Viewing and Funeral for Suzi

Funeral services for Suzi will be held at Lindquist's Mortuary in Layton (1867 N Fairfield Road) There will be a viewing Tuesday, October 6th from 6 to 8 pm. There will also be viewing time from 9:30 to 10:30 am on Wednesday, October 7th. The funeral will follow starting at 11:00 on Wednesday.

Thank you so much for everyone's love and support. We hope to see you at the services if you are able to make it.

Gone, but always in our hearts

Suzi passed away today at home. She had been on home hospice for about 8 weeks and she has now returned to Heavenly Father. She was so valiant in her battle against cancer. The cancer may have won this battle, but Suzi definitely won the war. The way she lived her life is a pattern that we could all follow to reach our ultimate goal on this earth. She was a shining example to everyone around her and she will be sorely missed. We are thankful that her pain and suffering caused by the cancer are over. She can now prepare a place for us in heaven to meet again someday. Thank you to everyone who has shown their love and support through this time. We have been overwhelmed with the generosity, kindness, and selfless support received from friends, family, and complete strangers. It has truly been a blessing to see the ways that Suzi has touched peoples lives through her experiences. We love you Suzi! Until we meet again.

Benefit Concert for Suzi

There will be a benefit concert held for Suzi on Thursday September 24th at Northridge High School in Layton. You can go to smilesforsuzi.blogspot.com for more information. Thank you to everyone who has helped organize the event!

My 1st class ticket

Well, I haven't been here in the blogging world for what seems like forever. I haven't felt well, as most of you know. It has finally come to the time to announce that my Cancer is going to win. I have a 1st class ticket to heaven coming my way and pretty soon. My bowels are asleep and not working, I am retaining water in my legs, having a hard time walking, my sight is a lot worse, I am on Oxygen most of the time, and I even get to travel in a fancy smancy wheelchair. My kidneys are thinking they need to join the party too and not work properly. So the moral of my story is that time is short and To anyone I don't get to see again thank you for the tremendous impact you have had on me at some point or another. Live life to the fullest and be kind to everyone, no matter what they do or don't do to/for you.

I'll try to write more later.

LOVE Suzi

Jake's Birthday Extravaganza

Jake had his 28th birthday on Sunday, followed by a multiple phased party the next night. He decided months ago that he wanted to have part of his party at Chuckie Cheese. So he decided to have a BBQ at our house 1st. We were a little worried the weather would be wet but we lucked out. The weather forecasters were wrong and the sun was out! Then he and most of the birthday party group headed over to Chuckie Cheese.


They got 300 tokens and started playing games. After about an hour and 1/2 of fun the party moved back to our house. But I have to add that he didn't just LEAVE Chuckie Cheese he ASKED to be "clothe lined" and drug out while videoing it all (that's Jake for you!). Oh yeah, and when Jake hit the floor, after the guy "clothe lined" him, it shattered his screen on his cell phone. Good times!


We of course did the usual presents and cake and singing. Jake kept trying to lead us in the Happy Birthday song but his guests kept informing him that he wasn't allowed to at HIS party. Then Jake started Karaoke. He is so funny about Karaoke, he has 2 microphones hooked up and one is always in his hand, being used by Jake of course! Jake had wanted to have a camp out in the back yard as well but unfortunately there weren't any takers on that plan. Everyone has jobs or kids or some other absurd excuse! All in all, it was a fun evening. Jake was lively, as usual and kept us guessing!

Happy Birthday Jake!

Enjoying the summer with an IV

So here is the update:
I went to see my Dr last week. He said that he would like to start me on a new chemo. He said that by about the 3rd chemo treatment my bowels should have resolved themselves. We have to wait to start it until the drug company agrees to pay for it though. So I was thinking: Okay,how long are we talking about here, a month or so more of this non eating IV life? Nope. As it turns out I will be sipping on some IV juice for at least the next 4 months! That kinda sounds like forever to not eat. But on the plus side my body will be able to get stronger and healthier than it has been in like 4 years so that's good. Plus I have put on almost 9 lbs now. Only like 11-16 or so more to go. And I can't complain about how I feel. I feel a lot better than I have for a lot of Natalie's life.

The gloomy, cold, wet spring days are what cause the beautiful flowers to bloom and grow.

Bee's baseball game

Last night we went to a Bee's baseball game with our friends the Morrows. It was Natalie's 1st baseball game. It was a lot of fun. Here are the highlights:




This is Natalie on the little train that the kids can ride during the game. She was on the very last ride of the night. But she is kinda hard to spot in the crammed group of girls. Can you spot her looking at the camera?

Here's the front of the train and Natalie with her favorite pose (hand by face).


Natalie enjoying her baseball helmet full of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. There was A LOT of ice cream in there but fortunately Jake was more than willing to help!


Natalie and Sophie wrestling. It was so cute to watch them play together!


Natalie took this picture. It is from the very end of the night, after the game. They let us go down and sit on the field for a fireworks show. So I asked Natalie to take this picture of Jake and I. It is like "where's waldo." We are front and center but it is hard to see us since so many people where there.

Natalie posing

My Aunt Evalyn took Natalie to the park with her cousin Matisse yesterday. I hadn't taken any pictures of Natalie in a while so while we were waiting I got the camera out. Natalie is such a little poser it is hilarious. I can't imagine where she gets it from! :)

Still with my buddy, Mr. IV

So the latest on my escapades is this: I am not allowed to eat anything by mouth still. Which may be that way for the next 2 weeks (or more, but hopefully less!). We are still impatiently waiting for my intestines to work properly and do their job. I currently have an IV in my arm where IV nutrients, sugar, calories and what not are pumped into me 24 hours a day, everyday. I have already gained 2 lbs back since I have been doing this IV feeding. I know most people, especially the ladies always want to lose weight. I am that odd one who is wanting and needing to gain weight. But on the upside, I really do feel quite good. I have no pain, normal energy and I don't have to hang out at the hospital. The only annoyance is this IV, pump and bag that I have to tote around all day and all night.

Deja Vu

So 3 months ago I found myself in this same annoying place with the same uncomfortable issue. In case you are know thoroughly confused; I am in the hospital with a clogged/slow/disobedient pooper. Which is a bummer since there are so many fun things going on this weekend with family including a wedding where Jake is playing at the reception part. It is official. I am a party pooper, wait or would that be a party unpooper? Either way I will be here for at least a few more days. I am down at Saint Mark's hospital in Salt Lake for any of you who feel like make the trek all the way down here. I wish everyone a happy Mother's Day!