5.6.2009

In honor of "Amore d'oro" (golden love)

We rocked the Old Spaghetti Factory with this bunch...

Lotsa pasta, lotsa laughs, lotsa water drinking contests and a little spumoni ice cream was a perfect way to say...

Noi Amo (we LoVe you)

5.6.2009

49 Years and Counting

Forty Nine Years ago today these two "amazings" were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Dad proposed to mom on Valentines Day and three months later they began an incredible journey full of ups, downs, turns, roadblocks, steep inclines and rapid declines. We can't wait for more, more, more.

49 things we LoVe about you

1. Your examples

2. Your Faith

3. Your Commitment to your family

4. Your never ending service

5. Your testimonies

6. Your wisdom

7. Your knowledge

8. The respect you show us

9. Your support

10. The love of your country

11. Your relationship with the Savior

12. Your knowledge of Joseph Smith

13. Your love of Brigham Young

14. Stories of your childhoods

15. The respect you have for your parents

16. The neighborhood you raised us in

17. Dad's incredible taste in suits and ties

18. Mom's love for shoes (some have inherited this love and we couldn't be prouder)

19. Mom's cooking

20. Dad's love of good theater popcorn

21. The pasture

22. The never ending support you give to your grandchildren

23. Your ability to forgive

24. Your hard work ethics

25. Our cowboy dad and grandpa

26. Service to the community

27. Your love for your neighbors

28. Your brothers and sisters, our aunts and uncles

29. Your missionary service (9+ years!)

30. Your positive outlooks

31. Your willingness to participate in Dance, Dance Revolution

32. Your sweet "Wii Fit" skills

33. You instilled in each of us the love of skiing

34. Mom's ability to make Grandma Evans ginger cookies

35. Dad's polished boots, shoes and cowboy hats

36. Your laughter

37. Your signature gray hair

38. Your love of good food

39. The love and acceptance you show your son and daughter in laws

40. Your open door, open ears, open heart policy

41. Your people skills

42. Years of Christmas memories

43. Fairview

44. Rockland

45. Rodeos

46. Mom's love of speed (typing, walking, skiing, horseback riding, amusement park rides)

47. Your willingness to endure hard things

48. Dad's hunting stories

49. Your unconditional love

There are not enough words in the English language to describe what these two have done for so many. We love you, we honor you, and thank you for making our world complete.

4.30.2009

Over the past month dad and I have had several conversations regarding the power of the Priesthood. Again dad acknowledged the role of the Priesthood and faith as life saving factors over the past six months. Through tears he bore testimony that through Priesthood power and constant faith one can get through anything. I continue to gain valuable knowledge, insight, and testimony strength as I learn at the feet of my father. Dad spends countless hours each day studying, meditating, and reviewing scripture, gospel doctrine, and church history. As I have fulfilled my calling as a Relief Society Instructor I find myself turning to my parents continually for wise counsel, reassurance, and ideas. This evening in particular I felt that there would come a time that I would need to rely on the counsel I was receiving.

Dad is fortunate to have an incredible library of fascinating church history. A couple of weeks ago I found myself back in dad's office sitting with mom and dad as they both read to me from two different books. As the clock ticked on I knew that I needed to leave for they had an early morning assignment in Salt Lake but the feelings of wanting to stay would not subside; I wanted, I needed, I thirsted for more. More counsel, more wisdom, more time. My thoughts have gone back to that Saturday evening conversation and I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge, peace, and reassurance I received.

This past week in the midst of a family emergency we called upon dad to meet us at the hospital to assist Gentry in giving a priesthood blessing. As we stood in the ER and witnessed the power of the Priesthood we felt the arms of our Father in Heaven around us. Through the gracious love and compassion of our Father I was being afforded the opportunity to not only hear but witness first hand the power of the Priesthood as I have never witnessed before. It is through the example of my parents that we are able to stand in faith and partake of the promises, counsel, and priesthood blessings that dad spoke of that night. There is no doubt in our minds that through the ministering of the Priesthood miracles are performed.

We are so grateful for the worthy Priesthood holders in our family. I will never forget the tender moment as grandfather/father and grandson/son joined together in a most sacred act of Christlike love. Our family continues to be the recipients of precious and tender mercies from our Father in Heaven. We are so blessed.

3.8.2009

Mom called me this morning to discuss in more detail dad's Friday Oncology appointment, there is an area measuring about 1/2 inch in the tumor bed which Dr. Rich feels is residual radiation activity. The ideal scenario would be for dad to have an MRI to compare with his previous films but magnetic imaging is not an option with dad's heart situation.

Dr. Rich's recommendations are to proceed with dad's next 5 day chemo schedule beginning on the 13th at the same dosage. Since dad does not present like a patient with an active tumor, his vitals are strong, and his blood counts have remained stable Dr. Rich feels that the "spot" is radiation inflammation. We hope.

We are to contact the Dr.'s immediately if dad experiences any dizziness, headache, nausea, fever or balance issues. Dad appears healthier and stronger than he has since September which we are so grateful for. We have known from the beginning that this disease is unpredictable and can attack with a vengeance at any time, we just want to enjoy several more tomorrows with our incredible husband, father, grandfather and friend.

We continue hoping, praying, loving, and offering gratitude for today and invite you to join us.

3.6.2009

Six months ago today we thought our lives had been turned upside down; in retrospect our lives have been turned right side up. We hope to be stronger, wiser, kinder, and more compassionate as we dedicate ourselves to becoming more Christlike in our words, thoughts and actions.

Dad had a Cat Scan last Friday and is scheduled to meet with his Medical Oncologist today to discuss the results. As I spoke with dad last Saturday regarding his scan his resolve was stronger than ever, he commented "I feel very good about things and am confident that this scan will show nothing new" I assured him that this is what each of us are praying for. Dad received a phone call from Dr. Rich yesterday as he was reviewing dad's scan done one week ago, the news was just as dad had anticipated "scan appears to be the same as the last one, few remaining fragments probably due to residual radiation." Dad will meet with Dr. Rich today for vitals, blood work and to discuss the next round of maintenance chemo.

As we travel down this road of cancer we are discovering that it is a path that is far too crowded. However, we find ourselves deeply indebted to those who have traveled it before as they have shown us that this journey can be one of great blessings, promises and invaluable lessons. We find our hopes and desires for a cure to be stronger and more powerful than ever and through our resolve we are discovering strength in our personal testimonies as well as the power of faith and prayer.

Dad is feeling "marvelously well" as he faithfully fulfills his duties at the temple and the Conference Center. As January came to an end mom and dad were discouraged and sad as their 8 years as Service Missionaries in Salt Lake City had come to an end, they had been advised that they would need to wait 12 months before submitting their papers again. Mom and Dad were thrilled beyond belief when they received instruction to submit their papers immediately so that they could continue serving as Special Event Coordinators for the brethren. How grateful we are that faithful prayers continue to be answered and missionary blessings continue to flow.

Dad's improving health provides him the ability to enjoy phone calls, visiting, feeding his horses, watching BYU and Jazz games and discovering the joys of family history. Dad's cousin Jerry provided dad with family history files which have brought many hours of reminiscing and several walks down memory lane. We have been so touched by the thoughtfulness of dear cousins who remain faithful in their visits, thoughtful in word and deed, and genuine in their love and concern.

To each of you who persist in blessing our lives through your prayers, faith, grace, and undying love...we humbly say "thank you". Your gentle presence in our lives is magnified daily and we will forever be indebted to each of you for your never ending love. To our Father in Heaven and Elder Brother Jesus Christ; we thank you for this journey and for turning our world right side up.

12.28.2008

Mom and dad traveled to Salt Lake this morning for the choir broadcast, Marty and his family packed up and headed home today. We are going to miss them terribly, we love it when they travel down to spend time with us. I went over later this afternoon to prepare dad's weekly medications.

12.27.2008

We took the little ones to see this today; Cooper kept telling anyone, everyone, complete strangers and all "I am not a mouse, I am a gentleman." Dad elected to not join us and went with Marty instead, they drove to the pasture, went for a nice ride and then back home to build another fire. Later this evening dad requested that I shave his head, the hair on the back of his head has been growing back along with a little stubble on top. I used his new clippers he had received for Christmas.
The remainder of the evening was spent eating, visiting and trying to stay warm.

12.26.2008

Dave and I spent the afternoon/evening at mom and dads recovering from Christmas and enjoying mom's delicious food. Dad has rested for the majority of the day in front of the fire, he is exhausted. Mom and I have noticed how good dad's appetite has been the past couple of days, once again our prayers are being answered.

Dave and I had given dad this video for Christmas, we enjoyed spending the evening watching it together. Mom and Dad have many tender memories of serving our beloved prophet and we are the lucky recipients of their stories and testimonies of this amazing man.

12.25.2008

Sounds of laughter, sights of surprise, and spectacular snowfall made for a perfect Christmas Day. Following the admiration of Santa's delivery and the opening of gifts Gentry, Cooper and the girls spent the good part of this morning creating a 7 foot snowman in the back of Gentry's truck. The girls had not come prepared for major snow but Grandpa came to the rescue, he was so excited to outfit the kids in all of his Olympic volunteer clothing, gloves and hats.

Gentry

Shelby

Sydnee

Cooper

Samantha

Here he is, Frostlanta; draped in a Confederate flag and all this is a Christmas Day Masterpiece. Gentry and the girls could not wait to take their show on the road, they loaded up and went right over to Grandpa's to introduce him to their new frosty friend.

Later that afternoon we went to mom and dad's to open gifts, eat, visit, and play. Gentry and I had picked out this hat for dad and he placed it on his head the minute he had it out of the wrapping, he called it his "Porsche Hat".

Dad completed this round of chemo last evening without any difficulties. He will see his Medical Oncologist next week for bloodwork and follow up.

12.24.2008

Marty and Maigan both arrived safely from Boise and Arizona, Anthony's plans were changed at the last minute due to work; dad is so discouraged that Anthony will not be joining us.

Mom and Dad drove to Riverton to visit with Jeff and his family and then came to our home to eat, join in the annual pajama opening and sample a taste of Christmas Eve anticipation and excitement through the eyes of their grandchildren.

Marty

Shelby Lin and Grandpa

Sydnee M.

Samantha Emma & Cooper David

Easton James

Dad is absolutely smitten with this little guy, being around Easton takes each of us back in time as he is a mini Anthony; his personality, energy, curly hair, and expressions merge the past with the present.

The love in our family flows strong and deep, the memories of tonight will be ours to treasure and keep.

12.23.2008

It is true, a dream is a wish created in one's heart. Dave and I held our annual Christmas Buffet this evening for family and friends, the wishes of my heart were granted when mom and dad arrived.

Surrounded by family, friends, laughter and Christmas dreams our home was filled with an abundance of warmth and love tonight.


I love this man, what more can I say?

Because of you dad we will...

TrY harder

HoPe Longer

LoVe Deeper

LaUgH Louder

12.22.2008

As I have reflected back on the time, conversation, and memories shared with our parents last evening the only word I can think of is "Miracle"

Miracle (mir-e-kel) 1. an event or action unexplained by scientific law 2. an awesome or unimaginable event.

We have shared with dad on multiple occasions the events that took place in October which caused him to be hospitalized for 19 days. Dad does not remember much of anything regarding his grave condition nor the circumstances. He does acknowledge the fact that he is lucky to be here and remains positive, faithful, and optimistic despite the grim statistics of this horrible disease, this is a miracle.

Our father was able to complete his chemo/radiation treatments without lengthy interruptions, this is a miracle.

Our mother has been able to continue working and providing amazing insurance benefits. She remains faithful to her mission call, her eternal companion, her children, and her Father in Heaven, she is a miracle.

Dad's medical team remain hopeful, optimistic, encouraging, willing and promising, this is a miracle.

Encouraging words, sentiments of love, phone calls, notes, cards, fasting and prayer continue to sustain us, this is a miracle.

As we consider all that has taken place over the past 4 months, look towards tomorrow, and contemplate where this journey could take us I realize that our parents have blessed each of us with the opportunity of a lifetime, this journey is a miracle.

12.21.2008

Mom and Dad spent this morning at the Tabernacle with the choir and then returned home. Dad's maintenance chemo is double the dose he was originally taking, he takes it for 5 days and is then off for 30. Dad took his first dose last evening, so far so good. Dad continues to gain strength each and every day. His coloring is much better, his voice is stronger, and his appetite is slowly improving.

Mom and Dad had a wonderful visit this afternoon with dad's cousin Cherl who lives in Cedar Hills. Cherl and her fun husband are two of our "favorites", their visits bring stories, humor, and endless laughter.

After preparing dad''s medications for the week I spent the remainder of the evening visiting with mom and dad around the "very warm" fire blazing in the fireplace, the poor quality of coal from the Fairview house sparked a great reminiscing conversation of dad's younger days in the coal mines of Castledale. I love hearing dad tell stories of his father and grandfather; two men I never knew. Dad's long term memory is fascinating, he can recall some of the most detailed experiences of his childhood. As we were visiting this evening dad became very quiet, reflective, and emotional as he commented "the Lord is blessing me beyond my understanding. He continued to share "I asked the Lord to bless my body that it would adjust to my new chemo regimen and I have not experienced any side effects, I am so blessed." I assured our father that he certainly is being blessed and so are the rest of us; we, too have petitioned the Lord for various blessings throughout this journey and continue to marvel at the indescribable heavenly love we feel. As I grow older I am discovering that I do not have the ability to remember days like I used to; however, I am more mindful of moments. I am so grateful for the "moments" I experienced tonight, laughing, crying, and reminiscing with our amazing parents.

12.20.2008

Dad is exhausted following his early shifts at the temple, running errands in a blizzard, and his full schedule of events from last week; he is resting today. Dad's chemo now has to be delivered to the house and requires a signature, it was delivered this morning and dad is anxious to get started.

Mom spent a portion of today shopping and enjoying the Christmas spirit while dad remained at home in front of the fire. Mom and Dad are looking forward to the arrival of our family from Idaho for the holidays. Marty has been stranded in Anchorage, Alaska for the past couple of days and we are all anxious for him to return to Idaho so that he can turn around, pick up his family and travel to Utah for the holidays.

12.19.2008

Mom is off today and was able take dad and pick him up from his early morning shift at the Temple. Despite the horrendous road conditions and winter storm dad had a list of things he wanted to accomplish today, he and mom were out driving around in a blizzard! They went to Cabellas, Cal Ranch, Dave's shop and a few other random stops along the way; according to dad he has had a "wonderful" day.

Dad started a fire in the fireplace and is settling in to relax and watch some movies, mom is going to try to recover from her day of driving in a blizzard.

12.18.2008

Mom took dad to the temple early this morning for his weekly shift, I picked dad up when his shift had ended and took him home. As always I cherished the few moments we were able to spend reviewing his morning, his party last evening, and the events on the calendar for this afternoon. I had made some homemade chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles and all thinking that dad might enjoy it for lunch; he was kind and said he might try it. I am pretty sure Campbell's Chicken Noodle will win.

Mom is taking dad to his Neurologist later this afternoon, we are sure that all will go well.

Dad passed his exam with the Neurologist with flying colors, Dr. Gaufin does not need to see dad again unless he develops a problem. Once again our prayers have been answered. I spent the evening with mom and dad as we had our annual candy making event, dad worked in his office as we worked in the kitchen. The sounds, sights, and tastes of Christmas filled our childhood home this evening; I feel so humbly blessed to have been there to experience it.

12.17.2008

Mom and Dad had a formal dinner/party at the Grand America this evening, an event that dad has been looking forward to for over one month. Again, one month ago we would have never thought it would be possible for him to attend. The event was for guest service missionaries, special event coordinators, and other church officials.

Dad said that the food was "alright" but that Patty B. (caterer for the church) does a better job. Throughout this cancer journey we have heard numerous times "one of Patty's eclairs sure does sound good". We have tried Patty, we now accept that we will never be able to compete with you.

President Monson spoke at this evening's dinner, dad was so happy to be among so many of his colleagues and dear friends.

Dad is looking forward to serving his shift in the temple tomorrow and Friday.

12.16.2008

Mom took dad to see Dr. Whang today for his regular pacemaker/defibrillator check ups. Dr. Whang feels that dad is doing "very good" considering all that he has been through since his last visit. The lower portion of dad's heart remains somewhat "sluggish", nothing that we were not already aware of. Dad was encouraged to exercise when he feels strong enough to do so; dad loves to hear this as he is convinced that is why he is doing so well cardiac wise. He will see Dr. Whang in April unless something comes up.

Mom and I commented once again how blessed we are to have such knowledgeable professionals caring for our husband and father. Dr. Whang was well informed of our father's condition, it is reassuring to know that he is part of dad's extraordinary medical team.

12.15.2008

Even after a long, activity filled weekend our father continues to gain strength each and every day. We are still working on the dietary issues with each new day bringing promises of weight gain.

Dad has more appointments this week with his Cardiologist and a follow up with his Neuro-Surgeon, we are sure they are going to be just as impressed with this incredible man as we are.

12.14.2008

Mom and Dad returned to Salt Lake City this morning for the final Christmas Concert Performance. Dave and I stopped to visit following our meetings and they were just getting home. Both mom and dad are exhausted yet so fulfilled. Mom has one final holiday event this evening, I think dad will stay home and rest.

Dad and Dave visited while I prepared dad's weekly medications. Changes in some of mom's insurance benefits have changed since dad completed his chemo, we are waiting for the insurance company to notify mom as to when she can obtain dad's chemo. Dad will take his oral chemo five days on thirty days off, we have already been informed that it is a much higher dose and we will see evidence of this. We are grateful to even have the option.