For my cousins...

You can read this if you aren't my cousin. But this is for my cousins just so they know.

Gran came to Colorado to visit me this past week. Clark knows how much I love her and how much I have missed her since we have moved and he bought her a plane ticket for my birthday present. (He's awesome!) It was such a fun week. I had to work but we still had some great times.

Monday: We picked Gran up and had dinner, FHE, and played yahtzee (gran had the worst luck). 

Tuesday: Gran and I watched a really strange but intriguing movie from 1979 about a lady who has a deformed face and gets plastic surgery. There was also a love story and lies and all the things that make up a strange but intriguing movie in there too. 

Wednesday:  We went to Sams, WalMart, and Panda Express and then watched The Help. 

Thursday: I had the day off but I spent 3 hours at the DMV while Gran did all my laundry and cleaned my whole house (She Rocks!!). After that awful experience at the DMV, we made dinner and went on a chilly walk to Kohls then, we watched the BYU football game once Clark got home from his business trip. (Gran loved watching the game and I'm really glad they won because, wow, she was nervous!)

Friday: We went to Red Robin and played Phase 10 of course! 

Saturday: Today we dropped her off at the airport and I was really sad to see her go. 

I wanted you all to know what we did just to give you an update. 

SO this fun week sparked an idea in my head. Gran reminded me of my roots and how much I owe to my parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents for the convictions I have, the goals I have met and the opportunities I have been blessed with. I want to give you a list of what Gran has taught me and I hope you have learned the same from her or will learn it from her because she really is the greatest Grandma.

Here's the list of some of the things I have learned from Gran:

1- Major and Minor. When I was really little, Gran taught me what tragedies were major and which were minor.  Major things are bleeding, death, major accidents, sin etc. Minor things are bad hair days. I still have to ask myself if something is major or minor. If it is major then you can cry and be sad and pray a lot. If it is minor you can pray to get over it because it is so silly to be frustrated about.

2- Service. Gran has had the calling of compassionate service leader in Ashton 2nd ward for the last threeish years. She may technically and officially be the compassionate service leader now but really she has always held that calling personally. Gran is so good at knowing when there is a need.  Then, she responds so quickly to those in need and always knows the right thing to do. It is easy to do service when you have seen your grandma and aunts do it so naturally without complaint.

3- Support and Love. While Gran was here I heard about each of you at least twice. I heard about what your trials were, what accomplishments you have achieved recently, who you associate with and everything you were involved in currently. Gran loves us unconditionally and she really is proud of all of you and worries about you when you are sad or scared or starting something new. She knows how to love her grandchildren. I really hope I can be better at supporting and loving all of you.

4- Wholesome Recreation. Gran knows how to have fun. We don't need grand parties, excursions or vacations to have a good time when we are together. Some of my favorite memories are playing games with Gran and Grandpa... we had so much fun. Gran enjoys a good football game, a nice chat, a game of Phase 10, a little shopping and a walk around the neighborhood. I love that we know how to have real wholesome fun because of our Gran.

5- Priorities. I have never had to question what Gran thought was most important. She loves her Savior and being a wife and mother. The gospel and her family are most important. She has taught me where my priorities should lie.

So cousins... I hope you understand just how good we have it. We are so lucky that Gran is ours. Make sure you always show her how great she is by allowing the lessons she has taught you and her example  make you better.