Love....A Tender Mercy

Science has theories and evidences about love...why we fall into it, how it exists, what sustains it. But I think the only real answer is that it is a tender mercy from the Lord. Oh I'm not arguing that oxytocin doesn't play a part-it just can't be the whole explanation for the bonds we feel in life. The reason I think this is because of the phenomenon of grandchildren. It was love at first sight with my grandchildren just like it was with my children, without the oxytocin induced labor. I only get to see my grandchildren every few months. How do I love them so much, and even stranger, how do they love me? Because they obviously do, even as young as they are and what a small amount of time we spend with each other. Love is a blessing from the Lord.

Bryce, James, and Monsters

The first night of Kristi's last visit, I was tucking 3 1/2 year old Bryce in. After stories and prayers, I turned out the lights and snuggled him for a minute. I could tell he wasn't drifting off quickly like he usually does. Pretty soon he said very quietly, almost whispered, "Grammy?....umm...... monsters?" (By the way he said it, I knew that his parents had told him they don't exist. But like most 3 year olds, he wasn't buying it!) Inspired, I said, "Oh, Bryce, we don't have any monsters. They are too afraid of James." "OH!" said Bryce in a knowing--and relieved--tone of voice. And a few minutes later he was fast asleep.

"Your Children Will Be All Right"

We had Stake Conference last Sunday, and one of our Apostles, Richard G. Scott presided and spoke to us, and at the conclusion left a blessing on us. He told us that he knew we were concerned about our children and their future (yes) and said that they had been prepared before they came to earth to face the challenges that would lie before them. He told us to be diligent in teaching them the principles of the gospel, and as they follow them they will overcome. Even as things become more and more difficult, they have the capacity to succeed. "Your children will be all right."

Happy Birthday, Super Brycie!

Bryce turned 3 on October 18! He is such a fun little boy. He is full of energy, and his heart is full of love. We have had so much fun with him. He has been 'all boy' from the time he was tiny. He was born loving trucks and balls! Two of his first words were basketball hoop. It came out more like 'backybow boop' but we knew what he was saying! He is a smart little boy, and a particular blessing for us is his incredible memory. We could tell even when he was still a baby that he remembered us from visit to visit. As soon as he could talk a little bit, we knew it for sure. (When he was 14 months old, they came for Christmas. They came again 3 months later, and as soon as Bryce came in the door he headed down to the family room and looked expectantly towards the corner where the Christmas tree with the train around it had been. "Where's the choo-choo?" he said.) Ever since he was really little he has had a special tender spot in his heart for his 'Boppy' , as he dubbed David when Grandpa was too hard to say. I am his 'Gammy'. He lets us all know that he loves us, and loves to come and visit. He decided several months ago that he is "Super Brycie" and began introducing himself that way. So of course he needed a super suit. We love our Super Brycie!

Happy Birthday Little Lissie

Cute little Alyssa is 1 year old! Her birthday was August 28. She loves to go outside, and will go with anyone who looks like he is headed that way. She likes to go to the park the best, to swing, slide, see the ducks, and play in the reflecting pond. She understands lots of what we are saying, and can say quite a few words too, but she is a little shy....so she usually whispers them. We love her kisses and her big smiles. She is just darling and we love her very much.

Kristi's Family

Our grandchildren are so precious to us. I wish we could see them every day. Sometimes Dad and I feel so envious of those of our friends who have theirs close by. But we also count our blessings. Kristi comes home 4 times a year, so we get to see them more than most people who live across the country from each other do. Bryce is gifted with an incredible memory, and even as a baby seemed to remember us in between visits. Alyssa has a small shy streak, but they are both friendly, open, and engaging little children. They freely respond to the love we have for them. On one visit, Bryce said to me, " I wuv a come a Boppy and Grammy's house." On this most recent visit, Alyssa charmed us by giving us lots of kisses. She purses her lips, leans forward and says "mmmm" for a kiss. It is sooo cute!
The best blessing of all to us is that Bryce and Lissie are so well taken care of. It would be terrible to feel worried about them. Kristi and Jimmy are wonderful parents: loving, involved, firm and structured. They are dedicated to the Lord and their family. We feel blessed that our precious grandchildren are in their good hands.

My Sons

"And they were young men,
and they were exceedingly valiant for courage,

and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all-

they were men who were true at all times
in whatsoever thing they were entrusted."

As I was reading the scriptures for Sunday school, Alma 53:20 reminded me of my sons. I could write on and on about any or all of my children, but here I want to say just a bit about these guys. I must say that there have been times when I have not fully appreciated their courage, strength and activity! We have patched up plenty of evidence of those qualities around our house. And going on excursions with them, to lakes, cliffs, canyons, rivers, gulches, gorges and the like, always produced an equal amount of anxiety for their welfare as it did admiration for their courage, strength and activity! Their dad, whom they can thank for these traits, has always loved their energy and adventurousness. (I have too, if only they would be a little more careful.) They have filled our home and lives with their great spirits. Their physical courage, strength and activity have also showed spiritually as they have gone on missions, faced the trials and vicissitudes of life, and made important decisions for themselves. I love them, I feel so blessed to have them as sons.