Day of Grandpas!

July 3rd is quite a day for our family. It is Grandpa Stan's (Walker) birthday and it is the anniversary of the day Grandpa Williams passed away -- one year ago! We are in Utah for the blessing of Jeremy and AJ's twins and to be here with my Mom for the first anniversary of Dad's passing!

A tradition in the Walker family is that Grandpa Stan gets a RED WHITE and BLUE cake. This has been a tradition his entire living life and it has continued on after his passing. We are staying with Grandma Walker so the girls and I made little brownie cups with red white a blue toppings. We invited Paul over, sang Happy Birthday to Grandpa Stan...ate his brownie cakes and then visited the cemetery. We left Grandpa Stan a red, white and blue brownie and some beautiful flowers!

After our visit to the Pleasant Grove Cemetery we joined the Williams crew at the Purple Turtle for some lunch and the went to the Provo Cemetery to visit Grandpa Williams' grave. The grandkids released balloons for Grandpa and then we sang to Grandpa a song he always sang to us....Sweet Violets!

We miss our Grandpas! I can't believe it has been an entire year since my sweet Dad left this earth!

"Eight is GREAT": Joshua's Baptism and the Best Mother's Day Gift EVER!

Joshua’s baptism was a wonderful experience and one that I will never forget and I hope he will never forget it either.

We were lucky enough to have some family members attend. Grandma Walker was in town, Grandma and Grandpa Williams came for the weekend and Uncle Jeremy and Aunt AJ and their family, including Mason (and really he is the only one that matters to Josh) were all here to share in this great day with Josh! Also in attendance were some extended family members including my cousin Tonya and her family and some wonderful friends that seem as much like family as anyone could! We also were greatly supported by our ward.

Joshua, Hal and Grandma Walker!

As a surprise to me, and the best Mother’s Day present I have ever received, Hal asked my Dad to confirm Joshua a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was one of the most touching a spiritual moments of my life. I know that this was a wonderful gift from Hal to me and my Dad. It can’t have been easy to let your father-in-law confirm your only son. But, I am extremely grateful that he did. This was the last priesthood ordinance that my Dad performed before he passed away on July 3, 2009. It has an honor to be present during that confirmation and it was an honor that my father was able to travel the distance and have the energy and ability to perform this ordinance. I hope Joshua will cherish that moment forever.

Viva Las Vegas

We had the great fortune to spend the weekend with everyone from my side of the family! It seems to get harder and harder to coordinate an family event at a time and place that everyone can attend. It was a lot of fun. Dad was out of the hospital so we all gathered in Las Vegas for Justin's daughter, Aqui's baptism.

We spent Saturday morning at Aqui's baptism followed by a feast all afternoon prepared by my wonderful sister-in-law Heather. She is an amazing cook! She made many pans full of her manicotti. My kids wish that I would even make spaghetti so they were thrilled. Heather also made many many sheet cakes! I don't like cake so I don't ever make one. So all-in-all it was a great day for my kids.

They played all afternoon with their cousins. Grandma and Grandpa were there. Hal and I got to visit with my siblings and their spouses.

That evening several of us went to see Blue Man Group. I have always wanted to see them. It was entertaining. I think our kids would have really enjoyed...especially Joshua. Hal didn't go and I don't think that he ever should go! It is a really noisy show and I know he wouldn't have enjoyed it! Babysitting was the much better choice!

The highlight of the trip for my girls was getting to worship at Princess Ava's feet. They love her. She quite enjoys all the attention they lavish on her. They were so excited to see each other!

We also really enjoyed seeing Grandpa and Grandma!

Unfortunately, Grandpa is back in the hospital again!

My Dad

As I was walking into the gym the other day I saw a car with a window sticker in the back that said "Cancer Sucks." I thought: My sentiments exactly!

I don't like to blog about my Dad. It is just too hard. It makes me cry when I stop and think about him and how hard this has been on him and on Mom.

Please keep him in your prayers. He is in the hospital...again. We are hoping and praying that it will be a short visit. They are not exactly sure but they think that he has another bowel blockage. We should know more later today. Please pray for him, his doctors, a clear diagnosis and treatment, and of course for Mom.

Thanks for all your previous love, concern and prayers. I really appreciate it. This photo was taken this summer when Brookelynn went through the Temple.