The Beginning of the End

 Before I start let me just say that The Huntsman Cancer Center is amazing and the people we worked with were incredible.   

  

 I think Jack and I both knew that something was going on, so when we went in on December the10th for his MRI and to see the Doctor Colman we were not surprised to hear that the Advestin he was taking had quit working. His tumor was growing. The Doctor gave us a few options but none sounded good. After Jack and I talked it over for a few days (and talking to the kids) and calling the doctors (PA) and nurses to answer our questions Jack and I decided to go off all treatments. 

      We or I guess I should say Jack started Hospice with Intermountain Healthcare Dec. 20th. Can I take a minute to say how great hospice is, because of them people are able to stay in their homes and have excellent care. They were so great with Jack and I, teaching me what I needed to do to make Jack more conferrable and to take care of his needs. They were always so caring and kind.

        Tender Mercies -- Jack did really well, being able to take care of himself until the Monday before he passed. He just started to sleep more and stopped talking. He could talk but it took too much energy. He knew everyone until the last. He was also able to eat until the very end. When I think about that time I can think of so many blessings we had.

         Jack's last week was hard, somehow he pulled a muscle in his left leg and was in a lot pain. After a trip to the ER by ambulance on Tue. they decided it was a torn or pulled muscle in his groin . He hurt really bad when moved so had to stay in bed and tried not to move. Hospice got him a hospital bed which made it a lot easier. By this time he was sleeping most of the time. Hospice came and checked on him daily and sometimes more to do what they needed to do to make him comfortable.

          Jack passed away peacefully in his sleep January 17th which surprised us all that he went so soon.

Just to let you see what a brain MRI looks like with a tumor. The tumor is on the bottom left at the top. The two shoots on the top are before some treatment on the left and after treatment on the right.

Jack getting his Advestin treatment, which he did every other week for 8 months.

 

He fought the good fight!!!!!!

And With Fall You Get Color!!!!

I love all the fall colors, I love driving around and seeing the reds, golds, yellows and oranges. It is fun to see God's creations, they make me happy and so thankful.

This is my fall quilt, I put it on in the fall to remind me of all the colors of fall, love it.

   This picture is here because October is Brest Cancer Awareness Month. Love that the boys are wearing pink tape or pink socks at the games.

Then There Was Fall.

With fall comes back to school, football, going to football games, cross-county track and great weather to enjoy. I love it all.

McKinley and Denali on their first day at school.

Having a great time at a U of U game.

Ellie in her track meet.

Jackson and Dylan ready to play some football.

Playing at Millcreek Jr. High

Here comes 22 and 21 watch out.

Going for the ball.

Larsen ready to go.

Looking good Larsen.

We have had some beautiful sunsets this year, love the view from our deck.

One day Jack felt good enough to rake our front flowerbed, I was very surprised. I think he did it because I told him he couldn't.

Mark and family out enjoying nature and each other.

Great picture of Mitch and Mare.

Oh, My Joy

While all the Grandkids were here this summer I had  pictures taken of them, all 18 of them. I am not sure this will ever happen again. This is one that I had made up just for fun (pre- edited shot), it makes me smile every time I look at it. We also had one taken with Jack and I, but my scanner is not working so can't post it. I am soooo glad we were able to do this. I have some very great looking Grandchildren and I am proud of each and everyone of them!!!!!! My Grandkids are better than yours!!!

Summer Where Did You Go??!!

The first part of July Kristy and her family (Tyler came later) drove out here to spend the summer and some time with Jack. At the same time Kathy's family (because of school Kathy couldn't come) came to Manila to help Travis' family on the ranch and to spent some time with us. It was so fun to have them all here and that is where our summer went, in a whirlwind of actives with the kids. It was fun for all the cousins to be together, but not enough time with some. Here are some pictures of some of the things we did. Be warned picture overload!!!!

Ellie, Sam and Zach being creative they love facial hair.

One of the hikes they went on.

Josh, Nathan and Emma with Great Grandma Mangum

Best friends James and Zachary

Mitch showing Josh some moves.

Nathan looking cool.

All the Grandkids love climbing our tree.

Mitch showing James how to box.

Emma loved taking care of Brighton.

Zach getting ready to box.

Hanging out.

Love this of Larsen and Brighton.

And this one of Larsen and Jess.

"ice cream, ice cream we all scream for ice cream"

They even got me into the pool. 

Ellie, Zach, Carter, Mitchell, Me, Emma, Nathan, and James

Mitchell

Emma

James

Carter and Zachary

At the end of the day it was sometimes hard getting all 7 Grandkids asleep, every inch in the living room was covered. They all wanted to be together.