Um... Yeah... So... Oh, nevermind.

Trevor walked into our bedroom just a moment ago and said, "What day is it?" I say, "The 27th. Why?" He says, "Did we just miss both of our siblings birthdays?" And then I stared blankly at him for a moment before smacking my hand to my face like a suctioned starfish and dragging it slowly down as I groaned, "Why am I such a horrible brother? What is wrong with me!?"

Sorry to both of you for just letting myself get sucked into my own world. Anyway...

Happy Birthday, for heaven's sake! And just remember to keep lowering your expectations each year, in regards to me, because I'll probably forget your name by then.

Loves despite lack of evidence,

Sam

Just when I had given up hope of a little warmth, Dad was asked to go to St. George for a short conference--and I do mean short. We will leave Friday about noon and come back Saturday night. But I am excited just to drive to southern Utah for a day!

I am reminded of the difficulty of keeping everyone in the family up-to-date whenever I have a conversation with one of you. So, here are a few "in case you haven't heard" notes:

Swen & Becca are working on plan to refinance their home. Becca threatened early labor a couple weeks ago, but everything is going fine now.

Michael & Angela have had sick kids for the last week, and Angela's Grandma has been in the hospital. Mike has been busy with some new responsibilities at work.

Paul has begun a workout regimen to prepare for this summer's Bear Lake triathalon. He also gave Alexis the best valentine when he gently led her to a bubble bath after a hard day, while he took care of the kids.

Sam and Kira are not dating. Sam is dating other girls, however. He is also applying for a couple of positions at BYU Idaho for next year.

Allison and Ted were worn out after watching five children for five days (Brad & Tonya's three plus theirs)! They all got sick, but are doing better now.

Trevor is doing physical therapy and his shoulder is improving quickly. He is looking for part-time work, and applying for an intern position at Ideal Beach next summer.

Devin is dating. He is also snowboarding and using more calories than he takes in.

Chris is hoping for a job at APX; he should find out tomorrow. He spoke in church last Sunday and I wish you could all have been there--he's all grown up. He and I really enjoy watching the Olympics together.

Now, we are sort of on the same page. If anyone wants to expand or add to, feel free.

Love,

Mom

P.S. We love our new table! The chairs and buffet/hutch will arrive tomorrow morning!

Indomitable Spirit

Dear Family,

For those of you who haven't received updated information, Grandma Boyer is home and doing well. She did suffer a TIA, or small stroke, on Friday, but the symptoms have gone. She required a few staples to close a gash on the top of her head. The CT scan revealed an embolism in her neck, which is a ballooning of an artery. When a small amount of blood clot breaks off and enters her blood stream, it can cause a TIA. There is really no way to treat it at her age, except for giving her blood thinners, which none of us feels would be good at this point.

I want you to know how much I love my mother and admire her indomitable spirit. Even in distressing circumstances, she maintains her humor and quick wit. I know each of you loves her, too. I believe this latest incident serves as an indicator that her time is growing short on this earth. I personally have prayed that she will soon be reunited with my dad, and that she will leave mortality without much suffering. However, all will occur in the Lord's way and time. On Friday, Russell shared that for the first time, he received confirmation that it is time for her to go home. I do not think her passing is imminent, but I am trying to be prepared.

After returning home from the airport, Dad and I visited Grandma. While I was talking to Chandrea, Dad checked out her head wound and kissed her forehead. "Oh, kiss it better," Grandma said. So Dad leaned over and kissed her head. "I love you, Bob," Grandma said.

I do appreciate your prayers. I feel great comfort as I reflect on my mother and the powerful force for good she has been in my life. I invite you to pray for grandma, that she will feel peace and be prepared for this next step in her journey.

Love you all,

Mom

331 days left

Yeah, only 331 days left in the year, not bad ah?

I though't I'd take this time to give a quick update so that our vegetable stays fresh and doesn't become rotten (haha).

I am really enjoying my ward and have been serving as an Elder's Quorum instructor. I enjoy teaching and the gospel principles manual is amazing. Oh how sweet the simple gospel principles are.

My roommates are awesome. We don't only get along but hang out and have fun together. I am fortunate to have moved in with people I didn't know and have since become great friends with. My roommate Neil Smith, who's great friends with Tom and Trevor as well, left for Haiti last week. He speaks Haitian Creole and was so happy to go and help. He will be gone for about a month doing construction and being a translator. I miss having him around because he always takes such joy and interest in my dating life, to a degree that always cracks me up.

School is going well. My biology teacher is somewhat of a hippie, but I suppose there's always something I can learn. I'm taking Web Design and Geology which are my favorite classes, and also taking Math 1050 in order to finish up my requirements to graduate with an Associates in Science at the end of this semester. Chris and I shall walk together, how 'bout that!

Wow, I didn't expect this to be as long, but owell, it's a bit of what's happening. Before I conclude I must mention that as of recently I am dating a girl named Deleise. She's the choir director in our ward and we get along really well. You can check my face book page if you want to see pictures.

I love you all and hope to hear updates from you!

--Devin Howard--