August Remembrances

In one week we celebrate and remember 6 family birthdays.

We started this birthday week last Wednesday when Cooper turned another year older to reach the ripe old age of 7. We celebrated by going to the Baseball game, an all American pass time. We got our money's worth, but had mixed feelings, when our team lost in the bottom of the 13th inning. Cooper is in the 1st grade and is a whiz at reading and math. He is a gentle giant, a very kind young man who makes me very happy.

On Thursday we celebrated Victoria's 10th birthday. She is now in the 5th grade and has many friends. She is celebrating by going to Tropical Island (a celebration destination in Germany) with her family and a few friends. She is the oldest in her family and a good help to her mother. Sometimes she seems as if she is growing up way too fast, and I miss her.

Friday brought the first birthday of Miss Ada. She enjoyed her cake and a quiet family celebration, seems a certain hurricane named Irene kept us from traveling last weekend as planned. Ada is working hard at growing up. Now that she is a whole year old she wants to walk and eat big girl food. So many milestones to pass in just one quick year. She loves to jabber and figure things out. She is a happy baby that brings her mother great joy.

Today, on the 29th, I take time to remember my grandmother, Beatrice Kent Kidman. She was born in 1905, the daughter of Nellie Van Lueven and Jesse Clarence Kent. She married Lewis R. Kidman on May 26th, 1923 and raised 5 children. She was a wonderful cook and had a strong testimony of truth. She worked in the Los Angeles Temple for many years. She has always been someone for me to admire and I choose to try to be like her in many ways.

Tomorrow we remember our sweet angel Caroline. She was born 7 years ago, and for living only 6 months, she has touched our lives in such a tremendous way. I know where she is and I am trying to live my life so I can be with her again.

On Wednesday we complete our week of August remembrances by recognizing Jeff, my first son in law to join the family. He is a good man who loves my daughter and their children. He is kind to me and a wonderful example of manhood. I am proud to call him my son.

A busy family week. I know that family things happen on family days for a reason.

Happy Birthday loved ones. May this next year bring you joy and happiness as you continue to grow in love and understanding.

Cooper

Today is the beginning of Birthday Week in August.

We begin with Cooper. He is 6 years old and a joy to be around. The other day he and I were talking about names and relationships in our family. All of a sudden I had a senior moment and couldn't remember his full name so I asked him--"Cooper, what is your middle name??" I knew his name was right on the tip of my tongue only I could not spit it out. With his big dimpled smile he replied "Cooper!!" Then I remembered that his name is J Cooper. A unique name for a unique little boy.

Cooper went to Kindergarten orientation last spring then came back and announced that he had done the kindergarten thing and was ready for first grade!! If only it was that easy. He started Kindergarten two weeks ago and is trying to get an understanding for all of the rules and expectations. He is a tenderhearted little guy who makes me happy. He is a whiz at math and has taught himself to read. I know he will do well in school.

Cooper lives on chocolate milk. He has great rhythm when playing Rock Band with his family, he likes to go camping and entertains himself for hours with his DS.

Last year when his mother was quite sick with her pregnancy he and I were great companions, he went everywhere with me. I am glad we got to spend that time together. It is a privilege to be friends with your grandchildren.

Happy Birthday Cooper!!

Simple Pleasures

Earlier this week I went with two of my grandsons to the park. We decided to swing. The grins on their faces were wide and wonderful. As they went back and forth they giggled with joy. Soon Denim was laughing--that deep joyful laugh that babies give spontaneously. It was one of those moments that reminded me that life is meant to be lived with gusto, remembering that after the rain the sun usually shines. Even though going up hill is usually difficult, there always follows the down hill ride.

Life is full of moments where we can make choices. I'm glad we chose to go to the park for a ride on the swing. A happy memory for grandma and two great boys. Life is full of many opportunities to enjoy simple pleasures. Take an opportunity for yourself today--you'll be glad you did.

Guess....

Our grandson needed some one on one time last evening so we put him in the car and brought him home with us. As we were driving along he was chatting in the back seat entertaining us with his amazing little mind.

Pretty soon he asked us to guess.

Guess what??

Just guess.

So we guessed: Green? Five? Left?? May??

It would help if we knew what you wanted us to guess........

"Who is the oldest family?" he said.

We tried to process the question and answered as best we could..... "Grandma and Grandpa??"

To which he answered sounding amazed that we could figure it out "YES!!!"