Digging up Worms

I don't think I will ever have a picture perfect backyard in the magazine sense of the word. But when I look around at the little holes that are dug and the messiness that kids can bring, I smile. I think of each one of my grandkids and know that I wouldn't want it any other way. I sure wish we had more space to roam and play. Today they were fascinated with the worms in the ground and had plenty of fun digging holes.

tree party

So what do we do when we have overgrown trees that haven't been trimmed for years and the bid to trim them all would easily be $800? Why order  pizza of course and count our blessings over and over again for our family that are so willing to come help. Smiths, next door had a tree fall on their roof this past storm and the guys were able to help remove that too. Kaitlyn, Josh's sister, dropped by for pizza and we met her new boyfriend Bob. Thank you BIG TIME everyone. You are much loved and appreciated :)

40 minute walk

Ashlee and Paul /  Lindsey and Tyler went out for their birthday dinner together and I got to watch Jack and Lucy. I learned it takes Jack 40 minutes to walk around the block with no help... he explores every patch of dirt, every rock, every texture. Every now and again, to get him to move along, I simply had to say 'Come see Lucy' and his little legs started moving almost faster than they can carry him. Jack loves bubble baths in the kitchen sink and Lucy? Slow dancing to Michael Buble makes her happy and me too.

grandpa's helper

I looked forward to Friday late afternoon all day long after I woke up to blue skies. Spring is eventually coming and as unpredictable as Utah springs are, we have to grab these days when we get them. My hands were in the dirt by 4:30pm and I was in heaven... made only better with Larry by my side and Ashlee and Jack as helpers who stopped by at the perfect time. Kelsie and Abby made dinner... multi tasking at it's finest :)

snow on christmas eve / talking to josh

We woke up to snow on Christmas Eve and it was magical... like Hallmark movie snow. Amazing how the spirit of Christmas can be captured with falling snowflakes. The snow made everything feel extra special as we settled into Christmas and the busyness of life stopped for a while.

Elder Balmforth (Josh) was able to call us on Christmas Eve morning from South Africa. Everyone was able to come over and talk to him, leaving the biggest chunk of time for Kelsie. Yes. They still very much love each other. He has been there now for 13 months serving as an LDS Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and will be home this next November. Two Years. Looking back, it has gone by quickly. Looking ahead, it feels like forever until he comes home. But we know he is where he is needed and we would not want him anywhere else, but serving the Lord and loving His children. God is good and we keep Josh in our constant prayers.

-Brenda

sleepover

Katie and Ransom's Anniversary was this past week and the kids got to spend the night with us. Conrad was counting down how many sleeps before he got to come. We held our breath and crossed our fingers with Phoebe because she is known to start screaming in the middle of the night. She did. After her second time, I was thinking I could maybe stuff her in a closet, but that was my tiredness thinking. My decision making was not good and I am amazed that Larry and I were able to have 5 children. We had a great time with them and hope for many more sleep overs...

Chocolate milk tea parties with Phoebe always asking for more... you know those little cups sure don't hold very much. Sugar toast. Hide and seek in the dark with flashlights. A walk to visit La La (Ash and Paul and Jack). Ice cream. Singing. Story time. Plenty of snuggles. Taking a few pictures on Instagram and realizing I know nothing about it, but wanting to jump in and learn. My day ended with a nap :)

Conrad and Phoebe

little helper

Phoebe was over and became Larry's helper getting the backyard ready for winter (which sounds like it will be here in a few days). I love fall and it is hard to see it go. I think Larry has gotten more handsome through the years and like him scruffy. Phoebe has a quirky personality and sure loves her grandpa and he has a soft spot for her... must have been raising his five daughters and the softness they bring to a man. 

-Brenda