It is with sadness and many fond memories that I report that my Grandma, Ellen Lee, passed away earlier this week after a nearly three year battle with Ovarian Cancer. Grandma was so valiant in her battle, refusing to give up, never complaining, and always considering the thoughts of others. My earliest memories of Grandma are of summers spent on her farm (with Grandpa) on Thorp road in Ellensburg. Every time we drive through Ellensburg I look for the farm house and big barn...it is still there even though the barn is blue instead of the original red. I recall picking lettuce and raspberries in her garden, attending swimming lessons in town, and most of all playing in her square dancing dresses in the attic with my cousin Lisa. As we grew older, grandma never seemed to change. Her house decor was always familiar, her scented lotion the same, and her kind and loving spirit always comforting. I struggle with the thought of not being in her home this coming holiday season...even when she was not well, she always enjoyed the holidays and invited us to her home. If I am counting correctly, she is a grandmother to six children, and a great-grandmother to fourteen great grand children. Her spirit will always be remembered, and my heart aches to think of her not being a phone call or visit away. May my father be comforted, my cousins as well, and may we always cherish our memories of Grandma Ellen. I feel confident that she has been reunited with the many loved ones we have lost and who await our eventual return to our heavenly home. I love you, Grandma!
Seth received his mission call on Thursday to the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo West mission! Immediately we realized that Seth's cousin, Nick, is also going to the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo area. He is in the Southern Mission. How interesting! Seth enters the MTC in Provo on November 4th for three weeks, and then transfers to the MTC in the Dominican Republic for another six weeks of training. We are so happy for Seth! When Wayne and I married, Seth was in 4th grade. Even then he was almost a foot taller than his peers, and that is still the case. We are confident that we will be an outstanding missionary. With one boy leaving October 21st and one November 4th, we will be busy over the next several weeks. Both of them will spend Christmas in the MTC...one in Provo and on in the Dominican Republic! Guess who will be busy sending care packages this Christmas? 
