12 years ago
Monday, July 13, 2009
FINALLY...
I finally updated our family blog. If you still need an invite, email me and let me know or leave a comment here with your email address. Love to all!!!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
update on Chase
Well, since it has been a month since Chase's hospital stay, we figured it was time for an update.
Things are looking really good right now. A couple of weeks ago, Chase's platelet count dropped to 23,000 (remember it should be around 130,000+). The doctor had Chase increase his meds, and over the weekend his count doubled to 45,000. After a week of taking pills 3 times a day, his count went up to 78,000. We were told that as long as his platelet count stays around 80,000 Chase will be able to do pretty much whatever he wants to. We think Chase's count dropped so low because he was fighting an illness (he had a sore throat and was a little congested) and we moved that week - so his body had the extra stress of hauling heavy things around (we did have great help from the Elder's Quorum, Chase just couldn't sit around and do nothing).
Anyway... The doctor has a very positive outlook and thinks that Chase will do fine. We are going to try and have Chase off all meds in 3 weeks. He has to slowly decrease the dosage from 2 pills a day, to 1, then a half, then hopefully he will be finished. Let's hope and pray that his body will be able to do its job without the medicine. Chase is wanting to do a triathalon in August, and he got the go ahead from the doctor. Between lowering his meds and getting permission to participate in the triathalon, we feel very hopeful and encouraged. Chase is feeling great and we really appreciate all of your prayers and support. We have truly been strengthened by each of you. Thanks for all of your love. We were sad that we couldn't make it to the reunion this year but thought of each of you over the weekend.
Enjoy some random photos from the past month. Love you all!
the bruise that made us decide we should go to the doctor...
at the beach in Boston
"hiking" in Indiana
(more like a nature walk compared to the hikes
we've been on in Utah and Idaho!)
our sweet girl Genevieve
Things are looking really good right now. A couple of weeks ago, Chase's platelet count dropped to 23,000 (remember it should be around 130,000+). The doctor had Chase increase his meds, and over the weekend his count doubled to 45,000. After a week of taking pills 3 times a day, his count went up to 78,000. We were told that as long as his platelet count stays around 80,000 Chase will be able to do pretty much whatever he wants to. We think Chase's count dropped so low because he was fighting an illness (he had a sore throat and was a little congested) and we moved that week - so his body had the extra stress of hauling heavy things around (we did have great help from the Elder's Quorum, Chase just couldn't sit around and do nothing).
Anyway... The doctor has a very positive outlook and thinks that Chase will do fine. We are going to try and have Chase off all meds in 3 weeks. He has to slowly decrease the dosage from 2 pills a day, to 1, then a half, then hopefully he will be finished. Let's hope and pray that his body will be able to do its job without the medicine. Chase is wanting to do a triathalon in August, and he got the go ahead from the doctor. Between lowering his meds and getting permission to participate in the triathalon, we feel very hopeful and encouraged. Chase is feeling great and we really appreciate all of your prayers and support. We have truly been strengthened by each of you. Thanks for all of your love. We were sad that we couldn't make it to the reunion this year but thought of each of you over the weekend.
Enjoy some random photos from the past month. Love you all!
the bruise that made us decide we should go to the doctor...
at the beach in Boston
"hiking" in Indiana(more like a nature walk compared to the hikes
we've been on in Utah and Idaho!)
our sweet girl GenevieveEllis Family UNITES!!!
This should hopefully be the FIRST of many many pictures shared from the Ellis Reunion! Wes sent this one to me...but thought it should be the first one posted. Thanks to the Waters clan for planning a great reunion!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Chase
As many of you know (sorry if there are any who don't!) Chase has been diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP. Idiopathic = of no known cause thrombocytopenic = low platelet count purpura= bruising (basically).
In mid April, Chase noticed small (really small, like pin head small) red dots covering his lower legs. Next was blood blisters in his mouth, fatigue, and most recently, unexplained bruising on his arms, legs, and inner thighs. Some bruises are as big as my hand. Once the bruises started appearing, we decided it was something more serious than stress that was causing them. We prayed and felt like Chase should see a doctor.
So in a nutshell… (a large nutshell and a very simple biology lesson – pardon if it is not 100% correct)
White blood cells = defenders of the immune system
Red blood cells = carriers of oxygen to body tissue
Platelets = clotting agent to help stop bleeding (made in the bone marrow -They have a ‘lifespan’ of around 10 days)
The platelet count usually ranges from 130,000 to 400,000 per liter of blood. Chase’s platelet count is at 4,000. Anything below 10,000 is considered critical. It is very lucky (really a blessing) we went to the doctor when we did. When the platelet count gets this low, there is an extremely high risk of spontaneous bleeding in/from internal organs – especially the brain and the stomach. Platelets are also the things that make blood clot, so Chase’s blood is very thin and when he bleeds, it takes a long time to get it to stop bleeding. Because of these factors, Chase is on complete bed rest at the hospital here in Terre Haute. If things go well, he can come home Saturday, but he could be in the hospital for a week or more.
The doctors are unsure why this is happening. Either his bone marrow has stopped producing platelets or something is destroying them (most likely the spleen/spleen tendril things called splenic macrophages). Chase is currently undergoing some iv treatments of steroids and immunoglobulin (and no, these steroids won’t turn him into a muscle man). Hopefully this will help him and his body produce and/or not destroy platelets.One thing of note is that ITP is not curable but it is treatable. For example, if you have tonsillitis, you remove the tonsils and wa la! you're better. If you have diabetes, you live with it your whole life but you can take medicines to treat and control it. ITP is like diabetes in that regard.
If this treatment plan does not work, there are a few other things that they will try.I'll get to that in the future if needs be. We are praying that his current treatments will work. We miss you all dearly and wish we were closer to home. But we have a strong ward family out here that is taking very good care of us. We love you all and hope this helped a little in understanding what’s going on here. We’ll keep you all updated. Thank you for your prayers, support, and for all of the offers of flying out here to be with us. We recognize the Lord’s hand in our lives and are so thankful that we felt prompted to go in to have Chase checked out. And fyi... Chase is his jovial self, cracking up the nurses and making me smile and roll my eyes.
In mid April, Chase noticed small (really small, like pin head small) red dots covering his lower legs. Next was blood blisters in his mouth, fatigue, and most recently, unexplained bruising on his arms, legs, and inner thighs. Some bruises are as big as my hand. Once the bruises started appearing, we decided it was something more serious than stress that was causing them. We prayed and felt like Chase should see a doctor.
So in a nutshell… (a large nutshell and a very simple biology lesson – pardon if it is not 100% correct)
White blood cells = defenders of the immune system
Red blood cells = carriers of oxygen to body tissue
Platelets = clotting agent to help stop bleeding (made in the bone marrow -They have a ‘lifespan’ of around 10 days)
The platelet count usually ranges from 130,000 to 400,000 per liter of blood. Chase’s platelet count is at 4,000. Anything below 10,000 is considered critical. It is very lucky (really a blessing) we went to the doctor when we did. When the platelet count gets this low, there is an extremely high risk of spontaneous bleeding in/from internal organs – especially the brain and the stomach. Platelets are also the things that make blood clot, so Chase’s blood is very thin and when he bleeds, it takes a long time to get it to stop bleeding. Because of these factors, Chase is on complete bed rest at the hospital here in Terre Haute. If things go well, he can come home Saturday, but he could be in the hospital for a week or more.
The doctors are unsure why this is happening. Either his bone marrow has stopped producing platelets or something is destroying them (most likely the spleen/spleen tendril things called splenic macrophages). Chase is currently undergoing some iv treatments of steroids and immunoglobulin (and no, these steroids won’t turn him into a muscle man). Hopefully this will help him and his body produce and/or not destroy platelets.One thing of note is that ITP is not curable but it is treatable. For example, if you have tonsillitis, you remove the tonsils and wa la! you're better. If you have diabetes, you live with it your whole life but you can take medicines to treat and control it. ITP is like diabetes in that regard.
If this treatment plan does not work, there are a few other things that they will try.I'll get to that in the future if needs be. We are praying that his current treatments will work. We miss you all dearly and wish we were closer to home. But we have a strong ward family out here that is taking very good care of us. We love you all and hope this helped a little in understanding what’s going on here. We’ll keep you all updated. Thank you for your prayers, support, and for all of the offers of flying out here to be with us. We recognize the Lord’s hand in our lives and are so thankful that we felt prompted to go in to have Chase checked out. And fyi... Chase is his jovial self, cracking up the nurses and making me smile and roll my eyes.
Love you all. Kori, Chase, and Genevieve
update 6/5 10:30: Chase's platelet count is now at 10,000 - good news! but he is still at a critical level. We hope this keeps working! :)
For it must needs be, that there is opposition in all things (2 Nephi 2:11)
“No one wants adversity. Trials, disappointments, sadness, and heartache come to us from two basically different sources. Those who transgress the laws of God will always have those challenges. The other reason for adversity is to accomplish the Lord’s own purposes in our life that we may receive the refinement that comes from testing.”
(Elder Richard G. Scott, Trust in the Lord, Oct. 1995 - read it, it's really good)
“No one wants adversity. Trials, disappointments, sadness, and heartache come to us from two basically different sources. Those who transgress the laws of God will always have those challenges. The other reason for adversity is to accomplish the Lord’s own purposes in our life that we may receive the refinement that comes from testing.”
(Elder Richard G. Scott, Trust in the Lord, Oct. 1995 - read it, it's really good)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Explaining
Okay you saw the kid with the tatoos, well this kid is NOT really like this. I didn't know this and when they arrived I was very shocked to say the least as to Coby's choice of friends. Nevertheless, I welcomed him and found him quite nice. This was a joke and also if you're wondering how Coby and his date were to get in this TALL TRUCK--when you open the door, the step rails came down and gave you a step! Now that was COOL!
Coby's Senior Prom
Yep Coby did it! He went to a dance (his Senior Prom)! We had a friend that lives behind us who is a single lawyer and he told Coby to take his truck! Coby was definitely on a high with this truck. He went with 2 other friends and their dates and here for Dutch oven dinner. We thought Coby looked pretty dang sharp, you tell us what you think! Love and prayers for everyone!href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDvaDavHUBhh54B2V4po6G7pnGGfLu0zP9EPOJP_Z7SLEDy_sqEPF0dquACcR2lS-wG1SDk942_CyOr9bzSfHpsO_TCwpuiT5jFkqTPB_vrIk27j_V19o3MnxQvhmxfwrB9_k7-2Ioxo/s1600-h/DSC00227.JPG">
Monday, May 4, 2009
Ellis Family Reunion
Summer is Right around the Corner--------Are you ready for some fun?------We Are!
The date has been set for July 2-4or 5 and we are having it at the farm, which most of you should know where that is but if you don't there will be directions. Every one is welcome to come anytime Thursday and stay until Sunday. Mom was slow in deciding where to have the reunion and found out eveerywhere that was big enough for our family was already booked for that weekend. We are looking forward to having it at the farm. We have lots of activities planned.
4 wheeling in the desert, Travis knows some trails close by.
We will have volleyball and basketball, possibly mud volleyball, come prepared.
Swimming and Tubing the canal. Wading pool for the little ones.
Grandpa is planinng on a Family HOme Evening Lesson
Flag ceremony to retire old flags, if anyone has an old flag that needs to be retired the proper way bring it along.
Bring your riffles, there are always lots of Rockchucks to blow up!
We want to reserve the Thursday night 7:30 session at the Temple for all that can make it that time, There will lots of babysitters here. Let me know ASAP so those reservations can be made.
We would like every one to bring their Pictures of growing up and we can copy them and identify them or exchange them, we can have fun reminising about them. Along with picture we would like to have everyone bring their Geneolgy so we can all compare and get caught up and get copies. If ant one has Family Stories of growing up or of Ancestors bring them along. We are going to have fun with them. I quess that's the perks of having the reunion at the farm. (electricity and thecomputer and copy machine)
We will provide all the main courses of the meals, so if everyone wants to fill in with snacks and salad, that would be great. We are looking forwaard to seeing everyone and having lots of fun. Tell all yourfamily in case we don't get them contacted. Love, Constant Waters
Directions are Take the Valley Exit come North 3-4 mile to the stop sign, turn right and go to Eden. Turn right at Black oil and come 6 miles to the stop sign and turn right and go 1/2 mile to the green brick house and there you are. Find a spot to pitch your tent or park you trailer and we'll be set.
The date has been set for July 2-4or 5 and we are having it at the farm, which most of you should know where that is but if you don't there will be directions. Every one is welcome to come anytime Thursday and stay until Sunday. Mom was slow in deciding where to have the reunion and found out eveerywhere that was big enough for our family was already booked for that weekend. We are looking forward to having it at the farm. We have lots of activities planned.
4 wheeling in the desert, Travis knows some trails close by.
We will have volleyball and basketball, possibly mud volleyball, come prepared.
Swimming and Tubing the canal. Wading pool for the little ones.
Grandpa is planinng on a Family HOme Evening Lesson
Flag ceremony to retire old flags, if anyone has an old flag that needs to be retired the proper way bring it along.
Bring your riffles, there are always lots of Rockchucks to blow up!
We want to reserve the Thursday night 7:30 session at the Temple for all that can make it that time, There will lots of babysitters here. Let me know ASAP so those reservations can be made.
We would like every one to bring their Pictures of growing up and we can copy them and identify them or exchange them, we can have fun reminising about them. Along with picture we would like to have everyone bring their Geneolgy so we can all compare and get caught up and get copies. If ant one has Family Stories of growing up or of Ancestors bring them along. We are going to have fun with them. I quess that's the perks of having the reunion at the farm. (electricity and thecomputer and copy machine)
We will provide all the main courses of the meals, so if everyone wants to fill in with snacks and salad, that would be great. We are looking forwaard to seeing everyone and having lots of fun. Tell all yourfamily in case we don't get them contacted. Love, Constant Waters
Directions are Take the Valley Exit come North 3-4 mile to the stop sign, turn right and go to Eden. Turn right at Black oil and come 6 miles to the stop sign and turn right and go 1/2 mile to the green brick house and there you are. Find a spot to pitch your tent or park you trailer and we'll be set.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Reunion and updates
Okay - we're in! Just need all the details down the line. I've made reservations for our road trip up to the Family Reunion. Dad is coming with us. . . the jury is still out on Mom - so she's a maybe. We've been making plans and budgeting for the past month and it's a definite go.
Also - Jhonny passed his first texas teaching exam in Bilingual Generalist EC-4! Yeah! That was a hard one! Two more tests to go, but hopefully not before he can get a job. He has an interview today and it looks good.
Have a great week!
Also - Jhonny passed his first texas teaching exam in Bilingual Generalist EC-4! Yeah! That was a hard one! Two more tests to go, but hopefully not before he can get a job. He has an interview today and it looks good.
Have a great week!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
April 25-May 2
Here's the activities for this coming week-
April 26 - Climb a tree
April 27 - Choose pictures from magazines or newspapers and write a one page story about it or draw a picture of the picture you see.
April 28 - Play miniature golf
April 29 - Read a long poem, such as Psalm 119 or "The Legend of Hiawatha," with your family. Illustrate the poem.
April 30 - Play :truth or dare:. ONe family member asks a question; the others either tell the truth or complete a "dare".
May 1 - Make rhino horns and wear them. PRetend to fight with the horns. Talk to your children about endangered animals.
May 2 - Tell stories of famous brothers and sisters in the Bible, Book of Mormon. Share a story about brothers and sisters in your family.
Today we had snow and rain. It is cold and we are still trying to work on our retaining wall to the side of the house. Will post our progress pictures this week. Coby said he will wash his truck this week, too. Love ya!
April 26 - Climb a tree
April 27 - Choose pictures from magazines or newspapers and write a one page story about it or draw a picture of the picture you see.
April 28 - Play miniature golf
April 29 - Read a long poem, such as Psalm 119 or "The Legend of Hiawatha," with your family. Illustrate the poem.
April 30 - Play :truth or dare:. ONe family member asks a question; the others either tell the truth or complete a "dare".
May 1 - Make rhino horns and wear them. PRetend to fight with the horns. Talk to your children about endangered animals.
May 2 - Tell stories of famous brothers and sisters in the Bible, Book of Mormon. Share a story about brothers and sisters in your family.
Today we had snow and rain. It is cold and we are still trying to work on our retaining wall to the side of the house. Will post our progress pictures this week. Coby said he will wash his truck this week, too. Love ya!
Friday, April 17, 2009
YUMMY Recipe!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Week Two for Fun Family Activities
I'm one day behind but here's the activities for this week with your families. Love Ya!
April 14 - Plant flowers around the house
April 15 - Lie down outside and look up at the sky. Name the clouds.
April 16 - Pick up trash at a park.
April 17 - Write a newspaper. Include photos and articles about recent family activities. Make copies and send to relatives.
April 18 - Practice juggling scarves, balls, and other items.
April 19 - Ride bicycles together.
April 14 - Plant flowers around the house
April 15 - Lie down outside and look up at the sky. Name the clouds.
April 16 - Pick up trash at a park.
April 17 - Write a newspaper. Include photos and articles about recent family activities. Make copies and send to relatives.
April 18 - Practice juggling scarves, balls, and other items.
April 19 - Ride bicycles together.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
KNOCK Knock Joke
Here is one for the Ellis Blog. Have fun with your Knock Knock JOkes.
Knock Knock who's there bach bach who bach to work you slackers! Silly, I know, but have fun with them.
Knock Knock who's there bach bach who bach to work you slackers! Silly, I know, but have fun with them.
Monday, April 6, 2009
365 FUN FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Okay all of you young mothers out there and Grandma's and Grandpa's too! I was in Seagull Book the other day and came across this fun little calendar. It is fun family activities to do with your families for the whole year. After having all of our grandchildren spending a week with us, I was worn out with activities to do all the time. When I saw this, I told Ashley and Joanna if they had just ONE activity for the kids to look forward to each day, instead of one every hour, it might help. So I am going to post for anyone who would like to take advantage of this little post from me each week for an activity A DAY. Let us know how you are doing with it and how your children like it. Here goes-
April 6 - Enjoy tomatoes, eat fresh tomatoes and use tomato sauce in your family's dinner. Drink tomato juice with lunch.
April 7 - Share riddles and knock-knock jokes around the dinner table.
April 8 - |Draw a picture of your favorite bird. Add beads, fabric, or feathers to the picture.
April 9 - Look up the meaning of the name of each family member. Discover variations on your names in other languages. Hunt for famous people with your name.
April 10 - Make a pretend banjo with a box and strings. Sing "Oh Susanna,"
April 11 - Introduce your children to the concept of welding with a glue gun or Super Glue. Construct something from wood.
April 12- Volunteer as a family at a local homeless shelter, library, or your church.
Lots of love and kisses to all our family, extended family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. Grandma Tammy
April 6 - Enjoy tomatoes, eat fresh tomatoes and use tomato sauce in your family's dinner. Drink tomato juice with lunch.
April 7 - Share riddles and knock-knock jokes around the dinner table.
April 8 - |Draw a picture of your favorite bird. Add beads, fabric, or feathers to the picture.
April 9 - Look up the meaning of the name of each family member. Discover variations on your names in other languages. Hunt for famous people with your name.
April 10 - Make a pretend banjo with a box and strings. Sing "Oh Susanna,"
April 11 - Introduce your children to the concept of welding with a glue gun or Super Glue. Construct something from wood.
April 12- Volunteer as a family at a local homeless shelter, library, or your church.
Lots of love and kisses to all our family, extended family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. Grandma Tammy
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Ellis Family Reunion
Mom has had this all written out for a while now and keeps telling me she needed to post it and send it out. Finally she sent it to me so I could post it.
Here it is:
We have scheduled the weekend of the Fourth of July for the Ellis Reunion. It will start any time Thursday evening July 2nd to anytime Sunday July 5th. We have looked at a couple of sites up out of Fairfield Idaho. One of the sites has natrual hot springs adn there are lots of places to ride 4 wheelers adn things. The restrooms are fairly close but it will be real camping. We will be letting you know more later.
Mom and Dad are going up Wednesday July 1st. If anyone wants to come then they are welcome to. You will all be notified in some way later on more of the details but for now save the date and plan to come. Meal plans and activites to follow. If you have any ideas, preferences, suggestions feel free to let us know. Keep in mind this will be outside camping, no lodge or cabins.
Here it is:
We have scheduled the weekend of the Fourth of July for the Ellis Reunion. It will start any time Thursday evening July 2nd to anytime Sunday July 5th. We have looked at a couple of sites up out of Fairfield Idaho. One of the sites has natrual hot springs adn there are lots of places to ride 4 wheelers adn things. The restrooms are fairly close but it will be real camping. We will be letting you know more later.
Mom and Dad are going up Wednesday July 1st. If anyone wants to come then they are welcome to. You will all be notified in some way later on more of the details but for now save the date and plan to come. Meal plans and activites to follow. If you have any ideas, preferences, suggestions feel free to let us know. Keep in mind this will be outside camping, no lodge or cabins.
VACATION TO TONGA!
Leilani don't wanna miss any dirty in tonga!...lol
REALLY MISS THE BEACH...LEILANI IS CRYING...TOO EARLY TO SWIMMING HUH?...8:00 WE WENT AND CAMPING IN THERE THAT NIGHT AND WE WOKE UP EARLY WENT AND SWIM..
Really miss TONGA!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Pregnant or not?
Well, I'm pregnant for now, but it looks like it's not going to last. Go to my blog to see more info. . .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)