Jennifer & Eric

 Jennifer and Eric with Madison, Aiden, Avery and Simon.

Grandpa always measuring us on his button up shirts.  one of the first things he would do when we arrived in Idaho, would be to ask us if we thought we had grown or not.  After we answered, he would stand us up next to him and he would count how many buttons on his shirt we were when we stood next to him.  He would ask us how many buttons we were the last time, and then tell us "Well, I think that means you grew!"

Grandpa always wanting us to do the jig...he would ask, "Hey Jen, do you think you can do the jig yet?"  Grandpa would do his version of the jig and we would probably roll our eyes and do the jig too.  Now that my kids are in school, the "jig" is one of the dances that they have always performed on some level at concerts.  How ironic?

Grandma always hummed when she did tedious chores.  whether she was cooking in the kitchen, or doing laundry..could hear grandma humming or singing.  And heaven forbid we talk mean or argue with each other!  "Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words To Each Other," ring any bells?  I still can't sing that song without thinking of grandma.

And there is always food in Grandma and grandpas house...you always knew that anything you could find to eat, was up for grabs!  It seemed that Grandma and Grandpa always asked what you wanted to eat, and then made it for you.  They always made me feel like I was right at home when I stayed at their house.

The last time we were there Grandpa took madison and made cookies with her.  He makes the best oatmeal cookies.  And I remember Grandpa making bread. Nothing makes you feel right at home, like a thick slice of home made bread with raspberry jam on it!

 One of the things I will always cherish the most?  You never heard Grandma or Grandpa speak a harsh word about anyone.  I can remember feeling the love of Christ in their home when we came to visit.  It didn't matter if you were one of the Grandkids that lived close by that they got to see often, or the grandkids from Alaska, we were ALL special to grandma and grandpa and they showed that love to us each time we got to visit them.  They continue to show that love by sending birthday cards to each of my children, and christmas treats every year.

I am sorry that I couldn't make this special occasion this year, but I want Grandma and Grandpa to know that I love them very much.  I am very blessed to be a Grand daughter of Floyd and Marjorie Merrill.