Preterm Labor

We received news today that our daughter Sarah has been ordered to bed for the next 6 to 8 weeks. She began having some labor pains and after a doctor's visit it was confirmed that she had had actual labor, not the painless and infrequent Braxton Hicks contractions. So the family is rallying around Sarah for the next few weeks. It is such special moment to see so many helping hands ready to serve. We just went through this with Chris' sister in Utah, except Veda had to be hospitalized because her water had broke. Veda came through with a healthy baby and we are hopeful that all will work out for Sarah and Armando. I know Sarah will feel like a fifth-wheel, lounging about, but just get over it and stay in bed. Nothing else could be as important. We love you and miss you and will pray for you daily.

While we had a little cloud come over us today with the news about Sarah, the more common types of clouds returned to Moscow at the end of the day. That means we experienced 6 days of uninterrupted sunshine. We haven't had that much sunshine in the last six months. We have really enjoyed it. It really does lift your spirit.

On Tuesday we particpated in a Seniors Couple Conference with our Mission President and 6 other senior couples. We rolled out a program to help fellowship returned missionaries and were oriented to the new family search website recently posted on the internet by the church. We had a marvelous lunch, provided by Sister Cranney. She is not only always willing, but she is such a good cook. Not many leftovers I am afraid.

Wednesday we practiced our Russian, using the Rosetta Stone software. That was fun and a nice change of pace. We all wonder when we will ever remember what we learned from one week to another. Nevertheless, we keep trying, no matter how slow the process seems!

We have been working like crazy on our files in the office. We are getting very near to the end. In the process of reorganizing current files and deleting and archiving old files I managed to delete two important files which I shouldn't have, which, with a little help from our computer support person, we were able to retrieve today, for which I am very thankful.

This afternoon we went shopping at the Metro store. It's our once a month or every three week splurge. It's not quite as fun when you are on a diet!!

This weekend is the Church's Semi-Annual General Conference. We will watch the proceedings on the internet. The rest of Russia, for the most part, will watch the tape recorded version next week for their conference weekend.

Chris talked to Sister Price this morning from SLC. She and Al seem to be doing very well. He is responding very well to his treatment. They have had a few visitors from Russia this week due to General Conference. I am sure they have enjoyed that special reunion. Wish we were there with you.

Well, it's getting late here, so I will close. Hope all is well with you, wherever you might be!