LIKE SON, LIKE MOTHER - - Looks like Cam prays too long, and looks like Rick prays too long!

Just you wait, Jonique and Cambria, we'll get even!

4 BIRTHDAYS IN 22 DAYS!

GRANDKIDS SLEEP-OVER - Good morning jacuzzi party in grandma's herbal shampoo! Roxie didn't dare go under the bubbles, but Zander and Devanie did. Since it was an impromptu party, there were no clean clothes, so we sewed some up - - and they learned how to make short pants to match t-shirts. Also, Zander sewed a flag, and made a pole out of a tree limb. There is never enough time to do everything that we want to do - - but we do have fun!

Devanie turned 8, Ryan turned 34, Maddaux turned 1 and Zander turned 6. April is certainly a busy month for their family! For Devanie's 8th birthday, we invited her to go to dinner with Grandma and Grandma, but first we set up a scavenger hunt of special baptism gifts. It was fun to follow Devanie as she figured out the clues. Devanie was dressed in a beautiful dress that she and Cam had shopped for her birthday, and she was a total lady at our dinner out! We went to Pei Wei because she chose Chinese - - and sat out on the patio. What a special day to be with our beautiful granddaughter!

When we got together for dinner on Sunday, Zander made his special cupcakes - - and on top of that, Great Grandma Gurney brought him a birthday cake! Lots of cake that day! Then Zander treated everyone who came to his famous Dr. Bigler painless-alignment treatment and announced that when he grows up he will be a doctor like Dr. Bigler.

He told his parents for quite some time that when he grows up he wants to be the Prophet, but recently when he watched the DVD Bible Story of Abraham (and Isaac) he came and told them that he doesn't want to be the prophet anymore - - then continued, "because I can't kill lambs"! He's a cool kid, and besides piano, he's a great soccer and broom hockey player on the trampoline!

DEVANIE'S BAPTISM on April 26th, 2008 was such a beautiful day! She had waited a month, since her birthday was the last day of March, and she was really ready! Now she has taken the first step (ordinance) that is required for this life.

Melanie Bluth's (Rod's daughter) wedding was that same day in Utah so Great Grandma Bluth, Lothaire's family and Gordon's families were in Utah - - but Nicole and her kids were there, and Great Grandma Gurney came with us. Also Devanie's Great Grandma and aunt came from Utah, and her Alvey aunts and uncles.

Devanie was so gracious and sweet! I noticed how she thanked everyone for the gifts that they brought to her, and really felt Heavenly Father's love for this sweet girl! She has such an obedient spirit, and she has always tried to choose the right.

I played the piano for the meeting, and Roxie came up and sat on the bench with me. Ever-so-often she would contribute a note or two, but somehow it wasn't too noticeable. She chose to purse her lips the entire meeting - - but sat right in front of the font when Ryan performed the ordinance. Jonique said the opening prayer and Colby Alvey gave a talk on the Holy Ghost (his testimony was my favorite part - - other than watching Devanie). Richard brought Bailey Brown and Weston Fulmer came with Jonique.

What a great support system for a little girl - - to know that she is surrounded by love. Amazing that she has 3 great grandmas, 2 grandmas and of course, 1 special mom and dad!

RYAN'S BIRTHDAY - GENERAL CONFERENCE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RYAN!
It's a joy to celebrate (even from a distance) your goodness and the special role you play as the oldest son in our family. Today as I was sitting in General Conference (it was truly amazing to be in the Conference Center at a time when a new Prophet is sustained) I was reflecting on all of the important events that have happened throughout the ages on this date. The birth of Christ (it wasn't in December), the resurrection of Christ, the organization of Christ's original church in the Latter Days, many General Conferences, Solemn Assemblies where new prophets have been sustained - - and yes, even Ryan's Birthday! Well, I'll have to admit, Ryan was born early because I took a lot of castor oil when my brother Curtis was in Utah with me and preparing to leave the next day on his mission. I wanted him to see his new little nephew before he left. So, sorry Ryan, for all the years that you wanted to party - - and instead you got to take notes for General Conference!

I just looked at the previous post that showed your home fire - - and at this time I will have to recognize that it could have been disastrous. It truly has turned out to be OK - - and I know it wasn't by chance. You understand the principle of full obedience in paying tithing and in being obedient. Heavenly Father always keeps His promises to those who obey. It was amazing watching you and Cambria make wise decisions as you worked out the details with your insurance - - and it was amazing to see the windows of heaven open up to you in miraculous ways!
I LOVE YOU!
MOM

RYAN AND CAMBRIA'S FIRE

Ryan called me yesterday as he was speeding towards their home. He could see the black smoke billowing up into the sky as he drove there. When Jonique and I got there Cam, Maddaux and Roxie were across the street with some family, neighbors and friends, while Ryan was on the phone with insurance people. We had no idea of the extent of the damage, until the firemen started washing off their own debris and we could get near to their home.

All of our material possessions can be gone in an instant, and if we put our happiness, all of our time or our self worth into them, we will live at risk of misery. Our greatest possessions are truly our families, our testimonies, our love for people, our knowledge and our goodness. Those are things we will not lose.

Ryan and Cambria's garage disaster must be looked at as a miracle! Cambria had filled her car with 45 gallons of gas the previous day, and even though the damage was so extensive that nothing was left on their vehicle but metal, it didn't blow up. Also, the fire and damage was contained to the garage and didn't get into the interior of the home. Interesting, how a police officer happened to come by the house the minute Cambria ran out the door to get a hose for water! In spite of the great financial losses, there has been protection for them! I'm proud of their ability to stay calm during this crisis. They are staying at Doug and Leslie's home for a week until they can get the inspector's permission to enter the house again. This will be a big delay in selling their home. Could there be a reason that they are to stay in this ward longer?

MAKING GOOD CHOICES
I recently made a wrong choice and my life has been greatly affected by it. I wasn't prepared for the situation that I found myself in. I have learned a lot from this experience - - and have chosen to walk through it with trust that Heavenly Father will protect and guide me as I am fully obedient (and have tried to always be). I learned for myself that what President Hinckley said is true: "While you are free to choose for yourself, you are not free to choose the consequences of your actions. When you make a choice, you will receive the consequences of that hoice. The consequences may not be immediate, but they will always follow, for good or
bad. Wrong choices delay your progression and lead to heartache and misery. Right choices lead to happiness and eternal life." There is always a price or a reward. He also promised us: " When you are obedient, the Lord will make much more out of your life than you can by yourself. He will increase your opportunities, expand your vision, and strengthen you. He will give you the help you need to meet your trials and challenges. You will find true joy as you come to know your Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, and feel their love for you." I have truly felt Heavenly Father's and Jesus' love for me. 2 Nephi 31:16–21

WANT TO BE
HAPPY?

"Stretching our souls in service helps us to rise above our cares, concerns, and challenges. As we focus our energies on lifting the burdens of others, something miraculous happens. Our own burdens diminish. We become happier. There is more substance to our lives."
(David S. Baxter, Ensign Nov. 2006, 14)

Yesterday Leo, an elderly african-american neighbor, came by to drop off some money for RICHARD. For the past 3 years Richard has helped him by putting up his Christmas lights, and then taking them down. Leo's wife has been through 5 surgeries on her eyes and is legally blind, so he cares for her, plus the cooking, cleaning and laundry. I wonder if Richard knows how much his service means to them? As Leo left our home he commented on the peppermint and spearming growing in the patio. I picked a bunch for him and told him how to make the tea (which is good for digestion and stomach issues). A little hummingbird came by to feed at the hujmingbird feeder that Riley and Ashley gave me for Christmas. Service again! Thanks guys! This brought happiness to both Leo and me!

WHAT WILL YOU DO FOR SOMEONE TODAY - - TO MAKE THEIR LIFE EASIER OR HAPPIER? The world is as good as we make it!

Gurneys are GIVERS, not users. Gurneys BUILD PEOPLE, not tear them down, Gurneys are POSITIVE, not negative - - and - -Gurneys aren't just hospital carts for the dead and dying (catch my joke)?