Pure Imagination...

The past few weeks have only added to all the wonderful experiences I have had with my grandson's. It was just Grahm last Friday for Grandma Day. He showed me a book he got from the library. It was about different cultures and had a craft that you could make that related to them. There was page with instruction on how to make a drum and he really wanted to make one. I picked up a few supplies and we had so much fun making drums. Grey was at a birthday party so I made one for him in his favorite color.

Grahm has such a big, wonderful personality and he's pure joy!

I hadn't seen the newest Wonka movie. Grahm slept over and he wanted to watch it. I'm glad he did because I really enjoyed it.

After the movie Grahm started playing his drum and singing "Pure Imagination" from the movie. He sang on tune and with such feeling. I'm so thankful I have a video of this very sweet moment. It touched my heart. 

Come with me and you'll be

In a world of pure imagination

Take a look and you'll see

Therе is no life I know

To compare with pure imagination

Living thеre, you'll be free

If you truly wish to be

After breakfast Grandpa and Grahm played catch. Then Grahm helped us trim the bushes and used the leaf blower to clean up. He's a very good helper. 

See want I mean about his big, wonderful personality!

Pure imagination. Pure joy.

Mark sent this picture of Elvis, I mean Grahm. 

Thank you very much! 

Christmas in the Philippines...

Christmas comes early in the Philippines. Filipinos start decorating for Christmas as early as September 1st, when the "ber" months begin, marking the start of the longest Christmas season in the world. The festive season continues through the "ber" months (September, October, November, December) and often extends until mid-January, with decorations like parols (star-shaped lanterns) sometimes remaining up for weeks after the main holiday.

And those sunset views from Christopher's apartment...

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Grizz and Mark...

 

I know how to say thank you...

I Know How To Say Thank You

I don't know about the future
I don't understand some things about the past
I don't why some things happen
I don't why some things end and others last
I don't know of the rhymes and reasons
I don't understand the words some people pray
But when I see the hand of mercy, Lord
Protect me the dangers in my way

I know how to say thank you
I know a blessing when I see one
I'm a recipient of grace
Through the hours and the days
I know how to say thank you

There were times today when angels
Stood around me and I couldn't even see
There were times when I was hurting
And then You stepped in and took the pain for me
There were moments when You stopped me, Lord
So, I could smell the roses by the road
And though I'm not the wisest person
There are some things that beyond a doubt I know

I know how to say thank you
I know a blessing when I see one
I'm a recipient of grace
Through the hours and the days
I know how to say thank you
I know a blessing when I see one
I'm a recipient of grace

Through the hours and the days
I just want to say thank you
Thank you
Oh Lord, I thank you
Thank you, Lord
Lord, I thank you
I know how to say thank you

~ Suzanne Gaither Jennings / Barry Jennings

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Blessed Mom...

11/11

This handsome blue-eyed boy got his braces off on 11/11 at 11:00, at least that's when Grey's appointment was!

I took the day off and I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than to have lunch with Grey and Grahm. We decided to go to the Cheesecake Factory. 

Grahm said that this was fine dining!

Grahm tied the napkin around his neck. He's a delightful boy.

Grey really enjoy his flatbread pizza.

 

Grahm ordered some yummy orange chicken. 

We shared a piece of Oreo cheesecake. I also got free chocolate parfait since it was my birthday. Grahm thought it was delicious. When the waitress brought the cheesecake she asked me if I wanted the servers to sing Happy Birthday. I said that would not be necessary. After she lit the candles and started to walk away Grahm began singing Happy Birthday, and Grey soon joined in. It was a sweet moment that I'll never forget. 

We stopped at Trader Joe's after lunch. It was fun to walk around the store with Grey and Grahm.

I got Grahm a stuffed stuffed snake a while ago. It went missing and I think one of doggies chewed a hole in it. He never asked for another one but he mentioned often that he wished he still had the snake. I thought I would surprise him and get another one. I stopped by Teton Toys before I went to pick up boys and got a replacement. I put the snake in the trunk. We bought a few things at Trader Joe's and I asked Grahm to help me put the sack in the trunk. He looked inside and saw the snake. He was so surprised and happy. He gave me a big hug and said, "thank you, thank you Grandma." He named the snake Ace. I always feel so thankful for moments like this.

I had a surprise for Grey too and we got flowers for Tiff.

After I dropped off Grey and Grahm I went for a walk around Mark and Tiff's neighborhood. It was a beautiful day and I am so grateful for another trip around the sun.

I am a witness...

I Am a Witness

I didn’t walk beside Him on the road to Galilee.
I didn’t hear Him teach along the way.
I didn’t see Him suffering that day on Calvary
But I’m part of His story today.

I am a witness of Jesus, my Savior
Just like the people who walked with Him so long ago.
I know He lives and He loves me forever
For I can feel it right here in my heart and my soul
I am a witness.

I kneel in prayer and feel he’s there
I read the words he spoke.
I see His love in all the things He made
So come with me and you will see
The truth I’ve come to know
That the Lord is still with us today.

I am a witness of Jesus, my Savior
Just like the people who walked with Him so long ago.
I know He lives and He loves me forever
For I can feel it right here in my heart and my soul
I am a witness.
I am a witness.

~Shawna Edwards

The Primary program was yesterday in our ward. This was the closing song. I had tears as I listened to the children sing this beautiful song. The song is about being a witness to Jesus even though we did not personally witness His life. It expresses that through prayer, reading the Bible, and seeing God's love in creation, we can know Jesus Christ lives and and loves us, and we can feel this in our heart and soul. All are invited to see this truth and know that the Lord is with us today. 

Close enough...

Not everyone gets the chance to watch their grandchildren grow week by week. Being nearby Cash, Colby, Grey, and Grahm has filled my life with laughter, purpose, and love that I could never put into words. I'll never take that for granted. 

One of the best parts of living near my grandsons has been our sleepovers. I hope we will have a few more years of them. There's something so sweet about hearing their chatter fill the house, watching them settle in with their favorite movie or game, and knowing they feel at home with Grandpa and me. Those simple nights have turned into some of my most cherished memories-reminders of how blessed I am to be close enough to share them.

Grandpa's silly activities and The Floor is Lava! 

Hurry back my wonderful Grandsons!