It has only been natural to think of our Mom throughout this entire journey with David. At Christmas time especially, it’s impossible to not think of her because this was her very favorite time of year! Baking Danish Christmas cookies, Kleiner and Peppernodder, and decorating the whole house to the T was all part of our Christmas tradition, and we carry on these traditions today that were passed down from our *Danish Gram. Christmas music filled the house! These are some VERY happy and special memories! She would have truly loved Christmas from the Heart!!!
Davids’ Grandmother, Claudia Ann Diehl Archuleta was a very SPECIAL Lady…….She was born a natural singer, a genuine Star! She was a triple threat- a singer, a dancer, and an actress! She was a beautiful, tiny blonde with the most GORGEOUS Green Eyes! She was just beautiful inside and out!
When we were small she not only taught dance but also did Musical Theatre, where she sang, danced, & acted! She also did radio commercials, television specials & was even in the movies! She was always involved in something… when she wasn’t on stage, she was choreographing church roadshows, baking dinners for neighbors & being a mentor to young girls, just to name a few. She also loved animals; she trained and showed her horse Nugget, and she loved her Schnauzers! She was witty and sharp….what they call “a dynamo” with many talents, who would light up a room when she walked in the door. Above all, she loved us…her 3 kids. Today we each have traits that come from our Mom. We were obviously influenced by her from a very young age, and share her love of Music and the Theatre.
Sadly she passed away much too soon in 1982 at age 40, God obviously had other plans for her. Over the years as each of our own kids were born we ALWAYS teased that she must have helped “audition” them all because they are ALL SO dang talented & special…..can’t help but think it’s true!! 
We know in our hearts how PROUD she’d be of ALL of her VERY SPECIAL Grandkids!
As we remember her at this time of year, we thought it would be wonderful to include her in this journey in a special way. We will be dedicating a brick to her, “David’s Grandma Claudia Archuleta”. Our Mom would be thrilled & honored to have her name included on the Pathway of Hope, in honor & support of her Grandson, David James Archuleta, who is sharing his special talent, his spirit, & his light, on his journey this Christmas, and always….for good.
With Love and Happy Holiday Wishes,
Charlyn & Lauri Archuleta
Click on thumbnails to view photos.
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*Note: David’s Great Gram was a member of the Danish Sisterhood. Lots of good stuff HERE.
Thank you Fan Scene for this wonderful post and to the family for providing this information — I have always been curious to know more about this lovely and very talented woman. I am sure she is looking down and pleased with all of her talented grandchildren.
Special thanks for the RSO Pathway Of Hope brick donation on behalf of their mother Claudia. archiefandoc(Quote)
What a nice story … sad this time of year…but I’m sure the Archuleta family has many happy memories of their grandma/mother. What an awesome gesture to donate a brick in her memory. She sounds like quite a spunky lady and very talented. Christmas time is a time to reflect about loved ones that are no longer with us. Thank you for sharing the story with David’s fans. TrudyFOD(Quote)
Thank you Todd for posting these “from the Heart” memories!!! I love this site and ALL YOU DO!!! David is blessed to have someone with your talent and dedication!! Charlyn Archuleta(Quote)
This is so wonderful. Claudia Archuleta was a dear wonderful friend of mine. I was the babysitter for all three of her children. She moved in next door to me when I was 7 yrs old and Jeff a a one year old baby. I have been close to them ever since they are part of my life. Claudia would be soooo happy and loving this Christmas from the Heart. She was an amazing bundle of energy and no one loved Christmas and music like her. Always singing. I love the album and know she does too. WOW. how cool!! Vicki Haffey(Quote)
A lovely post about David’s paternal grandmother. Thank you AFS for this touching piece from David’s aunts Charlyn and Lauri. Judith(Quote)
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story about David’s paternal grandmother with all of us! She seems like she was a very talented, kind, and loving person. I’m so sorry that her family and future grandchildren lost her at such an early age. I believe,though, that she must act as a special guardian angel now for all of them and she must be so proud of each one with their own unique personalities and talents!
suttygal-joanieMN(Quote)
The idea to donate a special brick in her name on the ‘Pathway Of Hope’ is a beautiful way to remember her and to include her on David’s journey! As David sings all of these special melodies of Christmas (from Christmas From The Heart) may his voice that is filled with love for the Lord and for his family gently rise to the heavens where his Grandmother Claudia can listen and sing along!
What a great story. How wonderful to know that Claudia Archuleta left many memories for her family to share and that during her time on this earth she made a difference in the lives of her children. It is not easy to be a mom, my mom abandoned me and my family when I was four.. I often tell my dad he is my “father and mother” because he did both roles. The teachings and lessons our parents teach us truly are passed down through out the generations. (talent wise and moral wise) What a legacy she left, for truly the Archuletas are a wonderful family! Thanks for the great post!(Quote)
This is just wonderful!! Love the brick, love the story, Thank you to
Charlyn & Lauri Archuleta for sharing this information with the Arch Angel fansbase! Cheryl (AFAC)!(Quote)
Thank you for sharing this about David’s grandmother! It’s nice to know about David’s grandmother, Claudia. She was a beautiful and talented lady! daizdfan(Quote)
It’s great to learn about David’s grandmother Claudia, and her wonderful influence on her family. Thanks for this terrific post. marc(Quote)
What a FUN and Gorgeous Lady! Very Talented just like David!
This is a Beautiful way to honor Davids Grandma Claudia and David too, especially at Christmas Time!
Thanks Fanscene! Melinda(Quote)
Oh and Perfect Post to go along with “Melodies of Christmas”!
Juuuust PERFECT!! Thx again !! Melinda(Quote)
Sadly, She had some health problems and passed away suddenly with no warning… Melinda(Quote)
Thank you Charlyn and Lauri for the beautiful write-up about your mother and David’s grandmother. It’s a great tribute to her. No wonder David enjoys Christmas so much–it’s part of his heritage.
Thank you FanScene! Tawna W(Quote)
thanks Todd, Charlyn and Lauri for this post. My heart smiles knowing that David has a guardian angel looking out for him <333 janey(Quote)
Thanks Todd for the post and thanks to David’s aunts for sharing this lovely story about grandma Claudia. China80(Quote)
Thanks Todd for posting this beautiful story and thanks to Charlyn and Lauri for sharing your wonderful memories with us – and Christmas is just the perfect time to do that
David’s grandmother sounded like she was an extraordinary and talented woman. I love the story and the pictures!! And especially reading about the Danish traditions that still lives on – kleiner and pebernødder is a part of my Christmas tradition too 
What a wonderful way to honer her with a brick on THE PATHWAY OF HOPE – she must be proud!! Hanne – Denmark(Quote)
Thank you Charlyn and Lauri for sharing with us these these warm and tender memories of Grandma Claudia and her legacy which lives on through the generations. I can almost smell the Danish cookies baking while Christmas music is playing. Thanks, Todd, for putting together the lovely tribute. Susan M.(Quote)
It is easy to see why David is so close and proud of his family. He has an amazing, rich musical heritage and gene! This is the first I have heard of his paternal family, and how proud he must be to have such a strong and talented support base. His Grandma Claudia must be an inspiration, along with the other side of his family. What amazing gifts they have handed down to him, and how proud his grandmother must be wherever she is to see how wisely he is using them. Thanks to sisters Charlyn and Lauri for sharing. And Todd your ability to give this fansite tremendous skill and heart is simply fantastic! David is a lucky guy to have you in his “family” of most ardent supporter. We love your creations. Maybe everyone does not know this but Todd was instrumental in creating Angels for a Cause. CPK(Quote)
Charlyn and Lauri, thank you for sharing your loving story about your mother, David’s Grandmother Claudia. It is a very heart-warming tribute to honor such a beautiful, talented and loving Mom and Grandma.
A shout-out of thanks to Todd also! Golden Archie Lily(Quote)
The juxtaposition of this story along with hearing David singing Melodies of Christmas is just beautiful – like SusanM commented over in the chat – lovely touch Todd. archiefandoc(Quote)
Thanks AFS for this great post. It is always interesting to know more about David’s family and background.
And I agree with the others about having “Melodies of Christmas” as background music at AFS; AWESOME! I love it! Thanks Todd! Sandra DB – Venezuela(Quote)
Thanks to the Archuleta sisters for sharing your story with us… It’s very sad, that you lost your mother so early, but you sound like you have a wonderfull unity in your family
I wonderd, do you know were in Denmark your mother came from…. I live in Denmark and it’s so funny reading about you making Danich cookies and Æbleskiver…. So cool…. 
TinaDK(Quote)
Aww this seriously touched my heart like Janey says it makes my heart smile knowing that David has a guardian angel watching over him. She sounds like an amazing, gorgeous talented lady. I always wondered where David got his green eyes from and now I know. I bet she is bursting with pride right now up in Heavan watching all of her taleneted grandchildren grow up to be amazing people. Diana(Quote)
Thank you for sharing your memories of Claudia Archuleta. It sounds like she was a very talented and very special woman. I’m sure she would be proud to see so many of her wonderful traits passed down to her grandchildren. debbie(Quote)
What a beautiful tribute. LUV Christmas from the Heart! Sounds like David’s talent and heart come from a fantastic gene pool
carla(Quote)
Heartbeat Cafe (Ireland Radio Station) wants to know if anyone knows Archie’s Irish connection and contact them here http://twitter.com/heartbea... pam05(Quote)
Thanks for the beautiful Tribute from the Archuleta family. I find it interesting learning where all his character and talent comes from
I sounds like she was an awesome classy lady 
pam05(Quote)
Char and Laurie,
Thank you for sharing this lovely tribute and testimony of your mother’s life! She must be looking down with a big prideful smile on both her daughters and her beautiful grandchildren. God Bless you both and your family! Leticia(Quote)
Wow, great post Todd! archieaddict8000(Quote)
hey! I saw this tribute and it is soooo sweet! thanks for the wonderful heartfelt post you can tell she was a special lady and her children love her very much! she would be so proud of her special grandson and all he has accomplished! archieluver(FOD)(Quote)
Such a great post! Now I know amazing talent runs through the Archuleta family! Anonymous(Quote)
what an inspirational and talented woman David’s grandmother Claudia was. Thank you to Lauri and Charlyn for sharing her story with us. I always wondered where David got his very green eyes from
I know that grandmom Claudia is looking down on David and all her grandchildren and she must be so proud that David is carrying on her musical legacy in such a positive way. Beautiful tribute, thank you Todd. wendy @ AFAC(Quote)
I remain in awwww of the beautiful legacy and family surrounding the Arch-Fam. I have NEVER met any of them I didn’t absolutely adore and appreciate for their talent, their love, and their kindness. Janet Datu(Quote)