Going to the Temple

A happier time I can't remember. Summer and Jamie were able to go to the Arizona Temple on September 10th to be sealed together, and then have Taylor, Jordyn and Rylee sealed to them for eternity. I can't even write about it without tears of joy running down my face. Such a special day for our family. All our family that could come did, and they had a lot of support from their ward family as well. Grumpy and I went about a week early so we could spend some time in AZ, and I was able to make Summer's temple dress as well as her after the temple dress. Both turned out well, and it made me happy to see the smile on her face. I hope they can always remember the feelings they had in that sealing room, surrounded by people who love them. I've heard the saying "No empty chairs" speaking from an eternal perspective. We are a few chairs closer to that in our family now.





Jade was on hand to beautify. She did a great job on Summer's hair (complete with feathers) for the occasion.




And the kiss for Dad. I love these kind of pics. Precious memories.



Such a wonderful event to go home for.

Devlyn and Randy Get Married!

I Do, once again in April. Now we can add another anniversary to the month of April. Perfect month to get married and have a beautiful outdoor reception, except for the wind…right? Bob and Syd were very prepared, and getting things done early. They and their helpers got Tracy and Kevin's back yard all ready for the wedding a couple of days ahead. Still have finishing touches to do , but the big stuff was up. Then we had a very breezy day the day before and it was all for naught. Back over with mega helpers the night before to get it all done again and had better luck this time. Yay for them. It was a beautiful day and started out with the ceremony at the Mesa, Arizona Temple. I love the flowers in the gardens there this time of year. The grounds are beyond gorgeous with spring blossoms.






I got a pic of Papa coming out to wait for Devlyn and Randy to come out for pictures. I managed to head him off at the pass so he didn't get away and we would miss him for the family pics on the Temple steps. I took this shot of Bob and his two boys when they weren't looking. Dallin will be doing a day like this next month when he marries his sweet Kaylynn. I managed to get a pic of the parents with Dev and Randy before everyone started to leave. Papa and I went for a hot dog after the photographer was done with our part. Freddy's has a pretty good dog.

Later, over at Tracy's I got some shots before people started arriving. Bob built some very nice white boxes that housed everything from electric chaffing dishes/crock pots to trash containers. What a nice way to make everything look finished and uniform. I loved it. The Buffet was so excellent. They had two kinds of salads, a choice of pastas and sauces, and garlic bread. So yummy and so well presented. Then, the line moved on to the cute cake hutch where there was a choice of 3 different kinds of delicious sheet cakes. On to the Italian Cream Soda booth where you could choose your flavors. Last and so fun was a Photo booth where guests could have their picture taken for an album that Devlyn and Randy will cherish in years to come of all their wedding guests.








Bob made a sweet little pink cake just for Dev and Randy to cut. It was perfect and I know they loved it. I had to get a shot of the tree that lost it's leaves to the winter frost. Even in it's cut-off state it still looked pretty for the day.




I wish I knew the trick to getting great night pics, but alas, I do not. I did include the one below that does not do justice to the ambiance set once the sun was down. After receiving guests for about an hour, Devlyn and Randy made for the dance floor where they entertained us with a Father/Daughter, Mother/Son dance, their first dance as a married couple and finally a cute gitterbug that was so fun to see. Randy is quite the dancer and taught Dev to kick up her heels and boogie. They will have lots of fun dancing at the various celebrations that will come up now and then. I know Nana was smiling from above. She did love to dance. She would have been proud of the job Bob and Syd did on this reception for Devlyn. She taught us all well.




A sweet kiss for Pop and then she was off to greet her guests. I think these kids are going to have a great life together. They just glowed all day. Congrats to you both.

Now for Dallin's big day…

Lacy's Wedding

I guess I should say Lacy and Barry's wedding. Been talking about it and doing stuff for it (mostly offering advice) for months now. Thank goodness it is done. I really didn't do that much for it but I know how hard Tracy and Kevin have been working to get everything done. I did help a little on her dress and got it ready to go. Tracy sewed most of it and then I helped with the skirt. We did a good job with our team effort and Lacy looked beautiful in it. She was a very pretty bride and of course we all think Barry is a lucky man. She is blessed to have found him too, I am sure.

The day started with me making 6 gallons of potato soup for the reception. It was done (with Grumpy and Robert's help) by 10 am so we could go to the wedding. Barry's Grandfather was there to seal them in the Az. Temple and it was a wonderful ceremony. Very simple and for time and eternity. That's the best. There were pics at the Temple with most of the group, but some of the party had already gone. There were so many people there for the wedding.

After the Temple, it was home to change. I rested for about an hour and then packed the soup and me to Tracy's to do whatever.





I was just late enough that all the tables were set up and looking very lovely. Tawna was already there and she is a great kitchen dictator. She is very good at getting things done and ready. Tracy has wonderful help from Kevin's family too. They are all doer's and fun to work with. I look forward to the behind the scenes activity at the weddings so I get to talk to his fun family.



Tawna and I posing for a pic.



Lisa and her Danielle stopping for a sec. Her other cute daughter Heather was somewhere else, but is amazing help too. They are quite the team.




Leslie putting together some last minute greens to help out the serving table. She is so awesomely talented. Her flowers are truly beautiful. She did the bouquets and all the table flowers and did such an outstanding job. Again. She and her girls Brittany, Brooke, Becky and Brianna were on hand to do whatever was needed and were such great help.

Patty and JoAnn were doing their part as well. Pam and Ashley were on hand and everyone was so willing to just get it all done. It's always fun to work with such a great bunch of family.

Jade, Summer, Jamie, Grumpy and Robert came closer to the start of the reception and were doing so many last minute things. If I didn't already know a thing or two about the down-side of catering weddings, a group like this would almost make me consider it. I should say all the girls husbands were right there too. I love it families come together like this.



Above are Dallin and Tanner manning the Italian Cream Sodas. Brother Bob has quite a set-up and has the making of wonderful Italian Cream Sodas down. He and the boys set up the workings and served the tastiest beverages all evening. I tried a couple and am looking forward to the next party.

The food choices down the food tables were Potato, Chicken Noodle, or Corn Chowder soups in a fresh baked bread bowl, a spinach salad that is to die for, Italian Cream Sodas, Donuts (glazed, chocolate glazed, sugar twists and maple bars) all on a collection of glass cake plates, Hot Chocolate (complete with flavored syrups, peppermints, cinnamon and nutmeg and of course marshmallows) to add. And the wedding cake was bannana coconut or red velvet. It was all good. Better than good. No one went away unsatisfied.



All the Grace Grands. Four little guys and One little Penny. Too cute for words and all dressed up for the special day.



The Grace Clan getting ready for the camera clicks. What a good looking group! Love them all.
It was a beautiful wedding, a gorgeous reception, and everyone had a great time. Weddings. Craziness. Happiness. All things family. It was a memorable weekend for sure.

A November Wedding

Summer and Jamie got married. It was a chilly, beautiful night atop South Mountain where they were married for time. The kids all looked very vogue in their tuxedos and pretty dresses, hair all done. Summer and Jamie were quite the gorgeous couple and looked so very happy. They are official, and we are excited to welcome them into our family. I didn't get very many pics, so I am just posting the ones that look the best. I can't figure out how to set the “no red eye” thing on the camera, so we all look like hungry vampires. Oh well. At least we have the shots that will help us remember the event.
After the short, sweet ceremony, we all went to Aunt Chilada's at the Point South Mountain for a bite to eat. We were happy so many people could come on such short notice. Summer and Jamie were trying to catch as much family as they could for the moved up date. Almost all the family on both sides were able to come and it was so nice to meet everyone. For all of you who couldn't be there, we missed you. So many people on hand to wish them happiness. It was a wonderful night.
Love it.

Nine Years and Counting…

I remember nine years ago the craziness that was going on here in the backyard. There in no craziness like wedding craziness. The only peaceful, calm moments of the day were the ones spent in the Temple witnessing the sealing of our youngest daughter to our newest son-in-law. It was a sweet ceremony reminding us all in the room that marriage is a two way partnership. Give and take and lots of sacrifice for the other's happiness. I still treasure the moments of tranquility that accompanied those vows made for time and all eternity. Nine years into it, there are 3 beautiful, onery, smart, funny, and precocious boys. Jade and Jeff, I hope you will take time to remember the peace of those moments in the temple when you sealed your love for one another forever. It just gets better and better as you do all the things you promised you would that day. Your family is precious, your lives are progressing and you have so much to look forward to. Grumpy and I love you both so much and of course those handsome little dudes. Hope you have a wonderful anniversary.