Your cherished Grandparent/Grandchild memories...
 

---Becky from El Paso says… We have amazing, adorable and smart grandchildren.  

---Connie from Pekin says… Watching two of my grandsons when they were little toddlers and having them empty every cabinet in their mom‘s house that they could reach so they could crawl in and play💕

---Amy from Washington  says… I want to thank my parents for being amazing grandparents to my 11 year old son and my 3 year old nephew. They have helped watch both boys while my brother,  sister-in-law and I work, they have always made family meals a priority, and have helped in countless other ways. They are always there and willing to help where it is needed! And most of all, they have set an example of keeping God first.

---Katy from Normal says… Katy has raised 2 of her grandchildren and been the best grandmother to her current 5 yr old grandchildren. She has gone above and beyond to care for all 3 of her grandchildren 

---Sue from Morton says… Worshiping my Lord and Savior with my kids and granddaughter Sunday at church. 😊

---Tammie  from Pekin  says… Im signing up on behalf of my mom, Tammie Conover.  She is Nana to 9 grandbabies and she makes each of my and my siblings children feel loved and special all the time. A cherished memory would be a tradition she has of decorating one whole Christmas tree just with pictures of her beloved grandchildren every year  ❤️

---David from CHILLICOTHE says… Grandparents taking me to church every week growing up.

---Mark from Normal says… When they call me papa

---Lisa from Peoria  says… Our sweet Shayla was healed from Leukemia.Shayla and her little brother Gabriel was with her through her 3 year battle of treatment. Shayla was 8 years old. She will turn 18 in November and Gabriel just turned 12. They are truly a gift from GOD!!We are blessed grandparents!!

---James from Peoria says… My grandson was just a few months old and I had a broken ankle. When he would come over to visit I had to entertain him in my recliner. They were fun times!

---Donna from SECOR says… We have 7 grandchildren and 1 on the way. I cherish the times I get to be with each of them and feel blessed that they all live close by. 

---Cheryl from Mackinaw says… this summers vacation in a tree house in wisconsin dells--  so many memories made the grands  are still talking about it 

---Beth from Gridley  says… My grandchildren are 20 months, 19 months and 2 days old —- any time spent with them is precious!

---Cheryl from Mackinaw says… vacation in wisconsin dells in a tree house- the grands still talk about it 

---Diane from Germantown Hills says… Watching my grandson over the years become kind and sweet boys. 💙

---Keith & Pam  from Groveland says… 5 of our 9 grandchildren married in 9 months in 2026. Such a blessing to see them start their new lives with Christ at the center!

---Amy from Peoria says… My Grandmom taught me how to sew, cook, embroider, and many more things.  She was always there for me, and didn’t entertain us, just welcomed us into her life and what she was doing.  Her home was a place of solace, comfort and unconditional love.  I miss her!

---Joseph  from Edelstein  says… I remember several years that my Grandmother did after school care for several of her grandkids. On late evenings she would make us dinner.  Once, she made a plate full of beans for us to eat. And we were not allowed to leave the table until we finished our plates. I was disgusted. But now, I still enjoy beans to this day.

---Erma  from Green Valley  says… Kara Hailey 

---Jon from Washington  says… Holding them the first and thinking what a blessing from the lord

---Kay from Morton says… I grew up close to both sets of my grandparents who were farmers from Cropsey, IL.   We also cherish our 8 grandchildren and enjoy family vacation with entire family every summer.   This summer we ride Amtrak Train from Galesburg to Frazer, CO where we spent week together.

---Judie from Bloomington says… We have 27 grandchildren incl.7 special needs (adopted) and A  church planter in Spain. I

---Kelsey from Mapleton says… I loved going to stay a week at my grandma's where we would do chores around her farm, go to the coffee shop and on Friday go into town for shopping, lunch and getting her hair done

---Susan from LACON says… I am entering in honor of my husband's parents, Erma and Wayne Crank. They were generous and kind people, a tremendous support to me in living in a rural area where I had never lived, and just generally helped to create the framework  that gave my kids a true sense of family and love. They have since passed on, but, boy, do I wish I could thank them again and tell them how much they meant in all our lives!

---Ryan from NORMAL says… Mushroom hunting with my twin granddaughters Ally and Lily Gibson will always be something they will cherish, and of course so will I .

---Ashley from Tremont says… Going on Trips, Vacationing, and Special Memories. 

---Jacob from Tremont says… Spending time together

---Dale from Pekin says… I visit my grandsons and we play hockey in their basement. I go watch them play ice hockey, baseball, and soccer. We love to be able to support them in their interest when we can visit. 

---Barb from Metamora says… The best memories are we have a beautiful porch swing and every time I get my four granddaughters together we always have to have pictures and stories as we're sitting on the porch swing together. That porch ring has been around many years and my boys would go to homecoming and prom and they'd have to bring their dates over and get pictures on the porch swing it's tradition!! ♥️

---Ken from Brimfield says… Grandparents Day at their school and attending their activities. 

---Terry from Peoria says… I have four precious grandkids adopted from Ethiopia!

---Rick & Della from Chillicothe says… Our cherished memory of our grandson was when he was around two years old.  We went to his home to babysit and visit, and he ran and flipped over a large exercise ball, we thought he had broken his neck, but he jumped up smiling and he was just fine…scared us to death.

---Sandra from Peoria  says… Grandmother  Betty 

---Michael  from Peoria  says… Grandmother 

---Janet from Hopedale says… In August almost all of our grandkids were here for our 50th anniversary (we only missed one who is in the Navy) and they sang with their parents at our church.  I was in tears!

---Jennie from Pekin says… Witnessing m the birth of my 1st grandchild! first

---Rod & Joanne from Peoria says… When our second grandchild, Alivia, a few months ago said to her mother when she was cooking eggs for her, "these eggs don't taste the same as grama's." Her mom asked her why and she said because she couldn't taste the love that grama cooks into them. She's 3 years old and remembered that grama said she always cooks her food for her with the love in her heart!

---John from Washington says… Susie & I have 13 grandchildren. We travel 5-6 months of the year visiting our kids and grandkids that live in 3 different states. The special cherished moments are when we arrive after not seeing them for a while and to see them run to us with big smiles and giant hugs. We love them so much.

---Theresa from East Peoria  says… We recently were blessed with a foster, now adopted granddaughter!

---Sydney  from Pekin  says… The day when both of our grandchildren were born. 

---Rita from Eureka says… Riding horses with grandpa and learning to embroidery with grandma 

---Michelle  from Washington says… God has blessed me with 9 healthy grandchildren! Many cherished memories.

---A Lee from Blandinsville says… Seeing our first grandchild was an experience I will never forget!

---Brian from Tremont says… My grandfather taught me a lot about the Bible and history, two things that are so valuable to me today.

---Alison from Morton  says…  Building forts out of blankets and pillows. Sharing stories and snuggles . This started when they were toddlers and they still look forward to doing again when I visit . They are nine and almost eleven now . 

---Alice from Pekin says… One year she sang us a happy anniversary song via video chat

---Tammy from Washington says… Blessed Grandma to seven 6 beautiful girls and 1 handsome boy !

---Donna  from Bloomington says… Family vacation to Gatlinburg 

---Sonja from Bloomington says… In the short three and a half years that I’ve been a grandma, there have been so many precious memories. A top cherished memory is the birth of my first two grandchildren. Both by different children of mine (son and his wife, and daughter and her husband). Both live in separate states. One was late and one was early! Both ended up being born on the SAME day!! 😍😍😍 I was able to make it to Texas and witness my daughter give birth at home to her daughter. After that I went to Michigan and saw my son’s son! What a special time that I’ll cherish forever!

---Teresa from WASHINGTON says… 4 year old Grandson: "Nana, my favorite color is green because YOUR favorite color is green!  4-year old Granddaughter; " Nana, I'm giving you my stickers (places stickers on my face).  Me: "Babygirl, you save your stickers for something special".  Granddaughter: "But Nana, you ARE special!". 1-year old grandson: "God, Nana, Amen".

---Teresa from WASHINGTON says… 5-year old Grandson: "Nana, my favorite color is green because YOUR favorite color is green".  4-year old granddaughter: "Nana, I'm giving you my stickers (places stickers on my face).  Me: You should save your stickers for something special".  Granddaughter: But Nana, you ARE special.". 1-year old Grandson: "God, Nana. Amen." 

---Carol from Delavan says… Grandma Tipps sitting and watching "Popeye the Sailor Man" cartoons with me!"

---Kim from Carlock says… I am privileged to babysit for my great grandson, Augie 1 one and a half days a week. When I put him down for a nap, I always ask him who loves you and he giggles and says MomMom which is what he  calls me.

---Pamela from Peoria says… As I introduced my twin granddaughters to my neighbor I asked them to tell him how old they were. Both of them replied they were 3. Then I asked "and when is your birthday?" In unison, they replied, "When we turn 4!" I also have a grandson and they all three provide many chuckles! 

---Roger from Kappa says… Every grandchild I have (7 of them) has their own God given talent and they are all good at helping me but one in particular has the talent of knowing what I need and doing it. I had a heart attack laying in bed at the hospital. My wife and several others were there including a granddaughter, Elizabeth ( known as Ellie to her friends) the nurses just told me again not to move my hands (I was hooked up) then they brought in my food tray. I looked at the people and they stared back. Without any prompting Elizabeth got up from her chair, delicately tucked my napkin below my chin and started to feed me, I hadn’t had any food for several days so I was a bit hungry. Elizabeth wiped my mouth when needed, gave me water when she knew I would be thirsty and fed me because I could not do it. Even though I told her she will never realize how much her grace and willingness truly meant to me. It’s been about 6 months since then and she has moved to Chicago but she comes back to the area about once or twice every month she comes to see me, checks on me and lifts my spirits every time. We all need an Elizabeth in our lives.

---Penelope from Peoria says… Our oldest granddaughter is 18 now, and we celebrated grandparents day every year at her school. We look forward to celebrating with our youngest grandson, who just started Kindergarten.  We have so much fun with them! I am so grateful that God allowed me to help take care of them over the years. It's the best job!

---Emily from Morton says… All of our 14 grandchildren were together with us to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary two years ago!

---David and Kim from Pekin says… We have 11 wonderful grandchildren, (and one great grandchild now!) They are each very different and unique, and they all love Jesus and serve Him in their local church.  We are so grateful for this opportunity of having grandchildren and consider it a ministry to pour into their lives and help them in their journey as they walk with their Savior.

---Carol from EDELSTEIN says… all of them!!!!

---Karen  from Washington  says… Nearly every moment spent with the grandchildren is cherished...even if it involves cleaning up after them. Simple things go a long way in providing happy memories.  One that sticks out for me is when two of our young grandchildren took turns sitting in a large cardboard box while Grandma put them in the cardboard box "spin cycle." They would laugh loudly as Grandma spun the box round and round.  When I would slow down or stop, a little voice would say, "Mo (more) Grandma, mo." This went on for quite a long while. The girls never wearied of the spinning.  And Grandma loved to hear the giggles. 

---Jill from Washington  says… My grandpa would take us grandkids on a yearly camping trip.

---Mary from Normal says… Grandchild #6 had been to her first day of kindergarten.  The next morning her Mom said, "It's time to get ready for school, Rowen."  Rowen replied, "Again!"

---Sue from East Peoria says… Grandson was always coming to snuggle in grandma's bed.

---Sue from East Peoria says… Grandson coming in nightly to snuggle in grandma's bed.

---Harold from MORTON says… THEY WERE SO SPECIAL--SHOULD HAD GRAND KIDS FIRST

---Trina from Pekin says… Two great-grandsons +1

---Larry from Danvers says… 14 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren

---Melody from Tremont says… 1st time I saw my grandson I felt like I was holding my son. He's now 4 and still looks just like his dad.

---TENA from Pekin says… My grandma lived in the deep woods of Missouri. When we came to see her, she would always be waiting on the step. She could hear the car coming and new someone was coming to see them. When we left to go home she would wave until the car was out of sight. 

---Melinda from Canton says… I have so many but I think my most Cherished is when my (at the time ) 11yr old nonverbal Granddaughter. Sung the words HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!  To her little Sister that was turning 5 yrs old! It was by far the sweetest words I have ever heard sung!!

---Sandy from East Peoria says… My grandparents lived in Chillicothe near the river. I spent many fun days with them. They loved us kids well. We have many happy memories with our grandparents on the river!!💕

---Brenda from Delavan says… I like to bake and my grandkids like to come over and bake cookies, brownies and cake to decorate.

---Thad from Deer Creek says… I remember my Grandmas make us our favorite foods when we would visit.  Both of them grew up during the Great Depression, so food was one of their love languages.

---Deborah from Peoria says… I remember  my Grand mother crying one summer we left. She was an Excellent cook and seamstress.  She work extremely hard and never complained. She had a flower garden and kept fresh flowers on the table. 

---Betty from Brimfield says… My grandparents came to visit us in Tennessee and in Missouri when we moved from Peoria! We loved it! Especially when they brought along my 2 aunts that were still single, or cousins we were missing from Peoria! 

---Bonnie from Chillicothe says… My grandmother teaching me to read using the Bible and newspaper.

---Earl from Morton says… One of my great-grandchildren, Sky, was a talented mimic from the time she could walk.  She imitated the laugh of my wife, Ruby, for several weeks before Ruby realized Sky was copying her!  Sky did "dinosaur sounds," "monster talk," and even copied the sounds of television interference during an electrical storm!

---Janet from Hopedale says… Our eight grandkids are young adults now who love Jesus.  I cherish their hugs, texts , discussions and I know they would all do anything for us.  Last month was our 50th anniversary and they all came (except one grandson who is in the Navy).  They all come to church with us and most of them (with their parents) sang in church for us.  <3

---Rod from Goodfield  says… Breakfast at Busy Corner every Sat morning. 

---Doug from Bloomington says… Being there for our 7 beautiful kids, and now watching the 22 grands!

---Connie from Roanoke says… So many but just when they light up when you first see them!  Its the very best!!

---Christine from Bloomington says… Blessing to our legacy!  7 children - 22 grandchildren P.T.L.!

---Ann from Peoria says… Grandma Fisher had to sleep with my sister and me in our double bed. It was pretty tight sleeping

---DeWayne from Washington says… Jesus is with us always 

---Pam from Dunlap says… Not of a grandparent, but of an aunt who was like a grandparent A loving, godly woman!

---Pam from Dunlap says… Wonderful memories of a loving christian aunt, who was like a grandparent.

---Christi from Pekin says… I’m making new memories with my grandchildren every day. I’m so thankful that God has blessed us with them!!

---Sheryl from Morton  says… Grandma hugs!

---Valerie from Morton says… My grandparents moved to the US and work very hard to get all of the grandchildren permanent residence in the US. 

---Charity from Tremont  says… My grandson falling asleep on me 

---Carol  from Delavan says… Grandma Tipps sat down and watched Popeye the Sailer Man cartoons with me!!

---Erin from Groveland says… Taking my Grandma to cracker barrel every Sunday 

---Alberta from Peoria  says… we have 5 grandkids and so many memories with them.  We have family dinners almost every Sunday after church.  This is the best

---Clyve from Bloomington  says… CAMPING Trips to DesMoines to watch triple A Cubs

---Rick from Delavan says… Being able to sit and play with and read to my youngest grandson. 

---Tracy  from Chillicothe says… “Maw Camp” 

---Barb  from Deer Creek says… I use have to always hug & kiss my grandma every day, before going to school. They lived with us in Ohio, when I was young.

---Gabby from Morton says… One of the funniest memories I have of my Nana is that she once told me if she ever got a tattoo, it would be of a Dairy Queen Heath Blizzard. 

---Robin from Princeville says… Our grandkids are 2 and 4 and I now know why people say that being a grandparent is the best. The joy and love I have when our grandkids come over is so special! I get to watch them once a week and it is a true delight!!!

---Kay from Normal says… I have 18 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. It would be hard to pick just one. 

---Cheryl from Mackinaw says… Loved our time in Wisconsin dells  this summer we stayed in a treehouse 

---VaLinda from Tremont says… At age 96, my grandmother drove to my house to do some laundry and housework for our family while I was at work.  Our 4 younger daughters were at home and told her she did not need to be doing that, but she insisted and said “your mom needs all the help she can get”.  This was a common occurrence for her to be lending a hand, and our family was so blessed by her on our lives.   She had a stroke later that day, and never walked, let alone drive or do laundry, again.   Praise God, we will see her in heaven❤️

---Melody from Metamora says… Vera Pantke, maternal grandmother 

---Donna from Bolingbrook says… Taking my three grandkids for a holiday weekend getaway to Wisconsin, Dells, and enjoying the dinner show Christmas In The Dells!! They all live in different households  and this truly was a blessing to my heart 😇

---Sheila from Chillicothe says… My favorite memory of my grandmother, was getting to spend the night and make sugar cookies together, with all of her special gadgets (flour sifter, aluminum cookie cutters, rolling pin) laughing and learning all the while feeling lived and adored! I'll never forget that feeling! ❤️

---Dennis  from Eureka  says… Holding them and singing them my made up lullaby with their name inserted in it. 

---Deb from Roanoke  says… Staying all night with my Great Grandma and her teaching me to how to blow bubbles with bubble gum. 

---Linda from Creve Coeur says… Holding my grandson, Michael 11 hours old before the Lord called him home

---Richard from Metamora says… Millie Sledgister 

---Julie from Golden says… When my first grandson was just starting to sit up, my son and daughter-in-law stoped by for a visit. They walked in carrying a tote bag, but no baby. I was just getting ready to ask, “Where is David?” When they sat down the tote bag and little David peeked  out at me smiling happily! What a fun surprise that was.

---Linda from Morton says… Emma

---Ann from Tremont says… Rocking sweet grandbabies to sleep singing Great Is Thy Faithfulness

---Alyssa from Peoria says… My Grandma was always a very disciplined woman - a pillar and example to us all. One family gathering in Ohio we made ice cream flavored with anise hyssop. The flavor was wonderful but the cream churned a little too much which left streaks of butter throughout. I thought the ice cream would get neglected since it was so rich. By the end of the week I found out Grandma had eaten almost the whole amount. She'd been having it for breakfast! 🤣

---Esther from Bloomington says… 3yo grandson wanting mommy to send a video to family of him blowing a kiss!

---Frances from Pekin says… In 2nd grade, I sat at the feet of my little granny as she read our big white family Bible. I listened to her as all my other 15 cousins ran in and out of our 3 room shack. Now, at age 70, I published my 26 Virtuepops Christian-themed books. I dedicate her teaching about Jesus and the importance to read Holy scripture to my Virtuepops books. Kisses to heaven for my little granny.

---Angela from Canton says… I have 4 grandchildren. Owen, Emmersyn, Elias, and Jiraiya. A favorite memory is going to the Peoria playhouse for Elias’ 7th birthday. All of the grandkids were together and playing, discovering, and laughing.

---Sheree from Peoria says… My Grandparents would drive to visit. I always looked forward to eating their extra snacks

---Travis from Bloomington says… All the kids births

---Dawn from Princeville  says… I became a Grandma in 2018.And every moment is a cherished moment with my granddaughters. They are such a blessing from our lord  and savior. I as a child, my grandparents would pick us up and give us a dime or a nickel to go into the candy store.Before we got to go , spend the night with them and we would pick out candy. Grandparents are definitely a special part of our lives.

---Marilyn from Normal  says… I have a grandson Josiah lives in Kansas City Missouri. He is only 20 months old. He hasn’t seen me since he was six months old. But his parents are faithful to FaceTime us often. He doesn’t kiss people because of germs. But every time he sees me, he runs to the phone and kisses and kisses and kisses the phone. I’m told I’m the only one he does that too. It just melts my heart.

---Jackie from WASHINGTON says… Watching my grandkids play in the sand at the beach!

---Dawn  from Princeville says… I became a grandma in two thousand eighteen , and every moment spent with them in texas is very cherished. And also grandparents.\nAre such a special part of all of our lives. I have great memories of spending time with my grandparents on their farm with their horses , fourth of july and when they would come and pick us up , they would give us a dime or nickel to run into the five and ten , and we would pick out candy and then go stay the night with them

---Leah from San Jose says… I cherish so many memories with my own grandparents, but the biggest blessing is having my parents as grandparents to my children. My grandparents have never once excluded a child or “picked a favorite”. Between myself and my siblings we have 24 grandchildren for them and some of them fosters. Some have been adopted! My parents treat every child equal and fully display the love of Christ with each and everyone ! My kids look forward to camping trips with Mamaw and papaw, cookies from the cookie bin, and dinners around a dinner table! I could go one for hours about them as grandparents and I just feel the blessings they give to me and my children! 

---Rachel from Roanoke says… My Grandma was always the best storyteller. She would have all  her grands, 27 in all,s, gather around in a circle at Christmas time. We would sit so captivated as she shared a heartwarming story, usually  with a moral lesson. Such treasure memories of  a simple  times! 

---Brenda from Morton says… I have been keeping my, now 5 month old, great granddaughter since July.  Her 3 year old brother was taken to Chicago hospital because of genetic seizures.  Keeping the baby at my age, has brought back so many memories of my children and grandchildren throughout the years. Watching each  new thing that she is discovering, is worth everything.  God has blessed me in my life with new life and many blessings.

---Roger from Tremont says… My grandfather had a love for airplanes and always talked about flying even though he never was a pilot nor did he ever fly in a plane. I became a pilot and flight instructor and ended up taking my grandpa flying often. He enjoyed going for many rides with me and I taught him how to fly the airplane. Even though he was an old man at the time he was like a child again when he got in that airplane and we had much fun together.

---Joseph from Edelstein  says… I received this invite but i think submitted a story already?.

---Annette from Canton says… Every year my sisters, sister-in-laws , my granddaughters and others and I gather each winter to make Christmas cookies and candies!  Great memories we all cherish!  And good cookies!

---Noah Christy from Morton  says… Seeing my dad learn to accept & love our newborn foster daughter royal - dad wants nothing more than to be a grandpa but in his flesh i know he wasn’t expecting royal & adoption as his story - my dad is also caring for my mom who is dying with Alzheimer’s - i see my dads love growing for us/Royal & he loves to scoop her up & talk with her or get on the floor & play

---Noah Christy from Morton  says… Seeing my dad learn to accept & love our newborn foster daughter royal - dad wants nothing more than to be a grandpa but in his flesh i know he wasn’t expecting royal & adoption as his story - my dad is also caring for my mom who is dying with Alzheimer’s - i see my dads love growing for us/Royal & he loves to scoop her up & talk with her or get on the floor & play

---Scott from Mapleton says… Pulling the kids on a empty bedliner with the four wheeler

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