Colby...

I love Colby so much, he has a tender heart, is kind, and thoughtful. We got a note in the mail a few days ago that he wrote. He also made the envelope. Colby told me that he also drew a picture for his friend Hadley and mailed it to her. Thank you Colby!

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Colby and Grandpa...

Lots of love in this moment...

Birthday date with Grahm!

It was Grahm's turn for a birthday date with Grandma. We went to the Thanksgiving Point Farm. It was another hot day so we didn't stay too long but Grahm liked seeing all the animals. 

He hand fed the goats and thought it was cool to hear a cow moo! He did not want to ride the horses, we just walked by one named Penelope, and that was good enough... maybe next time.

That's about as close as he wanted to get to the cows! 

He really would have been just as happy to stay at Grandma's house. I usually let the birthday boy choose a gift at the store but with the coronavirus I decided I would get one for him. He loved the play dough firetruck and played with it for a long time. 

Grahm said, "You got me a surprise, that was nice of you." 

Sweet boy!

Grandchildren are truly a blessing from the Lord. There is nothing like being a grandparent. I can’t even describe the love I have for Grahm. He melts our hearts and fills our lives with so much joy. He has a fun loving personality and is so smart. He is truly the apple of my eye! It would be more than okay with Grandpa and me if we could see him everyday. I enjoyed my first birthday date with Grahm and look forward to many more. We love you so much Grahmy bear. Happy 3rd Birthday! 

Hush our fears...

But Alma went forth and stood among them, and exhorted them that they should not be frightened, but that they should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them.
Therefore they hushed their fears, …
Mosiah 23:27-28 

There was a time when the people of Alma were very frightened. The Lamanites were in the borders of the land. The people gathered in the city, and they were afraid. “But Alma went forth and stood among them, and exhorted them that they should not be frightened, but that they should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them. Therefore they hushed their fears.” But things did not get better, they got worse. The people were led into bondage for a time. They still trusted in the words of Alma and the Lord, and they were not afraid. Many times in my life my heart has been filled with fear. I try not to, but I am a worrier. Sometimes my fears are hushed by the faith of others, or by trying to hold on to my own faith, and by remembering to put my trust in God. 

"Truly, one of the great blessings of devoted discipleship is “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). The peace Christ gives allows us to view mortality through the precious perspective of eternity and supplies a spiritual settledness *(Colossians 1:23) that helps us maintain a consistent focus on our heavenly destination. Thus, we can be blessed to hush our fears because His doctrine provides purpose and direction in all aspects of our lives. His ordinances and covenants fortify and comfort in times both good and bad. And His priesthood authority gives assurance that the things that matter most can endure both in time and in eternity."

*(If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, ... Colossians 1:23)

Elder David A. Bednar (Therefore They Hushed Their Fears | May 2015)

And the bless yous...

Grey has had a mild cold this week along with Colby and Grahm. I asked Grey how he was feeling and he said that he didn't have the coronavirus. He said he had a cough, running nose, and the bless yous! I guess he was sneezing a little! I love you Grey-Grey. The boys haven't been sick for a long while. I pray everyday that they will never have a serious illness. Bless them all! 

Pioneer Day...

One hundred and seventy-three years ago the pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. It took them almost three months to cover the distance we cover in two hours by airplane. They had courage and faith in the midst of many hardships.

The dictionary defines a pioneer as 'one who goes before, showing others the way to follow.' We are all pioneers, and the world needs pioneers today... modern day pioneers that are aware of the needs of others and reaching out to rescue them and show them the way to Christ. We can honor their legacy by living the gospel. ~ President Thomas S. Monson

I had a small glimpse of what the pioneers went through as they crossed the plains of Wyoming. From Guernsey to Glendo I helped pull a handcart that was filled with supplies. I walked in the footsteps of the pioneers for almost 30 miles. I told Cash, Colby, and Grey about my experience. I could tell they thought it was pretty cool. 

You don’t have to push a handcart,
Leave your family dear,
Or walk a thousand miles or more
To be a pioneer!

You do need to have great courage,

Faith to conquer fear,
And work with might for a cause that’s right
To be a pioneer!

We did a few pioneer-like activities. I love our sweet pioneer grandchildren. I know they have courage and their faith is growing.

 Pioneer art...

I made a photo album for Grahm, well really for Grandpa and me! He liked looking at the pictures.

 Pioneer whirlygigs! 

Pioneer sun-catchers 

My pioneer piano player!

 Shhhh, don't tell the pioneers we have blackberries!

Pioneer ice cream in a bag.

 Time for some Pioneer Poppers!

Happy Pioneer Day!