Computer Room

This is our new computer setup with table, printer rack and file cabinet. I like being able to look out the window and being able to easily clean the floor. We have ordered a sleeper queen couch that should arrive sometime in April. It has a memory foam mattress, so I am hoping that it will be comfortable for whoever sleeps on it. Mom bought 3-4 sets of plastic bins and organized the wall racks. After sweeping the floor everything looks organized and neat. Kudos, Janice!

Howie bothers Will and Mina too much. Tonight Will evidently caught him in the nose and the blood did flow. But I hear both dogs ferociously fighting (playing) and running in the halls and living room. Often Charlie lifts her back right leg when playing outside; I think that her joint is turned in so far that will cause her severe arthritis in the future.

baby blog

big update http://www.grudd.net/blog/

Bernie's passing

As Grandma Ruby's friend Bernie recently passed away, I wanted to give her address in case anyone would like to send her a card. She is taking his loss very hard, as they developed a very deep bond in such a short period of time.

Bernie was such a wonderful friend to Grandma/Mom and enjoyed being with her so much. Their eyes just sparkled when they were together; it was amazing. Gives all who knew them hope, that new love and companionship has no age limit. Bernie really gave of himself, volunteering his time and energies from close friends to working with the Ventura County Sheriff's department. Sort of ironic that when they were called to his apartment the morning he died, there on the counter was his Sheriff's identification badge on the kitchen counter.

It was a very difficulty day for Grandma, finding her him sitting in his office chair gone from her forever. It was too short a time for her and for all who knew him; we sure enjoyed getting to know him. And he brought out the best in those he was around.

After Bernie's family arrived later in the day, we went back to mom's apartment. She played for me a voice mail that Bernie had left for her earlier in the week. It was something like this:

"Hi, gorgeous! I'll be late at the doctors, so go ahead and eat something. I don't want you to be uncomfortable. I'll see you later, I love you."

He was truly comfortable expressing himself and brighten up the life of those around him. I once told him that I wanted to tell him something and hoped it wouldn't make him feel uncomfortable. I said I thought dad would have liked him. Without hesitation, he responded" and from what I hear, I know I would have liked him." To say the least, I loved his answer.

Grandma's address is:
1567 E. Jefferson St. Apt 311
Simi Valley, California 93065
Her Phone: 805-582-9432

Love to all,
Chris Aunt/ Sister

Finally some real snow

All last week I had been eagerly awaiting the big snow they promised and I was sorely disappointed. But today when it was supposed to just rain we have had over a foot of snow and it keeps coming. At this rate I doubt that we will make Emma's B-day party and Greyson will likely miss his superbowl party he was going to in Portland. We had a great time in the snow today. We dressed the girls up in their snowsuits and put them in the snugglies and walked down the road for a couple miles round trip. But with snow and babies it made for a nice workout. However they are getting to heavy to go in those front packs. I seem to have a permanent crick in my latoid muscle now. Ada also went and a deer sprinted in front of us and she persued. Usually at our house she will be gone for 20-30 minutes when this happens but in the snow she only spent about 3 minutes before she was back to us.

Samia has been quite the crab the last few days with the teething. She gets most upset when trying to drink her bottle or nurse. Poor baby. And now Piper started gnawing on Greyson's hand so she is probably next. They are both sitting nicely when proped with the boppy pillow. I know crawling will be here soon and I don't look forward to all the new areas that will give them access to.

We went to a memorial service Friday for a friend and fellow co-worker of Greyson's who died from cervical cancer this week. She has two little boys and it was very sad and just hard to believe.

It is nights like this that I have a bit of a T.V. craving. I will just have to go find something else to do. I need some good books to read. No drama, lovey dovey types, and no really icky horror, but anything else I am up for trying. Any suggestions? Or better yet, anyone have any books that you have read that I can borrow? The going favorite around here is "Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?"

Take care all,
Mel