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February 07, 2010

We are having a ball. The kids are all here for Todd and Andrea's baby blessing, but we celebrated our 40th Anniversary last night. Tasha and the kids have been with us for several months already, Todd and Andrea live in Sparks, and Tyler and Kate live just around the corner. Tami and Ly flew in Friday night. Tori and Larry were not able to make it this time and we will miss them.
We all went to a little restaurant called David's Grill at the Clubhouse right in our subdivision, boy was it nice to have the room to ourselves.

The kids presented a DVD that just had us all in tears. All of the grandchildren put on a show, in true Tolman Spectacular fashion. It was a kick.

November 11, 2009

It is with joy and pride we welcome Emma Grace Tolman to Todd and Andrea. Emma was born on November 10th at 11:04 am weighing in at 7 lbs and 1 oz measuring at 19 in. Todd could not be any more proud. Andrea did a great job. Mom and baby are doing well.



Emma Grace Tolman








Proud Dad.

August 29, 2009

Whew, we made it!


As you may know, Seth is in Afghanistan for about 7 months. Tasha and the kids will be spending that time with us, here in Reno. Tasha has already registered the kids for school, and Vince and I flew out to help Tasha pack up the car and Vince helped drive all the way from San Antonio, Texas to Reno, Nevada. We made it packed to the roof and carrying bags on our laps. The kids were wonderful and the baby was a dream.

July 12, 2009

We just spent the 4th of July holiday in Draper, Utah with our wonderful family. Our son-in-law Larry was the only absent one, and we missed him dearly. We had our pictures taken by our nephew, Michael Clayton who did a great job. We love you.

April 30, 2009

I got this cute email from my friend, Pat

MOTHERS
Real Mothers don't eat quiche; They don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils Are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, Filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough Doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what The vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' And get their answer when a little Voice says, 'Because I love you best..'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade... It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...
The Images of Mother
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEAR S OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, Because that is the doorway to her heart, The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

April 11, 2009

Happy Easter, Nana & Beeps!


January 23, 2009

The Grandma Test

"I was out walking with my 4-year-old granddaughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that.
'Why?' my Granddaughter asked.
'Because it's been on the ground; you don't know where it's been, it's dirty, and probably has germs,' I replied.

At this point, my granddaughter looked at me with total admiration
and asked, 'Grandma, how do you know all this stuff? You are so smart.'

I was thinking quickly. 'All Grandmas know this stuff. It's on the Grandma Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Grandma.'
We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information. 'Oh.....I get it!' she beamed, 'So if you don't pass the test you have to be the Grandpa'.
'Exactly,' I replied with a big smile on my face."

December 14, 2008

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas...




We finally have our tree up, and some of our decorations, these darling blocks are from Tami and the kids.

November 28, 2008

Happy Birthday, from my girls!

When I arrived home from an exhausting trip to Costco, I was surprised to have Todd, Andrea, and the two boys on my doorstep. But that's not all. They also had packages. I thought, "what are those two up to"?




Tami, Ly, and the kids sent me these darling letters for the home








And Tori, Larry, and Ethan sent me my favorite pizza! Ever since my trip, I cannot get enough of it, and you know how much I love cheese pizza.
I shall enjoy them both so much! Thank you my dear children, for thinking of me on my birthday.

October 13, 2008

Jamaica!

September 23, 2008

Chicago! My kind of place...

I just spent a fun week with my adorable daughter, Tori, her wonderful husband, Larry, and our cute little Ethan aka Jumping Bean. I have never seen a child run and jump so much. We celebrated Ethan's 2 year birthday with Larry's parents and some of their fun friends.

Batman!


I got this adorable costume/PJ's for our grandson, Ethan. Tori said he was into Batman, and I thought he would love it. He is like a little lightning bolt running around the place with his cape flowing.

September 15, 2008

WHAT IS A GRANDPARENT? (Taken from papers written by a class of 8-year-olds)
Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of their own. They like other people's.

A grandfather is a man & a grandmother is a lady!

Grandparents don't have to do anything except be there when we come to see them.
They are so old they shouldn't play hard or run. It is good if they drive us to the shops and give us money.

When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars.

They show us and talk to us about the colors of the flowers and also why we shouldn't step on 'cracks.'

They don't say, 'Hurry up.'

Usually grandmothers are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes. They wear glasses and funny underwear.

They can take their teeth and gums out.

Grandparents don't have to be smart.. They have to answer questions like 'Why isn't God married?' and 'How come dogs chase cats?'

When they read to us , they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for the same story over again.

Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don't have television because they are the only grownups who like to spend time with us.

They know we should have snack time before bed time and they say prayers with us and kiss us even when we've acted bad.

A 6 YEAR OLD WAS ASKED WHERE HIS GRANDMA LIVED. ''OH,'' HE SAID, '' SHE LIVES AT THE AIRPORT AND WHEN WE WANT HER WE JUST GO GET HER. THEN WHEN WE'RE DONE HAVING HER VISIT, WE TAKE HER BACK TO THE AIRPORT.''

GRANDPA IS THE SMARTEST MAN ON EARTH! HE TEACHES ME GOOD THINGS BUT I DON'T GET TO SEE HIM ENOUGH TO GET AS SMART AS HIM!

It's funny when they bend over, you hear gas leaks and they blame their dog.

September 07, 2008

Vincent Todd Tolman

Was born on this day in 1977. Happy Birthday, Todd.

Todd has a sensitive heart, quick mind, and a cute Mom and Dad. He says the biggest blessing in life is his best friend and sweetheart, who would follow him all the way to Jamaica. It is a gift to be sensitive and tender heart to his environment and so conscious of those around him. One of his hero’s is the dog whisperer. Todd’s has a way with his customer’s that he makes them his friends. Todd is constantly reading and educating himself, bettering himself in all areas of life. One day he may write Rush Limbaugh, and the next Glenn Beck. Todd’s opinions are like his heart – always on his sleeve, you always know where you stand with him.




We have enjoyed watching him grow up and his interaction with his older sisters, and younger brother.
We love you so!




May 20, 2008


Welcome our dear little Leeya Katherine Tolman, born May 19th at 8.4 lbs and 21 in long.

May 11, 2008

Mother's Day remembered:

We were living in Provo and I gave a family home evening lesson on responsibility. The girls all took these lessons so serious. Guess that is why I loved Family Home Evening.
My lesson was on teaching the children responsibility. I memorized one part and it went like this:
A mother is not a Maid, that is not her calling. She is a counselor, a friend, a listening ear. When you spend the time picking up your toys, doing your own homework, making your bed, this frees your Mother up to do her calling. You can spend time with her, talk to her and share your problems. She will be able to fulfill the calling she was sent down to earth to do. Remember.....A mother is not a maid!
I had to fly to Florida to see Nana who was very sick. The first letter I received after I arrived was a letter from Tori.
It went like this:
“Wow, a Mother is not a MAID. That is not what she is suppose to do. Wow, I did not know that!”
It was so darling, I kept that letter and have it somewhere. I loved it when "the light bulb" turned on and Tori grew up line upon line.

April 27, 2008

This just melts my heart...

Our grandson, Ethan loves to talk on the phone. In fact, he may talk more than I do. But when he does, it's clear who he likes to talk with (oh, it's just me being the proud Nana):

April 06, 2008

ODE TO TAMI......from her loving family!

I remember.....that little black haired doll all dressed in white with great big eyes taking in all sights. She was so familiar and dainty as can be. She loved to read books and playtime with me. Creativity was her middle name, and once on a Wednesday, (Relief Society Presidency Meeting) she made it rain,
With wheat from the buckets, little handfuls she took and threw them in the air ......a wheat storm she cooked.
She was not alone, but with little friends in hand - they brewed up a storm - it sure was grand!
Food storage in the basement was never the same, probably some kernels on the floor still remain.
Also, little writings on the wall she just couldn't restrain,
With crayon, or markers they all left their stain.
She was proud of her work, a great artist she thought:
I'm just practicing now with the talent I've got.
No matter what scribbling she left on the walls,
Its the mark on our souls, we remember most-of-all.
She never grew tall, but a giant she became -
By leaving her mark on our hearts - we'll never be the same. (sane?)
So on this day of birth (April 8, 1971) we all join in -
And express our gratitude for you being our kin!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday dear Tamara Lee Tolman Tran!!!!! You are loved.

April 05, 2008

Happy Birthday, Andrea!


Our Andrea's birthday is the 6th. We are so thrilled to have her in our family and what she brings to it. We love how Andrea interacts and we love how she loves our son. Andrea is not only a partner in marriage but also Todd's business partner. They spend every day together. Love to you dear Andrea!