Here are some pictures from Jon's visit.

The kids stayed with us on Monday and we had a blast. Grandpa fixed them pancakes for breakfast then I took them to Great Grandma's house for a visit. Dallin's almost as tall as she is. She enjoyed our visit so much and can't believe how much the kids have grown. We came home and Dallin had so much fun climbing the big tree. I think it's his favorite thing to do. We all played games and just loved being together. To top off the day we went swimming at the South Jordan rec center. They had so much playing on the slides, going down the lazy river and whirlpool, and splashing everyone. What a wonderful day we had.



On Sunday we celebrated 3 birthdays; Dallin, Kaily and Conner. It was so great to have everyone here for a big party. Thank you so much for spending time with us, and letting us have the kids for a day. It was so much fun to get re-acquainted with each child; Dallin, his love and joy of reading, Josh, his thirst to know how to do everything with skill, Brinley, her sweet and loving nature. What a joy to have them wrap their arms around me in love. I appreciate every minute we can spend with them. We can't wait until next time. Having family so far away is hard. We miss you and look forward to your Utah visits.

Being Grandma

This month has been full of watching grandkids while parents take time for each other. What a joy it is to have them with me. With the exception of Conner and Marley, there is so much drama and princess moments. The girls love to play with the dish set, fixing all kinds of foods, made fancy with "beautiful" necklaces as spaghetti, or noodles, toy beads as popsicles, blocks as sandwiches, or whatever else the imagination of 2 and 3 year olds can create. We play with puzzles, color, and watch all the Disney movies on my shelves. All while serving up "goodies" from their kitchen. On a sunny day, which in January, has been few, they love to swing. The joy of just being with them gladdens my heart and feels my life with love. "Grandma, watch a movie with me." Grandma, lets play a game, you be the sister, and I'll be the mom". Grandma, lets dance." "Grandma, I want to play with the "boy" toys." (referring to the car track set) "Grandma, let's cook." "Grandma, can we snuggle?" "Grandma, will you read me a story?" "Grandma, will you paint my fingernails?"

Londen didn't want me to change her last Saturday. She said, "I want to wait for my mommy and daddy." It was a necessary task to be done, and she relented. A few hours later, she looked up at me and said, with her head tilted and eyes twinkling, "Grandma, will you change me?" Two weeks ago, Kaily didn't want to leave my side when I was sick with the stomach flu. She said, "But Grandma, I want to take care of you, I will hold your hand." When Marti and Emy had a sleep-over, I woke to the soft touch of little hands on my face, "Good morning Grandma." Those are the special times that tug at your heart. I never mind changing a diaper if it means a little bit of bonding between my grandchildren and me. Time to rub tummys, tickle toes, and lots of hugs. Nothing is sweeter than when they look up at me and say, "I love you Grandma" or "Grandma, you're my best friend". My whole world pauses for that moment. I love my grandkids, they are treasured gifts from my Heavenly Father. I cherish them. I really miss my "Eastern" grandkids; all my "Star Wars jedi's", and my princesses. I'm grateful for the "mom's" who post the blogs so I can see what "my kids" are up to. Thanks Steph and Michelle, I appreciate how great your blogs are.

Jack Canfield, in his book,"Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul" describes my feelings so well; "When our children left the nest, we breathed a sigh of relief for a child-rearing job well done. Thankfully that reprieve was short-lived, for just when we thought we could never love another as deeply as our own, our child places their child into our arms...and the lay-down-my-life-for-you love starts all over again. Nothing in this world can prepare us for this moment, and nothing can compare as this child of our child steals our breath and our hearts." My heart has been stolen by those, sometimes mischievous, princes and princesses I call my "GRANDCHILDREN". I love you with all my heart. Thank you to my children who have given me these treasures. I love you too.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

From CHRISTMAS 2008

Merry Christmas. We wish everyone could have been with us. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Day. Dad made a terrific cranberry pork roast for Christmas Eve dinner, with all the trimmings; potatoes, gravy, sunshine carrots, rolls, corn and Karen made a jello salad. For dessert we had Danish rice pudding, along with fudge and magic cookie bars. The highlight of the night was Santa, arriving just before dinner. The girls were so excited. We read the scripture story and Dad bore his testimony. It was a lovely evening. The kids opened their Christmas Eve presents, matching PJ's from Grandma & Grandpa. They were so excited, they put them right on so they could look alike; so cute. Everyone came back for Christmas brunch; biscuits & gravy and Abelskivers. Then on to opening presents. We let the kids open theirs first. Oh, they had so much fun. We all had a great day. We are grateful for our family, and miss those of you who couldn't be with us.

CHRISTMAS QUESTIONS

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? BOTH, I LOVE TO MIX IT UP. I USED BASKETS FOR THE LITTLE GIRLS THIS YEAR.
2. Artificial or real tree? ARTIFICIAL, IT LESS MESS. WE GOT A NEW ONE THIS YEAR...HOPE YOU'RE SITTING DOWN...PRE-LIT
3. When do you put up a tree? AFTER THANKSGIVING. WE USED TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER KOLIN'S BIRTHDAY SO HE WOULDN'T THINK WE WERE CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS FOR HIS BIRTHDAY
4. When do you take it down? NEW YEAR'S DAY
5. Do you like eggnog? LOVE IT....YUMMMMMM
6. Favorite gift received as a child? A COWGIRL OUTFIT, INCLUDING SKIRT, VEST WITH FRINGE, BOOTS, AND A HOLSTER WITH A GUN
7. Hardest person to buy for? MY MOTHER, SHE ALREADY HAS MORE THAN SHE KNOWS WHAT TO DO WITH
8. Easiest person to buy for? DAVE, JUST GET HIM SOMETHING FOR THE KITCHEN AND HE'S IN HEAVEN
9. Do you have a nativity scene? YES, A CERAMIC ONE I MADE SEVERAL YEARS AGO
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I LOVE RECEIVING CHRISTMAS CARDS
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET & WHITE CHRISTMAS
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? OCTOBER
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? NO
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas time? ANYTHING THAT DAVE MAKES, HE MADE ORANGE & CRANBERRY BREAD THIS YEAR, SO YUMMY
16. Lights on the tree? WHITE THIS YEAR...YEAH NEW PRE-LIT TREE
17. Favorite Christmas song? WHITE CHRISTMAS
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I WOULD LOVE TO TRAVEL TO SEE MY NEW HAMPSHIRE AND DELAWARE KIDS, WE MISS THEM
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? YES
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? STAR
21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? BOTH, WE ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING FOR ALL TO OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? DRIVING IN THE SNOW
23. Favorite Ornament theme or color? RED ORNAMENTS, MY HAND-PAINTED WOODEN, RED BOWS AND CANDY CANES
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? CRANBERRY PORK ROAST OR TURKEY
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I WOULD LOVE TO SPEND CHRISTMAS WITH ALL MY FAMILY. I WOULD LOVE HUGS AND KISSES FROM MY DELAWARE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE GRANDKIDS.

34 Years of happiness

Can I tell you how much I love him? He is my life, my love. I love him for so many reasons. He's been by my side during the good times and bad. He loves me when I do stupid things, and helps me laugh at life. My life wouldn't be complete without him. His love is the center of my heart, and I cherish it deeply. I loved him the moment I saw him, and will love him forever.

Dave.....
In our life together, you've given me so much - smiles and laughter, help and encouragement, and more happy memories than I can begin to count. In our life together, you've given me all I really need - tenderness and trust, understanding and love, and the comfort of knowing your caring heart is always near. In our life together, one thing will never change, you'll always be the most important person in the world to me. You'll always be the man I love.

Happy anniversary, 34 year of happiness. Thank you

Jenny Lake kayak trip

Here's a slideshow of our trip around Jenny Lake.



Jenny Lake formed by melting glaciers about 60,000 years ago, is a beautiful blue mountain lake set in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, at the base of Teewinot Mountain. On the west side, the lake touches the Teton Mountain Range. The lake is about 260 feet deep at the deepest point. It was about a 7 mile paddle. We stopped half way to have lunch. As you can see, it was a beautiful day. There is a hiking trail that goes around the lake. We saw tons of hikers. Several said that they wish they were along for our ride. The scenery was wonderful, above and below. Along the shoreline you can see the roots of the trees reaching out like arms and hands.

We stayed at a motel in Jackson Hole, a few doors down from where Dani's grandpa grew up. We only paddled one day, but had fun sight seeing too. The Tetons are majestic and made a great backdrop for our trip.

Labor Day fun

Here's some pictures of our Labor Day fun. We had a blast, kayaking, swimming, sailing, and playing in the sand. As always, we had great food too. Dad made spaghetti, and bar-b-q chicken. We had lots of veggies from our garden, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, onions, green peppers, and beans. Aunt Dee and Grandma were there. Karen and Clint couldn't join us, and were missed. Marti helped me husk corn. She worked so hard to get every husk and silk off each cob. So cute. We had great sailing (sorry Jason), the best we've had all season. The morning water was smooth so kayaking was wonderful. Dani and Tawnia each took a turn on our smaller kayak, even Dee went out by herself. Dad took Marti and Tawnia out sailing, Unfortunately they didn't last long, Marti got soaked, and wasn't happy. Dad brought them back, Marti frowning all the way. She wasn't about to get back in the boat again. The kids had fun swimming, building sand castles, and stomping them down. As fall approaches, I'm sad that our kayaking days are numbered (at least for me). We do have more trips planned before closing down for the year. I hate that summer is ending.

My sister.....

Fairy Princesses

Londen and Marley

Kolin and Dani don't have a blog set up yet so I wanted to share some pictures of their princesses.

Marley

Kolin holding Marley.

These are some pictures that Angelica took.  We love it when she takes time to click some great shots of the kids. 

This is Marley's blessing dress.  Dani's grandmother, Nana, made it especially for her.