A few of my Favorite things

As I sit in the middle of January and thinking about things that lay ahead, and go over the last years events. I am amazed at how in 8 months my life could change so much. I was able to see Steve accomplish the goal of leaving on a mission, and on May 28, 2008 our family decreased my one. Then Heavenly Father knowing that I had such an empty hole in my heart decided it was time to send one of Heavens little angels. So just shy of one week of Steve leaving for the MTC, on June 3rd 2008 our darling Lily arrived. With a slap on her bottom, and a loud strong cry from Lil. I was a Grandma. Then on June 25, 2008 our joy doubled. The cutest, chubbiest little boy came into the Stringham family. My heart was full. I will always count these two blessings as one of Heavenly Fathers tender mercies. Knowing that I would feel such emptiness with Steve gone, he brought two wonderful bundles to fill that space. I now had two perfect Grandchildren. Life doesn't get much better. Being a Grandma is one of lifes great treasures

Pull out a camera and Adam is all smiles, Lily on the other had just has one of her many faces.


Each week I have the best time baby sitting my two favorite things, Adam and Lily. As they get older it is so much fun to watch them play with each other. I really think that I am the luckiest Grandma around because I get to spend so much time with each one of my two cuties. In my few short months that I have been a Grandma there are a few things that I have learned.
1. Everything that my Grand kids do is the funniest, cutest, and should have National Enquirer attention given.
2. All household items, of any sort becomes a baby toy.
3. Anything goes as long as the babies are happy.
4. There is some type of a magnet in all baby departments of any store that pulls a Grandma in.
5. Whatever Grandma might be doing, when the Grand kids come, everything else stops, and the babies have my complete, undivided attention. After all they might do something that I could miss out on.
And last but not least, being a Grandma is one of those choicest blessings that sneaks up on you, and takes over every facet of your life. I know that being a Mom is the greatest thing that I have ever done. However being a Grandma is the next best thing to Heaven.

Happy Day all is well

On Saturday, Jan 9th Steven had an emergency transfer. In his Email on Monday his subject was "Welcome to the jungle, or rather welcome to heaven." Needless to say he was thrilled with the change. When they called him from the mission office and told hm to pack his bags he threw his arms in the air and shouted for joy! As a family over the last few weeks we have been praying that Steve would have a change of companions or area. His last companion taught him the principle of enduring to the end. We aren't too sure what the circumstances were that called for the emergency transfer, Steve didn't say, just that prayers were answered, and a great changed took place. He is in an area that they call Thompson. An area that borders the jungle, as the picture shows. His new companions name is Elder Villasaiz from Monterrey Mexico. He has been out the same amount of time as Steve, and so they are co-companions. Steve is thrilled to death to be with him. His companion wants to work, and so far has been obedient to mission rules, something that his last comp. didn't seem to want to confirm to. I sure feel better knowing that Steve is out of his past situation. I know though that it's through enduring those rough trials that later blessing are poured out, and Steve will be a much stronger person himself in knowing that he held on and did his part.