Ezra Taft Benson -

As a watchman on the tower, I feel to warn you that one of the chief means of misleading our youth and destroying the family unit is our educational institutions. President Joseph F. Smith referred to false educational ideas as one of the three threatening dangers among our Church members.

Friday, October 28, 2011



As I talked with my husband as he got ready for work this morning, we discussed how awesome raising teenagers is. Our oldest has been struggling with dealing with "meanness" from her peers for a while now. I'm not sure I have the answer to the best way of helping her. But I found these great quotes today. I'm gonna share them with her later. You can enjoy them now.

Rejection. Adversity. Failure. Not exactly steppingstones to success. Or are they? We've all heard of celebrities who refused to let hardships stop them on the road to victory. Their stories tell of dozens of unsuccessful experiments, missed swings, endless rewrites, and humiliating performances. Although they have been the objects of the critical judgment of authority figures and peers, they never allowed harsh words to dull their aspirations and destroy their dreams.

The next time you receive negative criticism, dig through how lousy it feels and try to find something in some inspiring quotes for teenagers that can help you improve. Instead of feeling frustrated, stupid, sad, fearful or defeated, just read the below inspiring quotes for teenagers and mull about how much poorer this world would be if these people gave up believing in themselves and let the judgment of others keep them from accomplishing their goals.

Kindness and honesty can only be expected from the strong. - unknown

“Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm, as you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others.”

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

-audrey hepburn

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

-albert einstein

Life is thickly sown with thorns, and I know no other remedy than to pass quickly through them. The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us.”
- Voltaire

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" -- Eleanor Roosevelt

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. ~Judy Garland

Good Luck Shelby in your Junior Year of High School. We'll keep our prayers in your direction. We'll also say a few for ourselves as we try to direct you throw to Adulthood.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Are you ready for some Football?!

We really enjoy football season around our house. Whether watching Ricky play or watching our favorite teams play on tv...it is a big part of Fall.



Ricky left Utah not wanting to play football anymore. We were so blessed to move here and find a wonderful team. Ricky learned that hard work does matter and it will get you where you want to go. He came here and was the 3rd string QB. The coaches practiced him with the other two boys. He looked good. But for the first few weeks his heart wasn't in it yet. He still was deflated from his past 2 years experience. But the coach saw he had potential. Rick kept on him and the coach continued to practice him. Then one day he let go of the past and embraced the experience he was having now. It was obvious he was a good QB. He was able to play in one quarter of the Jamboree as QB. Then the next 2 games he played a quarter. The 3rd game he played a whole half. By the 4th game he was the teams starting QB.



He was picked as the captain



Here are some of my favorite pictures from the season







I love these scriptures in teaching that hard work is worth it.

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
2 Chronicles 15:7

Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23 (see Colossians 3:22- 4:1)

Ricky's football idle made this great quote

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard!" - Tim Tebow

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Fall in Florida


Fall comes later than we have been used to this year. We are having a great time experiencing different things, and some old things in a different way.

We made a trip to St. Augustine Beach and had an amazing time. I had forgotten just how much I love the beach. Rick sat with Shelby and the two of them hunted for sharks teeth. They didn't find any, but had a great father daughter experience both will treasure for a long time. Ricky and Taylor spent the entire time in the water riding the waves. They both want to take surfing lessons. The whole day left everyone with a big smile from the experience. We can't wait to make the trip again.



Taylor started Fall swimming season with Bolles swim school. It is a lot more rigorous than she has experienced before. She has been working hard. Swimming here is all outside. She might still need that parka after all. She swam her first meet last weekend and did amazing. She bettered all her times. Some by more than 10 seconds. But she feels she still has a long way to go. Many of the swimmers have Olympic dreams. Taylor doesn't have that big of a dream...she just wants to make the high school team next year. wink. We are so proud of her.



We went on our first field trip of the school year. We went on a nature walk in some swamp land. Definitely different than the nature walks we took in the Utah mountains. Ricky probably had the most fun. He was so enthralled will the huge grasshoppers, big spiders, swamp water, different plants, etc. Taylor was brave enough to pick up craw fish.

This weekend it got a little cooler here. It was in the 70's. I opened the doors and enjoyed the cool breezes. It made me think about the fall air in Utah. I did enjoy that crisp air and fall colors. Now we'll have new memories of trick or treating in an actual costume, not our coats.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Hi Ho Hi Ho ..It's off to school we go..


We made it to Florida. It was a fun trip with Taylor across the country. For my first time driving that distance, I was a bit nervous. Thank goodness for modern technology. The GPS gets me everywhere.

I got here in time to register Shelby for classes at the local High School. We were careful in picking the location we rented in. Florida ranks their school A,B,C,D, and F. We were told to stay out of Duval county, and we did. We moved to an area where the schools are ranked A.

I was nervous going to the high school. I was ready for them to give us a hard time. But they were very nice. The counselor went out of his way to help Shelby out. She was able to register for
1. Drama I
2. childhood Development (college credit)
3. Trigonomitry/analytical Geometry
4. Honors Chemistry
5. AP English
6. Spanish I

Because I am unfamiliar with Florida and what is available here for homeschoolers I got Taylor and Ricky registered for Connections Academy. It is an online school here. K12 (curriculum we have used before) requires that you have attended Florida public school prior to enrollment. I was happy to find out Connections Academy doesn't have that requirement for 6-12 grade.

Ricky has already started football practice and is doing great. He really likes his coach. He is a really fair man. Yells at everyone equally. wink.

Shelby has also started cheerleading and is on a level 4 team. She landed her tuck on her own with out a spotter the other night. So proud.

Taylor will be swimming with Bowles swim team. They sent 4 swimmers to Shanghai this year to compete in the World Games. She starts today.

We will be going to our first Homeschool activity this Thursday. We look forward to meeting new friends.

Unpacking will take some time. We are going to a house that is 1/3 the size of our old house. Finding places to put things will be tricky.

We look forward to the new adventures.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Amazing Independence Day


This 4th was bitter sweet for me. Rick, Shelby, and Ricky headed to my moms on the first leg of our move to Florida. Why the kids went is for another post. This post is about missing them terribly. Taylor and I were alone for the first time.

I love modern technology that allowed us to see pictures of each others activities, phone calls wherever were were, and TV to watch amazing fireworks, and our favorite movies. We are so blessed to be able to look for work wherever it might be, and to have the freedom to move. We can drive from state to state and enjoy this great country.

A friend of mine posted this amazing quote on her Facebook page and I have to share it!

" It will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more." ........John Adams July 2, 1776

As a homeschooling mom I get so excited when I find the origination of things. My 15 year old daughter asked once who's idea was it to have fireworks on the 4th.

I am a bit emotional. We try very hard to let our children know just how blessed they are to live in such an amazing country. To have FREEDOM. Freedom is unique. It fits into our Heavenly Father's plan for us. To be able to choose who and what we become. To make choices, and live with the consequences.

Our great nation is doing that very thing right now. The country as a whole elected someone who promised to "take care of things for us". We wanted to give our freedoms away. Now we are paying the price for those choices.

God Bless America!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Way down south upon the Swannee River....




Well, after 4 years our Utah experience is coming to a close. Rick accepted a job in Jacksonville, Florida and starts there July 5.

Some of the things we enjoyed while we were here..

1) Our homeschool community. I really loved the classes families shared. The opportunity for my kids to learn such a wide variety of lessons is priceless.

2) Skiing in January. We made great friends on the mountain and really enjoyed the experience and opportunity to learn to ski well.

3) Great swim team for Taylor. She went from learning the butterfly to earning a state qualifying time in the event.

4) The opportunity for Ricky to take lessons with college players in football and baseball.

5) Miss Utah Outstanding Teens

6) EFY

7) Going Salt Lake City and enjoying the Christmas Devotional given by the first Presidency of the Church.

8) Watching conference in our PJ's in front of the TV.

And of course family and friends that have been there

I have been busy looking into homeschool groups, high schools, swimming clubs, football leagues, etc. Two homeschool groups have already reached out to us. I'm excited to meet them. Two high schools in the area we will be in have A rankings. Shelby will be attending one of them and participating in their Dual enrollment program. Football is through Pop Warner leagues. We are happy to be doing that again. I still am looking into swimming clubs for Taylor. One of those things on the list to get done.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Stuck?


Life is such a big puzzle. And as an adult I am seeing for the first time just how big the puzzle is. The puzzle can have tiny pieces or gigantic ones. It really depends on how wide your perspective is.

I am now looking at life through my teenagers eyes. To them everything is major. But to me I see it really isn't. All my 11 year old can see is today. It is very hard for him to see beyond. But I can see their talents and I can see opportunities and point them in the right direction.

I have also lived in one place for a very long time growing up. I remember as a kid feeling like I was "stuck" there. The only choice in life was what was there in that one community. The only people available to make friends with were those in my area. The only school choice was the local public school. The classes they offered were it. The teachers were it. As a convert to my church, the leaders were it. What they planned and taught were it. I hated being "stuck".

As a young adult I tried many things. I wanted to "get out". So I did. It was fascinating to me. I really enjoyed meeting new people. Finding out that there was more than one way to live and do things was amazing to me. I knew it. I loved the adventure.

When I had my kids I didn't want them to feel "stuck". When we faced our first obstacle, my first instinct was to say "no way". It was when my daughter was in kindergarten.

The school administration told me they knew what was best for my child. I refused to accept that. I knew what was best for her and was motivated to find another option for education. I prayed hard for a different opportunity. At first I thought I had to move. But not so. That is when I discovered homeschooling. My husband's attitude was "we can try it. If it doesn't work we can always send her back." Well it did work. And so many other doors and opportunities opened for her and us. Also that year she was faced with being "stuck" with the same friends. When we brought her home she met new people. Kids who had families that had values became her new friends. We met a great Methodist family who became our best friends. We had the opportunity to teach them what "Mormons" really believe. Their dad was a minister and had a different perspective about our church now. He stopped the anti-Mormon rhetoric around him. He even took an Easter CD we gave him and told us that our church WAS a christian church after all.

When we moved from Florida I thought it might be hard to homeschool somewhere else. But in Colorado we had more opportunities. They had a state homeschool program called K12. We signed up. It didn't require jumping through any hoops with the state. I felt we could do that until we found our footing and discovered "how it is done" there. Through K12 we found a local coop. We started going there. We made friends quickly and enjoyed the classes. We also were able to leave a good impression with the families there. Again we had missionary opportunities. Now conversions, but we were able to change the way other denominations looked at us "Mormons". We were able to convince them that we are Christians. We were able to stop locals from "hating" our religion and the people who are members. We showed them we aren't teaching false doctrine that is against the bible. On the contrary, we embrace those teachings and have another testament of Jesus Christ we teach from as well.

We also found out that homeschoolers could take classes from the local school. My kids loved going to classes twice a week for a few hours. Shelby was placed a grade ahead and did very well. Her confidence in education and her ability to learn really soared. Again my circle opened. Now I found out there was even more for my kids out there.

I was really nervous to be moving again. This time to Utah. But little did I know the opportunities that waiting for us there. So many coops. So many classes. So many places to visit on field trips. So many friends. No friends in our neighborhood. But we weren't "stuck" there. Our best friends were but a short drive away. Park days were where I learned about all the opportunities around us. Long story short..My oldest was able to be one of the first students to participate in an online high school that gave her the experience to become a great leader. My youngest kids have taken classes parents only dream about.

Now as my husband is looking for another job it is easy for me to look outside and feel confident in what lies ahead for us. I know to look for other opportunities. My family isn't "stuck".

Heavenly Father knew what we needed. I just needed to be patient and learn. I know that our family has great adventures ahead of us. We can do anything.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011


Spring is finally here. Each year I look forward to Spring for many reasons. Warmer weather for sure. Sunny days are also on the list. But mostly because the school year is about over. We are finishing up the math assignment, going on fun fieldtrips, and signing up for fun summer activities. This year I added preparing for next year on the list.

I'm a bit nervous. Shelby will start taking college classes in May. And I think I might be sending Taylor to an accelerated 8th grade program where she will be taking Algebra and English classes at a local Charter High School 2-3 mornings a week.

It has gotten a little challenging to keep Ricky busy. School is so easy for him. He finishes with his days assignments early and is ready to "play". (He is 11 but still a little boy who wants to play). wink I am glad he will be old enough to participate in a lot of the TJed classes next year. He is ready.

I feel blessed to be able to spend so much time with my kids. It is such a joy to see them grow.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Raising Children - The great adventure!




Lately, I have heard other families ask "how do we spend so much time with our kids". Okay maybe that shouldn't be a direct quote. However, I do get people saying "I don't know how you do it". I translate it as the first quote.

A few Sundays ago at church they were discussing working on the girls Personal Progress in the Young Women Program. It is goals they set and work on from age 12-18. Shelby finished at 14. Taylor has 1/2 done at nearly 13. The girls got comments like "you are home all day. You have more time to do it." Which is funny. I'm not sure what they think we are doing all day. Our curriculum isn't just Personal Progress and we call it good. The kids do school work just like most kids. We have grammar, reading, typing, scripture study, math, writing, science, history, Shakespeare, book club, piano, violin, art...and other activities the kids decide to participate in. We also have swim team every day, baseball practice, cheer practice, scouts and YW to go to as well.

What the key is we make it a priority. Anyone can choose a day or night dedicated to working on their goals. Just like you dedicate time for homework or practice. That is what my girls do. Every week some designated time is spent on working on their Personal Progress goals.

Sports take up a majority of our time at night and on weekends. I hear people say "you shouldn't spend all your time away from the house". I wonder if they are trying to justify what they are doing. They say this and yet send their children away to be taught by strangers most of the day. I find the statement a little hypocritical.

We are at every practice and game/competition. We are there cheering them on, giving them encouragement, giving advice, etc. It is great time spent. My kids have great confidence in themselves. I have seen my daughter want to tumble and set out to learn. In 5 months time she went from just knowing how to do a standing backhandspring, to bounding across the floor at competitions doing multiple backhandsprings. She also learned to do an aerial and almost has a tuck. My second daughter started this swim season not doing the butterfly in swimming. At the final meet this year she won a metal in that event. She worked so hard. We are so proud of both. At home, I wouldn't have been able to teach them these skills.

My son wanted to be a pitcher in baseball. He has a rocket for an arm. He just needed to learn control. This winter he had the great privilege to work with Coach Noels from BYU baseball on his control. He has become a wonderful pitcher. In his first game this season he struck out 5 batters in 2 and 1/2 innings.

We love watching our kids progress in all they do. It is such a joy to see them grow. I truly love going to swimming, baseball and cheer, watching these wonderful kids progress. I love teaching them. Even the bad days I cherish. We learned it and experienced it together. No one else can say they know my kid better than I do. And they are growing up knowing they have us in their corner cheering them on in all they do.

Sure it takes up a lot of time. But what else would I be doing?

Here are a few of my favorite scriptures regarding our children

Psalm - Chapter 127:3

3. Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.


Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go: and
when he is old, he will not depart from it.


1 Timothy 3:4

One that ruleth well his own house, having his
children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not
how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church
of God?)

Don't be afraid to try. Parents know what is best for their children. Know that you have the strength. Heavenly Father will help you.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Raising boys to serve missions


I heard a shocking number the other day. It pertained to the number of young men serving missions in our stake. 3 out of 60. Yeah I almost fell on the floor, too.

How can we help these young men become active again, is the question circulating throughout the church. I think we are forgetting to teach the primary kids that "holding the priesthood comes with the obligation for young men to carry the message of the Restoration to the world. "

Attitude is the key. Young people need to commit themselves early in life to the idea of a mission. That way, when they get older and begin to face some of the world’s temptations, those temptations will be less likely to penetrate their hearts or minds. They will resist the temptations because they are focused on becoming a servant of the Lord. It helps if they live in a gospel-sharing home. A missionary spirit is generated in a home where parents and children share the gospel with one another. I also recommend that youth study and follow the guidelines in For the Strength of Youth. Missionaries need to be morally clean and spiritually ready. If they live the principles in For the Strength of Youth, they will be spiritually prepared to be great missionaries. - M. Russell Ballard

I remember about 10 years ago the church leaders "Raised the bar" for the youth. Requirements to serve missions was also raised. It isn't enough to just attend church on Sunday and YM/YW during the week. These meetings are great and should be attended regularly, however, work on their own needs to be done. Living cleanly isn't a casual thing. It needs to be the most important. I really love Elder Ballards comment that "They need to avoid the mischief of the world."

I have heard adults give talks in church where they have said "It was alright that I didn't serve a mission because I got married". That is fine for them but that doesn't need to be taught from the pulpit that to forget serving a mission. Instead get married. I have also heard talks about parents who knew their kids were into "mischief". Yet, nothing was really done about it. The kids were still permitted to run around with the same kids they were getting in trouble with. Later, when serious offenses were committed they prayed to the Lord that he help their children return to the gospel.

I would like to share my story here of bad friends in my earlier life. I had a particular friend in Jr. High who was continually pulling me in the wrong direction. My mom and dad decided what to do about it. I was no longer aloud to have anything to do with this individual. It was a struggle for them. I resisted. Hard. But in the end they saved me from a dark path. I didn't make that many new friends. They kept me busy with sports, my mom stayed home with me so I wasn't able to "run around", later I got a job, and I was expected to keep an early curfew.

My husband had a similar situation in High School. He made friends with the wrong crowd and was getting into trouble. The difference in his story is that he removed himself from the situation. He disassociated himself with the group. And because he had a bad reputation it was hard for him to make new friends. He didn't care. He decided to choice the right path. He served a mission in Uruguay.

Hard decisions and choices need to be made is some cases. Sacrifices will need to be made.

Around the world members are sacrificing much for their membership in the church. Family members disown them, employers dismiss them, they aren't getting promotions because they refuse to break the word of wisdom, just to name a few I am personally aware of with friends I have met.

During a Relief Society meeting a lesson on Sacrifice was taught and time seemed to be the one thing most people said they were sacrificing. I think we are missing out on teaching our kids what it is to really sacrifice here.

This to me is the reason so few young men are serving missions in our stake. They aren't asked or required by family or friends to sacrifice immediate "joy" in order to serve a mission.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQIQA6s2_Hw

This is a great video.


Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Provo heard our voices! No Daytime Curfews!!!

I have a new found admiration for government.

I got wind of the Provo City Council voting on a city Day Time Curfew and emailed three of my email groups and word spread fast. Before long there was a protest organized and letters written. Our voices and concerns were heard and the Mayor wrote a letter to the council members the morning before the meeting was scheduled and told them he was going to take the vote off the agenda.

I am so happy I could cry! Oh, I am crying!

Her is the link to the news coverage.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=14564753

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Love makes the world go 'round.


I thought about when I was in high school and wanted someone to put a valentine in my locker. grin. I helped my kids get their valentines ready. They happily went to our co-op and passed out their candies. A fun tradition.

My dear husband took me out the week before Valentines Day. Missed all the crowds and higher prices. We went to Outback and had a lovely dinner. We then went and walked around Pier One Imports like kids. Then saw a great movie. It was so nice to have a wonderful date with my honey! On Valentine's Day we had a family night. Cooked steaks, cuddled on the couch as a family and watched tv together and laughed, and sat in the hot tub before bed. grin

I saw so many posts about Valentines Day being "single awareness week". grin again.

I stood behind a young man in the grocery store on Valentine's Day. He had a big bunch of roses and was buying steaks. The check out lady grinned and asked him if he was cooking for his girlfriend or wife. He smiled and said "I am cooking dinner and taking flowers to an 89 year old widow down the street". My heart melted.

My son was looking at chocolate covered strawberries on a commercial while watching T.V. with his dad. They started talking about his sisters, and he got an idea stuck in his head. He was going to get them those strawberries and come to the door as their Valentine. He bugged me all day. I finally got to take him to the store. He picked through all the boxes of chocolate covered strawberries until he found the perfect ones. When dad got home he went to the door and asked for the girls. They came to the door and there stood my son with a box for each of them. They were so excited. My oldest daughter picked him up and kissed him and told him it was the best Valentine ever.

I think love starts with loving yourself first. Then you will find love all around you. The young man in the grocery store didn't feel bad he didn't have a date. He made someone else feel special. My son didn't care about the candy he didn't get from friends, he wanted to make his sisters feel special.

I was so happy to see the wonderful things going on around me this Valentines Day. I felt the love.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Memories are the only thing that last throughout time.


The yearly daddy daughter dance is a big event.

The girls look forward to it for weeks. This year they did a princess theme. Shelby jumped at the chance to wear her gown again. Taylor was less enthusiastic about sporting a fancy dress. But in the end she went with a beautiful dress my sister made.

It was a fun evening full of silly antics and fun with their dad.



These are such awesome pictures. Dad loves goofing off with his girls.

Ricky and I spent the night eating pizza and watching a fun movie together. These moments pass so quickly.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Discounted ski school/pass





A great friend of ours, whom also is part of our homeschool group, was able to get Sundance ski resort to give homeschoolers a discounted ski package. The kids get two hours of ski school and then a pass to ski the rest of the day. This is our second year participating. It has been so much fun for them.

Rick was able to get a free ski pass as the chaperon and has enjoyed having that time with the kids.

This year Rick took the girls up to the top and had them ski down with him. It was steeper than they like. But they did it and felt a great sense of accomplishment. Shelby and Taylor both like a slower journey down the mountain. I think Ricky will be the speed demon going to the top with dad and liking every minute of it. LOL.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Remembering Grandma Smith


On December 19, 2010 my loving Grandma Loria Smith passed away and is singing with her husband as they continue to watch us all carry on their loving legacy.

My mom and 3 uncles answered a sweet prayer of mine to be able to speak at her funeral. It was so amazing to talk with cousins and remember the sweet memories of this great woman that played a big role in molding us into who we are today. When I remember Grandma it will be with a smile.

I'd like to share my talk. There are so many more memories. Maybe by reading these words more memories will come and big smiles will follow.

I was asked to retell the great memories of all the grandchildren that we have of grandma. I hope you don't mind me chewing gum today. This isn't meaning to be disrespectful. It is actually a tribute to grandma. She usually had a piece of gum. I remember fondly showing me how she made the gum POP!

We all didn't call her by the same name. For some it was Grandma Smith, Grandma, maama, etc. But in collecting memories one thing was the same. Grandma made all of us smile.

When Grandma was in her house I'd call her and we'd spend most of the time catching up on what you all were doing. I knew what everyone was up to, who came by, who took her shopping or to the doctors, how everyone did at wrestling matches, cheer competition, races, car shows, and how much fun she had at birthday parties.

She always made me smile.

There are a number of things that would bring memories back of wonderful times at Grandma's, and all I need to do is mention a few words and everyone can picture the whole scene as if it were yesterday.

She always made us smile.

Grandma's door was always open and she always had food ready on the stove. She gave us all wonderful traditions of chicken and dumplings, jello salad with fruit, the best canned green beans, little debbies, banana baby food, and coke was always known as "pop".

Christmas was the best time of the year. Grandma didn't have much in money but we never knew that. There was never a shortage of love. We would all sit in her front room with a stocking full of my favorite Christmas gifts. Socks, underwear, and a book of lifesavers and other hard candy. And she wouldn't start until everyone was there. I remember waiting for Uncle John until what seemed to an 8 year old girl like midnight before we opened our gifts. (It was really only 9pm)

The best memory the great grand kids have is the "party" grandma had at her house on the 4th of July. She loved her grand babies. Even when her health started getting bad she just wanted to see and take care of the grand babies.

Everyone can remember the Ouija board. We were in trouble for knocking everything down s we all piled on top of each other down the stairs. Grandma was there telling parents to "leave those babies alone". "They didn't hurt anything".

The Athena restaurant was where grandma made those amazing salads and where some of us sat and ate chips with blue cheese dressing, Greek olives, and talked to grandma while she worked.

Grandma would always let us get pizza from Casano's across from her house. I felt so grown up. She'd let us call ad order it and walk over to pick it up.

Nikki tells a story about just how much grandma enjoyed us all and loved to help and be a part of everything we were doing. It was her first date with Josh and she wanted to make chicken and dumplings. She called grandma and grandma stayed on the phone as she took Nikki step by step until it was done.

Kim tells a story about how inventive grandma was. Nothing was to hard and there was always a solution. Chelsea was a baby and grandma was babysitting her. Kim called to make sure grandma had what she needed and grandma said Shaun forgot diapers. Grandma told Kim she found something and she was alright. When Kim got off work and went to pick Chelsea up, she saw that Grandma had used dish towels and maxi pads. Everything was just fine.

She always made us smile.

Grandma made the best macaroni salad. It was at all the family gatherings. She had the kids always help out. Some of us used a knife for the first time cutting up pickles for her. Do you remember the year she lost her band aide?

She always made us smile.

It was so much fun at grandma's house. I loved her big tree. We used that tree as "base" for hundreds of games of tag and hide and seek. Grandma would sit on her front porch and watch us play.

We always made her smile.

When grandma got frustrated and tried to call one of our names, she'd run threw all 9 of the other grand kids names until she got to the one she wanted. This wasn't a bad thing. Just one thing that made us smile.

Kmart was one of her favorite stores. Grandma took me there when I was about 8 and got my picture taken. She had gotten me a pair of purple corduroy overalls that I loved. I kept wearing those even when they were to short. That was my favorite picture.

Grandma loved doing things with us.

She always made us smile.

The best memories would be the 45+ years we grand kids were blessed to spend with her.

She loved us and always made us smile.

viewers