HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY!

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!