Spring break is half over, and our best day was yesterday. We went to Longview to spend the afternoon with my parents. We got there just in time for lunch and visited for a few hours, then went to eat dinner at a Chinese restaurant before heading home. It can easily be referred to as a short but sweet visit with family. We enjoyed our time together, but have no photos to prove it ... sorry! We'll have to do it again sometime! :)
I feel so blessed to have such awesome parents and siblings . . . I do love my family! It felt strange to only have 3 children with us on this trip. We are shrinking in numbers at home, but gaining more thru marriage and grandchildren. We are so grateful for each of them. So, one more time . . . I love my family!
We plan to end our spring break in a great way too, as we watch General Conference on TV together this Saturday and Sunday. We always look forward to those special messages from those special people. We are blessed!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
A Capsule Sermon!
"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage and faith."
(This was from a letter/email from Kory Hebdon, serving a mission in the Ecuador Guayaquil South Mission.)
(This was from a letter/email from Kory Hebdon, serving a mission in the Ecuador Guayaquil South Mission.)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Terry's lab results for today!
WBC = 2.0(L) Normal is 4.5-11.0
RBC = 3.31(L) Normal is 4.50-5.90
Platelet Count = 60(L) Normal is 150-400
Neutrophils = 0.8(L) Normal is 1.8-7.8
Glucose is up a bit again = 124(H) Normal is 70-99 (and we didn't just have lunch).
Calcium is just slightly low, even taking calcium supplements = 8.2(L) Normal is 8.6-10.2
Potassium is in the normal range, so he will finish the three pills he has left of those and then stop, and we'll see next week if he needs to start taking them again.
ALT = 109(H) Normal is 17-63 Looking at the normal range makes it look terrible. I suppose it is, but it is better than last week, which was 124(H), so that's better.
AST = 123(H) Normal is 15-41 Again, better than last week, which was 143(H).
Understandably, the weekly visits continue!
RBC = 3.31(L) Normal is 4.50-5.90
Platelet Count = 60(L) Normal is 150-400
Neutrophils = 0.8(L) Normal is 1.8-7.8
Glucose is up a bit again = 124(H) Normal is 70-99 (and we didn't just have lunch).
Calcium is just slightly low, even taking calcium supplements = 8.2(L) Normal is 8.6-10.2
Potassium is in the normal range, so he will finish the three pills he has left of those and then stop, and we'll see next week if he needs to start taking them again.
ALT = 109(H) Normal is 17-63 Looking at the normal range makes it look terrible. I suppose it is, but it is better than last week, which was 124(H), so that's better.
AST = 123(H) Normal is 15-41 Again, better than last week, which was 143(H).
Understandably, the weekly visits continue!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Medical Report
Today's appointment informs us that . . . things are about the same . . . just like we assumed! Here are the lab results:
WBC = 3.0(L)
RBC = 3.31(L)
Platelets = 81(L)
Neutrophils = 1.5(L)
Though all are still low, 3 of the 4 are slightly up from last week. The last is just the same as last week.
AST = 124(H)
ALT = 143(H)
Both are high, but not as high as they have been, so even though they are too high, they are not highest. That's good! Right!
Potasium count is coming up, so we are hoping that this will be his last week on potasium. I can't believe I didn't get his glucose number written down, and I don't remember it. We didn't have lunch before our 1:00 appointment so that it wouldn't raise the count. All that for not! Oh well - we shared a candy bar after the appointment. Mmmm good!
WBC = 3.0(L)
RBC = 3.31(L)
Platelets = 81(L)
Neutrophils = 1.5(L)
Though all are still low, 3 of the 4 are slightly up from last week. The last is just the same as last week.
AST = 124(H)
ALT = 143(H)
Both are high, but not as high as they have been, so even though they are too high, they are not highest. That's good! Right!
Potasium count is coming up, so we are hoping that this will be his last week on potasium. I can't believe I didn't get his glucose number written down, and I don't remember it. We didn't have lunch before our 1:00 appointment so that it wouldn't raise the count. All that for not! Oh well - we shared a candy bar after the appointment. Mmmm good!
Most Likely Cotton
Shawna asked Terry to write a poem for her about a hanky..., for her to use at their Stake RS event last Thursday. Here is the poem he came up with, and the photo is the poem tucked inside a hanky - as it was given to each woman in attendance.
Most Likely Cotton
The sisters of yore and yesteryear
Were proper in all they did.
They always carried a handkerchief
Whether in sight or hid.
This hanky was a special tool
Always held at the ready -
To wipe a nose, or wipe a brow,
Or place in a hand unsteady.
Sometimes it was pulled from an apron,
Other times from a purse.
It could be used as a band aid -
For someone in need of a nurse.
It's not the cloth that's special.
It's the great women they grew to be,
As they followed the Savior
In starting the Relief Society.
Sometimes a hanky could be dropped -
Rather conspicuously.
And, if a young man should pick it up,
Closer the two would be!
Other times, these special hankies
Were crumpled, wet, and warm -
When anxious mothers of missionaries
Were praying there would be no harm.
Perhaps at a temple in the future,
You may participate in the "Hosanna Shout"
And this would be the handkerchief
The Lord would have you pull out!
So receive this hanky with gladness,
And as a tool for you too,
And use it to bless others
In everything that you do.
- Terry Hebdon 2011
Isn't it wonderful! Talents are a wonderful thing and Terry certainly has a talent for writing poetry. He is a great guy and I am so thankful for him.
Most Likely Cotton
The sisters of yore and yesteryear
Were proper in all they did.
They always carried a handkerchief
Whether in sight or hid.
This hanky was a special tool
Always held at the ready -
To wipe a nose, or wipe a brow,
Or place in a hand unsteady.
Sometimes it was pulled from an apron,
Other times from a purse.
It could be used as a band aid -
For someone in need of a nurse.
It's not the cloth that's special.
It's the great women they grew to be,
As they followed the Savior
In starting the Relief Society.
Sometimes a hanky could be dropped -
Rather conspicuously.
And, if a young man should pick it up,
Closer the two would be!
Other times, these special hankies
Were crumpled, wet, and warm -
When anxious mothers of missionaries
Were praying there would be no harm.
Perhaps at a temple in the future,
You may participate in the "Hosanna Shout"
And this would be the handkerchief
The Lord would have you pull out!
So receive this hanky with gladness,
And as a tool for you too,
And use it to bless others
In everything that you do.
- Terry Hebdon 2011
Isn't it wonderful! Talents are a wonderful thing and Terry certainly has a talent for writing poetry. He is a great guy and I am so thankful for him.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
It's a new week!
We just got our email from Michael and he expressed his excitement in getting new missionaries into his zone and mission. He knows about 10 of them and looks forward to the last couple months that he has left.
As for the volcano, they don't feel any rumbling and it doesn't seem to be a concern, though they can see the steam and smoke that comes up when it gets upset.
As for the volcano, they don't feel any rumbling and it doesn't seem to be a concern, though they can see the steam and smoke that comes up when it gets upset.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Missionary update
We just received an email from Pres. Margetts (Michael's mission pres.) telling us that the Fukuoka Mission (Michael's mission) will be receiving 41 missionaries from Tokyo.
He first assured us that all are safe and they continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds, and will take all precautions to assure the well being of each of the missionaries.
The Lord is watching over His servants!
We'll continue to pray for the people of Japan.
He first assured us that all are safe and they continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds, and will take all precautions to assure the well being of each of the missionaries.
The Lord is watching over His servants!
We'll continue to pray for the people of Japan.
Japan Missionaries
The Church has a new statement about the Japan missionaries (click here).
The only way this would affect Michael is if his mission receives some of the missionaries being moved.
The only way this would affect Michael is if his mission receives some of the missionaries being moved.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Medical News
Terry's counts for today are keeping us on the weekly doctor visits:
WBC = 2.8(L)
RBC = 3.07(L)
Platelets = 72(L)
Neutrophils 1.5(L)
Still poppin the calcium and potassium supplements since those counts remain low.
Liver functions remain high.
Glucose was high again today too, but we think that is because of lunch just before our appointment. We need to have them schedule us before lunch, not after it. Moses Lake Clinic Oncology department is having some issues right now so we'll just take what they give us.
It is interesting to look at the lab results because every number that means anything is either low or high. If it doesn't matter, it's just right. As for how Terry is feeling - well, he is doing fine, other than feeling tired easily or often.
Other news on the medical front is that we received a call from SCCA last week to set up his 1 year appointments, which will be the last week of April.
WBC = 2.8(L)
RBC = 3.07(L)
Platelets = 72(L)
Neutrophils 1.5(L)
Still poppin the calcium and potassium supplements since those counts remain low.
Liver functions remain high.
Glucose was high again today too, but we think that is because of lunch just before our appointment. We need to have them schedule us before lunch, not after it. Moses Lake Clinic Oncology department is having some issues right now so we'll just take what they give us.
It is interesting to look at the lab results because every number that means anything is either low or high. If it doesn't matter, it's just right. As for how Terry is feeling - well, he is doing fine, other than feeling tired easily or often.
Other news on the medical front is that we received a call from SCCA last week to set up his 1 year appointments, which will be the last week of April.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Michael's email.
Michael sounded great in his email today. His report is that they didn't get much aftermath there, but had a foot and a half tsunami hit their coastline, but nobody felt a thing.
I'm so sorry for the people in Japan as they continue to have so many problems. There was a volcano eruption today on the island that Michael is on, right there by him, but it was a small one and no major damage or loss of life as far as I can tell.
Michael did mention a volcano, but I don't know if he was talking about the one he lives on (Miyakonojo) or the one that blew today (Shinmoedake), but these mountains are really close to each other. He said that the volcano is active, but not that big. It hasn't killed anyone, but always steams and smokes and sometimes lava does come out but it is opened to the opposite direction so there is really no danger. He also mentioned that they have had a couple service opportunities cleaning up ash, and I suppose that could be a reoccurring opportunity for him if eruptions are a common thing.
One news report about today's volcano eruption said that the people on the Shinmoedake volcano were evacuated to a building that was in Miyakonojo.
The news does keep us on our toes wondering what next?!?!?!
It was good to get an email from Michael today. We knew he was okay after the earthquake and tsunami, but we weren't sure what might have happened with the eruption. Now we are at peace again. We are so thankful that Michael is safe and well, but our hearts continue to ache for all those who do not have such good news.
I'm so sorry for the people in Japan as they continue to have so many problems. There was a volcano eruption today on the island that Michael is on, right there by him, but it was a small one and no major damage or loss of life as far as I can tell.
Michael did mention a volcano, but I don't know if he was talking about the one he lives on (Miyakonojo) or the one that blew today (Shinmoedake), but these mountains are really close to each other. He said that the volcano is active, but not that big. It hasn't killed anyone, but always steams and smokes and sometimes lava does come out but it is opened to the opposite direction so there is really no danger. He also mentioned that they have had a couple service opportunities cleaning up ash, and I suppose that could be a reoccurring opportunity for him if eruptions are a common thing.
One news report about today's volcano eruption said that the people on the Shinmoedake volcano were evacuated to a building that was in Miyakonojo.
The news does keep us on our toes wondering what next?!?!?!
It was good to get an email from Michael today. We knew he was okay after the earthquake and tsunami, but we weren't sure what might have happened with the eruption. Now we are at peace again. We are so thankful that Michael is safe and well, but our hearts continue to ache for all those who do not have such good news.
We Do Know Where Michael Is...
I was re-reading Michael's email as I was writing to him this morning and found that he mentioned something about the weather in Miyakonojo, and that is where he is. I guess we did know where he was located, but just didn't connect the dots earlier. I googled it and found Miyakonojo. So, he is more south and more east than what I earlier thought. Either way, still safe.
It's hard to see, but the yellow spot identifies where Michael is.
Maybe I'll have more to post after we get his email tonight - if we get it as normal.
It's hard to see, but the yellow spot identifies where Michael is.
Maybe I'll have more to post after we get his email tonight - if we get it as normal.
Newsroom Update
12 March 2011 — Salt Lake City
"Church leaders confirmed this morning that all missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Japan are safe and accounted for. The Church had been working diligently to make contact with missionaries in Sendai despite difficulty with communication systems and traveling in and around the city. Families and friends of the missionaries in the Sendai area had been anxiously awaiting word that their loved ones were safe."
"The Church is assessing the needs of its members and others in the communities impacted by the earthquake."
"Church leaders confirmed this morning that all missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Japan are safe and accounted for. The Church had been working diligently to make contact with missionaries in Sendai despite difficulty with communication systems and traveling in and around the city. Families and friends of the missionaries in the Sendai area had been anxiously awaiting word that their loved ones were safe."
"The Church is assessing the needs of its members and others in the communities impacted by the earthquake."
Friday, March 11, 2011
To help calm your hearts:
This map shows the areas of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. I circled the area where Michael is located. Sorry we don't know the name of the city he is in. Last we knew he was in an area in Kumumoto, but said he was moved to a volcano. :) That's better than a tsunami right? :) Really, we are sure he is safe, it's just a funny thought.
I found this map on the update at the lds.org newsroom.
I found this map on the update at the lds.org newsroom.
Church Statement on Missionaries in Japan
Church Statement on Missionaries in Japan
11 March 2011 — Salt Lake City
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement this morning:
Five of the six missions in Japan have reported that all missionaries have been accounted for and are safe. However, all communications systems in the Sendai area are down so we have not been able to contact each missionary in that mission yet. We continue to work diligently to account for the missionaries in this area and will update this information as we are able to do so.
Initial reports from missions in areas affected by tsunami activity show that all missionaries are safe.
11 March 2011 — Salt Lake City
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement this morning:
Five of the six missions in Japan have reported that all missionaries have been accounted for and are safe. However, all communications systems in the Sendai area are down so we have not been able to contact each missionary in that mission yet. We continue to work diligently to account for the missionaries in this area and will update this information as we are able to do so.
Initial reports from missions in areas affected by tsunami activity show that all missionaries are safe.
Japan News
The devastation in Japan is tragic for many and we pray for all who have been affected by it in anyway. We have not heard from Michael or his mission president, but Michael is in the Fukuoka mission which is south of Tokyo. As for now, we are at peace believing that our missionary is safe and not affected by the earthquake or tsunami. We are grateful for the peace that is present, calming our hearts, though we are sickened thinking of the unpleasant outcomes and heart ache for so many others.
Thanks to all for your love and concern. We know that there are many still concerned for their family in areas that still may be harmed by the tsunami warning headed for our coastlines.
Thanks to all for your love and concern. We know that there are many still concerned for their family in areas that still may be harmed by the tsunami warning headed for our coastlines.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
A Thought For The Day!
"I believe we have all been created for greater things than we can comprehend. But such accomplishments are not achieved by fierce competitiveness, calculated one-up-manship, or cold indifference to others. True greatness will always be predicated upon love, respect, compassion, dignity, prayer, hard work, God."
- Jeffrey R. Holland
- Jeffrey R. Holland
Monday, March 7, 2011
Mission, Medical and More:
Mission:
Michael has been transferred to a new area that just opened up. He is now on a volcano. They just had a church Helping Hands activity where they cleaned up the ash that is all around the church and hospital (and a few other places). It felt good to put on the service vest and get to work - doing real physical labor. The people in the ward and area are very kind and he can feel their love for the missionaries. His companion is great, Elder Saunders from Kaysville Utah. It sounds so close to home huh? Anybody know him? :)
He's only got one transfer left before he meets the plane to the US! :) We aren't counting days yet because that just makes it too long, but we do know that it is less than 3 months.
Chase only has 2 months until he leaves for his service mission in Nauvoo. This is going to be a busy year - again! :)
Medical:
Terry's doctor visit was rather boring. We hurry to get there, wait for a few minutes to get his blood drawn. Wait for about 45 minutes to get the results and see the doctor. Even the results hardly seem worth waiting for, but they do have to be done so that we can know where he is at with his counts. Doctor was hoping that maybe we could finally start having our visits two weeks apart, but the counts are still off enough that she wants to keep it at a week until they improve.
The one good thing is that Terry's glucose levels are down to normal today (at 93). They were a bit high the last two times (I don't have last weeks count, but the week before was 166). We were blaming it on eating lunch just before our appointment. We think we are right, but who knows?!?!?!
WBC = 2.8 (L) down from 3.3 last week. This count was a main reason we are keeping our appointments on a weekly basis.
Platelets = 86 (L) just maintaining. Normal is 150-400.
Neutrophils = 1.12 (L) down from 1.9
I didn't get the RBC, but the HCT was 32.6, which was up from 30.4 last week, but both counts are still Low.
Potassium was a concern last week so he started taking supplements. That is helping, making that count in the normal range, but she wants him to keep taking them to keep him in that normal range, until further notice.
The ALT and AST numbers are about the same, still too high, so she is calling SCCA to make sure that they are aware of those and adding the right tests to our year check up, which, by the way, we still have no date for.
FYI: today is T-320 (if I counted right).
More:
We have seen some progress in the weather, which allows for progress in the fields and in the yard. The two fields by the house are planted - to wheat. The spring field work is not complete, but it has started and is looking good. The front yard garden boxes are cleaned out so that now I can see the tulip and daffodil plants sprouting without having to look through the dead weeds first. It looks so much better. Still so much to do though!
Michael has been transferred to a new area that just opened up. He is now on a volcano. They just had a church Helping Hands activity where they cleaned up the ash that is all around the church and hospital (and a few other places). It felt good to put on the service vest and get to work - doing real physical labor. The people in the ward and area are very kind and he can feel their love for the missionaries. His companion is great, Elder Saunders from Kaysville Utah. It sounds so close to home huh? Anybody know him? :)
He's only got one transfer left before he meets the plane to the US! :) We aren't counting days yet because that just makes it too long, but we do know that it is less than 3 months.
Chase only has 2 months until he leaves for his service mission in Nauvoo. This is going to be a busy year - again! :)
Medical:
Terry's doctor visit was rather boring. We hurry to get there, wait for a few minutes to get his blood drawn. Wait for about 45 minutes to get the results and see the doctor. Even the results hardly seem worth waiting for, but they do have to be done so that we can know where he is at with his counts. Doctor was hoping that maybe we could finally start having our visits two weeks apart, but the counts are still off enough that she wants to keep it at a week until they improve.
The one good thing is that Terry's glucose levels are down to normal today (at 93). They were a bit high the last two times (I don't have last weeks count, but the week before was 166). We were blaming it on eating lunch just before our appointment. We think we are right, but who knows?!?!?!
WBC = 2.8 (L) down from 3.3 last week. This count was a main reason we are keeping our appointments on a weekly basis.
Platelets = 86 (L) just maintaining. Normal is 150-400.
Neutrophils = 1.12 (L) down from 1.9
I didn't get the RBC, but the HCT was 32.6, which was up from 30.4 last week, but both counts are still Low.
Potassium was a concern last week so he started taking supplements. That is helping, making that count in the normal range, but she wants him to keep taking them to keep him in that normal range, until further notice.
The ALT and AST numbers are about the same, still too high, so she is calling SCCA to make sure that they are aware of those and adding the right tests to our year check up, which, by the way, we still have no date for.
FYI: today is T-320 (if I counted right).
More:
We have seen some progress in the weather, which allows for progress in the fields and in the yard. The two fields by the house are planted - to wheat. The spring field work is not complete, but it has started and is looking good. The front yard garden boxes are cleaned out so that now I can see the tulip and daffodil plants sprouting without having to look through the dead weeds first. It looks so much better. Still so much to do though!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
So Confused!
Happy first day of the month of Spring?!?!?!
OR
Merry Christmas!?!?!?
We are anxious to get planting, but it seems to be getting postponed.
The snow is really heavy and moist so it isn't sticking to the ground, just melting right into it.
I apologize for not getting a better picture. I didn't want to go outside so I took it from a window, in the warmth and comfort of home. I am so thankful for our home. As I think of my children away at school it makes me thankful for the vehicles we have, and happy to not have to ride in a covered wagon, or walk for that matter.
OR
Merry Christmas!?!?!?
We are anxious to get planting, but it seems to be getting postponed.
The snow is really heavy and moist so it isn't sticking to the ground, just melting right into it.
I apologize for not getting a better picture. I didn't want to go outside so I took it from a window, in the warmth and comfort of home. I am so thankful for our home. As I think of my children away at school it makes me thankful for the vehicles we have, and happy to not have to ride in a covered wagon, or walk for that matter.
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