Charity

This morning I had reason to ponder the word "charity". I have a quote that I keep on my nightstand that I have a goal to read every morning. It got placed under a stack of books and papers for a while, so I pulled it out today and set it again where I can see it and read it DAILY to remind me of what life is all about.

"Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you AQUIRE and make part of yourself. And when the virtue of CHARITY BECOMES IMPLANTED IN YOUR HEART, you are NEVER THE SAME AGAIN. It makes the thought of being a basher repulsive. Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us."

Marvin J. Ashton (Ensign, May 1992)

Thank you Brother Ashton. I needed to read that...again...and again...and again...

Taven's Turn

I took Taven for his one year old photo shoot with Grammy B. He is such a darn cute little boy! Here's what he has to say:

YIPEE!! I'm ONE!

I like to play ball...see how serious I am.

I'm looking forward to Christmas...

I promise...I've been goooooood!

I can WALK!

I can climb onto the couch!

And as my mommy always says, aren't I "beau-ful"?

UEA "Staycation" Hike to Doughnut Falls

Starting out...

two ADORABLE sisters & funny Taven...

dad is always prepared with his backpack full of granola bars and water...

we made it to the top! Cinch of a hike...

not sure how Landon is feeling?

Dad & Taven playing musical hats...what a blessing to have a family!!

"Our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family. Most of us would give our own life for the survival of a family member, yet we lead our daily life too often as if we take our family for granted." ~Paul Pershall

UEA "Staycation" BLAST!

Grandpa Bassett is ready to get on the bike and ride!

The lovely road ahead.

All in a row, REV, Set, GO! Cara, Dad, Lan, Grandpa B & Ross.

Cara driving with Landon hanging on!

Cara & Ross celebrating their mud faces.

Grandpa took our family photo with the gorgeous valley backdrop.

Stopping for lunch! What a great time we had.

This is ROSS the Mud Maniac! He must have sped through this puddle at least 5 or 6 times! We all took a turn through that crazy puddle.

Is there life after grandkids?

It seems as
if all I post
lately is photos and comments about our
grand-

children.






I love them so much!




One more post about Elsie and I PROMISE...I will do something different next time.

Here are the "traditional 6 month photos" of dear Princess E.


I met Ally at a place she found called "FotoFly" in Draper and baby was ALL SMILES for the camera man! What a relief to her mother! She is really such a good little girl.

Life after grandkids? Is there ever! OH, so much life!

Perfect love
sometimes
does not
come until
the first
grandchild.
~Welsh Proverb

What a

sweet
blessing

to be a

grandparent
and see

through
the eyes of
experience

how precious

these
little ones

are.








Isn't she
lovely, still?

Oh, by the way -I may not be able to keep my promise...Taven's "traditional one year old" photos will most likely make the next post. I'm a grandma now...that's my privilege.

Down by the bay

We live in such a BEAUTIFUL place! What a beautiful little

family to match!

I snapped a few photos of the Lott family while they were up for a visit. Alan is such a good husband and father, working to support his family, going to school and always conscious of his extended family by keeping in touch with them and their needs. Ally is a wonderful homemaker, making healthy meals, sewing and keeping a neat house. Best of all, they remember the Lord in their lives and do the things that will bring them closer to Him each day. They are following this quote by John Taylor.

"Endeavor to make our homes a little heaven, and try to cherish the good Spirit of God."

HAPPY HARVEST!

Mr. Jack-o-lantern

Little Miss Punkin Pie!

Elsie came with her mom and dad for Conference weekend and Taven came with his mom and dad too...thanks for telling your parents to visit kids! :)

Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later. ~Og Mandino