There ARE Smiles . . .

We go to visit Wayne's mother Luzell a couple of times a week. Often we find her dozing, snoozing she calls it, which is understandable since she will be 97 on Nov 10th. She wakes up with a wonderful smile. When Andy was a baby, he would greet us with un gran sonrisa as Wayne put it, and Grandma Luzell does the same thing. One day I told her how great her smile was, and she commented, "Well, people like you better if you smile!"

As one who wakes up a bit foggy, wanting soft sounds and no bright lights for the first half hour of life after sleep, I hope I don't react too often like a post-hibertating bear when life jars me too soon out of my preferred cotton-wool enviornment. Luzell's cheerfulness is such a wonderful, bright gift she gives, although she needs help to do many other things in life -- she gives that smile to everyone who comes around.

My random thoughts this past week have come again and again on how great smiles are . . . How they lift burdens and brighten life. What great gifts from the heart!! So, to all of you who have lifted my life with your smiles and sweetness, thank you! I salute you with my Smile Album! . . . and a truly grateful heart!

A hike with Jake & Cody this spring. We all got into the pic, sort of.

ShaNee & Harlan on his blessing day . . .

Sam & Kade Eastering at Castle Rock . . .

Jen & Daphney on the J&J vacation.
Cousin Holly visits Grandma last Christmas.

Kids Joseph & Caitlin (?)

Kade, Lauryl & Josh came for Grannie Camp this summer. We went hiking . . .

Harlan & Brittney play at the Family Fun Day in Ogden this summer . . .

Then there's good reason to smile with Joe & Jen's great news!!!

Cody, you make my eyes crinkle up and the corners of my mouth go up whenever I see this pic! You & Jake!!

There's Hunter mugging for the camera at Grannie Camp 2007.

Dad & Aunt Joanie are searching for light while they wait for me to try on a dress in Mr. Macs. What nuts!

And Mike, Sam, Hunter & Grandad on the Navajo Loop trail at

Bryce Canyon.

The next few are as old as the hills and courtesy of Aunt Joanie. The first is of me, Sue & Joanie in Greenville along with our branch president Glen Sims. That's our house in the background.

That's Daddy with his Big Fins car, also in the driveway, near the back porch.

And the last one is Sue and Joanie, about 1953. Great sisters!!

Andy & Becky at home, enjoying each other. . .

Amy, Sarah & Britty resting on a hike we took at Castle Rock in 2007.

And, last of all, Joanie and Annie at the Caraway reunion she planned in 2007 at Kelley's Grove. So much fun that was!

And folks, I can see I need to smile, regardless, especially after trying to put this blog together!! Man, the spacing is murder, isn't it?

Anyway, Loves & Smiles from Annie's house this week!! Grandma's pretty sweet, spreading all that gran sonrisa around!! What an easy way to make life fun and better!