Dear Ones: Life here is keeping me on my toes. Laurel is off to see the Judge and I am hoping that she behaves herself while she is away from home. I'll tell you what, that girl is a lot of fun but I sure do lose a lot of sleep trying to figure out what to do next. If any of you have a good idea as to how to keep her busy 6-8 hours a day...we would love the suggestions. I am meeting her at the theatre in little while. Our pets are all healthy today and poor little Lizzie really freaked out yesterday. Once again she realizes just how much she loves her little bird.

The girls and I went out to see grandpa last night. He liked the visit and of course seems lonely. The rain-birds were soaking the lawn and the place looked lovely. As we were driving away, he was in his puffy coat ambling through the trees to turn off the water...it was dusk. The grave looks flat and it won't be long before the lawn has knit itself back together. I am so thankful that my mother is out of her misery. Never have I seen anyone suffer in such a gallant way. Many unforgetable images come to my mind of her in her hospital bed, her walking down the hospital corridors, her stopping in front of the drink machine so so thirsty, her looking out of the hospital window on those gray dreary days, her needing a blessing, quiet, a few ice chips. I still can see her wretching and feeling very helpless. Missing my mother is rescued somewhat knowing that she will never suffer like that again. For a woman that yelped and cried when she stubbed her toe...she was amazing to me.

Anyway, please pray for Laurel. She really needs all of the love and support we can send her way. My affection and respect to you all.

mellissa you sure wrote late last night and I am the only one awake at this house. Its not the same not having the boys around we dont have people to eat all of the food but it is nice not having Eddie around. Danny I cant belevie you used to play the trumpet I never knew that. I am working on being an author when I grow up I have written a couple of stories and mom and Dad think that I am a good writer and I have another goal in life too but I dont know if it will ever happen. I want to play the violin for the mormon Tabernacle choir I think thier music is lovely but the reason why I dont think that will happen is because I cant even read notes very well! I hope everyone is up for a little story because this is a freaky story. Violet almost died yesterday and this is how it happend, I was chasing her around and stuff and that big huge fan in the family room was on! and she started watching it and then she thought it was the perfect time or something so she went head first for that fan and it nocked her out and she went fludering down but of course while this was happenig I was screaming VIOLET MY BABY while I was running down the hall and then I sat down with her and might I mention Eddie was there too and so he came down stairs and said how is she and I said she doesnt look too well and then he said she looks pretty blue and then I went running up the stairs yelling MOM she looks pretty blue! and then I put her in her cage and she went to sleep and right now she is sleeping in my bed having pleasant dreams and Eddie I would like to thank you for being so concerend and I learned an importan lesson Eddie cares I love you all (even Eddie)

It seems that we have some regular bloggers in the family! I'm glad that some of you are keeping up with it, I sure have enjoyed reading your entries from time to time.

Well, most of you boys left for the Green just this morning, and I'm already lonesome for my Sammy. I hope that the fishin' is good and the days are beautiful for you! I can just see all- the sound of the rushing water, the trees, the curve of the line going back and forth in the sun. The hoots and hollers of excitement and screams of frustration.

I've noticed that some of you have been using the "F" word in your entries--(Food storage). It's a subject that I wince at because the task seems so daunting, for some reason. But I appreciate the link Danny, and I really like the idea of starting out small and working up to a full year of storage. I think that will have to be the way we do it in our family.

Jerry, I really admire your efforts to be a better missionary. I am so afraid of stepping on someone's toes or damaging relationships that I often neglect opportunities to share my testimony. But the truth is, living the gospel and trying to be like our Savior is what has brought the greatest joy in my life. To NOT share what I have learned and know (especially when prompted by the spirit) is selfish, and reveals my lack of faith in others' ability to receive a witness of gospel truths. Since General Conference and Women's Conference, I have felt that I need to make a concerted effort to listen to, and make sure my actions are worthy of, the presence of the Holy Ghost. And most importantly - to have the courage and faith to follow those spiritual promptings. I appreciate your entry, because I have wandered back into my lazy ways, and was beginning to forget those things that had impressed me most in the last month.

Enough rambling, I should go to bed. Happy Blogging!

Since listening to Elder Eyring's talk last month, I've made an effort to be a better missionary when traveling.

My natural inclination on the road is to be anonymous, fielding the irritations common to frquent travelers with mild annoyance. Lately though, I have been using the words suggested by Elder Eyring in my prayers, "How may I be of service to thee today", and I know the Lord has guided me in thought and words. I know not what might become of my efforts, but that is really not the point. The point for me is, the Lord has heard my prayers and has blessed me with opportunities. Or maybe just a greater awareness of opportunities that are already around me. I'm thrilled and honored to be an instrument in his hands, imperfect as I am.

Well, here it is already Wednesday and I still have to get to Costco. I would love to go on the site about how much food storage to have for how long...it would be a real help to me. All here is quiet for the moment and I have all of the birds fed...except those in David's room.
Liz, let's get some private lessons set up for you for the summer. I think you show real promise with the violin...especially since you have the desire to learn.
Ed, protect your assets and wear a helmet.
I plan to go to Farmington sometime tomorrow and look in on my dad. He makes a trip out to the cemetary each day and I can hardly imagine how lonely is life must be.
My love to you all.

boy I forgot all about blogin I havent blogged in a long time. You guys all made wonderfull coments, Today at school we learned about this music thing and I really want to buy the software but I dont think I can afford 150 dollars so I decided not to. I hope I can really get good at the violin mom said that if I get good enough then I can have my very own violin I wish someone else in this family played the violin then we would have a little orchestra but we do have alot of guitars and that wierd insturment that sam plays I think the flute is a beutiful instrument dont you? I think that it would be good for me to get private violin lessons then I can have one on one time. Well I sure love you guys (but eddie)