May I Apologize for Llama's Bad Habits

Llama came to stay with us while Grandma and Grandpa went to visit Shaun, Becca, and Ella in Virginia. She has been having a blast playing with Sadie. Everynight they play for hours running through the house. She has been swimming, to the park to play ball and for a walk down by the river. She has had bones, and chew sticks, steak and chicken. She has also learned to sit on the couch and watch TV and well....

But don't worry Mom and Dad. Gato has already punished her for her bad behavior several times with a nice little hiss and kitty smack to the face.

E- Ella

Today I find myself sad that I don't live next to Ella. I feel like I am missing her grow up and I don't get to be as close with her as I want to be. I look at pictures of her often and I am shocked at how much she looks like me. I love to hear about what she is doing, and how her personality is developing. I hope I can see her soon and I wish that they lived closer so I could see her on a regular basis. I will get to see her at Christmas!!! Very, very excited!!

P- Patriarchal Blessing

On Easter Sunday this year Ashlee received her Patriarchal Blessing. It was a touching experience for her and for me, as she received it from the same Patriarch that gave me my blessing, Patriarch Esplin. What a wonderful spiritual giant he is, with such a sweet spirit inside. It was so great to be able to hear what Heavenly Father wanted Ashlee to know. At the end of the blessing as we were leaving he said to Ashlee, "You have a great spirit about you." I was so honored that day, as I am everyday, to be her mother.

O-Officer

On Saturday July 25th, a police officer in our town was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call. Sgt. David Kinterknect has been on the force with Montrose for many years. I didn't know him well. He was sworn into the Sherriffs Department the same day that Woody (my ex-husband) was in 1995. Then when I got in a car accident while passing through town in 2004 he was the officer who responded. He was thought of highly by so many people. It is a shame that he died while protecting others. On the Friday following his death a funeral was held for him at the high school so it could accomodate all the officers and family members from around the state could attend. Following his funeral his procession came down Main St. in Montrose where the streets were lined with people who came to honor him. I was very touch by the support of our community for this man, and for the law enforcement. I was also touched by all the law enforcement officers from around the state, clear from Denver and New Mexico, that came to honor one of their own. It is sad, however that a town has to have something like this happen to show appreciation for those who serve them. I then thought about all the people who serve and support me, and decided that I need to do a much better job at showing my gratitude at all times, instead of just special occasions.

M- Mesa State

Okay so this post might sound a little "braggy" and I don't mean for it to be. This is my journal too. So I wanted to post about my schooling so that next Sping, when I am down and tired, and thinking I can't make it through another semester I can read this.



I started school full time in January to get my nursing degree. It was probably not the best time, or the smartest thing to do (with Bill being gone), but this is the first time in my life that I have qualified for financial aid and so I had to take advantage of it. In addition, I teach early morning seminary and I am the primary chorister, which means that in addition to my school work, I also have to prepare a lesson every night, and my Primary music each Saturday. Keeping up with Ashlee also adds another ball to my juggling act and she keeps quite busy. With that all being said I am so proud of myself for getting through it. I have completed 23 credits in 7 months, with a 3.67 GPA (which I am not happy about. Can't do it all) I start my next semester on Aug. 17, seminary on Sept. 8th, and Bill leaves again on Sept 7th for 9 more months. Here comes round 2.

A- American Idol

I just wanted to start my ABC blog with a little brag. That my Idol pick one this year. Everyone loved Adam. (He was good okay, but......) I loved Kris from the beginning and I took a lot of crap from many people for sticking with him. Especially some of my friends around here. Let me just say that I was so excited that he won, and can't wait for his album. Two more seasons till Ashlee can audition. She can't wait.

C-Cinderella

In May Ashlee was in the Cinderella play at Magic Circle Playhouse in Montrose. She had an awesome time and was even asked by another director who is putting on "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" next year if she would be interested in playing the lead for that. Cinderella gave her a lot of experience and confidence to do more.

Ashlee and Momma on Opening Night

Ashlee and her Dad on Opening Night

Grandma and Grandpa Black