Days of Thanksgiving #8

I am grateful that my kids get to have these people as their grandparents!

I am blessed to have wonderful parents who I attribute for any and all good in me and I am forever grateful to my equally stellar in-laws who made my husband the great man that he is. But the best part is that my children have four awesome grandparents to look up to, love, play with, admire, get spoiled by, talk to, learn from, laugh with, idolize, and otherwise enjoy! Can there be a more cherished relationship?
This was the hardest part about moving to Georgia- placing so many miles between my kids and their grandparents- and it breaks my heart every time I think about it. But Emma as of late has become quite the conversationalist on the phone. She calls her grandparents often and chats about anything and everything and they listen as she gives her young and very interesting perspective on life. They are her most captive audience and she relishes every minute. Emma has been planning some big party at Grandma's (Jamie's mom) next time we go there with cinnamon chips and has invited all of my family as well. The other day when I was scolding Emma, she wanted to call my mom (Nana) to tell her how mean I was to her. I wasn't sure if as a mother my mom would take my side or as a grandmother would take Emma's :o). Weston is not much of a talker but no matter how long it's been he's always excited to see his grandparents and smiles and gives them huge bear hugs! Visits are one big snugglefest for Weston. Andrew is still too little to get it but hopefully we can get him closer with some time and cutting back some of those miles. I want to make sure my children reap the blessings of association with the greatest people I know!
Jamie is grateful for baptism (he's Ward Mission Leader)
Emma is grateful that Tori's safe (the dog we got rid of)
Weston is grateful for .....uh-oh I forgot. I'll ask Emma in the morning
Andrew is grateful for eyes

Day 3 of Thanksgiving

Today I'm thankful for:

My Grandparents

Aren't they a cute couple?! This is them at their 50th wedding anniversary! Still in love! My grandparents have really taught me through example to love and cherish your family, just be involved. They were there for my baptism, my wedding, held each of my babies, and send cards and money every birthday. My grandma use to make me and my cousin dresses for Christmas and I remember my grandpa making slingshots for the boys. They keep their family close to their hearts and gather them near often. My grandma was on the internet e-mailing me before my mom ever got on and they encourage all their kids to send out a family letter each month to keep everyone connected.

This is my grandma with my niece Julie and Baby Emma. Isn't she beautiful!? My grandma's usually the one behind the camera, recording all the family memories.

This is at my grandma's home in Bellflower, California. One of my favorite places in the world! It's the house my mom grew up in and the magical place of my childhood. It was a place I knew I was loved and part of something wonderful, a close eternal family! My aunt bought the house behind them and put in a swinging gate so we could wander between the houses. I loved the sweet juicy oranges and tangy tangerines that grow in their yard, the over-springy diving board, the beautiful California summers, boogie-boarding at the beach, barbie and cabbage patch dolls with my cousin, Grandpa's harmonica playing for FHE, and feasts in the rumpus room. Mmm, I could sure go for some of Grandma's blackberry jello right now and some fruit leather.

This is at a Hatch reunion. My grandpa comes from a family with 9 kids. Every Thanksgiving the Hatchs would gather in Parker, Arizonia for a big family reunion with a big feast, dancing, sports, camping, and fun! It's one of my fondest childhood memories. I remember my grandpa taking me out to dance like this and teaching me "Littlefoot" and "the Dixie Reel." My grandparents believe in family gatherings and because of this I am close to their family and there is a strong bond!

My grandparents are frugal people which they passed on to my mom and then to me. My grandpa was the worst person to take to a buffet as he would lecture all the grandkids to only "take what you'll eat, and eat what you take." He grew up in a large family, served in a war, and was a teacher supporting a family of 7 so he knows the value of work and the importance of saving. My grandpa's a handyman and fixes things up so they don't have to buy a new one or pay someone else to fix it.

They're warm people with a love for life. Whenever I hear the phrase "tough as nails" I think of my grandpa. He was always a strong, healthy, tough guy that would hug you so hard your eyes would about pop out. Even in his seventies he'd be out working the yard and going on camping trips. He also has a wonderful and unique sense of humor. Here's a few Dahlisms for ya:

Grandpa's marriage advice-

"Beauty fades, but stupid is forever."

"You can fall in love with a rich girl just as easy as you can fall in love with a poor girl."

On Children:

Asking my brother if his baby was walking yet (at six months), my brother responded no.

"Must be retarted"

On life:

The loose screw principle-"There are two types of people in this world. Those who see a loose screw and think, “someone ought to fix that”, and those who see a loose screw and tighten it. Be the second kind of person. "

When my aunt was walking home from church one summer day with her Dad. A littleYorkshire dog barked angrily as they crossed the sidewalk on his property. He was loud and obnoxious, but they weren't afraid of the tiny thing. Grandpa told her that opposition in life was like that, and that opposition to doing the right thing would make a lot of noise,but that we shouldn't let that deter us from doing the right thing.

"Make a little money first, then make a little money last"

"You have 1 mouth and 2 ears, use them proportionately"

'If you get stiff in the joints, stay out of them."

'The end doesn’t always justify the jeans"

"Common sense, is not that common."

"He is so narrow minded he can look through a key hole with both eyes at once."

"Some people are so open minded that there brains fall out."

Two wonderful people who have a large part in who I am today and who I want to become and for that I am forever grateful! Love you Grandma and Grandpa!