Mormon Times briefing

Stansel sextuplets: 4 are still fighting

HOUSTON — Thomas and Amanda Stansel, the LDS couple in Texas expecting sextuplets, had the babies — four girls and two boys — unexpectedly on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Women's Hospital of Texas in Houston where Amanda had been on bed rest for just over a month. Two of the six died within days.

The babies weighed from 12 ounces to a pound and were 23 weeks along. The babies were named Kaitlyn Amanda, Ashlyn Louise, Rachel Diane, Haley Karin, Dallin Cory and Braden Thomas. Three girls — Ashlyn, Rachel and Haley — and one boy — Braden — remain in incubators in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Doctors are pleased the four have made it over a week, stating that their chance of survival has gone up drastically, according to Dan Stansel, Thomas' brother. The babies are recovering from heart surgery and are all too small to be photographed. The Stansels hope to bring them home by Christmas.

"Although we have a long road ahead of us, we will move forward in faith that God will continue to protect these little ones," Amanda recently posted on Humble couple's blog, stanseljourney.com. Via phone, Thomas' brother Dan confirmed Amanda is doing much better after an initial scare from an elevated white blood cell count. She was released from the hospital this past weekend. She and Thomas are constantly updated on the status of the babies.

For now, Dan reported that the family is going to lie low and "just take it day by day."

Volleyball clinics, golf tourney

Volleyball clinics and a golf tournament are on the August calendar for the Utah Salt Lake Area Sports Committee of the LDS Church.

A volleyball officials clinic will be Tuesday, Aug. 18, and Thursday, Aug. 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Olympus Stake Center, 4500 S. 2700 East. Officials, coaches and players are welcome. Tuesday's session will be on rules, referee hand signals and scorekeeping; hands-on training and demonstrations will occur Thursday.

A clinic for volleyball players and coaches will be 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 22, on the University of Utah volleyball court, in room HPER-101 on campus. U. coach Beth Launiere and members of the 2008 Mountain West Conference champion Ute volleyball team will participate.

For information on any of the volleyball events, contact Brian Tingey, btingey@juno.com, or 801-703-1334.

A Mormon area golf tournament will be Saturday, Aug. 29, for the first 54 foursomes to register. Contact Ray Goodson, raygoodson@3-form.com, 801-455-2644.