As I think you all know by now, Shannon passed away this past Monday, late afternoon. She had been released from the hospital on Saturday and moved to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care. The facility is new and beautiful, and quiet, and very peaceful.  Dad and I spent some time with her on Sunday before Church and I am so grateful we took the opportunity to do that.  She was non-responsive, and her body was already slowly starting to shut down.  It is a bittersweet experience - knowing that her time on the earth was coming to an end, but thankful that she could be released from circumstances that left her unable to speak, to think clearly, and from the pain she was experiencing.  Through all of the challenges she faced in her life, I can say that in these last couple of very hard years, she could always smile.  I have often heard others comment that they don't understand why God would extend the lives of people with Alzheimers or Dementia - but I think it is not so much for them, but for the families and caregivers.  Dad and I would both say that watching over Shannon for the last few years taught us how important it is to overlook the flaws of the past (we all have), and learn to see others as the Savior does. 

This week, in Primary we are learning about the bitter and the sweet.  After Moses and the Israelites crossed through the Red Sea they wandered in the wilderness for three days without water. When they finally found a river, the water was bitter, but Moses prayed to the Lord, and He turned the bitter into sweet. I think of all of the times in our lives when we have experienced the bitter - sadness, disappointment, frustration - but in looking back we can see what we learned, how those times helped us become better and stronger, and most importantly, how they brought us closer to our Savior.  I loved this short video clip (3 minutes) from President Christofferson included in our lesson. Wherever you are in your life right now, please take this short time to watch it ❤

FAMILY NEWS 😃

  Our first graduate of the year!!! Congratulations to Kim on earning her bachelor's degree.  We are so happy for you 🎓🎉🌟

 Kate was able to drive to Chicago last week (I'm so jealous) and spent the weekend taking Blythe's Senior/Graduation photos, and shopping and "crafting" with Kim. 

WATCH OUT WORLD!!!

Our next family graduates, in just 5 short weeks, are;

Blythe (May 17th)                                    

Paul (May 21st)

Hollie (May 23rd)

I am so excited for their next adventures, and they are too!  

Samantha has decided to join Max and Amelia in Provo and is hoping to find a job in a dentist office. 

 She currently works at Kids Rock Dentistry and loves her job - she is so great with kids - so she is hoping to find something similar in Utah 

(I love it when she wears her Bluey scrubs 😀)

 Chris had to go to London this week for work meetings, and Blythe decided to join him for the last few days he is theres.  

 

            

I think Kim said there might be some kind of shopping involved . . . 😄

 Recently, Jonathan had a faculty trombone recital.  One of the last times I was there visiting, we went to one of his performances and it was wonderful.  I am sad I missed this one!

 Sayre just started another season of soccer and by the looks of it, this week's game was a cold one!

Kate said he absolutely loves the game and has built up a lot of muscle over the past year.  ⚽

 Lily has also done really well this season, and I think Adam has really enjoyed coaching her team. Adam said it is amazing how much more stamina, endurance, and strength she has - tiny, but not timid!

California news ~ 🚢🌴🌸

Jenny recently put Francie and Ray's home on the market and she said they received a cash offer for the asking price within days.  I am so happy she doesn't have to worry about that now. She, and I think Matt and Karnette have spent hours sorting, cleaning, and moving furniture.  Yesterday she had an estate sale and the new owners will be doing a final walk-through later this week.  I talked with her this afternoon and she said she found 2 shoeboxes full of letters her Mom and Dad had written to each other when Francie first went away to college.  What sweet remembrances to have!  She sent some photos she found - 

            

This is a photo that was taken when I was pregant with Kate and the Air Force sent us From Okinawa to Oakland for testing.  

This is a photo of Francie and Jenny said the baby was me, but I think it looks more like Mike 😁

Amy get home from BYU on Friday! YAY!!!

Jenny also said she is getting a passport - doesn't have a plan yet, maybe a cruise, BUT every girl needs a passport 😎

   YOU GO GIRL!!!

SUNDAY SELFIES ~

  THANKS! I love getting Sunday Selfies ❤

This past week has been a busy one for us.  I think Dad spent the majority of his days on the phone with mortuaries - both here and in Salt Lake, the tile guys, the sprinkler guys, and Pathway calls. I worked at Liberty three mornings, and visited with Helma's daughter Donna a couple of times.  Yesterday, we took the day off from phone calls and visits, and while I got a manicure, Dad got a pedicure. Pure Heaven!  Then we walked over to a nearby Greek sandwich shop and got a Jyro😋
We've had a really nice Sunday.  My teaching partner was gone today, so Dad helped me with my amazing Primary class and we always have a fun time teaching together.  This coming week looks like it might be a little slower so I am hoping to get some yard work done and finish putting the books in the bookshelves downstairs. 

I hope you all have a wonderful week, and please, please send me some photos of your cute faces!