Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Oh Heya Grandma!

Grandma,

This will be short and sweet. Congrats on the miraculous recovery you are making. I hope you are prepared to battle in dominoes and casino when I get there in December.

I love you lots!
Kara

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Hooray!

Grandma,

Congratulations on an amazing recovery so far. Aunt Teresa's email updates and my mom's updates are all so incredibly positive. Wow. You are such an example of faith, courage and strength. There are so many people out there who would have given up with all the obstacles thrown at you. I am inspired by you.

Not much new on my end. I had a midterm yesterday and have no idea how I did. I should find out in 1-2 weeks, which is confusing since the entire test was multiple choice and all they have to do is feed it through a little machine to spit out the score. One thing I have definitely tried to learn through law school is patience. Nothing comes instantaneously that's for sure.

It is a bea-u-ti-ful fall day here. The sun is shining, the sky is bright blue, there is a crisp wind blowing, and all in all, it is a great day.

I love you lots,
Kara

Monday, October 6, 2008

From Grandma with Love

My Mom, Monique, and I all flew in on Thursday to come and visit Grandma Helen. While we were visiting her in between little jokes and Elvis talk Grandma told me that she wanted to dictate a letter to all her family and friends. It took awhile to figure out how she wanted to say everything and every word was thought over with much consideration. I am terrible at blogging and it took a while to figure out how to get the letter on but with the help of Aunt Teresa and Sara I was finally able to get Grandma's letter out to you. She just wants everyone to know that she so grateful for all the prayers and love that is sent her way.

She loves us all.

Melissa

Whatever Makes you Happy. DO IT!!!

To all my family and friends: My four special daughters, Linda, Kathy, Teresa, and Melanie, my 21 extra special grandchildren, my extra extra special great grandchildren, and my dear family and friends,

Thank you for all your prayers. I have felt everyone of them. I have climbed many hills in this struggle for life and I couldn't have done it without you. I have felt everyones prayers and love for me. They give me strength and raise me up. Please continue praying for me. I want to thank my four daughters for their around the clock care and attention. I appreaicate everything you have done for me.

I love you all,

Grandma Helen

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Happy Birthday to Me

Grandma Helen,

This morning I woke up and after I remembered it was my birthday, I made a couple of wishes. Thankfully one of them came true and since it has already come true I can share it (the others have to remain secret since I really want at least one of them to come true). My wish was that you would have a better day and make some substantial improvements. I just finished reading Aunt Teresa's daily update email and it appears that you have fulfilled my wish -so thank you.

My birthday was comprised of lots of reading, sitting at school, and staying in class until after 9:00 pm. Then I got home and my roommates had surprised me with a cake and card and we sat around talking and laughing until 11:30 pm. I'm sure we'll be exhausted tomorrow but it was fun. I have been blessed to have a couple of fantastic roommates.

I miss you and love you and feel abundantly blessed to have you in my life. Thanks for being my grandma and for having my mom so that she could have me. The older I get the more I think birthdays should be a celebration of those who brought you into the world.

Lots of love,
Kara

Monday, September 29, 2008

Thinking about you often

Grandma,

I just wanted to remind you that you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. Sister Nancy Samons is always asking about you. We saw each other at the women's conference and I decided to take a picture of her to share with you. Her companion is very nice and they make a great team. It's so nice to have relatives so close.



I feel so lucky to have you as my Grandma. I love you so much.
What great times we had at your place swimming, feeding the ducks, eating grits and eggs, playing dolls, picking out jewelry, having picnics, and playing skip-bow & Phase 10.

You have lived such a great life. I love watching your DVD and listening to you fully describe your life time memories while rocking. And if I didn’t mention before, I am amazed at how well you capture your childhood memories. The way you tell stories makes it come alive. If I’m ever having a rough day, I just need to listen to your DVD and realize what a sliver my trials are compared to the many adversities you’ve faced.

I will always remember the special moments we had with you in Kirtland, Ohio. You bore such a strong testimony in the School of the Prophets, making the spirit resonate inside. I will be eternally grateful for a Grandma who accepted the gospel, making it possible for us to be born in the True and Living Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I know that Heavenly Father will not let you suffer more then you are able and that He is watching over you night and day.
….as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day. (Alma 38:5)

Thanks for being such a wonderful Grandma full of love, compassion, faith, courage, and sweet spirit. I love you so much and wish I could be there to visit.

Liz

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

I love you Grandma....


Dang it all Grandma, I miss you so much! It makes me so sad that you have to be going through so much pain, but I want you to know that you are constantly in my prayers! Thank you so much for taking my phone call today, it meant more to me than you realize! I also want you to know that one of the strongest memories I have of you is you bearing your testimony in the school of the prophets at the Newell K. Whitney Store. You had such an influence on my young view of the church and I knew then what I continue to know now, that I want to be like you when I grow up! You exemplify everything that a woman in the church should strive for; a love of family, an enthusiasm for life, a contagious intensity for the Gospel and a strong love for the Savior! Thank you so much for being such a fun person in my life! If it is your time to go, when I see you again, I can't wait to repeat to you what you taught me to say at a young age, "It's been so long since I've seen you, I think you aughta give me a quarter!" You have brought me so much joy and laughter! I love you and am praying for you! Thank you so much for your example to me and to my family!
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!
Savanna

Thinking of You

Dear Grandma,

I just want to tell you that you are my hero and I admire and love you more than I can express.

Lots of love,
Kara

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Miss you already

Grandma,

It was so great seeing you this last weekend. I can't believe what a fighter you are -now I am positive I know where I get my stubborn streak from :). The weather has been great here the past two days -I think you sent the sun my way so I thank you very much.

I love you so much! Keep fighting and I'll see you again soon.

Lots of love,
Kara

Monday, September 22, 2008

Monday, Tuesday, Happy Days!




Dear Grandma,

We hate that we can't come and see you in the hospital, but we just want you to know that we are praying for you every day!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Grandma...

Grandma....I want you to know that this is absolutely killing me and breaking my heart that I can't be home to see you at this crazy time! I miss you so much and really wish that I could come and give you a big hug! We are praying for you multiple times a day and talk about you often. I can't help but have stirred up wonderful memories while thinking about you so much! You are SUCH a fun grandma, get better soon so that we can play some more! I love you so much!
Love, Savanna

Friday, September 19, 2008

Grandma,

We love you so much and are cheering for you all the way. Mark and I are going to the temple tonight and will put your name in the prayer role as well as continue to keep you in our prayer. Wish we could be there to visit.

Hello from Sandra in Savannah!

Helen, here's that great view again! Can you believe our great luck in finding that place!

Just the two of us, Helen and I had a fun time together in Florida earlier this year. We were at The Vinoy in St. Petersburg, "living like the rich and famous for a day," as Helen said. It was at my enthusiastic insistence that we try, and I asked, "Why not!?" Our darling Helen was pensive but game, "Why not!?"

After a great night's rest in our unbelievable surroundings, it is Helen's great company that is always such a great joy to me! She asked me to pull up a chair to this window. Always eager to share her great adventures, while she enjoyed this view, she called her girls for her update on her latest adventure.


In 2007 Helen came south for a few weeks where we went to the music festival and Tybee Beach, among our daily "moseying" about. One event was chamber music in one of Savannah's oldest churches. The only seats available were in the loft. We slowly climbed the stairs, both of us huffing and puffing! There Helen sat the first few minutes listening to music, enjoying the beautiful architecture, only to pull out her postcards and begin writing to friends and family ... right in the middle, again, of her own adventure. Helen, think about this great salt air on Tybee Beach where we were breathing deeply in through our nose and blowing out from our mouth.





And, oh the joy of azaleas in the south! Helen, remember this photo at Parniece's house? And the great low country boil at Keith and Kandi's house?

I'm so sorry that you've been bummed up and happy to hear you're figthing to recover. I'm here cheering you on, hoping for the best in this latest "tune up" you're getting!

By the way, I've submitted your darling Christmas Eve story to the Savannah Magazine. Won't it be such fun if your heart-warming family story is published, yet again!

Hum in your mind that "Laughing Place" song from Song of the South. I've got the DVD for you and will be sending today. On this 15 minute radio spot (1946) ... about 8 minutes into it is "Everybody Has A Laughing Place,"
http://www.songofthesouth.net/movie/audio/index.html.

Isn't it fun that this little clip begins cheerfully, "How do you do?!" which is what I'd say if I were there. Keep smiling. All of my family send their love. I love you! Sandra

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Thursday's Thoughts

Hey Grandma,

This is just another short video from today on my roof. I want to know that I love you and miss you and am so excited to see you tomorrow!

Lots of love,
Kara

My view

Grandma,

Today I wanted to take advantage of the rare bit of sunshine we get here to show you the amazing view from my apartment. I went up to our roof to show you how close I am to Golden Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. It was a perfect day for it.

Lots of love,
Kara

Jokes

Grandma,

I'm sorry you and others have to look up my nose on this one. I have to figure out how to keep my head down while recording myself speak. Hope you enjoy the jokes!

I love you,
Kara

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Me and Marc at Alamo Square













My friend Tommie -he used to be in our ward















Two guys from the ward -Matt (red shirt) and Aaron (white hat)
















This is with my roommate Letisha (striped shirt) and a guy from my ward -Brad
















This is another guy from my ward -Justin

Pictures

Grandma,

I thought you may enjoy seeing some pictures from the single's conference. Now don't get too excited about the boys in the pictures -they are just friends and are in my ward or were in my ward. Like I say in the little video clip, the weekend was a lot of fun, but I didn't really meet anyone. But on the bright side, I significantly narrowed the pool of men I am searching in.

Lots of love,
Kara

Message 2

Grandma,

I am having a really tough time getting my videos to upload -not sure why. The first didn't work so you don't get to have my message. I think this one will work so that I'll get a chance to talk to you even though I am not there. Its pretty short, but is a first start; plus I think the shorter it is the easier it is to put it on this website.

I love you tons!
Kara

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Welcome to your blog Grandma

Hey Grandma,

I set up this blog so that I could send short video messages to you while I am away. Others can use it too. I just want you to know that I wish I were there with you and that I love you tons.

Lots of love,
Kara