Dr. Fackrell has moved

Dr. Fackrells area is now in Family Practice C area. He and Penny have moved and use room in the same hall as Dr. Haddock. So, don't say you didn't know because I posted it on the blog for all to see!
P.S. I need some stories...anything to put on the blog!

Christmas Stories

Last week at our nurses meeting, we had a little party and shared some of our memorable Christmases. So, I hope it is okay with those, whose stories I could remember, that I share them. If not, tell me and I can make it all better!

Renae:
She remembered a Christmas back in the 70's, I think, and she had recently gotten married so it was their first Christmas together. He mother had also been recently diagnosed with cancer so it was her last Christmas with her. He husband dresses up like Santa and they had a really fun Christmas.
Penny:
She said this year is like a new beginning for her. Her dad has bone cancer so this could be his last Christmas. But, she recently was married and became a mom! So she gets to celebrate Christmas as a mom this year and see how excited "her" kids get on Christmas morning.
Judy:
She remembered her most spiritual Christmas. It was her first Christmas after being divorced. They used to go to her moms house and her ex husbands mothers house. Judy said she was really close to her mother-in-law and took care of her when she was sick. So, on Christmas she called and asked if she could come over so she didn't have to be alone. She got to her mother-in-laws and she was also alone. Her mother-in-laws daughter said she hated feet so she wouldn't help her mom take care of her feet. Judy said she soaked her mother-in-laws feet so she could do some foot care and at that moment she realized the significance of Christ washing the feet of his apostles. She said it was very special and a Christmas she will never forget.
Nadine:
After her husband died, she moved with her small children to her parents house in McCammon. I think she had 3 children. It was really close to Christmas and her son said he wanted Santa to bring him a frog and a duck (I think). Nadine didn't know what she was going to do. She couldn't go into Pocatello to go shopping with 3 kids. At her parent house, there were a lot of people coming and going and on Christmas Eve a box was left at the house for her son. Nadine wanted to know what it was so she opened it. It was a frog. Nadine said she believed in Santa after that Christmas.

I hope I got the stories pretty close to accurate. I was going off memory. If you have a favorite Christmas story, please tell me so we can share it with all and get everyone in the Christmas Spirit!

Christmas family update

I just wanted to let everyone know that I delivered the Christmas money to our Christmas family.

I actually made up a story and picked up the 6 year old and took her shopping. I let her pick out a gift for both parents and her baby brother. She was very happy to be able to do this. She was so excited to be able to go home and wrap her gifts and put them under the tree, which up until that point had no presents under it.

Then I pulled the mom to the side and handed her the rest of the cash. Originally I was going to use all of the money for food, gifts and other needed items. But, earlier last week as the mother was driving home from work she was involved in a car wreck. Her tie-rod?, broke and caused her to lose control of her car and crash into a parked vehicle. Anyway, she was ok, and the kids were not with her, thank-goodness. I figured at this time, the cash would be more beneficial then a bunch of gifts, and I was assured that the kids have a few gifts so they will not have a gift-less Christmas.

As I handed the mother the card, which was heaping with money, (we earned $500, and I only spent $120.) She looked down in disbelief. She said this is a mistake, this cannot be for me. I explained what we had done, as a group effort, and how every year we support the Stone Soup effort in order to help someone in need for Christmas. As tears welled in her eyes and her hands shaking, she could barely get out any words. She was astounded that we as a group would come together to help a stranger. She could barely get out a Thank-you between her sobs and her tears. I explained that her reaction was enough, and that Thank you was not needed.

As we go through our Christmas traditions this year. Please keep in your hearts, that each and every person that contributed in any way to this years Stone Soup, please know that you are very much appreciated for your generosity. One small contribution that may be meaningless to you and I is so beneficial for someone in need. Remember as you celebrate with your loved ones in a couple days that we have made a difference in someone’s life. ....Kim Braswell

New Employees!

We have 2 new employees! Angie and Olivia. They are training with Dr. Soucie and Dr. Fackrell. Dr. Fackrell will be moving over to Dr. Soucie's area, if you haven't heard the news yet. He will be using three rooms in the hall that Dr. Haddock uses. His office will be next to Dr. Haddocks. So, with Dr. Fackrell moving over, it will soon be busier in Family Practice C. So, we are training Angie and Olivia to help out. Angie has 2 kids and lives in Chubbuck. She recently finished the CMA program and ISU. Olivia is from Arco and is just moving to Blackfoot. She is a CMA and did some rotations here at the clinic. She went to school with Kim Braswell. Help welcome the newbies!

Uganda Video

For those of you who would like to see some of my Africa pictures in a video form, here ya go:

Christmas Cookie Exchange

There will be a Christmas cookie exchange on Wednesday, December 17th. Bring 2 dozen cookies and an extra plate to take your goodies home on. If you could also put a tag on your cookies so we know who brought what cookies. If everyone participates, we will have some fun treat for Christmas!

Christmas tree

Our Christmas Tree that Kaz and Rhonda decorated for the Christmas Tree Fantasy sold for $1100. Good job guys!

Christmas Party

The clinic Christmas party was Saturday at the White Water Grill in Idaho Falls. I didn't go last year but I went this year and I think we filled the place. I thought there was a really good turn out. The food was great but for some of us, it took FOREVER to get our food! But I thought it was worth the trip! Thanks to the doctors for providing us the great dinner, we appreciate it.

Firth Christmas

We had a patient that came and decorated our office and did a wonderful job. We thought we would share this with you all. Merry Christmas!!

Can you tell I'm not too good at this? ha ha

More Firth stuff

Firth Christmas decor

Why I became a CMA...

I became a CMA because I wanted to go back to school but I wanted to do something in the medical field. I did not want to have to commit to a ton of school because I had two little kids, 15 months (Ali) and 5 yrs (Chase). So I went and talked to the advisor at ISU and she signed me up that day for the MA program. I went home a little baffled that I had said ok without even really thinking about it. I went to school for 2 years and graduated in December 2003, from ISU applied Tech MA program. Now that I look back I don’t think I would change a thing. I was able to do my clinical rotations here at the clinic and then was hired on before I finished in December. I love my job and the people I work with and for the most part……most of our patients.

Kim Braswell

Bake Sale

We made over $250 for the bake sale, and sold everything! I am so excited. It is great that we work at a place like this where we can all pull together and help a family in need. It never ceases to amaze me that we have a team with so much compassion. It is always so great to have a group as big as our come together for a common goal. I would like to thank all that contributed with the bake goods and all those who contributed by buying treats. Also a special thanks to Rhonda who came in on her day off to help me price and wrap stuff. I now without a doubt that it would not have been successful without her help.

Kim

Black Friday

So, Black Friday has come and gone. I don't know how many of you went shopping but I did and had so much fun! Idaho Falls wasn't too busy, at least I didn't think so. I was at Fred Myers at 5pm and there weren't that many people...it was awesome! I went everywhere I wanted and got everything I wanted but the $10 Lincoln Log set at Shopko (I settled with the $13.50 set!). I was home just after 10am. I am glad things weren't crazy like at the Wal-Mart in Long Island or the shooting in California. Like Dr. Haddock said, "there isn't anything at Wal-mart worth getting killed for!" I am in the holiday spirit, my tree is up and decorated, now we just need snow! I hope we can all get into the holiday mode and have a Merry Christmas!

Koletyn Ellis Parsons

Dr. Parsons has her 6th granchild! Koletyn was born on November 18, 2008. He weighed 9lbs! He has light brown hair and blue eyes. He was delivered in Jerome by Mickey Habek who used to work here with Dr. Peterson!!

Simon Joshua Fresques

These are pictures of Simon, Nancy's new grandson. Aren't babies so precious!!

Bake Sale

WE WILL BE PUTTING ON A BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER FOR OUR CHOSEN CHRISTMAS FAMILY. THIS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE KITCHEN AT THE BLACKFOOT CLINIC, ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2008.

THE FAMILY WE HAVE CHOSEN IS A SINGLE MOM WITH 2 YOUNG CHILDREN (NEWBORN AND 6 YRS). SHE IS JUST COMING OUT OF AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP AND HAS MANY LEGAL BILLS DUE TO CUSTODY ISSUES.

DUE TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING HER SITUATION WE WILL BE KEEPING THE FAMILY ANONYMOUS.

IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE BAKE SALE, BY EITHER DONATING BAKED GOODS OR PURCHASING FROM THE SALE, I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP. PLEASE DROP OFF ANY BAKE GOODS WITH PRICES MARKED IN THE KITCHEN TUESDAY MORNING. ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS SALE WILL BE GIVEN TO THE FAMILY. THIS WOULD BE A PERFECT TIME TO BUY YUMMY GOODIES TO SHARE WITH YOUR FAMILY OVER THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS.

WE WILL ALSO BE HAVING STONE SOUP LUNCHES STARTING THE WEEK AFTER THANKSGIVING THROUGH CHRISTMAS TO DONATE TO THIS FAMILY AS WELL. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SIGN UP FOR A STONE SOUP DAY OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS…………PLEASE CONTACT KIM BRASWELL AT EXT 1035 OR 681-1167.


THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR ALWAYS HELPING AND FOR ALWAYS BEING WILLING TO GIVE.

KIM BRASWELL

Couch for Sale

FOR SALE

La-Z-Boy Couch
Mauve / Hunter Green / Tan Floral Print

Great condition
$250.00 OBO

Jenny
569-0953

How I became a nurse...

Jenny wants us to tell our clinic family what made us go into the medical field, so, here is my story...

My cousin is an RN and always telling stories of things that happen at the hospital. It sparked my interest when I was little. I couldn't decide between a nurse or a teacher. I wanted to work with babies or kids. Then in high school, my dad took the EMT course and medicine was sparking my interest more, but still wasn't sure. Then I came to the old clinic and saw Dr. Dixon for a sinus infection and Jan checked me in. I remember telling my mom, " I could do that." My Senior year I took a CNA class. I loved learning about the body and how to care for patients. So, I went to ISU and was going to do the RN program. It took 1 semester for me to realized, I didn't like school and taking generals too much. So, in between classes I went to the computer lab and started looking at the College of Technology. I looked at the CMA and LPN programs. I wanted to be a "nurse" so I opted to try for the LPN program, it didn't take as long either!

I just had to be a CNA and take a test. Well, I was accepted. I loved the program because it was all classes related to nursing. I did quite a few rotations here at the clinic.

During the program, one of the girls in the program with me said I should have my brother call you. He lives in Seattle right now but he has a good job and no girlfriend. I said okay, my black book was overloaded with phone numbers. Long story short, 7 months later we were married. Jake was transferred to Salt Lake before we actually met. So, we bought a house in July and I was going to graduate in December. I finished my rotations in November and came back to Idaho for my classes. I got a job at Primary Children's that I could start as soon as I took my test. I could use a temporary licence since I was out of state. I was excited to work with kids but in January, the business Jake worked for closed his shop down. So, I had to quit Primary Children's before I even started. I faxed an application to Mountain River the middle of January and didn't hear anything back. We moved back to Blackfoot January 30. I picked up an application for the clinic on February 2nd. Judy called that afternoon. I interviewed with Judy on the 3rd and she gave me a job. She had me come to a lunch meeting that day, and I started working with Dr. Liles the next day. I always wanted to work with kids and babies, but my job ended up being with the elderly. Boy, did I love that.

I enjoy coming to work and visiting with patients. Sometimes there are some mean/crazy people but for the most part, if you are nice to them, they are nice to you. I have been here almost 5 years, a little less than Jenny, and have worked with Dr. Liles, Dr. Polson, and then went part time. I think I have worked with everyone now. I love working here at the clinic and with all of you.

It's your turn to share your story with us...

How I Became a Nurse...

Someone asked me today how I had decided to become a nurse. It got me thinking, "Hey, that would be a good Blog subject." So I will share my story and the rest of ya'll can post yours too :-)



Growing up, I had never even considered going into the health care field. I had never been to the doctor, never had antibiotics, and was scared to death of needles (I was one of those kids who would get the mail and throw away the immunization reminder card before my parents could see it and be "reminded" that I needed booster shots). Anyway, my mom was (is) very much into holistic / natural medicine so I naturally adopted many of her views.



When I was 21 and living away from home, my friends were concerned because I had lost a lot of weight from an already skinny frame and they thought there was something medically wrong so they made me go to the doctor. This was at a time when I had very little specific direction for my life and what to do next. While I was in the doctor's office, I had a "eureka!" moment as I watched the medical staff run around doing tests, charting, interacting with patients and doctors. I thought to myself, "I could do that!"



So I looked at different schooling options and decided to take the Surgical Technologist program from Eastern Idaho Technical College. I thought surgery would be fascinating and that I wouldn't have to deal with "sick" people in the O.R. After my first semester at EITC, I felt directed to change programs and go into the Practical Nursing program. I wanted a skill that I could use on the mission field and in raising a family and felt that nursing would be a more practical and versatile tool.



After all the prerequisites and the fall semester of the program were complete, I freaked out. Nursing was nothing like I had imagined it to be. I found myself learning how to put "bandaids" on patients' problems by administering medications that had side effects a mile long, and then gave them another pill to mask the side effect symptoms. I served sick people hospital food that was devoid of any real nutrients. Seriously, how can the body have what it needs to heal itself on white bread and bologni sandwiches and a bowl of pudding? Charting was tedious and I was scared to death that I would say or do the wrong thing or administer the wrong thing and kill someone. This was certainly not what I had signed up for and I was determined that I had made the wrong decision. I was not going to complete the rest of the program.



However, I very seldom start something without finishing it. I really prayed for direction over Christmas break and settled in my heart to continue in the program and become the best nurse that EITC could produce. When I graduated at the top of my class the following May, I was delighted that I had completed the task at hand, but had really no intention of ever working as a nurse. Two weeks later, as all my peers from nursing school started new jobs, I went to live in Hawaii for the summer.



Needless to say, after living on Maui for a few months with an aunt who is awe inspiring as a nurse and travels the world on her off time, I was provoked to reconsider my decision to never "be a nurse". I even decided to pursue more education and become a P.A. or microbiologist.



The day after I got home, I applied at the Blackfoot Medical Center and had an interview with Judy. The clinic seemed sooo big and soooo intimidating. Urgent care was sooo busy and everything seemed to be going a million ways at once. I was scared. I didn't think I had what it took to work in a place like that. So I was much relieved when Judy said there wasn't an opening at the time. But I mustered up enough courage and took a job at a local hospital working 12 hour night shifts on the med / surg floor. I struggled with every minute of it. I came home in tears every morning for 3 weeks. Then I got a call from Judy...

Now, five years later, I am so thankful that I became a nurse and that I became part of the BMC family. I have come a long way and still have a long way to go.

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus!

Kaz has a theme for the Christmas Tree Fantasy. It is "Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus!" The Christmas Tree Fantasy is at the Shilling House Reception Center December 3rd-6th. She will be decorating it on Monday December 1st at lunch and after work, at the Shilling House. She is hunting for decorations. She is thinking of antique/Victorian type ornaments. If you have any you want to donate or find something at the store, she says you will be reimbursed (think cheap but georgeous!).

Time of Giving

Kim has found a mother with 2 children to help for Christmas. She has a 6 year old and 3 month old. I will listen for more information. Next Tuesday she is setting up a bake sale. So bring some treat and $$. Then every week after that until Christmas, there will be a lunch.

Going Green

I was watching the Today show this morning and they were talking about "Going Green". I think they are doing a lot on NBC this week about "going green". So, how can we go green at the clinic. I know we have talked a little about saving paper in the past and tried to come up with some ideas. So, if you have an idea on "going green" please share.

My Idea:
My idea is on a way to save a little paper. When we are doing prescription refill, instead of printing them off, just open them up on the computer so you can see what medication the pt wants, then click on practice partner, open up the patients chart, go to the med list. If it can be refilled, highlight the medication, and click renew. A box will pop up. By refill-put how many refills they can have. By print-change it to fax as a group. By pharmacy-if the pharmacy isn't already in the box, click on look-up, then pharmacies. This will bring up another box that you can search for the pharmacy you want. Highlight the pharmacy and push ok. Then you will see the pharmacy you picked in the box. Make sure it is highlighted and press ok. Then press OK again. The medication will be highlighted. When you are done, click close to close the medication list. Your computer will freeze for a few seconds, then when the medications are faxed, the med list will be close.
Okay, that was a long way to describe something that takes such a short amount of time to do. If you want, I will show you how to do it. It really does save paper and it is so easy!!

Info

The blog is kind of replacing the newsletter. So, if you have an info that would be helpful, we can put it on the blog too...and brag about our family and us too! So, I have some info for you. If you didn't get the e-mail from Terena, here it is...

Just a friendly reminder that thyroid testing, as well as vitamin B12 and folate, are not stat tests. Please have our patients get drawn at least the day before their appointment. Turnaround time includes clotting, spinning and running of controls before patient samples are loaded. Please don't send your patients down to be drawn and expect to have a result within an hour.

So, if you have any info that will benefit anyone else, let me know. Thanks for those of you who have given me suggestions, pictures, and stories to post!

National NP week

This week is national NP week. So tell our fellow NP's...Guss, Doug, Jonathan, Katy, and Heather, thanks for all they do. We make work them to death but we do appreciate them!

Welcome a new grandbaby

Nancy wanted to let everyone know she has a new grandson. His name is Simon Joshua Fresques. He was born November 4th. He weighed 7lbs 10oz and 19 inches long. They live in Salt Lake. He has dark hair and she thinks he is the cutes thing ever!

Poor Londyn

Kaz's daughter Londyn fell down the stairs last night and broke her ankle. She has to have surgery today. Kaz put a note on her blog, so you will have to read it.

{To get to Kaz's blog, down on the right-hand side, it says friends and there is a list of names. Click on Kaz and it will go to her blog.}

Christmas Tree Fantasy

If you haven't seen the flyers yet, the clinic is doing a tree for the fantasy. The theme this year is is "Memories of Christmas Past..." Kaz (201-3534) is in charge. She needs help on a theme for the tree so she can start gathering decorations. If you have any good ideas, or would like to help out let Kaz know.
{You can also add a comment. To do that, just under this post, towards the right, there is a spot that says comments and I think it has a pencil by it. Click on it and you can write a comments.}

Halloween

If you have pictures of you kids or grandkids from Halloween you want to share, send them to me and I will post them. Here is a picture of Jacob, Tracy our pharmacists son.

Here are some pictures from the Pumpkin walk. Some of the girls from the clinic decorated a little scene. Dr. Fackrell is the doctor and Ann and I are the nurses. They did a good job. Don't we make good pumpkin nurses Ann!

These are pictures from Marilyns trip to Chicago. She went for a CMA conference. There are pictures of the cityscape. The 2 pictures above are taken an hour away of Chicago. There is a big "bean" that is in a park and it distorts things. There is a lighthouse and the Sears and Trump towers. She said she really did go to classes not just play!!

Pumpkin Patch

Don't forget about the 2nd Annual South East Idaho Pumpkin Walk. It goes until Halloween night from 9am-9pm at the North Bingham County Walk in Shelley. It is free to go. A food drop off for scouting will be there to benefit the much depleted food banks in the area. For those of you who haven't gone, be sure to look for me, Ashley, because I am sure you will see me!

TV's

If you haven't noticed, we have some new TVs in the waiting rooms. These are hooked up to a computer system and they show health education video. I haven't sat down to watch them, I have to work ;) so I don't know how interesting it is to watch. But, there is now a TV back in the lounge about the water cooler that I think has cable so we still have a place to go and watch the soaps...I mean to watch music videoss...I mean to watch the stock market...I mean we aren't supposed to be watching TV! But really thanks for letting us have a cable TV so when we can't leave the building for lunch or dinner we have somewhere to relax and unwind and watch the one eyed monster, AKA the TV!

Books Are Fun

There are books for sale back by Sandra and Darlene if you haven't seen them already. This is a ways to start on your Christmas (...Christmas already!!!) presents. She will have one other order after this one before Christmas.

HIV

Did you all see the flyers that said that there have ben 19 new cases of HIV from Bonneville and Bingham County since June of THIS YEAR! So, if a patient asked to be checked, the flyer says no question, we will check you. Scary how the world (USA, especially) doesn't think that bad things can happen to them. Then there are the people who don't care who they hurt. So, in short, be careful with our patients. Sometimes they might not know they have a terible disease, others don't care!

Hey everyone,

Recently, a very good friend asked us what most he could do to help us in our adoption process. Connie, Sarah, and I have been eligible to adopt since Sarah turned one, but we three have decided to let everyone know we are redoubling our efforts. In fact, Sarah has decided she not only wants a brother or a sister, but in her prayers she slows down, and asks specifically for a brother and a sister. As they say, the faith of a child.... ☺

We appreciate everyone's help to this point. In fact, Sarah would not have come into our family without the help of others. We are grateful for the leads regarding attorneys, agencies, foster care and other things. We really don't know what might be the key factor of blessing our lives with another child. Connie has even been serving as secretary for our local chapter of the Church’s support group, Families Supporting Adoption, for the last few years to show the Lord our sincere desire.

In response to our friend’s query as to what might most help us, I shared some of the following:

First, is numbers. In the last 60 years, the ratio between abortion and adoption is nearly opposite. In the 1950s, nearly 80% of unwanted pregnancies were placed for adoption, and only about 3% were aborted. Today, approximately 80% of unwanted pregnancies are aborted, the majority of the remaining are raised in a single parent home, and only about 3% are placed for adoption. With the thousands of families like ours who yearn to adopt, the numbers are not promising. Thus, many couples are choosing to spend $30,000-$50,000 in private and international adoptions.

Fortunately, LDS Family Services does not allow expenses for the birthmother or the adoptive family to become unbearable. Their services for the birthmother are free, our health insurance provides some coverage for the birthmother for routine expenses if we are chosen, and our costs through Family Services will not exceed 10%-11% of our annual income.

Second, is referrals. Although Family Services helps contain the financial numbers, it is unavoidable that there are more couples wanting to adopt than there are children to adopt. Therefore, Family Services is very candid that our best chance to be selected is through referrals. Typically, if a birthmother comes to Family Services without an adoptive couple in mind, they would be given a binder full of picture collages and letters from couples like us who hope to be chosen. There are neat stories of birthmothers who were inspired in this process. However, waiting to be chosen has obvious disadvantages.

The selection and placement process by referral helps the birthmother and adoptive couple. By our spreading the word to as many people we know who know us, perhaps someone will also know of a birthmother being faced with difficult decisions. It is not hard to imagine how much faith and trust it must take to place one's child in the arms of someone else. But, even if the birthmother does not initially know us (Family Services will provide an opportunity for us to meet, if desired), her knowing and trusting that the referring persons would only refer someone they know and trust can bring comfort and peace of mind in the selection process. Such is the way the miracle of our Sarah came to us.

Finally, Family Services practices a fairly open adoption process. It was once thought that a birthmother would do better by placing her child and never looking back—meaning, no contact was made after placement regarding the outcome or progress of her child. It was designed to prevent birthmothers returning to take their child back.

Fortunately, the approach has changed. Research has shown, if a birthmother desires it, that occasional updates, photographs, and letters within the first year or so (Family Services has certain recommendations), the birthmother is often able to feel more confident her decision was correct and her child is doing well. Knowing her child is safe, loved, and cared for lessens her own anxiety and allows her to move on with her own life.

The process from here is fairly simple. If you feel you could recommend us as parents who recognize their inadequacies, but who are sincerely striving to create an eternal family, you may share information about us to help them get to know us, and may even show the attached photograph. Family Services recommends sharing our first names, but if possible, not revealing overly specific information such as our last name, exact address, or telephone number.

If the birthmother is interested in considering us, she may contact her local LDS Family Services office, or the Ogden office and ask to speak with Marisa Stringham (801 644-8339), our caseworker, regarding us, Jeremy and Connie. She will then be guided, without obligation, through an inspired process to assist her with any decision she makes.

Connie and I are eternally grateful to those who have helped our beloved Sarah be a part of our family. We would likewise forever appreciate the opportunity to love another child as our own.

Sincerely,

Jeremy, Connie, and Sarah

A New Baby to the Clinic Family

There was a new baby born Monday to the clinic family...and Dr. McKinlay missed it! Jonathan and Kimberli Williams were blessed with a new baby boy on Monday. Madalone said she thought he was 9lbs 11oz.

Get Well Soon

I just heard that Vickie has broken her leg. She had an accident at work a couple nights ago and fell on a wet floor. Wish her well!

Dr. Galke

I heard Sheila say that Dr. Galke was called to be Bishop in his ward down in Mexico. Just a tid-bit of info!

Letter

There is a letter in the back by Sheilas office from Dr. Bradbury. It is kinda long so if you want to read it just go to the back and say Hi to Sheila and read the letter!

Insurance numbers

You might want to make sure you all have a valid insurance. Jan went to do a prior authorization for a patients medication and the phone number she was sent to didn't quite help her. If I were the patient, I would be looking for a new insurance carrier. If you want a laugh, ask Jan for the number.

Brought to my attention

A few people asked if I could "blog" about the bathrooms. The asked if I could put on our blog if you have to go "#2" don't use the treatment rooms...especially T11. The treadmill room T9 is the employees designated bathroom because the room isn't used much. If a patient happens to stink up the bathroom, we can't do much except use some "poo-pourri" after they are done. So, this is meant to inform not to offend. Hopefully you can laugh and joke about it like a few of us have been!

Lucky winner

We got a call on Friday from the fairgrounds that Kinley won a toy from the fair. If you went down to where the rides were or helped with Safe Place you would have seen the little area that had the little tykes toys for kids to ride free. Then you could sign up for a drawing where they would give the toys away after the fair. Well, Kinley was a lucky winner. I didn't get a picture with her in it on Friday so I took one yesterday to put on my blog. I was so excitecd for her I wanted to share it with you guys!

Trick or Treaters

Debbie Hensley wanted to remind us all to dress up if we are working on Halloween. And if you have kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, have them come over so we can all see them and they can go trick-or-treating to all the areas!

Marilyns New/old house

Marilyns house has sold and she has moved in with her dad. I believe she is buying the house from her dad. Congrats on the move!

Watch Out Drivers!

Brianna Soucie can drive...by herself now! For those of you that don't know Brianna, she is Dr. Soucie's daughter and she works her after school.

The loss of a loved one

Thelma Mickelsen passed away Monday morning. She was Cheryl Hunters mothers. Here is the Obituary from the Morning News:

Thelma W. Mickelsen, 90

Tuesday, 07 October 2008
Thelma Wood Mickelsen, 90, of Blackfoot, passed away Monday, Oct. 6, 2008 at the Bingham Memorial Hospital.

Thelma was born June 15, 1918 in Driggs, Idaho, to Walter John and Clara May Fenton Wood. She attended school in Driggs and Bates, graduating from Teton High School. She had lived her entire life in Driggs until 1983 when she moved to Blackfoot to be near her children.

On Nov. 16, 1937 Thelma married Talmage H. McGee Mickelsen, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. They made their home in Tetonia and Cache and raised four children. Talmage preceded her in death in 1981.

As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Thelma fulfilled callings in the Relief Society Presidency, Primary Presidency, Young Women’s Program, and was a Stake Missionary in the Blackfoot South Stake.

Thelma was a member of the Idaho Cowbelles and had served as Past President of the Teton Co. Chapter. She was voted Farm Bureau Wife of The Year in 1991. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, and playing the piano (which she played by ear). Thelma also played the banjo and could be found playing at Pierre’s Playhouse in Victor, Idaho. She loved sharing her talents with others and was a devoted wife and mother. Her most favorite times were spent with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Garth (Shirley) Mickelsen of Moreland, Theodore D. “Ted” (Shana) Mickelsen of Tetonia, Idaho, Cheryl (Dan) Hunter of Moreland; son-in-law, Edward Parl Kearsley of Shelley, Idaho; 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Talmage and daughter, Myrna Kearsley. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008 at the Tetonia LDS Chapel with Bishop Ron Berry conducting. The family will meet with relatives and friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008 at Hawker Funeral Home and from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, prior to services at the church.

Interment will be in the Cache-Clawson Cemetery.

Craig Ashley Update

If you hadn't heard, Craig Ashley, our fix-it person, had a heart attack a few weeks ago. He is doing well and was released to go back to work yesterday.

Need a Story!

Well, I was gone almost all last week, from Tuesday night on anyways, so I don't know if anything has happened since I have been gone. E-mail me if you have a story to share. I could go on and on about my camping/hunting trip but you can look on my blog for that!

Jade Barbo

Mike and Jen Barbo had a little baby boy, Jade, on Wednesday the 17th. Dr. Soucie has his picture and he is a way cute baby!

Preston Turns 1!

Preston turned 1 on Saturday, can you believe it! Here are some pictures of his party. I attempted to make a Lightning McQueen cake for him. I'm not going to quit my day job to decorate cakes!

Penny is off the market

If you haven't heard, Penny is officially engaged! Clint Gentillon popped the question and she said...YES! She said they went Geocashing (that is where you find "treasures" with a GPS) and there were 8 places they went. Then they were to some waterfalls, where they went on their first date, and they were looking around and then they had to cross a little creek and went to this little island. He kept saying it is right here, and they would look and then she saw this rock and it had Penny etched in it. She picked it up and he went down on 1 knee. I think she said the rock had "Penny will you marry me" etched in it. So, if you want more info, talk to the newly engaged Penny!

Yardsale

Marilyn is moving!! (they are selling their house!) She is going to be having a yard sale at her house this weekend and maybe the next weekend too. I heard she will have lots of books that were her moms, antique furniture, a recliner, and much more! So everyone go check it out. For those of you who don't know, Marilyn lives on Wagonwheel.

Scubadivers...

Jen (in the lab) and Penny passed their test and are now certified scubadivers. When they did their certification dive, they caught crawdads. Next week they are going to Firehole that is over by Jackson and Yellowstone.

Carter Daryl

Ann's new grandson finally arrived! He was 18 1/2 inches long and 7lbs 5oz. I found out his name from Ann, it is Carter Daryl. He is pretty cute with a full head of hair!

Brandy Pugmire

We have a new nurse!! Her name is Brandy Pugmire. She was born in Columbus, Ohio. She has lived in Ohio and Idaho. She is from a family of 3, she has 2 younger sisters. Her husband's name is Chet and he is a firefighter/EMT for Idaho Falls. She has 2 daughters, Teagan who is 6 and Brittani who is 4. She went to school at EITC and is an LPN. She would love to go on vacation...anywhere! She loves to eat at Melinas! She loves the outdoors and being with her family.

Pictures from Dr. Liles

Dr. Liles e-mailed me some pictures today. He and Amy went to Hawaii a month or so ago. If you know Jeff, he would live on the beach. The other picture is Keely, Mia, and Isaac. Isn't Isaac a mini-Jeff! They are doing good in Spokane. Dr. Liles splits the hospital and administration for the hospital (Sacred Heart). I sure miss him at the clinic. He said to tell you all he misses everyone at the clinic and thinks about coming back but for now, there are things he doesn't want to come back to...you can probably guess what that is!

How did you "fair" at the "fair"?

Well, there are a few of us that entered some things in the fair. Jenny and I entered some pictures. Jenny received and Honorable Mention on one of her pictures. (The judge wasn't too fair this year, one category only had a 2nd place and 2 honorable mentions, I will quit whining now!) Kim entered some food in 11 categories and won in 7 out of the 11 categories! She said she is doing the peanut butter cookies with Allie on Saturday, so if you go to the fair Saturday, peek in! I am not sure of anyone else entering. If you did, let us know so I can't put a note on the blog!

Thanks

Echo wanted to let everyone know she enjoys working with you all. She wanted to thank everyone for making her feel welcome. Echo, we are glad you are here to help us out. Hope you continue liking all of us!!

Good Luck Ann

Ann is on her way to Salt Lake because her daughter, Shannon, is in labor. Hopefully the baby will arrive healthy and she will have some cute pictures of her new grandson!

Lorettas Great Granddaughter

Meet Kaia Ann Maynard. Her mom and dad are Tyler and Ally. Tyler is Lorettas grandson and they live in Salt Lake. Isn't she so cute! Loretta says she just keeps getting cuter as she gets older. She thinks her grandson took the pictures of Kaia in the rose petals and the whote dress. Tell Loretta she has a pretty adorable granddaughter!

Greetings from the Sandbox

Hello to all from the sand and heat in Kuwait, just over the border from Iraq. As expected, the trip over is by far the most stressful part of this experience - and no better on the third try. We still have some movement to go before we get settled further north. That will be good as it is at least 10 degrees hotter here (115 on a good day, and sometimes no better that 94 in air conditioning). Just some snapshots of feelings so far:
-joggin in the muggy air of Ft. Benning, Georgia, just happy to feel the Appalachian woods again
-Walking first and alone out onto the tarmack to board the big DC-10 - they put me of all people in charge of the troops for the flight - thankfully everyone behaved - I got a good response from tired troops when they asked me to give some parting words - all I said was, "I'm just looking for a quiet flight."
-Strapping on the M9 (Beretta) pistol again - is the world really safer once this nearsighted physician is armed? No bullets of my own yet though- at least they have some sense
-our first mediacl crisis - funny how the commanders did not take our comments about health and sanitation seriously until the diarrhea/gastroenteritis hit full strength and threatened to take out a big part of the unit - as usual I empathized by catching it myself - everyone is coming through it, but it has taken some effort to teach these Apache attack command types that you can't always find a bullet or rocket to kill these bugs - as usual there is a high level of anxiety to see that everything goes right and calming the commander down is a trick
-an amazing array of fellow soldiers - my first reaction is always "he or she is not like me" until we get to talk - thendiscover real people with families and dreams - and many careers - our logistics commander is a shy professor of agricultural scientist; our platoon leader (top notch lieutenant) is a dietician, one of our pilots is a pharmacist; the supply commander at our camp is a project manager for a large financial firm - my medical operations officer is a geologist.
-sitting next to an Englishman on the way to Georgia - the pilot announced soldiers were on board and everyone applauded - the Britishman mentioned this respect and appreciation has impressed him in America and would never happen in England.
-efforst we are making to improve the world that never make the press - I've met a JAG (lawyer) who is heading to jin a 40-nation team of various professionals in Afghanistan dedicated to rebuilding that country- she will be focusing on their judicial system - another team is standing up in Iraq to look for social and cultural ways to reduce violence; that team consists of anthropologists, sociologists, teachers, researchers, a special forces member who has lived 3 years in the varous tribes - thes are exciting indications that maaybe things can change - the atmosphere in Iraq certainly already seems calmer than 3 years ago a parting Hooah shot
-sitting in uniform at the airport on the way to Ft. Benning, I watched families busily walking past, oblivious to the war still on going, happy and excited about their vacations and reunions. Watching the briefings on terrorism and other threats worldwide and seeing first-hand our lifestyle copaired to much of the world, it is clear we have much to be thankful for. The easy-going freedom we enjoy only exists because of the presence of a strong military. We may disagree with a given conflict or political decisions, and certainly may find fault or corruption in our system, but it is still the best on the planet and would cave quickly to the evil forces unfortunately loose on this world. Wishing you all a wonderful end of summer - enjoy the cooling weather! Andy

Andy Bradbury
200 W. 100 N
Blackfoot, Idaho 83221
andybm@yahoo.com

(for those that don't know, this is a letter from Dr. Bradbury who used to work here at the clinic)

Meet Seth

Seth is Madalones grandson that lives in Pocatello. He just got a new haircut and Madalone wanted all of you to see how cute he is! Isn't the mohawk just so cute on baby boys!