So my uncle died last night. He was 54 years old and has been in a nursing home for over 20 years. He had brain tumors and was never the same. My mom was in shock for a while but, I think, has come to grips of the situation. So far my mom has lost both parents, two brothers, one sister and an aunt that was like a sister to her. Granted, these people are in my family but not my immediate family. I don't know how I would handle losing my parents, sister, brother in law, or their kids. I hope I would handle it as well as my mom has handled her losses. She is a strong woman who has taken charge when needed but has allowed others to take the reigns during this most recent death. The situation with Danny, my uncle, is a difficult one. Since my G-ma died, my mom is/was now his legal guardian. That meant taking care of everything when it came to him. Now, it is like a burden has been lifted off her shoulders. Now, we all would have rathered a healing touch of God on Danny's body instead of his death.

I think I am finally getting my act together. I have been kind of just floating through life lately and I have noticed that this state of not caring has really effected me. I have become quite crabby and my temper flies even when I don't mean it to. Today, the Holy Spirit just really worked on me all day. I felt really, really bad about something. I checked the usual; asked my boss if I was in trouble, checked to make sure I was not over drawn in my checking account, etc. Everything was fine. So, over my lunch, I asked God why my spirit is being troubled. Then I realized. I have been running my mouth and living with a dark cloud over my head. I said things about people I should not have and have been treating people not as good as they deserve. So I decided today I would make a three-quarter-year resolution. No more talking dirt about people unless that person is around and it is just for fun. Also, I have decided I need to start volunteering time in the church. I have not been going to church as often because there is nothing holding me accountable. When I was on worship team, I had to be there every sunday and wednesday. I never missed church. Now that I am no longer on the team, I have not been going to church. Not because I think that I can only go if I am up front singing but because I had nothing making me go. My relationship with God had not been the best and it is easy to put off spending time with Him. Well, now I am volunteering in the sound booth and I am going to be there every sunday.

After lunch, my whole attitude changed. I am my old self again! I missed being this person!!

This is a post about my work friends. These are the people that I am trying to be a lite of Jesus for. Granted, I have not done a very good job as they tend to influence me just as much but I hope I make something of an impact. Hanging out with people who do not believe in God challenges me to have a stronger relationship with God. So that way, when they ask me why I am so happy or secure about death, I can tell them it is because of God.

This is Scott and Danny. They are in a relationship together but I love them so much. I have sat down and had a heart to heart with Danny about his relationship. We now have a mutual respect for each other. He asked me "Are you one of those religious people?" And I explained to him that I am not 'religious' but I do love God. I think it was a great talk!

This is my friend Colleen. I LOVE hanging out with this girl. She is so fun and very Gothic. Her and I took a trip to SF and people just stared at us. She thinks it is funny and likes to freak people out. We make fun of each other a lot and we know it is in good humor. She respects me and I respect her. She does not swear around me and I do not shove Jesus down her throat. I think that is the problem with a lot of Christians. Jesus does not belong in a person throat but should be accepted into people's hearts.

This is my mom's dog, Abby Mae. This animal has replaced me as the youngest child in the family. haha!!! She is actually quite a crazy dog and she keeps my parents young, so that is good. I had to get a picture of her with her Easter bows in.

So here is Brooklyn playing some serious PS2. She was helping her cousin Tyler play Happy Feet. This is actually a great game for kids as they get to help each other and it is easy for them to understand what they are doing.

Yep, there is my oddball brother in law Craig. We filled eggs for the kids and then to them to the park to hide them. Brrr.... The kids had fun though

This was my dad's Easter activity. Granted, he did help hide the eggs for the kids. However, while Jennie and I were becoming Guitar Hero masters, he napped. Guitar must not be his favorite instrument. :)

Mom and Cooper. I think Cooper is sticking an M&M in his mouth just as I am taking the pic, but that is ok, he is cute anyways. But honestly, the funniest thing this Easter was watching my mom do a higher level of DDR. I almost wet my pants!!! Too funny!!!

Jennie and Cooper on Easter. This is the only picture I am going to post right now because it takes too long to post pictures and I knew Jennie would want this picture. I will post more later.