The smell of Fall is in the air, school has started and life continues to be lived..... For John, life has become a pattern of routines. For me, however, it is balancing both ends of the spectrum.

For example, one evening our Great Room was filled with laughter and commotion: there were 3 teenagers sitting at our dining room table doing homework (in between the laughter) while I was in the kitchen. I would bounce back and forth between the kids and sitting with John, who was in our bedroom trying to "zone-out" to a movie. He was not feeling (or looking) well. While struggling to breathe, he smiled at the sounds coming from the other room!

One end of the spectrum is keeping up with the kids! Jess is a Senior! Homecoming was last weekend and this week we ordered her cap and gown. Nathan is running for the cross country team and filling his free time creating. He has quite the imagination and his wood working skills are improving! Our Laura is vibrant and full of life, stepping into her new routine with joy! Ballet & AWANA is how she spends two of her nights each week.

The other end of the spectrum is watching John live out his days to the fullest, while cancer puts extreme limits on his body. John is on oxygen all the time now and his discomfort level is increasing, so he is taking more pain medications. It takes most of his energy to breathe. A scooter is being delivered today----and it's a toss up to who is more excited! John or the kids!

Last week we made the decision that we cannot leave him alone anymore. Many have offered to sit with him. I appreciate the offer, but no thank you. I have the rest of my life to be away from him!

We've also set up some new systems. First, there is a red/green sign on our front door. Green means visitors are welcome, and red means it's not a good time for visiting. If you come and the sign is red, please try again another time! Next, when you do come, please take your shoes off at the door and use the purell. These simple steps can go a long way to keep John safe from germs.

Thank you to everyone for the many ways you are walking alongside of us during this time!

It's been a beautiful Fall, and the changing of the colors has begun. Once again I am reminded of God's "quilt" of love that our family is wrapped up in! We are so grateful for His peace and the hope of heaven! We are bathed in His love! Thank you to those who have been the "hands and feet" of Jesus to us!!

Thank you for your cards and notes of encouragement! They are so appreciated! They line the window sills of our Great Room, wrapping us in your love.

Nathan and Laura returned from Stehekin with wonderful stories and pictures of their time spent there. Nathan enjoyed the high country & came back with his shopping list and enthusiasm for next year's hike. Laura loved her time with her Grandparents and Garfoot "cousins," as well as seeing and spending time with the folks in the community we love so much!

We went to Marshall Lake a few weeks ago to meet Jessica's boyfriend's family, who were vacationing up there. It was great to get out of the house and visit a spot we haven't seen in a decade. The parents enjoyed visiting while the kids hung out at the lake. Later we fished off the dock and the family photo was taken there. Kalib has been a wonderful "breeze" of "normalcy" in our lives.

The smell of Fall is in the air, and school begins this week. We've enjoyed having the kids around, but the routine will be good for them. They are ready to get started and will be grateful to reconnect with teachers and friends. Nathan started cross country two weeks ago and enjoys the team and coaches. THANK YOU to the faculty and staff of both Mead High School and Farwell Elementary for the Memory Making Basket! We are so thankful for your love and support! And we did indeed make memories this summer!!

Just a reminder: School is a place for the kids to "get away" from cancer. Please be sensitive to this and do not ask them how they or their father is doing all the time. Thank you for your understanding.

The timing of school starting is good as John's decline seems to be picking up pace. His energy level and lung capacity continues to decrease. Thankfully, he is not in a lot of pain! The liver and the stomach area (full of tumors) are becoming problematic. He is using his oxygen most of the time. We moved his concentrator to a central location in the house so he can travel throughout with ease. The kids love it as it makes him easy to find! He does take short, level walks (with oxygen). You can find him doing his "laps" around the pool deck. John is feeling too weak to drive anymore. We are not getting out much----sticking close to home these days.

We are no longer living day to day, rather moment by moment.... And the moments are good as John is still with us! And God has been faithful, continuing to fill our hearts and home with His peace!