ThrowBack Thursday ~ Kisses for brother...

Perfect day at the park with Colby, Grey, and Grahm. Lots of love and kisses!

The first taste of summer with Grey and Grahm...

How I love getting the first snow cone

of the season with my grandsons!

Grahm always wants me to take a picture of his tongue!

We may get a few more snow cones this summer!

God's plan...

There is a God, who is the loving Father of the spirits of all who have ever lived or will live.

Gender is eternal. Before we were born on this earth, we all lived as male or female spirits in the presence of God.

“I Will Follow God’s Plan” ~ That is the plan God established so that all of His spirit children could progress eternally. That plan is vital to each of us.

Truth and the Plan |  President Dallin H. Oaks

October 2018 

Always sharing...

Tim is a wonderful grandpa who never misses an opportunity teach our grandsons. From fishing, flying RC airplanes, and woodworking to playing catch or pool. He's always sharing his vast knowledge and creating memories. He may give very thorough explanations now and then, but that's because he genuinely wants them to learn and succeed. He lives for the times we can be with Cash, Colby, Grey, and Grahm and loves love deeply.

We saw lots of fish swimming in the pond. Grey caught one but it got stuck in the seaweed. Grahm caught a fish and it wiggled away. That's our fish story and we are sticking it to it!

We saw Ed Miller, he was our Bishop when we lived in Hidden Oaks. Ed is a humble and kind person. His son Tom and Mark are good friends and played soccer together. One of my favorite memories with Bishop Miller was at girl's camp. We went to Jackson Hole. Ed loves the outdoors and led us on the most incredible hike past a waterfall and when we made it to the top of the mountain, the view was breathtaking. It was actually a very spiritual experience. 

Grey and Grahm slept over and in the morning we played outside. Grandpa used his pocketknife for something. Grahm looked at Grandpa so hopefully, he asked him if was old enough to have a pocket knife. Grandpa said he thought he was and Grahm was so happy. He promised to be really careful and keep it in his cubby where it would be safe. 

Cash is driving, how is that possible? 

It was fun to see him drive up to pick up Grey and Grahm!

I'm so thankful for everyday moments with our grandsons-they are priceless. We are endlessly grateful for each one of them.

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Grandpa Ivan...

 Mark ~ Dad ~ Chris

Dad was a brick mason and rancher, both required great effort from sunup to sundown. He was caring, steady, dependable, and righteous. By that I mean he always tried to do the right thing.

I always thought my Dad was the strongest person I ever knew, that nothing could get him down. But there were times when he was disheartened and discouraged. That never lasted for very long and he never gave up.

He had a firm and unshakable testimony. He wanted to follow the Savior in all he did. He honored his parents and loved his family. It wasn't just his physical strength but also his spiritual strength that makes him the strongest person I ever knew.

Honoring Great-Grandpa Ivan together...

Having Dad's grave in Utah has been a blessing for me. If he were buried in Cheyenne, I would not have been able to visit his grave every year on his birthday. For many years now this has been a tradition and priority to make the drive to the Beaver Dam cemetery. I always want to remember and honor him. I had a feeling to invite Colby to come with me and he said he would love to. When I went to pick up Colby, I asked Grey if wanted to come also. It's a bit of a drive so I wasn't sure if he would want to, but he did! I enjoyed visiting with Colby and Grey for the hour and half to drive to Collinston. 

As soon as we got to the cemetery Colby and Grey helped me clean the headstone and trim the grass. We added fresh flowers and flags because Dad served in the Marines. I enjoyed having my grandson's with me so much. I shared with them how Dad honored his parents, work hard to provide for his family, and gave others the benefit of the doubt. I also told them that he was faithful and believed the Gospel is the way to lasting happiness. 

Happy 99th Birthday Dad, missing you for 33 years...

Colby and Grey figured out to use the timer 

on my phone so we could have a picture together.

It was such a beautiful day. It rained on the way 

to the cemetery and was around 70 degrees.

I always end my visit by listening to Carrie Underwood sing "How Great Thou Art." I played that song on the piano at Dad's funeral. It was a very sacred experience to listen to the song with Colby and Grey. We all had tears and felt the Spirit. I bore my testimony of how important family is and that I believe we can be together forever with those we love. I told them that I want them to stay on the path, that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer, that I pray for them, and love them beyond measure. This was a day that meant so much to me and that I will never forget.

We stopped by the Brigham City Temple. It was dedicated the year Colby was born. Grandpa and I went to the open house and we got a picture in the same spot that Grandpa and I did all those years ago!

Many years ago we had dinner with Chris and Mark at Maddox Ranch House. It's not far from the Brigham City Temple so I took Colby and Grey there for a late lunch. Maddox's has been in business for 77 years and they are famous for the fried chicken. But the rolls with raspberry butter are so yummy! We enjoyed the good food and being together. We had a special treat when an older man sitting behind us shared in great deal his colonoscopy experience! He advised the people at his table to not go to their appointment with donut breath. What?! When we got outside the restaurant we had a good laugh.

This was a simple, meaningful, and perfect day filled with love, memories, and always so much gratitude.