This picture of Grandma & Grandpa Boyer used to hang on the wall in the back room where my mother slept as a child, and where I slept while living with Grandma during college.

I love this picture, and I told Grandma I would miss looking at it after I moved away to Georgia, so of course, she sent it with me. It is a great treasure to me.

According to Grandma's handwriting on the picture, it was taken in 1971 by a friend of my Mother.

COMMENTS:
(A) Sam Howard: "Thanks for putting this together, Lexie. An inspired choice :)"
(B) Marie boyer: "I second that :)"
(C) Devin Howard: "great pick on the pic, I didn't know she gave that to you, that's real sweet :)"

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

(Earlier posts below, starting with 1.)

20. Holly White wrote:
There are so many great memories with Grandma! She has a great way of making even the smallest things fun! Sunday's at grandma's house were the best! I remember lining up to get my ice cream cone- if you were a big kid you got 2 scoops, if you were a little kid you got 1... the anticipation of being a "big kid"! Like many other grandkids I remember the front games, her big box of dress up and jewelry, and the countless Bear Lake trips!

I can't believe Grandma still loved me after I BLEW up her car, when I drove her to Bear Lake in 2006! I love you Grandma!


21. Seth Boyer wrote:
On Sunday we went and visited Grandma. I was amazed at how much of her natural personality comes through. All of the Kids came into her room to say hi and when she woke up she went right into her serving mode, she was excited that we came and wished she had "buckets of ice cream" for the kids to eat. She thanked us for coming and told my little 2 year old Lizzie that when she felt better they would get better acquainted. More then once she offered to us to fix anything we could find in the house to eat. I went to show my love but left feeling she had done more for me.


22. Kimberly Boyer Mills wrote:
Hundreds of treasured memories flood my mind . . . She had an amazing sponge cake and the very best laugh. I love her wink after she makes an off the cuff comment. I can’t buy Fig Newton’s, black licorice, or Werther’s hard candies without thinking of her . . . and sometimes buy them just because of her.

Her yard was magical . . . a tire swing, a tree house, hidden paths, raspberries to pick, and endless places to explore. I have yet to find a better climbing tree than the tall pine tree in her backyard. Leonardo da Vinci said, “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Wasn’t grandma the epitome of that statement? Homemade bread with some jam became the food of royalty and the birds singing outside were better than any opera. She loved a windy day or a good thunderstorm.

I remember one summer grandma yelling at the boys because they had picked the unripe apricots and peaches to use as weapons against each other; thus ruining the harvest.

She was an excellent cook and housekeeper. When I make one of her recipes, whether it is her fresh peach pie, baked spaghetti, or homemade bread I always think of enjoying them in her kitchen.

Family Christmas parties were always a big hit . . .the much anticipated nativity pageant in grandma and grandpa’s basement, then hearing Santa’s bells before he arrived with a gift for each of us. I loved our Easter BBQ’s and again it was her yard that made for the best Easter egg hunts.

I too was led back into her room once and given a sweet necklace grandpa had given her years before. I wish I could walk through her door and see her reclining in her chair with a book. She filled her hall with pictures of us and her photo albums documented our lives. Grandma loved us and we knew it.

COMMENTS:
(A) Alexis Howard Johansen: Kim, your memories touch my heart. Grandma did indeed decorated her home with her family. I love your last comment best: "Grandma loved us and we knew it." I think that's the message we've all been expressing.

23. Alexis Howard Johansen wrote:
Grandma passed away very peacefully at 1:35 pm MST. My father said she simply took her last breath and was gone. My mother so wanted to be with her, but we're sure Grandma would want her to be with Allison to welcome a new life into this world.

I'd like to think that on her way to Heaven, Grandma took a detour through the mountains she loves, and then passed through the plane where my mom sat grieving. So really my mom did get to be with her to the end.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

1. Nellie Jane Boyer wrote:
"Whenever I would dress up and she would get exicted and take pictures of sadie and me. She always made me feel like a princess"


2. Kenzie Boyer wrote:
"With the weather warming up it got me thinking about spring cleaning at Grandma's. I always enjoyed getting together and pulling weeds, racking leaves, or purnning her fruit trees!! It was always nice when the whole family got together. Than afterwards it was followed by a wonderful dinner and talking.

Another memory I had about Grandma's was night Games. The adults would all be inside on a Sunday night after Grandma had dug out ice cream cones for the grandkids. we would then all rush outside for a game of hide-n-seek or freeze tag! Than running around saving everyone cutting through her little flower bed, or those with the longer legs just jummping over it!! I don't know how many times I got caught on the lone rock next to the drive way and walk way. But the front porch was always safe!!"


3. Marie Boyer wrote:
"K so Kenzie I remember the Front Game at least that is what I remember it being called. I remember waking up to a big breakfast when we'd have a sleep over there. I remember my first Rook game with Grandma, I was nervous and Seth was my partner. I took the bid and called trump and then proceeded to take out the middle, well I accidentally took out all my trump, that I had called and was so embarrassed that I ran and hid in the bathroom. I was there until Seth came and convinced me to come out so we could finish the game, needless to say we went down. :) and Grandma didn't mind at all :)"


4. Sam Howard wrote:
"I don't remember it of course, but Grandma was the first person to hold me, and her clear blue eyes were my greeting into this world. According to my mom, the doctor told Grandma that he needed to take me to run some tests, and she paused before relunctantly handing me over and said, "Now don't you hurt 'im."

She has been as protective and loving of me ever since, and I Iove her dearly for it. She loved us all just as much. Every one of her grand and great-grand children thinks that they are her favorite, but, of course, I’m still quite confident that it's me."


5. Jamie Kulbacki wrote:
"I loved going to dinner at Grandma's house. It made me feel so special because she would have the table set so nicely. My favorite dishes were the multi-colored ones. Plus I always loved what she cooked. I have to say one of my favorites was her spaghetti."


6. Devin Roy Howard wrote:
"I love how Grandma ALWAYS remembered my birthday, and from what I know that was the case for each of the grandchildren. I frequently would run up to grandma and give her big hug, and she would laugh jovially and sway "well hello there!". It was great, she was ALWAYS good for a hug."


7. Rebecca Tadje Howard wrote:
"After meeting Grandma for the first time, I already felt like I could enter the running as a favorite granddaughter--even though I wasn't even technically part of the family. She definitely entered the running as one of my favorite people in the universe. I love her lopsided smile as she makes funny sarcastic jokes. I love her bluntness--she has no guile. I love her special way of listening and asking questions, showing her genuine love and interest. I love her warm hugs and sweet cheek kisses. I love the way she displays food, making the most ordinary things seem extraordinary. I love her laugh, which she never hesitates to share. I just love her.

Even though I know it's best that she leaves this existence, I have been a little teary this morning. I miss her already--I think we all do. I'm so grateful we know that we can be with her again. I look forward to sharing conversations like we used to, before..."


8. Trevor Howard wrote:
"I remember when our family was living with grandma and grandpa, while our house was being built. I was about 6 years old, and grandma was teaching me how to play 'No Peekie' (i don't know how it was spelled). We would sit at the her table and play together, many times i would win. Each time i did, she would act so surprised and say "Well, I can't believe it, you won again" It made me feel so special. She probably let me win those games, but either way, her praise was the best feeling ever."


9. Trent Marvin Boyer wrote:
"One of my favorite memories was when I would visit her and we would play no-peekie. She has a competitive spirit but she would still let me win. I also loved playing Rook with her. Because of how much younger I am than my brothers and sisters, I was allowed to play Rook at a younger than normal age. I loved being on her team and it was especially fun to play and beat my parents. One particular memory stands out to me. We were playing Rook and she threw out a card she didn't want to play. This was at a time when she was starting to lose some cognitive ability and some physical ability but when she realized she didn't want to play that card she shot out of her chair at lightning speed, basically jumped half way onto the table, grabbed the card and was back in her seat in under two seconds. It was amazing. Then she proceeded to beat us in cards. I love her and what a great lady."

COMMENTS:
(A) Daniel Boyer: I have witnessed her "snake strike speed, card recovery abilities in action, good times.


10. Amanda Walker Bramwell wrote:
"I remember whenever we would come to Utah and visit grandma she ask us about what was going on in our lives, and even at a young age I knew that she was really asking. I remember one time we were there, I had told I had gotten my ears pierced. She was so excited for me and she took me into her room to find some earrings to give me but she couldn't find any. So she gave me a silver swan figurine that holds rings and bracelets. I still love that item to this day and use it everyday. And it is even better than earrings since I can't even where them now.
She always made sure that she talked to us and had conversations that us kids could be involved with. Then uncle Trent would take us outside play. I still have never been anywhere more magical then grandma's yard. Even though I was scared of the tree house. I also remember her taking us for walks up her mountain."


11. Amanda Walker Bramwell wrote:
"Even though I wasn't old enough to play rook until recently, she still found games to play us. And she always made us ice cream cones when we came.
One of my favorite past times at grandma's was playing with the jewelery in back bedroom."

COMMENTS:
(A) Marie Boyer: I loved her costume jewelery, that was fun.


12. Phillip Boyer wrote:
"I always loved going to Grandma's house on Sunday nights. Sometimes me and my siblings would walk to Grandma's house on Sunday nights and pick flowers to give to her when we got there (totally not girlie, but then what do you expect from a guy with six sisters). Even though most of our "flowers" were weeds Grandma would still put them in a vase to display to every one.

I also always loved Grandma's cooking one of my favorites was her home made bread with her "special" white honey mmmmm good.

Another memory I have of Grandma is how willing she was to give items away to anyone who mentioned that they liked something in her house. I remember mentioning that I liked a statue of a horse in her house & before I knew it she was taking it off of her shelf and giving it to me. What an amazing, giving, and wonderful lady. I had better stop writing now because weird wet things are starting to fall out of my eyes."


13. Kristin Boyer Fishback wrote:
"There is so much to love about Grandma! She is definitely so unique-there is no one else quite like her! I love her personality and spunk. She was never afraid to tell you what she thought- how many times have we all laughed at her sarcastic comments! I remember always being so nervous to play Rook with her, especially if I got put as her partner. I knew if I made a mistake she would let me know!!
Not only is she so funny, but she is always so polite and loving. She made everyone feel right at home and each of us feel so loved and special. I love hearing all the stories of what she gave each of us when we were with her. Anything we loved- she would say, "then I think you should have it!"
I love her love for nature. She definitely opened my eyes to notice the beautiful world we live in--whether it was those orange poppy flowers blooming, the leaves changing colors, or the way the direction of the snow falling during a storm. She always took time out to enjoy it."


14. Kristin Boyer Fishback wrote:
"I feel so lucky to have spent even more time with her over the last year or so and visit her with my kids. I love the way she "lights up" when the little kids are around and wants to play with them or watch them play. My kids call her the "grandma with all the toys." They have grown to love her too and they can feel how special she makes them feel.
I loved talking with her about the days when her and grandpa were dating and when she was in college. It was so fun to hear her tell her stories. She sure has lived a fun and adventurous life!! She is one special lady that has so many talents and good qualities that I admire. Love you, Grandma!"


15. Roxanna L. Boyer wrote:
"On my first date with my future husband, Stan, I met his mother, Lorraine. She was standing next to the fireplace in a long sapphire blue robe trimmed in white. Her hair was lightly mussed from the day's work but that pure white color apparent and her presence regal, confident, graceful and serene. She welcomed me into her home with the practiced manner of someone who has welcomed many of her children's friends and possible spouses before. I felt like I had entered a sanctuary with symbolic collections decorating the walls, fireplace, sideboards, china hutch and table. They heralded a love for nature, wild life, the mountains, family, work and most of all children. With seemingly no effort, she handed me a slice of apple pie, hot with a dipper of ice cream on the side and I began my tutorial of womanly graces with Lorraine."

COMMENTS:
(A) Alexis Howard Johansen: It makes me want to go out and put some colorful and interestingly shaped glass bottles in my window. :-)
(B)Roxanna L. Boyer: I think imitation is the highest compliment. I have glass bottles in my window now.
(C) Amanda Walker Bramwell: I bought a little bird that reminds me of her and the birds she had in living room.


16. Alexis Howard Johansen wrote:
While living with Grandma in college, I painted my toe-nails key-lime green. Grandma saw my toes and said, "What's that on your toes?"

I responded, "It looks cool, hu!"

"It's sure is ugly!" she said with a crooked smile ;-)

My mother sent her children an email entitled, "Saying Goodbye." As she updated us on Grandma's status and suggested we take an opportunity to say goodbye, she wrote, "I find myself calm and comforted. I am so glad for opportunities to sit with her, put my arms around her, and tell her I love her."

Oh how I wish I could put my arms around Grandma, kiss her cool cheek, and tell her I love her. I imagine she'd kiss me back and say, "I love you, too!"

Thinking of her, reading your favorite memories, and shedding a few tears helps to say goodbye. I'm so glad she's finally going home to Grandpa, but I will still miss her dearly.

Thank you all for sharing. I look forward to reading more favorite memories. Please remind/invite your siblings/parents to join in.


17. Seth Boyer wrote:
"When Marie and Michelle were born Grandma came and stayed with us. I was 5 and went outside to catch a "bee". To my surprise I caught one! So I got stung and called out to Grandma. She didn't yell at me or tell me that was stupid, she just comforted me and then got some dirt and put it on my hand. I thought that was silly because my mom always had me wash my hands. But it did work and took the pain out."


18. Daniel Boyer wrote:
"I drove my lifted, 4x4-rusty, teal green, Suzuki Samurai up Grandma's driveway about 7 years ago. She was walking off her porch as I pulled up. My engine sputtered a little as I shut-her-down, seemingly resisting my imposed "off mode". Grandma smiled at this and said.

"My, that's a fun Jeep. I always wanted Grandpa to get one of those for the canyon and our cabin. I think we had one, but maybe it was something we borrowed, but I remember how fun it was to bounce around in."

"Do you want to go for a ride?"

"Sure, but I shan't. I couldn't get my britches up that high to get in, but thanks Danny.""

We visited about her love affair with cars and trucks and how she and Roy had different tastes. She says she thought she liked Jeeps the best, but that she didn't know for sure as she might just be hoping she did as it seemed a fun way to think about herself. Her honesty and ability to keep things real has always been wonderful to enjoy. When she told me stories, I remember being surprised at the often self deprecating nature of them. She didn't pull punches and if a fact didn't seem the poise a good light on her she would still share it, laugh and say "that was dumb of me, wasn't it?"

COMMENTS:
(A) Roxanna L. Boyer: Nice memory.

19. Roxanna L. Boyer wrote:
"In her first home in Provo, she painted flower borders in the living areas to decorate the walls. As she was telling me this, her eyes seemed to glisten going back in time. She indicated this was a precious time in life for her, working with Roy, raising little boys, struggling to make ends meet and putting her heart into that modest little home by painting her flower borders. She even commented on how she loved the effect of her handiwork. it gave her a great deal of pleasure to create beauty in her home. Her love of beauty, nature and flowers is reflected again in the beautiful yard she crafted in Pleasant Grove."