I've been thinking about Grandparents lately. I'm one of those lucky people that had all four of my grandparents alive and well until I was 26. Then my Grandpa Grant died - September 30, 1987. That was tough because he was great!! He was neat and organized, loved cocktail peanuts, had a great flattop haircut with really soft hair and loved me so much. Then I was one of those lucky people that had 3 of my grandparents alive and well until I was 37!! Wow - that's something to brag about and be happy. Then my Grandpa Kay died - June 4, 1998. That was tough because even though I didn't see him that much - he lived in Northern Utah and we lived in Arizona - I always knew he was there if we went up to visit. Not anymore. He had a great farm, a great laugh and when he laughed really hard, his eyes twinkled and he got tears in his eyes. Change is hard. Then I was one of those lucky people that have both of their grandma's still alive and well until I was 45. Then my Grandma Eddie died.. That was really tough. She was almost like a second mom to me. My parents and I lived with her and Grandpa Grant when I was little for a while. When we moved from Utah to Arizona when I was 4, she and Grandpa moved down there 3 years later. She was ALWAYS there in my life. Cheering me on, wiping my tears, laughing with me - and at me - hanging out and just holding my hand. She always made me feel like I was her favorite. She made us all feel that way. We were all her favorites. She died October 27, 2006. I had moved to Oregon just 4 months earlier. I felt so guilty for moving away and "leaving" her. I should have stayed a little while longer. But I know now that she was happy for me - happy that we moved somewhere we wanted to be, happy that I was having adventures in my life.
So now, I'm one of those lucky people that has 1 Grandma alive and well and I'm 47 years old. She's my Grandma June. I don't get to see her nearly as much as I'd like. She's still in Utah and I'm in Oregon now. I did get to see her in August when Chad and I were there and it was fun. She's a fun Grandma - always has been. Like my Grandma Eddie, she makes you feel like you're number 1 with her - you're the most important person in her world. She has wonderful dimples (thank you Grandma), she smiles a lot and as I've gotten older, I realize that I look a lot like her. Life hasn't always been easy for my Grandma June, but she's a trouper and is always trying to think of things she can do to "help out".

So I just want to say that it's my hope and prayer that I can be the kind of Grandma to my sweet grandbabies that my grandma's (and grandpa's) have been to me. One that loves unconditionally and across the board - they're ALL my favorites. One that is there for them in fun times and when they just need a hug. One that understands and loves them even when their parents "don't" ;). And I really hope that they'll be one of those lucky people that has their grandma with them alive and well for a long long time.

Update - still blogging along....

Let's see - my last post was April 22 - seems I have a little catching up to do.

April - Chad is still playing baseball in the rain, but having a great time. We're still sitting in the stands in the rain watching him and having a great time. Thanks to the Linn's for being such great supporters!! They make it to almost every single one of his games - home or away - and that makes Chad feel so good.
The restaurant is doing a brisk business, but we're having a hard time trying to catch up from Christmas time - when the kids are gone there is NO business.
I am still attending weight watchers - which I started September 25 - and have lost 40 pounds so far. I'm feeling really good about that.
I love my primary calling - 2nd Counselor. It's so fun to be with the kids and the ladies I work with are wonderful. I have to say, right now in my life - it is a bright spot for me.

May - Still playing baseball and watching baseball - in the rain. We are told that this is an unusually wet and cold year. I hope this isn't how it always is - I'll die. I have been pretty depressed the several months. I must have that syndrome where you need sunshine. Imagine that - an Arizona girl needing sunshine?? Honestly, I didn't think I'd be like this, but I am.

June - School is out on June 12 and we finished our first year of early morning seminary. I say "we" because it was truly a group effort for Chad and I. Getting up at 5:45am to be out of the door by 6:15 is tough to say the least. I'm so proud of Chad for his efforts.
Still playing baseball and watching baseball, but not as much in the rain. I'd say about half way through the month it started to dry out a little. That was rough. Chad is a great baseball player. He has such concentration and love for the sport.

July - Wow - most of the kids are gone for summer and it shows. The restaurant is SO SLOW. We're a little worried to say the least. I'm not sure we'll survivie the summer. It's so hard because we have such a great product and people LOVE us, but our location is killing us.
4th of July was so cold and wet that we stayed here at home and had the kids over for a BBQ instead of going to the coast like we've done the last 2 years. It was fun, though. I love to be with my kids. They make me smile.
Chad played baseball through the middle of the month and then they were done until next spring. It's a long wait for him.

August - Long month. Dead at the restaurant. Chad and I take a road trip and head south to Arizona for a little family time. I have been so homesick that I just needed a hug from my family. Chad and I drove down through California - 22 hours. We stayed about 10 days and then drove back up through Utah and Idaho - 25 hours. It was so good to be with my family. I have always prided myself on being a fairly independent soul. I found out that that's because I always had my family around me. I still do have some of my family around me in Oregon, and I am so very thankful for that, but my soul knows that there are some important ones that are missing.
While we were in Arizona, Jeff made the agonizing decision to close the restaurant. I felt so bad for him - it was traumatic. I am relieved. Now what do we do to make a living, though?? That is the million dollar question.

September - School starts. So does seminary. Chad is called to be seminary president for the Freshman/Sophomore section. He is also called as 2nd counselor in the Teacher's quorum. I am so proud of him. He's struggling a little in school, though - which isn't like him. Too many fun things to do and too many cute girls to flirt with??
We are inundated with financial worry and bills from closing the restaurant. It is almost overwhelming at times. I have to constantly reach inside and find my happy serene place. I KNOW it's in there somewhere!! Luckily - the rain hasn't started and we have beautiful weather right now.