Hello from down under...

Hi guys...

I haven't really told anyone...well except mostly Aunt Debbie...and Aunt Donna a little...but I've been having a mystery illness since about May last year. Been feeling really unwell off and on. Have had lots of tests done, and my blood tests have come back with my liver enzymes all out of whack. I've been waiting on the list to see the gastroenterologist through the health care system, but finally decided to go privately and pay to see him. I saw him yesterday and he sent me away for more blood tests and is going to work it up for me to get a CT scan of my liver. And he wants to 'visualize' my small bowel (that sounds like fun), and lastly if he hasn't determined what's wrong, he'll do a liver biopsy.
I thought liver problems were only for those who were alcoholics, apparently not. At this point the best I can hope for is a fatty liver.
It'll be at least a few weeks before I even see the doc again, but I'll keep you guys posted as to what's going on. If you could all keep me in your prayers...I know that would be really helpful. I've had a couple blessings lately and they said not to be scared and the healing had begun, so I'm taking Heavenly Father at his word! (although I am still scared).

I love you all,
sandy

A sad day for America

Unfortunately, congress passed the health care bill last night. Hopefully something will happen to physically make it impossible for that communist monkey they call the President from signing it.

Imformation on Mike

I know I have been posting information on Mike. It is obvious by everyone's comments that you are interested so I will continue to pass this information along for those who wish to be an encouragement by sending cards or letters of encouragement.
Mike is now in the Minnesota Correctional Facility-St. Cloud. He is in a two man cell for 23 hours a day. He gets one hour of exercise and the remaining hour is divided by meals. He just got a new cell mate, he said it looks positive since he walked in carrying a Bible in his hands.
I will not go into the regrets he has expressed in this forum. If you care to know email me personally or right Mike. He has nothing to look forward to but your letters and cards. He misses his family, brother and sisters and all of you guys, so please put it in your heart to write him. I think you will get to know a different soul than entered jail months ago.
His mail must be addressed as follows:
Clifford Michael Hipps OID# 231718
Minnesota Correctional Facility-St. Cloud
2305 Minnesota Blvd. S.E.
St. Cloud, MN 56304-2424

You can look Mike up on the following link: http://info.doc.state.mn.us/PublicViewer/main.asp
Then put in his name or OID # 231718 That will also list what he can recieve by way of mail.

Please let mike know you are thinking about him or at least praying for him he would appreciate that so much. He would love pictures as well.

Shaun Cracks Me Up!!!

In our house, the morning routine is pretty regimented. We have a lot to do before we go so that everyone (including mum) gets to school on time.

Today Shaun was taking a bit too long to get his uniform for school on and he asked me for some help.

"Sure, come over here" I said.

Shaun arrived with his pile of clothes and an ungodly smell surrounding him.

"Did you fart mate?" I asked.

"Yea" he said, "Hands Up if you LOVE it!"

Then he fell on the floor and nearly wet himself laughing

And then he took a big WHIFF.....quite pleased with himself!

All morning I wondered "where does he get this stuff??" He's only 5.

Then FINALLY it dawned on me! Uncle Rick and Uncle Jim used to come out of the bathroom most proud of the smell they had created, and encouraged me to go have a smell for myself...(um..no thanks).

We might live 1/2 way around the world...but the Laverty genes have definitely followed us! There's no escaping genetics!

Hugs,
Sandy

April 4th 2008

What is significant about that date? Well it was the date of the first post on the Laverty Family Blog. We have had over 3,226 visits to the blog in that time, but wait I did not put the counter on until 2009 so it if a far greater number.
Speaking for me this has been a wonderful tool, if you will, to keep up with everyone. Sometimes funny sometimes sad but always informative.
I just want to say thank you to everyone that has participated. This is history ya'll. When I think of the time and creativeness of everyone it is amazing. I hope we can keep this going for generations. Wouldn't that be cool?
Well I better get on to some other things as I ponder the relevance of life as compared to the amoeba.

Happy Birthday Brian

Brian Hartman that is...the infamous hunter, purveyor of hides and road kill. AKA "the Sika Man".
Happy Birthday dude!

Up date on Mike

I thought some of you would like to read this. Michael has asked me to share with the family and ask for your prayers. In speaking with Pastor Randy he says Mike is showing a maturity and taking ownership of his problems. With what he has said to Pastor Randy and what he is saying in several letters to me he is doing Bible Study daily and has accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. I have challenged him on this. He realizes he has to do his punishment even though God has forgiven him. I sense that Mike is getting it and a new man may emerge form Prison. I pray.
Mike was transferred to the State Penitentiary. This is a big move from the county jail. He should be released in December then have several months of probation. Pray for Mike he is scared to death, and rightfully so. Pray for his safety and the new beginnings he has ahead of him.
Mike also mailed several pictures of his family to me and asked I keep them as he has no one to turn his personal belongings over to. He is not allowed these in the Pen. How alone that must be to have no friends and no family. I realize all of this was Mikes doing, but I would not wish this on anyone.


Jim,

God is good and full of grace! I had it lined up with Melissa and the jail to take the kids in to go see him on Friday. However, about an hour before I was going to take off to see Mike, I got a message from a lady at the jail and she said it would be very wrong of me to take the kids in because of the restraining order. If I were to take the kids into the jail I could get in trouble because I would be going against an indirect/direct contact order that was put into place. I was not able to take the kids in at all on Friday and as a result I was very upset and broken for Mike because this could have been the last chance he could see his kids for a very long time.

But glory to God I got a call from Melissa on Tuesday morning and she said she got a court order for Mike to see his kids!! I was able to take the kids in to see him yesterday afternoon. Mike was able to spend a half hour with them! I praise God that it worked out for Mike to see his kids…I know it meant so much to him. They had a good visit and the kids were very happy to see their dad.

Many Blessings,


Randy Hahne
Young Adult/Life Group Pastor
First Assembly
701.232.0003