Mama Sharp

Henry and Lily come for the day!

2011-11-12T12:55:00.001-08:00

Sib pictures with Izzy

2011-11-12T12:51:00.001-08:00

New baby Izzy!

2011-10-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

CT visit

2011-10-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

Was up at Adam's for Karinn's birthday/baptism. Lots of fun, but cold!!!

October visit to the Biddison's

2011-01-12T14:01:00.000-08:00

Emily and Dave had an amazing opportunity to go on a comp trip to Mexico and I came and watched their four busy kids. The hardest part about the trip was Emily's challenge to write down everything she does everyday of the week, so that I could fill her shoes.... It was amazing!

But, I was so very busy I only remembered to bring out my camera ONE afternoon... so the pictures are slim, but we had lots of fun times and we made lots of memories! Jake was my partner and buddy most days. He did have school, and soccer practice (in which his team WON their game!!) but the rest of the time he was my helper and sometimes my boss (41/2 year olds are like that you know) We had a GREAT time together!

Amber was very busy with school everyday and homework. (She LOVES to read and is exceptionally good.) She had soccer practice, (in which she WON her game as well- and she scored 2 of the goals!!) gymnastics- (boy is she flexible), and was a cheerleader for Tyler's football team. She was a wonderful help as well and often read to Jake for me before bedtime.

Think of Tyler in a football uniform instead of a swim suit. He had practices all the time. Their coaches were very aggressive and often Ty would come home from practices bruised and tired. He had school everyday as well.... and plenty of homework. Tyler didn't have much time to do much else, but he was very responsible and easily went to bed each night. His coach finally put him in the quarterback position after I left....so the rest of the session went better, I think.

Allie, was a jewel. Whatever I didn't know how to do...she did. Whatever I couldn't find, she would... She helped me with the schedules of the others and busily tried to get me where I needed to be. She had a huge school project that I got to work on with her, (and I kind of miss that. ) She was busy with gymnastics and school work, cheerleading for Tyler's team, babysitting for neighbors, and even played with her brother and sister and friends some.

They have a scooter that Allie and Cloe enjoyed riding one warmish afternoon....

Jake was so good about wearing a helmet and practicing his "moves" on Tyler's old skateboard.
Thank heavens Allie was around to help me with their sweet dog. We even gave her a bath one afternoon together .....

Jakes GOAL for the week was to get up all the Halloween decorations before his mom and dad got home. So one of our afternoons together we worked on this spider web for hours!

Allie and Amber were amazed at how awesome it looked! So were we when it was all done!
We had a blast spending our "fun money" very carefully. We went to the dollar theater one night, had pizza one night, walked to and from church on Sunday, ate at a really cheap Taco place, and even had a few dollars left to buy some new Halloween decorations at the dollar store. I had a wonderful time with my awesome Biddison grandkids.... I hope their mom and dad had as good a time as we did!

Grandparents day with Lily

2011-01-12T13:42:00.001-08:00

Lily invited me to attend the Grandparents Social on Sept. 10th in Macon, Georgia. I was surprised at how many grandparents attended this little pre-school event! (gotta love small towns) They had all the age groups sing a few songs together. Lily loves to sing and her vocabulary is growing daily so she was a happy performer...

Here are the two important teachers in her life every M/W/F mornings.

Here is a happy grandma and her grand daughter. So grateful to be close enough to come to sweet little things like this, but often wishing I could do the same for all my other grand kids through out the United States!

thanks for the wonderful time Lily. So fun to see where you go to school and who your teachers are....

Our IRON MAN

2011-01-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

Iron Man Triathalon- Louiseville, Kentucky August 29, 2010 swim 2.4 mile swim

As we waited and watched for the swimmers in the filthy river....

Bike ride- 112miles With no food or water. Weak and worried....

marathon 26.2 He decided that he would just walk most of the way. Some of his family members walked with him at certain mile posts. Kenzie, Trevor and I met him in the dark of night a few miles from the finish.....

He made it to the finish line before midnight!! The most challenging feat, mentally and physically he has yet to endure. He received 2 IV's of fluid before he was able to walk. But, whatever the numbers- he is now an Iron Man!! (with a mother who will never forget her own personal anguishes over the almost unsermountable challenges) phew..... congrats Adam!

2010 Family Reunion

2011-01-12T12:02:00.001-08:00

The next best thing to all of us living in the same neighborhood, or even the same state, is to have a whole week at the beach together ! With maybe a thousand pictures documenting the week together and all the fun we had, we now have a couple of CD's (compliments of Grant) showing many of the photos, some of the beach fun and lots of sweet moments. 19 grandkids and counting......

The Sharp family- Adam, Sarena, Kenzie, Trevor, Jared and Karinn

The Smith family, Adam, Tami, Benson, Stanford, Abby, Hannah and Rachel

The Perdue family- Chris, Meagan and Wendy (and babe)

The Hayes family- Andrew, Angie, Lily and Henry

The Clarke family- Travis, Brittany, Kaylin, Ethan and Adrian Mika

The Biddison family- David, Emily, Allie, Tyler, Amber and Jake

A posterity like no other. Valiant and faithful. Kind and generous. Passionate and playful.

The most important people in our lives...... forever! Thanks kids~

Connecticut Visit with the Clarkes

2011-01-12T11:01:00.000-08:00

ROAD TRIP!!! We had a LONG but fun drive up to see the Sharp family in Connecticut for a week. Part of the time Adam and Sarena were on a Stake Handcart trip so we got to PARTY!!

Kaylins birthday was so much fun because she got to spend it with a very special cousin..

Childrens zoo and park...

cleaning up and redesigning a part of this creek......

An Awesome Childrens Museum.... where are all the cousins?

Paddle boating with some competion thrown in!

No doubt about it! There are all kinds of awesome things to do around Suffield, Conn. and we did a lot of them!!! We ate ice cream...watched movies...went to the library daily... and had an adventure or two... On the way home we stopped and stayed a night at Meagan's.

Gotta love our family!!!

SWIMMING LESSONS

2011-01-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

Swimmers.... lots of new ones and lots of experienced ones. Here are some of my grandkids that are in the "newer" category. I know that all of Adam and Sarena's kids can swim circles aroung their grandmother and I believe most of Emily's as well, and certainly Tami and Adam's older boys.... Ethan waiting his turn for some personal time in the water with his teacher..

Kaylin refining her strokes and dives....Abby loving her class and her new abilities...

Hannah..... still not so much- but getting braver all the time!

Lily loving her intensive swimming lessons. One of the best in her class :)

Mika, not as happy in the water during her lessons as she was later in the summer....Wendy getting swimming lessons from her mother anytime she can get them!

Lily and Henry come for a visit! May 28-June 1st

2010-06-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

Angie brought her kids up to visit with grandma and grandpa for all of Memorial Day weekend, and most days we walked up the hill to our local cemetery to see the GEESE, the water and the ONE duck! Here we are with Angie as well..... chatting for a moment...

That afternoon Lily and I went to pick up grandpa at the airport while Henry took a nap. Angie was waiting for Andrew to come and pick her up for a Conference in Jacksonville. Lily LOVED working in the kitchen and became quite good at rolling out dough for rolls... (when she wasn't sneaking pinches of dough to eat!)

Saturday morning grandpa had signed us up to help clean the church, so I put Henry in the stroller and Lily and I shined up the Chapel area while grandpa vacuumed.

After we finished cleaning we needed to check out some of the toys in the nursery rooms. (naturally) Henry is getting so big now and so steady on his feet that he can almost "really play" make believe with his big sister. She said, "GiGi I be the mommy and Henry??? he can be the daddy!"

Like many of our grandchildren, Lily LOVE to do puzzles and grandpa is a whiz at them as well.

After church on Sunday Lily wanted to stay in her dress and have a special meal for monkey downstairs in the kitchen. They both were very good at church. Henry slept through most of Sacrament Meeting and Lily had an absolute BLAST in Nursery (of course).

Monday was a Holiday, so grandpa was home most of the day. Lily and grandpa are "jamming" with Henry's musical guitar... Henry's on the floor squealing along with them...

Luckily, not until the very end of their stay did Henry realize that we had STAIRS. Here Lily is giving him pointers on how to climb them and grandma is standing behind making sure that when he got all excited and flustered he didn't slip and head down instead of UP. I promise, Henry never did fall down the stairs.... on my watch.... this visit??? I am sure that he will get braver as he grows older?

Monday we also went to our neighborhood Montessori School that Lily really enjoys. Here Henry is ordering something delicious to eat from the "local restaurant" that Lily runs!

They had a little trampoline in this children's section and you need to just imagine this BIG little boy flailing his arms and his legs to keep himself bouncing. He just loved this "action" toy!

One of Lily's favorite parts of this playground is the covered sandbox. We concluded that with the school year over they must have decided NOT to add more sand, for this day it was a toy box with very little sand... and they didn't seen to mind at all ??Tuesday morning Lily knew that her mom and dad were coming to pick her up, and because she was starting to miss them, she thought it would be a good idea to sit on the steps and WAIT for them to come.... The gold canister on her right usually held "Roley- poly's"

Spending time with my grand kids - without their parents!! is such a precious time for me. BUT it reminds me again how wonderful all my daughters (including Sarena) are with the demands and time consuming responsibility it is to raise such healthy and happy children... and they all do it so beautifully. GiGi and Pa had a wonderful time, but my arms are still a bit tender from carrying a very solid almost 10 month old, and my "creative brain" is happy for a tiny rest!! Thanks for trusting me with your most precious children Angie and Andrew! We had a blast~

Meagan and Wendy come to visit

2010-06-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

We were so very lucky to have Meagan and Wendy come and visit us for two weeks the first of May while Chris was out of the country. We were excited to spend some one on one time with little Wendy and obviously from this airport "hello" we were never disappointed! The first week was full of family dinners at our house, visits to Brittany and Angie's houses and lots of cousin time! Then we took our two guests to St. George Island to get some real REST and sun and water play. Both mommy and daughter really enjoyed both.

Sigh.... using your dad's lap top I wasn't able to flip this fun picture of the girls at the beach. :(

Sun wasn't too hot (being May), water was nice and warm, decent waves, good crop of shells and very few people..... Really close to heaven if the REST of the family could have been there as well.

Grandpa worked most of the trip, but tried hard to spend some time in the sun and around the pool with Wendy. I know Meagan's camera caught her giggling instead of an almost frown, (which wasn't very often for she loved to be held and talked to!)

Meagan's blog had tons of photos of her trip to the south.... I just want to make sure that I document a few of the very fun times that were had by all of us here in the Atlanta area. We LOVE having house guests- our house is way too quiet most of the time.

Thanks for coming Meagan. I know that by the time we see Wendy again in August she will have changed so much and learned so many more fun skills :)

Grandma vist with the Smith kids!

2010-04-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

How does one condense a whole wonderful week of fun with the Smith grandkids into just a few pictures???? But I will try to share a smattering of our week together. Tami and Adam left for Hawaii Saturday, April 10th at the crack of dawn and returned Sunday right before church on April 18th. So I did have two Saturdays and two Sundays with 5 of my favorite people. Kennewick weather was nice while I was in town, so everyone played outside as much as possible. Here is Hannah reading and Rachel playing with one of their many babies.... Abby is somewhere close, just not in this picture?

Benson and Stanford played a lot of basketball as well. I played "HORSE" with Benson a couple of times and it wasn't so pretty.... (even with the hoop a bit lower) But he was patient with me, and I did get in a few suprising shots?

Both Saturday's Stanford's team "creamed" their opponents. Stanford's coaches are great and Stanford is really getting the hang of the game. You would NEVER know this is his first season!

Our first Sunday without parents went extremely well. Here are the kids in their Easter outfits that they didn't get to wear because of General Conference. Notice the girls hair? It was curled, braided or styled everyday.... They were such great sports!

During Hannah and Rachel's naps Abby and I often made a snack for the family. This day we made sugar cookies, crunched up candy canes and topped each cookie with it. Benson especially liked this treat. Abby is a fabulous help in the kitchen and we had a lovely time together.

A bit out of sequence.. but here is Princess Hannah at the Children's Museum. I didn't even have to prompt her to look through the face hole- (note the extra set of hands)

Also during our fun week, Hannah decided that it would be fun to wear Princess and Dora panties. Here she is getting read to by her big sister Abby. After the first day neither one of us had to prod her, she was ready and basically potty trained herself..... Thanks to Abby, who loaned her some panties until we could go to the store, she now has her own new pretty panties.

Who says that Rachel is a baby?? NO WAY... this little one is #5 in a family of adventurers- she is driving the bus here at the Children's Museum- so get out of her way! :)

Here we have some Smith ROYALTY. I do believe that Princess Abby is keeping Queen Rachel on her royal chair until a too slow grandma gets the picture. Princess Hannah does not really like to pose for pictures as much as her big helpful sister. Note, I had all three girls matching that day so that folks would know that they were all related in case I lost one of them somewhere in this tiny little Museum. :) Really cute place for little people. This was Hannah's first trip away from her own bathroom and she was awesome.....

It was really awesome to have a whole week with the Smith grandkids. But boy was I tired each night. I sure am grateful that I had my kids while I was young so that I can still have the strength to love and play with my kids kids when they go away.... That doesn't mean to say that I wasn't happy to see Tami and Adam return. Hopefully rested and ready to parent this crowd 24/7 again....

One last photo of grandma and these awesome kids.... all so very unique and all so very gifted. What a wonderful week full of baseball games and practices, curly hair, park walks, potty training, tramp jumping, extra special movie trips, Mac Flurries, new panties, yummy treats, popcorn movie night, dinner out on the deck, scouts, Sunday's, Saturday cleaning, and lots of book reading..... I love you all!!

Miami work and birthday trip

2010-04-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

Jumped on a plane early with Grant on April 5th so that he could have an important Wi-Sky Meeting and then we settled down for a FULL day of birthday r-e-l-a-x-a-t-i-o-n for Grant. Here is the front porch of our questionable 3 star Day's Inn in Miami. Grant did get me a room with an Ocean View so I was thrilled! We were both glad that it was NOT in south beach.... too worldly for our tastes. Interestingly even here at our hotel in Miami Beach, we rarely came upon anyone that spoke English as their first language? Lots of European travelers in town in April I guess?

Miami beach has lots of area's designated for walkers, bikers and joggers right next to the beach. Because we are both out of shape- we did some walkin'. Here is Grant on his "official Tuesday day off day!" He does have his phone with him, but he didn't turn on his computer the whole day!

This is early Tuesday morning, but still OUR beach was not nearly as crowded as South Beach or any of the beaches with multiple High Rises. I really liked our less crowded beach. Two flags flew all the days that we were here: Strong rip tide, and jelly fish etc. I also went looking for shells of course, and found VERY FEW? I found more coral than I have ever seen before?

Even though our stay was very short, we both got to put our toes in the warm sand of Miami Florida, dabble in the Atlanta ocean, change our face color from pasty white to a touch of color...and we both got to relax together, even if just for a moment.

Book signing with Mitt Romney

2010-04-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

Went to the Emory Law School book signing on March 30th of Mitt Romney's new book, NO Apology, with Robin Isham and her family. We stood in line for an hour to get his signature on the two books that she bought. He was very well received and we had a great time. Usually when I see him he is up at the podium far far away...and so I thought this one was fun.... you know, up close and personal :)

Black Family History Day- Feb 20th, 2010

2010-03-04T06:41:00.001-08:00

A full day of organizing, helping, and enjoying the delightful events at the National Archives building in Morrow, GA. Most of the pictures on my blog will have me in them... (so you can see how hard I was working!) Here I am just welcoming guests to the days events... Of course, no one is more of a guffus than me.. Here I am with the Director of the National Archives- James McSweeney. He obviously is a good friend, and was making me laugh!

Chick-fil-A donated the lunch boxes for our 300+ guests that day. What a huge blessing! Everyone in the south LOVES Chick-fil-A.
(having the lunch provided on site kept folks from leaving and not coming back for the afternoon sessions~)

I had a wonderful army of Missionaries come and help me with all kinds of jobs this day. We had 8 total- 4 of them were African American.... This picture was sent home to all of their families I am sure- for they are with Martin Luther King III and his wife Arndrea.!!!!!

Mr. King, his wife and body guard came a bit late for the event. So we were at the front door when they arrived to make sure that they knew where to go and the media to talk to.

The First Presidency approved the church doing the "official genealogical" work up of the King family. On this table is the beautiful 4 generation group sheet and leather bound copy of all their family documents, the flowers for Arndrea, and the two local gifts that we have given each of our "humanitarian recipient" each year since I have done this event. ( they needed some help getting all of this to their car after the event!) Elder Ingram (Area 70) and Pres. Jones of the Jonesboro Stake presented the awards to Mr. King.

I got to give Arndrea the flowers.... as a personal gift to the wife of MLK III !

The lecture room was almost full to capacity. Next year we will let even MORE folks register than there is capacity and then surely we will fill every seat! The National Archives LOVES having our event at their facilty (free of charge to us). For we bring in more folks than the rest of their year combined. Mr. McSweeney doesn't let me leave now without putting on his calendar the date for the event next year! (Feb 26th, 2011) Every year this event has been a tremendous amount of work, and every year I see the wisdom in freely sharing genealogical tips and information with our local communities, and every year I know that the Lord is pleased with our efforts. My favorite question, that is asked often,"why does the Mormon Church do this for us?" Simple, I answer, "Because God loves all of his children and desires that we all find our roots- our heritage- who and where we come from!" Gotta love the power of pure love and service!

Mid February 2010 Snow Storm!

2010-03-01T18:07:00.000-08:00

Ask anyone why they can stand to live in Atlanta, Georgia and they will say because of the MILD winters and the wonderful springs and falls.... ummm, not this year! On Friday, Feb 12th many of the local schools were CLOSED (before even a drop of snow hit the ground) because of a storm heading our way.... by 1:00 in the afternoon we were starting to get some snow on our back little deck. By 6pm it was still snowing and the grass was now covered and the roads were starting to get slick. (It was staying below freezing)

By 9:00pm the snow had almost stopped.... outside our front door it looked like UTAH- not the hot and humid south?

By the next morning, we had every tree covered, bitter cold temperatures, but BLUE skies. It was beautiful. We went out to the store this Saturday morning and NO ONE was out. We saw a truck full of sand and two men with shovels throwing it out onto the road- that is how prepared we are for snow. Sadly, because it was so cold, our stake President cancelled Church for Sunday, and by then most of the snow was off the roads and had started to melt. Ah.... gotta love a good dose of "global warming!"

Julia's 70th birthday party!!

2010-03-01T16:59:00.001-08:00

Julia had her 70th birthday party at Diana's house on Saturday Feb 6th and all her siblings that were able were there! We had a Blast!! We had all kinds of fun reunions~ brother and sisters, a dad and his daughter, Aunts and a pregnant niece, and one birthday mom and her kids! Missed getting a picture of Jason before he headed home, but it was really fun to spend time with him as well. I can't believe that they are both all grown up now... where has the time gone? Brother, Dean and wife Jennifer with the birthday girl... They left their twins with Jen's mom and dad and slipped across the country for the birthday weekend. Dean was the master mind when it came to the skit planning for our ever so spontaneous birthday performance ! Go Tofu!!

Diana, Katie and Bailey with the birthday girl.. We ALL invaded their home.... sleeping in every nook and cranny, eating everything in sight, and they still were the most gracious of hostesses. Thank you!!

Even Alex and her sweet husband came up to celebrate the day. They have a baby coming in May and live only 15 minutes away from Julia outside of Portland Oregon! "Chewy" is the nickname they call their baby so far. They are so excited to have this little one in their home soon~

Bailey was a great sport with all us grown ups around for three days. Sarah was the champion Mario Car Racer, although Bailey always creamed her! Bailey was my hero because she gave up her room and HER BED to her old Aunt Wendy... thanks Bailey :)

And last, but certainly not least, the birthday girl! Who has done more, seen more and continues to learn more, making the statement ever so true, " she isn't getting older, she's getting better!" Happy Birthday Julia! All your Sib's had a blast with their improvised skit entitled "Julia's child and her other child". (A bit of a spoof on some of Julia's food themes over the years! ) And lots of "free" time to remember precious moments that we have shared over the years together... it was nice.

Diana, thanks for the wonderful party. I know I had a lovely time just "hanging out" with my amazing brother and sisters.... Anita turns 70 next, right?

baby Wendy's first week with grandma

2010-01-27T10:22:00.000-08:00

Meagan and Chris had their little baby Wendy on Jan 18th!!! The security in the hospital was such that I was the only one that was allowed in their hospital room that day. I was sitting just outside the door, so when Wendy Mavis was born at 8:32pm I could hear her first cry!!! (I don't get to be that close very often) Within the half hour I was able to go into her labor/delivery room to see this new miracle. Meagan was a champ! Chris was a great labor coach, and their little one is a beautiful!! Only after a few days little Wendy is getting less puffy and prettier every day

Day three was her most hungry day- no real milk yet, so she preferred to have someone hold and comfort her..... I was most happy to oblige!!

I got to be with Meagan and Wendy on their first "walk about." They have a great path around the local lake in their neighborhood. Cold but some nice sunshine. Obviously Wendy thinks it's great!

It was nice for us girls to go for a walk. Wendy liked the fresh air, Meagan is working on strengthening her legs, and I am always up for a walk!

I got to be there for Wendy's first bath. Not a squeak came out of this sweet little girl. I think she rather liked it. When her hair is all wet it is curly. Curious to see if she will be blessed with her mothers curls.

The day that I left (Monday the 25th) baby Wendy got dressed up to take her grandmother to the airport. Her eyes are opening more and more and she is starting to look around and check out those folks that love her :)

I needed to give her some last words of advise before I left on the airplane for home. "Be a good, sweet little girl. Don't keep mommy up all night. Wrap your daddy around your little finger. Try not to fall a sleep at every feeding. And know that BOTH sides of the family are thrilled that you are finally here and that many of them are aching to come and visit you- but to remember, I came first!!" :) Nothing reminds me more of the love that my Heavenly Father has for all of us than when I leave one of these precious little ones knowing that I won't see them again for several months and they will have changed and grown so much without me. The good news is that little Wendy is in good hands. Her mother and father have wanted her despirately and have prayed for her daily. She is theirs' forever , and will be loved and cherished by many. I miss you already Wendy!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-27T10:08:00.001-08:00

Cousin sleep over- Dec 18th

2010-01-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

Angie, Brittany and Grandma had the delightful opportunity to have a sleep over with the Georgia cousins- Kaylin, Ethan, Mika, Lily and Henry. With the help of the grown ups the kids made a really big fort upstairs in which everyone got to enjoy~ Here are Mika and Kaylin enjoy their new fort cute shot of Mika trying so hard to keep up with the big kids...

Ethan really wanted to make sure that Henry (4 months old) got some fort time as well. Where ever Ethan is, Lily is close. She thinks the world of her cousin, buddy!

Plenty of room for everyone. But it got too dark, so we had to add a lamp for some "indoor" lighting!

Later the next day, Kaylin asked if I had any dress up clothes?.... what do you know- I have a box full of all their Aunts "fancy dresses!!!" Kaylin tried everyone of them on- often needing some safety pins to keep them on. Even Lily and Ethan (rarely) got all dressed up "for the ball" as well. It took lots of safety pins to keep the dresses of Lily :)

Couldn't resist one more shot of the gowns everyone was wearing..... I bet some of you recognize some of these dresses as ones that you once wore?!! As you can see- Ethan ONLY wore the BLACK boy looking one! (I think Mika was napping during this beauty pageant!!)

The kids had a blast being together- I am so grateful to be close enough to enjoy these two little families often.

Mayor Franklins Last Faith-Based Roundtable

2010-01-27T09:16:00.001-08:00

With this calling of Public Affairs work for the Church, I have had the privilege of working with some very fine people. Mayor Shirley Franklin was the first female Mayor of Atlanta and was determined to cross over racial and religious barriers. I was grateful to get to know her at her Faith-based Round Table each month. Dec. 3rd was her last meeting with all of us. I am sad to see her go in spite of what many would say.... I am always amazed at the opportunities that I have had while serving in my Public Affairs calling. Here is Mayor Franklin and my good friend Rev. Jones.

Stanfords Baptism Week

2010-01-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

The last of the three grandson's to be baptized this year, Stanford was baptized by his father on November 28th. We felt very privileged to be able to participate in his day! YOU are awesome Stanford!! CONGRATS

For much of the baptism we got to enjoy the hugs and wiggles of the three younger sisters As is tradition, I made for Stanford his chosen "comforter" that hopefully will not only keep him warm and safe but will remind him often of the Holy Ghost that he received that day.

Because our trip also included Thanksgiving (nice planning Tami!) my sister Diana and her family were able to stop by and visit. I never get to see my own family very often, so this was a lovely treat!

Both grandma's opted to take the "bigs" on a chilly walk to the water tower. We had a great time, and Abby was able to keep up with the boys....no problem! It was so fun to be able to enjoy Adam's parents as well. The Smith kids are very lucky to have 2 sets of grandparents that love them soooo much!!

I got to spend a bit more time at the Smith's home after all the other grandparents left. (lucky me!!) Often, if it wasn't too cold, the girls and sometimes the boys would come with me on walks or to the neighborhood playground. Look at those two adorable matching girls.....

Often I wish that all my grand kids lives in my neighborhood so that I could spend time with them often. But every visit to each of my kids homes is not only pure delight, but the JOY of my life! Each one is so special and so very unique. I am the luckiest woman I know!!

Trip to Frankfurt and Torino, Italy

2010-01-27T07:07:00.000-08:00

A wonderfully fun trip for me! I joined Grant in Frankfurt, Germany where he had a weekend to see some of the sights with me. Here is an outdoor market in Frankfurt.

Parts of Frankfurt are very cosmopolitan, but the Romerberg area is delightful! This is the main market place and the birth place of the city. We had to get a picture of the German Stock Exchange. Note the two statues placed strategically on this street! :)

We spent all day Saturday, Nov 14th driving along the Rhine River. Using the Rick Steve's book we did a "self guided tour" of the Rhine Valley, seeing more amazing castles than we could ever imagine.
Many of these castles were "robber-baron" homes, put there by petty rulers (over 300 independent little countries in medieval Germany). Most of these castles dated from the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries! For a visiting American these views are impossible to describe besides just saying they were breathtaking!!

Almost every turn on the River Rhine found us with our camera ready to take another picture of a striking huge, ancient castle. Most often when we found a castle we found a local church as well.

Half way through the week, we jumped on a puddle jumper to Torino, Italy where Grant had meetings back to back. Monday, Nov 16th, I walked from our nice Hotel into the heart of this historic city. First thing I came across was a huge outdoor farmers market. Selling everything.... um...all in Italian!!

This historic city has significantly beautiful churches, pedestrian Plaza's, amazing statues, lovely palaces, museums and shops. I walked miles today, often with my tour books in hand and my mouth open exclaiming "WOW".....

How can one not LOVE this type of architecture? Every block was filled with such beauty! We were able to enjoy our 37th wedding Anniversary in this breathtaking Italian city.

Another fairy tale trip to Europe for me. Certainly the most creative Anniversary we have ever had! Thanks Grant for letting me tag along. You only get a tiny sample of the hundreds of pictures I took of this week abroad! But I figure you get the idea.... wow! - right?

Rock Ranch fall visit with the Clarke and Hayes Families

2009-11-11T14:16:00.001-08:00

We had an absolutely beautiful day on November 7th, when the Hayes family, the Clarke family and grandma all went to Rock Ranch in central Georgia. Here are some of the gang heading to the next fun thing to do~

Here are Angie, Andrew and Henry just chilling for a second in the shade~ Here is Grandma and Lily getting ready to ride on the "cow train", but before it started they kicked me out- you have to weigh less than 80 pounds, and that has been a while!

Kaylin, Ethan and Lily had a great time driving the miniature John Deere trucks around. Lily was fine with having "Bubby" be her driver...

Travis was the muscles for this ride... they had a fabulous time- squealing and laughing as he peddled around this track...

Here is Grandma showing them HOW the ride will work, as we waited in line.... I was so grateful that Travis volunteered to do the real peddling on the track!

As we were walking back to the car, and Mika was sound a sleep in the stroller, Kaylin and Ethan and I had a good laugh. We did have a wonderfully fun day together. I don't seem to be able to spend as much time with all my grand kids as I would like.

PS- one of the reasons for going on this specific day was it was the MONSTER TRUCK day at the Ranch. I am sure that Brittany will have some great pictures of the trucks that were there and the three Clarke's that got to ride on one!!

Fun visit to Draper Utah!

2009-11-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

Grant and I had a wonderful visit to Draper, Utah the end of October (my visit was longer than Grant's of course!) On my first day in Utah Emily and I were able to slip away while everyone was in school for a sweet visit to the Draper Temple up on the hill~ I love spending time in the temple with my daughters- what a wonderful blessing :)

Friday, October 30th we were so very privileged to attend Tyler's Baptism! He was excited, and ready and prepared. We are so proud of you Tyler! Here is Tyler and his family celebrating his decision to become a member of the Church!

Living so close to Salt Lake City we were able to spend the day at Temple Square! Previous days were cold and a bit snowy, but this day it was absolutely gorgeous!! I was married almost 38 years ago in that Temple- wow, how time has flown!!

We spent some time in the visitor center and had to have a picture with the magnificent statue of the Savior!

Saturday night was Halloween and this is what everyone looked like right before they went out to officially go trick-or-treating!

Here's Allie as a 1970's teenager~

Tyler as a very scary looking vampire~ Amber styling for the night~

And their small, but ever so ready Firefighter! Jake~

Here's the whole group as they head out for a night of mega CANDY!

I don't often get to enjoy Halloween anywhere but home, so it was delightful to be able to spend it with Emily and Dave and their kids. I also enjoyed sharing my testimony of fasting with Tyler (who fasted for the first time the DAY AFTER Halloween!!) and Allie. He and Allie were ROCK STARS that morning!!! Nice job you two!! It will get easier as you remember what you are really doing, and how much stronger you will become as you PRACTICE each month with a happy face~ Thanks for a wonderful visit Biddisons!! I love you all~

October trip to Germany!!

2009-10-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

Here is my disclaimer before you start. I didn't realize that one can not rotate, while composing on one's blog, so my pictures will be sideways.... so sorry. Old mama learning new tricks! :(

Tuesday, October 13th
Grant brought me along on one of his business trips to Germany, and as a true world traveler, he can sleep on an airplane without any trouble! We left Atlanta at 4:50pm on Tuesday October 13th and landed in Munich, Germany the next day at 7:50 am- October 14th. I of course did not sleep a wink. I bet the pilot got more sleep than me!!Wed. Oct. 14th- The first day Grant needed to rearrange meetings and organize his week which is always fluid!! We went to Nymphenburg Palace later in the day. The Wittelbachs built this "royal summer home" starting in 1662! (seriously!!)

Thursday October 15- meet President and Sister Condie (Redmond Bishop now Mission President in the Munich area.) They gave us the walking tour of historic Munich. Here is one of many stupendously ornate cathedrals within the city. All these buildings allowed us to take pictures ONLY without a flash- sorry

This is the walking plaza known as Marienplatz (center of town). If this looks Bavarian and very baroque you are absolutely correct, for even though more than half of the city was bombed in WW2, all the restorations were just that- back to the original historic beauty!

After we left the Condie's we headed for the 'middle ages' city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Or the city of Rothenburg by the river Tauber. Today this is one of the best preserved medieval walled cities in the world. Only because it was bitter cold and we had a reservation in the city for that night were we able to drive our car into the city itself. (you can walk all the way around the city- about a mile and a half along the wall). The view out to the rolling hills and Tauber river are just as amazing as the city within.

This skinny little road is typical of this city. Note that cars can only park on one side of the street or it would be too skinny for two cars! (Meagan and Chris can appreciate narrow roads!) yikes

We stayed at a wonderful hotel deep in the old city near the castle garden. (the castle was destroyed and only a small tower is left of the 600 year old castle....

Here we are eating dinner at this quaint little restaurant at one of Rick Steve's (travel guide author) favorite places- our lodging for the night: Hotel Kloster-Stuble.

Friday Oct. 16th

The next morning we headed up some of the "Romantic Road" (off the Autobahn) through lots of tiny villages with red tile roofs and usually one or two stately churches, passed Wurzburg and then on to the city of Bad Homberg where we visited with Peter Hommel and his wife Andrea. (he is with Lufthansa tech). They walked with us through their beautiful old city that is just 20 minutes outside of Frankfurt. We saw the Count's castle, walked their huge park, drank from the mineral springs (at least I did) saw the first golf course in Germany (tiny) and had a wonderful dinner and a HUGE ice cream dessert. Then off to the Steigenberger Airport Hotel in Frankfurt. (really swanky one I might add!)

Saturday, October 17

We meet and enjoyed the day with Jorg Liebe (Lufthansa Tech) and his beautiful family. Their girls are 6 and 4, and were told to only speak English all day!!

They live in Wiesbaden, and took us to the City of Rudensheim where we rode up and down chair lifts into the vineyards ...of one of their famous wine countries by the Rhine

Here is one of the very old castles on the other side of the Rhine...

Here I am taking a picture of Grant riding the chair lift up the hill- (it may not look cold but it really was freezing!!)
Here is Grant talking a picture of me going back down the mountain side after we had walked for hours through forest trails and through a dark tunnel (where the girls got to use their torches -flashlights), down past a hunting lodge, through ripening grapes - we ate some yummy clusters, and then on the chair lift down to the city of Assmannshausen. (that's the Rhine!!)

We had a full day and evening with Jorg's sweet family and then headed back to the hotel for some shut eye...

Here is the LDS church in Frankfurt that also has International Church Services at 11:00am. It was very lovely inside but nothing ornate like the cathedrals scattered through out the country. A young french man, a Japanese woman and a German High Councilman spoke :)... but all in English. Thank heavens I also speak the "Universal Language".

After our church meetings Grant excitedly took me to the train station in hopes of providing me with one of his favorite lunches- sausages and onions. But alas the shop was not open :(

It's Sunday and still the station was packed with people. I can't image what a regular work day would be like!!
Then we headed back to Munich, about 3 hours away, but no worries- we drove the Autobahn in a nice Mercedes and it could do 160 Killometers with out any trouble at all.
You do have to pay 50 cents if you need to stop at the toilette.

Monday, October 19th

Grant had meetings with Peter and Jorg all day at the Munich airport so I headed back into the city for a day of touring. Today I chose to go to the Royal Palace right in the middle of the city called the "Residenz", the Wittelsbach's (who ruled Bavaria for more than 700 years) built their sprawling residence evolving from the 14th-19th centuries. Here is just one of a zillions rooms that knocked my socks off!!Each Bavarian city, including Munich, has in the town square an ornamental maypole decorated somewhat like this one- showing what is available to buy and the businesses in the community. Here is one that is found at their outdoor "pikes place."

While Grant was in Paris for meetings with Air France I got up early to make the two hour drive to just outside of the city Fussen in the southern Alps of Germany.

This is the castle that Ludwig II made on the side of the mountain next to one of his family's summer homes. Here I am at the Queen Mary bridge, which has SNOW on the wooden slats of the bridge!! A lovely American couple took my picture.

OH MY GOSH!!!! This is a shot taken from one of the windows of the Neuschwanstien castle. Below is his childhood home and the crystal clear lake of Alpsee. The choices to get to the magical castle are by horse drawn sled, a boring shuttle, or walking..... Seriously this was one steep walk!!

This is just one view of Ludwig's childhood home- Hohenschwangau castle, which became his favorite residences after he became king at 17. (Mostly so that he could oversee the building of his 'dream' castle.)

As I was driving up to the ticket office through the Bavarian country side I could see, after the snow dusting that morning, the castle, Neuschwanstein, up in the sky! This is luckily with a camera that has a great zoom capacity, for he built his "Walt Disney" castle way up on the cliffs. I want YOU ALL to come with me to this place......

Wednesday, October 21st

My last touring day was a day trip from Munich. After dropping Grant off at an all day meeting in the city with CdC and prospective investors I went first to Dachau: know as the original of parent camp for all the other concentration camps. Out of the city with farm lands all around, the local folks thought that it was just a training camp for Hitler's soldiers. Here is one of the ovens that they used (not as extensively as many other camps) for disposing of "enemies of the state."

Dachau was the first concentration camp and although not by any means the largest, was the role model and training ground for Hitler's crimes against humanity- the Final Solution. Hundreds of German students filled this camp the day that I was there, as they were instructed on the evils and the horrors of the Holocaust. Such a horrific part of the heritage that to this day humbles each German and certain makes each guest take pause.....

On a happier note, my last day trip was to one of the oldest Bavarian Monastery's in Germany. I drove south of Munich to the Kloster Andech's. One of the oldest pilgrim sites- 1455AD, it is the site of the St. Boniface's Benedictine Abbey (one of the most beautiful cathedrals I was in all week) and a monastery brewery, gastronomy and farm. Because it is nestled in this wooded hill side it was hard to get a good picture, so this is the map of Andechs.

Here is the picture I took of his sweet place from the road. Of course like the wine country and all the beers that are grown here in Germany, I am sure that I was the ONLY tourist that they had all day that did NOT sample several of their famous beers and schnaps!!

Obviously, I have a camera full of pictures and memories that will last a life time! I can't thank my sweet husband enough for renting a car (with a navigational system) for the whole week so that I could see and do anything my heart desired. I'll go back with any of you anytime! I loved the magical Bavarian world of southern Germany!!

St George Island early October visit

2009-10-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

St George Island with only half of our kids, was indeed less noise and less food... but something was missing for sure? (like the other 13 grandkids and three sets of parents!!) But we did have a wonderful time... the house was big enough for all of us, the beach was an easy walk away, the weather was just right, and the company was divine!

Meagan was always holding a babe..

Grandpa had some free moments to play with the grandkids!

Ethan and Lily were "sand surfing" and as always having a blast together!

Grant and I even got to walk little people on the beach....

Our adorable pregant Meagan and her good husband Chris!

The ever growing and thriving Hayes family!

The delightful and fun loving Clarke gang

And three Sharp daughters and their mom....

The combination of family, good food, some sun and some sand....why it can't get any better than this!

Jared's baptism day!

2009-10-23T09:06:00.001-07:00

The Sharp blog is much more specific with all the details of Jared's baptism day, but it was also very special to both sets of grandparents. Here are Jared and his father in a local lake on a very cold, wet Sunday afternoon for the sweet and simple ordinance of baptism by authority. Before we left for the local lake here are the handsome two, father and son, dressed in white in preparation for this sacred ordinance.

Here are Jared and his grandma and grandpa Sharp who would not miss this very special day!

Here is a quick shot of the Sharp kids before Church that Sunday morning...

Here is one very happy birthday boy as he prepares to celebrate this historic day in his life.

We love each one of our grandchildren so deeply and are always so thrilled to be able to participate in special moments in their lives that build character and strengthen their testimony of Christ. We felt so very honored to be part of this awesome day. Congrats Jared!!

oops I missed July 4th- Kaylins birthday and the Peachtree Race!

2009-08-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

After I got off the plane from Connecticut on July 4th, Grant picked me up at the airport and we drove straight to the birthday girls house to celebrate a little family party for Kaylin's 6th birthday! Here is Grant in his shirt that he received after run/walking the Peachtree Road Race with Dan Katz that morning! Good for you Grant! YOU ROCK!! We all got to ride in the Clarke's fun golf cart all around Peachtree City, as we watched everyone preparing for the fireworks that evening on the lake. The sweet Clarke kids are always such a delight to spend time with! We just can't believe that Kaylin is 6 today... and starting first grade this year. Happy Birthday Kaylin we love you!!

Henry Jackson Hayes is born! Allie and I come to help

2009-08-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

Here are the happy couple heading to the Macon Hospital to have a BABY on Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 Henry Jackson Hayes was born at 7:21pm! He weighed in at 8lbs. 7oz and was 21" long! Lily and Allie and Andrews mom,Mylinda, Grant and myself all came to the hospital after we got the phone call to COME- he is almost here!

Here is one of the many lesson on how to hold your new baby brother, Lily!

Here are Allie and Lily walking through the little streams that meander through this wonderful local park.

Grandpa came down twice to Macon to see new baby Henry! Brittany and her gang came down to visit one day as well. Wow, even Mika looked like a big girl next to little baby Henry!!

Allie and Lily played all kinds of silly games on the make shift guest bed on the floor in Henry's room.
Here is one very attentive two year old Lily enjoying story time at a local book store with her cousin Allie and her grandmother...

I brought Allie and Lily back to Sandy Springs for a few days so that mommy and daddy and new baby could spend some time alone without BIG SISTER. Here are Allie and Lily letting me take a picture of them at the dollar theater. We went and saw the newest Night at the Museum movie and Lily sat between her two grandparents and behaved like a BIG girl. Grant thought she was more entertaining than the movie!!?? We had such a wonderful time at Angie and Andrews house- even with a broken TV and ants galore...it was so much fun keeping Lily busy and entertained so that she wouldn't worry about her mom and baby sleeping in the next room!! Allie was such a blessing to help me with Lily- for all the things, like hiking up inside the MacDonald's slides and going down the water slide at the local pool, Allie did instead of me!!?? Thanks Allie for coming and filling your lamp with oil.

Nothing like a new baby in the family to make one reflect for a moment on the wonderful, grand and perfect plan of families. We come into this world helpless and in need of unconditional love and we go out the same way. Henry will certainly be given all the love that he needs to thrive in this world- congrats to you and Andrew, Angie, you are a wonderful mother!!

Grandma and Grandpa visit to the Biddison's July 16-19th

2009-08-19T19:48:00.001-07:00

The short visit that we had with the Biddison's was awesome and full of all kinds of FUN! Here we are in the front of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. It is suppose to be similar to what the Atlanta Temple will look like when it is redesigned. It was beautiful!

We happened to come on the weekend of the DRAPER DAYS parade. Boy did the kids score in the candy department. It was HOT that day sitting in the sun for the parade- but miraculously we were not sweaty- gotta love NO HUMIDITY!! We also went swimming at their local pool- in which they have a high and low diving board that even Jake jumps off of! (really). We went to Sylvia and Ernie's house for dinner and lots of great food, company and fun games. Tami and Adam's family were in town as well that evening, so it was GREAT fun.

Before we left on Sunday we took some pictures with the family in our Sunday best. Here is Emily with her parents in their beautiful back yard (along with Amber, of course!) Jake looks so grown up now as he sits on grandpa's lap. They look like twins, don't they- dressed alike as they are?

Here is grandma and Amber happily smiling in their beautiful flower garden

Grandma with her good buddy Allie. The family had just recently returned from Mexico and Allie still had her braids from that trip.

Grandpa with almost 8 year old Tyler. Can't believe that he is almost old enough to be baptized?

Grandma and Grandpa enjoying one more hug before we left for the airport. What a delightful time we had with our Draper family on this "whirlwind" trip to the west coast!

We were so grateful to be able to spend a few days with Emily and her kids.

We were sad that we missed spending more time with Dave, (he was on a business trip most of the time we were there). We feel so very blessed to have such wonderful kids and grandkids. We love you ALL!

Grandma and Grandpa Visit to the Smith's July 9-16th

2009-08-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

Grant had a convention in Seattle for a few days in July so we both flew out to visit our wonderfully fun family in Kennewick Washington. Here is the whole gang- Rachel, Stanford, Benson, Hannah, Grandma and Grandpa and Abby. Tami is taking the picture and Adam is probably at the hospital delivering a baby or two- he did that a lot this week!! Grandpa always has a way with babies- here he is with little Rachel making her giggle!

We had tons of fun while we were here. Hannah is enjoying a yummy ice cream that grandpa bought for each of us while we were at community pool.

Here is grandpa spending much of the day under the umbrella with Rachel so that me and Tami could splash around in the water!

Every once in a while I got to hold Rachel..... she is such a good sport!

Benson and Stanford didn't need me at the pool- but I did get to spend LOTS of time with Hannah and Abby. Abby and I went down the BIG slide LOTS of times!! (as soon as she realized how very awesome it was!) Benson and Stanford flew out of the cannon ball slide as well as the big slide we think? We rarely saw them ! :)

We played at parks as often as we could..... This has got to be the cutest pyramid I have ever seen! Our only problem was that Hannah kept slipping off !?

We also tried bowling and the good news was that all of us got to use the gutter guards- the bad news was that I didn't bowl any better than when I didn't have them :( Here is Tami and Abby working on their skills with the help of Hannah's suggestions :)

This visit we had Tami and Adam around, so it was fun to just enjoy the family dynamics and play with their 5 awesome kids.

Benson thanks for being so kind and generous about sharing your bedroom with every guest that comes! Stanford it was great to see you FIRST most mornings and watch you quickly do your morning jobs, and Abby and Hannah, I loved playing girl games and obstacle course with YOU.

Grandma visit to the Sharps in Connecticut June 25- July 4th

2009-08-19T18:19:00.001-07:00

While Adam and Sarena were off having a great time in Mexico with the Woodruff grown-ups, we were having a fabulous time in Suffield as well. We did everything that we could think of-
From swim team practices and meets.... (which they did very well- yikes can they all SWIM!!)

To some serious bowling attempts, where some of us had a bit of trouble with gutter balls.... (hint: it wasn't the two youngest)
To tree climbing and swimming in a local lake....

To driving a bit to a cool park with paddle boats- who said these were easy???

To LOTS of trips to their wonderful local library where we checked out tons of movies and books. Saw several movies, and enjoyed a very good magician (here he is humiliating some dad's as they tried to blow up the long skinny balloons.....)

To several visits to a local ice cream store that sold "sugar free" vanilla ice cream....

On our last night together we went to a friends house for book group, slip and slide and tramp fun ... ended with some really awesome fireworks. The morning that I left to head back home I took a picture with each one of the Sharp grandkids. Each one was such a delight and so very helpful....

Here I am with ever so happy and funny Karinn

Here I am giving Jared a big hug to thank him for all his "beyond the call of duty" help!

Here is a "getting shorter every second" grandma, with a very grown up and helpful TrevorAnd lastly, but certainly not least, beautiful Makenzie sharing with us some of the beautiful music that she played for us on the piano every day......

I have so many more pictures and so many more stories that I could share of all that we did and all the places that we explored and enjoyed, but I must say that because Sarena had a notebook FULL of options and local places to go- we DID THEM ALL! Thanks guys, I had a BLAST!!

Clarke kids come to Grandma's house- June 10-18th

2009-08-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

While Brittany went to England to visit her sister Meagan, most of the time they stayed with us up in Sandy Springs. They had to be very adaptable- one day I had, with the Temple President and Engineer, and interview with a local reporter about the closing of our temple for a year and a half. Kaylin, Ethan and Aidrian Mika came with me. Mika slept in my arms through the whole interview, and Ethan and Kaylin were fabulous! I believe in miracles :)After the temple visit the kids and grandma went up to the 30th floor of the Queen building to check out grandpa's new office!

One day we drove down to Aunt Angie's house to have lunch and spend the rest of the day at her really cool pool. Mika and I are taking a rest for a second~

The day that Britt came up to pick up her kids Brittany Butler and Angie and Lily were there as well. Now this is a seriously FULL bathtub! 2 Butlers, 3 Clarkes and 1 Hayes!! (There are too many kids in the tub......) sound familiar?
Travis took them over the weekend to the lake, (pictures that I don't have) but I know that they had a blast with their daddy as well. We had a GREAT time and had lots of good memories. Glad that Brittany had a GREAT time in England as well.....

May 26th 2009 Radio Test

2009-05-26T21:16:00.001-07:00

At 0700 Tuesday morning, one of the largest airlines in the world came to witness the demonstration of the RADIO LINK that Wi-Sky Inflight claimed was beyond anything else on the market. Here is all the radio gear. (is this all there is?) Yup- only an antenna, radio and PC! Peter Hommel is holding the gear. Here are three of the German guests: Stefan Andreef on the left, Jorg Liebe in the middle and Christian Korgen on the right looking at what Stefan is doing on his PC. They all came out for the test and business meetings.

Quoting a small couple of sentences from Grant's journal entry: "They were all taking turns checking on the web, logging onto their Lufthansa private networks, email, etc. But one of the guys couldn't wait his turn, so he got out his own PC. He did a Skype call to his office, and logged onto his web cam at his home office... They were all blown away! ...With three computers going at the same time they sent more emails, and tried more Internet sites and were almost giddy over the whole experience!"

Here are 7 "Triumphant Radio Warriors" after the famous world-changing-radio flight demo on this historic day. Aboard the flight, from left to right: Jorg Leibe (LS), Jerry Ballington (Wi-Sky), Peter Hommel (LS), Stephan Shulte (Lufthansa Technik), Stefan Andreef (Lufthansa Airlines), Grant- the visionary, and Michael Leabman, the radio genius and guru.

Of course my favorite part about Grant's email to his family was his final paragraph: " I remain amazed at how the Lord blessed us beyond our ability to conceive of the blessing we need to be asking for....I hardly know what to say. Thanks for His help somehow seems so very weak and inadequate. ...."

Hold on to your hats folks, looks like some more amazing miracles are about to unfold............

Grandpa's Memorial Day

2009-05-26T21:05:00.001-07:00

At 6:30 AM I took Grant to the airport, (while the rest of Atlanta was sleeping, I am sure) with Ethan Chase,(who was the only other person that was happily awake at this time of day) so that he could hop another flight to the Bay Area for another RADIO TEST FLIGHT on Tuesday morning.

This time he is really happy to be flying on a holiday- for since none of the "regular" commuters were heading across the US on Memorial Day, he was upgraded to first class..... notice the happy smile on his face!
This seems to be a regular adventure for the Wi-Sky Inflight President.... but miracles are happening, so he doesn't mind at all!

Memorial Weekend 2009

2009-05-26T20:42:00.001-07:00

To celebrate Memorial Day this year ALL the Clarke gang and grandma went to American Adventures, about 15 minutes from our home. Here are Brittany and Kaylin, and Travis and Ethan getting ready to ride the roller-coaster!! (The first ride of the DAY) Little Aidrian was usually too little to ride on much, but most often she was just spell bound as she watched her brother and sister on some rides that took them way up in the sky!

The Airplane ride were fast and furious..

Kaylin was the only one that was brave enough to go on the monster swings!

We weren't sure if Ethan was going to be able to safely "get out" of the tea cups when they stopped spinning....... notice neither parent is in this picture- nor grandma, I must confess!

The most anticipated ride of the day was the GO CARTS.....

And after Brittany and Kaylin and Ethan and Travis were all strapped in and ready to take the track by storm.... a storm did come and we had a horrific rain storm that closed the track before they even left the garage...... now that was a HUGE disappointment for all.... (especially the boys)

Even with the disappointing rain storm everyone had a great time! Next time Ethan is already planning to ride the GO CARTS first thing!

Birthday 2009

2009-05-26T20:21:00.001-07:00

I had two birthday parties this year- the first one I shared with Aidrian Mika Clarke on May 16th (her actual birthday) and Brittany has some amazing pictures of that one year old destroying her birthday cake!! SERIOUSLY! Here is Lily Jane helping open up one of my presents from the family. The second birthday party was on May 23rd (my real birthday). The Clarke's planned to go on their traditional camping trip to "The Lake" for Memorial Day weekend but with all the rain and storms they chose to come to their grandpa and grandma Sharp's house instead. Kathleen Baer (a great friend) made me my favorite home made cupcakes and we sang again and blew out candles.... again!

My third birthday party this year was dinner with three of my great friends- the Brett's, the Lackley's, and the O'Brien. We went to Sweet Tomato for dinner and just had a grand ol' time! Along with all this celebrating, I was sung to by ALL of my grandkids (some on my voicemail) and most of my siblings. I feel so very blessed to have such great friends and such an amazingly awesome family.

I have decided that my age is not the important part about a birthday anymore. (that is way for sure!) It is the blessing of having the most wonderful people on the planet as my relatives. No one could be more blessed than me!

Watching Clarke kids while Mom is away!!

2009-05-13T14:46:00.001-07:00

I had a delightful time watching Kaylin and Ethan the first week in May down in Peachtree City. Brittany flew to Utah to be the photographer for the Joycelyn Clarke and Garret Merkley wedding and took Aidrian with her, so my job was easy.... I just had the "big kids".

I had only ONE critical job- to make sure that Kaylin was at the bus stop BEFORE 7:15 AM (seriously??) and be at the bus stop at 2:20pm to pick her up. Here is happy, sweet Kaylin getting off the bus after another fun day of Kindergarten.The weather was perfect.... not too hot and not too cold, (gotta love Spring in Georgia), so everyday Ethan and I would head for the "sand park" a few minutes early so that he could play a bit before we met Kaylin at the bus. Shoes are the only challenge that I consistantly had- neither one of them ever wanted to wear them..... (wonder who they learned that from?)

Ethan had JOY SCHOOL two of the mornings that I was there, but other than that we two were buddies most days. Here we are at the fountain in front of the Peachtree City Library. Travis's parents live within walking distance of the library and TWO awesome parks!! .....sweet!

At the end of everyday both kids were absolutely filthy from head to toe... so most nights we scrubbed off the days fun, enjoyed a book read by Kaylin and a few by grandma and headed for a good night sleep! Fun memories-setting the table and making dinner together every night, helping out in Kaylin's classroom, lunch at school with Ethan and Kaylin, getting laundry and the house cleaning all done, preparing for Mothers Day, lots of giggles and tons of conversations about EVERYTHING! I had a BLAST!

I look forward to spending a week with most of my grandkids this summer..... most often without their parents! YIPPEE!! I have the best grandkids on the planet- and the parents are pretty amazing as well.

Centennial Park with the Sharps

2009-05-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

On the last day of the Sharp's Spring Break in Georgia we went to the Centennial Park in the middle of Atlanta. It was a nice warm day-a perfect day to get a little bit wet! Makenzie is welcoming us to Atlanta! (the sign you see as you come up the huge escalator at the Airport!) Even Adam got to come with us.... he of course was determined NOT to get wet. (and most often did succeed!) Sadly Sarena stayed home and did laundry and other boring mother jobs.

The rest of the family was absolutely drenched... and loving it! Even when they figured out the fountains rhythms they loved getting soaked :)

Karinn found all kinds of friends to scurry around with besides her sibs, of course.

On our way back to the car we found a really awesome play ground within the park. This particular item Grandma would never have tried.... It twirled them around and around so that they all got off as dizzy as can be! UG..

The surface of the play ground was soft rubber, made to look like rocks? It was very cool...

Adam found some drums that fit his talents... and entertained us well? Behind him is the COKE museum and the Aquarium. We were excited to find so many fun things that were FREE!

Nothing better than spending quality time with family!! We already miss having the Sharp's with us in Georgia and think that Meagan, Emily and Tami need to think about moving here so that we can play like this often??? Only really big bummer was that it took the Sharp's 17 hours of straight driving to get to and from our home...... sorry!

Tybee Island and Savannah Trip

2009-05-01T07:47:00.001-07:00

On our way down to Tybee Island Sarena, Grandma, Makenzie, Trevor, Jared and Karinn stopped in Macon to spend some time with Lily and Angie. They took us to the Ocmulgee National Burial Grounds for the Mississippian Indians. Here is a long bridge over some swampy land. (no crocodiles that we could see?) They had a really cool underground earthlodge that was a replica of what it might have looked like 1000 years ago? The pictures inside were not worth printing :( Trevor and Kenzie are just coming out of the structure in this picture.

I didn't get any pictures of Tybee Island or the nice CONDO that we stayed in. It was on the 4th floor.... right on the beach. A bit squishy when Brittany and Kaylin and Ethan and Aidrian and Lily and Angie also came to stay- but the kids were all in "pig heaven" so no one seemed to care that it was a bit crowded. We DID have a really GREAT time together.... Hopefully the Sharp's blog will have some of the REALLY STUPENDOUS SHELLS THAT WERE FOUND AT THIS BEACH!! This is the "famous" light house on Tybee Island.

On Thursday, April 23rd we heading back to Atlanta by way of Savannah, GA. (One of the reasons for going to Tybee at all was so that Sarena could spend a day HERE) It was a bit challenging to see all the real beauty of the city with 8 kids 12 and under, but they did get the gist of the protected beauty of this historic city.

After the rest of the gang headed home we stayed a bit longer to walk some of Savannah. Here is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. It was spectacular!

In the same neighborhood we went to the Colonial Park Cemetery where they had a designated dueling area for those that needed to shoot out their differences? (illegal but often used!) Here we are trying to find some of the discrepancies on the grave stones- one tour guide said that many that were buried here were young soldiers and their buddies wrote "graffiti" on their tombs. We found a few. Also we found lots of little children and families that died of yellow fever... one of the signers from Georgia of the Declaration of Independence! (History here began in 1733!!)

Sarena was on a mission to see some of the traditional southern homes of the area.... but of course by that time everyone was "done." So she only got to get "close and personal" with a few in the area of the Cathedral and the Cemetery. Next trip to Savannah is without kids?

Monkey Joes with the Sharps!

2009-05-01T07:32:00.001-07:00

On the first Monday that the Sharp's were in Atlanta for their Spring Break (April 18-24th) we went to Monkey Joe's. Luckily there were only 2 little twin girls there besides them- so Karinn, Jared, Trevor and Kenzie almost had the place to themselves. The bad news- Sarena and I took tons of pictures, but half the time they were blurry (note second photo) or else we got only parts of them flying by the camera. Obviously from these few photo's you can tell that they all had a BLAST!

There were no great shots that I got of the parents or grandma.....we just couldn't keep up!!

April 15th- TEA PARTY

2009-05-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

Roswell TEA PARTY-

Lots of the conservatives around the US chose April 15th to have a symbolic "tea party" to gently protest all the Government spending as of late. Debby Lackley and I went to a neighboring city to participate in the events. (Atlanta's event that evening was one of the largest in the nation. I was OK with just staying closer to home) This is Congressman Tom Price, a good man and a friend of mine.

Probably over 300 folks were at the Roswell Town Square. We were all very well behaved unlike the media reports that called us all terrorists!?

Spring Break with the Clarkes

2009-05-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

The week of April 6-10th Kaylin had her very first Spring Break. So mom, grandma, Ethan, Aidrian, and Kaylin headed down to St Simeons Island to stay with Travis's family and get some sand between our toes! On the way down to the beach we stayed one night at Andrew and Angie's house. They gave up their Master Bedroom to the party crashers for the night! Thanks Andrew! For Lunch we went with Lily to McD's to get the wiggles out! Lily obviously loves it when we visit!!

Our trip to the beach ranged from a very cold windy first day to a really nice last day (of course). Often we took several of the 2nd cousins with us as we went on our adventures! We had a GREAT time!

5 Concourse Parkway- Dad's NEW Office!

2009-03-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

Grant/Dad no longer has his only office upstairs! This last week he has moved much of his Wi-SKY Inflight related business to his new office at 5 Concourse Parkway. Note the pictures of his favorite people front and center? And his Lincoln print from his encouraging son. His office is on the 30th floor- so right out his windows he has a spectacular view. You can see Perimeter Mall from his window..... (and Costco is just down the street farther to the left)

If you look just slightly to the right, out his window you can see the freeway, and much of the Dunwoody, Sandy Springs area. Pictures never do views like this justice!!

This is Grant trying to decide if he wants to work at all, or just look out the window? (haha)

Even the Traffic Announcers use the "King and the Queen" as landmarks for our part of town. Grant's office is in the QUEEN.... or the rounder topped high rise to the left!

The developers of this business complex have done a magnificent job of making the green spaces beautiful... You see buildings 2,3,and 4 to the left. Building's number 5 and 6 (the King and Queen) straddle this walkway.

There is a drop off turn around in front of Grants building. They were working on this fountain today... so it isn't as lovely as usual. The man made lake is just down the slope from the flags.Here is the front door to 5 Concourse Parkway. They have a huge front foyer and three choices of elevators, depending on how high up the building you need to go.

It is just such an awesome building and such a HUGE step in the miraculous changes for W i-SKY Inflight that I was excited to share this good news with all of you... Now, don't stop the prayers- there are still plenty of miracles that need to happen before we don't have to hold our breath somedays! :) Come and visit so you can take a peek.....

mama sharp

2009-03-19T17:48:00.001-07:00

Park day with Lily- March 18th

2009-03-19T13:40:00.001-07:00

March 18th was an important day at the Hayes house. "The" ultra sound was happening today so grandma came down to spend time with Lily while her mom and dad went to the Doctor's office. This is Lily bossing me around! She may not have a lot of "official" words yet, but she definitely has lots of opinions....... Finally it is starting to look like Spring in Georgia. Yes, we have been fighting frost bite much of this winter too!

Probably the best part about the park is the running water.... wouldn't that be so for any kid?

How do all of you take pictures of yourself and not look like a dork? Here is proof that Lily and I went to the park..... nice white flabby arm there!! Anyway I will save Angie and Andrews fun news for her blog!

I REALLY like this grandma job!!.... now if I can just get the rest of my awesome grandkids to move close by, I could play with ALL of them more often too. :(

March sleepover with Grandma

2009-03-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

What to do when Grandpa is going to be away for a whole week? Borrow some grandkids-right? So I picked up Ethan and Kaylin Saturday morning, March 7th with great plans for a fun weekend. We went to the park, went to the movie, made personal pizza's - HAD A BLAST! Sunday we all got dressed up for church and not only survived, really well, three hours of church, but also early morning choir practice on the Sunday of DAY LIGHT SAVINGS TIME. We don't look so bad, do we? Of course these are the only pictures I took of the whole weekend :( Sorry!
Their parents and little sister came for Sunday dinner and then had to go home to get ready for school the next morning..... and grandpa still wasn't home yet! (he was with Meagan and Chris in England though, so that makes it almost ok?)

Thanks Kaylin and Ethan for making my weekend FUN instead of lonely and boring!!

Promised Pictures of the Black Family History Symposium

2009-03-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

Black Family History Day was held this year on February 21st at the Regional National Archives Building in Morrow, GA. This is Jim McSweeney, the Director of this facility and a good friend of mine and of the Church. The event was very well attended by the general public. And we were excited about all the different presenters that we had lined up for the day.

One of my dear friends, Mother Hughes who is 95 years "young," was one of those that received from the church an Honoree Service Award. She makes me laugh every time we are together. She calls me one of her daughters!

This other picture is of Renee Olsen who signed as a tribute to Mother Hughes "Mama" by the Boys To Men group of yester-years. No one had a dry eye at the end. It was a beautiful tribute to an amazing lady that has served in the Atlanta community for over 70 years, and an inspired choice!

Here are our two honorees, me, Milton Clipper- President and CEO of Atlanta Public Broadcasting, Mother Hughes, Eric Sawyer (in our Mission Presidency and key organizer of this event for years), and Elder David Ingram, our Area 70.

Gotta love it when something really good comes together only with lots of work and divine inspiration!

Even Snow in Sandy Springs Georgia

2009-03-02T08:08:00.001-08:00

The weather man predicted snow for Sunday afternoon March 1st, but no one believed them... we didn't make a snowman nor did we even go out and play in it, (because we are old and don't have to) but it sure was pretty... Of course all Georgians freaked out and closed schools etc. But that is a good thing, for none of these southern folks know what to do with it and certainly don't know how to drive in it. Gotta love this global warming :)

Here is your dad after church on Sunday taking the last of the snow off the car before it goes into the garage. He is using a broom- not much use for a snow scrapper here! :)

Monday still has some snow on the ground, but not much. I bet our family members that have had GOBS of snow this year will find this post a good chuckle......

Ethan Clarke's 4th Birthday party

2009-03-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

We all had a great time at Ethan's birthday party. Here is Ethan and his daddy chatting about what a fun obstacle course he made for all of the kids. (Ethan is a bit weary from lack of sleep) Here are the Sharp's and the Clarkes + Lily-bug for the Birthday shot at the park after the official party

Grandma and Kaylin. Chatting about her new school and how much fun she is having!

Grandpa was in charge of this little bundle of joy much of the day. They both were in heaven!

Grandpa also got to spend some fun time with Lily. She had a blast at the party- doing the obstacle course with the other big kids! Here mommy and daddy came to0~

Please, Ethan just one birthday picture with your grandparents......

Now, this batman cake was not only yummy, it made most kids mouths BLUE for a good amount of time! Happy Birthday Ethan-

Black Family History Day

2009-03-02T07:46:00.001-08:00

FEB 21st at the regional National Archives Building in Morrow, GA the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Public Affairs Council hosted a great event. Here is the invite- poorly copied from my camera, but better than no pictures? (which I don't have access to yet) The event was terrific! Lots of miracles and lots of lovely relationships built.

Baby Rachel comes to the Smith house!

2009-03-02T06:25:00.000-08:00

The first of February I headed out to Kennewick Washington to help at the Smith home while Tami had her baby. I arrived Sunday afternoon and by lunch time Monday (12:32 pm) Tami had delivered Rachel Grace. For Family Home Evening the rest of the gang and grandma came up to the hospital to check out this newest member and to eat mom's hospital food!

(note- Rachel wore a new dress home from the hospital..)

The next couple of weeks we had all kinds of things to do- school, pre school, piano practicing, neighborhood play, reading, and waiting for Rachel and mom to come out of the bedroom to play!

Dad and Benson even found time to make the "most sporty" car for the Pinewood Derby races the next day after Rachel's birth!! Benson took 5th place competing against 20 other cars!

My job was easy for Benson, Stanford and Abby are hard workers!!! They know that each morning they have specific jobs to do before they go to school (dishes, beds, clothes) and every night that have to clear, wipe down the table or vacuum the floor! Saturday "deep clean" day was also a sight to behold... most of the time it was done before the day had hardly begun!! They also put away all their own laundry- even Abby can hang up her own shirts! They are all ROCK STARS in my opinion!! Here they are checking out the Valentine envelopes that were put up so that we could write nice things about each other the week before Valentines Day :)

One day it snowed for grandma, so the girls helped me make five snowgirls- note that the far left snowgirl has in her arms a little snowbaby! We were hoping that when the boys came home from school they could ADD some snowmen, but the snow was almost gone by the time they got home. :( The snowgirls lasted for several days...kind of (in the sun they melted, melted, melted.)

Many nights we did relays and obstacle courses so that they were exhausted by bed time. Abby and Hannah loved them so much that they would practice sometimes during the day while the boys were at school. Here is Abby "flying" over the horse obstacle as she is heading for the finish line!

It was fun to be able to stay long enough to be in their home for Tami's birthday and for Valentines week! (I don't remember the last time I got to celebrate Tami's birthday in person!)

Here are my last family photos of the SEVEN Smith's and baby Rachel. I had a wonderful time playing hard and working even harder.... one forgets how much work is involved in running a home full of children smoothly...... I miss you guys!

A week of fun with Lily!

2009-03-02T06:06:00.000-08:00

While Andrew and Angie went to Mexico to attend Jen's wedding, I got to spend six days with Lily at her house in Macon. (January 6-11th) Of course we had a fabulous time- having adventures everyday, but sadly I didn't bring my camera to share with the family all the fun things that we did! Just imagine pictures of us going strolling at the Mall (early with all the gray hairs). Sometimes she stayed in the stroller and sometimes she strolled her dolls! Our favorite park was just a few blocks away and we went there everyday mostly because of the running water! We walked to the library several times- she took off the shelves, carefully, about 40 childrens books before I got my coat off! (the librarian was very patient). Grandpa came down on Tuesday to play for a day and we picked up Kaylin for the weekend so that Lily would have a cousin to play with! These two pictures are not of the week- but you get the idea. Lily and I had a blast!! (gotta love this grandma duty!)

Early Christmas Present to England!!

2008-12-17T13:36:00.000-08:00

Grant went to Geneva Switzerland to do a presentation for his company and invited his bride to go and visit with Chris and Meagan!!! WOW! So, we left Atlanta on Dec 9th and flew all night! (I'm not very good at sleeping on planes, but I do think I did...kind of??)

Chris and Meagan were absolutely marvelous tour guides and hosts. Everyday was cold and wet, but we had a fabulous time. One of our day trips was to BATH. About 2 1/2 hours from their home, but worth the trip!
Of course the reason it has the name that it does is because of the mineral springs that still flow today. Hard to believe that these baths were made in Romans times?? (if you enlarge this you can see the steam rising!?)

This is the beautiful cathedral in the middle of Bath.

On our way to Bath we stopped at Stonehenge. We didn't pay for this tour (note the fencing) but watched some history channel segments on the mystery of these HUGE rocks and how they got there and why they are in this formation. (We have some speculations of our own) It was awesome!!

The first day of touring with Meagan and Chris we went to the "heart of Cotwolds." This is the adorable and ancient town of Stow- on-the-Wold , (old English for meeting place on the hill). This is the back door of one of their beautiful old churches. Note the two trees that have almost crowded out the doorway...

This Parish church was built between the 11th and 15th centuries!!

Notice this tiny little door on the side of the church? We aren't sure if the good folks of this town were tiny or if this was the children's door? (or if it is all the Wheaties that Chris eats?)

This is St Edwards Hall. It was the local meeting place, and library. There is just no way to show the narrow streets and timeless ambiance of the antique shops and historic architecture of this beautiful countryside.... with sheep everywhere.

We also went to beautiful village of Bourton on the Water. They refer to this village as the "Venice of the Cotwolds" with six picturesque bridges across the river. ( I think that is a bit of a stretch!) Looking the other way they have a Christmas tree right in the middle of the river all decorated for the season.

That same day we went to Blenheim Palace. Chris was taking a picture of the Christmas trees between each pillar and Meggers ran through the shot just so that we would have one of us in every shot...

You had to walk to the palace. Which you can see on the other side on this gorgeous lake and gardens. The palace was a gift from Queen Ann to John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough in the very early 1700's. One of it's claims to fame is that Winston Churchill was born and married here. (he was a nephew to one of the Dukes.) Number 11 Duke lives in one of the wings of the palace even today. WOW, it was absolutely beyond description.

Saturday we went to Oxford. Lighting in most of the Cathedrals is dark at best. But Chris got a great shot of the vaulted ceiling and the buttresses that can be found in Christ Church Cathedral

Another beautiful church open to the public was St Mary the Virgin Church. Catholic at it's conception but became a Church of England in the mid 1500's. (all the Christmas decorations everywhere just made the already beautiful city stunning.

This is the back side of Christ Church College. There are 39 such colleges at Oxford. All with their own walled college with sleeping and eating accommodations as well as quadrangles, chapels and cloisters, beautiful gardens and halls (where the students eat and sleep and learn)

Each building almost feels like you are back in medieval times. One of my favorite comments was when our tour guide said "those of you from America have Gothic replicas in some of your cities- well these are original Gothic structures! YIKES. Oxford Press is also here... which was the first to print the BIBLE.... King James version!! OH MY WORD!!

One of the stories that gave me goose bumps was this stop. You can't see the lamp post unless you enlarge this picture, but down a cobble street is a lamp post (not lit yet) and we are standing underneath two gold leaf statues of Mr. Tumnus- of Narnia fame. C.S. Lewis went to Oxford!!

Last picture is me, under my hood. The pay phones in England still work, but everyone now is using cell phones (but we Americans that don't have European coverage.)

Grants presentation went very well, and there were many new inquires because of his visit to Geneva. I on the other hand could have gone on for another week seeing the sights and trying to wrap my head around all the history. If Meagan and Chris didn't have to go back to work- I might still be there!? Thanks to both of them for being the very best! Chris drives like a true Englishman flying through those round-a-bouts and driving on the left side of the road!! Thank you to you both..... And to Grant- thank you for letting me come, you know how I LOVE this kind of adventure!

Thanksgiving in Kennewick with the Smiths

2008-12-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving morning we flew out to Kennewick to spend the week with the Smith gang. We had such a wonderful time enjoying the antics and delightful conversations and adventures of Benson, Stanford, Abby and Hannah. We even got to do some decorating (the day after Thanksgiving for Christmas here too) Here is our 2nd Thanksgiving feast with Chris and Meagan (who arrived a day later than planned) The food was just as delicious the second day!

We both spent lots of time taking Hannah's shoes off and on. She is quite a talker now, and we had so much fun hearing full sentence clearly come out of this tiny little girl.

All the Smiths kids LOVE to be read to. I got to spent lots of time reading books to the girls everyday and to Benson, Stanford and Abby every night before they went to bed.

Can we go to the water tower??? Abby was never one to be left behind and did a great job of keeping up with grandpa and her brothers.

Here is grandpa and the three climbers. This water tower is a ways from their house, but just a skip and a jump or two for this crew!!

Anything that could be climbed over or under was always a good challenge for Stanford...

Luckily for all of us there wasn't a whole lot of water in these huge drain pipes. Note the sage brush and other desert type landscape.

The week ended too quickly for us and we headed back to the south to warm up our bones and get some work done! It certainly would be tempting to just hop around from house to house and play with our grandkids all day long everyday....... someday, maybe???

Christmas before Thanksgiving?

2008-12-17T12:14:00.000-08:00

On November 24, three days before Thanksgiving, Angie and Lily, Brittany, Kaylin, Ethan and Aidrian all came to visit. Knowing that we weren't going to be back from the Smiths home until December, Kathleen helped me put up Christmas really early this year. I LOVE ALL my Christmas nativities and decorations from my family and friends, so Grant had to head up the stairs to his office for 5 weeks with Santa pictures going up the stairs instead of the Brethren...... sorry dear!
It was so much fun for the kids to be able to play with some of the nativities and enjoy a bit of festive cheer! I am so grateful to at least have a handful of my beautiful grand kids close enough for a day visit!!! Ethan and Lily get really silly when they are together....

All three girls have the same skirt as part of their Christmas outfits. Obviously the tops are still not decided as of this photo. Soooo cute!!

Twilight Movie

2008-12-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

Like some other family members, I went with a few of my best friends to the Twilight Movie on Thursday Nov 20th at MIDNIGHT. We kept reminding ourselves that we only live once, and we weren't sure if we would ever want to do something as crazy as this again?? The theater was packed of course, and they even opened up another theater to accommodate all the crazy girls, women, boyfriends, husbands, and even some dads. With a book sooooo good, how can the movie not be fun to watch at anytime of the day....or night!

Quick visit to Connecticut!

2008-11-10T16:24:00.001-08:00

Fall is a reality in Suffield this time of year. We hiked in a very lovely park Sunday afternoon, and lost a few of the kids in the thousands of fallen leaves? WHERE ARE Karinn and Jared??

Sarena and Adam know how much I love History so Saturday Nov 1st, a few hours after we arrived, Adam and Makenzie took me to Boston so that I could do the "freedom walk." The best guide that Kenzie and I could ever have was Adam! He kept us moving and read the tour book as we walked. (pictures of the neighborhood Halloween party that we three missed, are in the Sharps camera)

At the "Old Ironsides" or the USS Constitution Museum, Makenzie and I spent some time with some of the "crew" talking over a MUG of rootbeer about our latest adventures! arrr mate!

The old ship was thrilling to see and walk through. I of course had tons of questions. One of our really cool miracles was that the ship tour closes at 3:30 and we got to the ship with only 3 minutes to spare!! We then walked the freedom tour backwards so that we could start with Old Ironsides! REALLY GRATEFUL that girls were not part of this crew... for the eating and sleeping accomodations would have been a bit of a challenge- of the 500 ships crew, they slept in four-hour shifts in hammocks that packed the berth deck. (where's the barf bucket??)

Quick trips are never long enough, but it was so much fun to be able to spend some awesome time with Makenzie, Trevor, Jared and Karinn. I am not going to tell who screamed the loudest while we watched the 3D Movie, Journey to the Center of the Earth!? I miss you guys already!!

Visiting General Authorities!

2008-11-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 8th 2008, Elder D. Todd Christofferson (the newest member of the 12 Apostles) and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, also of the Quorum of the Twelve came to the Atlanta area. When they arrived at the building at about 1:00pm- there were only a couple of brethren there, and I had just arrived and was the only woman for about 20 minutes! I had some really AWESOME moments with both of these men!!!

Because of Grant's High Council responsibilities, he oversaw the light lunch of the local 10 Stakes leadership, and the fabulous dinner later in the evening. Bishops and Stake Presidency members, Mission Presidents (2) and our Temple President thrilled at the opportunity during a 4 hour training meeting at the "Ponce" building to hear from these two great men along with Elder Snow. I have no pictures of them with us, for obvious reasons, but we both had many moments when we talked to them personally and while talking with Elder Christofferson upon their arrival, he insisted on helped me unload my car!!! Many people just say, "what's the big deal- they are just men?" My comment after this weekend again is - "yes they are, but they are "extraordinary men, witnesses for Jesus Christ", and everyone at this training and the Stake Presidents and their wives at the dinner afterwards felt as I did..... It was better than spending a day with a famous movie star!

Halloween with the Clarkes!

2008-10-28T06:13:00.001-07:00

Sharpburg Ward had their trunk or treat party Saturday October 25th. Here is the "professional" shot of one poodle skirt chick, one slummin' cowboy and a beautiful princess!

Travis took this "professional" shot of the young mother witch with awesome leggings, the lovely princess (without her wings) the pink butterfly (who looked like BOO) the SWAT team member with Velcro that kept attaching itself to grandma's skirt and the 50's girl.

When we arrived at the Clarke's home and I got out of the car, Kaylin checked out what I was wearing (poofy red flannel skirt with a poodle on it, scarf, anklets and white tennis shoes) and she said, "grandma, you are suppose to wear a costume!" Seriously? Gotta love grandkids!!!

Wicked at the FOX

2008-10-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a night on the town with your Bishop and his wife (Dr. Carlson) and your daughter Brittany!! Tuesday, October 14th we had the awesome privilege of attending a performance of Wicked. Neither one of us had ever gone, and although we knew some of the music (thanks Makenzie!) we really didn't know the story line or the twists and turns at all. It was delightful! Seeing the play up close and personal was also a thrill!

Georgians Fall visit to " Rock Farm"

2008-10-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Oct. 11th, the Hayes family, the Clarke family and Grandma and Grandpa Sharp spent Saturday afternoon at the Rock Farm in middle Georgia. Obviously we had a blast! This sweet farm, invisioned by the founder of Chick-fil-A, is geared to those families with little people (as you can see from the awesome things these kids could participate in!!) Lily LOVED the Merry-Go- Round and went on it several times!

Even little Aidrian LOVED the music and the motion of the horses!

There were lots of things to ride. This little train of "cows" was pulled by a tractor. (which means it was bumpy, but nice and slow!) Grandpa is giving everyone "big fives" before we start

The "jumping pillow" was more fun when there weren't too many people on it. (at least in Lily's opinion) But most of us took a few turns on this too.

They had a really cute train that surrounded most of the family options on the farm. By this time it was lightly raining, so we were glad to huddle under some cover !

What can be better than a few photo-ops?
The petting farm was cute especially the GOATS. This one jumped out of the pen after we tempted him?
All three got to ride on the ponies too- what a day!

Probably one of the cutest rides was these battery powered John Deere trucks. Lily was in good hands with Ethan. He just naturally knew how to drive them and was determined to NEVER bump into the bales of hay. (I don't think he ever did!)

I am sure that Angie and Britt will share their personal favorites of the day. It was really delightful to see Aidrian, Lily, Ethan and Kaylin have such a carefree day at the farm.

Girls Day Out!

2008-10-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 4th Brittany and Angie, Kaylin, Aidrian, Lily and grandma all had a Girls Day OUT! We had lots of fun at Monkey Joes (Buckhead) although it was a bit crowded for Lily's taste. Even Aidrian had some fun! We also stopped at Chick-fil-A for ice cream cones and walked to our local park to get those last wiggles out before the big bath. The weather was perfect Fall weather- no humidity and warm...... gotta love the south!

Lily felt a bit insecure on this wiggly ground, so jumping was more fun with mom. Obviously Kaylin had no trouble flying high!

A "safe" place to play was on the horse and the firetruck. Lily will probably never know that if you put money in the slot they move!

Even grandma was persuaded to do some sliding on occasion. Luckily these slides weren't very fast! It is always a GREAT DAY when I get to spend time with my kids and their kids!

Jury Duty

2008-10-01T10:47:00.001-07:00

Today, October 1st (Adam Tyler's birthday) I was summoned for Jury duty. It was good to do "my duty" as an American citizen, BUT- the really awesome part of the day, worth recording?.... I was able to ONLY text while waiting for jury selection to begin, and EVERYONE of my kids, my daughter-in-law, my husband and the birthday Doc ALL texted me back! (even Meagan!) I felt like it was my birthday-:) it was so much fun to hear from everyone. (I know, I am a dork!)

The funny story worth sharing was when each of the 30 jurors were introduced to the court, you have to answer 10 specific questions. One being "how many children do you have" AND "what are their occupations? Everyone before me had either no kids or never more than 3. I was number 26-and when I got to these questions I asked the Judge if he really wanted to know what all my 6 kids were doing.... and of course he did. When I completed all of your personal accomplishments (in order, of course) he chuckled and said, "wow, that was almost like the seven dwarfs!" Not sure if that answer alone tipped the scales one way or the other, but I was not asked to be one of the 12 who remained to hear the case! phew.....

My Georgia Gas Miracle

2008-10-01T10:32:00.001-07:00

Friday night after serving in the Temple I was impressed (interstingly) to stop at a gas station to fill my tank with gas. The Atlanta area has had very little gas available at the pumps and so many folks are just not driving, or waiting in very long lines. Here is what the BP pump looked like that night, and the pricing sign. Anyway, after waiting with a few other cars for the station to open? other cars saw us waiting also and soon there were about 10 cars waiting for gas at a station that wasn't open?

About 10:50pm (or about 10 minutes after I pulled up) the owners came out and pulled all the bags off the pumps and I was at the right place at the right time!! When I left the station there were at least 50 cars hoping to get gas~

To complete the miracle, the next day the women in the church were invited to attend "Women's Conference" so I filled my car with 7 other women and we not only had a much better time than if we went alone, my car registered 76 miles traveled that night, and my gas gauge was still on FULL. Even TINY tender mercies are sweet!

My grandbabies!

2008-09-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

Here is my first attempt at putting a picture on my new blog.....of course I chose my grandkids!

OK, I am blogging!

2008-09-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

Dear family, Out of necessity I am now an official blogger. I really am doing this so that I can record your dad's and my history along with that of our family. I am sure that I will never be able to compete with the spectacular blogs of all my kids, but whose competing anyway!?