Monday, March 14, 2011

March Visit to Colorado

Grandpa getting his early afternoon shave from Dayton in Colorado.
Even though these two little angels were over to our house not to long ago, it's nice to have them welcome us when we share our Love.

It all falls under the word, "LOVE!" It had been a long time since we had seen the kids in Colorado & with a window of opportunity, we jumped in the car to make a visit happen.
Little did we know that Sam, our oldest grandson, had his first season game in basketball & had drawn his father's number as his own.
We left at 5 in the morning and was at Mary Ann's by 1:00. (Grandpa falls asleep & mother puts the pedal to the metal! Getting to the location is what Grandma wants FAST! I'm practicing the Angel Moroni's travel speed!)
We made it in time to visit with Mary Ann, Dayton & Afton before meeting up with Alan's clan to go watch Sam's first game. (It was a hard first game for Sam, because he had only been in a few minutes when he called the Ref on a bad call & got a technical & his coach took him out of the rest of the game. Don't think he'll do that again.) Nonetheless, we were there to support him, and that's all that really matters.
Thursday, Mary Ann had a project for Mom! "Do I buy vinyl for $200 or do I have my Mom paint it?" Easy answer to that question. Once we had Ryan convinced that I could make things look good, we went to work! I loved it that Mary Ann visited with me while I painted.
Making memories is what is all about. And the nice thing is, if they don't like it, its just a roll full of paint away from instant CHANGE!
Little Afton was the main supervisor......This is her room anyway!
And beside, Grandma & she talk the same bubbly gooie language! (Actually, this is her very first art lesson!)
Note her T-shirt says, "If Mommy say's "NO" call 1-800-Grandma!"
And that's exactly what she did. Tree then leaves! White or Red! Afton chose RED!
Wha-lah! Finished and put back together. Mary Ann made a darling mobil with yellow, white & red birds and then hug my drawing of her & baby Dayton on the other wall. Can't you just hear Grandma screaming, "I LOVE YOU!""
Alan's kids were all out of school on Friday, so we picked them up at 8:30 and went to the bowling alley to have a ball..........in several different colors.
Sam & Chase whipped through 2 games before Connor, Elle & I could finish one. With a little coaching, these two boys would be pro's.
So Grandpa paid for another game so he could give them some of his expert instruction.
Connor was more than happy to be playing with Grandma & Elle. However he was pitching for Elle & I to loose to him!
These kids are good, obedient kids who are so pleasant to take places together.
And who was the top winner with 114 point! Miss Elle Crockett. (She let Grandma win by one point on the next game.)
Then we went to Wendy's for lunch afterwards stopping at Michael's craft to pick up a painting project. Oh, the joy of just doing things with the grand kids.
As Chase would say, "Wii!" After painting let's play Wii.
Saturday morning, it was an early breakfast. Dayton was really sick so he couldn't go with us. But he was always anxious to wake me each morning and say, "Grandma, want to come snuggle with me?" This little tike melts your hear quickly. One time I said, "Hey, what's your name?" "Dayton Ahlstrom," he said. "And where do you live?" His reply has me giggling still: "In Utah........with YOU!"
Chase is quit the soccer player. Fast, focused, and 100% in the game. Handsome too!

I had plenty of pictures on the side line, when Elle got hold of the camera. She's good!
Then it was Connors turn on the field. I hope to post one of the movies of him scoring.

Meanwhile, the older brother is so supportive! Force by Family law, he sat in the car in Elle's car seat watching the game like a dutiful big brother.
Sunday morning, I had the feeling we needed to head home after church. Little did we know that it would snow the next day in the Utah Mountains. So we packed up our stuff while Alan & the kids made their traditional Sunday Pizza's together.
Alan taught the lesson in Gospel Doctrine and told the story that Sam had come home from church last week and asked his mother, "Mom, which Sunday school class do you go to: Gospel Doctrine or the Parenting class?" Karen told him she went to Gospel Doctrine. He came back with, "You should consider going to the Parenting class......you kind of need it!"
Elle and Grandpa
Handsome Connor the Cook getting the dough ready for his Dad to roll out. Then it was eat and run as we left this fun family behind for a month or two until we reunite together again. As a mother, I am so happy with the way our children are choosing to live their lives, govern their families, and love their children. Each are strong, hard working, dedicated individuals who have provide safe havens for their families.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

The Love Of Grandchildren

Kodak Moments are rare but very precious & "Thank You" Mr. Camera for embracing special moments for Grandparents. My life is full of joy because I have children who share their children with us. I love being a Grandma & I truly love my Grandchildren!
Allie anxiously waiting for "our time" to plant her Precious Princess Pansy Garden underneath the trampoline. Candice is so willing to make memories sweet with me & this is Allie's garden. She knows every time I look out the back window, I'm thinking of "Our" time together & it's always a sweet embrace.
Nothing spectacular.......only the feelings and memories we are building with one another.
And of course Cooper is most excited to help put up the trampoline. One by one his little chubby hands pick up each spring & mount it to its place. Then his mother helps stretch the big black surface so this energetic little "Scott" can work out his endless energy. He's all boy & is a di'javue of memories about his father.
And these two young friends, Sydnee Sage & Dayton, who truly love each other as they spent many hours here in the family room watching "Little Einstein" together while their mothers were being sisters & welcoming new little Jaylee into our flock. Pictures just can't do justice to the sweet memories & squeels (both good & contentious) as these two loved being together.
And happy little Afton who smiles melt marshmellow in your heart. Patient & good she waits for her turn to be loved & embraced.
And new little Jaylee Mae.....our latest granddaughter who fills my arms & my heart at the same time. Did I mention, I love being a Grandmother!

Now imagine this garbage can full of children traveling at high speeds as their father's pass them back & forth down the cultural hall to each other. Laughter & screams of joy echo through the hall, while our prayers ascend to the heaven for "SAFETY!" Memories........life is all about "remembering" and enjoying being together.
Costumes & games in November.......and being together!
Feeling your the "MOST" special & laughing together while parents talk.
Is there anything greater than reflecting on your life & remembering you were together & you were loved. Nothing is more valuable to a child or to a parent.
Thank you all of my special Grandchildren for making my life rich with special memories.
I'm anticipating many many many many many MORE!