First sit down and mourn...

Let's not be so quick to

tell someone the Savior's

atonement can heal

them that we forget to

first sit down and mourn

with them.

~ Hank Smith

The last few weeks...

Mark designed this sign for Tim, it's a fun nod to his love of flying RC airplanes. Tim hung the sign in his office and enjoys seeing it everyday.

Sometimes I look at Cash and it still takes my breath away how handsome he is. My friend Mindy, who gave Cash art lessons gave him a magic kit, and he enjoyed trying some of the tricks. 

Grey made a few more Blob Boss games

and I had fun playing it with him!

Mark captured these great shots of a morning at Highland Glen Park, our old stomping grounds.

Grahm found this cool plant at the park, 

he's also such a beautiful boy!

Chris enjoying a warm fire in Provo Canyon.

The boys are reading a book about a Phoenix and Colby drew this picture. It's very good! 

Grandpa helped Colby make a very cool sword. 

Mark taught Colby how to tie a tie and he wanted to show me. Good job Colbs.

Cash's butterflies have emerged. He was so happy they all survived but one.

We recently had an assembly at school with Brad Wilcox. He is a professor of ancient scripture at BYU and has been the second counselor in the Young Men general presidency since April 2020. He is the author of several books.

He's long been a friend of Lincoln Academy. He spoke about social media, too much screen time, bullying, and avoiding drugs and alcohol. He said after each segment, "It's just not worth it." He's a good speaker and it was an honor to have him come.

And just like that January is in the rear view mirror. January is not my favorite month but time spent with family made it much better.

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Blue eyes...

I'm sure I've posted this picture before

but it will always be one of my favorites.

I sure love our sweet blue eyed Grey Max.

Faith...

Having faith doesn't mean you should be perpetually happy.

It doesn't mean you never make mistakes or get depressed or anxious.

Faith isn't perfection.

So focus on your strengths.

If you've cried in the shower this last week, well, good for you for showering.

~ Hank Smith

1-22-22

It was Colby's day and I woke up about 3:30 in the morning with my eyes burning, classic pink eye. I tried everything... hot/cold compresses, ice, prayers, I was in bad shape. The tears came and I was heartbroken. Thankfully I got to take Colby shopping for new shirt, tie, and shoes. He knew long before his baptism how excited I was for him and very much I love him.

I know the most important thing is the baptism ordinance but I wanted to give the talk I prepared, and play piano. Grandpa filled in for me and did great. I was so thankful Christopher FaceTimed with me so I could watch Colby's baptism. More tears.

Colby was smiling and it was a wonderful service. I know Colby felt loved and I'm so proud of his decision to be baptized. He has waited patiently for this day.

I appreciate Grandpa and Chris taking pictures too. I will also share some screenshots I took. 

This sweet boy prayed for me two times. He said, "Please let it be a dream, we want her to come." Then he prayed that I would be healed. Thanks Grahmy

Grandpa gave Colby a special blessing. He told me it was very sweet experience to baptize his grandson. He prayed with Colby before the entered the font.

Colby is clean as whistle and on the path to lasting joy and happiness.

I hope everyone enjoyed the rolls I made... before I had pink eye!

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Finally...

This wonderful sweet, kind, helpful, smart, tenderhearted boy will finally be baptized on Saturday. For various reasons it had to be postponed a few times. Colby has patiently waited and I know it will be a special day for him.

Oh how we love Colby Mark Williams! 

Love quietly...

 

Photo credit to Christopher

My mom says she’s not a hugger, but when I put my arms around her on a gloomy day or after bad news she’s the last to let go. My dad says he doesn’t want gifts on his birthday, but I see the way his face lights up when I get him a card with a nice message, and a box full of chocolate anyway. He’s just a kid inside, still. It makes him giddy.

My brother never says I love you. but when I tell him “I just need to finish the dishes before I vacuum!” He wordlessly goes to vacuum the entire house before I can, and if he sees me struggle with a wrapper or a jar or a bottle he mutters ‘come here’ and opens it for me without even sparing me a glance.

The thing is, people, love you quietly, and you love them quietly, and the air is buzzing with tiny but grand gestures and once you look for them, you find them everywhere. I think that’s really beautiful.

– Sehyn

The entire universe...

We didn't have our regular Grandma Day with Cash, Colby, Grey, and Grahm last week because they were sick. They might be going to St. George for a few days so we wanted to see them before they go. I went to get the boys after work and on the way home Grahm was upset over some minor thing, like Colby touched his arm. Grahm said and I quote, "The entire universe is mean to me." It probably seems that way sometimes.

Later Grahm was helping mix up some waffles and I told him the batter looked perfect. He turned to me and said, "You are the perfect grandma." I gave him a big hug. 

He also reminded me that we shouldn't have any Red 40 dye so we threw away all the gum that has Red 40. I will find some gum without it! Grahm is so smart and we have lots of fun.

While we were eating dinner I noticed Colby was very quiet. I asked him if he was okay and he started to cry. He told me Tiffani had to go get her contacts in the morning and they would be alone for less than an hour. Even though they are perfectly safe and Cash would be in charge, Colby does not like the idea of being alone. I know he will outgrow this soon, I had those same fears as a child, and I was afraid of the dark. I promised him I would ask Tiff if I could come be with them until she got back, she liked that idea. I rang the doorbell and said, "It's Grandma." Colby opened the door and had the sweetest smile on his face. I hugged him and quietly said, "I told you I would come." I hope he will remember that I would do anything to calm his fears and I will always keep my promises.

Grey made himself some toast while I was there, they are becoming self-sufficient, and getting so big. They also have a job chart and help keep the house clean. I'm proud of them.  

I'm so grateful for our grandsons!

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Who wore it best?

October 1990

Christopher 

or

Cash and Colby?

October 2014

Colby and Cash

Christopher and Mark loved the "TMNT" - the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, "Hero's in a Halfshell!" They were a team of four turtle mutants who were trained by their sensei, Master Splinter, in the art of Ninjutsu. Chris really wanted to be Michelangelo. I made a lot of their Halloween costumes over the years but this one was way over my skill level. But knowing how much Chris wanted it, I bought the pattern and fabric and went for it. I was up half the night and was really struggling with the darn shell. Since I could not call anyone in the middle of the night to help me, I actually got down on my knees to ask for help. It worked and I pulled it off. Chris loved it, the kids at school thought it was cool - and more importantly the Mom's were very impressed!

I also made Mark's Mario costume, where does the time go?