My sweet Grandma

grandma and Gabe June 2007

"Little grandma Evans" is what Evan started calling grandma when he was about two years old and the nickname has stayed. It can be a bit confusing with so many grandparents around and this name seems to fit her just perfectly! Although she is little in size she is a GIANT of a lady... she has a GIANT heart... we've always known that but just recently her doctors became alarmed at the actual size of her heart... she has so many leaky valves and her heart has to work so much harder than a healthy heart which in turn has made it literally fill one half of her chest cavity!! We joked a bit when she told us this because like I said we've all always known that she has a GIANT Heart!!! the past couple of weeks though, grandma's heart started to get tired. When faced with the knowledge that her time remaining here would be coming to an end my grandma with a Giant heart showed nothing but faith, courage, strength and love. I am so grateful that I was able to spend several afternoon's these past few weeks at her home reminiscing, talking, being together and always leaving with a kiss and her reassuring me and the rest of her beloved family that everything was going to be ok. Towards the end although Grandma was very sleepy she made sure that we knew she appreciated and loved us, with her sweet smile and gentle squeezes to our hands as we held hers. I am so grateful for the tremendous influence my grandma has had in my life and I am so glad that my boys knew her and loved her! There have been so many special experiences during this time with my grandma
and I'll just share a couple.... Grandma and Evan on his baptism day December 2007

We stopped by her house Last Monday as a family for a short visit. Grandma was sitting in her rocking chair as my mom rubbed her feet with lotion. I wish I could describe the feeling of realizing that this would probably be the last time that my boys would see her... It was hard. They had made cards for her and were so concerned about her being sick. we visited for awhile and grandma, although short of breath and weak, gave my boys her undivided attention asking them about school and sports and friends... It was hard to leave. They hugged her extra tight and she made sure that they knew that she loves them. Gabe has only been to grandma's house a few times and anyone who knows him knows that he is not a fan of anybody other than his mom and dad. He has serious stranger anxiety!! I asked him to tell grandma bye bye hoping that maybe he'd wave to her... well he jogged right up to her, placed his hands on her knees and raised his little face for a kiss and then he lingered there for a minute just studying grandma... it was one of those moments that was just magical... I think his little spirit remembered her and wanted to show her! It was like two sweet spirits both so close to heaven reconnecting...it was very special! After we all got in the car to go home Eli quickly
unbuckled his seatbelt and said "wait" and he rushed back into grandma's house. He quickly came back and I asked him "what were you doing?" He said "I just wanted to give grandma one more hug and tell her in her ear that I love her"

My grandma passed away at her home with all of her children around her! My aunts sing like angels and in her final hours they held her and sang to her. When my dad called to tell us that she had passed I was overwhelmed with the knowledge of the gospel and what a blessing it was that she had returned home! we will miss her so much but thanks to the knowledge that we have because of our belief in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, the Savior and the plan of salvation we all know that she is in a better place... and with grandpa too!! I drove to her house that evening and as soon as I pulled up to her house I was filled with so much emotion... oh, how we will miss her! I am so grateful for those short hours after her passing that I was able to be there in her home I know she was looking down on us and that she will continue to watch over us... There was never a question... we all knew how she loved us!! That night when I got home as we knelt for family prayer Eli offered the sweetest prayer. He simply said "Please bless little grandma Evans that she will be happy in Heaven and please bless grandpa Evans that he will find her and that they can be together forever."
I'm sure that they had a sweet reunion and that she is happy!! oh, how I love my grandma... I already miss her but her legacy lives on in all of us who were lucky enough to know and love her! Until we meet again my sweet grandma....

Bertha Ivaloo Tolman Evans

1920 - 2008

LOGAN, Utah - Bertha Ivaloo Tolman Evans, 88, peacefully passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, in her home surrounded by her children.
Ivaloo was born on April 4, 1920, in Logan, Utah, on Easter Sunday, to Wallace and Elsa Tolman. She married Pershing Evans from Sunnyside, Utah, in the Mesa, Arizona, LDS Temple. She was preceded in death by her sweetheart, Pershing, in 2002.
Ivaloo is survived by seven children: Barry (Karen) Evans of Corinne, Utah; Michael (Linda) Evans of Logan, Utah; Kim (Karen) Evans of North Logan, Utah; Kathleen (Clair) Merrill of Smithfield, Utah; Christine (Dale) Merrill of Valdez, Alaska; David (Patty) Evans of Logan, Utah; and Jill (David) Watkins of Hyrum Utah. She is loved and cherished by 30 grandchildren and 67 great-grandchildren and her sisters, Blance Yonk, Eileen Olsen and Wallace Tolman.
Ivaloo was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings in the church. Her greatest joy was working with the little children in the primary. Ivaloo spent her entire life loving and raising her seven children and rejoicing in her posterity. She was truly an example of integrity, charity, virtue and faith. Her hands and heart have served not only her family but anyone who came into her presence, friends, neighbors, and cherished members of the Amovita Club. Her hugs, kisses and beautiful smile and sweet sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who came to know and love her. Thanks and gratitude is expressed by the family to the staff, social worker, nurses and CNA’S of Access Hospice who offered their love and compassion and countless hours of service for her comfort and peace in passing. Our family is truly blessed to have acquired their services. Please accept our heartfelt love and appreciation for all of you. In leau of flowers the family has requested a donation to the Access Hospice who cared for her in her last hours. Ivaloo passed quietly from this mortal life surrounded by her precious family. Funeral services will be held in the Logan 10th Ward chapel at 792 North 500 East, on Friday October 3, at 12:00 noon. There will be a viewing held prior to the services from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for friends and family to honor her life. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary. Graveside services will follow in the Logan Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net

Nine Years old!!!

I am trying to go in order and get caught up on the events of the summer... but it seems like I never get in enough "blog time" I am still trying to get caught up but I had to jump ahead a bit for an important happening last week... our sweet Evan turned NINE!! and yes, here's a sneak peak of some family photo's that we had taken over the summer too!!! I love this one of Evan,
what a handsome little man...

Sometimes as a blogger it can be time consuming and difficult too to write all the thoughts I have about the people that I love in this world, I've been thinking lately that I need to just make my tribute posts and all posts in general shorter.... I tend to explain every detail and ramble on and on about things.... I know it's a problem.... but I love having the opportunity to sit down and think about this little boy of mine... My heart is too full to give all the details about why I love the birthday boy but here it is in a nutshell...nine little tidbits that help to make up this special boy
Happy Birthday Evan!!!!

1. Evan is tenderhearted, always has been! He worries about other people and is very protective of his family, especially his little brothers. I think he worries more about Gabe than I do. he says "MOM! watch Gabe so he doesn't fall off that chair" or "MOM! you better cut that smaller, because Gabe could choke" He naturally knows how to take care of others. He is in tune to other people's feelings and reaches out to them. He sees a need and quickly helps!! to put it simply, he is a sweetheart!!

2. Evan is so smart... He has an incredible memory and learning comes very easy for him. He loves to read and every year his teachers say... "I wish I had a class full of Evan's" Evan likes to please adults and has respect for them. Once I asked his teacher if he was as bossy at school as he is at home and she said "He is not "bossy" He is a leader." I realized then that it's all how you look at it and now I see that bossy trait, that he gets from me, as a strength! He is a rule follower... just a good boy!

3. Evan loves nutter butter crackers, ice cream, hamburgers, and cold cereal! He doesn't like potatoes, tomatoes, peaches, cheese, and oranges....or anything spicy...just to name a few!

4. Evan likes to snow ski, play sports, ride bikes, swim, cook, go camping, play with his cousins, and he adores his DAD!! He is not real fond on animals, (especially dogs) or heights, (no tree climbing or rock walls for him!)

5. Evan wants to be a semi-truck driver when he grows up :) He wants to attend BYU for college with his cousin Claire and play football for them while she is a cheerleader (seriously he came up with this all on his own....?)

6. Evan is very interested in learning sign language. He knows how to sign the alphabet, colors, a few short phrases and most foods.

7. Evan loves to watch "dancing with the stars!" The last few years every time his cousin Claire visits from California they have a dance show where they dress up in "fancy clothes" and they practice for hours... then they sell tickets and do a performance... and seriously it the cutest thing I've ever seen! They have this intense look on their faces and it seriously brings tears to my eyes... it's so cute! He is a special little boy... I am so glad that he's not one of those rough rowdy boys... he reminds me of my brother Steven, who is one of the most compassionate men I know, he reminds me of Glen too... He will make a wonderful father and husband one day... the world needs more sensitive loving MEN!!

8. Evan likes to draw pictures of army scenes... tanks, battle ground maps, fighter jets, etc... he loves to play "army guys" with Eli and his cousins. Evan also loves to play games as a family old Maid, connect four, Monopoly, Go Fish... He has been playing football this fall and loves it. he also really likes soccer, basketball, and baseball. He plays sports "smart" He is always one of the best players on his teams!!

9. I went on a field trip a couple of weeks ago with Evan's class up Logan canyon. I figured that now that he's in third grade and NINE years old that he'd probably just leave me to help his teacher and he'd be off with his friends but I was pleasantly surprised that he insisted on sitting by me on the bus and that everywhere we walked he held my hand! He even sat by me for lunch... As he's getting older I am beginning to realize that moments like those will probably become more rare!!! I wonder how much longer he is going to want to hold my hand and sit by me instead of his friends... I wish it was forever and sometimes I wish I could just freeze the hands of time for awhile!!

It is our tradition on birthdays to talk about the day that they were born. We get out the scrapbook and pictures and remember all the details about what a wonderful day it was that each of our boys finally arrived! They usually sit there with big grins on their faces feeling so special, as we talk about the weather that day, the doctor and nurses, their first cry and soft downy hair. Their wrinkly toes and velvet skin...they love this tradition!! I know that of course the birthday presents are the real highlight for them though. But for me, this remembering is my favorite. I love to look back at pictures of them as sweet babies, and to reflect on the feelings I had about each of them as I held them for the first time, so fresh from Heaven! We are so blessed to have Evan in our family and we love him so much!!!

Happy Birthday Buddy!!

dreadlocks...bare feet ....and lemonade

Every Saturday during the Summer there is a farmer's Market at one of the local parks in Logan. I love the laid back atmosphere there. I think in another life I'd like to be a hippie... Have no responsibility, never wash my hair, dance like nobody's watching, wear bare feet and a cute nose piercing!!!... I really think it would be fun! My sister Sara and I decided to take the kids and we were excited to grab some fresh produce too! My favorite booth is "Hot Mama's Lemonade" I was glad to see that it was still there this year! They make fresh squeezed lemonade and then add a fresh fruit of the day with a sprig of peppermint... YUM! My favorite is Watermelon! I think it was strawberry this time though, but it was really good too!! we checked out the jewelry, baked goods, art work, and produce! As we headed over towards the live band we noticed that the band playing was my Dad's brother Dave's band. I think they are called the Sun Dogs?! He plays drums and also sings the lead on a lot of the songs!! He is one of those cool old guys!! So we called my parents and told them to come see Dave and check out the Market! Anyway it was a lot of fun to see him and hear them play and just chill out dreaming about the hippie life....

There was one booth where a girl was selling tie-dye shirts and bags. She even had tiny onesies and pants for babies... adorable!! I couldn't resist buying a onesie for my cute
"hippie for a day"

More Pioneer Day Fun!

My aunt Jolene invited everyone over to her house for a water party and BBQ dinner. After the parades and a little lunch the kids could hardly wait to go! They had a blast swimming, doing

slip n' slide, water balloon volleyball, and eating homemade snow cones!!Every time we get together for dinner there is scrumptious food and lots of it! Everyone brought side items to go along with grilled hamburgers and hot dogs! It is so fun to be together eat and visit! Thanks to all my aunts and my grandma for planning cooking and always inviting!!

Gabe helped Glen with flipping the burgers!

wagon rides

Beautiful Mia!(my little cousin)

Summer wouldn't be Summer without

WATERMELON...

Gabe slurped down at least 5 slices!

Pioneer Day

My older (by 18 mo.s') sister Sara who live is California and her kids came to visit for four weeks this summer. Julie my little sister who lives in New York came too and If you've been a reader of my blog for awhile or know me at all, you know how tight I am with my sisters! (we love our brother dearly too...it's just a girl thing!) We LOVE being together and are the best of friends! We all talk daily on the phone and there is just nothing better than having them here for a visit! Sara got here with her kids just in time for the Utah holiday "Pioneer Day"that celebrates the settlement of our state and the pioneers who sacrificed, suffered and lost so much to get here!
(that explanation is for my readers in saudi arabia and China???)

North Logan city does a parade every year and the past few years the kids in our family have been IN the parade. They love dressing up as pioneer children and being able to throw candy to the crowd... Gabe could feel the excitement in the air and somehow knew just what to do at a parade... wave! His little arm was going nonstop and he couldn't take his eyes off of the parade even when there was candy scattered at his feet! He especially like the fire truck and police car sirens!

Here come the kids

Eli and my brother's boys Mathew and Jeffery begged to be "friendly Native Americans"
because as Eli reminded me "There were friendly Indians who helped the pioneers get here" I'm not sure if he was thinking about the Thanksgiving story or what but Indians they were and boy were they excited over the body paint :)

Claire, visiting from California loves the parades in Utah because they involve candy. "In California people don't eat candy" :)

Evan, Claire and Eli

After the parade the kids all got a well deserved creamy Popsicle. the perfect way to cool down on one of the hottest days of the year!
Here are about half of the kids from our family who walked in the parade
left to right: Nathan, Mathew, Evan, Eli, Claire, Tristin, Jonah and Jeffery

After the North Logan parade we headed into the Logan city celebration... same parade but this time the kids were the ones COLLECTING the candy!
Here are my boys with my sister's two oldest kids, Claire and Grant.

The ants go marching one by one... Hurrah!!

We picked Glen up from work one afternoon in the middle of July to join us for a picnic.We went to a great new park in River Heights called Ryan's Place. it was built just a couple of years ago by the community in memory of a sweet baby boy from River Heights who fell off a house boat at Lake Powell and didn't survive. There is a wonderful tribute to him at the entrance of the park and it is really one of the neatest parks I've ever been to.

There are also some memorial tiles in one area of the park that other families laid in memory of their children who they've lost... There is just a neat feeling there and I was so touched thinking of all those families who have lost children and just how special little children are! I went away feeling so blessed for my three boys and it reminded me to enjoy every moment! Maybe I should go this park everyday for that reminder because it seems that it's too easy to take it all for granted. Life moves so fast it's not always easy to enjoy it, especially when my little boys... well... act like little boys! We had a great afternoon and I of course took way to many pictures! I admit it- I am obsessed with taking photo's of my beautiful boys.... I love every little expression and detail about them. I try to capture it on film but it's never as precious as real life!

The picnic....


The cutest baby EVER...

Play time...

Camping is not for sissy's!!!

Almost every year since I was a little girl we've gone camping to Tony Grove up Logan canyon. My dad was a school teacher and although I never knew it, we didn't have a lot of funds, especially for a summer vacation. My mom grew up camping with her family and so camping became our vacation too! We usually went with all of our cousins and my grandparents! We loved it as kids ...and I still do!!! With Glen's new job we knew early on that he would not be able to join us this year, my sisters who are usually here for most of the summer were not going to be here in time, my brother and his family couldn't make it work and my Dad had too many things scheduled with his work.... My mom's family was all going and we didn't want to miss out but the thought of only me and mom going was a bit disheartening... It didn't seem the same, and with a baby who likes warm milk in his bottles, his own bed, exploring EVERY minute and eating dirt... it sounded too crazy! So we decided that we'd just go up to the camp site during the days and visit everyone! Well that sounded good at first, but then as the trip approached and everyone was talking and planning we just couldn't bear the thoughts of not camping, so we decided that we'd brave it

just the two of us...


...and my three boys!!

Tony Grove is my absolute favorite place to visit up Logan canyon! It is beautiful and holds so many fond memories for me! There are wildflowers scattered everywhere




and the lake surrounded by rocks and pines creates the perfect setting.

then nestled up in the hill above the lake are the best camp sites around! I love putting all the windows down in the car as we are winding up the road towards Tony Grove... and inhaling the fresh mountain air mixed with a hint of wildflowers, dew and campfire smoke... It is the best smell in all the world!!


Here are some of the highlights from our camping trip this year...
July 11-13
Playing in the Lake...

Eli and Mathew

Kaili and Mia decided they wanted to get in on the fun too!!

Gabe didn't want to get in but he sure enjoyed throwing anything and everything ( licorice, rocks, dirt, cookies sand toys etc...) into the water

Jonah and Eli catching minnows
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Almost every year since I was a little girl we've gone camping to Tony Grove up Logan canyon. My dad was a school teacher and although I never knew it, we didn't have a lot of funds, especially for a summer vacation. My mom grew up camping with her family and so camping became our vacation too! We usually went with all of our cousins and my grandparents and we loved it as kids ...and I still do!!! With Glen's new job we knew early on that he would not be able to join us this year, my sisters who are usually here for most of the summer were not going to be here in time, my brother and his family couldn't make it work and my Dad had too many things scheduled with his work.... My mom's family was all going and we didn't want to miss out but the thought of only me and mom going was a bit disheartening... It didn't seem the same, and with a baby who likes warm milk in his bottles, his own bed, exploring EVEY minute and eating dirt... it sounded too crazy! So we decided that we'd just go up to the camp site during the days and visit everyone! Well that sounded good at first, but then as the trip approached and everyone was talking and planning we couldn't bear the thoughts of not camping, so we decided that we'd brave it... just the two of us and my three boys!! Tony Grove is my absolute favorite place to visit up Logan canyon! It is beautiful and holds so many fond memories for me! There are wildflowers scattered everywhere and the lake surrounded by rocks and pines creates the perfect setting. then nestled up in the hill above the lake are the best camp sites around! I love putting all the windows down in the car as we are winding up the road towards Tony Grove... and inhaling the fresh mountain air mixed with a hint of wildflowers, dew and campfire smoke... It is the best smell in all the world!! Here are some of the highlights from our camping experience this year...</div> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">dump trucks</div> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">fishing with grandpa</div> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">campfire stories and songs</div> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">the family dinner</div> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">a hike to the poligamist caves for Evan </div> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">hiking around the Lake</div> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">swimming and wading in the Lake</div> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">grandpa and Glen joining us each night </div> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">hanging out with my mom!!! </div>

Glen and Grandpa came to visit...
after work each night Glen and my Dad drove up to see us and eat dinner with us!! I'm not sure who was more excited to see them each night, my mom and I or the kids??.... (probably my mom and I!!!) It was so nice to have them come and play with the boys, rig up our lantern, hang a clothes line, and just check on us!! Glen built us a fire each night before they left so that we'd have one in the morning! We sure love our sweet manly MEN!!!

We had a family dinner one night where everyone gathers in one camp site and cooks and eats dinner together. Then every other night we just gathered after our own dinners for some campfire songs, stories, smores and roasted starbursts



Canoeing...

My Grandpa who used to build homes and is a very talented carpenter made this canoe... I'm serious, It's the most beautiful canoe I've ever seen, people always stop to admire it and are amazed by his craftsmanship!! Can you even imagine how hard it would be to build a canoe??? He had to bend and shape each piece of wood just perfectly so it would ride smooth and it never leaks!! It's perfect, just like everything else that he builds... His hands can make anything and he is only satisfied when things are perfect! He is one of the hardest working people I know!! I've been in a few canoe's in my life and let me just tell you that NONE of them glide as smooth as my grandpa's!! We all really look forward to spending a day on the lake canoeing!!

my mom and Eli

Glen and some of the kids

dump trucks...
I remember whizzing down the hills at Tony Grove in a beat up Tonka truck with a big grin on my face, racing my cousins, doing stunt tricks and most of all being catapulted out time after time!! This has been a family tradition since the beginning and is definitely one of the highlights each year!!

Look at all those boys... looks like trouble... but boy, do they have FUN!!
left to right :Cole, Aiden, Jonah, Mathew, Eli , Evan, Jeffery

Gabe even got in on the fun!!
Gabe was obsessed with
#1 the flowers. He kept saying "fower" "pity" If he wasn't picking them then he was burying his nose in them giving a big sniff then he's say "mmmm." It seemed that he was constantly bringing my mom and I handfuls of flowers... If that doesn't brighten your whole day I'm not sure anything will... What a little romeo!

#2 pushing the dump trucks. although cute, this was pretty much a pain because our camp site was so hilly so Gabe was covered in dirt from sun up to sun down because he kept sliding and falling and losing control of his truck.... Ahhhhh did I mention that we were so glad to see Glen and my dad arrive in the evenings?? What a BOY!!

#3 exploring.
Gabe definatley kept us on our toes. He loved to wander and especially loved walking up the hills then sliding down on his bottom!! He was seriously a mess but I've never seen a better camper. He took the best naps, was so happy and was just so much fun to watch taking it all in!
Hiking...
Evan left early one morning with the "big kids" and my uncle Cory for a hike to the polygamist caves. He had a great time and was ready for a dip in the lake when he returned. Eli and some of the little kids joined the mom's for a hike around the lake.

Fishing...
My grandpa, bless his heart, is the most patient man I know. He taught me everything I know about fishing and even helped me impress a few boyfriends with not only my fishing skills but my know how on cleaning, gutting and filleting the fish!! He taught me that "if you catch a fish , you clean the fish and eat the fish" Some of my younger cousins must not have learned that lesson.... because although ALL of them were thrilled to catch fish this trip.... NONE of them would clean them... so that was my job!! It's been awhile but once a fish gutter always a fish gutter, I guess?... I don't mind the guts, what gets me is when the fish wiggle a little as you slice their belly (sorry for all those with weak stomaches out there) ... grandpa says it's just nerves... but it totally freaks me out!! Anyway back to my story about the most patient man I know... just look at him... He has taught all of us to fish, look at all the kids gathered, begging for a turn and he takes the time with each one of them making sure that they understand and he never leaves for home until everyone has had a turn reeling in a fish! My love of the outdoors comes from him. I love my grandpa so much and am so thankful for his example. I love that my boys adore him and get to learn from him too.











being together...
There are lots of reasons that we do this annual camping trip... the fresh air, the excitement of sleeping under the stars, the dutch oven and fire cooked meals, the memories.... but most of all we just love being together, that's what life's about right?



We had such a great time camping and I'm so thankful to my mom. She is such a strength to me. We had so much fun together!! I love to see her camping... she loves it!! She shared a tent with my two stinky boys everynight and took care of all of us! She could have been home in her warm comfortable bed, having showers every morning, turning on her stove to eat... but instead she chose to help me make some wonderful memories with my little boys and I love her so much for that and so much more!


p.s. one summer post down... and oh, SO many more to go...