Memorial Day

Today I realized that if I don't blog soon, my husband may take over this site :) Although I really have appreciated having a man's perspective on the past few posts. Ben has inadvertently inspired me with his recent blogging to: 1. Update my wardrobe to compete with his broadcast journalism friends (see his fashion post) and 2. Use the phrase "fiscal year" more often. I don't know what it means, but it makes every blog post sound more intelligent :) Just teasing love.

What I really wanted to talk about today is a few thoughts I've had about Memorial Day. My cousin Circe's blog inspired me. My grandmother Freda's 95th birthday is this week and we're having a party for her tomorrow. As a gift, I've been putting together a slide show. It's been interesting to view her life through pictures. Ben and I love this one:

My grandmother Freda is the one on the left. I think she might have even gotten in trouble with her mom for taking a picture showing her knees, but I think it's hilarious. And it shows her spunk.

But the great thing is, through her pictures I've seen the legacy she's left. She never wavered in her testimony even though she grew up in a small town in Montana with few members. When she married my grandfather, he wasn't a member but he went on to be a Stake Patriarch. She was raised during the Great Depression, then raised three young boys alone for 18 months while my grandfather was in the Pacific in WWII. She had seven great children, one of whom is my wonderful mother. She also served in the church her whole life, including going on a mission with my grandfather to Canada.

My grandmother and mom

Ben once said, "You honor your ancestors by living a life they would be proud of." I love that. My grandma Freda came from pioneer ancestors. I'm sure they'd be proud of the life she lived, but would they be proud of my life? I hope so. I think it's something I can always strive toward.

In the meantime, I'll just focus on living the best life I can this year. I mean, this fiscal year. Or whatever :)