The Cluff Family

So the day after my birthday, Tanner and I went out on a date to celebrate both of our birthdays while Michelle and Mike watched our children. Tanner picked the restaurant and I picked the movie. He chose Tucahnos and I chose "Everest" for the movie.  It was so nice to have an evening out. Usually we just go out to movies while M&M listen but the fact that we got both dinner and a movie was a treat. 
For Tanner's birthday I tried to make his as special as mine was. I sort of failed. When Tanner came home from work he picked up Shirley's cinnamon rolls and he was smothered with hugs, kisses, and songs from the kids. Then I had him open his two presents which were the fails. I got him an ASU shirt and a button down shirt which he wanted to return both. Oh well... he is ridiculously hard to buy for. I told him he could just go shopping and find something he likes... but the thing is he won't ever do it. He also has an ASU hat coming that didn't arrive in time. Hopefully he will like that. Then he slept for the day since he worked all night and that evening his brother and sister in law, Chris and Leslie, arrived from Arizona to stay with us for the weekend. We all went out to dinner at Outback Steakhouse. The children were a little restless but overall it was an enjoyable dinner. Chris and Leslie went to a missionary reunion and then we came home, put the kids to bed, and then watched our TV shows again while I massaged Tanner's feet... for a long time. I could tell he wasn't feeling like it was his birthday so I wanted to make it up to him.
The next day he blew out candles that were on top of a pop cake that was at his request. All weekend we were able to visit with family and enjoy conference. On Saturday night we met up with Brandon and Shanna and went to Maglebys for dinner. It has been a fun couple of weeks I must say. We are ready to get back on track with our budget and our diet. Happy Birthday Tanner, we love you and appreciate all that you are!

We celebrated my grandma turning the big 80! Andrew made a video of a bunch of videos made by most of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. It varied from people saying happy birthday to sharing a favorite memory of Grandma.  It was so sweet and I shed a tear or two. When I think about the life my Grandma led it brings tears to my eyes. She truly is an incredible woman. The older I get, the more I realize the hardships and trials she went through and how she overcame them and still is. My favorite memories of Grandma are when we spent summers with her in Ione, California. I remember going into her room and playing dress up with her scarves. I remember her making peanut butter cookies and doing the criss cross design on top with a fork. I remember performing plays with my cousins for her and just watching her as she sat outside with Grandpa looking out at their view. She is a beautiful woman and she still radiates that beauty. She loves to  decorate her house and I think I got that love from her. She is constantly rearranging her furniture and putting new decor up.  Even with how weak her body has become, she still finds the energy to keep her home looking beautiful. She always knew how to make things beautiful. That is just one of the things that I love about her. I have to mention how intelligent and wise she is.  I loved when she lived in our basement when I was in Junior High. I used to go downstairs and ask her for help with homework and she always was the biggest help... especially with English (my least favorite subject). I could go on and on about my lovey, sweet, Grandma. I love love LOVE her with all of my heart and I hope I can be as awesome as she is when I am a Grandma. Chloe loves to hang out with her and there is no wonder why.  I love you Grandma! Happy Birthday!