Missing Grandma Lou

I am very sad today. My dear sweet grandma has left this world to be reunited with her loved ones in Heaven. Although it was expected, and I know that she is happy, and pain free, I am left here grieving. Just for my comfort and remembrance, I am writing some of my memories of her. Sorry, It's kind of long. I have pictures to download, but for some reason, blogger is not letting me download them right now. Anyone else having problems??? I will post them as soon as I can.

My Grandma was a very special lady. She was born on New Years Day, so we didn't celebrate the New Year, we celebrated Grandma's Birthday. Grandma loved life, and lived it to the fullest. She was always cheerful, and had a smile on her face. And you could always hear her humming or singing a song. She loved "oldies" music. One of her favorites was Kenny Rogers especially the song "Lucile". Of course because that is her name. We called her many things Lucile, Lucy, Granny, Louie, and Grandma Lou. My daughter Lucy who is in Heaven with her today is named after her great-grandma. I would like to think that it was a joyous occasion for my daughter to meet the wonderful woman that she was named after.

You could never be sad or grumpy when Grandma was around. She would not allow it. Grandma loved to have fun, play games, and play silly pranks on people. I remember a few times going to St. George with her, and we had to go into the Joke Shop (I don't know the official name) so she could find silly things for us grand kids to play with. She had a can with a snake inside for many years that I hated. She taught us how to have fun, use our imagination, and to play outside with each other. My cousin Bree and I would play for hours in Grandma's side yard. They had an old pile of bricks that we would make houses with (without walls--there weren't enough for that). When we would ask Grandma for things to put in our house, she would tell us that you have to imagine it, because then you can have anything you want.

I loved spending time at the cabin on Beaver Mountain. Grandma would take all of us kids into the tree's and she would tell us stories, and teach us new songs, and play games. We would also plan and practice skits to perform for our Aunts and Uncles. She would even have fun activities planned for us, like bubble blowing contests, and "peeing" contests. (You heard me right. The boys would see who's would go the farthest. I hate to admit, that I even joined in when I was little, something I will never live down. What did you expect, I was surrounded by boys.)

Grandma loved to have all of her family together. One family tradition that we had was every Christmas Eve we had a party with all of the Fullmer crew. My dad's brothers and their family's would rotate homes every year and host a party. We had so much fun playing games (usually bunco) and eating yummy food. When we were younger Grandma liked all of her grand kids to put on a talent show. We would each take a turn dancing, playing the piano, singing, or just what ever......(I think we even had a few wrestling matches). What fond and embarrassing memories I have of those days. Another thing the Fullmer crew did was a float on the 4th of July. My Aunts and Grandma would decorate a trailer or the bed of a truck, and the kids would perform and throw out candy in the Parade. Sometimes even Gramps and Gram joined us. That was always a fun time of year. Afterwards, we would go to the school and have lunch, and they would cheer us on during the foot races. Grandma & Grandpa's foster daughter Irma would always come during the 4th of July, and it was always nice to see her.

Grandma was a very good cook, and she really had a major sweet tooth (That's where I get mine from.) Some of my favorite treat's she made growing up were peanut butter fudge, puffed rice balls, fudge nut bars, and peanut butter rice krispies. Grandpa and his boys are farmer's, so they kept odd hours of the day. Grandma was always willing to make them or anyone else something to eat, no matter the time of day. She never wanted anyone to go to bed or leave hungry.

Grandma loved watching and supporting her grand kids (and her own kids) when ever she could, Both Grandpa & Grandma were very supportive weather it be church, school, or sport's related. They were at the basketball games, wrestling matches, drill team competitions, etc... cheering us on. Grandma wasn't afraid to brag, and whoop and hauler. She was always proud no matter how well we did.

I loved sleepovers at Grandma's. It was always a treat to spend that special time with her. I remember waking up to Grandma singing and cooking breakfast in the kitchen. I loved playing cards with her or putting puzzles together. I was even a very good helper while I was there. Grandma would make me a grocery list, and I would walk down to "Stans" and buy the things that Grandma needed. It usually wasn't a lot, or else I wouldn't have been able to carry it all. She always let me pick out a treat too. I helped her vacuum and dust, helped her put lotion and socks on her feet, and what ever else she needed help with. In return she taught me how to crochet (which I have forgotten- stupid me.), and how to drive. That was the best. Grandma was a sucker. I could turn on the charm, and talk her into letting me drive her around town (it was a small town). I was probably around 12 or 13 when she started teaching me. It was so much fun, and I have to admit she had a lot of faith in me. I only remember a few close calls. One of them was when we were driving around the church parking lot, I drove up on the curb. No biggie. I remember almost backing into a ditch, but I may have been a passenger that time. That was probably Bree ?? :)

I love all the times that I was able to spend with my Grandma. She taught me a lot, and I will remember it thru out my life. I was very shy growing up, and one thing she constantly told me was to "smile big, and always show your teeth when you smile". That's something that I have always remembered, and I know I will never forget, because how often do you smile? I love you Grandma! Your Shinney will miss you!!