ThrowBack Thursday ~ Grandpa Ivan...

 Mark ~ Dad ~ Chris

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.

It never gets old...

I've been on this walk countless times, but somehow it never gets old. 

"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than they seek." ~ John Muir

Elijah and Christa...

Elijah (Terri's son, our nephew!) with his then fiancé Christa

Back in January Elijah posted this sweet message on Facebook. He found his forever. Elijah is intelligent, gentle, spiritual, and just a very kind soul. I think he has been a uniting force in his family and a special comfort to his mom.

Elijah Parker

January 25, 2026

One year ago, as Christa's friend in the recovery room, I signed a document stating that I would be responsible for her wellbeing for the first 24 hours after surgery. One year later, I asked her if I could extend that for time and all of eternity.

She said yes!

It was a joy to be present for the sealing of Elijah and Christa at the Mount Timpanogos Temple yesterday. The sealer was wonderful and we could not be happier for them. 

Waiting for Mr. and Mrs. Parker!

Christa ~ Elijah ~ Grandma Parker

Landon ~ Ash ~ Christa ~ Elijah ~ Terri (looking so beautiful) ~ Jay ~ Grandma Parker

We wish Elijah and Christa every happiness!

Night out on the town....

Mark and Tiffani were invited by a friend to the Best of State Awards Gala at the Salt Palace. Looking so beautiful and handsome! 

Grey and Grahm stayed with us while they were gone. We loved having them of course. We played outside and made pizza too. Grey and Grahm went with me to Harmon's to get a few things. A sloth stuffie caught Grahm's eye. He had so much fun with Reggie!

Grey makes the best pizzas!

Grandpa and Grey were learning how to tie fishing lures.

Grandpa got better fishing line and Grey and Grahm practiced casting again.

Grey was the croquet champ two times. He's a real good player!

When Mark and Tiffani came to get the boys we had to take a few picture of them all dressed up. They sure are a beautiful couple. It's no wonder we have such handsome grandsons. We embarrassed Tiffani a bit, sorry.

Formal and black tie was recommended and Tiff's dress was so gorgeous. Even though Mark didn't go formal with a tux he looked very handsome. However, I had a little fun with AI and dressed him up in a tuxedo! 

Since Mark and Tiffani met after high school and didn't go to prom together, I made them King and Queen of the prom which they no doubt would have been! 

Mark and Tiffani had a fun night on the town and we had a fun night at home!