Elder Connor Ronald Hebdon

Michael and Tawnee picked up Elder Connor Hebdon from the SLC airport Tuesday night ...

 

 

and took him to the MTC Wednesday, where he now resides for a couple weeks.

 

(We are so happy that phones have cameras.  We love our family ... each and every one!)

 

Here is his address:

(feel free to write him)

 

Elder Connor Ronald Hebdon
MTC Mailbox # 219
PA-PIT 0218
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793

 

It looks like he will be there until Feb. 18th., and then we'll post his next address.

 

 

 

The Departure

We said good-bye to Elder Connor Ronald Hebdon today...

at home ...

 

and at the airport ...

 

 

and waited to watch his plane take off ...

 

 

the sky was such a beautiful background tonight that it made my heart smile at the same time it was crying ...

 

 

it was a sweet and tender mercy for me.

 

I love those moments!

 

Michael and Tawnee picked up Connor from the SLC airport and took him to their place for the night. They will take him to the MTC in the morning.

 

Sweet Dreams everyone!

 

 

Connor's Day

Connor was asked to speak Sunday, for his last time before his mission.  His topic was obedience and he did a great job. 

After meetings we had a family gathering and dinner at our house.  It seemed to be a terrible day to meet together, since there were so many sick with colds, flu, whooping cough, etc., and others out of town. 

It was one of the smallest gatherings we've had, kinda like our Thanksgiving dinner, but we enjoyed the day anyway!

 

The saddest part is that I didn't use my camera ..., well, except for once, when I took these two photos.  I'm happy to have these, but will forever regret not taking more later.

He will have more days ahead where I can hopefully do a better job.  We'll see.

 

Connor created this face (we had Ranch Pizza for dinner)

 

I had some great help!

 

Now, on to shopping for his clothing, etc.

 

 

 

Puzzled

Look what we got in the mail today ...

It was addressed to Terry and Elaine Hebdon, so I opened the box and this was inside.

 

 

I spent the first couple days of the week taking down my Christmas decor and finally got that completed and the family room cleaned ..., and I was getting ready to put back my regular/daily decor. 

 

Well, when we got this in the mail I decided that since the Christmas stuff was taken care of and the room was clean, I could hold off on putting up the other stuff and put the puzzle together.   I couldn't help myself. :)

 

 

So glad I did!   It's Awesome!

 

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you!

 

Look closely at the shapes of those pieces ..., they are not traditional shapes, which makes this puzzle a bit more puzzling than most 500 piece puzzles.

Another interesting note - I usually work a puzzle from the outside in - the edges first, then fill it in.  I started this puzzle with that intention, and I got the bottom done and other edges set out and in groups of color. However, I was so intrigued with the city at the right that I put all of that together before I did any more edges. I then continued putting the pieces of the rocks and Christ together, moving right on up with the trees/shrubs, and finally over to the right with the sky. 

This was a puzzle like no other!  Love it!

 

I'll be back to arranging and more cleaning tomorrow, but what a nice little break I had today!  Perfect Timing!   :)  

 

 

News from Chase

Just a bit of an update we learned - Elder Chase Lamont Hebdon has been transferred to Battle Mountain (a mining town).  His companion is Elder Pasco.  He is doing well, and will write more later - we'll try to report more later. 

 

image from google

Chemo

Terry had an appointment - and things went quite smoothly for the day. Here are the results -

 

blood draw

WBC = 2.7(L) normal is 4.5-11.0

RBC = 4.25(L) normal is 4.50-5.90

Platelet Count = 34(L) normal is 150-400

Lymphocytes = 77(H)

Ab Neutrophils = .03(LL) normal is 1.8-7.8

FYI- Glucose, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, all are normal (we like that).

ALT = 56 normal is 17-63

AST = 74(H) normal is 15-41

 

Revlimid (oral/pill) is likely causing the lower platelet and neutrophil counts.  Last week the Lymphocytes were 59(H) and the doctor commented that it was probably the meds doing their job because the previous count was 72(H).  If that is the case, then we don't see any good change this week, but find that it is worse.  This week we hear that the counts fluctuate all the time.  We seem to get a lot of double talk.  What's a patient to do?  I wish I had a better understanding of these things.

 

 

doctor visit

We learned that it could take about 3 months to see results from the Revlimid, though we should see some more immediate results from the Rituxan.  We will wait out the three months, with monthly doctor visits and weekly blood draws (with results being sent to doctor who will get a hold of us if something needs action).  

 

 

chemo treatment

Terry will continue the daily Revlimid, but will not have another Rituxan treatment (until further notice).  I suppose we will know more in a few months.  I am so glad that he doesn't have another Rituxan and will oppose a monthly Rituxan if suggested, as it was earlier.  He is beginning to ache more with each weekly treatment.  I don't see results being good enough to put him through that, so why do it!?!?!?  Maybe there are results in other counts, like a bone marrow biopsy, but I'm not suggesting that one.  

I'm glad Terry still has his Hickman line, but wonder how long that can remain in a body and still be good. So far it's been good for over 2 years - closer to three.

image and info can be found here

 

Here's hoping that next week shows better blood results, and each week thereafter continues to improve. 

image from here

 



Lights

My parents gave us this set of houses a few years ago, for Christmas. They have little candles that give a bit of light inside each house.  My father made my mother a cord with small lights, with a switch on it to turn it on and off - and it lit up her homes in a beautiful way.  While we were visiting last weekend she asked if I would like dad to make me one and of course I agreed.  Before we left mom took down her cord and gave it to me saying that dad could make her another one and I could take that one.  I brought it home and lit my houses with it.  Isn't it awesome!  I love my parents!

 

 

Yip, I still have my Christmas decor up!  I'm waiting for next week, since this week we have company and enough other things going on.  A couple of my pencil tree lights are left off now ..., oh, and my star on my real tree has fallen down, but the rest is still up and I'm still lovin' it.

 

We are enjoying Skyler and Lisa being here, and we are happy to see Thomas and Dana again, and we are already missing Michael and Tawnee after saying our good-byes last night (they leave for Provo this morning). 

Happy New Year!

We took a short trip to Longview for the weekend, to see my parents and have my father give Connor his patriarchal blessing.  We enjoyed our visit and loved to see all the family members that live there.  I wish I had photos of the weekend, but I didn't take any.  

We love FAMILY!

Have a great day and a happy new year!