China Vacation!

We were lucky enough to travel to China to see the sites and visit Mike's parents, who are serving a mission in Hong Kong.  It was amazing.  We saw a bit of the history of Mainland China, a bit of the nature, and of course the city of Hong Kong.  In mainland, we traveled to Beijing, Xian, and Yangshuo which is near Guilin.  I would go back to the last one in a heart beat.  It was beautiful! Here are some of the photos of what we saw.

Back to school after a nice long break

I don't know if I'm ready to come back, but either way  its starting.

Christmas 2011

Mikey and I went to Idaho for christmas and had a great time. We mostly hung out with the family, sure at the drive-in, dude end ranch, and home, wrestled, went to the malad bball games, and watched christmas movies. We head our christmas party at the malad bowl, the bowling alley. I also got my hair done at hair by lisa. Its so hard to find anyone in vancouver as good as her or my friend lindsey stop I try to get my hair done whenever I'm home. It was a really fun trip. I loved being there with my family and if course tut, our naked cat.

Before coming home we went and saw christmas light in ireland rio get us in the christmas mood. It was fun. You just drive through the raceway to see the different  displays while listening to christmas music.

Sunny California

Bone Marrow Registry - Check It Out

So I'm back after a little hiatus from blogging.  Today we celebrated our nephew's birthday at Chucky Cheese (woowoo!).  We had a good time celebrating with this little guy.  He's such a trooper and has been through a lot this last year.  See here. Not too long ago I challenged my few readers to check out the bone marrow registry website to see how they can help people like Alex.  See the post here.
So for Alex, on his birthday I want to show you, step by step, what it is like when you get on that registry.

First, you sign up online.  In a few weeks you'll receive your own packet in the mail.



Next, open it up and read the instructions.  Basically what you'll do is open up a swab kit and swab the inside corners of your mouth.
 
  


Next, you'll put your swabs, which hold your unique DNA, into the card.  Don't forget the barcode labels. (PS - Check out Mikey's model face above. He makes those swabs look good.)



Finally seal the card with the biohazard sticker and insert it in the envelope.  If I remember right, I don't think you even have to worry about paying for postage.  Mail it off and wait for a confirmation.


I hope you take a moment to really consider doing this.  So much research and progression has occured in this process so that it isn't necessarily as invasive as it used to be.  If you have any reservations, know that getting on the registry doesn't mean you will become a donor.  It just means that they will have your DNA available to see if you are a potential donor.  Thanks so much for reading this and let me know if you have questions.

Walk Like An Egyptian

Happy Halloween!

  

Love, the Rhyasen's

Averie Meets Her Donor

In August Mike's brother James got married to Jenell and we were so excited because we got a new sister and four new nieces and nephews. One of Jenell's kids, Avarie, recently fought leukemia.  She underwent a bone marrow transplant just over a year ago. This last weekend Jenell and their family had the opportunity to meet Avarie's donor.  When someone is chosen as a donor it is very confidential.  The only information either party get is the person's age and sex. They have a choice to meet each other a year after the procedure. Luckily their donor allowed it.  It wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that Jenell and Avarie found out that her donor is named Kyle from Dallas, TX and that he is a cowboy. You can check out their story here.

 


Read more by clicking here.


Thank you Kyle for helping Avarie get through all that she overcame.