Memories, Young & Old

James and I both feel very strongly about the men and women who serve our country, both currently and in past years. We respect and honor them and their service so much. We are very proud of Joe, Dan & Chris and their service in their respective jobs with the Air Force and Army. We both are proud to say that that our grandfathers have served in the military at different times and in different branches. We really wanted our children to get a sense of what Memorial Day was about this year because we feel like they are old enough to really understand this. We spent quite a bit of time talking with them and helping them realize that Monday wasn't just a day for BBQ's and having the day off from school, but a day to remember those heroes in our lives who have served this country. We took the kids on Sunday to visit the places for all of our grandparents who have been laid to rest here in Utah. I have to say, I love cemeteries. I know, I am weird but I do. There is a sense of peace and serenity that happens to me when I visit these special places. First, we went to the mausoleum where my Grandpa West & my Step-Grandfather Bill are. What a beautiful resting place! My Grandpa West's stone is at the top so we took an additional picture of just the stone so it could be read more easily. Next, we went to visit the gravesite of Grandma & Grandpa Wall. I love this cemetery! There are so many pioneers and incredible men and women whom I have researched and learned about, that it would be hard to not have a personal tie to all of their resting places. Everytime we visit Grandma and Grandpa's gravesite, I think of all the hours we spent with both of them, serving them, and getting to love them even more than we already did. As an in-law, I feel like it was such a blessing in my life to get to know these incredible people on such a personal level. I will never regret the hours I spent with them.
On Tuesday, we celebrated another big day, Jackson's birthday! My little guy is 7 years old. He is growing up to be such an incredible little man. He is so compassionate, loving, funny, strong, and smart. He has a definite sense of right and wrong and will do anything to please me. His favorite two people are his dad and his Grandpa West who can do no wrong as far as he is concerned. When James has to discipline Jackson, it is like the world is coming to an end because he never wants to let his dad down. I keep asking him to stop growing up and the other day he responded by saying, "Mom, I pray everynight that I will stop growing but everyday I grow up bigger so Heavenly Father must want me to grow." How can you argue with that? Happy Birthday Jackson!!!! Thanks for being such a big part of our family. We all love you so much!!!!!