Dear Bella,

If ever there was a perfect name for a girl, yours is it! Bella means beautiful and you certainly are! To me you look so much like your Grandma Hamelin. I'm guessing you and she will have a special connection as you grow older.

Because you are still so young and because you live far away from us, we haven't gotten to know each other very well yet. I hope there will still be plenty of time for that, but I do know that in your short life you have exuded sweetness to all around you. During the first couple of visits you made here with your parents it was hard to get you to smile, but during the last one you certainly had overcome that problem! I know you are a joy to your parents and I imagine you melt hearts of all who come to know you.

I like to thing that you and Elizabeth were great friends before you came here. Papa has lost two sisters, and he looks forward to being with them someday, just as you and your family look forward to being with Elizabeth. The important thing is that we never do anything that would prevent that reunion and that we do everything we need to do in this life to prepare to be with Heavenly Father and our eternal family. Obey and trust your parents and church leaders and you will be ready for that wonderful day. Remember that Heavenly Father loves you, even when hard things happen. Sometimes hard things happen so that we can become all that Heavenly Father needs us to be. I do know that if we trust him, have a positive attitude and talk to Him each day He will bless you in many ways despite whatever hardship you are suffering. Remember that when Heavenly /father talks to you He usually does it through the scriptures and that once you are old enough to read them, try to read even a little bit each day. Ask your parents to tell you about the stories in the scriptures and then when you start to read them they will already be familiar to you.

Every grandchild that has come into our family is precious to us. You are no exception. Riches have nothing to do with money or possessions but with the number of people in our lives who love us and who we love in return.

I love you, Bella.

Mama

Dear Addison,

If someone asked me to describe you I think I might say that you are a little mysterious; not too outwardly affectionate, but kind; not easily talked into anything you don't want to do; not likely to conform just for the sake of conforming; and intelligent with a quick sense of humor. That is the Addison I have come to know in the four years since we first met. What a joy it was for us to welcome more children into our family, especially boys who were willing to do "boy things" with Severin! We are grateful that you were willing to accept some interloping grandparents!

The Addison in the Hassell Family was Grampa Hassell’s great great grandfather. He was born in 1821 as a Kendrick since Judith and G. Edward (his father) were never married. Judith gave Addison to his father and he petitioned the Legislature of the State of Georgia to change his last name. The Legislature acted on 27 Nov 1826 and the name was changed. I think G. Edward must have been a special man to take a baby and raise him.

I hope that sometime in the future we can come to Meridian on a weekend that you and your siblings are at your dad's house and that we can attend church and observe you exercising your priesthood. Because I am the first generation church member in my family, I never had the advantage of the priesthood in my life until I married Grampa Hassell. So watching my sons and grandsons exercise their priesthood always make me feel so grateful and safe. Please never do anything that would jeopardize your ability to use your priesthood. Your future wife and children are counting on you!

Some of my favorite memories of grandchildren have been watching you and your brothers and Severin play around the property and work on the tree fort.. That's what boys your age should be doing! Thanks for sometimes including a girl or two! Thank you for being such a good friend to Severin and for the kindness of have seen you extend to Jane, Catherine and Ezra. Most older siblings have no idea how much their younger siblings look up to them and want to be with them.

Grampa Hassell and I are so glad you, Gillian, Brighton and Seeran are a part of our family. Sometimes hard things happen in families, but we can still be happy about some good things that happen as a result. Your dad is a good man to be willing to be a father to Jane and Catherine, and now also Ezra. That is a lot of responsibility for a father, but your dad works very hard to make it all happen. He is a good role model for you.

Thank you for being you!

Love you, Addie!

Gramma Hassell

Dear Abi,

Every time I think of you it makes me smile! You are so much your own person, with the curly hair, blue eyes and impish personality that makes you, well, you! For a long time you mom called you the grandparent child because you had my curly hair and Grampa's blue eyes, unlike your siblings. It's too soon to see if Ava will be like you, but her early pictures sure show her blue eyes.

It is so fun to see what good friends you are with Sadie. That will get better and better as both of you get older and it will be fun to see all the two of you will have to teach a little sister. I love watching the sibling interaction between your dad and his siblings, and your mom has been an amazing example of reaching out to her siblings. You and Sadie are likely good friends partly due to her example! I know you will be good friends with Sadie too!

I remember the visit we made to your home when you finely decided it was OK to sit on my lap and talk to me. That is always a wonderful day for me because I don't get to be a regular grandma and hold my grandchildren a lot when they are babies. Because you are the third child, you often seemed quiet and in a world of your own, but once you started talking to me, you had a lot to say!

You are a beautiful girl and because I know your parents will teach you the things you need to know, you are and will be beautiful on the inside as well. Being beautiful on the inside is the most important thing we can be and that beauty is available to everyone if they are willing to work at it. You have lots of good examples of inside beauty all around you in your family, immediate and extended. When you are old enough, you will find that same beauty in your Young Women leaders. Trust your family and church leaders to teach you all you need to know about Heavenly Father and Jesus so that you can live with them again. Learn to love the Temple as a place to feel peace and to get personal revelation that can come in no other place or way. Temples are one sure sign that our Heavenly Father loves us and wants to bless us as much as He can while we are on earth. Never do anything that would keep you from being able to be in the Temple.

You are a great girl Abi, and you bring lots of joy to your parents and grandparents. We are so happy you are part of this big, noisy family. Having you in our family is one sign among many to Grampa and I that Heavenly Father loves us!

Love you bunches!

Gramma

Dear Joshua,

You are one of the most passionate little boys I have ever known! For most of your life so far it has been about all things train, your Grandpa Hamelin and sometimes even the hats that you wear, but I have a hunch that you will be just as passionate about other things as you grow and mature. Many of the strong qualities we have as children are carried with us into adulthood, and usually if our parents can survive the qualities that seem challenging while there children are little find that those same qualities are what make them amazing and productive adults. So don;'t be afraid to be passionate Josh, even if sometimes people question why. Someday you will make a big contribution to the world based on your passion!

You were born at a time when your parent's hearts were still freshly breaking from the loss of your older sister. Though one child can never "replace" another, your birth helped to begin to ease the pain a little, I think. You got lots of love and attention which every child needs but doesn't always get when you're #3.

I hope you will always be passionate about the church and that you will read the scriptures and pray to know for yourself that the church is true. Trust your parents and church leaders to love you and want the best for you. People who lead you down forbidden paths do not have your best interests at heart. When you hold the priesthood, follow the example of your father and your grandfathers. When you are old enough to date, treat the young women you date as you would want another young man to treat your sisters on a date. That is a pretty compelling guideline.

Just as we have some "bonus" grandchildren, your mother was our bonus child because she came in an unexpected way. When she accepted the gospel, she opened the door for you and all your siblings, as well as generations to come to have the gospel as well. I like to think that in the premortal existence you and your children and grandchildren were watching your mom and rejoicing as you watched her make that decision because you knew what a difference that one choice would make in her life and yours. We can always trust that Heavenly Father loves us and orchestrates our lives before and after our time here on earth. Know that you can always trust Him.

We love you Josh, and are so happy that you are part of our family.

Love,

Mama

Dear Wyatt,

If there ever was a boy who could be called sweet, it is you! Your loving smiles and gentle ways give you away completely!

I think one of the reasons you came to your family is because Talmage prayed so hard for a baby brother! You are as many years younger than Talmage as your dad was from his older brother Brett. When they were young the difference in age kept them from bonding too much, but as adults they are great friends! I think you and Talmage will be great friends as well!

Your middle name comes from your grandfather. You, Glen and Ezra share that middle name. In the Book of Mormon Alma named two of his sons Lehi and Nephi. Then he said to them, "Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good." (Helaman 5:6) Your Grampa Hassell is a very good man and I hope you will have many opportunities in your life to observe and remember his "works" and that you will want to honor your priesthood as he has.

You have also been blessed with wonderful parents who love you and will provide for you all that you will need to be successful and happy in this life. As you get older, much of your happiness will depend on the choices that you make. Trust your parents, teachers and church leaders. They love you so much and only want what is best for you. Talk to your Heavenly Father and your earthly parents whenever you are sad or confused. They love you more than anyone else and they only want what is best for you.

Even in your two short years of life, it has been easy to tell what a special young man you are. I hope I will have many more years to get to know you as you grow and to make and share some memories with you. Of course, if we do all that we have been taught to do, we will have eternity together!

I already love you so much!

Gramma

Dear Brighton,

You are the only person I have ever know with the name Brighton. I am pretty sure you do a great job of living up to the "Bright" part of your name. I looked up the meaning of your name, and it means "from the Bright town." All through my school childhood and school years I was the only one I knew with the name Michele. I liked having an unusual name, except when teachers would think it was Michael. Not fun to be called by a boy's name when you're a girl! Of course, now that name is used a lot.

You are one of our "bonus" grandchildren--one that came in an unexpected way! We are so happy about that, not only because the Hassell family needed more boys and Severin needed some boy cousins his age, but because you have become very special to us! It probably wasn't easy to have another set of grandparents show up, but you never made us feel like you didn't like it, and have always been the first to give us hugs when you arrive and leave, or when we come to your house. Thank you for that, it makes us feel so good.

One of my favorite memories of you will always be from last summer when you, Addie and Severin spent the better part of a week working on the tree fort and just doing things boys love to do in the summer time. That was a special time for Severin and for us to watch! With all of today's technology, sometimes kids forget how much fun it is to just play and enjoy the outdoors!

You are also our second grandson to hold the priesthood. Even though you are just getting started with the responsibilities that come with that, if you honor your priesthood, you will come to bless so many lives. The people you meet and teach on your mission will be blessed, your future family will be blessed, the people you serve through church callings will be blessed and you will be blessed as well. I always feel safe when priesthood members are around me! I didn't have that when I was growing up, and having it around me now makes such a big difference. You have some wonderful good examples of how to honor your priesthood from your dad, your Grandpa Thayn, Grampa Hassell and other men in your life who I don't know. Trust their examples and you will stay one the path back to our Heavenly Father.

Thank you for letting us be a part of your life Brighton. We can never have too many people in the world who love us. Please know that Grampa Hassell and I love you and are excited for memorable experiences with you in the future.

Love you tons,

Gramma Hassell

Dear Julianne,

What a big girl you are getting to be! Each time you come to visit I am amazed at how much you have grown and what a lovely young girl you are becoming. I am also so pleased to see what a loving big sister you are. Maybe that is partly because you have lost a sibling and maybe you know more than most children your age how fragile life can be. Elizabeth's illness was hard for everyone, but especially for you and your parents. But during the few times we were able to visit, you were always so loving to Elizabeth and never seemed to mind that much of your time was spent at the hospital and that your parents couldn't always give you as much time as they might have liked. For such a little girl, you were very grown up!

We were so honored that your family and you Hamelin grandparents came to Oregon so we could be at your baptism. Thank you for being willing to drive all that way so that we and your Grandma Lisa could be there. That was some good missionary work and a special day for us! I am also always impressed with how you never complain when you are here if you have to leave playing with your cousins to go see your other grandma.

I hope you will always know how much Heavenly Father loves you. He loved you so much that He put things in motion way before your birth so that you could be born into a family that would teach you the gospel and give you all the tools you need to return to Him. If you will trust your parents and your Heavenly Father, you will always know right from wrong through the Holy Ghost. Your baptism was just the beginning of many wonderful experiences you will have in the church. Life can be very confusing and sometimes hard things happen, but the prophet, your parents, your church leaders and your Heavenly Father will help you to know what to do during those times. The church is true. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Papa and I love you very much. We feel so blessed to have so many grandchildren and each one is unique and adds his or her special qualities to our family. We are so grateful that sweet, lovable Julianne is one of them!

Lots of love,

Mama

Dear Jesse,

You are the only grandchild for whose birth I was in attendance, at the insistence of your mother who seemed to really want me there. I always felt that should be a private time, between husband and wife, but your mom really seemed to want Papa and I to be there, so we came. The birth of a new child is always a hallowed moment and hours was no exception. So in the first few moments of your life we were introduced to this tiny bundle who was definitely a Brumble and who looked much like his older sister Jaci. We strayed for just a short while and then left your parents to share together the wonder of you. Now you are a delightful young man with a huge heart and enough love to give to all who know you, especially your family. I love it when you come over and are so excited to see me and tell me the latest thing happening in your life. Your parents have taught their children to appreciate even the smallest things, so it is always fun to do something for you, knowing the excitement it will bring. You have wonderful parents who love Heavenly Father and love their children also. Your mom announced your upcoming birth on a trip to Oregon and they were very excited to be adding a boy to their three wonderful daughters. You may end up like Papa, being the only boy in your family, but that is not such a bad thing. As an adult, Papa is adored by his sisters!

You are lucky to have a dad who will teach you all the things you need to know to enjoy the outdoors and just the thrill of being alive. Along the way he and your mom will teach you values and the things you need to know to hold Heavenly Father's priesthood and to someday serve a mission. As President Hinckley used to say, it is an exciting time to be alive and be a member of the church! When you have challenges or problems in your life, with Heavenly Father's help, you will know what to do. I didn't know about the church until I was a teenager and that time in my life would have been so much easier if I had known the truths of the gospel and had the priesthood in my home. Never forget how blessed you are to have been born into the church!

Jesse you are a delight to your family and to all who know you. You have such a bright outlook on life and you always make me smile. Listen to your parents and your church leaders and you will always know what is right. We are so glad that you are part of this family and we love you very, very much.

I love you (and all my grandchildren) to the moon and back!

Mama

Dear Gillian,

I hope it's OK that I stole this picture off of your Facebook page. There were so many lovely pictures of you that it was hard to choose. While we're speaking of Facebook, I want you to know how much I appreciated that you accepted me as a friend. The first time I met you I think you were understandably not very happy about what was about to take place. Not only were you getting a stepmother, you were getting a huge mess of new "relatives". It was a lot to handle in just a few days. What a contrast we saw when you came to our 40th anniversary celebration! You seemed happy to be here and you interacted with the other cousins more than we had ever seen. We were so happy about that. You are becoming such a lovely young lady.

You may or may not know that I was a child of divorced parents. I think I can say that without an exception, that was the hardest thing that ever happened to me. Divorce happens most to children. Adults move on and find new lives, but children forever are missing one parent or the other and wondering what might have been. The one thing I did learn is that the new people who come into your life as a result of divorce are usually wonderful people. Any people that love and care about you can add good things to your life. So there is that "silver lining in the cloud" so to speak. I hope that the Hassells will be a positive memory in your life despite the sad event that brought it all about. We love your dad so much and he has healed a very big void in Marla's life and we are grateful for that, but we wish that it hadn't come about because of divorce. We so appreciate all the love you have shown to Jane and Catherine.

Divorce might make you question the whole doctrine of eternal marriage. I hope you will know that even though sometimes bad things happen and even some temple marriages don't work out, many, many do. The ones that do usually succeed because the two people involved are committed to the covenants they have made and they have been prayerful in making the decision about the person with whom they choose to spend eternity. After the marriage, they live and keep the commandments, they work very hard to be the best spouse they can be and they remember to put the other person's needs ahead of their own. Unselfishness is a huge key to a successful marriage!

The pictures on your Facebook page seem to show that you have good friends and are involved in wholesome activities. They show that you love your family too! You are at a wonderful time in your life. Enjoy every minute because you will be an adult for a long time!

You probably already that bad things can happen and you can still have a happy life. Heavenly Father knows you and loves you and is concerned about every aspect of your life. Pray to Him and then listen for answers and you will know the things that you should do. Trust your parents and your church leaders. They too love you and want what is best for you. I know these things
are true and I hope you do too!

I love you, Gillian!

Gramma Hassell

Dear Annie,

My first memory of you aside from the day of your birth was when you were about two weeks old. Your family was living in college housing and so you were also in our ward. Your mother was teaching the Relief Society lesson that day (and I remember it was a spectacular lesson) and you were asleep beside me in a Moses basket. You were so beautiful that I couldn't take my eyes of you. I surprised I even remember the lesson, because I was so consumed with looking at you. No matter how many babies come to a family, each one is a miracle.

I think two of your greatest talents are your creativity and your thoughtfulness. You so often make things to give to others. I still love my bouquet of pink and purple flowers that you made for me for Mother's Day a couple of years ago (or maybe just one year ago). I watch and see what great friends you and Grace have become and how caring and loving you are to Bonnie. You have a fun sense of humor and people respond to that. I have a feeling you are also a thoughtful and loyal friend. Occasionally I talk to some of your YW advisors and they all think you are wonderful. I do too!

I love that you were named after one of my sisters. When she and I were about the age of you and Grace, we didn't get along nearly as well as you and Grace do. Because we were a blended family, and because Patrice and John and I had come from less than the best environment, I was given the "job" as the older sister to keep an eye on then and make sure they didn't do anything of which my parents would disapprove. That wasn't fun for me and I'm sure it wasn't fun for them either. No one likes having a sibling boss them around like a parent! But we survived and grew up and eventually became friends. Now this sister is giving me the gift of a longer life by giving me one of her kidneys! It sure makes me wish I had been nicer to her, not just because of the kidney, but because I am sure we missed out on some great things we could have enjoyed together.

The best gift Heavenly Father has given me is the opportunity to become a member of the church and to have so much light and knowledge made available to me, not to mention it led me to Papa. It has made all the difference in my life. One of the things that really helped me was my patriarchal blessing. In my blessing it says that my greatest joy in life would come from being a wife and a mother. That always helped me to know that as a wife and mother I didn't need to look further than my own home to find happiness and so I didn't waste any time trying to find something that I might have thought was better. So develop those maternal instincts I see when you take care of Bonnie. You have had some serious on-then-job training! That doesn't mean you shouldn't seek education and a career, but if for a time you decide to put some of that on hold to be a wife and mother, know that those years will pass quickly and you will still have many years after children are grown to do pursue other options.

Heavenly Father loves you, Annie. He knows you name, He knows what makes you sad or happy and He is always there for you. Pour out your heart to him in prayer and if you do, you will know that what I am saying is true. Papa and I love you so much and we feel so privileged to be your grandparents. Keep being the wonderful young woman that you are.

Much love,

Mama

Dear Ava,

Welcome to the Hassell family! You and Lily have arrived so close together that I can't help but wonder if you were pals before coming here, and if you got some good coaching from your great grandparents and aunts. The announcement of your birth was unique in that your father posted your arrival on Facebook instead of calling me! That was a first and though I must day I would have preferred the phone call, it will be something you can tell your children and grandchildren someday. The first Hassell baby to be announced on Facebook!

Right now you probably know how fortunate you are to be born to two such loving and devoted parents. Not every baby is that fortunate, so we feel very blessed that it is true for each of our grandchildren. Your father was our fifth baby, just like you are his fifth child. That means you will have lots of love and attention from your older siblings, and also that you might have to speak up and be noticed at times. Big families are so much fun. There is always something going on! We love it when all our children and grandchildren get together for a reunion. The older cousins take such good care of the younger ones and it is wonderful to see. That will probably be the first time I get to see you, and hopefully you won't be too wiggly to hold. It is always hard for me not to be able to help when a new baby is born, but then I remind myself of how fortunate I am to have so many beautiful grandchildren and then I feel better. Thank you for keeping your first estate and choosing to come to this big, noisy, loving family. Along with your parents and siblings, Grampa and I, and all your aunts, uncles and cousins will do their best to give you all the love and help you need so that we can be together forever!

We already love you so much and are so happy that you are here.

Gramma

Dear Catherine,

The other day you called me on the phone and I couldn't believe how grown up you sounded! It doesn't seem that long ago that your mom, Jane and two-week-old you came to live with Grampa and I. We got to enjoy almost the first two years of your life, and two years of Jane's life as well. That was a very special time for Grampa and me. Do you know that Grampa used to feed you your bottle and put you to sleep while your mom was getting Jane ready for bed? Grampa loved doing that and you and Grampa have had a close relationship ever since. You were such a good baby. As long as you were rested, fed and dry your mom could put you on a blanket on the floor and you would be content for two or three hours! That was amazing. Your mom was a good baby too, but not that good!

Now you live in Idaho and we wish it wasn't so far away so we could see you more often. We sure love it when you come here to visit!

I'm sure your mom has told you about when Grampa gave you a name and a blessing in the hospital after you were born. It was an uncertain time and we weren't sure what was ahead for you, but Heavenly Father knew! Through Grampa He blessed you that you would grow up in a home with brothers and sisters. At the time I didn't see how that might happen, but look at you now! Lots of brothers and sisters! Sometimes Heavenly Father gives us hard challenges, but that is because He loves us and wants us to become strong enough and good enough to return to Him. Just like we need to exercise our muscles to stay strong physically, we need to exercise our faith in Heavenly Father and realize that challenges and problems help us to become strong spiritually. You are blessed with a cheery disposition and a keen sense of right and wrong (you got that from your mom) that will both help you through the problems in your life and also help you to avoid wrong choices that would add challenges to your life that are avoidable. Life is so good and I hope you will realize how wonderful it is to be on the earth and that you will follow Heavenly Father's commandments so that you will have a happy life and so that we can be together forever.

The day that you were sealed to your mom and dad was such a special day. I will always remember how beautiful you and Jane looked in your white dresses and how happy everyone was that you could be part of a forever family. I didn't get to be sealed to my parents until they both had died and I was a grownup, but that was a special day for me too.

I love you so much, Catherine. You are one of our beautiful granddaughters and we Grampa and I know Heavenly Father loves us because he has sent us so many wonderful grandchildren. Thank you for being one of them!

I love, love, love you.

Gramma

Dear Severin,

Yesterday I watched you out my window trying to knock one of your swings out of a tree with a stick. You were all boy, with no sense of any danger when the stick didn't work, as you leapt from the ladder and tried to pull it down by the rope. Then you broke the stick into several pieces as you hit it against a pole. You remind me so much of your dad at your age, in looks and in manner. Like your dad you are also kind and gentle, and have a keen sense of right and wrong. These are wonderful traits in anyone and I feel very pleased to see these traits in you. Your mom told me that when people ask you what you want to be when you grow up, you tell them you want to be a dad. What a tribute that is to your dad. There is no more important calling you will have in life than that of a dad.

As you know, you are named after Severin Roberts, your great great great grandfather. He was the father of sixteen children! He and his family lived in a farm house in Frenchtown, Montana and since he was a carpenter, as the family grew he just kept adding on to the house. That house is still there today. Did you also know that he actually married his step sister? When he was young, his father died and his future wife's mother died, so his mother married his future wife's father. According to the 1880 census, they were living in the same house in Quebec. They were married in 1884. The last of their sixteen children died in 2006 at the age of 103!

In less than a year you will be ordained to the priesthood. What a wonderful day that will be. It is a big responsibility for a twelve-year-old boy to hold the priesthood, but Heavenly father has great faith in you and will surround you with many older boys and men (primarily your dad) who will teach and help you as you learn all you need to know to hold the Melchizedek priesthood and serve a mission. I know that many priesthood holders from past generations in your family will also be watching and cheering you on. I didn't have the priesthood in my home when I was growing up, so it was an amazing and wonderful gift to have that power in my home when I married Grampa. Do you know what your great grandfather told Grampa when he ordained Grampa to the Aaronic priesthood? He told them that he couldn't hit his sisters anymore because priesthood holders need to respect and be kind to girls and women. So there is your first challenge as a priesthood holder!

Severin, you are a great young man will a kind heart and a keen desire for knowledge. I am proud to be your grandma and I love you very much.

More than you know,

Gramma

Dear Lily,

A week ago today you joined our family. We anxiously waited for word of your birth, praying that your mother would have a safe delivery and that you would be born healthy and whole. Those prayers were answered and we ooohed and ahhhed over pictures taken and sent through the miracle of the Internet. Subsequent pictures show you look enough like Sami to be her sister but that you definitely have your own look too.

We don't know each other very will yet, but I want to tell you a little about your name. You'll have to ask your parents about why they chose the name Lily, but it is a sweet name that so far seems to fit your tiny and sweet personality. Prior to your birth, your dad told me that there were Marguerite's on both sides of your family. It is my middle name and for a long time, I didn't like it very much. I think that the reason was mostly that it was too different. I didn't know one other person my age with that name. But when I started doing family history, and got to know more about my paternal grandmother and her mother, my great grandmother, I started to appreciate and like the name more. Both of them went by "Marguerite Marie", but my grandmother's actual birth name was Marguerite Jeanne Marie Gabrielle Lannegrand. I'm not sure how many names my great grandmother had, but she was known as Marguerite Marie Catherine Nico prior to her marriage. My grandmother came to America from France and arrived at Ellis Island on January 20, 1920 with her new husband and expecting her first child, my father. Her mother (my great grandmother and a widow of about six years) and her brother John (Jean Maurice) both arrived from France at Ellis Island on May 4, 1920. Further family history research reveals many Marguerite's, so it is a strong name, maybe just not in America. Both of these woman (who would be great great grandmother and great great great grandmother) were strong-willed women who had challenges in life but true to their French heritage held their heads high and soldiered on. Maybe knowing this will help you to love your middle name as much as I now do.

You are blessed to be born in the covenant to two parents who already love you so much and will teach you the things you need to know to be happy in this earthly life and prepared for a time when you will return to your Heavenly Father. I am glad you will know about the gospel for your entire life, and will not have to wait until you are much older like I did. One wonderful gift Heavenly Father gave us is hearts that grow big enough and have enough love for every child and grandchild that comes into our families. So even though we haven't "met' yet, I can tell you that I love you. I love that you kept your first estate and that you are here and that our family was fortunate enough to have you come to us and that I get to be one of your grandmothers. I hope that we will have many years to get to know each other in this life and that I can see you grow into a beautiful and faithful young woman.

Welcome to the world, Lily. I love you.

Gramma

Dear Aubrey,

I should have written this on your birthday, but I am a few days late. It seems impossible to me that you are 15! It doesn't seem that long ago that you would come to our house (now your house) as a toddler and spend time on my lap playing games or making "letters" on the computer. Those were special times for us and even then I knew they would not last long and that the day would come when you would move on to schools and friends and activities that i would observe from a distance. That is as it should be, but I am grateful for those special memories with you when you were tiny. One of my favorite more recent memories of you was our reunion in 2008. It was the first time we rented the water slide and you joined in and seemed to have fun. But even more special to me was how you took your younger cousins under your wing and helped them enjoy it too. Older siblings and cousins often don't realize until later how much the younger ones look up to and admire them. I remember once as a five year old helping my nine-year-old cousin make Kool Aid. I thought she was so grown up!

You are like your dad in that you often are quiet when you are around a big group of people. What some don't know though, is that like your dad, when you are one-on-one you often light up and become animated and happy and have a lot to say. I love to watch you when you are happy and smiling with your friends. You have such a beautiful smile and I hope as you grow older you will share it as much as you can! Smiling at someone who may be having a bad day can make such a big difference, and people are drawn to other people who are happy most of the time.

I am so glad that you have wonderful parents who love each other and who love you and who you obviously love in return. When I was your age, I wasn't sure if my dad loved me as much as he loved some of my other siblings. I think now that he did, but we weren't a very affectionate family and so there were years when I wasn't sure. Do you know the first time I said the words "I love you" to my parents and the first time I can remember them saying that to me was when I got engaged to Grampa?! I knew they loved me, sort of, but we just never said the words. Now I realize that saying those words to each other is one of the most important things we can do in a family! Don't ever be afraid to tell members of your family that you love them. Knowing we are loved is the most secure feeling in the world.

You are a beautiful girl, inside and out. Inner beauty radiates to the outside and gives outer beauty its depth. As you get older you will find that there are some people who might be considered plain on the outside, but as you get to know them and their inner beauty radiates to the outside, they will become beautiful to you on the outside as well. You might also meet some people who are beautiful on the outside, but may be shallow on the inside. Surround yourself with people who are beautiful on the inside and you will always have loyal friends. Outer beauty eventually fades as we age; inner beauty never does.

The most important thing in the world to me in addition to my family is my testimony of the gospel. For the first fifteen years of my life, I didn't know about the gospel. Then a friend introduced me to the church and my life was forever changed. Nothing the outside world has to offer is as precious and sweet as the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we keep the commandments and the covenants we make, we can get through any difficulty in life. If we choose another path, we can never be as happy and safe as we otherwise would have been. When life gets hard, turn to your Heavenly Father, your parents and your church leaders and they can help you through any challenge.

I love you Aubrey. Someday, that will come sooner than you think, you will have grandchildren and then you will know how much I love you. One way I know Heavenly Father loves me is because He sent me so many amazing grandchildren!

More love than you now know,

Gramma

Dear Seeran,

I am so glad you are part of the Hassell family! We really needed more boys and we were sure lucky to get such great boys as you and your brothers. Do you know that when Catherine was born, Grampa Hassell gave her a name and a blessing while she was still in the hospital. Grampa Hassell promised her that she would grow up in a family with brothers and sisters. At the time her only sibling was Jane and I didn't see how she would ever have brothers and sisters--plural. But when Heavenly Father speaks through the priesthood we should never doubt Him. You are a boy who seems to want to make good choices and do the right thing. If you continue on that path, Heavenly Father will have some wonderful blessings in store for you and you will have a happy life. Even when sad things happen, you can still be happy because you can know through the Holy Ghost that Heavenly Father loves you and wants to teach you all you need to know to return to Him. Sometimes we are taught through hard experiences.

It isn't always easy to be in an extended family where divorce has happened. I know because my parents divorced when I was five. Divorce happens for lots of reasons and sometimes it has to happen even when it makes others in the family, especially children, sad. When I was with my mom, I missed my dad and when I was with my dad, I missed my mom. I think kids always wish they could put things back together the way they were, but sometimes it just isn't possible and we have to make the best of it.The one thing important to remember is that your mom and dad love you just as much as they ever did and nothing you did caused the divorce to happen. Then when you get older, sometimes you look back and realize that even though divorce is not Heavenly Father's plan, He still puts other people in your life to love you and help you and maybe there are some really good things that happened despite the sadness. I know that is true for me. I also know that Grampa Hassell and I can't take the place of your Davis and Thayn grandparents, but we want to be there for you as much as you need us and want us to be.

One of the many wonderful things Heavenly Father did for us was to give us hearts big enough to love lots of people. The more people that come into our family, the more love we feel for each member. So please know that Grampa Hassell and I love you just as much as we love each of our other grandchildren. Thank you for letting us be a part of your life.

Lots and lots of ,love,

Gramma Hassell

Dear Grace,

Happy 16th Birthday! This is a milestone for anyone and the beginning of being an adult with the privilege of driving and the huge responsibility that will be. In the next couple of years you will experience dating, maybe hold down a first job, decide what you will do with further education and begin the sometimes painful process of cutting the apron strings. I have no doubt that you will make good decisions and have an impact for good on the world around you. Your intelligence and wit can take you far and help you through challenges you may encounter along the way.

Though it would probably seem like forever to you, it doesn't seem that long ago that I was your age. I wasn't a member of the church yet, but I had been introduced to the church and had the beginnings of a testimony based on my reading of the Book of Mormon and a book entitled "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder". I was foolishly "going steady" with a boy and even thought I might marry him someday. (Boy, was that dumb!) I hadn't met your grandpa yet--and thank goodness I did! I already knew I wanted to pursue an education in nursing after high school and worked hard to get the grades that would help me get scholarships, since I knew my parents wouldn't be able to help me. I was the second oldest child in my family and the oldest girl, so I took on some responsibilities like doing the ironing for my dad and helping with dinner, even doing the cooking sometimes. I did that because I knew it would help my mom, but also because I loved to cook. I also taught myself to sew, since I had to buy my own clothes and it was cheaper to sew them than buy them off a store rack. I burned all the diaries I had kept up to that point because I thought the things I had written sounded so silly and childish. I loved to read, especially historical fiction. I knew that when I married I wanted a big family. In the summers and on the weekends I had jobs teaching swimming lessons and working in a nursing home. My earnings had to cover clothes, shoes, school supplies and any extras or entertainment. Everyone, including me, had transistor radios we held up to our ears to listen to our favorite love songs. If we were lucky we could get the batteries to last a week. So there you have it. I didn't get my driver's license until I was married because first of all there was no car for me to drive and even if there had been, neither my parents nor myself could have afforded the insurance! Living in the small town of Ashland, I pretty much walked everywhere I went. But that was OK, as very few friends my age had a car. Things have sure changed in 54 years!

You have been a delight to me (and I know others) all your life. Some of my favorite memories of you as a young girl are the efforts you put into trying to "fix" my hands with scotch tape and trying to teach me how to clap. You have beautiful dimples and hair and your inner beauty comes through on the outside as well. You are very good to your parents and siblings and that does not go unnoticed. You are an amazing and talented you woman and I love you as only a grandma can.

If I were to give you any advice it would be to stay close to your Heavenly Father through scripture study and prayer. Make the temple one of your most important goals. Then no matter what challenges come into your life, and we all have them, you will find strength and guidance. Remember too that your parents, siblings and extended family all love you and you can come to any of us if you need to. I feel so fortunate to be the grandma of so many wonderful grandchildren and that you are one of them!

Love you so much,

Mama

Dear Jaci,

You just turned twelve years old and today was your first day in Young Women's. In the church that is the transition between being a child and preparing to be an adult. You have so many exciting experiences ahead of you! Dances, dating, high school, driving, seminary, memories with friends and family and preparing to someday be married in the temple and be wife and a mother. You might even serve a mission! If you complete the Personal Progress program, you will be well prepared for whatever happens in your life.

When you were little, you weren't very trusting of strangers. That is a good thing, but because at that time you lived in Utah and we lived in Oregon, we seemed like strangers when we came to visit. Finally on one visit you must have decided I was OK because you climbed in my lap with your blanket and let me hold you for about an hour. That was very special for a grandma who doesn't get to hold her small grandchildren as much as she would like. As you are getting older, you are getting prettier and prettier. You have beautiful skin and shiny hair. What you might not know is that you are beautiful on the inside as well. You are so kind to others and work hard to please your parents and teachers. You are a great older sister to Livvy and Jessie. sometimes older siblings have no idea how much their younger siblings look up to them and want to be with them. They often want to be like you as well. As an older sibling, you are a very important influence in their lives. Even though you and LaRee may not always get along, I often observe that you are good friends. That will be more and more important to you as you get older. I wasn't always as nice as I should have been to my younger sister and now here she is, saving my life by giving me one of her kidneys! I surely wish I had seen her as the caring and compassionate friend she has become instead of thinking she was a pest!

Jaci, you have two wonderful parents and Heavenly Father let you come to a home where you would be taught the gospel and know how precious you are to Him. When there are hard times in your life, kneel down and talk to Him and He will help you to know what to do and give you comfort. Keep His commandments even when it is hard and you will always be happy that you did. He promises that if we keep His commandments He will bless us, and He never breaks His promises.

hank you for being such a wonderful and thoughtful granddaughter. One of the ways I know Heavenly father loves me is that He has blessed me with so many wonderful grandchildren. You are one of them and I am so happy about that. I love you tons and tons. Someday when you have grandchildren you will know how much I love you.

Forever,

Mama

Dear Bonnie,

You are the biggest surprise anyone in the Hassell family has ever been able to pull off--and such a wonderful surprise! You added to the surprise by being born on Papa's and my wedding anniversary! Having two parents and three teenage siblings has likely resulted in you being the most well-cared for child on the planet. You might not always like having so many "adults" in charge, but hopefully you will also know that you are loved like no other!

You have already charmed the members of your extended family with your rendition of "Popcorn Popping", knowing all the colors (well, maybe not azure) and letters, your penchant for wearing hats and your pink boots. We love your "chocolate drop" eyes. Never let anyone say you are not your own person! That is a good thing, and it will be fun to see who you will eventually become.

When I was a little girl, one of my favorite toys was pop beads. I can still smell them and feel them in my hands. You seem to like them too, so it makes your next birthday present easy! I also loved my "Betsy Wetsy" doll. I think that was one of the first dolls that could drink and wet. Somehow we lose track of those favorite toys over the years so if I could I would tell you to hold on to the things you treasure (within reason, of course) and someday you can share them with your children and grandchildren. They will love that you did that.

The most important thing I can tell you is to love and honor your parents and your Heavenly Father. They love you more than anyone, anywhere. I know the church is true and I know that if we keep Heavenly Father's commandments and remember to say our prayers and read our scriptures we can be happy no matter what else happens in life, even hard things. Know that Papa and I love you too. Every one of our grandchildren are very special and important to us and we pray for you every day. We are so glad Heavenly Father sent you to our family!

Tons of love,

Mama

Dear Sadie,

What a beautiful girl you are getting to be! You have been such a great big sister to Abi, and soon you will have a new baby sister! I know you will be a big help to your mom with your new sister and a good example to her as she gets older. Heavenly Father sent you to a father and mother who love the Lord, each other and all of their children including you! In a world where many children live with only one parent, you are a very lucky girl!

When I was growing up, I had the same position in my family as you do. I was the second oldest with one older brother and six younger siblings. You have fewer younger siblings, but being the oldest girl I think means that Heavenly Father trusted you to be a big help and a good example. When I was a teenager, I noticed that my mom had a hard time keeping up with the ironing and sometimes my dad didn't have an ironed shirt to wear to work. My mom was a hard worker so I knew she sometimes just didn't have enough time to get everything done, but I felt bad for my dad when he had to iron his own shirt before work. So I decided to start ironing his shirts and handkerchiefs on Saturdays so he would have enough for the coming week. Do you know that when I got married my sisters' biggest worry was knowing who would iron my dad's shirts?! But I loved my parents and it made me feel good that there was something I could do for them after all they had done for me. I have seen you be kind to your siblings and cousins so I think you will know when you need to help members of your family as you get older. Heavenly Father loves it when we serve others.

Sadie, I am glad I have been able to live long enough to know you and be your grandma. I think Heavenly Father must love Grampa and I very much to send us so many wonderful grandchildren. I hope you will stay close to Heavenly Father by speaking to Him often in prayers and by reading and learning to love the scriptures. If you do that and keep the commandments you will be happy and have a good life, even if hard things happen to you.

I love you SO much!

Gramma

Dear Ezra,

You're one year old today! What a big boy you are! We are so glad you came to your family. They love you so much and you have been a blessing to your parents in ways I'm sure they will explain to you someday.

We don't have much of a history, but I can tell you that Heavenly Father promised you to your mother through the priesthood before she even met your dad. You are named after your paternal grandfather and share that middle name with two cousins, Glenn and Wyatt. Your grandpa Alan is a wonderful man and I hope you will get to know him well in your lifetime. I hope you will always be as happy as you look in this picture! You have a wonderful father and mother and I think you will have a wonderful childhood as they share with you their love for the outdoors, good literature and good food! What more could a boy want?!

I look forward to getting to know you as you grow Ezra and hope we will have some good memories of time together as extended family at reunions and other times we get together. I love that you are part of the Hassell family and that Heavenly Father blessed us with another special spirit.

I love you,

Gramma

Dear Talmage,

I love this picture of you because it is an example of what an amazing young man you are! You are never afraid to take on a challenge or learn something new! I think ideas and conversations are buzzing around in your head every waking minute--and maybe even when you are sleeping! Heavenly Father has blessed you with an amazing mother and father who have worked very hard to help you develop your talents in a way that will bless your life and your family. No matter which side of the veil I am on when you become a man and choose what to do with your life, I will be watching! I am very excited to see who and what you will become! I hope that you will serve a mission and then stay very close to your Heavenly Father so He can guide you to be the best husband, father, provider and priesthood holder you can possibly be! Be a good example to your younger siblings, especially Wyatt. They will be watching you and what you choose to do will be important to them. I still look up to my big brother and I am 60! Follow the example of your earthly and Heavenly fathers and you will be that good example to your siblings.

We have had a special relationship through letters. That began when you lived far away in South Carolina and I wanted to be sure you knew who your grandma was, even though we only saw each other once a year. In those letters I have most often been able to see how intelligent and loving you are. I didn't know my grandmothers very well and I wish I had even one letter from them. I do have a letter from a grandfather that I treasure.

I love you Talmage. Life can sometimes be hard, but when we know that we have a Heavenly Father and family that love us and would do anything for us, it helps us get through difficult times. Talk to your Heavenly Father and your parents and grandparents often. They care about what happens to you and want to help in any way they can because they love you and care about you so much. I am SO thankful Heavenly Father sent you to be a part of our family!

Lots and lots and lots of love,

Gramma

Dear LaRee,

I was going to write this on your birthday, but as you see, that plan didn't quite materialize.

What a lovely young woman your are becoming. What I love is that you are lovely on the inside too. You are developing your talents and your love of reading has developed your mind and intellect in wonderful ways! You trust your parents to know what is best for you and your relationship with your dad must be the envy of every girl who wishes she had the same. You're not afraid to be yourself and you are confident in the things you like to do and not afraid to learn things in which most girls have no interest. You love your brother and sisters and are just the kind of big sister they can look up to and admire.

When my parents divorced, I didn't get to see my dad very often and even though my mother had other men in her life, none of them took the place of my dad. By the time I went to live with my dad and my stepmother, I had missed some years during which we might have developed a closer relationship and I was always afraid to be too affectionate with him for fear he might not like it. I guess that is why I am so happy that you and many of my grandchildren have good relationships with their dads. Be thankful every day that Heavenly Father gave you such a great earthly father and mother! Not every child is so fortunate, but I think the children in our family all have wonderful parents!

You are entering a time of life when Satan's influences will be more obvious and you will have to make many decisions between good and bad, right and wrong. Trust the counsel you've been given by your parents and church leaders. They love you and always want what is best for you even though you may occasionally question that at the time they are giving you that counsel. When in doubt, let the Holy Ghost guide you and you will always be safe and happy.

I am so grateful to be one of your grandmothers. I think Heavenly Father must love me very much to have sent me so many amazing children and grandchildren. Thank you for being one of them!

I love you a ton, LaRee.

Mama

Dear Jane,

Today I received a letter from you. I love it when you send me letters. In this day of instant messages sent by several forms of technology, it is still nice to get a letter through the mail, addressed just to you. That is why I always try to write you back, so you will have that special feeling too.

Your letter was interesting. You drew pictures of "Mommy", "Jane", "Daddy" and "Baby C". It made my heart hurt a little for you. It has been a long time since Catherine was "Baby C" so I think it might of how your family was before your parents' divorce and how you maybe wish it had stayed. There is nothing wrong with that. My parents divorced when I was five and I know that no matter how long it has been or how good or bad things are afterward, there will likely always be a part of you that wishes you could put that original family back together again. When my dad left, he left a brown suede jacket in the closet. When I really missed him I would go to the closet and stand there and smell the jacket and it made it seem like he was close. There are lots of different reaslons that divorces happen, but the important thing for you to remember is that your parents love you very much and that there is no way the divorce is your fault. The other important thing to remember is that Heavenly Father loves you even more than your parents and if you trust Him and try to obey His commandments, He will keep His promises to you and you will have a wonderful life. I know that because even though my life had a rough start, Heavenly Father has done that for me.

You are a beautiful girl Jane, inside and out. You are kind and sensitive and you feel things deeply. When life seems confusing, trust that you can talk to your parents and your Heavenly Father and that they will give you the help you need. Grampa and I will always cherish the time you, your mom and Catherine (Baby C) spent in our home. We had some fun times together and I miss those days, but I am so happy your mom found Kevin and that he fell in love with all three of you and wanted to take care of you. Hard times always work out somehow.

I love you so much and am so blessed to be your

Gramma

Dear Livvy,

Happy 7th Birthday! I can't believe you are seven already! It seems like just a few months ago you were born and delighting your parents who had waited a long time for you to get here! The first time we visited in Utah you looked so tiny to me that I was worried you weren't getting enough to eat! But now you are just the right size for a seven-year-old, so I needn't have worried.

Even though you don't call me as much now that you are in school all day, I hope you know you can call me anytime. When I was your age, my grandmothers were just two ladies who came to visit sometimes. It might have been OK for me to call them, but it never occurred to me that I could. And I probably wasn't as smart and you and couldn't memorized their phone numbers--forward and backward!

When we have family gatherings, you are always a good friend to Jane, Ashlin, Juli and your brother Jesse. I never had cousins I was close to growing up, but I wish I had. We are so fortunate to knows that families are forever and how important they are in this life. You are blessed to have good parents who love each other and their children very much! Someday you will grow up and have children you will love and you will be able to teach them all the wonderful things you are learning from your parents. Be sure to teach them all about the church and the Book of Mormon. If we love our Heavenly Father and Jesus and keep the covenants we have made, we can be happy no matter what problems or challenges come into our lives.

I love you Livvy, and am so happy you are part of our family and that I get to be one of your grandmas. Heavenly Father must really love me to give me such a special granddaughter.

I love you so much,

Mama

Dear Emma,

Today you gave your first Sacrament Meeting talk on the Holy Ghost. You did such a great job, and more than one person, including the other speakers, mentioned how much they enjoyed your talk. Sometimes Young Women get kind of silly when they get up to the microphone, but not you! You just gave your talk and shared your testimony. I wanted to stand up and shout, "That's my granddaughter!" I don't think the Bishop would have appreciated it though, but he might have been pretty amazed if I had actually stood up!

I hope you will always remember how important it is to live so that the Holy Ghost can be your constant companion. It will save you so much heartache and will help you to know exactly what you need to do in any situation. Sometimes we fail or forget to listen to that "still, small voice", but if you will also make the scriptures part of every day, you will be reminded so that those times will be few and far between. Don't let the things of the world drown out that voice! I think you have many friends, but none will be so important as the Holy Ghost, the Savior, our Prophet and your parents. If you work on those friendships, the right kind of friends will always find you.

You are a wonderful young woman. I will always treasure the memories of the times we spent together at my desk when you were little and before you started school. We shared movies, and projects and games on the computer. You even helped put stamps on letters for me. You were always so cheerful and spending time with you was a highlight of my day! I hope those are good memories for you too! Now you are older and I do more watching from a distance, but I really like what I see. You are intelligent and kind and eager to learn new skills. You will be a wonderful addition to the Young Women program in our ward. Cherish your love for music and don't be afraid to share that talent. There can never be too much good music in the world! Share your beautiful smile often as well. The world needs your smile!

Thank you for being you--our wonderful Emma. I love you so much and am proud and grateful to be your grandma!

Love, love love, love,

Gramma

Dear Glen,

Today Papa came home and announced that you had gotten a missionary hair cut for Missionary week in Seminary. I know it would be embarrassing if I made a big fuss on your Facebook page or something, so I'll make a fuss here for you to read sometime in the future. You have grown up to be such a thoughtful and intelligent young man, that you have made it easy to overlook the long hair. Unfortunately, we live in a world where we are often judged by what shows on the outside so my only concern was that maybe there are some people who don't know how truly terrific you are! More than once I have heard a General Authority say that things like dress, hair, hygiene, etc. are outward signs of our inward commitment to our Heavenly Father. So when Papa told me about your haircut, it told me something about your commitment to Him. Two thumbs up to you!

You were our first grandchild. How we looked forward to your birth! I don't know if anyone has ever told you about the first time I got to see you. You know that my accident happened five days before you were born. I had so looked forward to helping your mom care for you during the initial days after your arrival and being the new and excited grandma. But that was not to be. Papa recorded in his journal that the doctor was going to do a surgery to stabilize my neck, but that I was so despondent about what had happened and what looked like a very challenging change in my life, that he was worried that the surgery might not go well. He suggested that we head to surgery via the maternity ward so I could see you and hopefully give me a reason to hang in there. Your dad brought you out into the hall and clearly remember seeing you and thinking what a beautiful (sorry, newborns are beautiful no matter the sex) baby you were. I like to think it made a difference. During the ensuing three months your parents often brought you to the hospital and it was always a highlight for me.

Thank you for being such a sterling example to your younger siblings and cousins. As your mom has probably told you, it's not often easy to be the oldest and feel like younger family members are looking to you, but I prefer to think that Heavenly Father sent you first because He knew that He could trust you, that you were likely foreordained to be first and probably even offered to be. Papa and I are proud and honored to be your grandparents. We love you so much and look forward to seeing the doors open to adulthood and the man you will become.

Much love to you,

Mama

Dear Elizabeth,

The last several days we have been watching the devastating scenes on the news of the earthquake in Haiti. The most distressing are the pictures of children who have been injured, killed or who have lost their parents. All of it is a reminder of how fragile life is and how it can change in an instant. When little children suffer or die, I always think of you. In your short twenty-two month sojourn here on the earth
you taught us so many things. I think above all you were such an example of patience in suffering. Your little body had to endure so much and yet we rarely ever saw you fuss or indicate any discontent with all the procedures and equipment. Your parents were so brave and did everything they could possibly do to keep you here and give you a chance at a longer life. I will admit there were times when I thought it was too much to put you through, but I'm sure your parents agonized over that every time a new procedure was tried. I don't know what I would have done in their position, so it is wrong of me to judge.

I keep thinking there is a song or a poem entitled "What Can We Bring to the Table", but I must be wrong because I can't find it anywhere. But the words keep running through my mind as I watch these children suffer and then I think about what all of us can bring to the table of life. In your short life you brought to the table of your parents, siblings and extended family many things. You brought us joy in simple things such as your smile. You taught us all to evaluate what is important. You brought your ability to live in the moment. You brought an ability to patiently accept challenges given. Finally, you caused us all to evaluate our belief in a life beyond this when we will see you again, and to make a commitment to keep our covenants with our Heavenly Father so we can realize that belief. You brought more to the table in your short life than most of us bring in a lifetime.

Thank you Elizabeth, for your short, sweet life and for sharing those precious months with us.

I love you,

Mama

Dear Sami,

Today is your dad's 28th birthday! I am so glad he was born, and I bet you are too! Your mom and dad love you so much. Your dad is our youngest child, and he was also the last to get married and have children. Before he married your mom, he loved to play with his nieces and nephews and he always said he couldn't wait to have his own children. So you might be able to imagine how excited he was when you were born!

Soon you will have a new baby sister. That is a wonderful gift from Heavenly Father and your parents to you. Sisters become wonderful friends. Sometimes they might fight and be unhappy with each other, but when life is hard, a sister is always one of the first people there to help you. Soon one of my sisters is going to give me one of her kidneys. When we were growing up, I had no idea that I would ever need a kidney from her, but I think Heavenly Father knew. Heavenly Father puts lots of important people in our lives, but we don't always know how important they are at the time.

Because you live in Utah, Grampa and I don't know you very well yet. You and your mom and dad came to visit us before Labor Day last year. Every day you were here I loved to sit and watch you play. You were so sweet and so good to entertain yourself. I don't think I had ever been around such a good natured baby. Now we talk on Skype and you are talking more and more and calling both Grampa and I "Bopa". I am so happy you are part of our family and I am excited to get to know you better every time you come to visit us or we come to visit you.

I love you very much,

Gramma

Dear Ashlin,

Last Sunday as you were leaving the chapel to go to Primary, I stopped you and told you I was getting a new clock and wondered if you might like to have the bird clock the new clock will replace. Your eyes lit up and assured me you would love to have it. When Grampa finished painting the living room, the bird clock looked out of place. When I asked Grampa if we could get a new one he wanted to know what I would do with the bird clock. Giving it to you was the first answer that popped into my head! You have been the grandchild most interested in my birds and bird feeders. Often when you come over, you like to look through my bird book as well. The next day you came over right after school and collected your treasure, but not until you had oohed and aahed over our new clock. I love that you did that!

I love it when you come to visit me. Someday you might not come so often and that will be OK too; I will understand. When I was a teenager, we lived across the street from my "step" grandparents. We lived at 1125 Ivy Lane here in Ashland. Maybe someday your dad or mom can drive you by that house if you are interested. I don't remember the number of my grandparents' home, but it was across the street and to the left, on the corner of Ivy Lane and Elkader Street. They had moved here from Chicago, Illinois and it was fun to get together with them on holidays and have them near. I went to see them on my own sometimes, but I was a teenager with friends and what I thought was a busy life, so I didn't go very often. Later they moved to Portland, Oregon. We were told it was because they missed living in a big city and I'm sure that was part of it, but I also wonder if it was because their teenage grandchildren didn't pay them much attention. Now I wish I had spent more time with them. Even if the day comes that you don't come over often, I will still love it when you do and understand when you don't.

I love you, Ashlin, I love your enthusiasm for life and your unique approach to solving problems and looking at life. You are very intelligent and have a fun sense of humor! Don't ever lose those good qualities about yourself. That would be a sad day for me!

Love,

Gramma

P.S. You're not driving your mom and Emma crazy with the bird chirps that go off when the clock hits the hour, are you? Nah, I didn't think so.

Reaching Into My Future From My Past

When I work on family history, I often think about my grandparents and grandparents. I have pictures of them and facts about their births, marriages, deaths and where they lived, but very few stories that make them come alive for me. The grandparents I knew the best were my "step" grandparents, Ted and Ada Streeter. I never knew my biological grandfathers because they had either left or divorced my grandmothers before I was born. My paternal grandmother, Marguerite Lannegrand Roberts was from France and the times I remember with her included hearing her think French accent. She was a seamstress, and I wish I had something she made. My maternal grandmother, Cora Hovey Hill, fit the stereotype of the chubby grandma with ample bosoms and the smell of talcum powder. I have a few memories of her coming to our home when I was little (before the age of 10) and always bringing a bushel basket full of things she had canned and baked. I must have spent time on her lap too, because in later life when a distant relative gave me a picture of her, I could immediately feel and smell her. Memories are powerful, but they often fade if we don't write them down!

After Heavenly Father, Jesus and Grampa, I love my family, past and present, more than anyone or anything! When I think of my grandparents and great grandparents, the one thing I always wish I had from them is a letter! Even one letter that would give me a little glimpse of what they thought about and felt, and how they expressed themselves would be a treasure. I have written little letters or notes to some of my grandchildren, but not in any regular way. Sometimes, when the thought to write one comes, I am stopped by just the seemingly simple task of putting it together with an envelope and a stamp and getting it in the mail. Then the other day it dawned on me that the modern age has provided us with a perfect venue--a blog! So, with the beginning of a new year, 2010, I am beginning a new blog. As it evolves, I am not sure if I will tell my grandchildren about it or just see if any of my children or grandchildren discover it. Regardless, my goal is to leave some pieces of myself for each of you to have when maybe someday the thought comes into your head; "I wish I had a letter from my grandmother."