Tiffani made a yummy birthday dinner for Mark on Sunday. Grahm was excited to show us his new Mario backpack. He told me it will probably be the last backpack he will need. I said maybe in a few years you won't like Mario as much. He said that won't happen because I will always be a Mario fan. That made me smile!

Before dinner Grahm was showing us the puppet show stage he made. He's clever and creative. The curtain is my favorite. Grahm also put on a show for Grandpa.

When Chris and Mark were growing up, Tim would give them a back-to-school blessing-a special prayer for guidance, strength, protection, and peace throughout the coming school year.

After dinner we listened to Mark and Grandpa carry that tradition forward as they gave Colby, Grey, and Grahm back-to-school blessings. The boys all got wonderful blessings. I was emotional as I listened to the prayers and trust that our grandson's will be watched over and guided. 

After Grahm's blessing Tiffani became emotional and she asked for a blessing also. Moms absolutely need a little extra strength, peace, and reassurance as they send their children into another school year. Tiffani really is an excellent mother that gives her all. Mark's blessing was tender and sweet. Cash was in the shower so he got a blessing later.

We sure love our family.

Best Days and Worst Days...

“Jesus Christ brings joy. … You might have a bad day, a bad week, or a bad year. [Just remember,] joy is not the absence of sorrow in your life; [it is] the presence of [Jesus] Christ in your life.” (For the Strength of Youth, 62–63.)

“Jesus Christ knows all about best days and worst days: Suffering so great that an angel was sent to strengthen Him. The betrayal of a good friend. The cross on Calvary. But His story also has a garden, a stone rolled away and an empty tomb.”

Best Days and Worst Days | President Emily Belle Freeman

April 2026

Little Guest...

I thoroughly enjoyed having my Granddogs for a few days last week while Mark and his family were on vacation in St. George. I’m pretty sure I was the lucky one in this arrangement!

These two are the sweetest, best-behaved little guests. They’re always ready for a car ride, especially when a pup cup is involved. We’ve taken long walks, played lots of fetch, and spent time bird watching from the window. 

If I say "Where's the birdies," Grizz and Ruby jump up on the bench and start looking. Every once and awhile a bird would fly by. It's so cute!

I'm grateful we have a park across the street. I enjoy letting Grizzly and Ruby run free for a bit. They like it too!

Exploring!

The statue scared Grizzly and Ruby but after a few barks they were fine.

Grizz and Rue like to go for rides with Grandma and sometimes we get a pup cup!

They are so cute, I do love them.

Lots of naps after our long walks. It cracks me up when Grizzly sleeps laying on his back.

Grizzly!

Little Ruby is a very good listener. She also stayed with me while I lifted weights. Grizzly doesn't love going downstairs so he waited by the door until I was finished.

I was happy to have their family home, but I miss Grizzly and Ruby!

The light...

My dear brothers and sisters, each morning let the daily rising sun remind us that Jesus Christ is the light that leads us through this life, through any valley of sorrow, over beautiful mountains of joy, and across any ocean of uncertainty or temptation, safely back to our loving and merciful Father in Heaven.

Encounter at the Empty Tomb | President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

April 2026

Top Golf with friends...

Today I took Colby and two of his friends to Top Golf. One of the boys has had a rough few months and I wanted to do something nice for him. As I watched them, I found myself feeling especially grateful that Colby has such good friends. Parker and Timmy are kind, smart, polite, and know how to have fun together. They also thanked me several times. I don't think I'm the only grandparent that worries, but seeing my grandchildren surrounded by good people brings me peace. It was a good day.

Celestial Citizens...

The gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to change. “Repent” is its most frequent message, and repenting means giving up all of our practices—personal, family, ethnic, and national—that are contrary to the commandments of God. The purpose of the gospel is to transform common creatures into celestial citizens, and that requires change.

The traditions or culture or way of life of a people inevitably include some practices that must be changed by those who wish to qualify for God’s choicest blessings.

Dallin H. Oaks, “Repentance and Change”

October 2003 general conference

Favorite tradition...

It's no secret that one of my favorite traditions is taking my grandsons on a special birthday date. The rules are simple: they choose the activity, pick the restaurant, and select a gift or two! For a few hours, the day is entirely theirs.

Grahm is just fearless and he had a good time at The Rush.

Glow in the dark laser tag!

And even glow in the dark golf!

The bumper cars were fun, Grahm named his car Dragonfly.

Time for lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. 

Grahm really enjoyed the bread, rice, and orange chicken.

I really hope Grahm's wish comes true!

Luckiest Grandma in the world!

We did some shopping and went back home so Grandpa could spend some time with the birthday boy.

Beautiful boy that has blessed my life for 9 years!

Silly game!

Grahm picked out a good-look pair of shoes.

Always water balloons with Gramps!

Relaxing with a balloon and chips.

Another wish!

Popcorn and movie with a his new alligator stuffie nearby. 

Good morning birthday boy,  he slept with his stuffie.

I can't say it enough, this boy has given us so much joy. Spending one-on-one time with Grahm is something I'll never take for granted.

Happy 9th Birthday Grahm. We love you more than words can say.