President Hinckley...

How I loved this beloved prophet. January 27 marked eight years since President Hinckley passed away. He was 97 years old. Even at the age of 97, he was a tireless leader who always put in a full day at the office and traveled extensively around the world. I loved his quick wit and humor. He had an eloquent style when speaking that made you want to sit up and listen. He was ever the optimist and encouraged members to do their best.

I will always be grateful for the opportunity I had to shake his hand. I thanked him for his example and many years of service. 

I still miss him.

“It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. … If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers” (Jordan Utah South regional conference, priesthood session, 1 Mar.1997)

"Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine." (October 1984 General Conference)

"Mediocrity will never do. You are capable of something better." (Remarks at the Inauguration of President Cecil O. Samuelson, Sept. 2003) 

“Love is the very essence of life. It is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Yet it is not found only at the end of the rainbow. Love is at the beginning also, and from it springs the beauty that arched across the sky on a stormy day. Love is the security for which children weep, the yearning of youth, the adhesive that binds marriage, and the lubricant that prevents devastating friction in the home; it is the peace of old age, the sunlight of hope shining through death. How rich are those who enjoy it in their associations with family, friends, and neighbors! Love, like faith, is a gift of God. It is also the most enduring and most powerful virtue.” (March 1984 Ensign, First Presidency Message)

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Sweet friends...

Wordless Wednesday ~ Feeling better!

Photo credit to Tiff

Words to live by ~ The hands of God...

In the eyes and hearts of many people in the world today, there is evidence of doubt, fear, and hopelessness. Much of the insecurity in the world has filtered into our homes and personal lives. No matter what our age or circumstance, we all have a need to know that we have power in the present and hope in the future.

Listen to the words of Mormon:

“Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power?” (Mormon 5:23)

Hands are one of the symbolically expressive parts of the body. In Hebrew, yad, the most common word for “hand,” is also used metaphorically to mean power, strength, might (see William Wilson, Old Testament Word Studies [1978], 205). Thus, hands signify power and strength. 

The extended hand of our living prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, strengthens, lifts, and inspires people all across the world.

To be in the hands of God would suggest that we are not only under His watchful care but also that we are guarded and protected by His wondrous power. 

Throughout the scriptures, reference is made to the hand of the Lord. His divine assistance is evidenced over and over again. His powerful hands created worlds, and yet they were gentle enough to bless the little children.

If we will keep the commandments of God and walk hand in hand with Him in His paths, we will go forward with faith and never feel alone. 

~ Elder W. Craig Zwick Ensign, October 2003

Is it Spring yet?

I have been feeling a little claustrophobic lately. I love to go for a walk outside and it's been months since I did  that. So Saturday I decided to bundle up and head outside. It was about 30 degrees but the sun was shining. It was just what I needed. I love the seasons and the pretty white snow. Yes I know we need the moisture, but I'm just about over winter.

Then today we woke up to more of the white stuff. Did the groundhog see his shadow? I guess we have to wait until February 2 to find out if we will have 6 more weeks of winter.

"Grandma, what does peace mean?"

Photo credits to Tiff

Yesterday I got to watch Grey so Mark, Tiff, Cash and Colby could go swimming. It was so wonderful to see that he's feeling better. He's still a little congested but thankfully is back to his normal happy self. Grey is a delightful boy. I love to hear him jabber. He knows several words now. When my phone rings it sounds like a guitar. Every time it rang yesterday he would move to the rhythm of the music. It was so cute! 

When everyone got back from swimming, I stayed to play a few games with Cash and Colby. After their showers we read a few books. That's really one of my favorite things to do. It was time for bed, so I said a prayer with them and kissed them goodnight. Cash was tired and ready for bed. I tucked Colby in his bed, and as always he said I'm going to be scared. I reminded him that I had just prayed to Heavenly and Jesus and asked them to protect him, and that he would have sweet dreams. I also told him that he lives in a safe home and that Mommy and Daddy are always nearby. I reminded him that he can always say a prayer when he feels scared. Colby then asked me to say another prayer. I said something like, please bless Colby to feel safe and loved, and please help him to have peace. After I finished he looked me and said, "Grandma, what does peace mean?'' I told him it's when you feel safe and calm. I reminded him that Heavenly Father and Jesus love him. He look at me with that signature Colby smile. It melted my heart. There was no more talk of feeling scared.

I love you Colby!

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Dad...

Wordless Wednesday ~ Sick baby... Devoted parents...

(Photo credits to Mark and Tiff)

More Words to live by ~ MLK Day...

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others. In dangerous valleys and hazardous pathways, he will lift some bruised and beaten brother to a higher and more noble life.
–Martin Luther King, Jr. Strength to Love
(New York: Harper and Row, 1963)

Words to live by ~ Ideas and Rules...

The ideas I stand for are not mine. I borrowed them from Socrates. I swiped them from Chesterfield. I stole them from Jesus. And I put them in a book. If you don't like their rules, whose would you use?

~ Dale Carnegie

What makes me happy...

When it comes to happiness, my nearest and dearest really matter. I'm am always trying to be aware when there is a need. I am most happy when I'm helping. That's what I want to be remembered for.

Mark and Tiffani have had more than their share of colds and all that comes with that. They have all been sick. Everyone was feeling better and then Grey got really sick. He may have RSV. He has had trouble breathing. I left work early on Friday so I could watch Cash and Colby while Mark and Tiff took Grey to the doctor. He had a treatment with a nebulizer. They also rented one to have at home. Last report Grey is doing better. Seeing him so sick was hard for me and I know it's especially difficult for Mark and Tiff. They love their boys so much. 

When Mark came to get Cash and Colby, I had a feeling it would help if they slept over with Grandma. I knew they needed to focus on taking care of Grey. 

We always have fun together. Cash and Colby are good boys. We all had a good nights sleep and I love waking up to their sweet smiles.

 Morning cartoons and waffles...

Colby slept with his friends Nuts. Colby snuggled up to me all night. I moved him over a few times but he always ended up right next to me, but I love it.

I was searching for a cartoon to watch and found Pound Puppies. 

Chris and Mark watched Pound Puppies when they were young. I saved a few of their Pounds Puppies, and Colby liked playing with them.

 

Colby and Cash like to make drinks.

This time they made some "tea" with cinnamon sticks, lemon, and a pinch of sugar.

Grandpa had a sip and gave it a thumbs up!

Cash is a kind, sensitive boy. Here a few things he said this past weekend. 

When I walked outside with them on Friday, they wanted to shovel some snow. Cash headed over to the neighbors home where Bree lives. He started to shovel snow off their sidewalk and then he said he wanted to help his friends.

When Cash and Colby were making their "tea," I gave them a fresh lemon to squeeze in it. Tim said, Grandma likes to drink Coke with lemon sometimes. I said, I'm trying not to drink it anymore because it's not good for you. Cash said, it's good for cleaning tires. Smart boy!

When Cash was getting ready to take a bath, he took his clothes off and put them in the hamper without being asked. He said, You can't leave your clothes laying around on the floor. He said Mommy told him that. 

We knelt down to say bedtime prayers and I said we need to pray for Grey. Then I said, I hope he's feeling better. Cash said, One time there was a baby named Spencer... I don't know what sickness he had, but we prayed for him lots of times and now he is all better.

I know I will have many more opportunities to serve my family and I welcome any chance I have to help out. I love them all with all my heart.

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Cashee boy...

Wordless Wednesday ~ Mark's dream team...

Words to live by ~ My favorite day...

Go BYU!

Grandpa got to go with Cash and Colby to their first BYU basketball game at the Marriott Center. Thanks Mark and Tiff for a fun Christmas gift. Grandpa loved it!

 BYU won!

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Chris and Mark ski lessons 1991

Wordless Wednesday ~ Dinner with Christopher...

Words to live by ~ Comparing, Competing and Being Content...

We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. We have to learn to be content with what we are. —Marjorie Pay Hinckley

(This is an excerpt from the book I Hope You Know How Much I Love You: And Other Advice for a Happier Life.)

Some of the greatest life lessons I know have come from the women in my life. And I am sure it is the same for many of you. The women who have been there for us, supported us, and buoyed us up know about life and its hardships and how we can make it through with graciousness and hope.

I remember hearing President Hinckley’s daughters talk about their mother at a women’s event I attended. When they showed Marjorie Pay Hinckley’s photo on the screen, we could all see a life of goodness reflected in her countenance. We could see the wisdom of years written in her face, along with a twinkle in her eye that revealed her delightful sense of humor. She spoke to women as only another woman could, and her words were backed by experience and endorsed with testimony. She said:

We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. We have to learn to be content with what we are. —Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Contentment is a difficult commodity to obtain in a world that is busily trying to convince us that we must have it all, we must have it all of the time, and we must look gorgeous, sophisticated, and brilliant while having it. You can jump on that treadmill if you want, but you’ll never be able to keep pace with the mythical image of the superwoman the advertising agencies have created. Instead, within the gospel, we are counseled to focus on finding contentment. The Apostle Paul shared what he had discovered in these words: “For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11).

Being content allows you to be yourself. It means you can stop comparing and competing with the other people around you. I’m convinced that contentment is a spiritual gift, while competition is a manmade distraction from what is really important.

~ John Bytheway (November 30, 2011)

Bowling with the family ~ New Year's Day 2016...

Cash and Colby played a few games while we were waiting for a lane. Cash was excited to win some tickets.

The girl in the background just won 1,000 tickets.  

Cash was so excited to go bowling this year. It's a fun tradition.

Sweet little Grey has been sick but thankfully he's feeling better.

Cutest scorekeeper!

 Next year Grey will be able to push the ball.

 Colby wants to do everything by himself!

 The family that bowls together stays together!

 Happy New Year!

 And the winner is Grandpa Slim!