Luke Turns Five!

Here it is March 1 and our cute, handsome, adorable, and lovable Luke is having his 5th birthday today. Where have these 5 years gone? As grandparents we think of what Jacob from the Book of Mormon taught when he said: ". . . by saying that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream . . ." (Jacob 7:26). Luke's 5 years have gone by so quickly it seems like it has been a dream. This young man has touched our lives in so many ways, we just can't imagine life without him in it! What a joy it has been to watch him grow up! We're sure glad his mom has a blog so we can see pictures and hear about all the fun things he is doing. So what are some of the things we know about Luke?

We know he loves his family. Luke always worries about Taylor, Blake, and his parents. He has very tender and kind feelings for everyone, and yet, he also knows how to teach his younger brother the fine art of wrestling, and playing bad guys. Yes, recently we found out this is a favorite game the boys like playing together. He's all boy, but has a very soft spot for his big sister Taylor. He'd probably do just about anything for her.

We know Luke is passionate about the things he likes. When he was in preschool in San Diego, the teachers had to ban Transformers from school because they became a distraction. (I can just imagine.) In an act of solidarity, Luke and his little 3 year old rebel friends congregated on the playground in a circle to sing the transformer song together. They would stomp their right feet and sing "Transformers....more than meets the eye!" I'm sure they really felt like they were getting away with something. He still loves Transformers, but lately he's had to balance his love for Transformers with his love for music. High School Musical music that is. Yes, he can sing along with High School Musical with the best of them.

We also know that Luke is very inquisitive. He asks lots of questions. He'll ask a question and then answer it with a "right Grandpa?" or "right mom?" or "right (fill in the name of whoever he is asking the question of)?"

Whatever you are doing, Luke wants to be in the thick of it. He wants to be grown up so he can play the games his mom and dad play with their friends.

A funny saying we remember is when Luke was in preschool in California. He had a new friend and they were playing a game of sorts. Luke told his new friend that girls can't play with them because, "it's for boy's only, right?".

Luke is kind and respectful of any adult he meets. He greets them with friendship and kindness. It's no wonder all his teachers love him. Who can resist those amazing blue eyes, beautiful blond hair, and sweet smile? He was certainly born in the right state. He looks like a beach boy! He's definitely stolen my heart!

Luke is Bob's mini me, and is right by his side when they are together. He loves when his Grandpa J. twists him around and throws him over his shoulder.

Luke and Grandpa have a game they always play. Grandpa didn't know it had a name until Luke came up to him and said, "Grandpa, let's play you can't go." Grandpa had to think about it for a few moments before he realized what the game was. This is a game that Grandpa has played with Luke since he was little. Grandpa will sit on the couch and Luke will stand in front of him. Luke starts to walk away and Grandpa grabs him and says you can't go. It's pretty hard to tell who is having the most fun.

Most importantly, we know Luke is our friend who we love, we miss, and we pray every day for. We are grateful Luke is a part of our family.

Happy birthday big guy.

We love you and miss you.

We wish we could spend this special day with you.

Nanu and Grandpa

32 Years and Counting

Guest Blogger

32 years ago today, we were in the Salt Lake Temple creating an eternal family unit, another kingdom so to speak. Little did I know how great those 32 years would turn out. Neither you nor I knew at that moment in time we would be blessed with three beautiful children. 32 years ago we weren’t thinking about three children and especially about the five beautiful, loveable, adorable, incredible, wonderful grandchildren that would come into our lives and prick our hearts with a love we never thought we would experience or even realize existed. We’ve learned in those years how to forgive, forget, and how to love even more than we did when we first met. You have shown me how to be a better person. You’ve taught me about service and devotion to family. You’ve shown me how to love at all times. You’ve truly shown me how to love as the Savior loves. Your Christ like demeanor continues drawing me and others to you. Your love for our children is greater than any love I have ever witnessed.

Neither you nor I knew we would have opportunities to move around the country and see areas outside of our comfort zone that caused us to stretch. Here we are in good old Tennessee with new friends, new church callings, new opportunities to grow in ways we never thought possible. We’re now at a stage in life where we wished our children were closer to us or we were closer to them. We continue going forward, striving from a distance to build up a family whom we love, miss, and are grateful for blogs and cell phones so we always know what is going on.

Where have we come in 32 years? Our first daughter was born 9-months after we married. OK, so no one told me it was that easy. 3 ½ years after our wedding day, our second daughter was born. 8 years from day one, we had number three who became our number one son. We’ve sent two of those children on missions to the far reaches of the world. Two of three have graduated from college, with the third close to completing his undergrad degree. Two out of three married in the Los Angeles Temple causing them to feel closeness to the Lord’s house in California. All three have returned to their roots in Utah. Number one daughter has three children, and daughter number two has two children. Oh what a blessing these all are to us. There really is nothing better than watching your children grow, develop, raise children, and most importantly, have a testimony of the Savior.

For 32 years you have stood by my side, watched my struggles in life, and encouraged me to better myself. You have shown me how to love others more than myself. You’ve taught me kindness by example. You continue quietly serving and loving and leading in so many ways. You have blessed my life beyond measure. You truly are the key to my happiness. When you are gone, my life is empty. When we are together, our lives are full. I will always be grateful for the day when you and I married for the eternities. I will always be grateful for your love and kindness. I will always be grateful for the person I call my best friend. You truly are my best friend forever. Thank you honey for 32 wonderful years. I love you so much (ILYSM).

Bob

Our Baby Avery's First Birthday

Avery's first year has been full of lots of smiles,lots of kisses,

lots of good times,

and lots and lots of sweet memories!

We've only known you a year, and just can't imagine life without you in it. We Love You!

Happy Birthday Baby Avery!