Blessings

We've had 2 family get-togethers this past month: one was Grandpa's funeral in Mesa and burial in SLC; the other was Seth's birthday this last Sunday. Then, Whitney Houston died, and that has been sad, but maybe happy for her. Our trip to AZ was wonderful. The weather was perfect in Mesa and perfect in Las Vegas, too, where we stopped to see Deedee and Julie for a couple of hours. Grandma Jeanne's house was very nice, with an office for Grandpa in the front and a music room and fruit trees and a rose garden. We got together at David and his wife's and watched pictures of Grandpa and ate a light buffet. That house was crazy huge, with big stone pillars everyqhere and a softly lighted swimming pool. Jeanne's family and our side united in our admiration for Grandpa that night and the next day. Mark and Scott gave excellent talks at the funeral, and the bishop gave his remarks too. You could tell he admired Grandpa. I'm so glad that many of you were able to come to the burial in SLC, and I know all you kids wanted to be there. Afterwards, we went to Susan's for a meal before heading home. I'm so glad we got to see the cousins and everyone, but it sure was good to come back home~ I realized how much this feels like home here when I was gone. I love it here, and Kattie and Misty and sometimes Melinda have our own little lunch club, I think. And I love Mark and Lori being here, and the workers and all the people that live here. It means so much to me. Sunday we had a dinner here in the Activities Room for Seth's birthday. Seth brought his girlfriend Brooke, whom I like very much. We had a nice visit with all. Now I hear that Phillip is on his way back to the states! Isn't that great?!! Things are definitely good. Love you! xoxoxo

Grandpa Stephenson

You may know that Mark's dad has been very ill. He died at about 2:40 a.m. today. We are happy and envious in a way, and sad and glad and feeling different feelings all at once. Mostly we are happy for him and the fact that he lived his life well. We've always looked up to Grandpa Stephenson; he was that kind of person. He was a hard worker and he expected a lot of himself. He was a gentleman. He taught us high standards. He blessed so many people's lives. I wish I could have seen him one last time. At least I don't have too long to wait before I will see him, as Mark so helpfully pointed out. :/ And that makes me think of how I don't want to be away from any of you, either. We belong together, and that makes loving each other and helping each other and appreciating each other, and this life, so worth it. Let's totally drink each other in, while we have the chance! I love you! xoxoxo

Computer Fix

Hi! We just got a different computer for me because the old one had a bunch of the capacitors blow out on the motherboard (whatever that means). I hope that's the reason why I'd had trouble posting! Anyway, to catch you up, things have been normal and pretty quiet, except that I've had a bunch of visits from various grandkids, by themselves! That is so fun, and it helps me get closer to them. The big news is that Linda and Ben got their new baby girl! She is so cute and feminine-looking. They named her Bethany Annette, and she is doing well. She weighed 6 lbs. 11 ounces at birth. Woohoo! What a blessing! We went to see War Horse last weekend and we liked it. Mostly, it gives you a sense of WWI fighting in Europe, and that was what has remained with me. And that's basically everything! How are you? We love you! xoxoxo