Grandma and Grandpa Underwood

I don't remember meeting them, but I do remember the impression I got when I met Shayne's Grandma Elthora Underwood and Grandpa Ernal Underwood sometime in the year of 1999.  I admired them; in my eyes, they had "it all."  They had built their dream home, served a temple mission to New Zealand, four kids, a couple RV campers, big garden in the back yard, and one of the strongest love's for one another I had ever seen.  I knew from that moment on that I hoped to one day be a lot like them.

The other thing that stood out from day one is that Grandpa Ernal Underwood was a Pearl Harbor and WWII Veteran.  I felt proud just meeting him.  I heard many stories about this infamous tragic day from the mouth of someone who had actually been there.  Pearl Harbor had new meaning for me from then on.    

A few years later, Shayne and I were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on August 8, 2003.  Grandpa performed our marriage and sealing.  It was done with very few words, but the spirit was strong and before I could muster any tears, Shayne and I were eternally married.  It meant so much to have him marry us and he will always hold a place in our heart for this. 

Not long after our wedding, we found out that Grandma Underwood was fighting cancer.  This news was devastating for the entire family and Shayne wanted to be with them during their time of need.  Shortly after, we moved into their basement apartment to see if we could help. 

I remember offering to help them with meals as part of our rent.  I made lunch style menu's and posted them on their fridge. I kept them new and exciting, but I felt like I wasn't cooking anything that Grandpa seemed to like.  I knew I was cooking decent meals, even if I wasn't a great chef, so I finally asked someone why.  This is when I found out that Grandpa was a "meat and potatoes" kind of a guy.  Now knowing how to make him more happy, I adjusted the meals and tried things I hoped he would like.

Grandpa was so good to Grandma.  Many times, I caught Grandpa picking Grandma flowers from their garden.  I loved watching them give small smooches to each other.  They sat side by side in  their rocking chairs watching TV and talking about their memories or their day.

I will never forget picking the perfect Mother's Day gift for Grandma; it was a green garden frog, holding an umbrella in one hand, and checking for rain with the other.  I remember thinking that she seemed like the type that would put it out in her flower garden, but she loved it so much she kept in in the house with her.  She even glued a bird onto it's hand.  It brought us such joy to see that she really loved the gift we had chosen for her.  The frog was still in the house for many years later.  

Grandma taught me a little about cooking.  Grandma was a great cook, so whenever I had a question, I knew who to ask for help.  I wish I could have learned more from her.  She was not only a good cook but a great quilter, skilled at embroidery, crochet, and almost everything crafty.  She made us a quilt for our wedding.  Shayne won't even let us use it because it is so special to him.

Shayne had a special bond with his grandma.  He tells our daughter how his grandma used to read him "The Fox and the Hound," almost every night before bed.  Shayne likes to lay in bed and have me spread a quilt on top of him sometimes at night, he says "he loves the weight."  It reminds him of Grandma putting blankets on top of him.  She was a nurturing lady.  She made everyone feel loved and valued. 

Poor Grandma was getting worse as spring 2004 approached.  I remember visiting her in the hospital regularly and Grandma always having the best attitude about it all.  She was especially cute when she wore her "moon suit," which was really just a machine she had to wear at different times of the day and breathe into.  I don't recall her complaining about the cancer or the challenges she faced.  Everyone had such hopes she would return to health, but sadly on a beautiful July 23, 2004, (which also happened to be Brandon and Michelle's wedding day) Grandma Underwood passed away.

Grandpa Underwood was never quite the same after Grandma left.  He had lost some of the twinkle in his eye.  Many of us wondered how long he would survive without his dear wife. We stayed with him a couple months after Grandma's passing.  The house was often quiet and lonely.  Grandpa kept to himself, but I tried to help him when I could - even if he didn't know it.  When I knew he was gone, I would sneak upstairs once a week and help him clean the bathrooms, dust, vacuum, and mop.  Many times, I made an extra sandwich and put it in his fridge for his lunches.   My heart went out to him.  It didn't take long for us to realize that Grandpa needed some time for himself and it was with this realization that Shayne and I moved to a duplex in Salem. I was told later on that moving was exactly what Grandpa needed at the time and he was glad that we gave him time and space to grieve.

Now it seemed I saw Grandpa most at my mother in law, Jeanette's house in Springville.  He was always popping in on them and joining us for dinner, and everyone loved having him around.  Holidays seemed rougher for Grandpa, especially in the first years without Grandma.  After a while, it got too hard for Grandpa to get around and that's when my mother and father in law (Mark) moved in to be Grandpa's caregivers.

One memory of Grandpa I will treasure is helping him set up his Christmas tree the past few years.  It became a fun tradition to go over to his home in Salem the Sunday after Thanksgiving and put up his tree.  I remember one of the first years we did it Grandpa exclaiming, "the neighbors will be so surprised!"   He seemed so proud and happy to have the tree displayed proudly in his front window.  Last year, I remember walking in on him admiring the tree and seeing a small tear coming from his eye.  I will miss this tradition.

I didn't see Grandpa too much in the end.  We had busy schedules, and Grandpa although loved the visits, but I could tell the kids were making him anxious so bringing them over was often difficult.  Whenever we did see him though, as I went to hug him good bye, he always held me tight by the arm or hand, and told me eye to eye how much he appreciated our visit and loved us.  I never doubted it.  Grandpa always said how he truly felt. 

Grandpa died on July 21, 2012.  It is never easy to say goodbye to someone you love, but I took great comfort knowing he and wife lovely wife are together again, side by side and hand in hand just as it always used to be. I imagine Grandpa has his twinkle back and Grandma giving him smooches.   They are missed by many, but have left a wonderful legacy for our family through their example.  We love you Grandma and Grandpa!  Till we meet again <3>

America's Birthday

I like party planning and being involved in activities.  This year, I thought it would be fun to bring a firepit and s'mores items to share during our Fourth of July party with the Munn's.  Turns out I brought them for nothing though because they had so much fun going on!  It was awesome.

We came to Grandpa Underwood's house in the late afternoon and started off our time with water play.  There was a pool, slip and slide, wiggly sprinkler, and lots of fun water activities going on.  The kids loved it!

After a tasty BBQ potluck dinner, we gathered in the back yard for a new tradition of BINGO.  Everyone won a round or two.  It was a happy time and will be a fun new activity for this holiday form here forward. 

Later on, we gathered around for fireworks and ice cream in waffle cones.  Kaitlyn was the most fun to watch during fireworks.  When she was sitting on her Nana's lap, she started clapping and cheering for everyone to hear!  "YAY!!!! YAY!!!"  It was the cutest thing ever!!!  I was lucky enough to video tape it a couple times.

On a more random note; I was excited about a firework I bought for $2.99 at a Black Cat stand.  I didn't know what to expect, but the man that sold it to me assured me it was the best firework for the money.  Sure enough, it did not disappoint.  Nine sky shots flew in the air making a beautiful mini show!  I decided then and there I was going to buy more of them around the 24th of July for New Years Eve.

It was really nice to be all together too.  All the neices, and one nephew were there - we were only missing Lizzie and Zach who were spending the holiday with their mom. We had Jessica's parents, sister, and nieces over, and my cousin, Kristl, join us as well. It was a wonderful time and I am so excited for our next get together.

A special thank you to Mom and Dad Munn for hosting this holiday and the hard work and planning that went into it. 

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Jason Benson!

We have some newly weds in the family again!  Shayne's little sister, Sarah, married Jason Benson on June 1st at the Young Living Farm in Mona, Utah.  The wedding showed a lot of creative personality with a country theme complete with cowgirl and cowboy boots, hay bales, and cow cake toppers on a cow print cake!  We were privileged to be a bridesmaid and groomsman for the event, and helped carryout the brides wedding vision with decorating and setup throughout the day.  Sarah and her daughters, Kaede and Arisa, were happy to unite their family with Jason and his two children, Lizzie and Zach. 

It was an unforgettable day for many who came and especially Sarah, Jason, and our entire family.  We are so happy for them and excited to watch their life unfold and be part of their temple sealing in one year. CONGRATULATIONS MR. & MRS. BENSON!

CONGRATULATIONS SHAYNE!

At Shayne's graduation on June 21, it was said that "from this day on, you will never be denied a job because you do not have have a college degree."  When I think back on the countless jobs Shayne was not given or even slightly considered for this reason, it makes this statement mean that much more.  I am so excited, happy, and proud of Shayne for his huge accomplishment and bright promising future ahead.

To celebrate, we joined our friend and family at a lunch at Sizzler in South Provo.  It was so amazing to have so many come and support him on his special day.  Later that day, Shayne looked handsome wearing his carnation flower lei, cap, graduation gown, and honor cords around his neck at the graduation.  Seeing him receive his graduation nearly brought me to tears; I still can't believe his is DONE.

We don't have any prospective jobs yet, but its also been said that "good things come to those who wait."  Hopefully we aren't talking about waiting long, but we are confident that when he lands a job it will be well worth the time spent to find it.  Shayne has been applying all over Utah, our neighboring states, and Texas (since we have family out there).  We hope we stay where we are at until we can buy a home, but we are flexible and need to go where the jobs are at least until he is more experienced in his field.  Wish us luck!