My Dear Friend is now in Heaven!
She will be missed!

Heather Ann Whetzel Bissegger

March 01, 1979 ~ January 26, 2009

Heather Ann Whetzel Bissegger passed peacefully from this life on January 26, 2009, at the age of 29.

Lou Gehrig’s Disease may have overcome her body, but it didn’t stand a chance against her spirit and her iron will. In all its debilitating cruelty, ALS never once affected her sunny optimism, sweet demeanor, or ferocious courage. And she didn’t allow her body to succumb to the disease a single day before she was ready and her work here was finished.

Part of that work was as a beloved teacher and volleyball coach at Bingham High School. She taught computers and business law. Heather never failed to inspire the thousands of students who are better from having been in her classes. She continued to teach even after her diagnosis with ALS, and in doing so she again showed the heart of a champion that she displayed as a volleyball player at Utah Valley University, and later as a volleyball coach in club and at Bingham. Her students, players and fellow faculty members will miss her.

As will her family and friends. Volleyball came in third in her life behind God and her loved ones. Her favorite thing in the world was to have dinner and visit with her parents, Don and Vicki Whetzel, and her older siblings and their spouses: Rebecca Seat and husband Jeff Seat, Mark Whetzel and wife Kristen Whetzel, Kristi Strong and husband Greg Strong, along with her cherished nieces and nephews, and of course her husband, Jeff Bissegger. She married him on August 7, 1999, in the Salt Lake Temple. Heather’s unwavering commitment to activity in the LDS Church and to living gospel principles sustained both her and Jeff throughout their struggle with ALS. Another of Heather’s favorite things was to watch reality TV with her mother-in-law, Barbara Bissegger, and with her sweet black lab Jack by her side.

Perhaps the key to Heather’s hold over so many peoples’ hearts was this: she was a stunningly gorgeous young woman who exhibited such obvious talent and intelligence, yet she always called attention to other peoples’ strengths and qualities. She made you feel as though you were the most valuable person on the planet. And even as ALS destroyed her physical body, she never complained or gave in to negativity. Her focus remained sharply on the feelings and well-being of others.

Free again to move about and enjoy her prized independence, she smiles on us now from heaven, serving as a guardian angel to the many people who love her. We know we will feel her spirit strongly at her services on Saturday, January 31, 2009, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South in Sandy at 11:00 a.m. There will be a viewing one hour before the services at 10:00 a.m., and one the night before on Friday, January 30, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the same location. And please do send or bring flowers—lots of flowers. Because Heather loved, and we suppose she still does love, pretty flowers. Those who would like to offer condolences may do so at www.larkincares.com

Preschool Fire Station Tour

Ireland's Class went to the fire station. The Firefighters took them on a cool tour. They saw the kitchen and the room where they relax and watch tv/movies. Then they took them to see the trucks. Mason was more excited than any of the preschoolers! Miss Sara got to dress up like a firefighter and the kids loved it.

Jump on It!

Tasha and I met up at Jump on It with the kids. It is a huge warehouse full of trampolines all hooked together... even some on the walls! Jacob went crazy and ripped his pants :) There was also a few blow-up jump houses for the little ones. Mark will love this place... we will come again!

It's Official... Tasha's little one is a real boy!!! I met him in real life! (inside joke)

Austin's 13!!

Happy Birthday Austin!
We always love an excuse to get together. Austin is the oldest Kirby grandchild (now 22 of them) and he is now a teenager... crazy! One candle wouldn't go out... his face turned bright red as everyone teased him about having a girlfriend. Good Times!

Discovery Gateway

We spent the day at the Children's Museum. The kids had a great time and loved the hands on theme at the museum... usually I am constantly telling them to not touch... At this museum it is all made for the kids to touch, climb and explore.

Hard to Say Goodbye

Yesterday I said Goodbye to a friend and teammate in a way that was extremely hard. Heather has been suffering from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) for over3 years.

Heather along with her amazing husband Jeff have decided it is her time to return home. I pray I never have make a decision like this in my lifetime. It was so hard to see my spunky teammate trapped in her paralyzed body but I was greatful for the chance to say goodbye... sometimes loved ones leave and we don't have that chance.

I talked with her and thanked her for the many laughs and great memories. We sat as a team and told stories and laughed... she definitely was the leader of any mischief we got into. She could do "the worm" better than anyone. It was amazing to see the 100's of people coming to say goodbye. She has touched many lives!

The room had tears but was mostly filled with laughter and memories... just how Heather wanted it.

This was one of life's tough days!

Jr. Jazz
Basketball

Jacob started playing basketball on Saturday. I love watching the little guys play. It is hilarious. They have all improved so much from last year. Jacob made 3 baskets and had a few steals... he did great.

Not the best picture but he was running around the court trying to get open for a pass. He has his hands in the air... his arms are covering his face, but he is the only white jersey! Find him?

He really enjoys basketball... but can't stop talking about playing football next fall. The deal is he has to start eating, or he can't play... and that means MEAT!

...we're working on it.

Guitar Hero Wii

World Tour

If you haven't played this yet... come hang out and have a blast. We like guitar hero but only 2 can play... this involves everyone and creates some major laughs.

Todd and Anna came for the evening and Heather and Chuck are always with us... so time to party. Some of our "Kirby" voices were hilarious!!! Chuck and Mark actually sound like the real thing... You Choir Boys!

Anyways... Total Blast!
Baby Claire just slept in the swing and didn't mind our squeaky voices.

Iree and Nate had a great time... they always have so much fun together. Princess Pull-ups and all. ;)

Ireland's Dance Recital

Her performance was back in December... I just noticed I left this out so I am adding it now. I don't have many pictures because I was recording it instead...

This is Iree and Maelyn (her close friend) before the big event... I could tell Iree was getting nervous... she told me she didn't want to go up on the stage. The parents were supposed to wait with them until they are about to go on stage...I asked Maelyn's mom if she could watch Iree also so I could avoid a breakdown... I knew she wouldn't throw a fit for another mom. (she only saves those for me!)

She went out and did great!!!

8 Years Ago...

January 6th, 2001
Mark was baptized!

This picture is very blurry but I can't find any others. This was an amazing day for both Mark and myself. I fully believe it changed the course of our lives. It is crazy to think that in a few months Mark will have the opportunity to baptise Jacob... Wow!

A little Memory...
We lived in California, married about 6 months and going to school. Mark didn't have much interest in the church and I didn't push him. One day I saw the LDS institute on campus and decided to take a class. Mark said he would take it with me. He likes to learn about everything. The institute director was amazing... Mark was wanting to be baptized after a few classes. We took the missionary discussions and I learned right along with Mark. He was baptized few weeks later.

He asked his coach, Jim, from UVSC to baptise him. He was a big influence on Mark. Their team happened to have a tournament in Santa Barbara, CA and they were all driving to the baptism after their tournament. We were all at the chapel waiting for Jim and the team to show up. We were all pacing and the director kept asking "are you sure he is coming?" About an hour later Jim and Mark's old team showed up in their sweats giving him hugs! It was so amazing to see the support he had from his team and so many people from our ward.

I don't know what direction our lives would have taken if this event hadn't happened. Mark was a great guy before and he is an amazing guy now and I know the gospel has had a lot to do with that. 8 years wow!

Who Wouldn't Love This Dentist?!

My kids had their 6 month dentist check-up yesterday! (I hate dentists... no, I am scared to death of the dentist!) When I told them we were going, they got ready fast and were begging to leave... "Can we go yet mom?"

Why???? Who would be excited to go to the dentist?

Oh, maybe it is because the dentist is nice, and fun and talks to them... and they get a cute little bear when they don't have any cavities for 3 visits. We now have a bunch of these bears and the kids can't wait to go back in July!

I had a horrible dentist experience as a child. I am still scared to go to the dentist. I am so glad someone has learned how to treat kids and make their experience at the dentist a positive one.

This guy is Great!!
Thanks Dr. Poulsen!

Hollywood Connections

Friday night I took Jacob and Iree to a friend's party at Hollywood Connections... I had never heard of the place but it was great and the kids had a great time.
Jacob was off with the party group and I had one-on-one time with Iree.

Iree and Me on the carousel... I can't count how many times we rode this thing... She tested out every horse. But look at that smile... she was loving it.

Jacob loved the bumper cars... he sprinted from ride to ride... making sure to get his fill of the roller-coaser, spinning (throw-up) machine, golf, bumper cars and rollerscating.

We went rollerskating and Jacob picked it up quick. My back got a big workout from dragging a scarred limp body around the rink... It was dark and the stobe lights were on and the music was so loud I she couldn't hear me. She wanted her shoes back on "immediatly" She sat with some other none skater kids in the group and I got to take a few rounds with Jacob.

It was a great night to spend with the older kids... I usually put so much energy into Mason and they get the left over. It was nice to focus on just them!

The Love Budget

I have decided to join a good friend in a New Year's Resolution.

Check it out...

The Love Budget