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...

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!

Ringing in the new year before midnight...

It's been so wonderful to have a few weeks off from school. It gives me a chance to spend a few more hours with those I love. New Years Eve day I had a date with Cash and Colby. I love their sweet faces. Grandpa says Cash is enchanting and he is. Colby has an angelic face, I love his dimple and energy. We had lunch together and went shopping for some New Years hats and noises makers.

Sweet Colby fell and got a big scratch.

We found these cute Captain America hats. You squeeze the flap and the arms wave!

Cash and Colby were glad Grandpa was home. We have a lot of fun toys but being in Grandpa's shop in always their favorite thing to do. They make lots of cool things. 

Mark wanted to make a traditional Danish pork roast with the yummy crackling on the top. He drove to Tooele to get the perfect cut of meat. It was delicious. We actually had a traditional pork meal with a Danish family when we went to get Mark from his mission. It was very similar. Thanks Mark! I made some other Danish dishes to go with the Flaeskesteg. We had caramel potatoes, cooked red cabbage and Ris ala Mande... rice pudding with an almond hidden in it. Cash got the almond and his prize was a kiss from Mommy!

Look at Grey's face, I think he must of thought we were crazy when he heard the noisemakers. We had fun playing games and ringing in the new year together. Mark started the count down about eight o'clock. Nobody really wanted to stay up until midnight!