Dad

When we were young... (Dad, Mom, Sarah, Phillip)

Where to begin? My dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this past January. What a shock to us all! The next few months flew by with many phones calls and a couple of visits home. Overall, dad was doing great. A little over to weeks ago he started having more severe stomach problems. A CT scan was obtained and the results showed a complete bowel blockage two Sunday's ago. This is not good news. After a long night of decision making (final exams were starting that week), Rachel and I both agreed we should go home. We were able to spend a few days with my dad in the hospital. He then decided that he would rather be at home, so arrangements were made and he got a ride home in the ambulance. The next few days run together, but I'm so grateful I made the decision to come home. There were many family members & friends that stopped by to express their love and concern about my parents. All of us kids were able to be home for one last special night with my dad. He passed away Friday May 16, 2008 in the morning. Over the next couple days the funeral arrangements were made and decisions about my mom were determined. There was a viewing the night before and I was amazed at the many lives my dad has touched. The memorial service the next day was wonderful. Many great stories were shared by my brother, Phil, and my uncle Earl, my dad's elder brother. The musical numbers were divine by uncle Stewart, a younger brother, and his daughter, Brianna, and John and Linda Larson. Other kind words were shared by the stake president, Brother Killpack, and Bishop Remp. I still feel like it's a dream, that my dad is off on a trip or busy at work, even though I was home through it all. I have been touched by the many emails, phone calls, and cards given by all! I have been deeply blessed by the spirit with peace and comfort. I'm so grateful for the time to be at home with my family. It has been nice to share stories and reminisce about my dad. I love you dad!

Dad and Mom

Fourwheeling in Richfield last August

Doing what he loved!

Parents Courtship

Family Photo

Who loves sports analogies?

I don't typically enjoy much about sports, unless it's tennis. I don't mind watching or hearing about it to an extent, but when it become a person life, that's pushing it! There is so much more to focus on.

Tonight I went to our Stake Combined Humanitarian Project. I think I was the most blessed out of the opportunity. First off, I went with a hunk. Secondly, I was fed. Third, Sister Holly Mendenall and Coach Bronco Mendenhall spoke to us about education and perspective (remember you can only take your intelligence, spirituality, and your testimony to the next life). Fourth, we packaged half of a newborn kit (there wasn't any material left after we'd finally talked to the Mendenhall's). Fifth, we flew an airplane and it went round and round and round.

After the service project (that we didn't really help with), we went on an adventure to Josh's house with Matt and Esther. Continuing on with my blessing....Sixth, I won at Apple's to Apple's (one of my least favorite games). Seventh, I played a stellar piano duet with Esther. Eight, I enjoyed some friendly conversation about the mean things we did to siblings growing up or the trouble we go ourselves into (I'm perfect, though, so that was really hard for me to come up any good stories...most of them I had to make up! Like the time I was so mad at dad and I punched the door in...oops!). Niner, I got to go on a moonlight walk because the car was blocked in my the renter, who was having a "moment" with his girlfriend. It was fun playing a practical joke on the neighbor, though. Ten, I got a stomach work out from laughing so much, and I lost a few pounds from shedding some water weight (through my laughing tears!).

Tonight I learned more about the importance of my education and remembering to keep the right perspective. I'm in school to better myself so that I can serve others! It was great hearing some stories from the Mendenhalls about their experiences growing up and then experiences of when they first were married until now. Life doesn't always work out the way you planned. But keeping the faith will guide you in the direction you should be headed.

It's been a good day, even if I don't love sports analogies! I relate better to school oriented scenario's. I got a hundred on my pharm quiz. I talked to dad and mom. I had a lot of laughs. What more could a girl ask for?

Birthday Weekend

I thought I'd write a quick post about this past weekend. It was Rachel's birthday last Friday. Happy 22!!!  We celebrated with another friend for their birthdays by having a "Dynamite Birthday Party!" We played some Rockband, swung at a pinata, ate some food, and hung out. Killer party!

Then Sunday JP and Mary Ann invited us over for a birthday dinner party. Mary Ann decorated with super cute Martha Stewart-like designs! Such talent! We also celebrated Cinco de Mayo by having tamales, chips & fresh homemade salsa, beans, and salad. Delicious! For birthday dessert we had some yummy rice krispies (which I've continued to enjoy this week at lunch time!).

My favorite present for Rachel was her "It's a great day box!" I've been asking her what she wanted for her birthday, and she'd say "Oh, nothing, just get me a card!" Since we had that duel birthday party and I was taking a present for Josh, Rachel said "Just bring me a wrapped up box with a saying inside like - a kiss from me whenever you need!" So for her birthday, I did give her a box for herself!  It has kisses, feel good sayings, serve opportunities, and other miscellaneous thoughts.  Probably not what she expected, but will be enjoyed!!!

Max and Ian were adorable when we got out there. For some reason, Max is excessively shy until almost the end of our visits. After dinner, JP was like "You want to see Max get excited? Max, you want to watch tv?" Max about flipped out, twirling around, chanting "Yo gabba gabba, yo gabba gabba!" Apparently it's his favorite show. He ran over to the couch and got ready to watch the show. It was so dang cute! This is a picture of us trying to get Max to look at Mary Ann. He's so shy, though, and just kept looking at my hand instead. I'd whisper in his ear and he'd get a little smile on his face. I love having family so close!

Can you see the true camels? It took me a little while to realize that the white spots where the actual camels and the black spots are the shadows! Pretty cool!

Fourth quarter finals are starting next week. It seems like I'm always in midterms or finals. Do they ever end? I was calculating how many exams I will have taken over the 14 months and figured out that it would be between 85-90. That's a lot of tests! No wonder why I feel like I'm always taking tests. That doesn't even include quizzes, papers, case studies, or presentations. My life is busy! It's amazing I manage to find time to have any social life. Good thing Rachel is here to help me remember that I need to have down time as well. She's been known to help me ditch class or procrastinate my studies for a little while, right Rach?

A few weekends ago, I was able to help with TOPS physical exams at Gilbert High for the surrounding high school students. Here is a picture of some of us students from the ATSU Sports Medicine Club (both PA's and DO's). It was a fun experience, even though, I only stayed for half of the day. It was great to get a little more clinical experience and learn more about how to talk to actual patients. Only one more quarter and I'll be on rotations. It's crazy to think that a year ago I was getting ready to start school, and Amanda was thinking about starting rotations. Now Amanda has moved back to UT/WY to finish her last two rotations up there and I'll be finishing my didactic phase of school. I will miss Amanda but I'm so excited for her to be with her husband and family. I was able to go out last Friday and help her get ready to move. It was great reminiscing and joking around. Thank goodness for great friends.  It's been a fun couple of weeks.