July 14, 2012 Nashville, Tennessee, USA Amanda de Lange, 51, born March 12, 1961 in South Africa, returned to her Heavenly Father at 10:48 a.m. CST, Saturday, July 14, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Amanda left this Earthly life with her favorite songs and hymns filling the air, and more than a dozen friends at her side - some who have known her from the beginning of Starfish in 2005; close friends in Nashville and loving parents of adopted Chinese children; and dear friends from her church family who have helped care for her the last few months in the United States. It was a beautiful, serene setting in which to bid our Amanda farewell. She was never alone; words of love and appreciation were showered upon her; messages from friends were shared with her; she was able to say farewell to her family by phone; friends prayed with and for her; gentle fingers caressed her head; and cool cloths, foot and hand rubs were plentiful - her signature, beautiful nails a soft pink. Amanda was enveloped in love as she left, and we have no doubt, wrapped in the arms of Heavenly Father with an even greater love as she arrived. So fitting for a woman who selflessly shared her passion and energy nurturing vulnerable orphans, restoring them to health, and preparing them for the loving arms of their new parents and forever families. As the Founder and Executive Director of Starfish Children's Service, operating the Starfish Foster Home in Xi'an, China, Amanda accomplished an incredible, loving feat in just seven short years. While she was in the hospital, Amanda reflected: "168 babies, nearly 250 surgeries, and 81 adoptions - that pretty much sums up my life!" There is so much humility in that one phrase - and even more impact. Eighty-one Starfishes with their forever families, and so many more ready for their turn, thanks to Amanda and the incredible Starfish team and volunteers. Amanda also reflected, "I was blessed beyond measure to be given the opportunity to found and direct Starfish. I love that I took the opportunity when it was presented. God was good to me. My work has been a testimony of God's love for the kids." Amanda also shared one of her favorite scriptures, Romans 8:28 from the New Testament: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." Amanda certainly loved God and showed it through her actions, and she felt called to serve China's special needs orphans. She embodied this verse in her work. We will update the blog as the plans are finalized for the memorial service and celebration of her life so that all who desire will be able to travel to Nashville, Tennessee and share in the joy of remembering Amanda. The date for this is August 4, 2012. (One hint I can give you: per Amanda, no one is to wear black, and there will be chocolate!) There are also plans being made for a post-memorial celebration in Salt Lake City, Utah. The tentative dates being set aside for this are Sept. 13 or 14, 2012.

2012-06 Flowers

This year our flowers have been more beautiful than usual. Perhaps it was the cool and wetter Spring. We've enjoyed the colors and fragrance.

Chris Hobson died

Sherlene Christensen Hobson 1935 - 2012 The light of our world dimmed on May 7, 2012 with the passing of our precious wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Sherlene Christensen Hobson died of complications from Melanoma. Chris was born July 18, 1935 to Raymond Earl Christensen and Harriet Susannah "Susie" Bullock in Marion, Utah. She spent her happy youth in American Fork. She married Richard Warren "Hob" Hobson, on March 4, 1955. They have been sweethearts and best friends for the past 57 years. They are the parents of three children. In 2004, they served in the New York, Rochester Mission and were currently serving as hosts in the Salt Lake Temple. Chris was a highly respected real estate agent and cherished the relationships she developed with her clients and colleagues during her 25 year career. Chris' grace, charm, sparkle, optimistic attitude, integrity, and winning smile were her trademarks. Her defining passions were her unwavering and complete love for her family, friends, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. She loved deeply and IS deeply loved in return. Words cannot express how much we will miss her. Chris is survived by her husband, Hob, and children, Paula (Bob) Bezzant, Blake (Diane Nelson) Hobson, Mona (Dan) Debenham, 13 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and brother, Earl Christensen (Gerry). Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the Wilford Stake Center 1765 E. Gregson Ave (3080 S.). A viewing will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary 3401 S. Highland Dr. from 6:30 to 8:00 PM and from 10:00 AM at the Wilford Stake Center prior to the funeral.

Diane Lawrence died

This is a cousin who died H. Diane Lawrence "Maudie" Helen Diane Lawrence passed away May 7, 2012. She was born March 28, 1953 to Don and Helen Heath Lawrence. Survived by her 3 children, Laurie, Shannon, Brian and their spouses; 5 grandchildren, Alexandria, Leonardo, Tyson, Mariah and Chloe; as well as 6 brothers and a sister. Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 12, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at the Taylorsville Cemetery, 4500 South Redwood Road. Arrangements under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home.

2012-04 Hip Surgery

April 2012 was the month of the hip. Paula had replacement surgery on April 2 and spent the month trying to recuperate. The first few weeks were miserable and evidence that there is a conspiracy among those who've had the surgery to dupe candidates into thinking that this is easy. The next few weeks have been trying to manage pain and expectations. Paula can walk without a walker or crutches, drive, get around to support grandchildren, but she's a long way from being able to leap a short building with a running jump. In fact, jumping at all seems out of the question.

2012-03-26 Eat More Chocolate, Weigh Less?

This is news I like.

People Who Frequently Eat Chocolate May Weigh Less
By Brenda Goodman, MA
WebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

March 26, 2012 -- People who are trying to lose weight may not need to bar chocolate from their diets.

A new government-funded study of nearly 1,000 healthy adults shows that people who frequently eat chocolate actually weigh less than those who say they eat it less frequently.

Study researchers say that people who reported eating chocolate five times a week had a body mass index (BMI) about one point less, on average, than people who said they ate chocolate less frequently. For a woman who is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds, one BMI point equals about five pounds.

That’s despite the fact that frequent chocolate eaters also reported eating more total calories and more saturated fat than people who ate chocolate less often.

Researchers say that may mean that the calories in chocolate are being offset by other ingredients that boost metabolism.

“With modest amounts of chocolate, they may have the effect of being free calories or even better than free -- at least, the associations look that way,” says Beatrice A. Golomb, MD, PhD, an associate professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego.

The study is published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

2012-03-20 Anders Pierce Heath

Anders will have his hands full with three older sisters. They like to touch his face and try to stick his binky in his mouth. Justin, Brian and I had only two older sisters, and it was a big struggle for us against the tyranny of sisters. Big brothers may also be a problem - ask Abby.