Christian's Big Day

Today, Christian's 12th birthday, was a special day. His Dad conferred upon him the Aaronic Priesthood and ordained him to office of a Deacon. We are so pleased that he is a worthy (and handsome) young man.

Since it was their Ward Conference today we all gathered at Doug and Jessica's home (which was quite nice and packed to the gills) for this happy occasion.

Grampy Gordon, Papa Dell, Papa Warner, Christian, Doug, Uncle Stuart, Uncle Kevin (Camille's kind of Kevin), Uncle Kevin (Suzi's kind of Kevin), Uncle Beau and Uncle Matt.

We are so blessed to be here to participate in these wonderful milestones.

OK... Funny story-

Years ago I was sitting in Primary with the older boys when Josh says to me-

"Sister Lewis, when do I get to be a duncan?"

"A DUNCAN, Josh?"

Yeah, a duncan. You know, those boys who pass the sacrament!"

"Ahh! A DEACON?"

"Yeah, yeah... a deacon!"

Today our Christian is a Duncan!

A New Tradition!

Last week while I was making my gingerbread nativity the thought kept rolling around in my head, "Wouldn't this be an awesome activity with the grandkids?" I knew that the kids needed to be old enough to actually participate so that ruled out the littles. (As it turned out, Jude came to hang in the highchair and eat copious amounts of fruit and beans while Mama went to see if she could get her 2-week migraine under control)

(You know what I love the most about this photo? Yup, that family sign that proclaims- THIS is my family!)

I knew that I needed to have the gingerbread baked and ready when the kids got here to keep this from being an all day affair. My plan was to have the icing ready too... but it wasn't so I had some champion frosting tinters on the job.

Once the frosting was tinted it was time to start decorating. I love how self-sufficient and creative these kids are. I gave them some general instruction and a demonstration and they were good to go.

Well, all except Sophie. It's hard when you have tiny hands.

(I just love her pixie hair!)

I told them about my black sheep and explained how the Savior's atonement cleanses us from all our sins when we repent. I'm so grateful that I can share my testimony with my grandchildren.

When it was time to go home Christian stayed for one last photo op!

(I do love this boy!)

Now can I just say a couple of things?
(Yes, yes I can! This IS MY blog after all!)

I am one of those lucky women who got to live my dream. As a child, when I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was, "I want to be a Mommie, just like my Mommie!" I wasn't always able to be a stay-at-home-Mommie (just like my Mommie) but I got to love and enjoy my children. It is the hardest and most fulfilling job I've ever had.

But you know what? This being a Grammie is perhaps even more satisfying. (I am the Grammie-spoiler NOT the Mommie-enforcer) I recognize just how blessed I am that I can be a part of these darling children's lives!

I'm in hopes that next year I will be able to include more of our grandchildren. I do love this new tradition!

Cutest Grandkids!

I know that we all think our grandkids are the cutest... but in my case... it's the truth!

Ashton- 12 1/2 (and 5'8")

Christian, almost 10

Roxie 5 1/2

Sophie 2

And, no, I haven't forgotten baby Jude, but he gets his very own post in a day or so!

"It's All Fun and Games 'Til Somebody Gets Hurt!"

I love our tradition of 3rd Sunday Grammie Dinner. Most of the local children and grandchildren come for a yummy dinner and an evening of fun and visiting. But this week Unca Stuey was in fine form. He took off his tie (on Sunday!!) and went outside with his adoring fan club.



I became aware of the frivolities, grabbed my camera and got outside just in time to see him *airplaning* Kaia around.



But Unca Stuey is always looking for the next fun feat! He got both little girls; Elise and Roxie, each by one leg and started to spin...



Go faster... (At this point mama-Jessica had to look away! Look out of the way!)



Ahhhhh... too fast... Yeah, it's all fun and games 'til somebody gets hurt, or in this case, scare-scare! (But look at Roxie's face! She is totally diverted!)



But that's ok. Unca Stuey can make it all better.



Christian wasn't into the spinning, but he loved the *throw up in the air* routine.



And where is Sophie all this time? Staying safely away from her rowdy Unca Stuey! Showing us the pretty flowers. This little 16-month-old can sure talk! What's up with that?



This little lovely has eyes that are the same color as denim. Uncle Spenny's eyes are like that too. I love it.



Ashton is growing so fast! She is almost as tall as her Mama... she passed up her Grammie years ago! What a lovely girl.



It is one of my greatest joys to be here in Utah with so many of our grandchildren and family. I just wish the rest of them were closer.

Happy time!

240- Christian's Special Day

Today our sweet little grandson, Christian was baptized; what a special day! I am so glad that we are close enough for us to be with him today.

When Ashton was baptized I made her a special white baptism dress. As we anticipated Christian's baptism I asked him if there was anything he would like me to make for him: a vest or something. He wasn't sure so he said he'd get back to me. He called a few days later and exclaimed, "Grammie, I would like a pink tie please!" He was also given a suit by a kind neighbor. He looks stylin'!



Christian also asked me if I would lead the music for his baptism program. I gladly accepted! I was pretty sure that Ashton would be the pianist and she was. How many 10-year old girls (or boys, for that matter) can sit down and play anything in the Primary hymn book? She is awesome and was a lovely accompanist; which we all know is much harder than just playing the piano.

The minute Ashton started to play the opening song I started to cry. Sorry Jess. The Spirit was just so strong.



Namma and I share these wonderful children and grandchildren... what a blessing. But poor Namma is literally flat-on-her-back with deteriorating vertebrae and herniated disks. She's been in bed for the last 3 months. I just can't like that!



I got to hold baby-Sophie as we passed her around. She has got the fattest, squishiest thighs on the plant. Namma wants to know why that doesn't look so appealing on girls our age.



I couldn't resist capturing Christian's kickin' old-man eyebrows!



And this shot... it makes me cry. Doug (our little my-my-my-Dougie) broke both bones in his arm just above the wrist and needed his Daddy's assistance tying his tie.



What a wonderful blessing to be able to gather with our family and celebrate these special times.