Blessing just for Cash...

Sunday was a sacred and unforgettable day for our family. I want to share how grateful I am that we had the privilege of being with our grandson Cash as he received his patriarchal blessing. It was such a beautiful experience. The blessing was an inspired prayer, filled with words of love and guidance specifically for Cash.

I’m also grateful for the worthy patriarch who gave Cash a blessing. I’m also incredibly grateful for where my son Mark and his family have landed. They are surrounded by wonderful members of the Church who teach, love, and invest their time in Cash and the other young men in the ward—giving of themselves through campouts, activities, and so many little things that make a lasting difference.

As a grandma, there is nothing more comforting than knowing your grandchildren are surrounded by good people who love them and help them grow. My heart is just full. We love our firstborn grandson so much. T-minus 12 days until Cash turns 16, how did that happen?

First Homecoming...

Hear we go again with another milestone. Cash asked a girl to the HOCO dance that's coming up in September. How did we get here already?

Cash is almost 16, and another first- his very first homecoming dance! He made a cute poster to ask Gabby to go with him, and she answered with an equally cute poster of her own...YES!

I saw cute Gabby's picture in Cash's yearbook the other day.

I've said this before but watching him grow from the little boy who made me a grandma into the wonderful young man he is today has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I'm so proud of his kind heart, his character, and the person he is becoming.

And now he's asking girls to dances, making posters, and getting dressed up for homecoming. I'm not sure my grandma heart is quite ready for all this. But I'm genuinely excited to watch him step into this new season of life and all the wonderful things that are ahead of him. I can't wait to see pictures of Cash and Gabby all ready for homecoming!

Exploring Tokyo, Japan...

Christopher added another country to his list of adventures. He had some business meetings in Tokyo and added a few days to explore the city.

Chris enjoyed the beauty, culture, and of course the cuisine while visiting Tokyo. I'm always grateful he's protected while traveling.

It's getting late...

I wish to speak of the Savior’s parable in which a householder “went out early in the morning to hire labourers.” After employing the first group at 6:00 in the morning, he returned at 9:00 a.m., at 12:00 noon, and at 3:00 in the afternoon, hiring more workers as the urgency of the harvest increased. The scripture says he came back a final time, “about the eleventh hour” (approximately 5:00 p.m.), and hired a concluding number. Then just an hour later, all the workers gathered to receive their day’s wage. Surprisingly, all received the same wage in spite of the different hours of labor. Immediately, those hired first were angry, saying, “These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.” (Matthew 20:1–15) When reading this parable, perhaps you, as well as those workers, have felt there was an injustice being done here.

This parable—like all parables—is not really about laborers or wages any more than the others are about sheep and goats. This is a story about God’s goodness, His patience and forgiveness, and the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a story about generosity and compassion. It is a story about grace. It underscores the thought I heard many years ago that surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being merciful, especially to those who don’t expect it and often feel they don’t deserve it.

So if you have made covenants, keep them. If you haven’t made them, make them. If you have made them and broken them, repent and repair them. It is never too late so long as the Master of the vineyard says there is time. Please listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit telling you right now, this very moment, that you should accept the atoning gift of the Lord Jesus Christ and enjoy the fellowship of His labor. Don’t delay. It’s getting late.

The Laborers in the Vineyard | Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

April 2012

Birthday and Blessings...

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 Guests...

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!