The First Miracles for Harrison

My parents just had a call from Germany and Harrison has been sitting up on his own for the past 10 minutes or so; this is the first time in his entire life he has been able to sit up alone for more than a few seconds. It has been less than 48 hours since he had the stem cell treatment and they are certain this is directly attributable to the care he received.

Additionally, he is exhibiting greater muscle control in his arms, he is holding his head up much better, and his right hand seems to be improved and relaxed (previously his hands were typically in fists). Even Harrison's overall demeanor seems calmer, his parents reported.

We are waiting for the internet to deliver pics of Harrison sitting up. As soon as I get one I will update this post with one.

As a family we are feeling so blessed and grateful for these miracles. Please join with us and add a word of gratitude in your prayers tonight for Harrison's miracles.

Scripture of the Day: Daniel 2:44-45

Just Sit Right Back and You'll Hear a Tale...

A month or so ago I realized my kids had no idea what Gilligan's Island was--and I was shocked. How could they not know about Gilligan's Island, one of the shows I was practically raised on!?! Every day after school I watched Gilligan, the Skipper, "and the rest" perform their funny antics trying to get off that darn island. Such good memories! After this realization I added Gilligan's Island on my Netflix queue and waited.

Early last week disk 1 of season 1 came. I made the kids sit down to watch it and could not wait to see how much they would love it. I was not disappointed! They watched all eight episodes on the disk at least three times before I sent it back (when it is 115 degrees here you watch a lot of movies and stuff). Yesterday the second disk arrived and I have been walking around the house singing along with "the millionaire and his wife, the movie star, the professor and Mary Ann..."

Did you do it?

Mentally you added "...here on Gilligan's Island", didn't you?

I knew it!

Just a little side note: I was surprised to read on Wikipedia that Gilligan's Island only ran for three seasons originally. There were also three movies. But the real popularity came with syndication. Another interesting tidbit is the actual names of the characters: the Skipper's real name was Jonas Gumby; Mrs. Howell's real first name was not "Lovey" but Eunice; the professor's name was Roy Hinckley; and Mary Ann's last name was Summers. No last name for Gilligan was ever given in the show or movies.

Sorry for that little tangent--I always am interested in little details like those. But what I love most about Gilligan's Island now is how great it is for kids to watch. It is clean and funny. It teaches kids to be problem solvers and to keep trying despite great odds. And it teaches that despite coming from varied backgrounds people can cooperate and work together to succeed. All great lessons.

Thanks, Gilligan.

Scripture of the Day: Ezekiel 37: 15-17

Patch's Big Accomplishment

Last December I told Patch I would buy him an iPod if he would read the Book of Mormon before he turns 12 in October. So all year long, every few days, he would report to me (without me even asking) where he was or how many chapters he had read the previous night. Last night before he went to bed he had four chapters left, but about a half an hour later he came in to tell me he had finished! I am really proud of him and this accomplishment. In my mind it is totally worth the cost of the iPod to know he has been reading his scriptures regularly and has read the whole Book of Mormon. Tonight we will be heading off to Costco to make the purchase! Way to go Patch!

Scripture of the Day: Jeremiah 16:16

An Update on Harrison

My nephew Harrison and his family made it to Germany for the stem cell treatment, which starts tomorrow. You can read about their first few days there on Harrison's blog (click and scroll to beneath the law mowing pictures). We are so excited for this week to see what happens!

Member Missionary Moment #11

Kitty (left) and her friend

This post is part of a year long series where each week I strive to complete and item from a list of 101 Ways to do Member Missionary Work. Feel free to join me in the work!

I think this is a repeat (section 6, #7), but worth mentioning: This week was our ward breakfast for Pioneer Day. In addition to the breakfast the Primary was having a little parade for the kids to dress up and march around the parking lot. Kitty wanted to invite a friend to attend all these festivities. She invited a cute schoolmate of hers to spend the night Friday and then go with us to the activity. They both stayed up late playing and watching movies, but were up and ready to go for the Pioneer Day activity as well. It was a bit on the hot side, still we had a fun time.


Then after the Pioneer Day party we headed inside to take care of our assignment to clean the church. Kitty and her friend played more the cleaned, I think, but somehow (as far as missionary work goes) I don't think that mattered.

Scripture of the Day: Isaiah 55:8-9

Police Beat #48

Happy Friday!
Have a great weekend!

July 15: Money was reported stolen from a vendor working at the Stadium of Fire.

(Comment: Strange it took him more than a week to report it. My guess is that that those earnings have gone up in smoke. {I know, bad pun.})

July 11: An officer responded to a report of a child found at the Creamery on Ninth. At the same time, a man from Wymount Terrace reported his child missing. Father and child we reunited.

(Comment: Smart kid running away to the Creamery. That's exactly where I would run away to if I could.)

July 13: A young lady reported that an ex-fiance keeps harassing her through e-mails, texts, phone calls and Facebook messages.

(Comment: Definitely someone who will likely be un-friended.)

July 12: A couple took their dog into the JRCB. A custodian told them dogs are not allowed in the building.

(Comment: The blind couple complied by leaving their dog outside and then felt their way to the classroom.)

July 15: Juveniles were reported doing tricks and jumping over stairways on their bikes near the ESC. They were gone when police arrived.

(Comment: There are now skid and tred marks marks on the Foucault Pendulum.)

Scripture of the Day: Isaiah 53:3-5

A Night on the Town

Tonight we are going here.

By way of this.

To eat this.

At this location.


Scripture of the Day: Isaiah 29: 13-14