22 hours after Brain Surgery....

Training starts today!!! When I was up at the hospital earlier this morning, I walked into Dean’s room and he wasn’t there. I asked the nurses where he was and they said he was out for a walk! I ran around and tried to find him and I rolled up on this scene..
24 hours after surgery he is already training for Kona! He was in the ICU overnight but should be moving to a regular room later today. Other than some nausea (which is totally normal from the anesthesia) Dean is feeling great! Keep the votes coming so we can get IronDean to Kona!!

p.s. We haven't been good at posting to the blog. If you want to check out the facebook page click on the link to the side......... or it is

www.facebook.com/teamirondean

Surgery #2..... June 13, 2013

Team IRONDEAN taking over the hospital waiting room! Surgery #2 has begun. The doc started surgery at 9:45 and is expected to take 6 hours from cut to close. They will do two MRIs while in surgery, one right before they start and one once they are done to make sure they've removed all the trouble spots. We've been told this is one of only three hospitals in the USA that have a mobile MRI that they can use during surgery. What a blessing!

Please keep our IRONDEAN in your thoughts and prayers today and cast a vote so he can make it to Kona! Thanks

********************************************************************

 
Post-Op Update! Surgery went just as planned. IronDean is awake, talking and looking great. He's just getting some much needed R&R right now. Keep the prayers and votes coming!!! Thanks for all the support

Surgery Eve.... Sigh....

 Loudest Team IRONDEAN cheer ever. Night before brain surgery #2. "Kick cancers $%#@."

Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your votes. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your support. Our Dad is AMAZING. In every sense of the word. We love him so much. So. Much. Tomorrow is just a small bump in the road. Cancer doesn't know who it's messing with. Please keep the prayers coming. We feel them.

-Team IronDean

{ Tender Mercies }

Although we were very disappointed with the news that our Dad has to have another surgery, we have no doubt that Heavenly Father has his hand in everything. We have had so many tender mercies and we are so grateful for each of them. A few being....

1. Our parents were still able to take their trip to Hawaii that they had been planning for months. We are so glad they had the chance to get away and relax, especially with another surgery coming up.

2. We had already planned family picture's and a little reunion with every single member of our family being in the same country in 6 years! We had to push up our travel by a few days but now everyone is able to be here for surgery this week.

3. We are so grateful we were put into the first round of the finals for Kona. Now hopefully our Dads recovery will be quick and we can focus on surgery and recovery instead of votes. 

4. The tumors or "spots" are operable. So many people aren't as lucky. They have regrowth of the cancer in a spot that can't be operated on. We feel so very blessed that we have that option. And although it's not ideal, at least we have the option. And for that we feel lucky.






We know that Heavenly Father has taken care of our Dad since the beginning and we have no doubt that he will continue to take care of him. Thank you again for all your kind words, prayers, and support.

Please continue to vote EVERY DAY!!! Thank you!!

Some Sad News....

We have had so many exciting opportunities this week with our dad and with the contest from interviews, to T.V. appearances, to him being honored at the RSL game last night. We are so grateful for the memories we've made and the moments we've had. Dealing with cancer certainly makes us appreciate these moments more.

Along with all of these good things, we've unfortunately had some bad news. In May, our dad had his most recent MRI scan, and there were some concerning areas. My parents had previously planned a trip to Hawaii and weren't sure if they should still go. After talking it over, the Dr. told them it should be fine to wait and ordered two additional scans to be taken when they got back. On Monday, those two scans were taken and the spots have continued to grow. After a lot of discussion with the doctors, it's been decided that surgery is the best option.

So, our dad will be having surgery on Thursday. The doctors said the recovery will be much the same as it was last time and that he can continue to train for Kona. In spite of this setback, we continue to feel optimistic because we've seen what our IronDean is capable of.

This isn't the news that we wanted to hear, but we're so grateful that the doctors found it now and not later. We're grateful that the new spots are still removable. We're confident, hopeful, and faithful that he will have a quick recovery.

The last time our dad woke up from surgery he had a half Ironman to train for. This time when he wakes up from surgery let's give him a full Ironman to train for.

A few happenings....

Last night I was lucky enough to be able to listen in on the special video interview done of my parents by a very talented videographer. We came up with questions we wanted to ask, and I listened as my parents talked about how they met, some of their favorite memories as a family, advice for their children, etc. The insights he shared were 100% Dad, but more than anything it was a reminder of how he has chosen to live his whole life centered around his faith and his family. Everything he does, from work, to Costco bulk shopping, serving voluntarily in Church positions, and Ironman triathlons is meant to help and strengthen his family. He lives for others, something I think everybody should learn to do.Dean R Bullock is an amazing example of selfless, humble, silent service, support and love. We are all lucky to be connected to him.

Love you dad --Sean

Did you know that May is National Brain Cancer month? It is!

And if you are looking for something fun to do on Memorial Day, join Team IronDean for the National Walk to End Brain Cancer @ Liberty Park in SLC! Everyone is invited whether you register or just want to come walk with us!! This will be a great way to raise awareness and funds for brain cancer! Check out all the details below!

UPDATE***************
 Team IronDean had a great time at the National Brain Cancer 5K on Monday! We meet a lot of people in person. And Dr. Coleman (Dean's doctor) even came out to support the 5K.
Don't forget to vote...first round ends this FRIDAY!!!! wooohooo!

As my parents are finishing up their 9 day trip to Hawaii I was just thinking how lucky I feel to have such awesome siblings. Each of them have taken a turn in helping take care of Dillon {age 13} while my parents have been away.

Seeing everyone rally together to help out reminds me so much of those first days when my Dad was diagnosed. Our Mom was in Colorado with Lindsey and her new baby, until she was able to get a flight home Sean had the very “emotional” role of picking my Dad up from work and rushing him to the Emergency Room. Greg quickly met him there and was able to give him a Priesthood blessing before he was put in an ambulance and moved to a bigger hospital. Ryan and Jeff immediately left work and drove down to Orem to be with him. None of those 4 boys left the hospital for almost 4 whole days. Whitney quickly found a babysitter for her baby and rushed to the hospital as well, and made every sacrifice possible to be there with him. Lindsey flew on an airplane with her 7 day old baby receiving special permission from her pediatrician before the airline allowed her to board with such a small baby. Jordan packed up her 3 children and made the flight from Texas all alone with 2 layovers and an emergency landing in the middle because the plane was out of “fuel”. Dillon willingly helped where he was needed and had the tough role of being shuffled around and tried to understand what was happening. And of course Alex who was on his mission in Paraguay spent half the night on his knees praying.

As I reflect on this I realize there is NOTHING any of us wouldn’t do for our Dad. He has spent his life sacrificing and caring for us and we are happy to do the same for him. In fact we feel blessed to be able to in some small way take care of him. We are hoping we can help him get to Kona and make another memory we will always treasure.

Thank you again for all your support. 2 more days to vote. You guys are awesome!

St. George Half IRONMAN 20

In the middle of May Ryan, Jeff, Greg, Sean, Whitney, and our Dad competed in the St. George Half IRONMAN. This was a huge accomplishment! Back last year in July when our Dad was diagnosed with cancer and he woke up in the hospital room, we made it our mission to help our Dad to be able to compete in the St. George Half IRONMAN. He had already paid his $500 to compete and was registered along with Ryan and Jeff. Greg, Sean, and Whitney decided they wanted in on it as well. It was AMAZING.

As an cheerleader... {this is Lindsey} it was one of the neatest experiences I have had. It was so fun to cheer our guts out, and even funner to see people who recognized or who have "followed" our Dad. Countless athletes saw our shirts or our signs and would yell from the course... "go IRONDEAN"... it was amazing! People we didn't even know. It was so cool.

And then to see all the boys and Whitney cheer for our Dad and finish. It was amazing. Such a neat awesome experience. We were so proud of our Dad for competing and finishing. I am so glad I was able to be there and be a part of it. Our Dad truly is amazing.

SIDENOTE::: Hopefully we can get some of the awesome pictures that we took posted, but for now my phone picture's will have to do.

SO

A Few Inspirational Facts... About our Number 1 Inspiration....

{FYI: All of these have been shared on facebook... and we have been slacking on the blog.... sorry to those who don't facebook and haven't been able to keep up!} We have been working hard at trying to get our Dad and Hero in to the World Championship IRONMAN in Kona Hawaii. We will be better at updating the blog after votes are done!!

But here are some INSPIRATIONAL FACTS we have been posting on facebook about our Dad!

 

 INSPIRATION FACT #1 Did you know that our Dad does a round of Chemo every month? Every 23 days he starts another dose of the poison. He just finished his 7th cycle. Each time before he takes the pill everyone at the house gathers in a cirlce and cheers... "kick cancers ........" filled in with the nicest or nastiest word. If you feel INSPIRED go vote and share it! You can vote every day!

 INSPIRATION FACT #2: Do you know what an Ironman is? Oh its only a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run...for total of 140.6 miles in one day!!! AND he has done it 3 times! AND in the last Ironman he beat his two sons!!! That's our IronDean! If your inspired by that go vote today!!

INSPIRATION FACT #3 Did you know that LESS THAN ONE WEEK after having PART OF HIS BRAIN REMOVED, Dean started back up on his training!!!!! he started by slowly walking around the block and then worked his way up from there. Does that inspire you? Go give Dean a vote! 

 INSPIRATION FACT #4: Back in November of 2012, just 4 months after Dean was diagnosed we organized the most amazing 5K ever! The Team IronDean 5K and with the help of you and sponsors we were able to raise a grand total of .......

$12,643.26!!!!

Thank you for your continued support. And thank you for being an inspiration to us! We feel such a sense of community and hope you do too

 INSPIRATION FACT #5: A lot can happen in nine months. Persistent headache. Rush to the ER. Discover mass. Mass is a tumor. Brain surgery. Remove 3 inch round tumor . Diagnosis....cancer.

This is tough information for anyone to digest, but can you imagine having to digest it alone, thousands of miles away from those you love? Our little brother, Alex, was serving his mission in Paraguay when he received that dreaded phone call from my mom. He'll have to share his story with us, but I know that news must have been the shock of his life. Thankfully, my dad was able to call Alex before and after his surgery and before starting radiation and chemotherapy to assure him that everything was going well.

And now after diligently serving the Lord and the people of Paraguay for two years, in spite of the obstacles and trials he was dealt, our little brother, Elder Alex Bullock, returned home last night!!!! It was a very sweet reunion, especially between my dad and Alex.

We are so grateful for Alex's faithful missionary service and certainly felt the blessings of his service in countless ways.

Now help us celebrate Alex's return by voting!!

 INSPIRATION FACT #6 Running saved our dad's life.

On Tuesday July 10th 2012, he went for a 6 mile run and came home with a splitting headache. He tried to ignore it. On Wednesday he did a 14 mile bike ride, and on Thursday, July 12th 2012, he was rushed to the Emergency room where doctors found a tumor that had burst. There was now bleeding on the brain, and the cause of that splitting headache.

The doctors said that the 3 inch tumor {which had already overtaken the majority of the left frontal lobe of his brain}, had probably only been growing for a short amount of time. It was growing FAST.

The burst tumor caused by a 6 mile run was the first miracle that we saw. And that tumor did not stop him from running again. Now he wants to race those 170 miles in the KONA IRONMAN. Help our Dad get there!! Thank you again for your VOTES!!!

 INSPIRATION FACT #7: The days after my dad's diagnosis were emotionally dark and difficult. Our dad was recovering from traumatic brain surgery, and it was extremely hard to watch. Too much movement caused him pain. Too much noise caused him pain. With everything his brain had just gone through, it took longer for him to process things. It was hard for him to form the words for the sentences he wanted to say....so he really didn't talk much at all. But that didn't stop my dad from talking to the one person he knew could understand everything he wanted to say without having to say it out loud....his Heavenly Father.

A few days after coming home from the hospital, my mom found my dad kneeling next to his bed, praying to his Heavenly Father. That one small act filled us with so much faith, hope, and strength. It was a reminder to us that no matter what happens in our lives, no matter what burdens we are asked to carry, our Heavenly Father is always there, listening and loving.

Thank you for supporting our dad and our family during this time of trial. We pray that we can share with others the hope you have provided us with.

 INSPIRATION FACT #8: Days after surgery, despite dad's pain and inability to form sentences, Dad never lost his funny, crazy sense of humor. He was always joking with the nurses and trying to get them to laugh.

Each day for his "daily brain test", the nurses would ask him a series of questions. They would ask him his name, date of birth, where he worked, how many kids he had, and mom's name. He would answer all the questions flawlessly except for mom's name.

Each time they ask that question, dad would come up with something crazy and outlandish to say. Here were some of his names: Gloria, Momma Uganda, Rapunzel, and Miss South Jordan City. The first time he did the the nurses looked at each one of us kids with real concern. Then realized dad was joking and learned quickly to not take him seriously.

His sense of humor was what made us realize he was going to recover. His sense of humor turned our fear into faith, our despair into hope, and our grief into joy.

If this story has made you laugh or smile, remember to VOTE and SHARE. Thank you

 INSPIRATION FACT #9: Dean's first marathon was the St. George Marathon. He was 34, and had 5 kids. His time....3:23.
Dean's last marathon was once again the St. George Marathon. He was 57, and had 9 kids. His time....3:24!
In 25 years his marathon time went up by 1 MINUTE!!! That is our IronDean! He is a fighter! He just keeps getting stronger! Now that is an Ironman!

If you think that is an incredible! Go VOTE TODAY!!

 INSPIRATION FACT #10
We've told you some inspiring things about our dad but we also wanted to share somethings about all the angles that surround and inspired us.
First off, through this FB page and through our blog we have been able to find many others who are in our same situation and who have reached out to us. What a blessing these people are. Something about them going through the same thing and knowing that they truly know exactly how we feel brings so much comfort and peace. Also all of you who have been willing to repost and share and vote to help our dad's dream come true. It brings so much happiness to know so many people care.
Another overwhelming blessing as we mentioned before is all the family, friends, neighbors and even strangers who came out and supported our Dad and family in our 5k race and helped us raise money for The Huntsman Cancer Center.
There Have also been several other random acts of kindness shown towards our family. Countless Meals brought over, mowing our lawn and yard work, and even girls from the neighborhood Babysitting the grandkids so we could be with our dad in the hospital. We have been so overwhelmed in seeing the goodness in people.
With the recent Boston Marathon bombing that hit a little too close to home for our family, it's so comforting to know that the good in this world far out weighs the bad. THANK YOU for bringing all of that good into our lives.

THANKS FOR YOUR VOTES!!!

 INSPIRATION FACT #11 It’s no secret that our Mom is AMAZING. A-MA-ZING. As we sat in the waiting room the day of my Dad’s brain surgery, one of the surgeons came into the room to tell us that they were able to remove the entire tumor and that they were now stitching him up. He then proceeded to tell us that the tumor was in fact malignant. It was cancer.

I remember looking around at my siblings and thinking, why is no one crying? Did I understand him correctly? Am I the only one that feels like I’m about to throw up? Did I just get punched in the stomach?

Then as we all piled into the elevator to go up to our Dads room it was silent. The sound of shock and devastation. No words. All you could hear were sniffles, and tears running down cheeks. After we all made it into the room my Mom gathered us in a circle and we all wept. I don’t know about my siblings, but I know it was the worst moment of my life.

But the entire time our Mom was a rock. As we cried in that circle she told us that our Dad was a fighter, and that he needed us to be strong. She told us that she felt peace and that Heavenly Father was in charge. She told us this was just Dads ironman for the year. She is our Dads biggest supporter, friend, confidant, cheerleader, partner, and fan. Their relationship is something we all admire. And today they celebrated 36 years of marriage. Let’s help them celebrate by giving our Dad a vote

 INSPIRATION FACT #12
Our dad has been selected by Real Salt Lake to be honored as a hero as part of their "Heroes Among Us" program!! He will be honored on June 8th, 2013 at the Rio Tinto Stadium during the pre-game ceremony. My dad feels extremely honored and humbled to have been selected, and we are thrilled!

LA Galaxy is RSL's biggest rival so it will be a sell-out game! If you want tickets, get them quick! And if you can't make it to the game, you can watch on ABC4 or ESPN 700.

Our dad has always and forever will be our biggest hero.

 INSPIRATION FACT #13
Dean is has done a round of radiation and has been on chemo pills since July. But he has never once complained! Infact, you would think it was like taking a multi-vitamin. For him this is just another bump in the road that he doesn't just walk over he JUMPS, LEAPS, HURDLES! His strength and confidence has helped all of us. Especially his children. We love him so much! Anytime we get to help him beat this we want to be there.
-He never went to a radiation appointment alone.
-He has never taken a chemo pill without his wife, or multiple children by his side to cheer him on.
-Everynight he does take a pill we cheer "Kick Cancers .....(fill in the blank)"
Thank you Dean for having such amazing faith and confidence and sharing it with us...your family...and sharing it with others! You will forever be a beautiful example of how to have faith and confidence during adversity!

If his confidence and example has helped you VOTE TODAY!

 INSPIRATION FACT #14: Races, Triathalons, and now Ironmans have always been a way our Dad has shown us that he loved us.

Five of us kids ran cross-country and track in high school and our Dad was always there. Cheering the loudest, calling out splits, taking pictures and supporting us. He traveled to Oregon, California, Idaho, Wyoming, and all over Utah to cheer us on. If there was any possible way for him to make it, he would.

After we all started to graduate from high school he continued to run with us as a way to strengthen our relationships. He has run a different marathon with all 3 of his daughters, and he has run multiple marathons with 4 of his sons. All three of his IRONMANS were trained for and raced with 2 of his sons. In 2004 there were 7 of us {even a few in-laws} that ran the St. George Marathon together!!

This time it’s different. Instead of him cheering for us, we want to cheer for him. Help us get him there so we can help cheer him across the finish line in KONA!

KONA Finals!!!

 

Can I get a "WOOT WOOT" :)

 

So, Our Dads video made it into the finals!!!!! We are so excited!! Thank you everyone for all your votes and shares. We could not do this without you. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!

 

  For those of you who haven't followed the blog, here is a brief overview....

   As our Dad has been going through the treatments of surgery, radiation, and chemo, our family became aware of a competition that allows two people with inspiring stories to gain entry into the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. For those who don’t know, our Dad is an avid triathlete and has always dreamed of participating in this race. While this may not be the ideal set of circumstances of gaining entry, we want to do everything we can to get him there.

 

So here is where we need your help.

 

Our dad has advanced to the final round! However, the votes from the previous round have been wiped clean, so we are starting back with zero votes. That means that starting now until June 15th, we need each of you to vote for his video EVERY DAY, as many times as possible from as many devices as possible...just for safe measure ☺ The results are based strictly on which two videos receive the most votes, so it is crucial that we have your help!

Please spread the word. SHARE the link. Visit our Facebook page. It’s simple and we need all the help we can get. Thank you for all the support. We feel and appreciate every bit of it.

Let’s get Dean to KONA!!!!

 

http://bit.ly/17ZR7wJ

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts-

Team IronDean

 

  

GOOD THINGS UTAH

First off.... Thank You everyone so so so so much for you votes! You are awesome. Second..... YOU CAN VOTE EVERY SINGLE DAY! Please continue to vote! Our Dad can't get there without you!!

 

And now....

 

 

Thanks to the ladies at GOOD THINGS UTAH for talking with our Dad this morning. They were so gracious and he did AWESOME!!! Follow the link to see his segment on GOOD THINGS UTAH and then follow the link to VOTE!!!

 

GOOD THINGS UTAH

 

 

VOTE FOR DEAN TO GO TO KONA

 

Kona IronMan

As many of you have probably heard or seen or shared on facebook.... {thank you by the way. so so much}.... We have recently submitted a video in hopes to win our Dad a spot in this year's Kona Hawaii Ironman. Kona is the world championship of the Ironman. You can't just enter it. You must qualify. While our Dad is doing great, he will likely never be able to run as fast, or train as hard as he could before his brain surgery. The chances of him qualifying for Kona on his own are now slim. We are hoping that through this program Kona is offering, he can win a spot.

so don't be shy go

HERE

and vote for him!! He continues to be our Hero and show us that Cancer has nothing on him. We want to help him continue to live a full life and fulfill all of his dreams!

SIDENOTE: One night Lexi, Kim, Whitney and I{Lindsey} sat down and filmed the video of our Dad. And I know this will probably sound silly but it was such a sweet and amazing experience. We probably had over 2 hours of video footage and Lexi {who did the amazing video} had to edit it down to 90 seconds!!! But in those 2 hours it was so fun to see our Dad have some "blooper moments" and laugh and actually "talk" about his Cancer. He never talks about it.

Whitney actually filmed the whole thing and I think that someday rewatching that tape will be priceless. It really was so fun and neat to sit down and "interview" him.

So if you haven't voted please please do. There is no one more deserving, inspiring, or hardworking. This is one small thing we can do to help our Dad accomplish another one of his goals.

And again a HUGE ENORMOUS thank you to Lexi for making the video. She is so talented!

Also a HUGE thanks you to the PIANO GUYS for allowing us to use there awesome music for the video!

MRI and Chemo update

Whitney here.

Well we just passed another one of those big days in our new reality....my dad had his second MRI post-radiation....and we received a positive report!!

**insert gigantic sighs of relief, deep feelings of gratitude, and cheers of happiness**

I tagged along on this doctor appointment because all we (the kids) ever hear is second-hand information from my parents, which is great, but I wanted to be able to witness it firsthand so I could know what they were talking about. I always pepper my parents with questions when they get home from a doctor visit and although I'm sure they do their best at remembering the details, I never feel like I get enough...what I really want is for them to tell me each conversation they had with the doctor verbatim....surely that's not too much to ask right? ;) Plus, all of us daughters are little mother hen's to my dad so naturally I had to assume lead Mother Hen role as the only daughter who lives close enough :) At any rate, I figured the best way to get all the information I wanted was to tag along. But honestly, I have wanted to go to these doctor appointments because this is my dads new life, and I want to be able to know and support his new reality.

Just as his last MRI in November, this one was reported to be "as good as it could get", meaning the brights spots they are looking for- the ones that could potentially be cancer cells- were either gone or smaller. HOORAY! Our PA said, "I'm not just blowing sunshine when I say the scan was as good as we could hope for which is excellent!" It was so great to hear this positiveness from the doctors themselves. (*Side note: I have been asked this question a lot..."So is the cancer gone?"....No. When the doctors use the term "clean scan" or say that it looks "as good as we could hope for" that means that there is no new cell growth, which is ultimately exactly what we want to hear. Because of the nature of my dad's cancer, he will never be cancer free; it will always be there and it doesn't go into remission. The entire goal and focus of the radiation and the chemo is to stop the cancer cells from growing.) So the doctor went on to say that the radiation and chemo were doing it's job and that for all we know my dad could also be receiving the added benefits of the vaccine (which is a double blind study) but we are all choosing to believe he is getting the real thing! The doctor then raved about my dad's perfect labs...no surprise there :) 

Going to these doctor appointments with my dad has been an interesting experience. There are a lot of mixed emotions. I always feel sad as I walk through the halls because I know that all of the people I see are there for one reason only: cancer. They all have their own story. They are all experiencing their own kind of heartache. They have all had their life turned upside down. But then I feel that there must be some sense of camaraderie, a sense of togetherness because they are all fighting the same thing. I know I feel it.

I have really enjoyed being able to meet all of the wonderful people that are taking care of my dad. Depending on his appointment, my dad meets with one of the 3 main nuero-oncologists. Dr. A. was wearing a sweater vest that was a belly shirt when I first met him. I thought it was endearingly adorable and we (my parents and brother and I) had a laugh about it after but what I really loved was that he took the time to answer my questions, even if they had been asked and even if they were dumb.

I was disappointed when I met Dr. B because my parents talked about how he always wears a doo-rag which I just thought was awesome (and which I found out is common for surgeons). Unfortunately, he wasn't wearing a doo-rag when I met him, but he was wearing a bow-tie which is the next best thing :) Dr. B. is the doctor in charge of my dad's clinical trial so he sometimes gives my dad the vaccinations. Out of all of the doctors that have given my dad the vaccinations, it hurts the worst when Dr. B. administers it. So prior to our meeting, I asked my dad if he wanted me to punch Dr. B. in the face for making the vaccination hurt (Mother Hen coming out), but as soon as Dr. B. walked in the door, I knew I could never do it (not that I really would, mind you) because Dr. B. was so peppy, so full of energy and so happy. The vaccination was still really painful for my dad but as Dr. B. was apologizing for the pain, he explained why it hurt and why he made it a point to get the needle in the right spot. I found myself hoping he would always give my dad the vaccinations since it sounded like it was an art form he knew all about. And we want these vaccinations to count!

I met Dr. C. at this last MRI appt. I liked him immediately because for some reason I think he looks just like my little brother, Alex, and what's not to love about Alex?? As I have now met all of my dad's doctors and nurses, I am just so thankful for them. So thankful for their time and care for my dad. So thankful for their listening ears and their happy demeanors. So thankful that they have the knowledge and ability to help my dad fight this cancer.

Anyways, this got a little long, but those are just some of my observations. Bottom line: my dad is doing really great.  He just started another round of chemo and we are kicking cancer's booty every night with our cheer. He is an amazing man and an amazing, nonchalant, no-big-deal-about-it fighter. We love his stinkin guts.

A Gift

 

 

Lindsey Here... Aka Linda in i-phone talk... Aka Dean's oldest daughter...

 

Over the Christmas Break our parents rented out a beach house and every single Bullock {except Alex... we love you Ali....:(} was able to go and spend 7 whole days together. It was

 A-MA-ZING.

 Every single second of it. Absolutley Priceless. My parents had something special planned each night and we had all sorts of crafts and treats and activities for the kids. So many precious memories were created. There could not have been a more perfect way to spend our Christmas. Together as a Family. We are already looking forward to the next trip!!

One of the evenings all the boys {and Lexi:)} headed out to the BYU Football bowl game. After the kids were put to bed and as we were doing some crafts we started talking about the week and about our Dad and this stupid, ugly, I-hate-your-guts cancer and about how things have changed. And although much was said one thing that just keeps sticking out to me that of course my amazing Mom said was this:

We have been given a gift. We don't know what the cancer will decide to do next and we don't know when it will show it's ugly face again, but we can't think about that. We can't think about the way things used to be or how we wished they would be. We have to remember that our Dad is still here and we have seen many miracles happen in his life and in our lives. We have to make the most of this gift we have been given. Which is the gift of TIME.

I have thought of this over and over and I can't help but agree and think of all the other wonderful   "gifts" that I got to see at the beach house. To name a few.......

The gift of 8 awesome siblings

The gift of 6 perfect in-laws and better halfs to each of my siblings:)

The gift of 2 parents who see the importance in creating memories for their children and grandchildren

The gift of Grandparent night.... babysitting 15 grandkids while the "adults" went out to eat.... not too shabby....

The gift of 17 healthy beautiful perfect Grandkids who absolutly adore each other

The gift of lots of yummy food and dinners and desserts

The gift of no drama {which is a pretty big miracle with 34 people staying in one house!!}

The gift of 9 bathrooms..... enough said....:)

The gift of sweet little babies who everyone wants to make smile and coo

The gift of homemade suckers and frosted sugar cookies

The gift of treasure hunts on the beach and picking new surprises out of Grandmas treasure box

The gift of having an irondean night with our Dad who doesn't like to talk about his cancer a lot, but shared a little with each of us about it one evening

The gift of the Saviors birth and 12 sweet little kids trying to re-enact it with puppets

The gift of laughter and never ending jokes

The gift of IronDean cheers each night

The gift of kids who don't care how warm the water is as long as they can play in it

The gift of family pictures... cause really, who doesn't love throwing 33 people in front of a camera and trying to make them smile?

The gift of a sweet Aunt Michelle always willing to help and love in any way she can

The gift of secret pals and all the Grandkids so excited to serve one another

The gift of perfect weather and a perfect beach to play on

The gift of having a family theme to "GIVE" and the chance to teach our children to be better people

The gift of visiting another temple

The gift of brooms... 17 kids staying on the beach.... yea, definately the gift of brooms

The gift of early morning runs in the sand

The gift of BYU football... and thank goodness they won.... or we would have had some grumpy husbands:)

The gift of ugly sweaters

The gift of competetive dessert competitions

The gift of warm hot tubs to jump into after the cold water in the ocean

The gift of a Dad who continues to be amazing and fight this cancer and who refuses to let it get him down

And just like my Mom said, the most precious GIFT OF TIME. We don't know if it's a little or a lot or how long or how short. But we know we will enjoy and cherish and love

every. single. second.