Grandpa Bell's Funeral

So as most of you know--since you are family--I went to Eastern Washington this past week for my Grandpa Bell's funeral. It took place in the booming metropolis of Quincy. It was bittersweet. After having a stroke two years ago he has pretty much been "trapped" in his body not being able to speak or even feed himself. I'm sure he was happy to leave this earth and see my grandma and lots of other loved ones once again. I love the picture above of all the Bell children in order of age---don't worry Aunt Pat---I won't tell anyone which side of the picture is oldest and which side is youngest!















So when we heard that my uncles we putting my grandpa's cattle brand on his casket we were just a BIT concerned! I have to admit though....I thought it looked pretty freakin' cool!

















Let's be honest.....the best part about funerals is getting to party with your family afterwards and the grubbin luncheon the Relief Society puts on after the funeral is over. The Quincy R.S. sure made us some good ham and funeral potatoes. I love the picture of Quinn enjoying his brownie. How about the picture of Cannon below---did you ever see such a round face in your life? Quinn sat next to Cody and I during the funeral and he kept saying in his whisper (which is the same kind of a whisper that old ladies use in the temple----not so much a whisper really) anyway, he kept asking "why is grandpa in that box?" and "why are we talking about him if he's just in the box........is he dead?"
















Finally my FAVORITE picture and experience of the week!!!! We all gathered at my grandparents house for probably the last time ever after the funeral. My uncles got out the old John Deer tractor so we could take it for a ride! The best was when Cody made Carrie drive it......let me just tell you that she doesnt' even drive manual transmission cars so this was quite a big step for her. Needless to say Cody, Carrie and I were laughing so hard I almost wet my pants. I'll be framing this picture and displaying it with pride! You can take the girl off the farm but you can't take the farm out of the girl!

I'm BACK!!

So I've been out of commission for a few weeks and I'm finally back and able to update my blog---hallelujah!!!! So I hope you don't get to bored as I blog my way through the last couple of weeks. First on the agenda was our trip to Seattle at the end of February. We met up with Maile and the boys at my parents house for a few days. Needless to say we did a whole lot of nothing and it was GREAT! I loved every lazy minute of it. We did have a little birthday party for Quinn and I love the picture of Quinn blowing out the candles on his Thomas the train cake and Maile ever so kindly guarding the cake with her hand from Quinn's spit as he blew!! She always has been the "thoughtful" one in the family. I had to include a picture of Maile laughing when Quinn was opening his presents because before he could even finish one present he was looking over his shoulder to make sure there were more to open! I don't care what anyone says---he's not spoiled one bit!-----he's especially deprived from Grandma Oram.

So the reason for my lack of blogging is because I had to have my gallbladder taken out this past week. It all began about three months ago when I started having gallbladder attacks---or near death experiences as I like to call them......I swear I saw the light a couple of times. So my mom came down for a week to take care of me. If you're wondering what we did while she was here.....just look at the picture of her on the couch. I pretty much slept all week and my mom took care of me. The middle picture is when my mom decided to have a surprise birthday hot fudge sundae for Jed at 11:30pm. (his birthday isn't till the end of the month---let's be honest---it was just an excuse for her to make hot fudge!) I of course was laughing hysterically and Jed just sat there looking at both of us like we were crazy---what's new. The last picture is of the gorgeous flowers one of my clients sent me ----I thought they were so pretty so I had to share.

Last but not least is Ashlee (Jed's little sister) getting engaged in a VERY UNUSAL place.....the reflection pond at temple square! Her fiance Will is a great guy and we're excited for them to get married this June. The picture above is of all of us watching the big event. Ashlee has a twin sister Carlee and her boyfriend gets home from his mission on Wednesday so I'm betting we have two weddings this summer......although Carlee SWEARS she's not getting married for at least a year! Yeah right! I told her that if she does get married within the next year that she has to wear Ashlee's wedding dress---that should be a good motivator for her wait the year. Well, I think that's all. I hope you'll all enjoyed my long-winded update.