Grandma

I just wanted to add a little bit and thank you for all the things you have done for me! When I think of you I think of your beautiful smile that lifts my spirits. Your hugs are truly genuine and so filled with love. Your embrace envelops anyone brought to your home and I am so grateful to have you as a Grandma! I hope your birthday is wonderful and can't wait to see you! I love you Grandma!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANDMA!!!

It's hard to express in words how much we all love and how much we appreciate everything you've ever done for us!
Your constant LOVE and WARMTH is something that melt my heart from the second I met you...
I've never seen you angry or upset and even when you were sick or tired, you were always willing to talk to me and give the BEST advice EVER!!! Thank you for all of that and TONS more!
Thank you for being who you are -- no other way you could've touched my heart the way you did...
We LOVE you!!!

Ola, Bry and Ollie

Happy Birthday Grandma!

I hope you have a great birthday grandma. I love how you make everyone you meet feel like they are special to you. Can't wait to see you next week! Love ya-Tim

All the things I have learned from you...

I really can't list on this small spot. Sorry!! There are just too many!! When I first came to your house I remember being accepted so readily by you (you didn't call me names like your spouse, either!!). I felt the love you had to share with me and knew I was welcome there anytime. I had no real knowledge of how a "normal family" worked and I so wanted to be like you!! You took me in and treated me with respect - and better yet, treated MY family with respect - and taught me the Gospel by example. I will forever be grateful for all that I learned from you and I am who I am because I watched you and tried to pattern myself after you. Why didn't I go inactive for those 3 years after you left Spokane?? (Especially after a blind date YOU set me up with to Expo 74!!) Because you taught me to pray and recognize the Spirit, and because I learned you just don't give up!! Plus, I knew you would be disappointed in me - Mimi would've given me heck, but your being disappointed I could not deal with!!
As my children grew I appreciated you always being a big presence in their lives. I don't believe you ever missed an important event in their lives...and WOW, that says alot! Thank you for loving all of them...even the goofy one!! (That would be Divot!!). I also remember Mimi being somewhat partial to my boys and my girls always feeling like it was OK because Gramma liked THEM!!
It has also meant alot to share birthday weeks with you. We always knew we had a hot date during this week and it will forever be a great memory of which restaurants our guys took us to - I think Magelby's in Provo was my personal favorite, but there are many others!!
Thanks for all of the pictures we wouldn't have had if not for you. Many special moments thanks to Gramma. In truth, sometimes we joke about you & your camera - but every one of us is truly grateful you always have it ready!!
Now as I am getting older, I look to you for how to be a better grandmother & (gulp...) great-grandmother. You are an amazing woman whose major accomplishments in life ALL "Walk In Truth" as you have taught them to do. I hope I do as well... I love you and appreciate all you mean to us!!
(PS-- Where are we going to dinner tonight???) Sharon

Happy Birthday to the BEST Mom I've Ever Had!

As I look at all of the wonderful comments and memories I see posted here, it is quite clear that you have a family that loves you! I can understand that completely. I believe that you have known me longer than anyone else has. It's amazing to think that you can still put up with me!
I remember when I was small there was NOTHING that my mom couldn't make better! Your hand would be cool when I was warm and it was warm when I was cold. You always made everything okay. It was one of the biggest shocks of my life when it hit me that you couldn't control the entire world. You even understood when I explained to you about boy tennis shoes and girl tennis shoes.
No one has ever been able to make milk shakes like my mom. I realize that Becky and I both liked the oranges with powdered sugar and coconut (especially when she copied me being sick,) but the milkshakes were still the best. Maybe that's what started my chocolate addiction.
You have always supported me and encouraged me. Whether I was being thrown out of a baseball game, or you answering the phone and getting shaving cream in your ear, you've been a good sport. You even let us tye dye long johns in your sink.
I still remember you standing with me in the prayer circle at the Idaho Falls temple before I went on my mission. You were probably amazed that I had made it that far, but you always made me be my best. You even supported that "brazen hussy" and have always helped us in so many ways.
I worry about your memory now. I ask you for advice on how you made it through the crazy times with your kids and you always tell me that there weren't any bad times. I guess that's what they call "selective memory."
Sharon and I have been so blessed that we have had you and dad close for so many years. It's such a great feeling to know that you're close and to be able to see you. You have made such an impact in the lives of my kids - just like you've done with me.
Enjoy this great birthday, and many more to come. We're grateful for your example in so many ways. Always know that you are loved by so many, and especially me!

Love ya always!
B

Happy Birthday Grandma!

I love you so much! I love just being around you and spending time with you. I'm glad that I am close enough to visit you, I just wish I could visit more often! I am so grateful that I am able to grow up with a wonderful grandma! You were always there for the most important events in my life! Thank you for being you!!I love you tons and I'll see you soon!

All of us have memories of you that are the same and we have many that are different, but all mean we love you and know you love us!

I have been very lucky to have had you close by my whole life. Mother's Days when you would actually thank us for the soggy cereal that sat outside the motorhome for hours. The trips all around and especially the one coming back from California when we got stuck in the snow and had to spend the night in Fillmore. You took on 4 older kids overnight!!

My kids always know GG will have cookies for them and always treat them like treasures. The stories, the movies you have always let us watch, and all the babysitting you have done for us (when we were little and with our kids). No one can make us feel more loved. You were always there when we felt maybe our parents weren't.

I still love toasted tuna and peaches because of you. The two just go together. You'd make them for lunch when I would help "watch" Mimi and get paid by you, her, and my parents--it was a great job! ;)

I know our lives have been documented well from you being behind the camera even if we need to tell you who it is in the picture nowadays! I hope we get to make so many new Kodak moments this holiday. But I know we will have to "do it again so I can get a picture!"

We love you so much and are so glad to be part of you and this family! ~Sarah, Jake, Jadyn, & Kai

From Jeff, Melissa & Nadia We appreciate your hospitality in letting us live with you for the summer when Nadia was born! We love you, Grandma!

I love you I love you I love you I do!

A week and I get to see you! Happy Birthday!!!
I feel so honored to be your granddaughter. I have things in common with you that make me so proud! MEET JOE BLACK and many many many other movies. The Name.
My first few months at school I was jealous of roommates and friends who were able to go home for long weekends etc. Soon I realized I had a place to go home to also! Thank you for being my BYU mom! I love picking up my phone and seeing GandG B on my caller ID.
Stay away from the strawberries and waffles!
Guess what! I'm special because you think I am.
Whenever I went to RS with you I loved the pride in your voice when you introduced me as your granddaughter Traci visiting up from BYU.
For some reason you are one of the few people who understands how my crazy brain works- and you still love me! Thanks for having faith in me (more than I had in myself a lot of the time)!

I love you and I love that you love me and you somehow know how to let me know that.

Have a fabulous birthday and I will be there IN A WEEK!

I've been searching for some great pictures of me with my Gramma and having a hard time finding very many! We all know that this is probably why:

Gramma has always been the one behind the camera, making sure that our most special memories are recorded and then sharing them with us all. I always look forward to seeing Gramma's latest envelope of pictures!

It is so overwhelming for me to attempt to put into words some of my memories and feelings for you. You have always been so special to me. Two of my favorite hobbies--making chocolate chip cookies and taking pictures--are ones I share with you. There's not a time I can think of when you weren't there for me. I don't think I ever would've made it through my first semester (or the subsequent ones) at BYU without you. You always seemed to know when I needed to get away from campus, and you'd call to invite me out or come pick me up. We'd go shopping (you always picking up my favorite goodies or a new one you knew I'd like) or just relax in American Fork. And you always let me borrow your car whenever I needed it.

I remember lots of birthdays, holidays, baptisms, endowments, weddings, and other "big occasions" where you were a fixture, but I really treasure funny little memories. For some reason, I remember that you picked Brent and I up from the airport when we were just engaged and returning from a trip to Texas to meet his family. You brought us back to your house and made my favorite tuna fish sandwich, with chips and a banana on the side, and root beer, of course, and you asked all about how our trip had gone. The whole thing is so simple, but so thoughtful. I'm sure you packed a couple of bags worth of groceries to send back to Provo with me, too. And it was just a little while after that when Brent had to have his appendix out, and you came to sit with me in the hospital waiting room. I've always been grateful to have such loving support, so close!

I also remember when you were on one of your missions and staying in the motor home parked next to our house in Provo. You'd get up really early to drive in to Salt Lake, and I remember you and PaPa always watching The Weather Channel. I think of your love and missionary service, as well as how much I loved having you right there "next door," every time I see The Weather Channel now. It's funny how things like that get connected and spark a memory.

I remember taking trips with you and PaPa, and how special I'd feel when it was just us. We'd go to the grocery store and pick up some Hostess treats and other snacks to take on our trip. The time we drove to Blackfoot for Sheridan's pageant stands out in my memory, and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride will always be linked with you in my mind.

I chose to be married in the Mount Timpanogos Temple largely because you lived right there and we watched it being built together.

I really could keep going on and on forever here! You know you're important to a family when they build a special seat in their swimming pool just for you!

Even though we live 1500 miles away from you, I'm glad you sometimes take trips to Texas so we still get to see you and our girls get to know you a little better. I love you more than I could ever say and I hope your birthday is as wonderful and special as you deserve!

From Sue:
JoAn always made me feel like a "real"family member and not just an in-law(or outlaw). It was nice to have a caring family to belong to. The big family trips to Oregon, Zion's Park, and Disneyland were memorable. The kids sure had a good time during those. JoAn had her camera ready at a moments notice to record those events. Thanks, JoAn for being there for us all.

From Amanda:
I remember a time when we would spend anight with Grandma and Grandpa. We helped Grandmamake chocolate chip cookies and dinner at the house onCanyon Street. It was a lot of fun and I miss doingthat now. Also we had a good time sliding down thehill on the snow with the cousins. The hot chocolatewarmed us up afterwards.

Well mom where do I start. I guess some of my earliest memories goback to when we lived in American Falls. I would go with you to work sometimes and end up taking naps in an unused examination room. Although there were rocky times between us you were always concerned about my well-being. If it wasn't shot it was making sure that I was warmly dressed. I have memories of my snow boots being pulled on and that was a tight fit but you managed. There was then the coat with a scarf. And of course there were the mittens. The ones kept in place with the suspender clips.When we moved to Portland and lived out on North Greeley you saved cans and boxes, all opened from the bottom so Becky and I could play store and learn about change and money. We had the little play cash register that we would play with. Then Walla Walla, ah yes, I had the hardest time mastering spelling words. We would set at the kitchen table and work on rote memory to get the words down. It drove me to tears, yet it reached the point that I wasn't the last one picked for spelling contests in my English class. Again we were in Portland, o.k. Milwaukie, with the tail of the typhoon that caused so much concern as well as that earthquake. Then I cut my finger with a pocket knife and you took me to the doctor that was just down the street again always looking after me. You worked so hard with all three of us to prepare us for talks in church. We also got to know more of your family with Uncle Paul and Aunt Ruth. Wonderful times all. Back to Walla Walla, this time to the house on Cookerly. This is where I gave you a few early gray hair – it was the time when I was learning to drive. You got the brunt of the experience. It was decided that I would learn to play the piano in my sophomore year. I would ride the bus and my lesson was on Thursday the same day I had to dress in uniform for ROTC. Sadly the lessons didn't last long. In retrospect Iwish I had of had a little more stick to it. I'll have to learn that skill at some point in the eternities. As I grew older I was all of 16 or 17 and you and dad went to Portland and I was going to stay alone - some big tough guy I turned out to be. I sure was glad when you returned home. I never realized how much my going on a mission meant to you and every week you had a letter waiting there for me. With encouragement, and news. I was not much of a letter writer, I guess that I still lack many of the finer qualities in that area. But it is great to have had your support. It seems that no matter how old I get I still am glad that you are there to visit with. Our relationship is more that of islands of occasional interaction that can be pointed to and so it is hard to pick out specific instances of events that over all stick out. You were there to protect me, to comfort me, to guide and support. Our lives have been deeply intertwined in a rich colorful cloth ofuninterrupted life. These have not been events that happen here and there but are a smooth ongoing process. As I get older I can appreciate more and more how our bodies age but our feelings and thoughts are still young.
Thanks mom for the gospel and life.
Chuck

Happy Birthday!

Another year behind you! And we hope many are yet ahead! I've been thinking about what I wanted to say on here - and so many things came to mind. We've had so much fun over the years - but some of my most vivid memories are fairly recent! I was remembering how much fun we had going to see the new twins in American Fork. It was such a nice drive and even nicer company. If I had been with Grandpa - he would have been giving me driving tips (very helpful of course!) - but with you - we both just sat back and enjoyed the ride together. It doesn't matter where we're going - or that we don't know exactly how to get there - it's always a pleasant time.

DJ and I so enjoyed visiting with you a couple of years ago - when we videotaped your personal history. That was such a memorable fun time! Thank you so much for sharing with us so much of yourself, your history, and your time. I need to make copies of that interview so everyone can hear your stories. Your youthful aspirations of becomming a pilot, of being a nurse and becoming a wife and mother instead - they inspire me!

My girls are so excited to see you and Thanksgiving! Almost every day they ask to go to your house - Grandma Jo's house. Thank you for being a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. We love you!

Happy Happy Birthday Grandma!!!

One of my best memories is about when we would make trips down to Utah to spend a week or two with Grandma in American Fork. I enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) hugs and kisses as we would greet you at the door. Oh, and the Thanksgiving dinners were just fabulous! Thank you Grandma for the role model you are and being such a wonderful Grandma and Great Grandma!!! I hope that you enjoy your birthday! -- Aaron

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM! With Dad's benchmark birthday, and your big anniversary coming up, your birthday is likely to get a little lost. But I wanted you to know that we love you!!

So many memories over the years - but I think the one biggest thing I've learned from you is that it's never too late to learn and grow. Even now (when I'M an old lady!) I watch you reading, trying new things, thinking new thoughts. It's a great inspiration. I'm so glad we can spend time together fairly often and talk on the phone as often as we want! (No more waiting until late on the weekends!)

Thanks for ALWAYS being there for me, Mom! And have the most wonderful birthday yet!

From Amanda:

Thank you for the heart shaped jewelry boxes you made for Sheridan and I when we were younger. Thank you for the Grandfather's blessing you gave me at the house on Rosewood. You came to my Special Olympics games in Pocatello. Thank you. Happy birthday and I hope you enjoy your day.

Happy 80th Birthday

Hope you enjoy all that everyone has posted here. I don't have much to add, but we enjoy visiting you. You make the girls smile. Have a great day!

Brent

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Thanks for always being there for me. You don't know how proud I am to be your grandson. I hope you have a great birthday! Love, Tim

Grandma and Grandpa, Congratulations! You have been married 60 years and look what you've made.......3 kids, 3 kids-in-law,16 grand children, 10 grandchildren-in-law, 24 great-grandbabies and more to come!! I bet 60 years ago you both never imagined the children you would have, the the family you would create and the lives you would have blessed by making a simple decision to marry. I remember at a fairly young age going on fun road trips with grandma and grandpa in the motor home. Going out to the Pacific coast was a lot of fun, but a more memorable experience was when many of your grand kids loaded up into the motor home and we went to the American Falls resevior. There was probably 10 of us there enjoying the time with Grandma and Grandpa. Grandpa made willow fishing poles for each of us, and yet no one caught a thing to my recollection. It was a nice time, and I'm sure it was quite the site to see all of us in the motor home watching "The Incredible Mr. Limpet". I think of Grandma and Grandpa taking on the task of looking after 10 or so grandchildren, a task that seems daunting to me now. Fond memories like this one and others has made a lasting impression.

I remember meeting both of you for the first time about 8 years ago when Isaac and I were still dating. You had your house in American Fork and I still remember meeting you and instead of a handshake, I got two big hugs. I remembered you were worried I wasn't getting enough to eat and made sure my stay their at your home was comfy and cozy. Still you are that way.Whenever we come to visit, you make sure we got lots of food from your "Grocery Store" down in the basement and feed us 'til we are overly stuffed. I couldn't imagine having any other Grandparents-in-law than you two. I love you both very much! We have appericated all that you've done in setting an example to your grandchildern. We sure love you and Happy Birthday Grandpa and HappyAnniversary!! Love, Isaac and Sheila and I.C.

From a grandson that feels a lot more than "worthless".

Well, memories with Papa, wow, where do I start? I don't think I can remember much of life without that "Punk" always around, haha. I owe you a lot Papa, from the very first moments of my life until today, you always have an influence. Starting out, it seemed like you sure wanted to show me the way and how to be.
I can still remember earning a nickel with Sarah for taking off the boots every night in Provo and actually feeling strong when we would wrestle. Papa was always the strongest wrestler in the world and actually pinning him meant I was the man!









But that didn't fade, it's that way even today. Padding up for games from Saturday mornings (Jr. High), to Thursday afternoons (freshman year), then under the Friday night lights (varsity) I always remembered hearing how excited you were when I gave football a shot. I can still remember driving home after my first game ever with you after we beat Taylorsville, I was feeling such a rush of excitement from it all and you heard it all and laughed when I wanted to challenge the world to go helmet-to-helmet with me. I always remembered listening to your stories from when you played and how I was 3 jersey numbers short of your #17, I thought about changing, but I'll forever be #14! I remember you telling me about running the ball one game and breaking some kid's coller bone, I wanted to hit someone that hard after hearing that. Winning state made me feel like a real champ and being able to tell Papa about being #1 was something I looked forward to after the last buzzer had rung and we walked off the field as champions. But those football days had to come to an end, but the football discussions didn't stop.






But what is a true champion? Someone athletic with a ring to show? To me, a true champion isn't someone who has countless trophies, scholarships, or anything of that nature, but a champion is someone who stands up for true values and correct morals when they are challenged. Papa never let me forget that. Football was always a big topic, but the only ones that he showed me are bigger through his example are family and the gospel. Things come and go, you can't play football and basketball forever, but something that does last forever is family through the gospel of Jesus Christ, and when I put on that black and white tag to represent the 2 names on it (Jesus Cristo and Bryan) in Brazil, it was something I will forever be proud of. Having those experiences and sharing the love of the Savior with the "Gaúchos" of southern Brazil was something that Papa had a profound influence on.



The gospel is forever and I love that fact, and I love the fact that I still have an eternity to talk football with my Papa! I love you Papa and I'll forever be greatful for all that you've done, do and will do. You're the best!

Papa,

One memory I have was around Christmas after we had Jadyn. We came over with Jadyn, and the girls were all hanging out inside and you and I went into the garage. It was always a place I liked to be with you, in your "shop". We were talking about, anything really, and we were cutting wood and just making things. The feeling I had was just...nice. It was a very comfortable feeling I had and always have around you. It made me feel like I did when I would be with my dad and Grandpa. You have always made me feel great and everyone I see you with has always gotten the same feeling.

I hope you have a great 80th birthday!
Jake

Here are a few pictures of the many ways you have touched our lives.

Grandpa,
Thank you for the wonderful example you were/are to me. I cannot count the number of memories I have shared with Julie about you!!: ) Don't worry, most of them have been good!!: ) Just kidding, I just want you to know, that you have had a tremendous impact on my life, and on the type of priesthood holder I am now. What a great blessing to have such a faithful example to look to. When asked what I wanted to say, the first thing that I thought of was, that through your loving example and service to me, it taught me how to love, and serve others. : ) Thank you for all you have done for me!! I love you dearly, and cherish the memories that we have had, and look forward to all the ones we will have!! I love you. Love Jacob

Grandpa,
Just a little note to thank you for just being you!! Thank you for all the meals you have cooked for us. Thank you for letting us spend time with you. Thank you for loving us, and our family. Thank you for playing with our kids. I have always felt so lucky that our kids have two grandpa's on Jake's side. Especially since you are very much the same kind of man that my dad was. (Minus a little hair!!: ) Which is a huge complimant, because I think he was a great man, which means, I also think you are a great man. All I can really say, is Happy 80th, and thank you for all you have done for us, and for the wonderful example you are to all of us!!Just know that we love you very much!!
Julie

You make me feel special.

Okay, I know this is my third post, but I really, really love you!

When "Tales" first came about I was the youngest. Most people looked at me as such. You made me the wisest, oldest creature in the meadow. I love being the wise, old owl.

You specifically would ask me to "edit" some of your books. Thank you. I may not know much, but by doing so you made me feel so intelligent and needed. I love when you still come to me with a question how something should be phrased. I love even more that it's okay to say "I don't know."

I love that when you find something you love you want to share it with me. "Have you seen that 'Secondhand Lions' yet?"

I love that when I love something you are at least willing to give it a try... including many movies. Grandma and I both appreciate you sitting through "Meet Joe Black" with us.

I love that when I was 12 and just starting out playing flute you told me you would like me to play "Star of the East" at your funeral... unfathomable to me.

You and Grandma are willing to take anyone in. Roommates I had in college loved you for it. Natalie still tells me how great you are because you are the grandpa she has never been able to have before. You came to Provo so many times, just for me!

You played games with me. I will ALWAYS beat you at Rummikubs. You always were so patient with me and my 'long-winded' turns. When my hands were too little to hold all the cards in Phase Ten did you make me be on someone else's team? No, you made me a wooden card holder!

I love you for loving me, and I know that is not easy!

Thank you forever and many times more.

When I think of Grandpa, I think of fun and love. You can't even think about not having fun with him. He plays with me, he swims with me, he entertains me and he's someone I can talk to who will understand. Happy Birthday, Grandpa. I love you tons. I hope you have a fantastic 80th birthday! I love you, Kevin

My Bruno

My Bruno has an impact on every single person with whom he comes in contact. Case in point: me.

I saw my Bruno for the first time only a month ago and in no time he had captured a special place in my heart. From sneaking ice cream to playing Cowboys and Indians, my Bruno and I are best friends. We understand each other. We look out for each other. We even kind of look like each other. I love you Bruno and Happy 80th!!

I remember several summers ago--gosh it must be about 20 years or so ago when Gene built the swimming pool. Plans were drawn and then the hole was dug. He made the frame for the cement with the little boys and girls helping (at least underfoot). The cement was poured and and then the water put in. How the kids loved to play in that cool(cold) water on hot summerdays. The kids played with a pool ball, played volleyball, and some even learned to swim in there.Thank you Gene for caring enough to build the pool forus. Sue

Thank you for giving Nadia her first home! Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Love, Nadia, Melissa and Jeff

MY BEST MEMORIES WITH YOU, GRANDPA!!!

I have AMAZING memories with you!

For example, our first converstation over the phone, while I was still living in Poland and Bry called me and you wanted to talk to me and I thought it was still Bry so I was speaking polish the whole time, not realizing till AFTER the fact, that I was talking to YOU... Remember?
You were laughing the whole time and didn't get upset...
I knew right then that you would be VERY special to me!

And then when I came to the States and felt So lonely and homesick, you were ALWAYS there, making the BEST meals EVER and always being interested in what I got to say and being open to ANY polish influences in your cooking (like this chicken liver thing for Thanksgiving that you MADE).
But mostly from this first period I remember... Your genuine and heart felted HUGS that you have NO idea how I needed!
I LOVED you so much for that!

Also, there were endless Rumikuub nights with you that I HAVE to mention...
Of course, you couldn't play OR win, but it was the time and SO much attention that you gave me that melt my heart... :)

Do you remember Thanksgiving in Indiana, when I got SO upset with everything and everybody? When you (and Grandma) simply sat down next to me and started talking about your youth telling me funny stories from your life that took all my sadness and anger away?

I DO remember EVERY special moment like this...
And will cherish them!!!

And I just want you to know, how much I love you and how VERY special you are to me and how grateful I am that I got to know you and get the chance to spend so much time with you!

I LOVE YOU GRANDPA!!!
THANK YOU FOR BEING WHO YOU ARE!

Ola

My Grandpa

Eighty years. I’ve only been a part of twenty six of them but have a plethora of stories from that minor fraction of his life. I think I can best describe my Grandpa as a Renaissance Man. My Grandpa is an author, an editor, a contractor, a painter, a sculptor, an architect, a landscaper, a businessman, a student, a teacher, a statesman, a martial arts instructor, a historian, a movie aficionado, an explorer, an outdoorsman, a fan, an athlete, a coach, a patriarch, a guide, and a counselor. The list goes on. But for all his titles and successes, I believe that if you were to ask him, he would be most proud of his titles of Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather.

My Grandpa is a family man. And, as this blog attests, he has been very successful at it. Almost every memory of significant life events includes his smiling face. But, even more importantly, a surplus of memories of small and minor moments hold that same grinning mug.
Ask me who I imagine sitting at the other end of a chess table:
my Grandpa.
Ask me who I imagine throwing a Frisbee with at the park in Cambria:
my Grandpa.
Ask me who I imagine will always be my swimming buddy:
my Grandpa.
Ask me who I imagine standing next to as we watch Old Faithful come to life:
my Grandpa.
Ask me who I imagine flying in a balloon with:
my Grandpa.
Ask me who I imagine will always turn my name into an animated story character:
my Grandpa.
Ask me who I imagine will turn a pancake into any shape imaginable:
my Grandpa.
Ask me who I imagine will debate politics with me:
my Grandpa.
Ask me who I imagine will teach by example how to be a good husband, father, friend, and priesthood holder:
my Grandpa.
Ask me who I imagine will share personal and spiritual stories with me for my own edification:
my Grandpa.
Ask me who will make me feel intelligent, wanted, and important:
my Grandpa.
Ask me who I love:
my Grandpa.

Happy 80th Birthday Grandpa. You are many things to me, and, like everyone else writing here, you are a part of me. And I treasure that part.

Happy Birthday Uncle Gene!!!
Wow the time has flown by, it seems like just a few years ago that I was spending the summers with you in Walla Walla and Colfax. Those were some good times for me. You and Aunt Joan always treated me like one of the family and I love you both for that.
May you be blessed with good health and happiness.
Love you
Dale

Happy Birthday Grandpa

Happy Birthday Grandpa,
There are quite a few memories I have of you. I remember when you were younger how much you would play with us. We all loved that. I think that Football was my favorite. There was one time that you came up during the winter and decided that it would be fun to pull us around on a sled behind the car in the snow. I was surprized that you never got stuck, but I think that Sheridan would remember that the most because I don't think her legs will ever be the same. I'm sure you feel bad about that, but I remeber how fun you were and how much of a risk taker you were. There was another time that we all were at your house on the hill in Pocatello during Christmas time and we would slide down the hill right next to your house in the snow and I remember how you were right in the middle of all the kids having a blast. I think you had more fun than we would. Then when you were building your house in Pocatello, I remember comeing down and working on it with you. That was some of the most touching moments with you. I learned so much from you. You taught me how to use power tools for the first time. I look back on that and I don't think that I would ever give a power tool to any kid as young as I was, but you wanted me to learn and grow. I appreciate that. We came down often to help out on the house, and I remember that one time we were working on the patio behind the garage. We were working with concrete and we had mixed up a batch in the wheel barrel and you wanted me to wheel it down the side of the garage and to where we were working. I don't remember much about that, but I had dumped the whole load of concrete on the ground. You didn't seem that upset, you just scooped the concrete back up and then helped me wheel it where we needed to go. When your house was done, I remeber you comeing up to Blackfoot and paying us for helping on the house. I remember you handing me 100 $1 bills and I thought I was the riches kid around. I look back on that and I was the richest kid around to have a Grandpa like you. Then there were your boots that were almost always glued to your feet. That was so much fun to try to remove them from your feet. I remember how much you honored your Priesthood. There was more that one time you would help dad give me a blessing. Then when you and Grandma left for your missions, what an example you were to me. For that I can't wait to go on missions with Cory. There are so many more memories of you. I just want to thank you for being such a good Grandpa to me. I love you and I hope that this birthday is a great one.
Love,
Jared

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Grandpa! No words can express how much I love you! You are such a wonderful person and I am so blessed and grateful that I am able to call you my Grandpa!
I don't think I was ever in the kitchen with you, when you weren't singing. I love just sitting there, listening as you sing to yourself while cooking. I never understood how you can fall asleep anywhere but you always do and I love that about you!





















I love your big black boots! I don't think there was a grandchild that didn't get to wear "grandpa's boots". I love going to church with you and smiling to myself as I look over and see you wearing those boots. I always loved it when I knew Grandpa and Grandma were coming for a visit. I love spending time with you, playing games with you and having good talks with you! I am still looking for my potato farmer :) and when I find him, I'll be sure to get your approval!
I love you Grandpa and I hope you have a wonderful 80th birthday!

Keep my bedroom open.

I know I already wrote once, but I think this blog will read backwards (so it doesn't matter). I just keep wanting to add more and more memories.
You make me feel so important and intelligent.
You make me feel that my opinion matters because you take the time to ask me my opinion on topics. Not many people do that to me! (I usually just have to blurt it out and then feel stupid.)
Very few people saw the importance of me finishing school and even less see the need I have for graduate school, but you have always known how important it is to me.
You and Grandma were the only ones with me when I found out about Eric. You will never know how much you helped me during that hard time.
I love the pride you show at that silly quilt. It was simply something I wanted to do for you and Grandma, but finding a place to hang it, fixing the pole to hang it, telling EVERYONE who walked through your door about it, and making sure the paint you picked would match it make me feel that I actually made something that was truly appreciated.
I think of you whenever I see anything John Wayne or a rider mower (you kept me from being too much a city girl). I even tap on watermelons when I pick one out (even though I have no idea what I am doing).
I love you.
Keep my bedroom open, who knows when I might be moving back to SLC area.

Grandpa Happy Birthday!! I'm glad that we are close and able to be there to help you celebrate! Growing up I only had the opportunity really know one set of grandparents and since I married Aaron I have been so lucky to have another! I love being able to live not so far away and get to see you every so often and get to know you better. I love you and hope you have a fabulous birthday and look forward to many more years with you!!

Happy Birthday, Dad! You've waited a long time for this one! I had to narrow down my list of memories because, after all, you're only 80 - so if you want more, I'll tell you when you're 90! So many good thoughts. Enjoy your day and we'll celebrate some more when I'm there in a couple of weeks. Thanks for spending your 80 years making all of our lives richer! Love ya lots - Becker

Gene:
Congratulations on turning 80! I am really glad for this chance to review some of my memories with you. After all, I am your favorite son-in-law and you are my favorite father-in-law. I remember that it did not take long for you to stop calling me Wayne. Only a few months. And I remember getting really good advice from you -- like not wearing tennis shoes when I was pouring cement in Chuck's basement (at least you gave me the advice after we were done). Of course, I have had some good advice for you, also -- like wearing two shoes in the temple.
Seriously, though, I am grateful for the good advice you have given us over the years and all the support and love you have showered us with. You did a great job in raising your daughter and I am the beneficiary of that and will be grateful through eternity for that. You have taught me how to be a good grandfather -- laugh a lot and play with the kids and always have fun and be positive with them and help teach them the Gospel. I hope that I can follow your example.
One of the first lessons you taught me was when I was dating Becky. We spent the early part of a Saturday doing yard work and then the rest of the day at Indian Springs playing. Your principle is work hard first and then be sure to play. It makes for good memories of any experience.
Another early lesson is setting significant goals and then accomplishing them. You will always have a monument to you standing on the hill in Pocatello where you determined to finish with your own hands the house Becky had started. I really admire you for that.
I am grateful for your sense of humor, your spirit and your wisdom.
I hope that you enjoy celebrating this birthday and many more.
Love,
Tony

For the Best Bruno!

Jadyn worked on this for about a week, always adding and making sure it was perfect! Even Divot was included! She loves to tell us about when she went on walks when staying with you, eating strawberries, having stories read, and even falling asleep at your house after a day of playing! "Happy Birthday Bruno, the best Bruno ever!"

Hey Old Man!

Well, here it is-another year gone by. It seems like the time just flies by. I was sitting here trying to think about what to say, and actually was just chuckling to myself about all the things that came to mind. It's hard for me to narrow down to the space allowed here just what I could say, or all that I remember from my life about the time spent with Papa. I could list simple things like driving up to Canyon road in that old, beat-up, backfiring pickup to pound in a few more nails (or throw a few more dirt clods); then I think about trips to Bear Lake when we ate barbecue in the barn to stay out of the rain before watching the play at the dinner theatre; but who can forget the times spent at a campground in Yellowstone watching "On Golden Pond" during a mean game of Rummikub after a day spent catching a trout in Jackson? There are too many things that have been important in my life to be able to list them here, but I will try.

I will always appreciate the fact that no matter what, Papa has always made me feel important. Whether it was by letting me make the pre-trip checklist for the Bounder, or taking time to play catch while Grandma was trying to get him to unload the car, it has always meant a lot to me. Even more so when I know that he still remembers those things, too. I'm thankful for the patience he has shown me at times when letting me feel important maybe wasn't such a good idea-like the countless loads of concrete that I know I dumped trying to help build a retaining wall behind the garage. And the continued patience when I tried to make his favorite bread and milk, and made it wrong (he doesn't like sugar in it). But he never told me, or even said a word. I found out all these things later when the crucial moments had passed.

Being a father now, I can look at my own life and find traits in myself that I have learned from you; or, as even more of an honor, that I learned from your son who learned them from you.

I was lucky enough as a kid to be able to spend a lot of time with you-probably more than any of your other grand kids-and I'm grateful for that. I probably needed it. I have learned so many things from you that I don't think I could even list them if I tried. But I know that they have all made a difference in my life, and the lives of all of us. I may have a lot of stories and memories, but an awful lot of those involve a lot of other people-rubber band gun battles with Jake and Jared, sliding down the stairs in the Christmas tree box, waiting in the basement while you tied silver dollars in the toes of our stockings, summer concerts at Ross Park, watching the "I" hill burn from the fireworks at the 4th of July...

Thank you, Papa, for all the things that you mean to all of us. Speaking especially for myself.