Just the two of us...

 

Today I got to take my sweet grandson Grahm out on a special lunch date, just the two of us. With his baptism coming up on Saturday, it felt like the perfect moment to celebrate the wonderful boy he's becoming. He wanted sushi and knew exactly what he wanted to order. 

We sat across from each other and chatted about everything he's excited for. As we talked, I was reminded of his tender heart and how much he already understands about the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm so proud of Grahm and am grateful to be his Grandma. He's a bright spot in my life. I love him so very much.

Just Grahm...

Mark, Tiff, Cash, Colby, and Grey went to the 3 hour Avatar movie so we got to have Grahm for a sleepover. It's always the best of times with just Grahm!

Boys will be boys!

Mark and Grey played a quick game of pickleball before it was time to go home.

Within the Clasp of Your Arms...

 

Keep trying, keep reaching, keep talking, keep praying—but never give up. Above all, never pull away from each other.

...we all know fatherhood is not an easy assignment, but it ranks among the most imperative ever given, in time or eternity. We must not pull away from our children. We must keep trying, keep reaching, keep praying, keep listening. We must keep them “within the clasp of our arms.”

Within the Clasp of Your Arms | Jeffrey R. Holland
President of Brigham Young University
Priesthood Session | April 1983

How I will miss Elder Holland. His powerful sermons always resonated with me. I always sat up taller and gave my full attention when he spoke. Over the last three decades as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he lifted the weary, encouraged the faithful, and bore a powerful witness of the Savior—even through seasons of significant personal trials.

A funeral service for Elder Holland will take place this Wednesday and no doubt he will be honored for his unwavering devotion, his steadfast witness of the Savior, and his inspired ability to strengthen faith and deepen understanding.

Christmas gently reminds us...

...that joy is not found is perfect decorations or crowded rooms
but in simple moments, quiet faith, and the love that stays when everything else fades
When the world slows down, we realize how little we truly need

And how much we already have

I have been reminded many times this Christmas season how much I have. I am so grateful for my little family. I am so blessed.

We had a delicious breakfast Christmas morning made by Mark and Tiff. We enjoyed seeing what Santa brought Cash, Colby, Grey, and Grahm.

Grizz and Ruby always want to be close to Tiffani.

The boys had fun playing a new game.

I loved seeing all of Grahm's stuffies on his bed.

Where's Waldo?

Gentle reminder...

Full heart...

What a wonderful Christmas Eve - the kind that filled my heart to the brim. 

I always enjoy setting the table with care, bringing out the special dishes, and adding little touches to make everyone feel welcome and treasured. The house was filled happy energy, especially from Grahm. He was so excited to exchange gifts.

We shared delicious food. I went with a family favorite that I have been making for years, twice bakes and ham. I tried a new salad with oranges and pomegranates. It was pretty tasty. Christopher made a savory french onion soup also. We had berries and custard for dessert. 

I got Christmas Crackers again and we enjoy seeing what's inside, wearing the crowns, and reading the jokes.

Grahm took a bunch of fun pictures again.

The bread for the soup got a little toasty but there was plenty to make more!

After dinner we had short program. I asked Grahm to sing one of the songs from the Christmas Sing at his school. He is so cute, I have wondered if he might act in plays one day. He is confident and animated. Grey read a portion of talk given by Elder Uchtdorf. He read with confidence and feeling. I ask Colby to read my 2025 Christmas poem. He told me he thought it was really good! It was dedicated with love to my grandson's. Cash did a beautiful job reading the Christmas story, then we sang Silent Night. That always makes me feel the real meaning of Christmas.

We exchanged gifts that were well thought out and you could feel the love behind each one. Grahm enjoyed passing out the gifts!

For the doggies!

I haven't seen Grandpa this excited in a long time. Mark and Tiffani gave him a gun to take care of house flies. It's no secret he can't stand flies in the house!

I like this sequence. I got the same gift for Grey and Grahm so I asked them to open them at the same time.

I got Tiffani a Memory Pearl, and Tim found the perfect song to go along with the pictures I put on it. There were several in memory of her Dad.

Perfect gift for busy Grahm!

I'm always grateful Cash, Colby, Grey, and Grahm will let me take a few pictures of them. It's already been two years since I had a friend take some professional pictures. They have changed so much. 

For comparison the pictures from two years ago.

Much thanks to everyone for the gifts, I'm grateful we could be together. I love you all so much!