last couple of days... IF the need for a liver transplant occurs he should be a candidate for a "living" organ... meaning IF we have the same blood type we can give him a part of ours. He has most of the symptoms for Cirrhosis of the liver... no, he does not drink... again, I think it is all of the toxic meds he has been on for YEARS.... but I guess we will "put our faith on trial" and be patient and wait for results... We are praying it is a blockage and it can be repaired!

Here is my most recent picture of me with my dad
















I know that MANY of you are going through this same kind of thing... either you, or a loved one... I am just thinking... and praying... I am not asking for your sympathy... only your prayers!

Thank you...

I love you daddy!

on Trial...

I have been reading a lot trying to get ready for institute. One book that was recommended to me is called, " Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers". I just want to share something that I read...

Moroni talks about faith being "on trial"... Ether 12:6 "And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not see; wherefore, dispute the trial of your faith.

In a real court case there is a judge and a defendant. Oftentimes there is evidence, and sometimes there is a jury. The defendant has been placed on trial to assess his activities on some level, in some arena. Once the trial is finished, the judge and/or jury make a decision as to whether the defendant is innocent or guilty.

Have you ever thought of your faith being on trail in this manner, as Moroni describes it? What evidence would there be to support a claim that your faith exists?

This really made me stop and think. I think that normally when we read this verse in Ether we think of WHAT faith is... but to stop and think about OUR Faith... and it being on trial. Isn't that part of why we are here? How much faith do we REALLY have? Will it carry us through the trials that we have? ...just thinking... and sharing....

GO USA!!!

Dallin, Blake, Brad, Layton, Landon, Bobby, and I all stayed up till like 1:15 am watching the gymnastics last night (or should I say, this MORNING??!!!)

I have always loved watching gymnastics, they are so talented! The boys all adore Shawn! She is darling, but have to say, I fell in love with Nastia! I loved watching her and her father hug and seeing him so proud of his daughter, he was a bit emotional... I even teared up! I can't believe her mom wasn't there!!! I thought it was SO cool when she got on the phone to call her mom! I wanted to watch her tell her, "Mom, I won the GOLD!!!" But the TV went to a commercial, I was bummed!

I was SO happy to see them take the gold and silver!!! GO USA!!! We are so proud of you!!!

VenTinG

I volunteer at the high school two days a week in the guidance office (councilors). I usually volunteer on Tues & Thurs but since yesterday was the first day of school I went in yesterday and today. It is always hectic the 1st couple of weeks of school as students are wanting to change schedules etc... but, can I just say I am SO sick of RUDE parents! Good grief. It is like they think THEIR child is the ONLY child in the school! "MY child is a Sr. so they get priority.... MY child this, MY child that..." yeah, yeah, yeah, get in line! LOL.... Why can't people just be nice?!!! Okay, that's all. I am through.

HAHAHAHA! I just got this picture off of Jodi's blog... cracks me up! (go look at her blog, she is too cute!)

How to deal with the difficult people in your life...

Bergquist Family Reunion

The Bergquist family reunion... (We rent a cabin in southern Utah)
It was a weird year due to many of the "older" cousins not being there. (WE MISSED YOU GUYS!!!!) There was one fun surprise though... my son, Blake, was there! Derek, Devin and their cute wives and Blake have been up in the Seattle area installing security systems. I shouldn't be TOO surprised to find Blake at the family reunion, they ALL love going to the reunions!!! Our family is quite close! Here are a few fun pics... The 1st pic is of Dallin (17) and Blake (21)... aren't my boys cute??? °Ü°

Tess loves Blake... and Blake loves Tess!

We had a few motorcycle accidents this year... Here are pics of a couple...

Adam was hurt pretty bad... and Dallin got a good "road rash"...

Bryce's Scones! A family tradition... (You know Bryce... proactive! He had Brent shave his head BEFORE the hair starts to FALL out. He goes in for his 2nd round of Chemo tomorrow) Bryce we are thinking of you... we love you!

Holden and my Chad man...

The Sisters in law... me, Karen, Jenn, & Melodie! Love you guys!

ToO mUch FuN!!!

As most of you know I flew to Utah Sunday, Aug. 3rd to meet up with my parents, my aunt Wilma & my cousin Shelly from Texas! We had a great time! They flew in on Monday the 4th. That first night we all went over to my brother and sister in law's house and had a yummy BBQ in the back yard. Dirk got steaks at Costco and grilled them, Ellen made funeral potatoes & squash, we had fresh corn on the cob, watermelon, and cantaloupe. My mom and aunt made Texas sheet cake for dessert. I could just kick myself for not taking pics that night!!!

Then on Tues. we went to Beto's for breakfast, they have the best steak and egg burritos!

After we got our tummies full we went to Thanksgiving point to the 52 acre's of gardens. It was beautiful! I DID manage to get LOTS of pics there! Here are a few...

Wednesday we went to tour temple square... we thought it would be fun to ride "trax" on the way into SLC.

On Thursday we went up to Park City! We had SO much fun! We were going to ride the slide down but it was sprinkling and there was some lightening so it was shut down. But, since I had been up there they have put in several rides including a FUN "coaster" ride down the side of the mountain! Here we are... having a blast!!!

What goes up....

Must come down....

After a great time at Park City we went back to SLC and ate at... yep, you got it, Cafe Rio!!! Then to the Conference Center to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice...

On Friday we hung out at the cabin, went to mom's and then went to Sundance for a BBQ (well, the Texans had a hard time calling hamburgers with chips a BBQ... "Where's the brisket??!!!" LOL!!! We laughed about that one all night!) and watched "A Midsummer Night's Dream".

Wilma & Shelly, thank you for coming... it was TOO much FuN!!! I vote next year... a cruise!

Trip to Utah!

Well, I fly out EARLY tomorrow morning to go play!
I fly into SLC... my mom & dad will pick me up at the airport and then we will go to church (they have church in the afternoon). My aunt and cousin from Texas fly in on Monday!!! They have NEVER been to Utah! So... my question for you is... WHAT would you take them to see and do??? (They are not LDS) I am so excited!!! We will have tons of fun!

Breaking Dawn!!!

I know I am headed to Costco early Saturday morning to get MY copy of Breaking Dawn!!
But IF you JUST CAN'T WAIT... an exert leaked on the Internet! Go HERE to read NOW!!! (Part of this is FUNNY! Part of it totally annoys me... )

Okay, I HAVE to ask... do YOU hope Bella turns into a vampire or not??? Why or why not??!!! (They DO have to get married, dont ya think??!!!!)

Earthquake!!!

Oh my gosh, did you feel that??!!! I have lived in Cali for 22 years and I have felt MANY of earthquakes, but can I just tell you that was the LONGEST and HARDEST quake I have EVER felt... I am still swaying (NO JOKE!) I am home alone and I have to say this is the first time it was NOT fun!!! I freaked for a min... I could hear things falling! WHERE was the epicenter? HOLY COW! I had to stop and think (tough job for ME!) WHAT am I supposed to do during a quake??? Shoot... do I get under the desk? Do I get in the doorway? I CAN'T REMEMBER!!! WHAT am I supposed to do??!!! Should I go outside???!!! HELP.

Okay, it is over. I am fine. Relax, Shaila.

Seriously, I have NEVER felt one like that before! I am still shaking! I usually enjoy a quake... it has always been like a Disneyland ride. THIS ONE was NOT. I didn't think it was going to end.

Okay, I am fine. It is over.


UPDATE: No wonder I was shaking forEVER. Check THIS out!!! A 5.8 and then THREE 3.8 after shocks!!! YIKES! You can read about it HERE.

Funny, Funny, Pink Lady!

Like I said before, my sister in law, Jennifer came to visit! We had SO much fun!!! I just had to do a little post about this because it was SO. DANG. FUNNY.

She wanted me to take her shopping and help her pick out some fun new clothes! Well, you don't have to twist my arm on that one! So, a shopping we did go! She bought a ton of new, cute, & fun things including a new HOT PINK purse and a darling pink rain coat!!! LOVED them both! Anyway, when we got home, she pulled out all the things and we started laughing our heads off! EVERYTHING was either black, white or HOT PINK!!! That was it. Black. White. Pink.

A loving parent...

As I prepared my SS lesson last night (yeah, last min, my fun SIL was in town) I thought of Alma giving his sons his last words of wisdom... What would I say to my children? He shared his conversion story. He bore his testimony. (Why is it important for children to hear their parents bear their testimonies? In what ways have your parents' testimonies influenced your life?) He praised them and encouraged them to keep up the good work. The tone of the message to each one is loving and fatherly...

And to his prodigal son... (Alma 39:7) "I would not dwell upon your crimes to harrow up your soul if it were not for your good." Alma's love for this son is clear as he carefully points another way, moving him toward the light. He does not disdain this boy or call him names. He does not confine Corianton into a position of hopelessness or paint him into a corner. We cannot see Alma telling his son that he is a wretch, an embarrassment. Instead, he calmly and forcefully tells the truth. Repent and do them no more. You knew better. Turn to the Lord with all your mind, might and strength. Acknowledge your faults. And then he speaks to him about the Savior... the atonement... the ONLY way back. Our Father with his tender mercies... loves us and provided a way! Alma taught in a calm manner and with great power, and Corianton does ultimately respond and repent.

Every child of God does not walk a straight path back to the kingdom of God, and blessed is the parent who will never, never, never give up. Parents are often given eyes to see the eternal nature and possibilities for their children, when all the current evidence and behavior screams the contrary. "You cannot fool me; I see you there. I see beyond your disguises and masks, and I know who you are," says the wise parent with a stewardship over a difficult child.

Randomness...

Tomorrow my darling sister in law, Jennifer, flies in!!! I am SO excited! What are we going to do this trip Jen??? Here is a fun pic from from another time she was here... yeah, no kidding, whose ever seen a shopping cart in a mall??? LOL Too fun! Good times! Jen, bring your biggest checkbook!

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I have a great blog that you guys should go check out! HERE it is.... My cute nephew (Jeff) is in China... he is an EXCELLENT writer! He needs to do this for a living although I am sure he would rather be a herpetologist! So, IF you have the time go read a few of his entertaining posts!!!

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Pray for Adam & Bryce!!! ♥♥♥

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Okay, so, yeah... on Sunday Pres. S came up to me just before Sac. Mtg. and said he would like to meet with Brad and I after the 3 hour block. LONG. THREE. HOURS.

So, we went into his office and he asked me to be the new Institute teacher!!!! YEP! I am REALLY excited!!!! But, a tad bit nervous too!!! I have worked with some of these kids in YW, girls camp, or taught them seminary over the past years so that part is fun!! I do know quite a few of them! We will be meeting on Tues. at 7 pm. We will be studying the New Testament!!! YEAH!!! ALL about our Savior and His teachings!!! Did I mention that I am excited??!!! I am headed out to get this book! Ya gotta love the Parry brothers!

READ Quick!!!!! Shaila doesn't know I posted this on her blog!!!!

Hello Dear readers, you may think you are reading a post by Shaila, but... I logged in for her and am posting this blog entry, so read fast before she deletes it! . You see I tagged her on my blog. It was a tag to describe yourself. Shaila has a ton of talents but she doesn't see herself like I do. She frets over talent nights. BIG TIME! I know her quite well... well enough to have her password to her blog, as well as her pin number to her checking account! Anyone wanna go shopping??? LOL She forgets I have been accused of having a photographic memory, boy wont she be surprised when she logs on!!!

So... I better type fast!

Six words to describe her...

Supporter! If you are having a problem she is there in your corner cheering you on! She wont let you stay down for long!
Good Listener- Cant tell you how often I have counted on her for advise
EXCELLENT teacher! Did she tell you she got called to teach institute??
Gospel scholar-We have read and shared notes from all the standard works. She has great insights! I LOVE reading with her!
GREAT MOM! She had to be held back at a soccer game when her son got carded!
FUNNY!!
Decorator /Wedding planner Check out what she did for her sons weddings!
Oh and fashion coordinator. She is picking out my outfit when my son gets married, something about it REALLY is important that shoes match your outfit!
Tender hearted
Oh and the last one... TRUSTING... I mean she did give me her blog info!!!
I really could go on and on. But I better sign off before I get caught! SO, your assignment is make a comment on what talents you see in her!

Just curious...

.... as to the age and sex of your children! You do not have to give names if you dont feel comfortable... Here I will start...

I am a mother of 5 sons! AND, now, 2 daughters!

Derek, 25, married last March to Brittany! (BYUI)
Devin, 23, married last August to Diana! (BYUI)
Blake 21 (BYUI)
Dallin 17 (Sr.)
Chad 12 (7th grade)

BEACH: Playing, engagement pics & Dolphins!

We had lots of extended family in town this weekend! We had lots of fun! On Saturday we all went to the beach and played! We had a great time! Here are a few pics of the kids playing... Chad and a few of his cousins!

When the kids got tired Abby took them back to my house and Karen and I took some engagement pics for my niece and her fiance. Well, I call her my niece, because her mom (MY cousin) and I are SO close, she is like the sister I never had! Here is one of the shots of them that I got. There were lots of great ones, it will be interesting to see which ones they choose to use!

BUT the MOST exciting part (sorry kids) was just as we were getting ready to leave... WE SAW A POD OF DOLPHINS!!!!! IT was so awesome!!! They were swimming north... I was so tempted to follow them and keep taking pics!!!

Mom's can brag!

Dallin took AP Psychology last year and he opted to take the AP exam. We got the exam score back last week while we were on vacation. Jodi posted her sons score and I thought what a great idea, so I am copying... thanks for the idea Jodi! I mean, we DO need to compliment our children, right? GREAT JOB, Dallin!!!

For those who might not know... an AP class is a college prep class. At the end of the year you can take the exam at the end of the year for college credit. It is scored 1-5 with 5 being the highest. Dallin scored a 5! Yep, a 5!!! WAY TO GO DAL PAL! We are all so proud of you and your academic excellence! You are a stud! Keep up the good work!

It's 5:00 Somewhere...

I have had several of my friends tell me that I need to post a picture of my clock wall. So, here it is....

How did this come to be you might ask? I have a sickness... I LOVE clocks! THERE. I admitted it. That is the first step, right??!!!

One day I was looking through a magazine and there was a picture of a clock wall! No way! I. ABOUT. DIED. (Did I mention that I LOVE clocks???) So, the obsession began.... Wait. It had already began but I just didn't know what to do about it. Now I did! And, so, the clock wall began! My sickness for EVERYONE to SEE!

Then, we had enrichment night here. One of the sisters in our ward (that I really look up to) said to me, "Wow, Shaila, I am so surprised that you like clocks so much, time is such a mortal thing." uh, wow... uh... I didn't know what to say!!! I laid in bed that night and thought and thought about how mortal I was!!! HAHAHA!!! Yep, that is me, MORTAL! Does that mean I am worldly? Does that mean I am not spiritual? What did that mean??!!!

So... I have a friend that does vinyl lettering... and I had her do the letters, "I need Thee every hour" GET IT??!!! okay, so now I am mortal AND spiritual!!! LOL....

GREAT NEWS!!!

We got GREAT news today!!! Brad just got home from Vegas a bit ago, he had gone so he could be with Bryce when they extracted the bone marrow this morning. The Dr. said that the results from the Body Scans were back and there is NO other cancer in his body!!! ONLY the tumor in his colon!!! NOTHING ELSE!!! So, he said, that means that the bone marrow should be clear too! He would not tell him for sure yet, but he said it looks like it will only be stage 1!!! YEAH!!! GREAT NEWS!!! He has large B cell non Hodgkin's Lymphoma... probably only stage 1!!! WE ARE SO SO SO HAPPY! THIS IS GREAT NEWS!!!!

Tomorrow he goes in to talk to the surgeon and schedule the surgery to put the "shunt" in to administer the chemo. Then on Friday they go in for a class about chemo. Hopefully they will put the shunt in soon! The Dr. said after the shunt is in they will give him a couple of days for the swelling to go down and then they will start the chemo. He said as soon as they start the chemo the tumor will start to shrink and the pain will subside!!! So, get ready Jose, you will soon be shrunk down to NOTHING!!! GONE! You will no longer exist! ...BYE BYE!

Yeah, Bryce, we are doing the HAPPY DANCE over here!!!

And, of course, we are very grateful that our prayers were answered!!!

Cancer, the Golith we fight...

Victor L. Brown in the Nov. 1974 Ensign said, "Remember that every David has a Goliath to defeat, and every Goliath can be defeated. He may not be a bully who fights with fists or sword or gun. he may not be flesh and blood. He may not be nine feel tall; he may not be armor protected, but everyone has their Goliaths. And everyone has their sling, and everyone has access to the brook with its smooth stones.

About 16 years ago we lost Brad's mother to cancer. She was a wonderful selfless woman who always thought of others. She was a wonder example to me and to many others of how to live a Christ like life. I hope that I can be like her one day.

About 2.5 years ago we lost Brad's brother to cancer. He too was a very giving and loving man. He was the best home teacher I ever knew. One cool thing about Barry was he ALWAYS spoke Spanish to his children, NEVER English. He served his mission to Mexico. His children have that wonderful gift to remember him... another language.

Here is a picture of Barry standing at our back door...

Last Monday we found out that Brad's youngest brother was diagnosed with cancer. He has a tumor about the size of a lemon. He named the tumor Jose. We do not have much info as of now... he had a full body scan on Friday and tomorrow they are drawing bone marrow biopsy. Brad has gone to Vegas to be with him for that. He will have a shunt put in to receive the Chemo. We do not know what stage it is yet... we are praying that they caught it early. Please remember him (and his family) in your prayers.

Here is a picture of Bryce

My son Dallin just came in and I was reading about Goliath and he said, "Do you want to know my new favorite scripture?" And of course I did... It is John 16:33. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Thank you Dallin, now I will go to bed.