Families can be together forever.

My sweet Grandpa that had been living with us for 5 and a half weeks passed away in our home early Tuesday morning. Our hearts are still a bit heavy(especially mine), but we're trying to move forward and to record and cherish our memories. We feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to live with and to be able to serve both he and Grandma. I'm SO greatful that my children had the opportunity to create a memorable relationship with thier Great Grandpa! We are looking forward to helping Grandma through the next little while, and feel lucky to get to do our best to take care of her in the way Grandpa would want. That was his biggest concern that she'd be cared for. We sure miss him, but are greatful for the plan of salvation and to know that we will be able to be with him again one day. We love you Grandpa. (I've posted his obituary below this precious picture of he and my big girl just two weeks ago.)

Don Robert Hymas, loving husband, father, and grandfather slipped away peacefully at home on December 9, 2008 surrounded by his devoted family.

One of two children born to Benjamin and Sarah Elizabeth Hymas on March 6, 1923, in Sharon, Idaho, he grew up in a loving family, with fond memories of helping on the family farm, adventures with his dog, Ring, and enjoying community dances and activities throughout the valley. He entered the Army during World War II and served his country proudly for 3 years.

He married his sweetheart, Lillie Roma Beckstead, on June 1, 1945 in the Logan, Utah Temple. They lived in Preston, Idaho for a time, and then moved to Twin Falls, Idaho. Together they have 6 children, 25 grandchildren, and 38 great-grandchildren. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many capacities, including ward clerk, executive secretary and counselor to the bishop, as well as serving with his wife in the Boise, Idaho Temple. He found joy in hard work. His profession was in the grocery business, as well as being a transport driver. He was involved with the American Legion for many years and loved fishing with his boys, being in the out of doors, bowling, woodworking, cooking, gardening, and being with family. He found great joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved being with them and hearing of their achievements and activities.

He is survived by his wife, Lillie Roma Beckstead Hymas, and children, Shawna (Larry) Dunn, Kent Hymas, Randy (Carolyn) Hymas, Catherine (Bill) Garrison, Kristine (Edward) Durtschi, and Richard (Kelly) Hymas, as well as his sister, Pearl (Verl) Perkel.

He was a gentle giant. We will miss his loving and devoted ways, his hugs, his teasing nature, and the joy he brought to his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 12, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS 9th Ward Chapel on Elizabeth Blvd in Twin Falls, ID with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. A viewing will be held Thursday, December 11th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at White Mortuary “Chapel by the Park” 136 4th Ave. E., Twin Falls, ID and 1 hour prior to the services at the church. Friends and family can share your thoughts and fond memories at www.Mem.com.

My adorable boys. :) minus Daddy.

Tenderheart is really growing up! I have been meaning to get my kids to a photo studio forever, but I'm too cheap/poor to take them, so we quickly took a few photo's outside on this warm November day. :) Tenderheart is going to be starting preschool in January, and I really hope it helps him find his own little place in this world.

Babyboy is also growing up faster than I'd like- but there are some good things and bad things about that. His 2nd birthday is in a few weeks, and he's already started the lovely tantrums that can accompany that stage. He's very animated right now, and loves to imitate anything he hears.. even the evil laugh of the wiked witch he'll copy and say 'so funny'. :)

I am one lucky Mommy to get to raise these sweet boys.

What did I do?

Before:

After

Leaves

After a few days of a pretty grumpy Mommy, I got the bug to go outside and rake leaves. Of course, mostly with the purpose of letting the kids play in them. :) It was loads of fun, and hopefully has helped me get out of my rut. Don't ya hate those?

Busy as a Bee.

Saturday we had the opportunity to go to Logan for my nephew's baptism! It was a special day for us, and we are glad that he invited us to come. :) After we got home, we moved my Grandparents into the upstairs of the home we are living in with my parents. Yeah, 4 generations under one roof. This will be a change, for everyone living here, but the transition *seems* to be going pretty good. At least we all have a little of our 'own' space to escape to at times. I'm also glad that my kids will get to spend some quality time with thier Great Grandparents. I hope they can make many lovely memories of this time while we're all together.

I've been trying to figure out how to create some positive time for my Tenderheart. He is classic middle child and I want him to feel loved, valued, and special. I know that no one, including myself means to give him a bit less attention, but somehow it always seems to happen. I do my best to give him one on one time, and let him know what an important part of our family he is. Does anyone else feel like they have a middle child problem in thier family? What do you do to make sure everyone feels important and special?