KC's Memories

Dearest Mother and Father,

 

            I just wanted to first and foremost thank you for the multitude of experiences, love, and knowledge of this universe you have provided me; I can’t imagine having any other parents. I can honestly say that in my life I never wished for other parents, however I may have wished that my parents would have got me the latest and greatest gizmos for Christmas, but I wanted it to by my parents doing the giving. I could never in one letter express every single thing that I am grateful for, though I want you to know that I am absolutely beyond grateful for all that you have done for me and the family. I try to imagine a life without the two of you in it, and it is bleak to say the least. You are not someone that I just have to have in my life, but someone I love to have in my life as a mentor, role model, and my best friends.

            I thought I would take this time to share some of my fondest memories with the two of you, and there is a plethora of them. I could bring up the garage sale Christmas, Butte Copper Kings, or getting lost in a field north of Great Falls, but I think we have hashed those out plenty of times. My fondest memories are in the countless adventures we have embarked on together. I didn’t realize as a kid how truly lucky I was to have parents that took me to see such incredible awe inspiring sights. I can think of Lake Louise, Coronado Island, the ruins of Mesa Verde, and the skyline of Idaho Falls. It didn’t have to be in faraway locations, but just simple trips close to home. Whether it was a Saturday morning at the yard sales, searching the woods of the local golf course, or fishing on a stream up Spanish Fork Canyon I was just happy to be out experiencing the world with my parents. We were always a family on the go, seeing the world, and making sure that I was a happy kid.

            I think of one vacation in specific however that encapsulates your character, and the joy you bring into my life. It was a trip that the three of took down to south central Utah. We started by stopping at the Gunnison Cemetery and taking that moment to remember why we are here on earth, seeing where we came from, and to see where we are heading literally and figuratively. That seems to be a theme on our trips, remembering our heritage, the sacrifice of our ancestors, and learning the history of those who came before us. I have come to have a great appreciation for my family on both sides and the character they had, and the sacrifices they have made. Next we were able to go stay in a swanky lodge down in Torrey. It was stunning, and a happy place to rest your head. Most of all it was incredible to spend the time together disconnected from technology and spend that time just talking, laughing, and teasing one another with the simplicity of nature as our backdrop. I remember the next day as dad braved Hells Backbone on our way to Escalante, and the two of you being troopers as we hiked up the petrified forests of Escalante State Park. It was a simple trip, but there was no place else on earth I would have rather been than spending quality time with my parents, listening to our favorite music, and just enjoying the company and scenery. I don’t even remember dad being stressed other than maybe driving on some parts of the highway.

            I will of course never be able to repay everything that you did for me, but I hope that I will be able to take what you taught me, the love you instilled into me and pass it on to those I teach, interact with, or befriend. I can say that I know right from wrong because of you, but more importantly I can say that I strive to love everyone, show empathy for those who are the down trodden, and reach a helping hand where I can. These are the things you instilled in me; these are the things that I am proud to say are a part of who I am. I hope you know my love for you is larger than the Himalayas, and the like the Himalayas it is growing every day. I love you and hope you have an incredible Christmas.

 

Love, your favorite son,

KC

Ryan's Memories

Tag Loves Grandma and Grandpa

Gray's Gratitude

Nash's Letter

Harlee's Special Memories

Luke Loves Grandpa and Grandma

 

Princess Jamie Remembers

 

 

John and Darolyne,

Let me start this letter by saying how blessed I feel to be a Childs.  I remember the first time that I met you two- I was so nervous and of course John did not make it easy on me.  But I never blamed you for that!  You could not let just anyone marry the amazing son that you had raised and you had to see if I had the potential to someday be worthy of him.  Thankfully you graciously welcomed me into the family and I am so grateful that you did. 

I feel so blessed to learn from your examples.  Darolyne, you teach me how to be kind and selfless.  You are always so willing to help others and I have been lucky to be the recipient of that help so many times.  I am reminded of when I had the opportunity to join Joey in Amsterdam and you so willingly agreed to watch the kids for me.  I got to experience a once in a lifetime trip and not worry for a second that the kids were taken care of.  And to top it all off, I came home to an immaculate house.  You make me want to follow your example and give others the opportunity to make memories.  John, you are such an example of quiet strength.  You are not one to say much but when you do it means the world.  Kind of reminds me of someone else that I love!  I remember a life changing conversation we had shortly after Luke was born.  You encouraged me with love and firmness to work through a difficult situation.  You helped me to glimpse the bigger picture and I am eternally grateful. 

One of my greatest memories with you both came on one of my hardest days.  I know that we have experienced a lot of fear with four of the births of our children, but one birth stands out when I think of you guys.  When Gray was born I remember you both coming to the hospital the day after.  John and Joey left to go give Gray a priesthood blessing.  Darolyne and I got to sit and chat which helped to take my mind off the stress of the current situation.  I remember John walking back into the room and saying “He’s going to be ok.”  I will never forget the peace that came with this statement.  I was so grateful then and continue to be grateful for both of your testimonies and love of the Gospel.  

 I have so many great memories of spending time with you both in St. George, hiking, family dinners, being spoiled at Christmas, great conversations with John when he was in a talking mood, garage sales, and many other amazing moments.  I feel so blessed to be part of your family.  You both are like parents to me and I am so thankful for your love.

                                                                                                           

                                                                                                            Love you both,

                                                                                                                   Jamie

Joey's Favs

Mom and Dad,

When I perform a quick first pass at some of my memories of my childhood and my parents, I immediately think of random experiences that help to mold who I am.  I remember, sitting in our formal living room in Vernal.  It was a converted garage that seemed to lack insulation as the temperature in the winter had to have been equivalent to the outside temperature.  I remember sitting in that room as a family and my mom playing name that tune with church songs on the piano.  I think that is a memory because getting four boys to participate in a music inspired family home evening was short lived. 

I remember being outside in Vernal in the summer.  I remember spending an hour each week doing my portion of mowing the lawn.  I either had the side lawn (which was essentially an alfalfa field mowed down and called lawn that was the size of a small football field – which we did use for neighborhood football games), the front lawn, or the back lawn.  I remember then spending time in the garden pulling weeds (I remember being rewarded after a full Saturday of pulling weeds with a root beer float/ banana split from Maesar).  I also remember going up into the high Uinta’s and cutting wood, loading the wood into the blue/white Chevy truck and bringing it home.  Saturdays were spent cutting that wood into smaller pieces and then axing those into even smaller pieces when needed, to feed the wood burning stove in the winter.

I remember great family trips to Canada/Montana every summer.  I don’t know how we endured those drives with the speed limit at the time and no electronics.  I don’t know how we are all still here knowing that a couple of times we made the trip in the Chevy coffin.  We essentially just laid in the back of the truck that had a modified camper shell with a shelf that we laid on.  Imagine laying down for a good 12 hours.   I remember stopping at every antique store to find old bottles and other knickknacks.  I remember trying to find every golf course within 40 miles of my grandparents.  In fact, I recall one fun golf trip where Jamie and my Dad golfed and I did what I did best which was go into the ponds and high grass to find golf balls.  I remember one time my Dad hit a line drive directly into a bridge.  The golf ball ricocheted and came back and knocked me down. 

I remember living in Orem.  I remember weekly getting the Hamburger/French Fry  and Root Beer special.  I believe that the whole meal was $1 and we ended up gorging on those weekly.  I remember great times out front playing basketball.  I remember great Easter Egg Hunts and great Christmases.

I have so many similar memories.  These are just a smattering of the feast.  I remember these great times because I had such great parents that created such great memories.  I know that I always felt secure in my family and the love that was there.  I always knew that my parents were committed to the Gospel and lived accordingly.  Now that I am a parent, I can appreciate more fully what my parents did for me.  It’s humbling to think of how I fall short of their example but still hope that I continue to strive to be better and a better parent for my children.  The legacy must live on.

                                                                                                                                     Love, Joey

Carson's Favorite Moments

Letters from Florida

 

 

 

Daryk's Memories

When I was told that we were going to write our favorite memories for a book which would be given to you at Christmas, I had something that came to my mind almost right away. It may not count as a memory though, because we weren’t together. It was when you and I were both out on our missions. I loved talking with you two when we were both in the service of the Lord, both doing things to better the Kingdom of God on earth, while on different sides of the earth. I loved the emails and conversations we would have, you sent me stories and testimonies that always would strengthen and help me in my work. I was grateful for those emails and grateful to have served alongside you two as your grandson. I still am grateful to be able to visit you in your home and pop in to be able to have a discussion and learn from both of you. It is always wonderful to spend amounts of time together when we can talk about so much. You two are great examples! I look up to you and am so happy to be your grandson. 

 

--

- Daryk Childs

 

Hailee's Memories

To the most wonderful grandparents in the world,

Words cannot express the gratitude I have for you both. I wouldn’t be who I am today without you. I’m so beyond grateful for your example. You truly show the pure love of Christ, to our family, even to those around you. I have learned the gift of obedience and love through you both. I have seen you go through trials that you have handled with utter grace. Regardless of what is going on with your life you always are there for me and show me that you care. That is a very strong quality in you both, and something I truly want to acquire.

Grandpa, I have the fondest memories with you. I have a lot of my hobbies and interests because of the fun Saturday’s we would spend together. I watch you ‘create’ projects around your house to help others whether that’s a neighbor, Dave, Gary, or even us grandchildren. I see the love you have for life and for your family, and the joy your family brings to you. I admire your love for the gospel and your knowledge of its teachings. Whenever you speak of the gospel, you have an amazing mantel that you are able to profoundly teach and testify. I am grateful that you have always been such an amazing patriarch of our wonderful family. You are always there if I need a blessing and I love that you are worthy and willing to hold the priesthood.

Grandma, I so admire your grace, poise and diligence. I love the tea parties at your house, you always made me feel like I was a princess. I am so grateful for your example throughout my life. You have shown me such a compassionate love. You are there for everyone, all the time. Even if you are sick and hurting, you always put others above yourself and never ask for anything in return. You have showed me the true meaning of service. I admire the relationships that you have with your friends, I’ve never heard you speak ill words about anyone, especially them. You admire your friends and glean wisdom from them, that in and of itself speaks wonders. You have a beautiful way of carrying yourself, through trials through struggles you maintain a beautiful poise that is the true meaning of grace. You work harder than anyone I know, but with little praise. You put your family first and through your example I hope to be a wife and mother like you.

I am so grateful for the wonderful son that you have raised, he is the most wonderful father I could have ever asked for, I couldn’t imagine my life without him. He has been everything this girl needed in a dad. I thank you for starting our wonderful family and raising four awesome men the way that you have. Thank you for being everything you are and more. I love you so much!

 

Hailee Skye

Mindi's Memories

 

Thank you for always being so supportive of our children.
So grateful for your love.
You are so generous and giving.
I will be forever grateful for your testimony of the Savior.
Thank you for serving a mission and being an example to my boys as they prepare to serve.
Many holidays have been filled with joy and being spoiled by you.
Love you,
Mindi

Jamie's Memories

 

 

 

I remember having the best Christmases out in Vernal.  I remember taking around some presents to needy people.  One year we took something out to a house out in the middle of nowhere.  Spooky old house and I had to go drop it off and ring the bell and run off,  One of the scariest things I remember doing.  Another year I remember dropping off some presents to a poor family in a trailer park.  These memories shaped my fondness for Christmas and taught me to think of others.

 I also remember a time when I had got into a fight out in the field by our house with Kris M.  Spencer R. was there helping Chris to take me on.  I remember they had some girl friends with them when he challenged me.  I was scared but fought back when he attacked me.  All of a sudden I heard my Dad yelling at me.  I thought he would certainly come get me and really get mad at me.  What he said will always stay with me.  He yelled, "Jamie, knock his lights out and when you are done come in for dinner!"  That was awesome.  I knew my Dad had my back when he could have really got mad at me.  I'm sure he was worried about me and wanted to step in, but he didn't.  I learned the importance of family loyalty and that sometimes as a parent, you need to let your kids go through hard things to allow them to grow, even though you could step in and make it easy for them.

One last memory was when we decided to move to Orem.  I was a sophomore and my Dad had told me that he had got a job in Orem and we were going to move.  This really upset me and I said some mean things to my parents that night.  I had also heard the news that he was leaving Vernal Junior High to go to Orem on the radio news later that night,  The school board had been notified.  I was so upset and scared and I let my parents know that using some harsh words.  I didn't sleep at all that night.  The next morning at 6:00 a.m.my Dad came in my room and told me that everything was a done deal, but if it was really going to upset me that bad, that he would go back and ask for his job back.  This was a great display of true love and I recognized it.  We moved to Orem that summer and I always look back on my Dad being willing to give up a career decision to help his kids if needed.  Both my Mom and Dad did so many things like this for me and my brothers as we grew up.  I still remember most of it and will always appreciate it.

Jamie