our henry

Henry

 Born June 2017

 Last June 17th a very special young man came into our lives.

Megan & Tony asked me to go to their home & watch Charlie, Joey & Peter while he was being born. It was so fun!

We played 

a lot

and we hung out at McDonald's Play land- with ice cream.

We made Fourth of July T-shirts 

then...

When we got the call-- we speedily made our way to the hospital.

 (Hours old Henry with 6 year old, big brother, Charlie)

 This newest & 6th Grandson is an absolute joy!

We celebrated his first birthday last weekend & frankly-- I can hardly believe it.

I never thought much about being a grandmother when I was young, or when I was a young mother. I didn't know my own grandmothers nearly at all. I am amazed by the new sense of responsibility and overwhelming love I feel for these precious children. I knew being a grandmother would be fun, but I didn't know how much love would be in every aspect.

 It's gigantic! It's all encompassing love. 

It's a more mature love than the love I felt as a young mother. I don't have the worry of being their parent, supporting them financially or being responsible for their every need.

(I realize that because my children are capable adults- and really, really good parents- I am blessed. )
-BUT-

I can see clearly, that it is my choice to be an influence for good in their lives and that's what I want to be. I want them to feel- only love- not the judgement or expectation I unwillingly put on my own children out of inexperience & unrealistic expectations. 

Being a grandparent has taught me already that I have a 3rd chance at childhood. Of course not as involved as my first two opportunities -- my own childhood, and the childhood of my children-- I just know that I don't want to waste it. Even though I typically see them once a week at the most- and not for a full 24 hours, it's important time. It's fleeting- it's going so very fast. 

I feel blessed- I feel lucky

boys, boys, and more boys!

Confession:

I have thousands of pictures on my phone.

I won't delete them & you can't make me.

My husband thinks I'm crazy. 

I don't care.

Here are a few that I either took or one of the kids sent me of my darling Grandsons last year 2014. 

Peter

Crew with Uncle Jack

Charlie

 Megan's boys, Trent & I at the aquarium.

Babysitting the twins.

My boys after last year's Priesthood Session of General Conference.

Guess what?

This summer Trent is actually as tall as Brett!

One year and all that growth- that's one of the many reasons why I have so many photos.

jack gets married

One week after Grandma's funeral-

we had a wedding!

Jack & Dolly

decided to get married & didn't waste any time.

Realizing his last semester of school was starting, knowing he would be super busy as a senior, wanting to go on a honeymoon.....

they gave us 40 days notice.

ya-

you read that right...

40 days.

I was okay with it- I just felt bad for her mom- until I learned that Dolly- she is a gem & she literally did all the work. Every bit. She worked her tail off getting this wedding put together & she did a beautiful job. The pictures here are just snapshots- someday I will get better ones but for now the snapshots are great.

They chose the date-

12-13-14

It was a popular day to get married & so fun.

They are a beautiful couple.

Perfect for each other....

On their- 3, 4, maybe 5th date they went sky diving.

At least that's what they tell us- no pictures= no proof. 

I tell him I went sky diving that day too- but didn't take pictures, ya right.

She is fearless & loves adventure like Jack. 

I routinely remind him that life is not just about adventure, but that life is a gift from God. 

The greatest adventure is being true to what God would have you do in this life- that also takes courage. So adventurous & courageous they are & I hope they will always be.

Some other fun pictures from the day-

not many... ugh... but some.

You probably don't know this-

but Jack loves weddings with dancing. LOVES DANCING

He is a dancing fool & so are all of his buddies.

They made up a play list & had a D. J. just for this part of the night.

Unfortunately most of the guests had left when the full on dancing started- it was quite the show. 

Jack & his college buddies have the tradition of having a special dance for the groom at each of their weddings. it's down right hilarious! We have it on tape & someday I hope to post it on YouTube so I can retire. 

I love this picture because Dolly's friends are looking at Jack like... 

um.. Dolly- this is who you married??

ha hahahahahahha! I love it.

Having Dolly as a daughter has been a huge blessing in my life.

I don't worry about Jack as much (big load lifted) because I know when his malaria symptoms start up she lets me know. She helps take care of him & he here. They are good for each other & she is a dream. I hope they have a load of red headed grandchildren - just for me. 

Dolly & Jack

12-13-14