We have placed another Golf gift basket on Ksl.com. This basket contains golf balls an XL gof shirt, Golf hat, Golf shoe carrier, golf Joke book. Goto this link to check it out:
Thanks --- Greg
Monday, September 1, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Update on Mr Bickmore
Mr Bickmore is really sad that school has started - but he can't be there. He really misses the kids and teaching. His liver disease is progressing and he sleeps alot and is very tired and weak all of the time. His blood work (that is what determines his placement on the transplant list) is not changing so he remains low on the list. There is really nothing much going on - we've seen a couple of movies and our children and grandchildren come to visit us; other than that things are pretty quiet at home.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Bird Feeder Gift Basket
This is a great basket for anyone interested in birds. John has always been one to teach us about the importance of our enviroment. He had a bird, "boomer", in his classroom. This gift basket exemplifies the things that John loved to teach about. If you are interested please go to the link below and get in touch with us. Thanks --- Greg
Blockbuster gift basket
I have just listed the Blockbuster gift basket on ebay. Go to this link to view it and bid. Thanks
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190241892348
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190241892348
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Gift Basket #5
This gift basket has a $50 gift certificate to blockbuster and lots of candy. It is titled "A Night at the Movies"
Here is the link on ksl.com
Thanks for all you guys are doing! --- Greg
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Gift Basket #4 - Thanksgiving point gift certificate
Here is giftbasket #4, it contains many golf items including a gift certificate to Thanksgiving point. Please help us raise money for Mr Bickmore's medical bills. If you know anyone that might be interested please send them this link.
Thanks for all your help ---- Greg
Friday, July 11, 2008
Gift Basket #3
The baby basket is #3. This basket contains many items for the brand new baby. Check out the link on KSL.com for all of the details.
Thanks --- Greg
Gift Basket #2
Gift basket #2 is now on KSL.com. This is a loaded Mary Kay basket. It has lots of good items in it. Here is the link to it.
Thanks --- Greg
Thursday, July 10, 2008
"MY DAY WITH DAD" and "HELP US, PLEASE HELP"
I had the opportunity to spend the day with Dad and I feel that I have some things to update. First of all: I had a WONDERFUL TIME. I always do when I spend time with Dad, he's amazing.
Anyway, when he woke up this morning, it looked like we might be having really tough day. He had an errand to run that he didn't want to go and do AT ALL and he didn't feel good. His head seemed really foggy. I was even a little bit nervous to take care of him alone. I really hated feeling that way, this was my Dad for crying out loud. I just didn't know what to expect.
Well, Dad and I drove in silence to run his errand. When we got to the distination, Dad quietly got out of the car, and was directed to where we needed to be. He quietly walked into the office, signed some papers, quietly thanked everyone for their help and assistance, and quietly left the building.
After kissing Mom good-bye there was more silence in the car as we drove to Smiths to pick up something for us to eat for lunch. Dad was his regular self when it came to what I wanted for lunch. He made it pretty clear that not only did he not want me to starve, but he wanted to make sure that I had anything I wanted. I thought that was very sweet, that was the Dad that I grew up with. There were also a couple of times that I had to just keep my mouth firmly shut (something I don't do very well) and let Dad take care of some things. Like: self check-out. He doesn't like to be disturbed:>
We got back to the apartment we both ate breakfast (we were home befor 9am) and I gave Dad his first dose of medication. By the time came for he second dose he was doing much better. His head didn't seem to be in the clouds as much. Infact, he started bossing Benjamin and myself around the apartment -- we moved furniture. By the time we were done: the living room furniture had been moved, the entire apartment had been dusted and vacumed, the kitchen had been cleaned, and some of Mom's papers had been "gone through". So: I feel my day with Dad went well. By the time we left this evening Dad seemed much better. He discribed it as: "...my head has come down from the clouds."
Before I left, I went and gave Dad a hug and kiss and thanked him for letting me come up to hang around. I told him I had a great time. In my opinion any time I can spend with my dad, is time that is absolutely well spent. I told him I'll come up again next week for at least 1 day. He told me that would enough time for him to figure out another long list of chores.:>
One thing that I learned today was that things are perfect and aren't what we'd hoped, but we adjust. In my opinion Dad's disease is progressing much faster than anyone anticipated. It totally sucks and is totally SCARY!! The one person I am in total awe of when it come to this crappy situation with Dad is Mom. I always thought my mother was an amazing woman, but watching her go through all this with dad while having to try to answer questions and concerns of 4 children and 4 children -in law and 9 grandchildren takes her to a different standard. My Mom Rocks!! I know that sounds juvenile but that's the only way I can think to describe her right now. My Mom is amazing!!!
One concern we all have right now is raising money for Dad's medical expenses. We were given several gift baskets at Dad's Retirement Party for us to sell. Greg has placed it on Ebay the link is on the post from July 6th. If you all could help us put the word out we would all really appreciate it. This first basket has tickets to the Steve Miller Band concert. Like I said we have several other baskets and more are being donated daily, so if you'd be interested in donating something to add to the auction, please let us know through this blog. Also could we all please put the word out that we have these items to sell. They were all donated and Mom and Dad could use as much as they can to pay for medication, doctor, and hospital bills. I KNOW THAT WE CAN MAKE THINGS HAPPEN TO REALLY HELP DEAL WITH THE BILLS, so any little help or idea please let us know asap.
Anyway, when he woke up this morning, it looked like we might be having really tough day. He had an errand to run that he didn't want to go and do AT ALL and he didn't feel good. His head seemed really foggy. I was even a little bit nervous to take care of him alone. I really hated feeling that way, this was my Dad for crying out loud. I just didn't know what to expect.
Well, Dad and I drove in silence to run his errand. When we got to the distination, Dad quietly got out of the car, and was directed to where we needed to be. He quietly walked into the office, signed some papers, quietly thanked everyone for their help and assistance, and quietly left the building.
After kissing Mom good-bye there was more silence in the car as we drove to Smiths to pick up something for us to eat for lunch. Dad was his regular self when it came to what I wanted for lunch. He made it pretty clear that not only did he not want me to starve, but he wanted to make sure that I had anything I wanted. I thought that was very sweet, that was the Dad that I grew up with. There were also a couple of times that I had to just keep my mouth firmly shut (something I don't do very well) and let Dad take care of some things. Like: self check-out. He doesn't like to be disturbed:>
We got back to the apartment we both ate breakfast (we were home befor 9am) and I gave Dad his first dose of medication. By the time came for he second dose he was doing much better. His head didn't seem to be in the clouds as much. Infact, he started bossing Benjamin and myself around the apartment -- we moved furniture. By the time we were done: the living room furniture had been moved, the entire apartment had been dusted and vacumed, the kitchen had been cleaned, and some of Mom's papers had been "gone through". So: I feel my day with Dad went well. By the time we left this evening Dad seemed much better. He discribed it as: "...my head has come down from the clouds."
Before I left, I went and gave Dad a hug and kiss and thanked him for letting me come up to hang around. I told him I had a great time. In my opinion any time I can spend with my dad, is time that is absolutely well spent. I told him I'll come up again next week for at least 1 day. He told me that would enough time for him to figure out another long list of chores.:>
One thing that I learned today was that things are perfect and aren't what we'd hoped, but we adjust. In my opinion Dad's disease is progressing much faster than anyone anticipated. It totally sucks and is totally SCARY!! The one person I am in total awe of when it come to this crappy situation with Dad is Mom. I always thought my mother was an amazing woman, but watching her go through all this with dad while having to try to answer questions and concerns of 4 children and 4 children -in law and 9 grandchildren takes her to a different standard. My Mom Rocks!! I know that sounds juvenile but that's the only way I can think to describe her right now. My Mom is amazing!!!
One concern we all have right now is raising money for Dad's medical expenses. We were given several gift baskets at Dad's Retirement Party for us to sell. Greg has placed it on Ebay the link is on the post from July 6th. If you all could help us put the word out we would all really appreciate it. This first basket has tickets to the Steve Miller Band concert. Like I said we have several other baskets and more are being donated daily, so if you'd be interested in donating something to add to the auction, please let us know through this blog. Also could we all please put the word out that we have these items to sell. They were all donated and Mom and Dad could use as much as they can to pay for medication, doctor, and hospital bills. I KNOW THAT WE CAN MAKE THINGS HAPPEN TO REALLY HELP DEAL WITH THE BILLS, so any little help or idea please let us know asap.
Sorry to say...
I'm very sorry to say but it looks like Dad is having a pretty crappy week. He has been totally exhausted and miserable lately. We are going to try to go somewhere as a family. Mom's setting that up.
For anybody who reads this blog please please please pray that Dad will get a new liver soon. He is completely miserable.
For anybody who reads this blog please please please pray that Dad will get a new liver soon. He is completely miserable.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Gift Basket #1 "KSL Steve Miller Band Tickets"
The first basket is up and going. You can find it on ebay. It is item # 190235018486. This is the Steve Miller Band tickets. This basket includes those tickets a $25 Archibald Resturant gift card and $10 Big Kahunnas pizza coupon. Check it out on ebay and get the word out.
Thanks --- Greg
Gift Baskets
The retirement party for Dad, (Mr. Bickmore to most of you) was to celebrate the career of a very fine teacher. Along with that we wanted to find a way to help out with the medical bills that are adding up and will only get worse with his transplant possibility etc. The great teachers and staff at Oakcrest Elementary gathered up donations and "stuff" for gift baskets for us to sell to help out. Thank you so much to each of you that helped. There are many wonderful items in each of the 11 baskets we received. We are going to sell these on ebay and ksl.com. When we post one we will provide a link on this website for those of you that are interested. Watch for future posts for this information. You will want to check this site often because the baskets have many types of things in them. Golf getaways, a Steve Young autographed football and Steve Miller Band tickets just to name a few. Get the word out to everyone that might be interested. Thanks again to all of the great friends that helped out.
Thanks --- Greg
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Dad's Response to the party
I'm so sorry that I haven't had a chance to update the blog for so long! We are working on getting the gift baskets up but what I really wanted to show everybody my Mom's reponse to the party. She also explains how Dad felt about the whole thing. This is from an email that Mom sent to some of our relatives that live in California. So, here is the email from Mom:
THE PARTY WAS WONDERFUL!!! I had to tell John the day before that the kids had put together a little something for him and all I knew was that I was supposed to have him “there” by 7:00 – I wouldn’t tell him where “there” was.
When we got to the school and John saw that the parking lot was almost full he was shocked and said that was probably because they were keeping the building open for the teachers because it was almost the end of the school year; he didn’t think for even a minute that it was for him. When we got to the door the principal greeted us and took us right to the gym and as we walked in to the FULL room, everyone was clapping and John was totally shocked. He didn’t even know what to say – that’s a first. Steph stopped everything right then and there and had us go change into our Tee Shirts that our immediate family was wearing. They were white tee shirts with a picture of “Mr. Bean” with a big red nose on it. I’ll send pictures. We all had the tee shirts on from 4 month old Jack to 60 year old John. IT WAS GREAT!!!
There was such a great turn out and they had the school choir there and they sang 3 songs, ending with the song from the Sound of Music where the kids do the “goodbye, farewell, etc. It was really sweet and tender. I’m not sure John was even aware of that part other than that the choir was singing. He was taking it all in and Katie came and sat on his lap. He was amazed that so many people cared enough to come.
The rest of the time John and I spent talking to everyone. There were teachers that he worked with years ago and some are still teaching and some are retired. The kids contacted all of the schools John taught at and the neighborhoods we lived in. It was even announced in Sacrament Meeting at the Ward we went to church when we lived in our house in West Jordan – and they NEVER announce things like that over the pulpit, they don’t even announce gatherings for missionary farewells or homecomings – they usually announce those things in Priesthood Meeting or Relief Society. There were quite a few people from that neighborhood there. There were students from this year and from prior years. There was even a student from 1992 who came and brought his 3 children. John didn’t recognize him but he was so thrilled that he came. My sister came from the top of Idaho just for this; however, I’m sure the fact that her granddaughters live in SLC didn’t play even a small part in her decision. Susie and Vern came and it was so good to see them. We haven’t seen them for a really long time.
The kids did a wonderful job putting this together. It was a good time for them to work together and build their relationships. For the fundraising part, each of the “teams” at the school (K, 1st grade, 2nd grade, etc) donated a beautiful gift basket and one of them had a sports theme and the football in it was signed by Steve Young. The kids couldn’t do the silent auction but they tell me they are going to put them up on E-Bay then put the money in John’s Transplant fund, which is where the checks that you lovely women sent.
Thank you so much for both the checks and even more for your love, concern and for being such important people in John’s life. You have no idea of the love and respect he has for each of you. Please know that he would tell you himself, however he has a difficult time putting the words together and he can’t bring himself to let others see what he perceives as less than what he is.
After all is said and done, John absolutely loved the event. He was surprised and honored. He is so grateful to our kids for doing this for him and for everyone that participated. It was hard for people, even our kids, to know how John felt about the whole thing because of his nature and also because of his illness. He had a tough week and we had to increase his meds for confusion on Tuesday and Jill came over to be with him that day. By the night of the party his was much better but his brain was and always is confused.
It was a wonderful event and we loved every bit of it. Once again, thank you for being part of our life. I will send a copy of the DVD that the kids put together, we loved seeing Bob and Jeannette in it, but there was a problem with the sound so we couldn’t pick up most of what you said. If you still have the one you sent, maybe you can send it to us and maybe it will work right if we get it first hand. Stephanie just completed a scrapbook and I can’t wait to see it. I will send pictures when my darling children let me see them.
I’ll send another e-mail this weekend updating you on John’s condition and all that is going on with that.
Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Love,
Barbara
THE PARTY WAS WONDERFUL!!! I had to tell John the day before that the kids had put together a little something for him and all I knew was that I was supposed to have him “there” by 7:00 – I wouldn’t tell him where “there” was.
When we got to the school and John saw that the parking lot was almost full he was shocked and said that was probably because they were keeping the building open for the teachers because it was almost the end of the school year; he didn’t think for even a minute that it was for him. When we got to the door the principal greeted us and took us right to the gym and as we walked in to the FULL room, everyone was clapping and John was totally shocked. He didn’t even know what to say – that’s a first. Steph stopped everything right then and there and had us go change into our Tee Shirts that our immediate family was wearing. They were white tee shirts with a picture of “Mr. Bean” with a big red nose on it. I’ll send pictures. We all had the tee shirts on from 4 month old Jack to 60 year old John. IT WAS GREAT!!!
There was such a great turn out and they had the school choir there and they sang 3 songs, ending with the song from the Sound of Music where the kids do the “goodbye, farewell, etc. It was really sweet and tender. I’m not sure John was even aware of that part other than that the choir was singing. He was taking it all in and Katie came and sat on his lap. He was amazed that so many people cared enough to come.
The rest of the time John and I spent talking to everyone. There were teachers that he worked with years ago and some are still teaching and some are retired. The kids contacted all of the schools John taught at and the neighborhoods we lived in. It was even announced in Sacrament Meeting at the Ward we went to church when we lived in our house in West Jordan – and they NEVER announce things like that over the pulpit, they don’t even announce gatherings for missionary farewells or homecomings – they usually announce those things in Priesthood Meeting or Relief Society. There were quite a few people from that neighborhood there. There were students from this year and from prior years. There was even a student from 1992 who came and brought his 3 children. John didn’t recognize him but he was so thrilled that he came. My sister came from the top of Idaho just for this; however, I’m sure the fact that her granddaughters live in SLC didn’t play even a small part in her decision. Susie and Vern came and it was so good to see them. We haven’t seen them for a really long time.
The kids did a wonderful job putting this together. It was a good time for them to work together and build their relationships. For the fundraising part, each of the “teams” at the school (K, 1st grade, 2nd grade, etc) donated a beautiful gift basket and one of them had a sports theme and the football in it was signed by Steve Young. The kids couldn’t do the silent auction but they tell me they are going to put them up on E-Bay then put the money in John’s Transplant fund, which is where the checks that you lovely women sent.
Thank you so much for both the checks and even more for your love, concern and for being such important people in John’s life. You have no idea of the love and respect he has for each of you. Please know that he would tell you himself, however he has a difficult time putting the words together and he can’t bring himself to let others see what he perceives as less than what he is.
After all is said and done, John absolutely loved the event. He was surprised and honored. He is so grateful to our kids for doing this for him and for everyone that participated. It was hard for people, even our kids, to know how John felt about the whole thing because of his nature and also because of his illness. He had a tough week and we had to increase his meds for confusion on Tuesday and Jill came over to be with him that day. By the night of the party his was much better but his brain was and always is confused.
It was a wonderful event and we loved every bit of it. Once again, thank you for being part of our life. I will send a copy of the DVD that the kids put together, we loved seeing Bob and Jeannette in it, but there was a problem with the sound so we couldn’t pick up most of what you said. If you still have the one you sent, maybe you can send it to us and maybe it will work right if we get it first hand. Stephanie just completed a scrapbook and I can’t wait to see it. I will send pictures when my darling children let me see them.
I’ll send another e-mail this weekend updating you on John’s condition and all that is going on with that.
Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Love,
Barbara
Monday, June 23, 2008
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!
Well, we wanted to thank everybody who came to Dad's party last week. Everything went off very well. Dad was completely surprised. Mom said that when they pulled up he said "What are all these cars doing here? Well, it's the end of the year and I guess the teachers have a lot of work to do." Hooray! We were so thrilled to surprise him.
We haven't really had much time to do anything yet with the gift baskets but I will probably start that tonight. We will take pictures of the baskets and put them on here. There are a couple of things that will probably only available on ebay or similar. (I.E. concert tickets, football signed by Steve Young etc.) Anyway, more later. Please keep checking.
One last thing! If you would like to learn more about Dad's disease you can go to http://www.pscpartners.org/. Thank you again for coming to Dad's party!
We haven't really had much time to do anything yet with the gift baskets but I will probably start that tonight. We will take pictures of the baskets and put them on here. There are a couple of things that will probably only available on ebay or similar. (I.E. concert tickets, football signed by Steve Young etc.) Anyway, more later. Please keep checking.
One last thing! If you would like to learn more about Dad's disease you can go to http://www.pscpartners.org/. Thank you again for coming to Dad's party!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
