Feeling so blessed to be with Family!

 I just wanted to give a recap on the week we were able to spend with my parents and family in Colorado when my dad underwent surgery.  Through all of the hard times that we are facing we feel truly blessed to have such an amazing family to turn to and feel so loved and supported.  It was so good being in Colorado to be there by my Dad's side and to finally take care of him for once.  He has ALWAYS taken care of and worried about everyone else.  He is the most selfless person I know and is always looking for ways to help and serve his family.  My mom has been amazing through this entire thing.  She truly set the tone for all of us to be calm and feel at peace.  

I want to thank all of you for your love and support.  My family was served and is still being served everyday through meals, babysitting, hugs, prayers, and so much more.  What an amazing experience to see how many people love and care about my Dad.  We have felt everyone's prayers and are so comforted by them.  I have never experienced the power of prayer the way I have these past few weeks.  I have my family and all of you to thank for that. 

During all of the hospital visits and our children being watched by so many thoughtful people we decided to take some time out and let the kids have some fun at a park together.  They loved running through the splash pad!

 Hudson is growing up so fast and is so adorable!!!

 Crew definitely loved spending time with his cousins! 

 Our poor attempt at getting a picture of all of the grandkids to give to my dad.  From top to bottom, Jaden (6), Bradli (4), Hudson (20 mos), Crew (2), and Maddox (3 mos).

 My dad was able to come home just three days after brain surgery.  He looks absolutely incredible! We feel so blessed with the outcome of the surgery.

 Maddox watching the football game with Grandpa.  I love these precious moments and will cherish them forever!  My dad loves his grandkids so much!

 Time to drive back to Utah.  It was so hard to say goodbye but I know we will be back soon.  There are so many fun adventures to look forward to as a family.  An experience like this definitely makes you reflect on life and makes you want to be a better person.  I want to try and be more like my dad and his amazing example.  I am the luckiest daughter in the whole world to have him as my dad! 

Buzzing Bees!!

Let's start with yesterday. . .  Marc had made it through 2 days of radiation and chemo.  He was feeling good, other than a bit fatigued and a little jittery.  In Marc in Karen's backyard is a pine tree that had been attacked by the horrible beetles.  They had a crew there to cut it down.  Marc walked down the hill to show the workers everything that needed to be done, when they came across a stump.  In the stump was a beehive and lots of honey.  Well, the bees didn't appreciate their home being bothered so they swarmed around Marc.  He ran up the hill and went under the deck to get away from the angry bees.  One bee was determined to pursue his attacker.  He flew up Marc's nose and stung him in his nose- OUCH!!  Needless to say, Marc was in more pain from this pesky bee than his treatments.  Keep the prayers coming because we don't know what tomorrow will bring:) 

Grandma and Grandpa with Bradli on her 4th birthday!   

"Tomorrow is just a normal day!"

We wanted to give you all a brief update before Marc starts his treatment tomorrow.  This last week he has been resting and recovering.  He was visited by lots and lots of family and friends and has been fed EXTREMELY well!!  We had to stop him from mowing his lawn, saying this is his chance to get out of doing yard work.  Jaden (his oldest grandson) enjoyed getting to use the leaf blower and Bradli (his only granddaughter) enjoyed helping gather acorns, while Hudson enjoyed feeding Marc chocolate chip cookies.  Marc got his staples removed on Thursday.  When he was in the hospital we counted 35 staples, needless to say, he is sleeping much better now.  We did find out that it is stage 4 Glioma.  He will undergo radiation 5 days a week for 7 weeks at 10 in the morning.  The procedure is rather quick.  He should be in and out in about 15 minutes.  On Wednesdays he will go in at 2pm followed by a massage.  We all think he deserves that for sure!!  At night he will take his chemo medicine which is in a pill form.  He is remaining as positive as ever and told us, "Tomorrow is just a normal day."  He continues to amaze each one of us with his calm and positive attitude.  Karen continues to be by his side through all of this.  She is truly an angel for Marc during this time.  We love you all and appreciate your thoughtful acts of service, kind words, cards, texts, and prayers. 

How It Began. . .

We, as a family, wanted to start this blog to be able to keep those that love and care for Marc informed about Marc's journey.  For the last month or so Marc had been noticing changes occurring in his every day life.  He had a hard time remembering things, couldn't do math equations that had always come naturally to him, and Karen noticed little things that were causing him trouble.  He went to the doctor last week and no major symptoms arose.  On Monday (8/13) Marc was at work with clients.  His speech began to slur and he began experiencing a terrible headache.  He drove home (thanks to angels following him, he has no recollection of driving) and told Karen what was occurring.  He laid down and rested for a bit, but the pain never subsided.  Karen took him to the ER and a Cat Scan was performed.  They found a mass the size of a golf ball in his brain.  A lot of prayers were given and prayers were felt from many of you.  I know we have all been lifted because of your true concern, sweet texts, phone calls, and selfless acts of service to each one of us.  Marc under went brain surgery on Tuesday.  Much of the tumor was removed, however, there are still cancerous cells that remain.  The type of cancer is called Glioma.  It's aggressive so radiation and chemotherapy will begin next Monday (8/27).  After surgery was a true miracle.  Marc was coherent, alert, and at peace.  He recognized every single one of us and his sense of humor was in full force.  He was cracking us all up.  His recovery has been amazing.  He's a fighter.  He was able to come home on Friday which was a gift to each of us.  All of the grand kids were excited to see him and he loved giving them lots of snuggles and kisses.  This week is all about recovering for Marc.  We want him strong so he can be ready for the next step.  If you have questions or words of encouragement, please leave them in the comment section.  We will do our best to respond and keep you all up to date on Marc's journey.  Please continue to pray for Marc and those that love him so dearly.