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)

you all brought a smile to my face:) thanks

Very funny Donny.

The last couple of days have convinced me that May is my favorite month. Everything has greened up, the days have been intoxicatingly beautiful, and are stretching toward their full summer length. Waking to birds singing out of an open window brings a rare smile to my morning face. Snow capped peaks punctuate the blue sky.

But each season holds it's secrets. As I discover each of them anew, I'm persuaded that the present is, indeed, my favorite. I love the seasons!

so much for blogging

Dear Hearts: Yesterday was a real celebration for me and the fact that you came and were so consoling and sweet made all the difference. I love you and find my family truly are the treasure of my life. Anyway, now it's time to prepare a RS lesson and get some laundry folded. Life just doesn't skip a beat and I am thankful today for routine. It has been a treat to read your entries and catch up on what I've missed for the last week. Know that even though my heart is heavy I am constantly reflecting on the joy of family...we are so blessed! Liz is dancing at her school tonight if any of you need a little diversion. Do I sign off or what?

I think Grandma was happy with her service yesterday. And what a peaceful day, and in such a beautiful spot to be laid to rest! Your mom felt like she was with us at the service and at the funeral.

I felt very sorry for Anna Lee. I don't know how much registered with her, but I saw her very upset at times. Your grandpa was strong. I know it helped him to be surrounded by his family.

And, it was nice to have my sweet mother here with us. She told me she made the trip to be with you grandkids. As I sent her off with Ed and Valerie to go visiting and then to the airport, I watched her mouth working all the way out of the parking lot. And I knew it would be for the rest of the afternoon!

DSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

hi everyone I have always wondered what blogger was like and now I know its actually pretty cool and I enjoy reading what everyone has to say and whats up with them.I am very sad that Grandma died but I am much hapier that she is in a better place I hope that grandpa will be alright and he will be in my prayers.

Nice to see a posting from Ed. Good practice for your English major! And, Danny...I must say, "blog off" was pretty good.

Thank you to all of you for coming over yesterday. It's so important to be together during a time of grieving. You all made Mothers day very nice for your mom.

Look for your grandmother's obituary in today's paper. Overlook the one recognizable typo (Audree found two).

Come on guys, we need to get every one BLOGG'N!!!!! it seems like it is only Dad! I'll be listening and if things just stay the same, you'll all be sorry, I'll punish you all!!!!! ok i'm done, bye

Hey, this is Joe, I am doing my first blogg, Thank you danny for showing me how it's done. It was sad for me to see grandma leave. But I know that she is much happier now, and that brings me to peace. I really enjoyed the little outing that Mom, Dad, and the married kids went on, I really like daves kitchen. I learnd not to judge a book by it's cover, cause that place didn't have a very good cover. the food was really good there, I've learned to love asian food. I hope the movie was good, mine was ok, it was a good movie for the most part. ( is it just me, or is dad the only one that writes in this thing?!?!) So ya, those are my feelings for today. c-ya!

Grandma Bonnee is gone. If you haven't seen the picture Nathan took at the cemetary last week, you need to see it. I think it pretty much says it all.

The funeral will be at Noon on Wednesday, with a gathering for family and friends at 11AM. After the funeral, we'll go to the cemetary for the dedication of the grave, and then back to the church for a family meal.

Bonnee leaves a wondrful legacy. I'm happy that her suffering is over and that she is now at peace. I'm sorry for those she leaves behind. It was heart wrenching to see George grieving yesterday. I loved my mother in law dearly, and will miss her.

I've been chuckling on and off about the film since I got up this morning. I agree, I don't think it was as entertaining as "Show", but I want to see it again. I think movies like that get funnier with each viewing.

By now, you've all heard that Grandma Bonnee is in a coma. It's a sad, rainy day for your mother. We're probably going to cancel our attendance at Joe Checchios's birthday party tonight and go out to Farmington to be with family. Your grandfather is being his stoic self, suggesting that nobody come out, and that everybody should just go about their day.

The trip to Reno was long, but enjoyable. The weather there was much like it has been here. The mountains were shrouded in moody clouds. We even drove through some snow flurries. I was wondering how Bob Hook likes working as an electrician in cold weather.....

I'm excited now that several of you have joined and posted! This is going to be fun. Everyone should make a habit of checking it daily. A great way to keep up.

As for mothers day, Cristie has asked me to make the beer burritos. That's what I'll be doing Saturday. She's going to head out to Farmington early, before our church, so Sunday evening at our house should be typical. Come join us and have a bean.

Thanks for the family temple night idea, Melissa. We'll work on a date. Any suggestions any of you have would be great.