Happy Healthy Hearts!

I wanted to post this last week, but didn't get it done, partly because I wondered if I needed to explain, and wasn't quite sure I wanted to. Well, I guess I'm ready to explain...

After a sports physical the doctor sent us to a specialist in Spokane to check Connor's heart. We were a little concerned, but had great hope that all would be well. After tests and a visit with the specialist we were happy to hear that Connor's heart is in perfect condition. Connor may still have the symptoms that he was feeling, but he should feel asured that it is not life threatening or damaging.

We do have heart problems on both sides of the family, so hearts do kind of concern us, but our hearts feel better after learning that good news. I am grateful for healthy and happy children!

(image from Fresh Home Ideas)

Freedom

Freedom is a
wonderful thing!

To live in a country
where we are allowed
to do and be and become
is a blessing we enjoy
every day.

(image is from google search)

free·dom [free-duhm]

noun
1. the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint: He won his freedom after a retrial.

2. exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.

3. the power to determine action without restraint.

4. political or national independence.

5. personal liberty, as opposed to bondage or slavery: a slave who bought his freedom.

Medical Report

Sorry this report is so late, it's been a busy day!

None of Terry's counts today showed any improvement, but we are not worried. They really don't expect any noticeable improvement for 3 or 4 months after the DLI. We have an appointment in Seattle set up for the first part of February, and are hoping to learn something then.

Actually, the counts are slightly lower today but are not critical. The decline could be because he is getting a cold again. Just a soon as he stops the medication the cold symptoms seem to start to come back.
He started the meds again today, but I think it might be a little stronger dose (too tired to go check to be sure).

Terry's lab results:
WBC = 2.2(L)
RBC = 3.68(L)
Platelets = 44(L)
Neutrophils = .8(L)

No appointment next week - actually, we don't have to go back until January 2nd, but we are supposed to call if something changes or if we have any concerns.

Good-night!

Savior of the World

After four shows we were able to get a photo to share. (I took my photographer on the last showing ... that would be BrittanyJo.) This is a scene with Mary and Joseph just after the baby Jesus was born and the shepherds came to see the new Christ child, just as the angels told them about.

This was a great production and we are so grateful that the members of our church shared their talents with us all. It was beautifully done and it is a wonderful way to remember the real reason for this season. May we keep that feeling in our hearts ... always!


We send a grateful and loving Thank you! to all who participated in any way. You're all awesome!

Good Movies

I love a good movie, and we just watched one last night ... The Grace Card ... it was a very good movie (though I don't recommend it for a young family).
We need more good movies with great morals and inspiring messages like this.

I am grateful for good, wholesome entertainment!

Winter's Coral

Winter's
Coral.


The
frost
is so
thick
and
beautiful!

A chance to start anew

I love this poem by Helen Steiner Rice.

(Image from an old calendar, like 1980-82, that I kept on our wall for a lot of years.)

Isn't repentance a wonderful thing!
My heart is grateful for that opportunity provided for us by our Savior.

I've printed the poem here just in case it isn't really visible in the picture.

How often
we wish for another chance
To make a fresh beginning,
A chance to blot out our mistakes
And change failure into winning -
And it does not take a New Year
To make a brand-new start,
It only takes the Deep Desire
To try with all our heart
To live a little better
And to always be forgiving
And to add a little "sunshine"
To the world in which we're living -
So never give up in despair
And think that you are Through,
For there's always a Tomorrow
And a chance to start anew.

A Christmas Transformation!

I love Christmas decorations! I love setting up the Christmas decorations! Our home is slowly transforming it's look to Christmas, and because it doesn't do it by it's self it's taking a little ... a lot of time.

Nativities go up first! My favorite of the season - to help us remember the reason.



I also enjoy the fun snowman decor. (I kinda have a lot of snowmen!)



I love the lights on the trees and garland. (I kinda use a lot of lights - we have a city of lights in our family room, but we don't put any up outside ... sorry neighbors! We do love to see them on your homes! ;)



And the reindeer are so cute!


(wait, is that last one a moose?)


And the ... oh! ... it's all so much fun!
However, I don't do much with Santa because the season is for Christ! But this hanging speaks volumes and in such a beautiful way. It's one of my earthly treasures. Someday it will be gone, but it's message will remain in my heart.
It was made by my sister-in-law and given to us several years ago.



My heart is grateful for Christmas decorations!

(This post was created for yesterday, the 9th, but I guess I just saved it instead of publishing it, and found it this morning. So I changed the date and used it today! Sorry I messed up! My Bad! So really, I should be grateful for working brains, or for when brains work ... especially mine! And, I guess I am!)