grandma

Family History TuesdayZ | Grandpas & Grandmas

Journal Prompt: What do I know about my grandparents?

Each Tuesday, I am going to be offering prompts or ideas. If you don’t write in your journal regularly – I am going to encourage you to write just ONCE A WEEK and answer the question/idea that I give on Tuesdays. These ideas hopefully will spark a memory and you will be able to capture that in what you write/record so that it can be left for your children/grandchildren/family/friends. Give as much detail as you can when answering.

Will you do this for me? Will you do this for your families? You can write it down in a journal, you can type it up on a computer or journaling software, you can take a recorder and talk, you can videotape your answers, you can even scrap a page with the journaling. It doesn’t matter how you do this – it’s just important that you do it. The memories, the dates, the information is the only real thing we can leave to our families when we are gone.

Life 365 | Week 33

Monday, August 9, 2010

JJ and Beth’s favorite way to play is to grab all of their toys and scatter them across the living room and the kitchen. I dream of the day when I can have a whole room just for their toys so that we don’t have to spend every waking hour picking up toys. So usually I get upset and the kids grumble about having to pick up. But then their are those special moments when I actually get caught up in watching them use their imaginations and the mess doesn’t bother me so much. I hope I can remember these moments more and not lose my temper because I really do love that they are learning, growing, and having fun together.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

We took a trip to Costco and Walmart today to fill our cupboards. The kids were really great and it was just a fun outing! But it always makes me tired and its nice to finally make it home and have everything put away.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

JJ got to go fishing for Scouts today and he loved it! He actually caught 2 fish and he shared one with a boy who didn’t catch one. He was so excited to bring it home and show us. Unfortunately, he didn’t want to eat it and he kept saying he wanted to keep it as a pet (of course it was dead – so that’s not happening). I think I need to get the kids a goldfish or something!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

A trip to the Orem library was our fun outing of the day. The kids got to bring home some Curious George and Arthur books and I brought home my book club’s book, The Time Traveler’s Wife (which I can’t wait to read again – love it) and a Nancy Drew book. I thought it would be fun to read Nancy Drew again.

Friday, August 13, 2010

We really need to get a sandbox for the kids someday. There is a small dirt area in the back of our yard by the tree that the kids just love. It’s not that great of dirt, but they dig and play and build in it anyways!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Grandma Smith took a day trip and came up to see us today. She brought some fun cans that she had decorated and filled with treats and fun stuff for the kids. They LOVED IT! They did stickers and played. We picked up Uncle Aaron and had pizza together before Grandma had to go home. Thanks for coming and being with us today Grandma!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Uncle Lane came up and spent the night with us. He is headed to tour colleges tomorrow. I can’t believe he is going to be a senior this year! Crazy! The kids love it when he stays with us!

Life 365 | Week 26

Monday, June 21, 2010

It was such an exciting day for JJ. He left with his cub scout troop at 6:30am for the Jeremiah Johnson Scout Day Camp. JJ has never done anything like this before so I was a little nervous about how he would handle it – but I shouldn’t have worried. He came home about 2pm with a huge smile on his face! His leader told me how amazing he did today and that he actually started initiating conversations with the other boys and just trying and doing his best at everything. I’m so proud of him! He got to make a paper rocket, a wood airplane, and do lots of belt loops and other requirements! It was a wonderful day for him.

Soon after JJ got home – Grandma Smith arrived. She spent the afternoon and evening with us and the kids loved having her play with them. She helped us finish up organizing the toys in the kids room too. We had Uncle Aaron over for dinner and we had some really great conversation. After the kids went to bed and Joey took Aaron home – Mom Smith and I had a long conversation into the night and it was so great to have someone to lean on. Thanks Mom!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

It was a hard day for me. I started the day with a bad panic attack that basically wiped my whole day. I’m so thankful to Joey and the kids for helping me through the day. JJ had his pack meeting tonight and got lots of belt loops from his day camp yesterday. He was so excited!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

It was Beth’s last day of Soccer Camp. She had so much fun. The coaches played soccer games with them and then they got to have a huge water fight. Beth was completely drenched and completely happy!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Grandpa and Grandma Sorensen arrived today. They brought Uncle Clint and cousin Colby and some of their team to the BYU Basketball Camp, so they are staying with us for a couple of days. The kids were so excited to have them here! We attended the boys’ first game at the camp and then we picked up Joey and went to Cabella’s. What a store! The kids were fascinated by the displays! Then we went to IHOP for dinner (since Sizzler was closed before we could get there)!

Friday, June 25, 2010

It was a fun, busy day. We took JJ to school and then went and watched another basketball game before running Grandpa and Grandma around for this and that. After picking JJ up, we did some more shopping, had lunch, and went to another basketball game. It was fun to just be with my parents and visit!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Another exciting day! Grandpa and Grandma left early to go get some tar in Salt Lake City and they left for home later on in the afternoon. But we didn’t see them after that – because we had a lot to do! It was our DATE WITH THE KIDS DAY! We started by going to JJ’s last Tball game – where he got a fun trophy! Beth and I left a little early and went back home to curl her hair and dress her up. Then we headed over to the wonderful Princess Festival! It was our first year but we will definitely have to plan on making it a tradition. Beth got to go on a treasure hunt for a wonderful princess story & autograph book. She got to go on a princess adventure where she helped all the princesses. We did a little shopping at the booths, ate lunch, and took lots of pictures with the princesses. Beth ADORED it! While we were gone – JJ and Joey headed off to the arcade where they had lunch, played games, and JJ got to play his first laser tag game which he loved! About 3pm we all arrived home – hot and tired, but the kids were so happy! JJ then headed off for an hour of water time fun at a friend’s birthday party. We did a bit of down time before having pizza for dinner. Then we switched and Joey took his little princess to the Ball at the princess festival and JJ and I went to see Toy Story 3 in the theater. Beth had so much fun at the ball with the entertainment, the snacks, and the dancing and JJ really loved the movie! So I think our day was a COMPLETE SUCCESS!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

The kids loved that Grandpa and Grandma left them DONUTS! It made for a great snack after church!

And here is my weekly layout:
I used my Digital 365 to create this layout!

Life 365 | Week 22

Monday, May 24, 2010
This is what our morning-afternoon looked like! I couldn’t believe it when I looked out the door. The end of May and we are still getting snow storms. JJ went off to school – Joey went off to work – and Bethie (who is still not feeling good) and I stayed home.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010
JJ’s Scout Pack Meeting was tonight. They talked about collections and they got to bring their collections with them. JJ is getting quite the collection of Cars Collectibles. His scout leader gave him a new “Doc” (it has eyes that move) and I gave him a new “Lightning McQueen” (that changes color in warm water) for tonight. He was so excited!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010
JJ’s school does a Dance Festival every year and this JJ’s second year to participate. This year he did a “Hat Dance” with his Life Skills class and he even go to join in the regular 2nd graders dance too! He was so excited and it was so fun to see him dance and enjoy himself!

Thursday, May 27, 2010
Beth has an ear infection now and so she’s on antibiotics and JJ’s starting to get that really bad cough. My poor babies – I hate it when they are sick. JJ went to school anyways, since it was his last full day and he really didn’t want to miss Field/Water day. They got to do all kinds of water activities and lots of fun. I was worried about him all day – but he came home happy and only really started coughing at night.

Friday, May 28, 2010
JJ’s very last day of school was today. He only had a 1/2 day and then he came home! To celebrate, JJ and Joey went to the Utah Blaze Football game tonight. They had a good time even though JJ was really not feeling too well and the Blaze lost. Beth and I had a girls night and we watched movies and had dinner from the couch! Beth conked out early so I got some design time in before the boys came home.

Saturday, May 29, 2010
We all went to JJ’s first T-ball game today. I was so excited to find an adaptive sports team that JJ could join. He did okay – when he is in the outfield he kind of just spaces out and he is a bit scared of the ball, but not too bad for his first time. I think he had fun – so that is all that matters.

Sunday, May 30, 2010
The kids are still recuperating, so we didn’t make it to church again. I hope we can get rid of this darn sickness soon!

It was such a nice evening tonight. I made a nice dinner and Joey’s mom came up to stay the night – she’s on her way to Wyoming to take care of Grandma Smith. Aaron came over for dinner and visiting too. And I was able to get a hold of Chelsea and her husband, Will, and Alicia and her fiance, Brian and they came over to visit. Chelsea and Will left before we got a picture – but it was so nice to visit and catch up. Joey’s side of the family don’t get together too often, so it was just really great.

For Family Movie Night (Joey’s mom joined us) – we watched The Princess Bride. That movie is always such a delight. We had meatloaf for dinner so it was our R.O.U.S’s loaf.

And here is my weekly layout:
I used my Sweet Summer Sun (Digitals July 2010 Challenge Kit) & Digital 365 to create this layout!

Project 365 | Week 19

Monday, May 4, 2009

The kids really love playing on the computer. I guess it totally makes sense – Joey and I are always on our computers. JJ hadn’t played on StarFall at home for awhile, so the kids got to play for awhile.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

I had seen this idea on several of the blogs I read. You take all the snacks for your kids for the day and you put them in the slots of a muffin tin. And then when the kids want a snack they go to their tin. I need to get new muffin tins for them, but they LOVED this idea. I think I will get some new ones for them and maybe decorate them or something. What a fun thing and I think this will be perfect this summer!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

I was able to go to another wonderful Scrap Girls Luncheon today. I really love these excursions. They totally rejuvenate me. Beth got to come with me today and she was so good! It was kind of bitter-sweet though as Anna is moving to Texas and she won’t be able to come to our luncheons anymore. It was really good to visit with her and I hope things go so well for her! We’ll miss her!

I gave the kids some goldfish crackers and sent them outside to play. A little while later, JJ came in and said, “Mom, I shared my goldfish with some ants, is that ok?” and then “The ants were looking for food so I crumbled up the goldfish for them.”

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Last night, my parents and my brother, Lane arrived. We haven’t had them come and stay with us in about a year, so it was a real treat. I can’t believe my little brother is 16 and so involved in everything. My parents came because Lane got to go to a leadership conference (HOBY) up here in Aspen Grove for the rest of the week. So they took him there this morning and then they hung out with me and Beth for the rest of the day. We did some errands while Beth was at school and then Joey took a half day off to watch the kits, while I, my parents, and Cody & Becki got to go do a session in the new Draper Temple. We went out to dinner at Sizzlers after and it was really fun to visit and be together.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Beth has been so excited to have her Grandma here. She really misses not living right next door to her Grandparents. Grandpa took a day-trip to Wyoming today on his friend Max’s truck, Joey was at work, JJ was at school, and so after Grandma went to her Aunt’s Funeral (Margaret Mathews), we had her all to ourselves. We hung out at home and did a few errands.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

We spent some time at the playground today. It’s so fun to see my kids enjoy themselves and to see them interact with each other. Beth’s favorite thing is the swings and she is constantly saying, “Push me, high to the sky!” JJ loves the slides the best and he loves to have you watch him play!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

After church today, we were able to have lunch with my parents and brother. It’s been awhile since I spent Mother’s Day actually with my Mom. It has been so fun to have them staying here this week. My mom is an amazing woman who always gives her all to everything she does. She’s a great example of faith and service. One of the most amazing things about my mom is that no matter what calling she has in the church – she truly goes above and beyond for it. As a Young Woman leader, as a Sunday School Teacher, as a Primary music leader, etc….she is always prepared and willing to do anything and everything for those she teaches. It’s really amazing to me. My mom has always supported me in whatever I wanted to do and I am so grateful to her for bringing me up in the church and for always being there for me. THANK YOU MOM and Happy Mother’s Day!

And here is my weekly layout:
I used my Digital 365 Kits to create this layout!

Project 365 | Week 8

Monday, February 16, 2009

The kids were feeling pretty shut in and JJ was feeling a little better, so we took an outing to Wal-Mart. Grandpa and Grandma Sorensen had sent some money for JJ’s birthday and so he finally got to pick out some presents. He was able to get a toy computer and some Spiderman slippers. He even used a little of his money and bought his sister some little horse toys. JJ was so excited to have money and get some new things. He also paid his tithing for the FIRST TIME! So that’s wonderful too!

JJ wants to thank Grandpa and Grandma Sorensen for the card and his new fun stuff and Grandpa and Grandma Smith for their card. He LOVES getting mail and loved to see his name on the envelopes. Thank you!

He wrote this himself (If you can’t read it – it says – Thank you Love, JJ)

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

It snowed again! JJ stayed home from school – since he still wasn’t feeling good – and I loved seeing their faces as they watched the snow come down. They are still so fascinated and excited about the snow. It was a very laid-back kind of day. We watched some movies. I tried to get some design work done. The kids played together pretty well today and that’s always nice to see!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

While JJ was in school today, I introduced one of my favorite stories to Beth. I grew up reading the Anne of Green Gables series and I still love it. I really enjoy the movies as well. Beth is a little young and the movies are VERY LONG…so we only made it about an hour into the first movie, but I think she enjoyed what she could understand. I hope to read her the books in a couple of years. These books meant a lot to me as a young girl and I hope I can carry on the love of books and stories to my children.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

JJ and Beth both woke up at 6:30 am this morning. I am not sure what was going on – but they wouldn’t go back to sleep! That made for a real exhausting day today. They both had school and I worked all day on a new kit that I need to be done this weekend. I hope I can get it done. I was able to make a good dinner tonight – Stuffed Shells. I combined a couple of recipes and it turned out pretty good.

Friday, February 20, 2009

The kids were both sick AGAIN. But getting the mail brightened up the day. Grandpa and Grandma Smith sent some awesome stickers for the kids. Beth got princess stickers and JJ got Spiderman stickers. PERFECT! They had fun creating their paper masterpieces with the stickers. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma – you made their day!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

I have so much to do in the next 3 weeks – kit deadlines, challenges, chats, cleaning, packing and getting ready for our California vacation! Yikes! How am I going to get it all done! I see much more sleepless nights in my future. I made progress today though. Joey was sick, the kids were sick…..so I spent ALL DAY finishing up a new kit! I’m so excited about this kit series – HeroeZ and PlaymateZ. I guess it is because my kids are at a time in their life that movie characters are what they play and dream about. So I’m planning lots of Disney-inspired stuff and other fun characters – super heroes, princesses, etc. The first kit in the series is inspired by A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh and Friends. I’m really excited about how it turned out and I can’t wait to see the reactions from the Digital Scrapbook Community – I hope they like it as much as I do.

(So you blog readers get a sneak preview now of my new kit – let me know what you think!)

Sunday, February 22, 2009

I was hoping that we were all on the mend and that I wouldn’t get sick. But that didn’t happen. I woke up so sick – very sore throat and no voice. We had to cancel our monthly dinner with Cody and Becki – which I’m very sad about because I was looking forward to visiting with them. But we rescheduled for next week. I missed singing in the choir for Ward Conference today too. I’m really ready for this sickness to leave our house. I think JJ is going to have to stay home tomorrow again too. UGH. I ended up getting more design work done today – additions to the new kit and getting ready for the March Challenges/Chats, but I’m still feeling the stress looming around. I really hope I can get it all done.

Joey’s picture today says it all. This sickness is driving us all crazy. Okay, actually this picture is for Lauren. See, Joey can roll his tongue.

Here is my Week 8 Layout:

I used my Digital 365 & AspirationZ Kits to create this layout!