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!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
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!!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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.
Monday, October 27, 2008
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!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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
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!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
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!Tuesday, October 7, 2008
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
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.
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