Grampa Camp

Jen's Brownie & Our Littlest Angel!

Had to show you the close-up!

Jim has just returned from a fun-filled long weekend in Utah where he was able to take care of Jen and Lowell's girls while they had a little R and R. He always comes home from Utah just shaking his head and saying, "I don't know how mothers do it."

I wish he'd have had that same perspective when I was a mother of young kids but then, you can't really. When you are living it, it is just what you do. After the fact, you see what an amazing feat parents can and do accomplish one day at a time. We have so much respect for all of our kids and the great parenting they are doing.

We are grateful that we could help Jen and Lowell out and that they got a much needed rest and some quiet time together. It really was a family affair with Chris and Missy hosting all of them for dinner on Saturday night and the big girls playing over there most of the afternoon as well.

Aunt Missy makes Soup for Grampa...his favorite!

Uncle Chris is the official taster!

Starting with Jim holding Hazel, every other kid is Jen and Lowell's
and Chris and Missy's. I wonder if they planned it or it just happened?
What a blessing to have them so close!
Missing Spencer and Rossie!

Grampa had lots of fun with the girls at the park also. They also got ice cream cones at Mc Donald's. The three big girls were all so great and helpful and Hazie was so good for Grampa.

Hazel and Julia having fun in the sun!
Hazie loves to be outside!

There is always that one picture when you realize
they are not babies anymore. This is it for Chloe!
She is a big girl now for sure. A bitter sweet moment!

Piper flying high!

Julia helping Grampa with Chloe!
Such great sisterhood!

Jim said that Hazie was just the best but he never saw such a huge bunch of smiles on her face as when Mommy and Daddy came walking through the door on Sunday morning! Glad you had a fun time Jen and Lowell!

Mini Candy Apples

I found this recipe* that you kids might enjoy making sometime.

"These Mini Candy Apples are the perfect size for children to eat and easy enough for them to make all on their own.

1. Cut all your lollipop sticks in half, you can find these in the candy/baking section of most craft and major grocery stores.

2. Collect the rest of your ingredients: Apples, Melon Baller, Cupcake Liners, Dips and Toppings. For the dips we used melted almond bark, chocolate chips, butterscotch and caramel. For toppings we used different types of sprinkles and nuts.

3. Scoop out a ball of apple with your melon baller and insert the halved lollipop stick into the apple piece. Dip the apple ball into whatever melted dip you want and then dip into the topping!

4. Set in a cupcake liner for toppings to set for a few minutes."

5. Enjoy!

*Recipe from Blissfully Domestic by Vanessa.

Kid Quotes

Aunt Jen said.....

"Chloe asked me to come in and put a DVD in for her. She usually does this by herself so I was encouraging her to just go do it but she told me that the TV/DVD combo wouldn't stick it's tongue (the DVD tray) out and so she couldn't."

Did You Know...Aunt Missy Likes To Play Dress-Up?

You know how much fun it is to put on a Superman cape or pirate costume or put on some high heels and fancy jewels, right? Well, sometimes grown-ups like to dress up their furniture.

Your Aunt Missy is really a good seamstress, which means she is very good at sewing. Ever since we have known her she has been making beautiful things. One time she made this beautiful baby quilt for me so I could dress up our crib when you kids were little. I love this quilt and keep it on display in our home. I keep it out and always handy because some of you are still babies and I am always hopeful you will be able to come and visit.

This quilt is so special to us because Aunt Missy took a lot of time and put a lot of love and effort into making it for us! Isn't it so beautiful? She sewed together every one of those little pieces she cut out to make this pretty pattern.

Not long ago she made something to dress up an old chair that belonged to her grandparents. She had never made a slip cover for a chair before, but she was not afraid to try something new. She did not have a pattern she just cut out the fabric and went to work. Here is what her first attempt to dress up her chair looks like.

I think she did an amazing job because I know how hard this is. I use to watch my mom do it and it is hard. Missy is not too happy with it but the important thing is she learned so much from doing it. An even more important thing is that she is not afraid to try it again to get the fabric a little tighter. Aunt Missy knows that every time she does this type of sewing she will get better and better at it.

I hope all of you will learn this lesson from your Aunt Missy. Don't be afraid to try things you have never done before and know that the more you do it the better you will get at it. No matter what your project is, it may not be perfect the first time. Keep trying! Never just give up! This is the way we learn and develop our talents.

Check It Out! Special Gifts for Everyone!

This is a video of some young girls singing at a basket ball game in Texas. They are between the ages of 6 and 8! The two little girls on the right are 6. I think they are amazing and wanted to show you some awesome things people your age are doing. This is a world of extremely talented people of all ages! Isn't it fun to be apart of it?

It is amazing that Heavenly Father gives each one of us at least one special gift. It is our job to try to figure out what our gift is and then develop it to the best of our ability. I hope each one of you are thinking about and developing your special gifts. Grampa and I know you have plenty of them to share with the world! It is like a special treasure hunt. Happy Hunting!

Did You Know....Aunt Jen Likes to Do Art Projects?

Did you know that grown-ups love to play and have fun just like you do? Sometimes it seems like all we do is work, but really we do set aside time for fun too. Look what your Aunt Jen has been doing for fun these days! She loves to paint and is a very good artist. Look at her latest creation.

This painting is called: Monster Love!
What lucky cousin do you think will get this in her room?

Have you been doing any fun art projects lately?

Guardian Angel Just for You!

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

A Little Guardian Angel
To Watch Over You!

We believe in angels and we know they do help us here on earth. I think they especially watch out for little children and help to keep them safe. We pray that you will be happy and healthy and safe every single day. I hope you pray for each other to be safe also! Cousins are the next best thing to brothers and sisters. Remember each other in your prayers, OK?

Love and Hugs,

Gramma and Grampa

Happy Valentine's Day to Our Favorite Little People!

Have some treats!

This is a surprise blog for all of you grandkids from Gramma and Grampa. This is all about you and us. Since we don't live by any of you right now I thought we could have some fun on a blog of our own.

You can each send me things that you want me to put on the blog to share with your cousins. As an example, if you hear a funny joke...send it to me in an e-mail and I will put it on the blog for you.

If you have a question...just ask Grampa or me and we will TRY to answer it for you.

Since your theme in Primary this year is The Eternal Family...maybe I will put in some stories about your ancestors.

This is for all of you! We LOVE you so much!

If you are doing something extra fun or interesting send it to me and I will share it with all the cousins.

As you know Spencer and I have been writing our own story. It is quite long now and it is my turn to write...sorry, Spencer, I have been a slacker. When it is all done I will post it here for all of you to read. If you want to write a story with me just let me know. You can start it or I will and we can see what happens with it as we take turns writing.

If you color a picture, write a poem or story and want to share...send me a copy.

Since you all take the Friend magazine, share something from there if you want.

And if you don't want to write something for me to share with your cousins...just call me and we can talk about it and then I' ll put it on the blog. And if you have any cool new pictures have mom or dad e-mail them over to me..OK?

This could be a lot of fun if you all want to do it.


And let's have a big shout out for Piper she did an outstanding job on her science project and got to demonstrate it to all the fourth grade classes. What an honor. We are proud of you! Hip Hip Horray!

Well, a very Happy Valentine's Day to you all. You know we love you so much and miss you and are sending you some hugs! Give your moms and dads some extra love today. They work very hard to give you a wonderful happy life. Three big cheers for your Mom and your Dad! Don't forget to be good to your brothers and sisters too, OK?

That would be YOU!!!

Puppy Anyone?

The other day I was talking to Ross and he asked me if I could send him a present? I asked him what kind of present and he said a puppy. Since he and Spencer have a huge collection of dogs from the Beanie baby collection I thought that was what he meant. But actually he said he wants a real puppy and I know Spencer really does too. So this is for you and Spencer, Ross! And it looks like there are enough to go around for the rest of you. Hope you enjoy watching these puppies play with their Mama. (Feels a little familiar to you moms I bet! It is just the nature of motherhood to sacrifice all and rarely find a moment of peace!)

These are probably the best kind of pets, no maintenance, just enjoy. Love, Gramma

Free Gift for Your Friends From Disneyland

I know none of you little munchkins have high paying jobs yet, but I bet you would like to give your friends something fun on their birthdays or other special occasions, right? Well, Gramma discovered something you can give that is really fun! You just need mom or dad to help you make one and you will need the e-mail address of your friends' parents to do it.

Check this out guys!

Who doesn't love Disneyland? Have fun with this!
Love and Hugs, Gramma (& Grampa) XOXO

Your parents before they had you!

Chocolate Mug Cake

Note to moms...I think this is something all the grandkids would love and could possibly make themselves with supervision! I am excited about this for Spencer, especially!

FIVE MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large microwave safe mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous)



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