Hard to believe! Is it really true?

London's King's Cross was crawling with police today!

Beautiful Commercial from Chrysler

I haven't seen it on TV, but I don't watch much television. I hope this gets recognition and FREEDOM for Aung San Suu Kyi!
Free Aung San Suu Kyi!

Laurel's Latest

From Laurel:

Well, well, well.... my appointment today went much better than I had anticipated! For those of you praying that I'd have no pain today.....Thank you, I didn't! Because..........someone in scheduling goofed, and turns out it's too early for me to have a biopsy! Oh, I was one happy little camper when I was told of the goof. So, it was just another "routine" appointment today. : ) It will happen sometime in January. Until then, I'll stay on course to get healthier and stronger with each day!
Labs continue to be excellent. : )

Again, Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Lots of love,
Laurel

Laurel's Latest

Hi Everyone!

I'm baaack!

With Thanksgiving day approaching, I wanted to sign-in to say hello, and once again tell you how incredibly thankful I am for each and every one of you in my life! Your notes have meant the world to me, and many a day, lifted me higher, and made me stronger. From long time friends, some whom I've been out of touch with, to total strangers that took the time to connect and send well wishes. Thank you so very much!

I have to mention a few names on this note. Without these angels, I honestly don't know how I would have made it these past months. No way, no how - Paula, Lois, Sandy, Jeane, Jenn and John, Angie, Jackie and Dave, and Carol. Also,the amazing cooks who have helped with meals! Thank all of you for your help, and for taking extraordinary care of me during this time. I've been overwhelmed by everyone's love and care. Thank you, all you prayer warriors out there (Cousin Jim J.- thanks). Your prayers are being heard, I know, because I'm strengthened by them every day. And thanks to the greatest sister in the world, Nancy, for helping me keep this site going. She's a hard act to follow!

The latest news is that this Wednesday I go for another bone marrow biopsy. Not something that I ever look forward to, but this is a really important one, as it will show the effectiveness of the transplant. I won't find out for several days after the biopsy, but I'll let you know asap. I'm a tad more nervous than usual this time, but I'm hoping and trusting that my slate will be clean, and I can again, start to live a full, healthy, and happy life.

I took my car for a spin a few days ago around the country block. It had been two months since I was last behind the wheel! It was a smooth ride, no problem. I'm still not driving more than a few miles, as I get tired very quickly, but it felt good to be on the road again! I've been chauffeured by one of the above people for over two months now. Yes, Linda, (hi girl) it's a tad chilly outside to stroll the neighborhood these days; winter in Iowa is on it's way! Plus, I can't go outside or any public place without my protection mask. It's a pretty scary look when I have my mask, sunglasses, and hat on. Run, baby...run!!

I'd be happy to send some pictures of my new look, but I've been having some camera/computer issues. You're not missing that much though- I have a little cap on my head almost 24/7 just to keep me warm. So, whenever I happen to catch a glimpse of myself without it on, it totally catches me off guard, and I screech a little WHOA! Some of my friends here seem to like my new look. Sort of a GI Jane / Sinead O' Connor thing going on. One thing I love about it is it's so low maintenance!! Gotta love that!

Good, exciting news (for me) is that my taste buds and appetite are in full swing. I never seem to be far from the kitchen these days as I seek out the next thing to munch on.

So, I hope you all enjoy your time on Thanksgiving with your loved ones, friends, and family…have a wonderful day! We all have so much to be thankful for. I feel especially blessed, and have so much to be thankful for this year.

I'm humbled by all your love, prayer, support, and blessings.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Love, Laurel

PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION

October 3, 1863

It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.

We know that by His divine law, nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world. May we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land may be a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown.

But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.

Laurel's Latest

A big "hi" from Laurel, and she sends lots of love and hugs to everyone!!

November 11 has just about come and gone. The news just keeps gettin' better all the time! : )

Lab results great, didn't need an IV boost, and made a big trip to Walmart! Huge, this is huge. Then....

Laurel returns to the hospital clinic in 2 weeks for a bone marrow biopsy. She is not looking forward to that one! But I have no doubt that it will be an incredibly positive result, telling her of a successful transplant - yahoo, baby!!

So let us continue with positive thoughts, blessings, and prayers going her way.....a lot of laughter and humor is good, too! I know we can distract her for the next two weeks, so that she won't think about it (or maybe not as much!).

Until then, thanks to everyone for the love you send.

Love,
Nancy

Laurel's Latest

From Lo's sister, Nancy : )

Her most recent check up was a good report card! All lab values were right on. She did, however, have to spend 5 hours :( at the clinic - needing an IV boost of fluids and electrolytes, ugh!

She's doing great and will be heading home on Saturday. Her son, John, is going to drive her to Richmond, and help her get settled, comfy, and cozy.

**Next follow up appointment is Wednesday, 11/11. Stay tuned for more great news!!!

Sunday's "Purple" Walk to End Alheimer's Disease

Thank you everyone who supported me and others for today's walk to find a cure for Alzheimer!Amazing support for making Alzheimer a memory!
To read more, click here:
17th Annual Memory Walk
and here:
California's Southland Chapter
What is Alzheimer's Disease/Disorder?

More pics to come as our group downloads their cameras!
We met at FARM for lunch and guess who else was there? Maria Shriver! She's prettier, sweeter, and tinier in person.

This pic just in:
2009 Memory Walk Champions (from L to R)
Back Row: K-Earth's Charlie Tuna, Ken Howard, Cristina Ferrare, Steve Edwards, Ron Rifkin, Bryan Cranston, First Lady of California Maria Shriver, and Rafer Johnson
Front Row: Bob Goen, Tracie Thoms, Leeza Gibbons, and Lea Thompson

How to Store Coffee

I was doing it wrong (though I'm a tea girl since living in London!), but I thought some of you might like to have an update!

Storing Coffee

There are popular misconceptions on the way roasted coffee should be stored and maintained. The enemies of roasted coffee are moisture, air, light, and heat. Storing your coffee away from them will keep it fresher longer. Therefore, an airtight container stored in a cool, dry, dark place is the best environment for your coffee.
Freezing Coffee - Not as Good as an Iced Mocha

Some people store their coffee in the freezer thinking it is going to keep the coffee fresh. Here are a couple of reasons why storing coffee in your freezer is a bad idea:
Coffee is porous. This is a good thing for fans of flavored coffee as the beans absorb the coffee flavoring syrups and oils that are used to make flavored coffee. However, if given the chance, coffee can also absorb other things like the flavor of seafood or the moisture that your freezer produces. This moisture will in turn deteriorate the coffee and even make it taste like, well... like a freezer.
When coffee is roasted, the beans release their oils and essences to give the coffee its distinct flavor. You'll notice these oils are more prominent on dark-roasted coffee and espresso. When you break down these oils by freezing, you are removing the flavor.
Think about it...if coffee tasted better and fresher from the freezer, then you would buy it in the frozen food section, your local coffee shop might look more like an ice cream parlor, and our power bills would be through the roof trying to maintain a meat-locker the size of a warehouse.
When to Freeze Coffee

How long does coffee stay fresh? A good rule to use is two weeks. Now, if you happen to have found a great price on bulk coffee, and you don't plan on using it within two weeks, the freezer can be an acceptable one-time shot. What this means is that once you take it out of the freezer, it should never go back in. The constant changes in temperature will wreak havoc on your coffee. The frozen moisture on your coffee will melt and be absorbed into the bean. When you put it back into the freezer, you are repeating the process.

The goal in freezing coffee is to keep it away from moisture. If you have a five-pound bag of coffee to store, divide it up into weekly portions. Wrap those portions up using sealable freezer bags and plastic wrap. I've even read you should go so far as to suck out the excess air from the freezer bag using a straw!

Remove the weekly portion when you need it, and store it in an air-tight container in a dry place like your pantry. Do not put it back into the freezer!
When to Refrigerate Coffee

Never, unless you are conducting a science experiment on how long it takes to ruin perfectly good coffee. The fridge is one of the absolute worst places to put coffee.
Buy whole beans and keep them whole as long as you can.

Would you cut a cake into pieces the day before you plan to serve it? Would you buy it pre-sliced? Of course not! The pieces would quickly become stale and the frosting would start to dry out. The same goes for coffee. Grinding the coffee breaks up the beans and their oils, exposes the beans to air, and makes the coffee go stale a lot faster, no matter how you store it.

This holds especially true for flavored coffees!

For the best tasting coffee, buy your beans whole and store them in a sealed container in a dark place. Grind right before serving.
Vacuum-sealed coffee

Vacuum-sealed coffee does not equal fresh coffee. When coffee is roasted, it releases carbon dioxide and continues to release it for days afterward. Fresh-roasted coffee can be packaged in valve-sealed bags to allow the gasses to escape and will taste best about 48 hours after roasting. To be vacuum sealed, the coffee has to first release all its CO² or it will burst the bag. The vacuum bag will indeed help preserve coffee longer while it ships and maybe sits on a store shelf, but before it shipped it had to sit around for a while before it was "sealed for freshness." Vacuum sealing is best for pre-ground coffee, which we already know is not going to taste as good as fresh-ground coffee.
A quick review for serving the best coffee:

Buy whole beans directly from a coffee roaster if possible.
Look for valve-sealed bags, not vacuum-sealed.
Store your coffee beans in a sealed container in a dark place.
Grind your beans just before brewing.
Enjoy!

Laurel's Latest

From Lo's Blog:

Holy Moly! Good news today! We went to the U of I for the first follow up after being released...Laurels labs are most excellent and fabulous! YAY! All blood counts were beyond normal. Laurels little white cells are in the normal range...as well as hemogloben and platelets are very happy and normal. This is so encouraging! The Doctor was giving Laurel high tens! (versus high fives!) Yay again. If you could see the smile on her (the doctors face) you would know this was super great news. Yay again. Laurel thanks you all so much for your prayers...as she tells me to tell you with tears in her eyes....couldn't do it without you. This is so positive and you need to know your faith, prayers and just being there with your love are working.
PS. from Sandy...please get better- she's a pain in the...Oh so kidding just so you all know Laurel being here with me is so much a blessing. She and I are being perfect for oneanother. Not only am I able to be there for her she is being there so much for me too....can't tell you what a blessing she is being. hugs to you all!
Love to you all,
Laurel and Sandy

Laurel's Update - Laurel's Latest : )

From Lo's Blog:

The short and the sweeeet of it.......Laurel is now staying at Sandy's in Iowa City - close to the hospital and clinic, BUT not too close!

Yea! She was released from the hospital Friday. She was unhooked, untied, and untethered from all the hospital paraphenalia! CELEBRATE, CELEBRATE, shout in the streets! Needless to say - she is thrilled, too.

She is still having some challenging times/moments, but Laurel is optomistic that her body is gaining strength in the grafting process (we are too). You are a champion! You are the best in my book!

Laurel is so comfortable and just loving being at Sandy's - (picture this) wearing her Hawks sweatshirt today, for game day, and plans to watch them win over Michigan State. : )

(I think this is from Nancy.)

Laurel's Update

Hello, friends and family!

Here is the latest from Laurel.

She met up with a couple bumps in the road yesterday and today, (actually last 3 days). As she said, "It's just the way it is".
Much of her lab results are still very good, but not ready to go home just yet (or to Sandy's house).

I could expound on how wonderful I thought she looked today (on skype) and how great it is to talk with her, but I will honor this space as hers, and only convey to you what she reports!

She WILL be leaving U of I Hospital soon! Continue those good thoughts, well wishes, and prayers!

Love to all,
Nancy

Laurel's Update

Update from Nancy:

The results are in - no, not the Hawks game! Yes, they won, but a greater, much greater victory, is to be able to shout at the top of my voice ….Lo is improving so much that they say she can hopefully leave the hospital next Tuesday! Yes! You got it right, Tuesday, October 20!

Laurel feels she is now coming out of the most difficult phase of her hospital stay. The last five days have been just “sucky” (my word, not hers). Now she is seeing that light at the end of the tunnel, the wellness light. Dr. Silverman, the transplant guru doc, is very encouraged about Laurel’s great progress. Thanks to everyone for their absolutely incredible love and support. One of Laurel’s nurses said, in her 20 years at the hospital she has never seen so many cards in one room!

The beautiful gal with the bald head is feeling very comfortable with her new look (as she should – she is adorable). She loves the "no-fuss-just-pat-dry, I’m outta here look"! She also likes that she now looks like her three boy's from the back side. :) She’s looking forward to getting some fun winter hats. Good time to be bald, she says, as the leaves fall from the trees and we prepare for the winter months ahead.

My sister has always been so creative and artistic and she continues through all her endeavors in the hospital. She has been keeping the hospital Rec. Dept. busy: Finished a mosaic box for adorable Jade; and, currently learning to crochet – GO LO! Oh, and was the BIG bingo winner last week!

Laurel has made a new, very special friend while in the hospital – Sophia. She is a little Pomeranian that gave Laurel a big kiss when they met. Sophia’s owner said, “She never gives kisses!” Sophia knows, she gets it – Our gal, Lo, is the best (either that, or she had some left over jelly on her cheek!)
When Lo gets her discharge papers (hopefully) Tuesday, she will be moving in with Sandy while her Kalona house is being made more "environmentally friendly” for her return home. Both are super excited and looking forward to spending some time together. I know it will be great for both of them. Anyone sending mail to Laurel, should from this point on, send to: P.O. BOX 651, KALONA, IA, 52247. Her mail is being picked up and given to her while at Sandy’s house.

So, as Lo’s sister, and from all our family, I want to thank you all for your continuous and overwhelming love, care and support. As the book, Eat Your Peas – for Sisters says, “Bound together by this gift for which we have others to thank. Better off for life in each other’s company. Blessed in ways we have yet to discover. I’m so lucky you are my sister”!
Much love,
Nancy

Laurel's Update

Update from Paula and Sandy:

Hi! This is Paula and Sandy giving you the latest update on our girl Laurel. When we arrived Laurel was really feeling poorly, high fevers for the last 24 hours. The nurse explained to us that it's because of the "grafting" going on - which means her own stem cells are trying to graft with her body is not recognizing that they belong to her. This is very normal and a good sign. It's working! However she feels like crap. It was a rough nite for her last night:( The nurse also said in a few days she can have a steriod that will make her feel better but they just can't give it to her right now. We thought we'd cheer her up by bringing her to a beauty salon (her bathroom) with the best hair stylist we could find - Paula! Paula was a master stylist for sure...The only woman in the world who could look this beautiful bald is.....guess who. Your right...Laurel. She really does look beautiful and may decide this new look might be one she may want to keep:) Hey it's super easy to style! No bad hair days!
Until next time - keep your prayers comin'
Paula and Sandy
PS. she had a handsome furry friend come in and give her smooches. She loved it.

Laurel's Update

From Lo's friend, Sandy:

Lois Hughes and I are here with Laurel and she is being fiesty as ever....She confessed to us that she played the same trick on Paula Miller that she had played on me , when Paula disconnected her plug. So any of you who come to visit be forewarned! :) Laurel is doing really good...super tired of course but feeling better as they are controlling the nausea for her. Her blood counts are where they should be. We can't believe that she's already been here a week! That means only 3 weeks more at the most. The more I talk to people who have faced this disease the more encouraged I get. The new technology and treatments are so successful. We just keep on blessing this process and those baby new cells to grow and be strong! I know Laurel really enjoys recieving you notes and cards so much. At this point day to day she doesn't know how well she's going to be feeling so please call before coming to visit as it may not be a good day.

Laurel so appreciates you all so much and sends a big hug to each of you!

Burma's Ethnic Cleansing

Email received, asking for prayer:

The situation in Burma is deteriorating rapidly. As the junta prepares for the upcoming elections in 2010, they are bent on removing any form of opposition. The monsoons are ending, thus the ethnic cleansing is accelerating.

Two weeks ago, many of the IDP/refugee families, thinking/feeling that the hostilities had died down, left the relative safety of Safe Haven to return to their villages in Burma. They were gone one day when the fighting renewed. We do not where they are or if they are safe.

But, even more grave than the situation of the refugees who left the orphanage grounds is the plight of the villagers, chased from their villages deep inside of the Burma but were not able to cross the river to the relative safety of Thailand. These villagers are internally displaced, hiding within the war zone. Their situation is desperate.

Additionally, there is a massive outbreak of something like swine flu around the Thai/Burma border, 100km past Mae Sot.

Laurel's Update

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2009 7:41 PM, CDT

This update is from Sandy:

Laurel says Hi to everyone and so appreciates all of your calls wondering how she's doing. Thus me here giving you the update. Inquiring minds want to know!!!!

She wants you to know that everything is on schedule and on track. She is definately on the path for kicking this thing in the you know what! She is feeling really tired and the worst part is the nausea. yuk. Unfortunately the nausea will probably be with her for a little while longer. They are getting her nutrients to her thru "steak in a bag" (IV) Just sounds yummy doesn't it? I saw our girl yesterday and she is beautiful as ever. She will laugh at this I'm sure - but it's true.

We'll keep you posted on everything as it happens...I'm pretty sure nothing too exciting will for the next few days. She can't get into too much trouble having to walk around all connected to tubes and stuff. On the funny side - yesterday we were going to go for a little walk around the hospital wing she is in - she asked me if I could unplug her stuff so she could take it on the walk - right when I pulled the plug out of the wall she made this croaking sound - freaked me out....she was messin' with me - little stinker. Got to love our girls sense of humour.

Until next time....

Laurel's Update

The latest from Laurel (as interpreted by her sister, Nancy). Not much sleep last night and rough day today. Nausea hit her pretty hard. The staff has been so accomodating and wonderful - finally found the drug that took care of the nausea. : )

Tomorrow is a BIG day for Laurel - it's her birthday!!! The transplant staff consider the day of one's transplant as your new birthday! I like that; it makes sense. Laurel said they really make a big deal about the special day (Yum, maybe thinking chocolate cake with caramel frosting?).

At 4pm the team will bring in the frozen stem cells, thaw them, and the 1 hour procedure is on it's way!

So, come on Hawkeyes, no delay of game! OK, Lo, you know we are all there with you in spirit and heart. Sweet dreams.

Laurel's Update

Greetings from Nancy (Lo's big sister):

Laurel had a pretty good night's sleep - awake at 7am. They are shipping the chemo "cocktail" in from the manufacturer which will be there by noon and they will start the chemo between 12 & 1, Hawkeye time. Laurel had asked for a strawberry marguerita, but they nixed that request! The infusion will take 30 minutes.

The stem cell transplant will be this Saturday, 10/3. What time you ask? Well, with the Iowa game Saturday and the person in charge of the procedure having Hawkeye season tickets - you can guess the rest! It's evident that these guys (and I imagine the whole state of Iowa) bleed gold and black! What dedicated fans.

Of course, that seems to be OK with Lo. I'm sure she wants to cheer them to victory, too! Then it's on to the bigger victory....for her, and you should see her cheering section, WOW!

GO HAWKEYES! ...................GO LO!

Laurel's Update - Hospital Address

Here is the address to send your well wishes, prayers, hugs, love, and any good jokes - she loves a good laugh. (No flowers because she can't have them while undergoing treatment)

Laurel Clay
7RCS
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, IA 52242-1009

Laurel's Update

From Lo's Blog:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 6:44 PM, CDT

Well, I gave the nurses a run for their money today....the bells and whistles were going off all day!
Good news is...........I had double the amount of stem cells they needed!!! Awesome!! I told the doctor to give my extra to someone else that may need them, but apparently they can't do that.... :)

So, it's all a go except for a tooth that has flared up lately. They need to make sure all is well in my mouth before I proceed. Tomorrow morning I'll be heading to the University of Iowa Dental Dept. to have it checked out. If I get the green light from the dentist then I'll be admitted to the hospital tomorrow. If not, then we go to plan B....what ever that may be?

Pretty tired tonight so I'm signing off for now, but not before I tell you all how much I love each and every one of you. I have you tucked in my heart very tightly.

I'm not sure if I will be able to actually write after tonight, but I will be having someone let you know what's going on.

Thank you for your prayers and love.

Laurel

PS For the non squimish....I had a few pictures taken today of the "stem cell spinner" and machine...and my "happy stem cells".

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 7:09 PM, CDT

Laurel has been admitted to the hospital!!! She and Paula (love you!) went to the dental clinic this morning and she had no, I repeat, NO infection in her tooth (thank you all for your prayers). They filled the tooth and she headed for the hospital to begin the next chapter in her healing.

She had an EKG and tonight they will be putting in the PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter)line - really great cause it can be used for long periods of time with fewer problems, and then, start the chemo. I know Laurel will continue to update, as she can, via a friend or family member.

There is so much in my heart to say, but this is my sister's journal and she wants to share with all of you, ASAP, what is going on, so I will sign off. Thank you all for your incredible love, prayers, and support for Laurel.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 8:17 PM, CDT

JUST IN.............. No chemo tonight! Situation at the hospital, no chemo meds anywhere in the hospital, oops! Don't like to say that word around the medical facilities, but someone messed up!

Laurel isn't sure now when the chemo will start. She did get her PICC line in place, so that's done. Maybe tonight can be a night of rest before the treatment. Let's hope so. More later!

Laurel's Update

From Laurel's Blog:

Hi!

Had my last shot this morning given by "Nurse Paula". Hardly felt a thing!! .....GO PAULA!! :)

Later in the day I went to the hospital to check to see if enough stem cells were available for the "collection" tomorrow.
Nope, I'm leaving shortly to go back for the "heavy duty" shot that will do the trick.

Tomorrow morning I will return to the hospital to at 8am for the collection.
I'm outta here for the evening, will let you know how tomorrow goes!

Hugs!

Laurel

Laurel's Update

From Laurel's Blog:

Hello - hello!

The shot went just fine this morning, and I'm feeling no ill affects from it...so far - so good! The girls did a great job! I'm sure they'll be perfecting their technique, and will be "pros" by the final shot. :)

I received some absolutely bee-u-tiful flowers today...I LOVE flowers! Thank you so, so much!! (you know who you are!) :)

I just wanted to say to those who may be inclined to send a little "slice of heaven" to me in the form of flowers, that once I'm in the hospital (possibly days from now) they do not allow flowers or plants of any kind in the transplant unit. Bummer! I can however decorate the room to my hearts content.... :)

Thank you for the lovely flowers, I love ya! :)

1 down - 3 to go. (shots that is!)

Love to you all,
Laurel

Laurel's Update

From Lo's Blog:

Hi everybody,

Little update for ya!

Yesterday was my last day on the job. It was tough to say goodbye to many of the friends I've made at work. Wonderful people that have been so kind and helpful to me during this time.... as I attempted to remain a viable employee. :)
Thanks to all of you for your support and kindness.

Yesterday it just sort of "hit" me that I've now entered into a new chapter of this journey. It's all happened so quickly, and yet it seems like eons ago that it began.

Today was "orientation" day at the hospital. Saw the new digs, and went to a very informative meeting. I'm really liking the staff at the "transplant" unit of the hospital. Very kind, sincere and caring. It feels like a big family there and I know I'll be well taken care of.

We (Paula and I ) picked up the drugs and syringes before we left. We had some good laughs as always, and tomorrow at 9am I'll be having the first shot of the drug that pushes the bone marrow into the blood stream. Paula, and my good friend Lois will be double teaming. One to hold me down, the other to give me the shot! :)

Glenda and Bruce, thank you SO much for meeting with me the other night. (Two wonderful people that I had never met before, drove 2 hours to talk with me!). Thanks for sharing your journey. It was a tremendous help, and you two ROCK! I look forward to more times with both of you!

Thanks again to those that sign the guestbook. I can't express how much it means to me. I smile, I laugh, I cry.....it's all good medicine!

So, heeeeere we go!!

Hugs, Laurel

Laurel's Update ~ Praying! Praying! Praying!

From Lo's blog:

Just a quick note.... Yesterday's appointment went well with Dr. Silverman. I have the "game plan" now.

Sept. 25th: I start getting daily shots of Neupogen. The drug that pushes the bone marrow into the bloodstream. I was told I could give myself the shot....yeah right, like that's gonna happen! :)

Paula volunteered her services so I will be visiting her every morning from the 25th to the 28th for the shot. That's the best part of that for sure. I'm pretty certain though that there will be a cup of coffee, and a good laugh afterwords!

On 28th in the afternoon, I'll be going to the hospital so they can check the progress. If not enough cells have entered my bloodstream I'll be get another drug that night that will move things along.

On the 29th, I'll begin the collection or "harvesting" of cells. About a 5 hour process that I have to sit fairly still for as this little machine separates the white cells, red cells, plasma cells and platelets. (isn't that just amazing!)
I Can watch movies, listen to music (no dancing allowed) or sleep. I'll probably do all three!

If they collect enough that day, I'll be admitted into the hospital on the 30th. If not, they will have to collect more, and in that case, I will be admitted on the 5th.

That's it! That's the schedule for now. I'll continue to work (or at least show up!) until the 25th.

Stay tuned!

Lots and lots of love to each one of you!
Laurel

Laurel's Update

From Lo's Blog:

Well, I got the call late yesterday from the transplant nurse telling me that my counts had not improved from the previous biopsy. The plasma count should be at 1% and it has been 11% and 10% this last biopsy. Dr. Silverman (transplant doctor) feels that it would be best for me to proceed with the transplant at this time rather than to get back on the treatment I've been on for 4 months.

So, even though my counts are not where she would like them to be. I'm scheduled on the 25th to get the begin the "harvesting" process. I'll be getting the drugs that push the bone marrow into the blood stream. Then, on the 29th, I'll be "harvesting" the healthy cells.
I got the tour of the area and the machine that separates the cells when I was there Thursday. Modern medicine. It's fascinating and amazing to me!
I'll be meeting with Dr. Silverman on Monday to get more specifics, and I'll share with you then what I find out from her.

Loving and appreciating you all. Thanks again to all who are signing in [to her blog at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/laurelc ).....it's something I really look forward too! :)

Hope you're all having a GREAT weekend!

Laurel

Laurel's Update

Yay! The Bi-ops is over!! Last night I seriously thought about finding a good hiding place and not come out for a few days. But, of course I knew that all that would have accomplished is postpone the inevitable!

Yesterday I spoke with the nurse and all but begged her to pleeeeese give me a heavier dose of meds.
They agreed to my request, and today I got a double dose of what I had last time. Oh happy day!

Paula picked me up early this morning. I was still shakin' in my boots (literally) even though I knew I'd be getting more drugs. I was pretty certain there was no dose strong enough to satisfy me! But, it was do-able this time. Not a cake walk, but do-able. I hope this will be the last one for a very long while. So, my cries were heard as well as many of your prayers.....Thank you to all the "prayer warriors" out there!

As Paula wheeled me out of the hospital I was of course feeling much relief. We passed a little kiosk with some goodies and I thought..... well, we could both use a little reward. A cup of hot coffee, and...ssshhhhh...a donut! I felt like I was 5 again, and just like the old days of being rewarded after an event at 31 Flavors with my favorite ice cream cone, that treat was just what the doc ordered!..... Oh, life is good! It's just the "little things" sometimes isn't it?!

I got home and crashed for 2 and a half hours. That was a reward in itself, and I'm feelin' pretty fine at the moment! Tomorrow I head back for heart and lung tests. The lung test is at "nuclear medicine".....now, I don't know much in the field of medicine, but that just doesn't sound right, does it!
I'm told I'll be on a treadmill for part of the testing, and that'll be interesting as I'm gimping from room to room right now! But hey, after today - I could gimp a marathon!

I should be finding out the results of today's biopsy by Friday afternoon.....and we'll go from there!

So thank you all for being with me today in your thoughts and prayers and.....why don'tcha all go find a "little somethin" to appreciate, and enjoy yourselves!!

Big hugs!!
Laurel

Biblical Feasts & Holy Days

I'm submerged in books, resources, pamphlets, webpages, etc. trying to learn as much as I can about the Biblical Feasts and Holy Days. Whilst researching, I came across the above artwork by Douglas Christian Larsen. I love it! I wish I had a Messianic Jew for a friend who would hold my hand through this. I teach my first class this Monday and I'm supercharged!

In Leviticus 23 we read that God told Moses to tell the Israelites about His appointed feasts which the Israelites are to proclaim as sacred assemblies:
Sabbath / Shabbat / Rest
Passover / Pesach / Hag HaMatzot
First Fruits / Harvest / Yom HaBikkurim
Feast of Weeks / Pentacost / Shavout
Feast of Trumpets / Rosh HaShanah / New Year / Yom Teruah
Day of Atonement / Yom Kippur
Feast of Tabernacles / Sukkot / Booths

My challenge it to teach these special observances to my class at PCCA this year. I'm learning so much!

Leadership?

Laurel's Update

This is from Lo's CaringBridge blog:

I heard back from the transplant team this week. Dr. Silverman has decided that I do need to have another biopsy. This was SO not the call I was hoping for. I'm of course a bit anxious again.... but, ya gotta do- whatcha gotta do!

It's schedualed for this coming Wednesday.

Thursday I'll be returning for a series of tests. Heart, lung, etc. They are all in preparation for the transplant.
If the biospy results are good this time, and I pass all the tests with flying colors, the transplant proceedure may begin around the 21st. The nurse said by the 28th at the lastest.
They prefer to get things rolling along asap since I've been off of the drugs now for a couple of weeks, and I'm "clean".
So, let's hope and pray the biopsy looks good, and I pass all the tests!
I'll be letting you know the results hopefully by the end of the week.

Until then,
Love and appreciate those in your life, and treasure each day!

Hugs,
Laurel

Biblical Feasts & Holidays or Holy Days

I'll be teaching a class on Biblical Feasts and Holidays or Holy Days this year. I'm very excited, but a complete beginner. It's been quite exciting to study, research, and discover surprises all over the internet! Here's one site I found today:
Biblical Holidays, Return to a Biblical Foundation

Laurel's Update

From Laurel's CaringBridge.org Journal:

Howdy -all!

Just got home from the hospital. The appointment didn't go as I had expected. Turns out my plasma cell count was not where it should be. So they held off on any further testing necessary for the transplant. Now they will "talk amongst themselves" to decide if another biopsy is necessary (I'd like to join them in that conversation!) or if they will proceed with the other testing. This should be happening this week.

Good news is, I have the day off today and will hopefully be able to get some things done around here! Maybe- even a nap! :)

More to come.....soon.
Love,
Laurel

Spiders

What on earth are these spiders and why do they swarm around our property every summer? They even web inside when we leave our windows open ~ yuck!

Laurel Update

Tomorrow's a long appointment day at the hospital. They'll be doing various tests on me to see if I'm healthy enough for the upcoming transplant. Soon the doctor will go over the results, and I'll be meeting with her to plan the next step of treatment. Until then, I'm off the chemo and steroids that I've been on for 4 months.... Yay!

I have a new friend that I met in the clinic during my first appointment there. He's been a tremendous help, and a huge encouragement for me. His transplant took place almost 6 weeks ago, and he has been sharing his experiences with me from the beginning. I've gotten a much clearer picture from him as to what I might expect. The doctors explain things, but having someone that's living the experience has been invaluable. He's a special person, with an amazingly positive attitude, which is healthy to be around!
I'll let you know the results from tomorrow as soon as I meet with the transplant doctor. Should be pretty soon!

Big hugs to all!
Love, Laurel

Hello everyone. I am Laurel's daughter-in-law, and I am making Multiple Myeloma Awareness Bracelets. The cost is $13 if you are in the Kalona/Iowa City area and $15 if I would need to ship one to you. All of the profits go to Laurel to help cover expenses after her transplant.
The bracelet is made with burgundy Swarovski Crystals and accented with sterling silver beads and an awareness ribbon to represent multiple myeloma cancer awareness. It is made with stretch material with a length of 7 1/4 inches (before closing the bracelet).
If you are interested, please email me at jenny_teagle@hotmail.com. I have been selling these for a little over 2 weeks, and the sales have been amazing!!! Send me an email if you are interested. Thanks!
Jenny Teagle

Karen's memorial

Today was Karen's memorial service, held at our previous church, Branch of Hope. She was loved much more than she ever realized, as the packed out sanctuary showed. She will be greatly, greatly missed.

Louise George is singing with the angels!

Jesus called Louise home today. There will be a viewing Monday, August 31 from 1-7pm, and her funeral will be held at Tillman Riverside Mortuary Chapel (2874 Tenth Street; Riverside, CA), Tuesday, September first at 10:00am; interment at Riverisde National Cemetery.

Hospice Care and Home with Jesus

Karen was taken off life support this morning, and had no reaction when "unplugged". She was ready, and most likely went to be with Jesus last Wednesday.

Louise was taken to the hospital yesterday, signed up with Hospice Care today, and will be taken home tomorrow. I got to talk with her reverend, and we had a wonderful conversation. After being blessed with Yolanda's singing (from Compton Praise Center) today at church, I felt like the angels were rehearsing Louise's reception when God calls her home. It was a tough yet blessed day.

Two Amazing Servants, Still Here on Earth

In sweet pink is a dear friend of our family's, Loise. She's been an adopted family member since my parents got divorced in the early 70's. Before my dad's awesome wife (Nancy), Loise was his right-hand woman. She helped maintain house keeping chores, until my dad and Nancy moved to Idaho in '92. Even then, she came out to visit them in Idaho and other family events throughout the years - weddings, births, Christmases, 4th of Julys, etc. Loise birthed twelve children, three who are alive today. Her life was spent helping and living for others, so it's difficult for her (she refused to stay in the hospital and to receive hospice care) and for her family to see her this way.

Dave and I drove out to Riverside to see her this afternoon and were also treated with visiting her grandSON. Loise raised Jeremy since he was a precious little baby and is now in his early twenties. Louise is 80 years old.

We showed Louise large pictures of our family, but when my dad, Don, came into her view, her face lit up and her smile grew as big as she had the strength to make it! It was one of Dave and my most precious moments with her. As we showed her family member after family member, she murmured sweet nothings about each one of them. Of course, my brother, "Bradley" as she fondly calls him, is her favorite. As I would share stories and updates of him, she just kept mumbling his name, "Bradley, Bradley, Bradley."

My second most precious memory was when I told her my Dad sends "squeezes". She actually laughed and giggled, then she mumbled, "Oh, did he now?" in her negro dialect. I love that! I went on to name each family member and how they send their squeezes too - whether they did or not. : ) I knew each one would have had I told them I was going to see Louise.

From what Dave and I could tell, Louise is being well cared for. The house and her bedroom (where she spends all her time) smelled and looked real clean. Her grandson spoke respectfully of her, and teared up when he told us how hard it is to see her like this. He's only in his twenties and his mama is dying. (Dave and I commented to each other on how incredibly handsome he is. I'm not sure if it was because of the love in his eyes when he talked about Loise, or if he really was that good-looking. Loise's daughter cleans her up every day, turns her, rubs her down with alcohol, then rubs in cocoa butter all over her body. We know this because we commented on how incredibly soft her skin on her face, arms, and hands are. That's when Jeremy told us some of her daughter, Ludell's, daily routine.

Dave and I prayed with her as she loudly mumbled with amazing strength, "Amen" "Hallelujah" "Praise God" and some other unidentifiable phrases. It was the most we saw her fading, little body move!

After we caressed her some more, kissed her precious face, and tried to stay dry-eyed as we said our farewells, we knew it was the last time we'd see her alive ~ until we meet again in Heaven!

~

Seen in this picture are Shirley (surviving serious heart disease) and Karen, her roommate at the time.

On our two-hour drive home from Loise's, we received a call from another dear friend, Mike, who gave us the update on another servant heart, Karen. Over the course of a week, sweet Karen's misdiagnosed brain tumor, turned to a cyst, which was scheduled for surgery Wednesday afternoon, but Karen went into a coma Wednesday morning, causing her brain to forget to breathe, then her brain activity stopped.

Karen's life was one of serving others. She hated to work, but when she wasn't earning an income so she could pay her bills or give to needy people/families, she was helping others. If she could help, she would, and she did. Karen had a servant's heart and spent her life as a missionary who lived to help others. She saw no other need for life. Even though she was one of the most negative people I know, she was also one of the most giving people I know.

Karen has been living with her mom, so Karen's departure is going to be incredibly difficult for her. Karen's brother is here, but the rest of her family won't arrive until Saturday.

My prayer for the families and friends of both Louise and Karen is for each one of them to be engulfed with the love of Jesus that pours from those who love their loved ones. How anyone gets through times like this without Him is beyond me.

These women will truly be missed.

A Day at the Park

We had a relaxing day at the park together. : ) Before loading up in the car, I took a few pics of my kids. It seems most days I get so caught up in our time together, that I forget to document with pics. I'm trying!
I can't believe I have one in college and one entering kindergarten . . .

GREEN TOOTH ~ Check it out!

This is a short interview a Boise, Idaho station did about my dad's green business.
There's a short commercial, then his interview: Don Porterfield, Green Tooth (Click on "Boise Green Living: Green Tooth", watch, then buy!)

I knew it was too quiet!

I knew it was too quiet.
Just then,
Chloe came to me
and told me she couldn't find
the right color for her hair,
so she cut hers
and glued it on.

Yep! Another one of those moments
when laughter overcomes discipline.

A new hair cut immediately followed,
along with no scissor access for a week!

"But I want to keep him!"

We spent a couple of hours at the beach today playing with sand crabs. Here are some pics and a video clip.

I'm trying to add a video clip, but it keeps "erroring" out. : ( It's SO CUTE when I tell Chloe she needs to put the sand crab back and she say's, "But I want to keep him!"

We had so much fun playing in the waves, feeling the sand crabs under our feet, catching them, playing with them, then putting them back. Chloe wanted to take them home. I did that when I was a kid and it doesn't take long before they die and stink up everything!

Malakai came over after Youth Group Beach Day ended and he joined in the sand crab fun.

After a while, we all went back in the water and rinsed off. I have to fetch Chloe and Quinny because once they're in the ocean, it's tough to get them out again!

The last pic is of Quinny off on his own. The beach was incredibly beautiful today so it wasn't easy to leave. I love days like these . . .

EdieBug!!!

For my international freinds : ) This is the end of Redondo Beach with Palos Verdes is the background:
I got to see my incredibly sweet friend, EdieBug today! (pic on it's way) I even got to see some ol' friends I haven't seen in quite a while. We all hung out at the beach and tried our best to get caught up with each other. It's a little tough when I need to keep my eyes glued to my little ones who love to jump the waves and dare to swim further than they're ready. Both of them got tumbled by some waves today, but they survived. After Q's first wave tumble, he picked himself up as I was headed to find out if he was okay. My little Q excitedly yelled, "THAT WAS AWESOME!" A mouth full of sand is awesome? I guess he's learning how to enjoy the ride.

Chloe got to hang out with her friend Grace E - "the one with three brothers" as she refers to her. (Her other friend Gracie has a sister.) We may be co-oping with Grace E and her family next year!

This is Kiana's long-time friend Erika. They don't see each other often (we go to different churches now), but they did when they were youngins.

SHOWER TIME!

Classical Conversations

I hardly ever write in my blog since returning to the States, but today I'm very intreged by something I don't know much about - Classical Conversations. I'm exploring it's curriculum, along with my CelleBug, and most likely will be writing more. Any info to help me understand their program will greatly appreciated. : )

21 Years Today!

Dave and I have been married 21 years!
That's t-w-e-n-t-y-o-n-e-y-e-a-r-s-! How does time fly by so quickly?

We managed to sneak away (thank you, Kiana!) and have some Chai and Coffee at Starbucks. At the Starbucks down the street, they have comfy couches and chairs to lounge in. They also have a fire pit for the not-so-often chilly nights.

Tonight, there was no fire roaring, so we asked the manager if he could start the fire for ambiance - being that it was our 21st anniversary and THIS is where we chose to celebrate. Yes, a bit of persuasion and it worked! He started the fire, having only 21 minutes left before they were to shut down the patio. Pretty cool, eh? We've been married 21 years and the fire burned for 21 minutes. : )

It's always so good being together - especially with Chai in hand, fire blazing, overlooking the ocean in the distance.
XO

123456789

Dave called me today to tell me that at 12:34 and 56 seconds, being that it is July 8, 2009 - It will be 12:34:56 789.
The silliest things humor him, and that humors me. : )

The Simple Life?

Why is it that when I finally get my life a bit simpler (notice I didn't type simple), someone tells me I should lead this important "thing"? What's that all about? AND, it's a leader in the same church of the same pastor who tells us how busy we are who's telling us all to simplify our lives!!! Aaaaa! . . . Somebody shoot me.

Revisiting the "Simple Life"

Last Sunday, Pastor Chris revisited his teaching on living the simple life. The only simple life I've ever experienced is on the mission field and living in London, never in California. I didn't understand the simple life as much as I did the second time around. I believe God was preparing me these past weeks to hear it again. Thankfully, I didn't drop it the first time, so I was able to digest it over time. Hearing it on Sunday was different. It put me into action.

As soon as we were settled at home, I asked Dave to help me figure out why we're so busy all the time - no exaggeration. We don't have the immediate things one might think to give up like watching too much TV (we watch two programs a week), reading the newspaper (cancelled it), we don't get invited to people's houses and we don't invite others to ours, we don't waste our time shopping just for the sake of shopping, we don't vacation, we don't shuffle kids to and from practice or games, I barely blog anymore, and I hardly ever facebook, etc. We're just busy trying to accomplish life's basic responsibilities.

Maybe our business comes not knowing how to manage our responsibilities. So, I built a schedule for every little thing that needs to get done in a week. NO WONDER WE'RE ALWAYS BUSY! There's so much to do. I'm trying to find time to move this body and get healthier, but when? Our days are full. If I could hire someone to do six people's laundry and attend to paperwork, that would certainly help! I won't give up Church on Sundays or Bible study on Wednesdays, food shopping, laundry, cleaning the house, organizing constant paperwork, feeding my family, bathing my kids, fixing meals, or picking up at the end of the day. So, what gives? I teach my kids at home, and I barely do that well. Do I give that up? God hasn't given us the big "YES" we're looking for yet. So, in the meantime, my life is all about taking care of my kids, Dave, and my house. Everything comes after them.

My Dad asked if I was taking time for me. As much as I want to tell him I figured out how, I'm didn't and I'm not. I gave that up after baby number two. But his question got me thinking. He's asked it before, but it was different this time. So, on my calendar I scheduled in walking time. Now, I need to call a doctor and find out why I get three-day migraines, why my hair is falling out in handfuls, why my feet hurt in the morning, why I can't do anything without getting totally distracted and off track, and stuff like that.

One more thing. As I was working on my new life schedule, I remembered a fantastic woman, Mary-Ann, who came to speak at our MOPS group before we moved to London. I'd been following her eating plan for a few months, but left it here for financial reasons when we moved. We've been back one year April 23rd, and I'm ready to take on her ideas on again. I've found all her books and I looked up her website yesterday and inquired about her 100 days to health program ~ it's still going! I wrote her a quick note about starting up again and let her know how much I appreciated her knowledge and her sharing her experiences with us. Well, this morning, I received an email from her husband (they live in Africa) who told me she's speaking in Orange County this weekend ~ no way! Driving a couple hours to see her is totally worth it. I'm so there! So, off I go on my new quest for health.

Looking back, I can totally see God working in each step to get me to the place I am today. He knew I wasn't ready a few months ago, so He prepared me for this week when He knew I'd be ready and rarin' to go! Now, let's see how this goes in my crazy busy schedule where I have no room to add one little thing. I guess I'm waking up an hour earlier!!! Weee . . .

Life

Life.
How to make it slow down.
Can it slow down?
Oh, to live the life we lived in London.
How to get back to Narnia.
Will we ever return?
The loving arms around us.
Loving arms loving back.
The kisses on both cheeks, again and again.
Celebrating with brothers and sisters in His colorful world.
London fog?
What fog?
All we saw was Sonshine!

How do we get that back?
Can we have that back?
May we have that back?
Serving here.
Serving there.
Driving quickly, or we'll be late!
Take a bus.
You'll get there when you get there.
Saying no in a world demanding yes.
In a church expecting yes.
In a life wanting to say yes,
Needing to say no.
How to say no.
How?
I knew my neighbors in London more than I know them here.

We had time to serve in London.
Time to give in London.
Time to have time in London.
My kids want to go back.
We want to go back.
Life was incredibly, surprisingly, wonderful there.
Life as a family.
LIfe in our community.
Welcoming all.
Being welcomed by all.
Hoping to see a neighbor on our way
to the train,
to the bus,
to the underground.
Financial struggles
Learning to cope
Learning to love
Learning to care
Liking it all
Loving it all.
I want that here
To be available
Free
Ready for anything
Narnia ~ the gift that keeps on giving

Priorities?
God
Family
Church

God is the easy part
Family before church may be the struggle
Family matters more
Church must come after family
Even if Church wants me here and there

God first is not church first
They are very different

God
Family
Church

Let's see how that works ~ really works . . .

New CPSIA Ruling

Are you concerned about the CPSIA ruling that affects children's toys and books? Have you heard about it? In essence, it was a good intention gone very bad. Read more about it and how some are prepared to face the aftermath on February 10th. Also find out what you can do to have your voice heard in this important matter.

For more information, read about it on this blog.
Please consider taking action, especially if you care about home-based and small businesses.

In The Hands of a Child SALE (due to CPSIA law)

One of my all-time favorite teaching sources is having a sale on all their shelved items. Please join me in supporting them!
If you've never tried a lapbook, you've got to try them!!!

January 12, 2009

Dear Valued Customers,

Due to the new CPSIA law, In the Hands of a Child, for the time being, is discounting our Kit Pack inventory in order to lessen our possible loss in the event that an exemption is not granted.

While we are still praying for this situation to work out for all small businesses we feel that it is in our best interest to lessen our possible loss. And what better way than to pass the savings on to you, our wonderful customers, who are praying with us through this difficult situation!!

Please help us clear our shelves and enjoy a 35% savings on all Kit Packs!! Savings will be automatic! Spread the word and help us empty the shelves!!

This sale will continue until our Kit Pack inventory has been exhausted, so purchases will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

Once they are gone, they are gone!

In the Hands of a Child