IT'S A SWEET LIFE

Be My Valentine!

2012-02-11T20:35:00.000-08:00

Grow old with me!

The best is yet to be.

~Robert Browning

The most beautiful view

is the one I share with you.

~Author Unknown

If I had a rose for every time I thought of you,

I'd walk through a garden forever.

A hundred hearts would be too few
To carry all my love for you.

If I could reach up and hold a star

for every time you've made me smile,
the entire evening sky would be
in the palm of my hand.

-Annonymous

"I love Mickey Mouse (Minnie Mouse)

more than any woman I have ever known."

- Walt Disney

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO MY LOVES...

I LOVE YOU ALL, WITH ALL MY HEART!

My February Birthday Babes!

2012-02-11T19:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday-February 2nd!

Happy Birthday-February 15th!

Happy Birthday - February 23rd!

My January Birthday Babes!

2012-02-11T18:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday-January 10th!

Happy Birthday- January 10th!

Happy Birthday-January 11th!

Happy Birthday-January 14th!

Happy Birthday-January 15th!

Such a Sweet Little Blessing

2012-02-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

Such a special day to celebrate such a precious little baby boy. Our newest little grandson was blessed on New Years Day, January 1st, 2012! It was so much fun to watch his big sisters really fuss over him and get him all dressed up for his special blessing.

He was blessed by his Handsome Father. It was so great to see family and friends come walking into the sacrament service, some of them long time neighborhood friends. How lovely to see our little one surrounded with, and blessed by priesthood power.

What sweet blessings these little ones are in our lives...They are pure love, Gifts from God...our tiny bits of heaven.

Gather 'round and celebrate

the joy that has been given.

A gift of love - of flesh and blood.

A tiny bit of heaven.

See the wonder of it all, and marvel at the sight,

Share the happiness we know, celebrate the life.

Make memories of the times to come,

of hours and days and years.

Mark down each step, each task, each word -

the laughter and the tears.

For a celebration of life is such,

that one must never be

In too big a hurry to stop and smell...

to feel... to touch... to see.

Yes, gather 'round and celebrate

the life that has been given,

A gift of love - of hope eternal.

Our tiny bit of heaven.

--Author Unknown

Here We Go Tumbling Into a Brand Spankin' New Year!

2012-02-11T17:39:00.000-08:00

On our way north to ring in the New Year, we just happened to tumble into Aunt Marie while getting fresh Curd Cheese at the Cheese Factory in Beaver, Utah! She was on her way north too, to ring in the New Year with her family, and we just happened to be in the same place at the same time in our travels! I Love small world experiences, I love these two, and I love fresh curd cheese!

There's nothing quite like seeing Temple Square ablaze with lights! This place is so beautiful everyday, but words cannot describe the beauty when every tree, bush and branch is bathed in light and you get to share the experience with those you love. It's truly heaven on earth!

What a wonderful way to say so long to 2011 and to ring in the new year 2012!

On New years Eve we Dressed up like Princesses, Had Grandma/granddaughter makeovers (Look at those long eyelashes!) Made Chocolate Pudding Delight and shared smiles all around! We rang in the new year with The Ministry of Silly walks and literally laughed ourselves silly while enjoying some delicious Martinelli's Sparkling Cider. Watching Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year, and the Ball drop on Times Square is always the tradition, not to mention a Kiss with the one you love to welcome in another year!

New Year's 2012 Day took us to see this fun family! They recently moved into their cute new home and we got a chance to go take a peek. It's so beautiful! We had a wonderful visit, such a yummy dinner. We also enjoyed a few games, one of Uncle Tony's fabulous health smoothies, a knee weakening massage for Bob, and had a grand time puzzling one of my favorite Eric Dowdle Puzzles with these gals! It was a fabulous way to begin the New year!

Yep...I 'll say it again...It was a fabulous way to begin the year 2012! Ready or not...Here we go tumblin' our way into a Brand Spankin' New Year. Let the tricks begin... HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time!

2012-02-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

There is absolutely no place like home for Christmas and Christmas Eve. Even though the family numbers were few this year, we still had simply the most wonderful Christmas Eve together. Mom & Dad cooked up the most yummy turkey and ham dinner there ever was to be eaten. Anton was blessed this year with the joy of reading the Christmas Story, the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from Luke 2 in the Bible.

Then the shenanigans began! I love the Left, Right, Left Christmas story. You never know quite for sure what gift will be yours in the end...and these gifts aren't your ordinary gifts at all. A Lot of thought and work goes into the planning and making the perfect gift just right for the evening!

For Example...This year Chey got his very own Santana! This is a BIG deal especially when it comes with all the favorite family cliches written all over it, along with a very special piece of Santana to have and to hold for your very own:) Among the other gifts given were, "Honey Comb" (A jar of Bob's pure Enoch Honey with a comb in the jar.) I got my very own "Washer and Dryer this year!" (a wash cloth and a Bath Towel with a cord attached to it!) There was also a "Crevice Tool" (Don't even ask!) and a really cool Butterfly in a jar, and don't forget Monkey Bowling, and Frog puzzling!

Then what to our wondering eyes should appear? All the guys pitched in and played Santa this year! Yep, for Mom and Dad! We got them a Stationery Recumbent Bike and away they flew like the down of a thistle. I heard them exclaim as they peddled out of sight... Ho Ho Ho...Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night:)

Christmas morning still found us quite Merry! There's nothing like a new pair of lenses, Christmas Cheer, Holiday smiles and a good lounge by the Christmas Tree wearing the silky Santana. AHHH THE JOY!

After attending our church meetings, we were invited to the Pena House for a Pena Party and oh what a Pena Party it was! There's nothing like Maria's homemade Tamales and Carolyn's and Ernie's Mexican Fiestas....ahhh the joy!

It was so much fun to get a chance to chat with Elder Pena and to watch the joy on each face as his family got to speak with him on Christmas day. Pure Heaven!

Christmas After noon was spent in P- Town enjoying Aunt D's Yummy Christmas Bean Dip and Grandma Ras' delicious Hand Dipped Chocolates that taste just like Grandma Mary's, And of course shootin' the breeze with these! I love them! It's been Yep...were Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time! I love family, I love Christmas!!!

Things I LOVE About Christmas!

2011-12-21T19:38:00.000-08:00

I Love White Christmases,
and winter walks down the lane.

I love sweet little gingerbread houses all in a row,

and gingerbreading with those I love!

I love being a Christmas poster girl for

my favorite cosmetic line...yes, I am a Philosophy girl!

I love being an angel with such beautiful angels.

I love performing in the Tuachan Live Nativity

with Towns people, soldiers, centurions,

shepherds, wise-men, Joseph and Mary!

I loved the feeling of peace and the closenes I felt

to my Savior that night...just being with these kids

lifts me up and helps to be more than I am.

I'm greatful for their testimonies...

the light of Christ shines within them!

They are beautiful to behold...I Love them!

I Love Clarence Claus... He's such a jolly old man!

Yes this is my dad, and he is the best
Santa in the World! He hiked the hills and found us
the perfect Christmas tree, and made old fashioned
wooden popguns for my cute lil' grands this year for
Christmas! "Don't shoot yer' eyes out kids!"

I love being with family at Christmas time...

there's nothing better than fond memories of

Christmases spent with those you love.

I love my parents, I love my sisters and brother,

I love my family...

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

'Tis The Season!

2011-12-21T16:52:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season for making yummy

reindeer pancakes with little ones!

'Tis the season for playing in the snow!

There SNOW place like home for the holidays!

'Tis the season for make beautiful orange
carrot bouquets. I'll bet Santa's Reindeer
will think these are extra yummy!

'Tis the season for making crowns

and singing our favorite Christmas carol...

"Glo-ooooo-ooooo-ooooo-ria

Enoch's Chelsea's Day O!"

'Tis the season for opening gifts!

Yep, Santa has been really good to us this year:)

He brought us a new TV and we're delighted!

It's been fun to watch our favorite

Christmas Specials in full HD and eat

popcorn out of the old big silver bowl!

I LOVE "POPCORN JUICE!"

THANK YOU TO MY CUTE KIDS

& GRANDKIDS!!!

Tis the season for sliding down the stairs

in cardboard boxes, playing marbles,

enjoying my own special photo op

session with this cute girl...

and ewwing and awwwing over Uncle's

boxed toy he created. Both toy and packaging

are completely original...you definitely won't
find these in Santa's Workshop!

Tis the season for Grandma's warm

homemade bread right out of the oven,

Grandpa tickles, a game of hungry hippos,

lots of hugs and loves... and a music box

reminder of childhood Christmas memories!

This the season for coloring Christmas pictures,

building with Tinker Toys, playing Frantic Ants,

and a visit with grandma and "Auntie Candy Lady"

This the season for playing dress-ups

with Aunt "D's" Fabulous wigs!

Tis the season for family...

Tis the season for fun!

TIS THE SEASON!!!

My December Birthday Babes!

2011-12-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday! December 17th

I Love You!

Happy Birthday! December 2nd

I Love You!

Happy Birthday! December 2nd

I Love You!

New York Holiday!

2011-12-21T13:56:00.000-08:00

I love (My Kids In) New York!
It sure is good to see these cute faces again.
Our twins celebrated their 8th Birthday
with friends at school and it was so fun
to go celebrate with them, and to watch one
of them earn the Dolphin Student of the Month award!
Happy Birthday, and Congratulations!

We made yummy cakes, and cupcakes for the
special occasion.Yes, they both are big time
Pokemon fans...I am now a full fledged
member of the Pokemon Club myself!

Opening presents was so much fun...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU TWO!

The roller skating party
with friends was extra fun!

Blowing out candles, eating pizza and cake,
getting lots of presents and being with
people you love is priceless!

These two made a giant haul...

I've never seen so many Birthday gifts!

I love these pictures...
they are professionally taken by my cute
little photographer, thanks little buddy!

Here they are all dressed in white...
such an amazing sight! Such an amazing day!

Congratulations to a couple of the cutest kids ever:)
Being baptized in 2 feet of water was not easy,
But they only had to be dipped once
and they came up smiling! I love you both:)
So glad I could be there with you
to celebrate your special day.

Such a fun party after the baptism.
Such a beautiful day!
The room was filled with the love of family and friends.

I Love New York!
I got to drive across the Brooklyn Bridge...

and see inside St Patrick's Cathedral!

Rockefeller Plaza was beautiful,

but not near as beautiful as those we got to see it with.

I love them!

New York at it's finest...
Times square, Park Avenue, Saks Fifth Avenue...
I LOVE NEW YORK!

I loved playing inside Mario's World
with these cute kids, and dinner at the Texas Barbecue.
Life doesn't get any better!

And I love Riding the Staten Island Ferry,
seeing the Statue of Liberty,
walking down the streets of the city
and trying to imagine how all those
Occupy Wall Street protesters fit
in that tiny little Zucotti Park?
(upper right corner)

But the most sacred experience ever
is to walk through ground zero and to remember
all who lost their lives in this place on that one
fateful day. There are no words to describe the feeling.
I just stand in awe and say a silent prayer.
Remembering... and giving thanks.

So awe inspiring! We are so blessed!

My all time favorite place to stop for Lunch,

the cart in front of the Fitch Building!

Lamb and Rice Anyone?

We have had the most wonderful time in this place,

spending time with these great people.

I love them and will miss them dearly.

We never know for sure when we will get

to pass this way again, so we take it all in

and cling to every moment we get to spend together....

and then we fly home into the arms

of these cute smiley faces!

There is nothing more welcoming:)

What a wonderful week it has been.

I love my family and feel so grateful for the

warm wonderful memories we have made!

I love New York Holidays:)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T12:18:00.000-08:00

I got to have some Thanksgiving fun with these lovely Ladies! We got together to make hot rolls and everyone brought an ingredient for our soup.

It was a Delicious evening!

We spent a quiet Thanksgiving day in Parowan,

and got to visit with these handsome boys.

One of them decided to take up cro-CHEY-ing!

Yes it was a Happy Thanksgiving:)

Every Year I Fall in love with Fall...

2011-11-24T12:04:00.000-08:00

Fall is my very favorite time of year!
It's fun to watch the joy on the faces
of little ones and even big ones too!

Playing dress-ups is so much fun...
even the grown-ups enjoy getting into it!

and yes, the Pokemon Trainers were out this year
catching little Pokemon on the loose...

while grandma Dolly was home
making Halloween treats and having some
ridiculously delicious fun of her own!

I love the feeling in the air, and the first
snow of the season. I love to see my breath
on a cool snowy morning.

Jumping in the leaves is such a
fun treat for the kiddos...

and so is the carving of spooky pumpkins...

and eating spooky houses, and enjoying
Silly Suppers with my loves!

I love mingling with ghosts and Ghouls
and hanging out with crazy little monsters
and cute things that go bump in the night!

And I love visiting family and loved ones

that we don't get to see very often.

The gifts of Fall are so precious!

I love first smiles! There is JOY in the season:)

I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT FALL!

Every year I fall in love with Fall!

Welcome to the World Sweet William!

2011-10-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

William Damon Rasmussen

October 14, 2011 at 8:19am.

7lbs. 1 oz.

20 inches long

We are so happy to welcome our newst little grandson into the world! What a handsome little dude. I have always loved the following poem by William Wordsworth Longfellow:

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The soul that rises with us, our life’s star,
    Hath had elsewhere its setting,
      And cometh from afar.
    Not in entire forgetfulness,
    And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory, do we come
    From God, who is our home:
Heaven lies about us in our infancy"

We are so blessed to receive
such a beautiful Heavenly Gift...

We Love you Sweet William!

It All Came Out OK!

2011-10-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

Yes...The Appendix did come out!
He drove home from Salt lake in pain,

we drove him to Emergency and he
had surgery all in the same day!

As you can see from the photos above
the surgeon was quite a comedian!

I love how my sister put it...

"So you had two deliveries in your family this week...

A cute baby boy, and acute appendix:)"

YES WE DID!!!

WE'ERE TOTALLY NUTS!

2011-10-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

Being nuts like this is always a good thing! One of my favorite Fall activities has always been to go pine nut picking with my family. It is wonderful to get out in the hills in the crisp Fall air and just enjoy the peace and quiet...the breeze whistling through the pines and hearing yourself breath. Every once in awhile the silence is broken with a few jokes and a few laughs. When you go picking with these two nuts you can pretty much expect a good laugh! And the yummy lunches mom packs for us are always one of the highlights! Yes I am totally nuts about pine nuts...

and, well...these two guys!

Girls Nights Out With the Young Women!

2011-10-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

Once Upon a Time!

Its not every day that you get to hang out with such beautiful princesses...

And pamper your self like this...

Or decorate cupcakes with cute cupcakes like these!

It's always such a sweet experience

to lick frosting til your silly...

or play a little game of Holywood Squares with Dolly Prayerdon, Friendly Rogers, Sonny and Share de Gospel, Edward Service Hands, Princess Knows Right, Faith Still, Justin Be Cleaner, Lady PG, Elvis Dress Bestly; MC Grammar and of course your

Beloved Game show host, Stan Dards!

Sonny and Share de Gospel busted

out with their new famous hit,

Do You believe in Life after Death!

Working on Personal Progress is fun when you get to

learn to play the piano with this princess...

and spend the evening rubbing shoulders

with Bill and Hillary Clinton

and a couple of ravishing beauties like these!

I Love our girls nights out!!

There's nothing spooky about it,

And we always live Happily Ever after,

THE END!

Enoch 4th Ward Day of Service

2011-10-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

There's no greater way to spend the day that giving service to those in need! There were smiles all around. We even found smiles in the wood pile:)

(Piece of wood, Lower right corner!)

We cleaned houses and yards, chopped wood and took it around to those who needed it, a house was shingled, and money was collected for pennies by the inch. We had a fun lunch together, and the day ended with a ward Chili Cook-off and homemade ice cream party. Such a fun day spent with such good people...

I LOVE THIS PLACE!

Silver Beaver...Heart of Gold!

2011-10-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

I love this man! He recently earned the Silver Beaver Award in Scouting. He has served a lot of years in the scouting program...I remember that when he served as a Scoutmaster the second time around, he had 26 scouts come through the troop. Out of the 26 there that came through there were 23 who earned their eagle Scout badge. By the time these boys reached missionary age Bob was their Stake President and was able to set apart each of the 23 as missionaries. Bob serves as the mayor of Enoch Utah.

I am so proud of him!

I am so grateful for the time we have together...

He always lifts me higher,

he is the wind beneath my wings.

I feel on top of the world when I am with him.

He is an accomplished gardener.
Yep that cabbage weighs 25 pounds,

and his onions are almost as big as his cantaloupe!

He is truly amazing!

I recently learned the heartwretching news that this man...the love of my life has Parkinson's Disease.

At first I cried and didn't think I could ever be comforted...then peace came...that peace that surpasseth all understanding. I don't know that I've ever felt that kind of peace before, but God whispered to my heart that all is well, and all will be well. There's no one greater than God and He will help us through one day at a time! Elder Neal A Maxwell said: "Faith in God, includes faith in his timing." Yes, we have hard days and emotional days, down days, and days that we ask why... But I know that God lives and loves us, I have faith in his timing and know that we will be blessed in ways that we may not yet realize. The future really is as bright and beautiful as we make it whatever may come to us. "We must be willing to let go of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." I know that Gods plans for us are so much greater than the plans we could ever make for ourselves. I now try to live one day at a time, enjoying every single moment that each day brings. I am more grateful for the things I do have. I am learning to let go and let God I know that if I will put him first all things will fall into their proper place... there is HOPE! I have recently fallen in love with Michael J Fox all over again. Through the years I've loved his 'Back To The Future' Movies. He is amazing...and truly an example of enduring well with Parkinson's. He gives us every reason to hope and to believe that Parkinson's can and will be defeated:) Please everyone, help support us in finding a cure for this disease.

There is hope, there is peace, there is joy!

WE HAVE GREAT REASON TO HOPE!

COME WHAT MAY...AND LOVE IT!

BEEutiful!

2011-10-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

Oh BEEutiful Honey...How sweet you are!

Mom was designated official swatter,

and I got to help spin beeswax into

BEEutiful liquid gold!

I love Fall Honey Harvest Days!

Stubbs Family Mid Life Crisis Half Marathon!

2011-10-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

These are a few of my favorite things...

My brother, my sisters and Santana!

I guess you could say that I'm going

through a bit of a midlife crisis.

I really miss Euphoria of being around these people,

and I've also really missed the Euphoria of running,

and so decided to combine the two and have a good old

Stubbs Family family Half Marathon Invitational!

I started training for it way back in the Spring

and it finally came into full fruition on Labor Day.

A MAJOR GOAL ACCOMPLISHED

WITH SOME OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE!

We started at 5:00 am in the dark at the Enoch

Water Towers and ran from there to my Parents house!

It was a beautiful run with beautiful people!

There's nothing more thrilling that watching

an absolutely gorgeous sun rise

over the place you grew up, with the people you love...

and running to the music of the

Meadow Lark singing my favorite song:

"Parowan is a pretty little town"

My Mom was waiting for us at home with her yummy

buckwheat pancake breakfast prepared...

the absolute best part of the run!

We were all Triumphant and finished the race...

and we all did it in under three hours.

I am so proud of all of us I just couldn't

help but wave my banner triumphantly!

WHAT A GREAT CREW...

I LOVE THEM!

The things I Love about Labor Day Weekend...

2011-10-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

I Love cute little gardening angels...

And yummy snow cones at the Tiki Shack!

I Love hiking Hidden Haven and playing in the water...

enjoying whats left of the warm summer sun

and the precious moments spent
with some of the Loves of my life...

making memories that will stay

in my heart forever and ever!

I love The Iron County Fair,

rides at the carnival, and the cutest little happy faces!

I love dinner at the Parowan Dairy Freeze...

Backyard fun on a warm summer eve...

indoor camp-outs, Orange Julius' and big silver bowls of snowy white fluffiness!

I love Rasmussen Sunday afternoon picnics.

I love watching parades with really cool people..

and watching really cool people riding in parades,

like Mayor Bob and Uncle Ernie!

I love to see cute little sisters

hugging in the middle of the parade route,

and watching the joy on the faces

of the little ones as the parade passes by.

I just love being with these people...

and these people...

and these people! Even the ones that pull crazy faces:)

I love hanging out with the members of "The Clique,"

they are so good, and their rendition of the

song "Inna Godda Davida"was absolutely superb!

I am their biggest groupie, and I dearly love

one of the singers...he is my uncle...
they call him Grimmy!

I Love Labor Day picnics at my parents house!

Mom always cooks up some delicious grub...

And we sit around and chat it up enjoying

the moments that we get to spend together

with family and friends... while riding tractors,

eating ice cream, climbing trees...

painting pretty feet and faces...

and returning to our childhood to play

Cabbage Patch Kids in grandpa's garden!

The things I love about labor Day?

I love the smiles, I love the feelings of joy

I get encircled in the arms of family.

I feel so blessed!

I love Labor Day Weekend

When West Meets East...

2011-09-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

...The days and nights are aglow
with the joy of family...

and the faces are just as sweet
as Georgia peaches,

and as cute as
New York Dolls!

We go floatin' down the Chattahoochee
where the bullfrogs tickle you
and say cootchi gootchie...

and the peaches smell as sweet as they taste,

and the goober peas taste
so yummy when they're boiled!

At Greenwoods you get a taste of that
yummy southern fried hospitality,
mid the company of wonderful people...

And the pies are completely Out of this World!

We wrestle with the Ras fam...

(I guess you could even call it RASsleing!)

We do a little fishin' at Lake Lanier...

And have some ol' fashion fun jumping into the lake.

Oh how I love feeling like a kid again!

There are Cute little kid smiles...

And beautiful big grown up smiles...

And lounging about together at the Lake House!

Thank you dear friends for such a fun day
at such a beautiful place:)

There are Sunday afternoon walks
and races on wheels...

and playground fun!
The world is so much brighter when

viewed through the eyes of a child...

What a wonderful, relaxing week we had with

our Georgia Peaches and New York Dolls!

WHEN WEST MEETS EAST

We laugh hard, we play hard
and we crash hard!

Good night, sleep tight...
May all your dreams come true:)

I know mine did when I got to
spend some days with you.

Thanks for sharing the Summer magic...

I LOVE YOU!

Long Live The Memory...We Miss You Robi.

2011-08-22T15:56:00.000-07:00

Robert Alan Grimshaw, 31, of North Las Vegas, NV, passed into the loving arms his Heavenly Father on Friday, July 29, 2011, after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer.

Rob was born in Beaver, Utah, on September 20, 1979, to Alan Smith Grimshaw and Dawna Denise (Deedy) Sheppard Grimshaw. He was the youngest of four children. Rob married his high school sweetheart, Amber Lee Turner, and was sealed to her for time and all eternity in the Las Vegas, Nevada, LDS temple on February 26, 2011. Rob and Amber are the parents of two beautiful daughters.
Rob was a graduate of Eldorado High School in Las Vegas, where he was a standout soccer player. His abilities led him to play locally at CSN and on indoor teams. Away from the pitch, Rob was an accomplished guitarist/music composer, youth soccer coach, and Webelos leader. Other interests included hiking and fishing. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his witty banter, love of children, love for family, ability to think outside the box, and keen insight into one's soul.
Rob is survived by: his wife, Amber; daughters Joslyn Talor (8) and Savannah Riley (2); father, Alan, sisters Tamara Byington (Eric) and Teresa Baer (Mark); three nephews and two nieces.
Rob was preceded in death by: his mother, Deedy Grimshaw; brother, Alan Oliver Grimshaw; and nephew, Riley Byington.
Services will be held at the San Destin Ward Chapel of the LDS church, located at 5975 Clayton St (at Tropical), N. Las Vegas, NV. Visitation will be held Saturday, August 6, from 9:00-10:30 am, with the funeral services beginning at 11:00 am.
To read about Rob, or to share favorite thoughts and memories with his family, or to make a donation to help Rob's family, interested parties are asked to visit the family blog at the following web address: http://robgrimshaw.blogspot.com/

Robi Recorded himself singing the above song

and left it for his family.

They discovered it on their iphone

2 days after his death.

Robi With Grandma Grimshaw

This is how I remember him most:)
(Rob made this cute little video of he and his sisters.)

I love this picture...it's one of my favorites! There is Robbie standing right next to Grandma Grimshaw. He spent alot of time with Grandma, and I know that he was truly her pride and joy! I always remember Robbie being such a handsome happy little boy. Short hair cut, but with a long tail hanging down his back. So handsome, always smiling and so positive even in the midst of deep trial. His smile and that twinkle in his eye has always melted my heart. It's been so wonderful to be able to reconnect with him and his sweet little family during the last couple of years, and it was such a blessed moment when we recently got to witness Rob and Amber and their 2 little princesses become a forever family. All all are such wonderful examples to us and sweet blessings in our lives.

I love these thoughts written by Page Law, one of Robs and Amber's good friends. She speaks the feelings of my heart also and I want to share them here as I remember and celebrate the life of this great young man. Yes, he has taught us all some of the most important lessons we can ever learn:

"Lessons I learned from Rob:

Yesterday was a very emotional day for me. After Rob’s service, I spent most of the day reflecting on what I had heard and seen, I want to share with you- lessons I learned from Rob.

- Don’t be afraid of life- the stories that were shared had such a common theme, Rob lived, he truly lived. He had adventures, he laughed, he put himself out there and did things that scared him.

- Make the most of things that matter, make the little things count- As I shared earlier in a blog comment, Robi and Amber were the only ones who would take Joslyn and my kids on the Grizzly River Rapids, in November-at night- in the freezing cold. Not only did he do it but he did it 4 times. He gave them memories. Many stories were told about entertaining sleepovers, jokes he told, and little things he did for others to make their day. These weren’t huge heroic acts, but simple things to bring happiness to others, he showed us that the little things count. Last night I made a cake after bed time, we got the kids out of bed (they weren’t sleeping anyway) and we ate cake, we did it for Robi. We didn’t worry about too much junk, or getting to bed on time, we stayed up late and had cake, something small and silly, but something that made us all smile. I hope we can all read that extra story at bed time tonight.

- Laugh a lot- His service was full of as much laughter as tears. So much was shared about his sense of humor and quick wit. Robi spent so much time making others happy and making them laugh. (I still want to know what the booger joke was). But my favorite was the letter to the inmate busted for stealing his band equipment (especially funnier because Rob himself caught and outwitted the poor fellow)

- Don’t put off the things you should do- I guess this one was more for me because of Robi. When he was in the hospital here in Vegas we wanted to go and see him but things just kept coming up (I can’t even remember what so they obviously weren’t important). We kept putting it off then finally got a sitter and headed out. When we were half way there Amber text us and said the Dr. said he had to rest, since we couldn’t see him we headed home. The next day they put him in a medically induced coma, he never woke up. I can’t tell you the sadness I feel that we let that moment slip away from us. I learned that when it comes to the things you should do- DO THEM, don’t let excuses and insignificant details get in the way.

- Build your testimony, serve- There were so many stories about Rob’s testimony. Once he joined the church he gave his whole heart to it, he jumped in with both feet and used the gospel to bless his family and those around him. I would have loved to be in the sacrament meeting where Rob took the whole time sharing his testimony! He magnified his calling and set an example for the boys he served and the adults he served with. I would have loved to see his Arrow of Light ceremonies, I know those boys will always remember them.

- Don’t complain- It was so inspirational to hear stories of Rob coaching his daughters soccer team while undergoing treatments but never complaining about the pain and sickness, his friends shared stories of trips he took, sometimes in miserable conditions but never uttered a word of complaint. (I’m going to throw Amber in here as well because it was so inspiring to hear some of their experiences with less than compassionate doctors. They never left angry or upset, but with compassion themselves. They were going through so much but felt sorry for the doctors and wished them well).

-Focus on the things that matter, love- He loved his family fiercely! He made sure they knew it. In the end he felt a desire to be home and with his girls, he also felt a desire to make sure Amber knew how much she meant to him, how much he loved her, but he didn’t wait till them to tell her and show her. He loved Amber, he loved his girls! He showed them every day in word and in deed. He loved his extended family, he loved his friends. He was always concerned about other people and their well being.

- Endure to the end- Though in incredible amounts of pain, he never gave up. He fought courageously to the end.

-Families are Forever- The Bishop shared amazing thoughts and insight at the end of the service. I’m sure we’ve all thought, at least he isn’t in pain any more, but there is so much more to that. Rob is now in a place of peace, where he doesn’t have to rely on faith anymore. His knowledge is so much more than our own. He has the answers to many questions we may have. He knows why his mission in life was fulfilled after only 31 short years, he knows what is in store for his family, and he KNOWS he will be with them again. There is such a peace in knowing families are forever. There is such heartache and loneliness in dealing with the loss of someone like Robi, but it is made bearable by the knowledge that our loving Heavenly Father has made that separation only temporary. While it will seem like a long time to his family, they have Rob up there preparing to be with them again, what a reunion it will be when they are united and able to live together for eternity, it will make this mortal life seem so brief in comparison. I am eternally grateful for the Plan of Salvation and the happiness and peace that it brings.

I know this was very lengthy but my heart is so full. One of the reasons I felt I wanted to write all this down is because I didn’t know Rob as well as I would have liked to. We only became acquainted with the Grimshaw family a few years ago. I don’t have any high school stories, or growing up with Rob stories. I do have a few family Disneyland trips, trips out to the ranch, and couple dinners. We have a few special occasions we were lucky enough to be a part of, their family sealing, and Joslyn’s baptism. I wish we had more. My point is, even though we are recent and not long time friends, Rob had such an impact on our lives. I felt like I knew him even better after the service. I am so thankful for all the memories that were shared because I learned so much from them. You may not have known Rob personally, you might have only known him for a little while, or you may have known Rob your whole life, whatever the case may be we can all learn so much by the way he lived his life. Learning more about Robi has changed the way I think about some things and I hope to pay tribute to him by being a better person. All and all I have decided, I want to be like Rob! Page Law"

"When someone you love becomes a memory,

that memory becomes a treasure."

I'm so grateful for the knowledge that

Families Can Be Forever!

Here's to Mud in Yer Eye...

2011-08-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

And everywhere else!

Theres nothin' like some good ol' fashioned
muddy fun down on the farm!

We played Ultimate Frisbee in the mud...

And I must say that the Grimshaw boys
really know how to make a good mud field!

To top it all off, we had mud cake for dessert!

Thanks to these wonderful friends for making

this eveing such wonderful muddy fun!!

HERE'S TO MUD IN YER EYE!
Love these kids:)

All because Two People Fell in Love!

2011-08-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

It began years ago with these two.

We miss Grandma and Grandpa Stubbs so much,

but at times such as these,
we feel close to them once again!

We thoroughly enjoyed the company of
aunts, uncles and cousins
at the Stubbs family reunion this year.
It was wonderful to see everyone again
and to visit, share stories, songs, games,

good food and lots of hugs. I Love this family!

We were serenaded throughout the day
by this cute little talented guy...and had a great time
laughing and playing 'Minute to Win It' games.

I Loved the laughs!

Spending time with these people brings back

so many wonderful memories for me:)

It was so fun to watch the siblings
(Aunts and Uncles)

go head to head in a cotton ball/vaseline war!

They had to rub their noses with vaseline

and try to move cotton balls from

one bowl to another using their nose.

They were such good sports..
and were so funny to watch!

And of course it wouldn't be a full fledged
Stubbs party without a tune or two
on Grandma's old harmonica,

and then watching uncle Clancy's thumbs trick...

you know that trick where he pulls off his thumb

and then throws it? The little kids love it!

I had a wonderful day, and a fun time
playing dress ups with two of my sisters
(and this strange guy HAHA)
looking through the lens of love!

I feel so grateful for these people in my life
and for the blessings I enjoy today
all because two people Fell in Love.

Hitchin' It Up! Congratulations to a beautiful Couple:)

2011-08-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my Handsome brother

and my beautiful new sister,

They were recently married

and we are so happy for them:)

The two of them threw a fabulous celebration party

at their home, and boy did we celebrate!

The kids loved playing in their beautiful backyard pool!

We ate yummy food... and laughed and talked,

and ate more yummy food...

and laughed and talked some more!

I love spending lazy summer days with family!

I love that I got a new sister...
I am so grateful for the blessing and joy
of being surrounded with family.
It was a very sweet day!

Way to Hitch it up you two!!!

UP! UP! And Away!

2011-08-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

I found my dream house...
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE!

It is a replica of the original house
seen in Disney's movie "UP"

We were so lucky to get a chance to walk inside

and I must say that it is Heartwarmingly Adorable!

I really could live here:)

Every little detail was so precious!
The Retro Kitchen is my favorite...

Or is it the the old fashioned bathtub I adore?

Maybe it's the Toy Story Room

or the Princess room that caught my eye?

Actually it's these two that took me to see it
that I truly adore...every little detail is so precious,

just being with them sends me soaring
UP, UP and away!

The Peas & Bee's of Life!

2011-08-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

I eat my peas with honey;

I've done it all my life.

It makes the peas taste funny,

But it keeps them on the knife.

I don't know who wrote the above poem, but I absolutely love it because it reminds my of my man. He's a gardener who thinks he's a beekeeper...or a beekeeper that thinks he a gardener! Either way he loves both gardening and beekeeping and we really enjoy the fruits of his labors this time of year:) So yeah...I love that he loves BEEing in the hive, and PEAing in the garden. And it doesn't really even bother me that much when he sometimes PEAS on the floor:) He's a honey of a Guy!

Daughters Of Our Heavenly Father

2011-08-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

We are daughters of our Heavenly Father

who loves us, and we love Him.

We will stand at witnesses of God

at all times,

And in all things,

and in all places

As we strive to live the Young Women Values
which are:

FAITH, DIVINE NATURE,

INDIVIDUAL WORTH, KNOWLEDGE,

CHOICE & ACCOUNTABILITY, GOOD WORKS,

INTEGRITY AND VIRTUE.

We believe that as we come to accept and act upon these values

we will be prepared to strengthen home and family,

make and keep sacred covenants,

recieve the ordiances of the temple,

and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.

I was recently called to serve as the Young Women President in our ward. Even though I haven't been serving for very long, I have to say that I absolutely love these girls and I feel so blessed, and so humbled to have the opportunity be among them. Truly they are among some of the great and noble daughters of God! I feel their goodness and the strength of their testimonies and love for the Lord and I must say that it is truly a joy to serve with them. I LOVE THEM:)

The Precious Pauses in Life...Just 'Being' is a Gift!

2011-08-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

Whenever I hear the song of a bird,
Or look at the blue, blue sky,

Whenever I feel the rain on my face
or the wind as it rushes by,

Whenever I touch a velvet rose
or walk by our lilac tree;

I'm so glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heavenly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see
the color of butterfly wings.

He gave me my ears that I might hear
the magical sound of things.

He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:
I thank him reverently

For all his creations of which I'm a part.
Yes...I know Heavenly Father loves me.

I love the precious pauses in life! One does not always have to be doing...sometimes it is wonderful just to BE. To live fully in the present moment...To pause and just BE! It is in the 'being' that I feel close to heaven. It is in the being that I feel encircled in the arms of my Heavenly Fathers love. For right now stop what you are doing, 'pause' for a moment, go outside and look around you. What do you see? what do you hear? What do you smell? what do you touch? What do you feel? There are so many wonders and joys to behold if we will just take time to pause! God paints such amazing sunrises and sunsets for those who are willing to take time to 'pause'... to just look. His creations are miraculous gifts of love! God whispers his love to us through a gentle summer breeze, the song of a bird, the chirping of a cricket. He shows his love in detail through a beautiful flower, a colored rainbow and a bright orange sunset after a warm summer rain. When was the last time you 'paused' and really took the time to look, listen, smell and enjoy the precious moment of just being... If it's been awhile, take a much needed 'pause' and feel encircled in the arms of heavens love. Me? I'm going to enjoy my precious 'pause' and go outside to play in the dirt! Are you coming?!

My August Birthday Babes!

2011-08-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday My August Loves!
August 9th & August 31:)

The Tooth Fairy is Going to Be Very Busy Tonight!

2011-07-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

These two cute kids (our twins) both lost the very same tooth on the very same day! I think the tooth fairy will be very busy tonight!

Oh, What Do You Do in the Summertime?

2011-07-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

Oh, what do you do in the Summertime

when all the world is green?

Do you play in the park, and stay up until dark,

do you look at the stars in the sky?

Is that what you do?

So do I!

Oh, what do you do in the Summertime
when all the world is green?

Take a drive down the street,

and walk in bare feet,

cut your hair in a cool summer style?

Is that what you do?

So do I!

Oh, what do you do in the Summertime
when all the world is green?

Do you catch little bugs,

and give warm summer hugs,

do you climb in the tree so high?

Is that what you do?

So do I!

Oh, what do you do in the Summertime
when all the world is green?

Do you swim in a lake, have a marshmallow bake,

do you look at the geese swim by?

Is that what you do?

So do I!

My July Birthday Babe!

2011-07-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Little Dolly! July 9th

Summer Breeze Makes Me Feel Fine

2011-07-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

Summer Breeze makes me feel like a beautiful princess all dressed up on a Midsummer day!

It makes me feel like jumping in the water, catching bugs, rolling marbles, and drawing fairies on the sidewalk. Did you know that if you draw a fairy on the sidewalk it just may come to life on a warm Midsummer's Eve and float away to fairyland on an evening breeze:)

The summer breeze whisked us away to Story Land at the Old School Library, where we learned about China and made our own homemade lanterns!

And then off to visit Grandma and Grandpa Great, where we learned how to bake homemade bread...

And grind our own wheat like the Little Red Hen...

And have a Midsummer Tea party! Grandma Great served us tiny cookies and yummy Rhubarb nectar...I'll bet all little fairies would love this! We would love to share the recipe:

3 Cups Chopped Rhubarb

3 Cups Water

1-1/4 Cups sugar

1/2 Cup Lemon Juice

1 pkg (32 oz) Crystal Light Packet

Bring above ingredients to a boil and simmer 10 minutes. Strain and Chill.

Per glass add:

1/2 cup syrup

1/2 Cup Sprite.

Very yummy Summer nectar for all cute little Sprites!

The Summer breeze gently blew us to over to see Grandpa Greats wood pile, and to see the old Power Wagon, and did you know that when a Summer breeze blows, snap dragon flowers can talk?

We were Whirled away to the Duck pond to feed the ducks a summer treat...

And then to take a ride on the tiny carriage, pulled by the tiniest little horse. All creatures great and small reveled in such happy summer delights...It was a magical moment!

When the Summer breeze blows, pampered faces turn red, wheel barrows are the funnest transportation around, horses seem to magically shrink, and rock painting ROCKS!!

Old friends that we haven't seen for a long time gather...

And the glow of family and friends lights up the night!

When the Summer breeze blows we travel back in time to our childhood dreams and remember the places we used to play and hear the giggles of the past through the giggles of our own children. Trees are for climbing, hands are for holding. Summer days for for remembering!

When we fall asleep on a midsummer's Eve...we awake to a wonderful fairyland! Did the fairies visit you this summer? They brought us fairy candy necklaces to string!

A warm gentle summer breeze can take us to many yummy places like the Pastry Pub, and then down the street for a cold treat. The Snow cones were delicious, and so was the company. I can't believe we ran into this friend we know from Staten island. It truly had to be Midsummer magic!

And Midsummer magic was made while roasting marshmallows, making s'mores and chocolate Banana Boats, catching "Rollie Pollies" (potato bugs)...

And lighting sparklers with those that add spark to our lives!

The Summer Breeze makes me feel fine when I get to spend it with family...

Hiking together along the black ridges looking for Freemont Petroglyphs!

Yep....The SUMMER BREEZE Blowing through the window really does MAKE ME FEEL FINE!

Please Help Us to Help this Sweet Family:)

2011-06-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

http://media.causes.com/ribbon/1090416

Rob's Story... in a nutshell

Rob Grimshaw has a unique story to tell. For now, I will share it from my perspective but I hope in the future he will allow me to share his story at a more personal level. Rob married his high-school sweetheart, Amber Turner, and together they have two beautiful girls. Joslyn, 8 and Savannah, 2. Shortly after Savannah's birth, Rob began feeling pain in his left hand. He was diagnosed with carpal tunnel. Following 2 surgeries for carpel tunnel the pain continued and was getting worse daily. After researching many options and doctors, Rob traveled to St. Louis to see nerve specialist (we thought carpal tunnel surgery had severed his nerve).

The nerve specialist found a tumor in his arm just under his elbow. It was the size of an egg. Doctors removed the tumor and Rob was told it was benign. 1 week later St Louis called. It was high grade MPNST (Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor). He was told to get on a plane the following day so they could take a large part of the surrounding area in case it had spread. He did. Leaving behind his family and new baby, he left feeling worried and had many questions. They did a CAT scan to see if it had spread to his lungs and the scan showed only two nodules. The doctors advised him that it was nothing to worry about.

Rob then continued to follow the advice of his doctors and underwent brachyradiation therapy in St. Louis and came home to Las Vegas. In Vegas, he went through 1 month of external beam radiation. (We have since learned that this treatment caused the cancer to grow and spread more rapidly than ever)

By the end of the year, the family celebrated being cancer free. But soon after the new year, his arm was back into pain. Rob was told to have a CAT scan once a year but because of his pain, he insisted they scan him again. He went back to St. Louis in early March 2011 for an MRI cause the Las Vegas doctor kept telling him it was scar tissue from radiation.

The MRI found sarcoma cancer was back in his arm and was breaking through his muscle. He was advised to amputate his left arm. Rob and Amber wanted a second opinion. By this point, every doctor was advising different procedures and each had a different prognosis. Together they went to Utah and on March 28, 2011 (worst day of their lives) Rob had a cat scan on his chest that showed tumors in both lungs. Now considered stage 4. (incidentally Rob found his mother passed on this same day 2 years earlier) so this really is a bad day for their family. Rob started chemotherapy in Salt Lake City, a 6 hour drive. They would come home for two weeks, then drive back to Utah for 1 week of chemo. He did 3 rounds of chemo. During the 3rd round pain was so intense that he had to have a nerve block to numb his arm.

Doctors did another biopsy sticking a long needle in his arm 20 times to see if maybe he had an infection. No infection was found, but they did change the pathology report to a diagnosis of epitheliod sarcoma. Doctors said chemo has not been found to help with this type if cancer.

Through all of this, Rob has continued to coach his daughters soccer team, hold his calling in church, and inspired his 14 year old niece to get baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was able to baptize and confirm her though the tumors in his arms were ripping through his muscles and bone. He cried all during church from the pain of his arm. Somedays he can't get out of bed because the pain. Somedays it's dificult to breath deeply. Somedays are filled with tears and worry but other days are filled with hope and faith. Amber stays home with him... cooking and keeping up with his meds. She searches the internet and calls people trying to connect in order to find a cure. There are experimental and alternative treatments available but insurance will not cover them. Because the US has only seen 8 cases of this type in the past 15 years, there isn't alot of "approved" therapy available. The need for research isn't high because very few people suffer from this. Together we can support Rob and his family. Financially, emotionally, and physically they will feel our help and love. Thank you.

The Love letter...

2011-06-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

"To Brenda, To you who are my only real friend on this earth. There are some things I would like to express to you. Since I have such a hard time putting them into words the way I would like to, I will try writing them down. You need to know how much you mean to me. Somehow from the first time that I saw you walk into church I knew that you would be in my life. From the time I got to know you , I have always loved you.

You are the person that I live my life for, and work for-you do indeed make my life worth while. I thank you for having my children- it has meant that you have given up things from your life that are important to you. You have sacrificed your time and talents to help your children I want you to know that I appreciate that. I love you for it! Our life together hasn't always been a smooth path. I do realize however that our real growth comes from opposition. We have had some really great times though and my life with you is all I ever really think about. Time before I knew you has pretty much faded away.

If there is one main goal I have for my life, it is to one day stand hand in hand with you in front of the Savior and be able to say to him, 'we made it!!' And he will say to us, 'you look so good together, I knew you would make it all along'. I love you Brenda Joy! The world is a better place because of you and I am a better person for having you near me. I will love you always!"
(Written for me by the love of my life on 10/18/88)
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!

The Many Faces of a Wonderful Grandfather!

2011-06-17T20:34:00.000-07:00

Since I was a little child,

In all that I've been through;

You've always been my hero,

No one stood as tall as you.

You were the one who took the time,

To teach what I needed to learn;

The lessons in life you shared with me,

You shared with love and concern.

I loved you as a little child,

And now that I am grown;

I share those lessons you taught me;

With children of my own.

Generation to generation,

I'll pass on your legacy;

I'll tell of my loving Grandfather,

And all that you mean to me.
(Author Unknown)

Happy Fathers Day to a wonderful Father and Grandfather!

WE LOVE YOU!

Happily Ever Laughter!

2011-06-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated a very happy moment filled with so much love and LAUGHTER. It was pure joy!

My cute little niece and her fiance tied the knot..and her sister threw them a wonderful bridal shower! Everything was so delicious and decorated up so cute.

The evening before the wedding,
there was a fun celebration on the park...

And of course there was family and friends, good food and fun, and when a mud fight ensued, there was certainly plenty of laughter!

My cake decorating daughter and I stayed up til the wee hours of the morning decorating the wedding cake for the lovely Bride and Groom. There were some pretty intense moments at times, but there were also times when we couldn't help but Laugh our heads off...oh how I love a good Sugar High!!!

I watched her brothers and sister pass by, and then here she came, the beautiful bride. She looked like a princess walking arm in arm with her father. She already had tears of joy flowing down her cheeks.
She looks so beautiful!
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Nichols

Signing the Marriage license. It's now official!
They are legally and lawfully married by
the Mayor of Enoch!

Loved ones were there to congratulate
the beautiful couple!

Let's get this party started! And oh what a party it was.
I sure love a good Pena Party!

There was love and laughter everywhere
and more than enough to share!

Cute cousins, and teeny tiny forks, yummy food,
family...and plenty of hugs for everyone!

LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH and DANCE!

Here's to cake in yer face...

And here's wishing you a wonderful jump into the future together. May your lives be filled with much joy and happiness, and may you live
HAPPILY EVER LAUGHTER!

WE LOVE YOU BUNCHES!

Summer Smiles!

2011-06-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

Summer time is a time for smiles... and throwing white Summer snowballs from the snowball bush! It's a time when cute fairy princesses come out to play and we turn our eyes to the warmth of the sun!

Summer is a time for learning to ride bikes, making mud pies, playing in the dirt, and climbing in trees!

Summer is a time for creating our own kind of music, hanging out on the line, jumping to the sky and grandpa hugs. It is the song of a bird and a homemade choo choo train full of soft cuddly animals!

Summer is a time for monkey pancakes for little monkeys, sweetened with bananas and syrup... A yummy way to begin the day!

Summer is a time for playing in the park, swinging, gliding and rocket riding clear to the moon and back!

Summer is a time for making cute colorful cakes, licking knives and spoons, and topping it off with as many colored sprinkles as you want!

And summer is a time for little rhino's, Sunday dresses and picnics with loved ones. It twas so fun to have these cute smiles with us for a few days! I LOVE SUMMER SMILES!

A Memorable Memorial Day!

2011-06-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

It's good to touch the green, green grass of home. Every year for memorial day we go home to this lovely place. There are many loved ones buried here. Many fought and died for our country and our freedom; many taught me by their great examples. They are a part of me...memories of them are deeply rooted in my heart. Here I feel at peace, here is where I want to be laid to rest...here among some of the greatest and most noble ones. It was so good to pause and reflect upon my life being raised in Parowan. Growing up here surrounded by family and good friends... the truly great ones who have helped shape my life, has been such a incredible blessing! I love these people dearly, I deeply miss them and look forward to the day I can see them again.

In the evening we met my nephew Elder Rasmussen at the Cedar City airport to welcome him home from his mission. Words can't express the feeling you get when you're standing there waiting for the plane to arrive. Its been 2 long years (too long) since you've seen these kids and the anticipation is truly unbearable! What a feeling it is to watch the door open and that young man steps out. Worn out suit and shoes, a little ragged after the flight home, but a huge smile on his face! His parents run to smother him in the hugs they haven't been able to give for 2 long years (too long) so proud of them and so happy to have him home again! Welcome home Elder Rasmussen...we have truly missed you! WE LOVE YOU!

KA-CHOW!

2011-06-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

Life is a Highway... and Bob and I rode it all morning
long to make it to this Handsome Dude's Birthday party! He loves the Movie "Cars" and so his clever mom did some amazing decorating for the special occasion!

The kids had a very fun time ZOOMING
down the water slide!

We all FUELED up on yummy grilled hot dogs,

Root Beer (Motor Oil), chips and potato salad...

DELISH!

We CRASHED lightning McQueen several times

until he had to be hauled off to the Salvage Yard!

He was filled with all kinds of yummy treats!

The little TOW MATER
loved opening his presents from everyone!

There were all kinds of smiley Happy faces!

There were faces with Birthday boy smiles,

funny faced smiles, sitting on cute tiny chair smiles,

crazy smiles, sad smiles and poke your nose smiles!

I love all these smiles!

Hit the ROAD...It's cake time!

Lets sing Happy Birthday, blow out those candles

and take a great Big Birthday bite!

The Mac Cake was as yummy as it was awesome,

and to be able to eat it with ROCKY ROAD ice cream

was so delicious!

Making a personal license plate
was way fun for these cute little put puts!

These kids DRIVE me completely crazy with their cuteness! VROOM, VROOM!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our 3 year old little HOT ROD!

It's been a wonderful day

KA-CHOW!

DISNEYLAND!!!

2011-06-07T16:57:00.000-07:00

"A dream is a wish your heart makes," and my handsome Prince just made my dreams come true...he took me to the Happiest Place On Earth! DISNEYLAND!

It looks like some body's been sleeping in the Momma Bears bed...and some body's been sitting in the Papa Bears chair...And there they are! The Teeny Weeny Baby Bear fell asleep in the Big Bears chair! (Lower right!) We got to stay in the Disney Grand Californian Hotel... It was truly beautiful and amazing! It was so fun to be right there in the Park. Our California Adventure was just a hop, skip, and jump away from all the fun and excitement!

We had a great time playing in Toon Town! I got to sit in Mini Mouses Chair, and bake a cake in her oven. We had fun doing a little morning weight training workout, some gardening in Goofy's garden and our crazy driving landed us in Jail! Mini bailed us out however, and we are now living happily ever after... I think Minnie has a thing going on with this handsome kid... Don't you think hey make the cutest couple?!

We enjoyed the Disney "World of Color" show! It was truly amazing...you have to see it to believe it!

We ran into some of our good friends from Enoch and Cedar City while we where there! "It's a Small World" after all...it's to bad we didn't meet them on "It's a Small World" ride! We love these people and it was so fun to hang out with them for awhile.

This fun family invited us to come along with them to Disneyland this year! They love Disneyland almost more than we do:) It was such a great time with them all! Thanks so much for the invite and the fun time:)

At times it was unbelievable craziness with these crazy fun people! Everything crazy, from trying to eat a 5 lb burrito to being possessed at the Haunted Mansion, running along the streets with pants rolled up drew some attention, marching with the green soldiers, and little brothers rubbing their hands in big sisters hair singing " Flower, Gleam and Glow Let your power shine. Make the clock reverse, bring back what once was mine!" It was truly a "Tangled" experience!

I love these smiles! I love these people!

The kids rode the Bear River Rapids over and over again! They put their swim suits on at the hotel and ran across to the rapids. When they were cold and tired, they headed back across to the hotel! It was so nice staying right there in the park! I'm so happy I got to spend 3 days in the Happiest Place On Earth with some of the Happiest people on Earth! I LOVE DISNEYLAND!

The Many Faces of a Wonderful Grandmother!

2011-05-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

God gave the world a lot of gifts,

But the greatest gift by far,

Was when he made Grandmothers

the angels that they are.

With voices that could always say...

The things that soothe the hurt away.

And oh - so soft and comfy laps...

For laying down and taking naps.

He gave them special gentleness,

A patient loving way...

And then he sent them down to earth...

To be loved more each day!

(Poem taken from Elizabeth Grimshaw's Book Of Remembrance)

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO A WONDERFUL MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER!

I LOVE YOU MOM

Free Fallin'

2011-05-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

I'm free, I'm free fallin'

I wanna glide down over Mulholland
I wanna write her name in the sky
I wanna free fall out into nothin'
Gonna leave this world for awhile

And I'm free, I'm free fallin'

For Mother's Day this year my daughter decided to FALL in love with skydiving! Here she is up there in the big Atlanta blue as her cute little munchkins cheer her on from down below! Yes she really did it and....LOVED IT! Nothing but smiles here...and I love it!!! YOU GO GIRL!
She's Free Fallin'!

Iron Men Are Super Heros!

2011-05-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

I've always heard of the Iron Man Marathon, but never really knew what it all entailed until I actually spent the day cheering my brother on in this most amazing race! It begins with a 2.4 mile swim, transitions into a 112 mile Biking event and ends with a full 26.2 mile marathon...all of this without a break! I can't even imagine how grueling this would be to endure...It was grueling enough just for me to watch! My brother is an amazing athlete and such an inspiration to me. Here he is after the 112 mile bike transitioning into the full marathon. He's all smiles and looks so strong! Lower 2 pics are halfway through the marathon and then crossing the finish line...till going strong and still all smiles! SO amazing!

I was also touched by these two! The lady on the left was 65 years old and missing a leg. Here she is transitioning from bike to Marathon. So incredible! The guy on the right carried the American Flag throughout the Marathon. So inspiring! I would sure love to know their stories!

It was such an incredible experience to stand at the finish line and watch all the athletes come running in. You could tell that it was truly an emotional experience for most...Some came in leaping, some limping, some sprinting, some shedding tears, some hugging and kissing loved ones... It was so touching to watch each one finish...each one I'm sure with an amazing personal story to tell! What a great day spent with such wonderful people! Congratulations Eric! You are an Iron Man and you are my Hero! I love you!

Enjoying the Journey While Cruising Through Life!

2011-05-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome aboard the Enoch 4th Ward R.S.S. (Relief Society Simplicities) Royal Cruise Line the Beautiful Ship GRANDEUR OF ETERNITY! It was so much fun to spend the evening relaxing and taking some much need time out with good friends! We had a yummy dinner buffet and speakers on board to teach us about nutrition & women's health, and then we enjoyed some good ol' R & R soaking our feet, and learning how to Zumba for some exotic exercise.

We also indulged in some down time with a good old fashioned recipe for relaxation...Here are some ideas for you to try at home. How about a warm bubble bath to "Bubble Your Troubles Away" with a little Hagen Das ice cream on the side! And did you know that living each day with an attitude of gratitude is one of the greatest stress relievers there is?!

We had a wonderful time in the company of good friends feeding bodies, minds and spirits, and just simply enjoying the journey while cruising through life! I must say that it's one of the funnest cruises I've ever been on!

BEE-ware!

2011-05-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here's the BUZZZ...These little sweeties are on the swarm and I must say this has been so fascinating to watch! I've never seen so many bees huddled together outside the hive....
Now this certainly is no way for you to BEE-have my little golden fuzzy friends... Must I really say Good-bye? YES, is certainly the BUZZ word here...but I will not miss the sweetness of your sting my lovey little HONEY buns! All Hail to the new Queen Bee!

My May Birthday Babes!

2011-05-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Grandma Ras! May 2

Happy Birthday to this beautiful daughter in law!
May 9th

Happy Birthday to this handsome dude! May 26th

And happy Birthday to this handsome dude! May 29th

Getting Older...But still Young at Heart!

2011-04-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

My Birthday became extra special this year when I learned that I've never, ever in my entire life celebrated my Birthday on Easter. The last time April 24th came on Easter Sunday was the year 1859, and it won't come again until the year 2095! So it was a Hallmark Birthday for me and I celebrated it doing some of the things I love! My love took me to the temple... and it was so beautiful there!
I also got to spend time at one of my favorite places for lunch with my favorite person! My wonderful parents came by for a visit and we chatted til dark! I Love that I got to spend time with them! I spent Sunday in Church with one of my sons and my good husband enjoying the the Spirit of Easter, and Remembering my Savior and all he has done for me through his Atoning sacrifice. There was no better way to spend such a Hallmark Birthday than being where he would want me to be. He Lives...I LOVE HIM!
For Easter/Birthday fun, I was also honored to be chosen as the Philosophy girl of the week! I absolutely love Philosphy products and my most favorite is Amazing Grace. This picture is of me when I was still just new to the world holding my cute little warm fuzzies! Yes, I'm getting older, but still feel so young at heart!
I had a wonderful Birthday weekend! The only thing that would have made it absolutely the perfect Birthday ever? To be Surrounded with these great people! I LOVE THEM!

Adventures with my Backyard Friend!

2011-04-25T10:10:00.001-07:00

This girl is an amazing example and I feel so blessed to be her friend and Visiting Teaching partner! When we get together we have lot's of fun! She Surprised me with a horse and buggy ride for my birthday!
She taught me how to play the Oreo Cookie game! How fast can you get an Oreo Cookie from your forehead into your mouth? It only takes her 17 seconds!

This week her goat had a brand new little kid...
He is just as adorable as can be!
HAPPY SPRING!

She teaches me piano lessons every week
and then we play games and watch an episode or two of
Gillian's Island! I've always loved Gilligan's Island!

She has a tiny horse named Little Red.
He's adorable! They come driving by
every now and again. One of these days she'll
take me Visiting Teaching the old fashioned
horse and buggy way!

She loves to decorate cakes,
and her favorite game is Monopoly!
She combined the 2 to make a wonderful masterpiece!

We love to Celebrate the holidays making Gingerbread
houses for the ladies we visit teach!
I love adventures with my backyard friend!

It's Spring On The Wing...

2011-04-22T18:00:00.001-07:00

It came wheeling in with style
on Uncle Ernie's Sweet ride...

...and were going to look at it this year through
CRAZY new eyes!

Spring ushers in Pretty Spring Chicks running
Half Marathons in Washington DC.
Congrats to them all especially the cute one on the left!

Spring comes in softly, with warm little fluffy FUZZIES
and sweet little smiles !

Spring is a time for new earrings, New haircuts...
and a fresh new shave! "I Hansome!"

Spring is a time to color your world...

and to enjoy the color of the world around you!

Spring is the gift of New Life
all wrapped up in soft purple...

...and seeing the color green again,
and the smell of newly turned earth,
and fresh mown grass!

Spring is decorating chocolate Easter fudge at SUU,
and the joy of being surrounded
with the warmth of good friends!

Spring is a gift!
It is the blessing of knowing
that Because Jesus Lives...
My family can be forever.

Spring brings hope, beauty, joy and peace...
and breathes new life into our souls.
Spring lifts us as songbirds on the wing
to loftier heights, our faces to the Sun!
Spring is on the Wing...
there's so much to sing about!
I LOVE SPRING!

Our April Comings and Goings!

2011-04-21T15:09:00.000-07:00

I love comings...but goings? NOT SO MUCH! This little family came by to see us on their way to Disneyland and while we had them we made the most of their comings! We went out to find the the first signs of Spring, and just look at what the Spring wind blew in! Some robin eggs, some sugar coated bunnies, some animals of all kinds, but best of all... these two cute kids!
AND THEN OFF THEY WENT TO DISNEYLAND, AND SPENT SOME TIME AT THE BEACH! It was so fun hearing all about their fun adventures!
Then yippee! They came back to us and we got to play some more, and finish what we started! We got all the Barbies bathed and clean!
We finished all 11 paper doll cousins, and then rewarded ourselves with cookies and milk!
This little one loved playing the family's all time favorite "Oh Jenny!" Oh Jenny even got to take time to go to the temple this trip and from the looks of things, Oh Jenny was Oh so happy about it!
We colored some cute "Lola's Fashion flurry" pages and dressed Lola up in all kinds of cute fashionable fashion flurry outfits. We made flower fairies, and we got these bathing beauties cleaned and all dressed up in their cute fashionable outfits to wear to church!
This Happy little helper made cupcakes for Uncle "Shakes" Birthday! Yummy...they were so delicious! And then we all sang Happy Birthday to Uncle Shake!
I'm so happy these little cuties could COME and play... I was so sad to see them GO! I will miss you TOO much little dollies! Kisses... MUUUUAAAAH!

My April Birthday Babes!

2011-04-12T20:21:00.001-07:00

Singing Happy Birthday to Uncle Shake! April 11th

Happy Birthday Uncle Josh! April 21st

Happy Birthday to me! April 24
My Birthday falls on Easter this year!
the last time April 24th fell on Easter was the year 1859.
It won't fall again on Easter until the year 2095!

Happy Birthday Big "D!" April 23rd
He's my Birthday Gift!

Preparing Our Minds and Hearts!

2011-03-28T09:56:00.001-07:00

(Click Image to Enlarge)

I love this beautiful time of year! Spring is in the air and there is a feeling of great hope and joy that enters our hearts after a long winters sleep. Also with the ushering in of the Spring season is the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love General Conference! It is a wonderful time for us to sit at the feet of latter Day prophets and apostles and bask in the light of the Spirit as we listen to them speak the words of Christ...bringing peace to our souls, awakening our spirits, and strengthening our testimonies of him and the truths of his glorious gospel. During the week before conference I try to prepare myself spiritually to receive the words of Christ, and the above activity helps me to focus on that.

I FEEL MY SAVIORS LOVE!

Conference is also for the little ones of all ages! It is a FAMILY event! Here are a few ideas to help them feel their Saviors Love too: (Thank You SUGAR DOODLE!)

For Tiny Tots:
http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/NrsryApr2011Rvsd_030211.pdf

For Young Children:
http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/JrPrmryApr2011Rvsd_030211.pdf

For Children:
http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/2011confpacketshort.pdf
http://lds.org/general-conference/children?lang=eng

For Older Children:
http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/Senior%20Primary%20Packet.pdf
http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/StickerPacket.pdf

For Youth::
http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/youthconfpacket1.pdf

The 181st Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will take place on April 2 and 3, 2011, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

For two days, Church members around the globe will gather in various locations to hear counsel from Church leaders, including President Thomas S. Monson and each member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as well as other General Authorities and auxiliary leaders of the Church.

General conference—whether experienced from the Conference Center, at meetinghouse, or through the printed Church magazines—is an opportunity for everyone around the world to witness modern prophets and apostles speaking. It is a chance to feel the spirit of faith and testimony that this moment of instruction, this time of strengthening, provides.

http://lds.org/church/news/181st-general-conference-of-the-church?lang=eng

"TIME OUT!!!! (At Grandma's!)

2011-03-23T08:24:00.001-07:00

I love "Grandma Time Out" Vacations! I got to have a full week with these 2 cute little grands while their parents went honeymoonin' and we had some great fun together! I have a sign hanging on my kitchen wall that reads "AT GRANDMA'S I CAN!" Well of course they can at grandma's! Isn't that what granny's are for...to spoil the grandchildren rotten?! At grandma's they can do anything they want and their parents don't have anything to say about it!!! We CAN get our hands dirty catching Rollie Pollie (potato) Bugs with grandpa great and we CAN feed the horse some fresh spring grass...

...We CAN Swing on the old tire swings and and get our clothes all dirty, and We CAN see if we're almost as tall as Aunt Diane yet, and we CAN play our all time favorite game "Frantic Ants" with Aunt "D"!
We CAN pour tons of syrup all over our waffles, and top them off with all the whipped cream we want to squirt and we CAN squirt the Whipped cream directly into our mouths...and yeas we CAN Dip, dip dip anything we want to, even if it's our yummy chicken nuggets into some delicious caramel apple dip! We CAN build towers taller that ourselves, and make anything we want out of Legos... and even if we don't want to build anything at all we CAN toss them in the air just for fun!!
We CAN roast hot dogs, and as many huge marshmallows as we want to roast in the fireplace on a cold snowy evening, and get our hands and mouths all gooey and sticky... and then we CAN eat Jiffy Pop popcorn and watch our favorite movie by (fake) candlelight!
We CAN take a walk to see Our friend and her tiny horse named Little Red, and we CAN feed him carrots and let him nibble on our shirt!
We CAN play hide and seek at Discovery Park and play and have such fun til we're all tired out!
We CAN hold Pretty Boy the Cockatiel and let him sit on our shoulder...
...and we CAN play the blues on the Harmonica til were cross-eyed and blue in the face... And we CAN play school sitting in the old fashioned desk in grandma's basement!
We CAN Jump like Jumping Beans on beds and/or trampolines, and we CAN blow bubbles into the wind and watch them float far, far away into the beautiful blue sky!
We CAN get messy painting bird houses for the birds to make their nests in this Spring, and we CAN also climb trees and pretend we are birds making our nests in the Spring! Chirp, Chirp!
We CAN create our own paper doll cousins and then have a sleepover with them...
We CAN take grandma and Grandpa Hiking the bubble Rocks at 3 Peaks...
And we CAN go boating with this cute family at Sand Hollow!
We CAN go tubing in the cold, cold water and nearly drown ourselves...
And then we CAN picnic on the beach with grandpa Bob and roll around and jump in the coral sand, and feel it squishing through our toes and fingers,...and we CAN even be magically transformed in to mermaids! Yep I CAN do anything I want at Grandma's!

Some of my favorite thoughts and feelings about being a Grandma:

"When grandparents enter the door, discipline flies out the window."

"Whenever I see you I have an uncontrollable urge to fling open my arms, excitedly shout your name and scoop you up."

"The laughter of a child is the light of a house"

"Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old."

"There's no point in being grown up if you can't be like a child sometimes."

"Grandchildren are precious gifts given to parents from their children."

"If I'd known grandchildren were so much fun, I'd have had them first!"

"All Grandmothers like letters. Even if they just consist of a squiggle and a dirty finger mark."

"Just when I thought I was too old to fall in love again, I became a Grandparent."

"Few things are more delightful than grandchildren fighting over your lap."

"Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation."

"Grandchildren are loving reminders of what we're really here for."

"My Grandkids Are GENIUSES! (They think I'm perfect.)"

I sure had a wonderful "TIME OUT" with these cute little ones. It was a week of magic for me that I will never forget... We made some wonderful memories! Sure wish I could have had every single one of my sweet grands here with us...each one is a light in my life...and I love them all them so MUCH!

The Most Beautiful Thing!

2011-03-22T16:03:00.001-07:00

One of the most beautiful things in the world is getting the opportunity to witness a family become a "Forever" family, an eternal family! These precious little ones all dressed in white looked like angels. They were beautiful!
It was so neat to see family and friends we haven't seen for awhile...
And spend time just enjoying the company of loved ones!
I think at this point my dad had died and gone to Rolls Royce Heaven! This neat old car belongs to the Whetten family. They are great friends and have touched our lives in many ways.
A wonderful Cafe Rio Lunch, loves songs and hugs, and the joy of being with this family was a such Heavenly Day for me! Congratulations to this sweet little Grimshaw Family! May you live all the days of your "Forever" as deeply in love as you are today...I LOVE YOU!

More about the importance of Temples:
http://lds.org/church/temples?lang=eng

Happy Birthday Relief Society!

2011-03-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

I really can't imagine my life without Relief Society! For as long as I can remember Relief Society has been such a big part of my life and my Mother and Grandmothers have been my greatest examples! I guess I could say I was born into Relief Society..i was raised in Relief Society... it simply is part of me...It flows through my veins! Relief Society is the largest organization for women in the world, and during the month of March we celebrate! Relief Society has helped lift me up when I've been down, it has brought meals when I've been sick or given birth to children, it has taught me how to raise my family, it has taught me how to cook, it has taught me how to organize a home, it has taught me how to honor the Priesthood, it has taught me how to serve others, it has taught me the right way to live, it has helped to strengthen my testimony of my Savior. I LOVE RELIEF SOCIETY! In celebration of this great organization I baked and decorated a cake for our Ward Relief Society. If you want to read more about Relief Society here's a great place to start:
http://lds.org/service/serving-in-the-church/relief-society?lang=eng

"CHARITY NEVER FAILETH"
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RELIEF SOCIETY!

I Love My Glitter Toes!

2011-03-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

Even more than that...I love my friends!!! These ladies add some sparkle to my days! Every once in a while we get together for a spa night at my good friends house and we gorge ourselves with delicious food, get our toes glittered, and have massages. Its one of the best ways ever to kick back and relax! Thanks to some pretty amazing talented ladies from St George that actually bring their salon right to your door...we have a fun reason to still get together and play... even at our age!

They're Having Way Too Much Fun Without Us!

2011-03-22T14:44:00.000-07:00

The New Yorkers and the Georgians got together recently for some fun times! I sure wish I could have been there to enjoy the fun times with them! I most certainly would have Enjoyed some good ol' Southern Hospitality and delicious Southern Cookin' that's for sure!
I would have got to spend some fun times with these fun people at the Coke Plant and CNN!!!
I would have had the best sleepover right in the middle of all these cute kids and given shoulder rides through the city like I usually get to do whenever we go a big city with the grandkids!
I would have had fun looking for newts and picnicking in the back yard, and a good wrestle with Ian and the kids. And I would have planted myself right there in the middle of Melissa and Christy, and snuggled with those cute kids on the front porch! Yep...I should have been there...They had way too much fun without me! I love you all and I'm so glad you got to spend some time together and have some fun...even if it was with out us!

My March Birthday Babes!

2011-03-04T09:12:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to my Beautiful MOM! March 5th

Happy Birthday to my Beautiful Daughter (Who was named after her beautiful grandmother above) March 8th

It's Party Time!

2011-02-22T14:32:00.000-08:00

This cute lil' baby Bean started her life at just 3 lbs. I am so grateful for the blessings of heaven that have smiled upon her these past 3 years, and have allowed us to enjoy the blessings of this sweet little happy smile! Happy Birthday Tiny...we love you!! Her very talented mom (my cute daughter) made this most amazing, aDORAble cake for her Birthday! So darling!
This guy celebrated his 30th Birthday! His cute wife planned a super fun surprise party for him and boy was he ever surprised! It was so fun to be a part of it all! Happy Birthday "DOOTSIE"!
His Birthday cake was a huge IPhone! It was the most delicious IPhone I've ever tasted!
And this cute girl (Sister to the party boy) created this most amazing cake! It was awesome! Yes my daughters are super duper talented in the confectionery department!
It was so much fun to spend the evening with such great people. We have such amazing family and friends!
What a fun idea to have a bounce house! these kids loved it...so did I!
Hippo Birdies two Ewes...Hippo Birdies two Ewes! Hippo Birdies, Dear "Doodle"...Hippo Birdies two Ewes! What a crazy fun celebration!
And yes the pinata was fully loaded... and everyone prospered! Oh what yummy treasures!
It was such a fun time! Thank you to my sweet Daughter in Law for loving my son so much, and for planning such a fun family evening. Such great moments to be savored for many years to come...
...and did I mention that the ride home was fabulously yummy too! What could be better than a 31/2 hour drive, a good husband, 2 forks, left over Birthday cake and yummy Bon Bons tucked inside beautiful boxes tied up with strings. These are a few of my favorite things! Thanks Chels for the yummy delights! (and the extra 4 lbs I gained) It was so worth it!

Making HEARTS Glad!

2011-02-22T13:51:00.000-08:00

I love celebrating Valentines Day! It brings with it some wonderfully fun traditions. I always enjoy going to the University and decorating Valentine Fudge for lovers both young and old! It's a joyful place to be... making hearts glad on the one of the most LOVE-ly days of the year. What could be more fun than hanging out with Cupid himself... sitting next to and inhaling the delicious fragrance of dozens and dozens of beautiful Roses, while sampling the worlds yummiest fudge! Life just doesn't get any LOVE-lier than this!
And then of course it's a wonderful time of year to make Grandma Stubbs' Soft Sugar Cookies cut in the shape of hearts! My dad made me these wonderful GIANT cookie cutters in honor of her. They are a reminder to me of how truly big grandma's heart was and how she always added that extra little bit of sugar to everything she did. Each year I make a batch of yummy Sugar Cookies in her name. I savor a few of them all to myself and then take a few to share with friends. If you would like to share with your friends, here's the recipe:

Grandma Stubbs Soft Sugar Cookies:

1 Cube Margarine 1/2 Cup Milk
1 Cup Sugar 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
3 1/2 Cups Flour 2 eggs
3 tsp. Baking Powder 1 tsp. Vanilla

Cream sugar and margarine. Add beaten eggs and milk. Use 2 cups of flour with baking powder
and nutmeg. Add remaining flour as needed until dough is stiff enough to roll. (Don't roll too thin) Bake at 350* for 8-10 minutes. Frost with favorite icing and cover with sprinkles!
THERE AIN'T NOTHIN' SWEETER!

My Cute Funny Valentines!

2011-02-12T11:52:00.001-08:00

There's nothing quite like the joy of being a grandma! Each one of these precious little ones holds a special place in my heart. These are my cute funny Valentines...I love these adorable faces!

I LOVE this sweet face...

And I LOVE this sweet face...

And I LOVE this sweet face!

My friend Cali Grimshaw recently wrote a wonderful article entitled "A Love Story" that spoke deeply to my soul. She describes perfectly how I feel about being a grandma to these beautiful little ones above. She Writes:

"I never believed in love at first sight…until the day my first grandchild was born! The moment my daughter placed my new born grandson in my arms I was smitten. It was as if a bucket of pure love poured over my head and spread throughout every inch of my body. Yes, at first sight I was suddenly head over heels in love and life would never be the same!

When you become a grandparent something mysterious happens. A definite chemical change occurs in the brain…or is it the heart? Like the reformed Grinch when he suddenly understands Christmas, in one miraculous moment, your heart grows ten sizes too large.

What else but true love could explain the bizarre and often surprising behavior of grandparents? Otherwise sensible adults suddenly lose all reason and sense of proportion. They have even been known to turn on their own grown children and take the side of their grandchildren when it comes to the most ridiculous things.

Can you imagine, for instance, arguing in your grandchild’s behalf to stay up PAST his bedtime, eat ANOTHER bowl of ice-cream, or play JUST ONE MORE game before the parents finally draw the line and pull them away from your corrupting influence. They say the reason grandchildren and grandparents get along so well is that they share a common enemy.

Being a grandparent brings out the inner child in old people…the one who died of exhaustion years ago while they were busy raising their own children. What else could explain a fifty year old woman chasing lizards up and down the hill of her back yard with a seven year old boy in ninety degree weather? Or a man in his sixties prancing around the yard, playing hide and seek with a four year old granddaughter who has him wrapped around her little finger.

I watched my own father get in pillow fights with his grandchildren using the sofa cushions that were supposed to be off limits. Having grandchildren gives you the excuse to do all the things you’ve always wanted to do at your children’s house…jump on the beds, swing on the swings, play tag in the back yard, and slurp chocolate milk with a straw. Let your own children be the adults for a change!

Things that drove you crazy when your own children did them…such as unrolling an entire roll of toilet paper as it is being simultaneously flushed down the toilet, are now seen as clever, cute, and even brilliant. Instead of screaming at them to STOP THAT RIGHT NOW, we smile, laugh, and may even label the child a creative genius! Everything they do is wonderful and no one can tell us otherwise.

It’s amazing what grandparents are willing to do. Old people who never had the energy to finish their own children’s baby books take hundreds of photos of the grandkids and show them to anyone and everyone they come in contact with. Women who never had much interest in the mall, will “shop ‘til they drop,” and must now buy every cute outfit they come across. And those who always hated to sew are all at once willing to make infant blankets and baby quilts. Grown men turn into pretend grizzly bears and chase giggling toddlers through the house. It’s a very strange phenomenon, but I’ve seen it over and over again.

What else but true love could make someone drive over three hours in the car in winter weather to read a story to their granddaughter’s class on grandparent’s day, or to spend five minutes watching their grandson receive a scout award?

And why else would someone spend hours making beds, cleaning bathrooms, grocery shopping and cooking up tons of food in anticipation of a weekend visit from the grandkids? It defies logic, because when they leave the house is a mess, the food is all eaten, and little sticky handprints cover the glass on the back porch door. Then, when the car drives off and the house is finally quiet you sit down and cry…not from exhaustion (although that may be part of it), but because you are so sad it’s over. I personally leave the handprints on the back door for at least a good week.

I don’t know what makes having grandchildren so wonderful and magical, but it is! When viewed from the eyes of your grandchildren, the tired old world is suddenly new again. In them we see all the possibilities that still could be. They are the hope of the future and that life goes on, even as we will fade out. They are unconditional love…someone who thinks you’re great inspite of gray hair, wrinkles, and that extra weight you’ve put on over the years. It doesn’t take much to be a hero to a grandchild…just love…and that comes pretty naturally.

Grandkids are life’s great reward for all those times you threatened to, but did not kill your own kids. It’s even worth getting old for. (Cali Grimshaw)"

Yep...It was True Love at first site for sure! I have such a deep love for each of these Cute funny Valentines. They bring great joy into each day of my life. I LOVE YOU DEAR ONES... YOU MAKE ME SMILE WITH MY HEART!

How Do I Love Thee, Let Me Count the Ways...

2011-02-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!
--- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

One of my favorite poems written by
Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

This is my family, these are the LOVES of my life! I love each one with all my heart...
Happy Valentines Day MY LOVES!

Ridin' Like the Wind!

2011-02-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

Look who came flying by on their Iron Horse wearing their fine lids!!! I love my sis and Bro in law! They are so much fun!

It's a Major Award!

2011-02-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

This man of mine was recently awarded the Boy Scout of America District Award of Merit in the Cedar Breaks Utah Natl. Parks District for his outstanding service to youth! This great guy has always enjoyed scouting; as a Scout Master, Assistant Scout Master, and Religious leader. Here are some times he remembers with fondness.

He spent several years at the Thunder Ridge Scout Camp. It was always fun to camp with the boys and to see them earn their awards in a structured camp. He remembers one year partnering with his brother Jim’s scout troop from Parowan. It ended up being a fun camp bringing 2 troops together as one.

Sydney Valley was always his favorite place to take the boys camping. It’s a very beautiful place with a stream for fishing and just a great place to enjoy being in nature.

Another memorable trip with the boys took place in the high Uintas. Great hiking, fantastic fishing, but boy the mosquito's were vicious.

He will always remember the trip made to Coyote Gulch on the Escalante River. The group had a hard time finding the entrance to the Gulch and it was so hot that some thought they would die before they got in to the canyon! Once in the canyon, it was a wonderful time hiking viewing old Indian sites and just being away from the crowds.

The most memorable Winter Camp took place out at the Three Peaks Area. His group got caught in a winter storm and he is absolutely sure the wind blew at least 70 miles per hour that night. You should have seen the boys trying to seek shelter from the wind and build fires to cook on. It is a scene he will never forget!

The second time he served as a Scout Master; he had 26 boys come through the troop and out of the 26 boys, around 24 of the boys served missions for the LDS Church. By the time these boys became the age to serve a mission, Bob was serving as the Stake president and was able to set all of these boys apart for their missions. He felt it a real blessing in his life to be able to be a part of that.

He says that he feels he's a better man for having been able to serve in the scouting program and hopes that he has benefited others in even a small portion to the amount of blessings and goodness that has come to him from having served.

Congratulations Bob on your major award!!! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

Diana Ross and The Visiting Teaching Supremes!

2011-02-07T12:36:00.000-08:00

Can I just say that I LOVE Relief Society! I feel like I've been a part of this organization...the greatest organization for Women in the entire world, since the day I was born. My Mother and Grandmothers have been my greatest examples as I have had the opportunity to grow up and serve in Relief Society. One part of Relief Society is Visiting teaching. Visiting Teachers are the Lords hands here on earth in sharing his love in service and watch care to our dear sisters and friends. I am enjoying my work in the Relief Society. I serve with these wonderful women above on the Relief Society Committee in our ward and they are so much fun! We performed our rendition of Diana Ross and the "Visiting Teaching" Supremes at our last Relief Society Meeting. I love Diana Ross' hit "Ain't no Mountain High Enough" the words have such a good message for Visiting Teachers who reach out in love and service to their sisters each month:

If you need me...call me, no matter where you are no matter how far
Just call my name...I'll be there in a hurry, on that you can depend and never worry.
No wind...No rain..nor winters cold can stop me..if your my goal!
Ain't no maintain High enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
to keep me from you!
Learn more about Relief Society here:
http://lds.org/service/serving-in-the-church/relief-society?lang=eng

Here's a visiting teaching idea for the month of February. A fun Valentine to take to your sisters to show them you love them. Purchase a pair of inexpensive fuzzy socks for each of your sisters, and a Cadbury Fruit and Nut bar. Wrap the label below around the candy bar and add a fun photo of your choice inside the photo square... Then attach the above label to the socks and the candy bar. Enjoy your February visit...Happy Visiting teaching!
If you'd like to make your own personalized Valentines

Download the files at the links below
create the sizes you want in your photo editing software

Label Download here:
http://www.mediafire.com/imageview.php?quickkey=92eoq5952b363ct

Candy bar wrapper download here:
http://www.mediafire.com/i/?kibad6doq6ukj08

My February Birthday Babes!

2011-01-31T08:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Bob! February 2...Ground Hog Day! Will he see his shadow?

Happy Birthday Beautiful Doll! February 15th!

Happy Birthday Damon! February 23rd!

Is There Something Missing?

2011-01-26T20:48:00.001-08:00

Yep! There's something missing in this picture...can you tell what it is?! YAY HANDSOME DUDE, And YAY FOR THE TOOTH FAIRY!

There's a Party in the House!

2011-01-26T20:01:00.000-08:00

I love parties, and this week was party time all week long! Even though some of our loves live far away, we still had fun celebrating them! This beautiful girl and her daddy share the very same Birthday and guess what they got? SNOW!!! Yep, snow in Georgia! Lou loved it! Her daddy...not so much?!!! HAPPY SNOW DAY!
This beautiful girl partied hard Strawberry Shortcake style and loved it!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY Reggie D!
This beautiful girl partied hard Tinker Bell style and loved it! HAPPY BIRTHDAY Little Dolly!
And this handsome little dude celebrated his first Birthday! We got to watch him dig into his cute cake via Skype! SO MUCH FUN!!! I love technology!
We had a sleepover with these two, and slept in the Hippo Tent... All three of us! And woke up to Swiss Pancakes for Breakfast! YUM!
There was a party at this house! We played and chatted, opened presents, and had cake and ice cream...
then we vacuumed, smiled, pulled faces and covered grandpa Bob with Birthday Balloons!
And we even went out to eat authentic Vietnamese food...and used chopsticks! We had such a fun party weekend with family...
And the drive home was lovely! There's absolutely nothing like sharing in the joy of family fun, and nothing quite as beautiful as Utah mountains and Utah sunsets. A beautiful end to a wonderful weekend!

My January Birthday Babes!

2011-01-07T18:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Mikey! January 10th

Happy Birthday Beautiful! January 10th

Happy Birthday Beautiful! January 11th

Happy Birthday Beautiful! January 14th

Happy Birthday cutie pants! January 15

I Know the Scriptures are True

2011-01-07T18:11:00.001-08:00

I love to read the holy scriptures,
and every time I do,
I feel the Spirit start
to grow within my heart-
A testimony that they're true.

Prayerfully I'll read the scriptures
Each day my whole life through.
I'll come to understand,
I'll heed the Lords command
And live as he would have me do.

Search, ponder and pray
are the things that I must do.
The Spirit will guide and deep inside,
I'll know the scriptures are true.
(Children's Songbook)

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 TO MY LOVES!

My Winter Walk

2011-01-07T16:36:00.000-08:00

Branches were dipped in frosting this morn
and the sun cast a fairyland spell;
Each fragile twig looked feathered and white
and beckoned a heart to swell.
A winter treasure - a sight to behold -
while silence augmented the scene;
I wanted to walk through an open gate
to find the artist, supreme.
No gate could I see, the artist unseen,
awe captured my soul;
The canvas would change, as nature intended,
but I'd witnessed her morning's goal.
(Author Unknown)

Parting is so Bitter-Sweet.

2011-01-07T16:23:00.000-08:00

Saying goodbye is always hard. I take comfort in knowing that we can walk and talk with Uncle Myron again one day. He was a great man! A hard working farmer, he lived well and set an example of goodness for all to follow. We will miss him, but we know he is safe in the arms of God. My favorite Uncle Myron quote: "You'll know if you've been a good parent by the way your grand kids turn out" (Myron Abbot)

OH SHEEP!!!

2011-01-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

Only in small town USA!!! We actually see this fairly often here. Sheep Herders moving their sheep from place to place. First of all from off the mountain into the fields in the Fall, and then from the fields to the lambing sheds to prepare the hues for the coming lambing season and sheep shearing. We got stuck for awhile behind this herd. It was pretty B-a-a-a-a-a-a-d!

Merry Christmas to You!

2011-01-07T14:59:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas! It is definitely my favorite holiday! The reason I love it so much is the time we get to spend with loved ones! We were so excited to have the Ras family (my Husbands Brother) come down this year to help us celebrate. We had such a fun time with them! We chocoholics hung around the chocolate fountain and dipped until we were lulled into a chocolate stupor, and we enjoyed a rare cousin moment opening up our new Christmas Eve PJ's!
We always enjoy spending Christmas Eve at my parents house. My Mom's Roast was amazing and her rolls scrumptious as they always are! My dad did the perfect job carving the roast beast. As you can see the kids table is always the happening place! I love these kids. The White elephant gift exchange gets better every year. Hooray for flying screaming monkeys, Sing-a-ma-jigs, Create your own beard kits, and Harry Potter invisibility cloaks and tootsie roll wands! What a magical evening!
The real magic happened when my sisters grand kids came. They were so excited to see their grandparents! It was so cute to watch them run around so happy, hugging everyone. True Christmas cheer at it's best! I have to admit that it made me quite homesick for my kids and grands. I really miss them. Kids truly put the magic into Christmas. See the the kid on the right (In the invisibility cloak?) Yep that's mine! It was good to have him home for Christmas!
I love Christmas morning...even when the kids are all grown up! Surround sound systems and Christmas morning smiles...PRICELESS!
We got together Christmas morning for a yummy breakfast with the Ras family. DELICIOUS! We had so much fun playing! My sister in law and I tried dancing to the tune "Funky Town," and nope, you won't see that picture here, but yes... it was a real hoot!!! We had a ton of fun gettin' our Groove on! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

"Hey Mr. Postman....

2011-01-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

...look and see, is there a letter, a letter for me...Please Mr. PO-O-OST Man, deliver the letter the sooner the better!" Ok so this was a really exciting day for us! It's not every day you get your mail delivered right to your front yard, especially here. Those of you who live in rural areas will know what a big deal this really is!!!! We no longer have to walk up the street to get our mail. Mr. Post man now delivers right to our front yard in our beautiful new mailbox!! Wow, do I feel spoiled. Merry Christmas to me...With Love!

And the Winner Is...

2011-01-07T14:29:00.001-08:00

Ok... so I think I've mentioned my sister before! When it comes to making gingerbread houses this girl just can't be beat. She is amazingly talented as you can see and has made some beautiful gingerbread houses!
This year she entered the Ivory Homes Gingerbread House contest. She had to create a gingerbread house from one of the Ivory Homes house plans, and this is it! SO beautiful and so realistic. We had so much fun cheering her on! Congratulations Charlotte! We are so happy for you and your family! We definitely knew she could do it...well of course she could, she is the gingerbread Mann!!!

Gingerbread Friends n' Fun!

2011-01-07T14:14:00.000-08:00

This cute gal and I get together every year to play and create gingerbread houses to take to the sisters we have the opportunity to Visit Teach! It's always tons of sugar lickin' fun!

Here's my finished "Home Sweet Home" AHHH...How sweet it is!!!