Great privilege...

I can't think of a greater privilege than being called "Grandma."

Pockets of time...

 

Christopher and I could not have chosen a better morning for one of our favorite walks. He discovered this trail many years ago and it never gets old.

Today was the perfect Fall day-cool air, beautiful skies, and you could see the leaves changing on the mountains. Chris is going to New York, Boston, and Phoenix before heading back to the Philippines in a few weeks. So this is probably our last walk for awhile. I'm grateful for these little pockets of time together. There's just something about being outside, surrounded by God's beautiful creation that puts everything into perspective.

Wonderfully made...

Primary Program Sunday is one of my very favorite Sundays! 

Last Sunday the children shared a beautiful program centered around their study of the Old Testament. Watching these sweet children share their testimonies and what they have learned is always so special. Grahm shared his part confidently and sweetly.

I can't remember the song the children were singing but Grahm turn toward Tiffani, and sang just to her.

One of my favorite moments was the they sang Wonderfully Made. I had not heard this song before. The message was so simple and beautiful-that each of us is created with care, filled with His love, and truly wonderful and wonderfully made.

I'm so grateful for Primary and the the devoted people who teach and love these children. By the way Tiffani was recently called to serve as a counselor in the Primary presidency. She will be amazing in that role!

What a wonderful Sunday. 

Wonderful grandsons!

Wonderfully Made

He placed every star
And sand in the sea
And mixed all the colors
For butterfly wings
He pushed up the peaks
And sculpted the trees
I wonder what goodness
He used to make me

With hands to lift up
And feet to walk true
A voice to give glory
And sing gratitude
With ears to hear Him
And eyes to believe
I wonder what goodness
He used to make me

With all of creation
I’ll sing His praises
I am a child of God
With all of creation
I’ll sing His praises
I am a child of God

I am wonderfully made
Crafted with care
And filled with His love
Wonderfully made
Formed in His image
I’m always enough
God made me special
One of a kind
With a heart that is pure
And a curious mind
I am wonderful
And wonderfully made

I am wonderful
And wonderfully made

~Angie Killian

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Still missing my Dad...

My Dad has always been my biggest hero. His devoted service, his testimony of the gospel Jesus Christ, his deep love and devotion to family, the way he honored his parents have shaped who I am and continues to inspire me.

Here is what I know with absolute certainty. Families are forever. Because of the Savior and His Atonement, I will see my Dad again. I know the Savior has felt my pain and sorrow and knows perfectly how to comfort and lead me. I am so grateful for the incredible blessing I had to love and be loved by my Dad. What a gift! I know my Dad continues to serve and bless and be near. His light and love will live forever in my heart. 

I still miss him.

How do we measure up?

But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

~1 Samuel 16:7 

Marvin J. Ashton

When the Lord measures an individual, He does not take a tape measure around the person’s head to determine his mental capacity, nor his chest to determine his manliness, but He measures the heart as an indicator of the person’s capacity and potential to bless others.

Why the heart? Because the heart is a synonym for one’s entire makeup. We often use phrases about the heart to describe the total person. Thus, we describe people as being “big-hearted” or “goodhearted” or having a “heart of gold.” Or we speak of people with faint hearts, wise hearts, pure hearts, willing hearts, deceitful hearts, conniving hearts, courageous hearts, cold hearts, hearts of stone, or selfish hearts.

The measure of our hearts is the measure of our total performance. As used by the Lord, the “heart” of a person describes his effort to better self, or others, or the conditions he confronts.

A question I suggest to you is this: How do you measure up? Ultimately you and I will be judged not only for our actions, but also for the desires of our hearts. This truth was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith at a time when he was shown in vision the celestial kingdom. The revelation is recorded in section 137 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Joseph marveled when he saw his deceased brother Alvin in the celestial kingdom, for Alvin had died before the gospel was restored. Joseph then received this great truth:

All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; …

For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts. (D&C 137:7, 9.)

If our works and the desires of our hearts are the ultimate criteria of our character, how do we measure up? What kind of heart should we seek? For what kind of heart should we pray? How should we measure the worth of other people? 

(“The Measure of Our Hearts,” Ensign, Nov. 1988, 15)

My favorite gym buddy...

Wednesday was all about Colby. I can't believe he's almost 14. I enjoyed taking him on a birthday date. He's always down for some protein so we went to Tucanos. He said the sirloin was "melt in your mouth" delicious.

I'm not always sure what to get teenagers these days so I let Colby choose. He found a great looking pair of Nike mules. 

I love our time together at the gym. Colby is polite, helpful, fun, good-natured, and such a loyal friend. He's a great big brother and someone who just easy to be around. I'm proud of the young man he's becoming and and feel so lucky to be his grandma. I love him tons!

Colby had a friend birthday party Saturday and Mark sent a picture of a note his friend Timmy gave him. The wording is actually pretty thoughtful for a 14-year-old. I think their friendship has grown and become important to both of them. Colby talks about Timmy often and likes hanging out with him. Good friends are a blessing!

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Brothers...

 

Grahm and Cash - 2020

Great fuss...

 

"So many of us make a great fuss of matters of small consequence. We are so easily offended. Happy is the man who can brush aside the offending remarks of another and go on his way."

Slow to Anger | President Gordon B. Hinckley

October 2007

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Neighbor dog Reggie and Cashee boy...

 

The best of August ~ keep scrolling...

Cash doing his best to answer all of Grandpa's questions!

Birthday dinner for Grahm!

Grahm has talked about this dinosaur for months! 

Mom was a bit creeped out! 

Grahm likes his electric scooter from Mom and Dad. He's the cutest!

Grahm picked these great looking birthday shoes.

Per Grahm's request, Colby helped me make pumpkin pies for his birthday. I don't make pies very often anymore but we did our best! As Grahm would say, they weren't terrible.

Never too many hugs but a bit handsy!

I love getting texts from Colby and Cash.

The church building where our 9th graders usually go for Seminary is being remodeled. The Church rented rooms from Lincoln for about 6 months. I'm so impressed with this Seminary teacher. I go in and listen once and awhile. I wish I could sit in on all the classes!

I really enjoy hanging with Grey!

Grey chose some pretty sweet early birthday shoes!

Grey had fun trying the Kit Kat's Chris brought from Japan- cantaloupe and peach flavors!

We made an old favorite again the other day, lava lamps.

I love their sweet relationship.

First time picking up Grey and Grahm this school year.

Cutest yellow bird!

Grahm is the best storyteller!

Peyton, Gina, Stephanie, Ken, Curtis, Jeanette, Me, and Julia. I worked with them sprucing up the school all of June and July. They are some of the finest people I know and we enjoyed our appreciation lunch!

Got a few miles on my car!

Grandpa liked Colby's shirt.

Mark, Cash, Colby, and Grey has a blast at Flaming Gorge. They even did some cliff jumping.

Clover growing in our yard, still looking for a 4-leaf one!

So thankful Chris is home for a bit.

Adrian is always so helpful with any computer needs Tim has.

Elder and Sister Thayn have begun their mission in Spain. Adrian told us they are do well.

David visits the horses near his home often. 

It's always a fun adventure with Chris at Trader Joe's!

Our favorite walk.

Always grateful!