Left: Eugene and Boo, Howard and Margaret, Verona and Blaine at Billings Montana Temple.

Above: Ashley Funkhouser, with cousins Ethan and Adam Jarrell, at Olive Garden in Provo, Utah.










Above left: London Eye, the ferris wheel-like ride that allows you to see all over London. Big Ben appears to be in the center of it from this view.
Above right: Billings Montana Temple on a cloudy day.
These pictures go with the blog post that I just wrote a little while ago. For some reason, the pictures didn't download onto the blog when I wrote it.
The trip to Provo was so much fun because we had our oldest granddaughter Ashley with us. We were so fortunate to be able to meet and take Ethan and Adam to lunch and have a good visit. Blaine also went to Priesthood meeting with them later that evening--minus Ashley and me.
Our "cousins reunion" of sorts in Casper Wyoming also was a fun sharing with us three couples. We spent two days doing temple work together, eating at Texas Roadhouse, and playing games, going to a museum, and what we do best--eating. We girls had a blast at a Cooking School where we watched the expert young woman, from BYU, no less, prepare yummy foods, while our husbands played a golf game and rode around town and attended a soccer game for Howard and Margaret's grandson. After going to church together on Sunday, it was hard saying goodbye on Monday morning.

Jessee and Margaret Tabor and their 4 boys.
Liverpool Dock where the Saints departed for America.
Granddaughter Miranda, almost 15, at Pioneer Days in Snowflake.
Mel and Denise Marion and us at The Depot in Mt. Airy, NC.
Mama and I, on her back porch, going shopping in July 2006.

This is the second part of our pictures from our travels. We had such wonderful family times starting with this summer in North Carolina. There we got to meet many old and make many new friends, including the Jones Reunion. It was great to see Mel and Denise Marion again after their service as President of the Winnipeg Canada Mission. And it's always a joy to be with Mama and all our family members in Mt. Airy and our dear friends in Caswell. When we got back home to Snowflake we had our whole family together at Rancho Vistoso in Tucson, Arizona for a fun weekend.
British Airways took us with Louis' family, and Ryan and Megan to England for 10 days of sightseeing and family time. Cole was baptized there on Louis' birthday, and Dawn's whole family attended. We attended the Preston England temple, which was a highlight of our time there. Ryan and Megan and Blaine and I loved seeing Les Miserables in the historic old Queen's Theater in London. Louis took us around to various places where he served as a missionary in 1980, and we loved that. One of those places was Liverpool where we spent the day on the docks where some of the first members of the church caught the boat to America, including some of Blaine's ancestors who met Lorenzo Snow and Heber C. Kimball. We had a hilarious time at the Safari Park there being entertained by the monkeys and other animals. I don't have all my pictures on my computer yet, but I'm including a sampling of them. We about walked our legs off, but we had a memorable trip with our family.

We're alive! We've been gone almost all summer and fall, and having fun! Now we're home, and I want to share some of the great pictures we took from North Carolina to Tucson, Arizona, to England, on to Utah, Wyoming, and Montana! The top picture is the house Dawn lived in Manchester since she was 2 years old. Her parents still live there. The 2nd picture is us with Louis in front of his former Mission Home Office when he served his mission there in 1980. The 3rd picture is the church in Stockport, Louis's first area he served in. The 4th picture is of Cole, Madison, and Davin in Tucson at our family reunion vacation. The last picture is of Ryan and Megan in front of Windsor Castle.

Saturday, June 3, 2006
Dear Journal,
The last week in May was an eventful one for our family, especially for Derek, who graduated from Westwood High School on Thursday, May 25th. We were glad we could celebrate his achievements with him and our family. We went down to Mesa on Tuesday, getting there just a half hour before Derek would graduate from Seminary that night. We knew we were cutting it close, so we rode down to the valley in our Sunday clothes so we would be ready to attend. We love Seminary graduations because of their spirituality, the clean kids, and good feelings. This one was special because it was our grandson. Derek has been such a great young man who has made good choices, and has been so friendly and nice to us older grandparents. We were proud of Derek for graduating from Seminary, and for being president of his class. Also this was his night to shine because he sang in a small group at the graduation. It was a beautiful song. After taking some pictures for memories, we all were starving, and the yummy cookies didn’t make much of a dent in that hunger. Blaine had taken some Olive Garden certificates from his Discover card benefits, so he took us all to dinner there. It was such an enjoyable experience. We had this nice, little room all to ourselves, and the salad, bread sticks, and soup were so delicious, and so was the dinner, and the visiting was relaxing and fun. There were Janet and Lee’s whole family, us, Shiela and Davin. Mitch had had to work, and no other family members came to the graduation. I love family times together. That Davin steals the show with his cute comments and good manners. We spent the night at Louis and Dawn’s in Jade’s old bedroom. We like that bed, and even though it’s high, we can get on it. We were lucky to get to stay ther this week because Jade is taking that bed next week for their new apartment.
Wednesday was another family day. We went to Mitch and Shiela’s to play with Davin and help Shiela prepare the dinner for the whole family that night. What an enjoyable day! We had fun with Davin, and Mitch fixed us hamburgers for lunch, then Shiela and I grocery shopped and then started in preparing food. We took a break to prepare the game, "Deal or No Deal" for Derek that night at the family party. Shiela’s friend Olivia came to visit and helped us blow up balloons while I made the money chart for the game. We worked together right up till everyone got there at 6:30. Everyone came but Louis’ family; some who were sick, and others tired. Shiela was thoughtful to invite Lee’s brother Mike and his wife Mandy and their kids also. We love these family dinners and especially these ones honoring our grandchildren who are graduating. Shiela cooked delicious food: barbeque beef, chicken strips, her famous twice-baked potatoes, and she broke out the chocolate fountain that Janet and Lee gave them for Christmas. Janet brought strawberries, pineapple, etc. and we had bought marshmallows, a pound cake, and graham cracher sticks, etc. to put in the fountain for dessert. We had a relish tray and used some yummy dip that Janet brought. It was good to get better acquainted as we ate and talked.
The game was rousing good fun, with Derek up front wearing a sombrero and also Shiela, who told us this was a Spanish version on "Deal or No Deal," with pesos being the prize money instead of dollars. Instead of cases with money in them, Shiela had numbered balloons with amounts with money in them. The kids loved grabbing the paper that fell out of the balloons. Shiela knew how to draw out the fun and help Derek have a good time. The commercial breaks were where each of us told a favorite memory or story about Derek. It did take awhile, and we got a kick our of Ryan saying, "Hey, let’s keep this game moving here." And then realizing that might sound like he was bored, said, "Oh, did I say that out loud!" It was a really fun family party. All the ones with little kids had to go home and put them to bed, and Janet, Kelly, Mitch and Shiela, and us stayed up and watched the American Idol season finale together. It was exciting to see Taylor win, which we thought he would after our favorite Chris was voted off. I really like Taylor and hope he will have a great career. Catherine has a beautiful voice and is a beautiful girl; I’m sure she’ll be successful, too. It was a fun show, and fun to watch it with our kids. Blaine, who doesn’t really watch it very much, was patient and let us enjoy it, and he loves being together with his family.
Thursday was Derek’s day, but we wouldn’t be needed till that night for graduation, so we went back to Mitch and Shiela’s to play with Davin and for Shiela and I to get to go shopping. Blaine took Davin to Uncle Richard’s to visit while Shiela and I went to Target. We love to shop, and I especially love to get Davin things. Just like all the little grandkids, I love to get them something they want or need. We found a really cute outfit for Davin:, shorts, a pullover shirt with dolphins on it, and a button up shirt/jacket with dolphins on it, too, to go over it. Of course, I had to get it for him. He loved it, and they were thoughtful and took his picture in it and sent it to me. It was fun to shop together, and we ended up getting some rugs for Janet that she needed. We were tired, and ready for lunch. That sweet Shiela took me to Abuelos for an elegant lunch. It was different, a pretty setting, and delicious food. I had enchiladas, one spinach, to pretend to be healthy, and it was delicious. We had a fun nacho dessert with whipped cream and cherries. Yummy, and such a fun conversation between us. We felt close to each other.
This may sound strange but the most fun of the day was still ahead as I spent the next few hours cleaning and organizing Davin’s toy closet, with his help. Shiela and I had bought some plastic containers, big and small, and boy, did we have fun! I loved having Davin help me and tell me what his toys were and which container they should go in as we sorted them. He is the smartest, cutest little guy ever. I got hot and sweaty, but I loved doing that, and that toy closet looked so good when we were finished.
What a perfect night for graduation! Unlike the night of Jade and Ashley’s a few years ago where the wind blew so hard that it blew dust everywhere and almost blew the diplomas off the table before the graduates could receive them. The night was warm, with a slight wind, and Janet and Lee got us great seats on the front row of the middle bleachers. They saved seats for their friends, the DeWitts, Lisa and her family. Their daughter married Kent and Karen Stratton’s son Damon, and we visited with him a little also. The Brinkerhoffs, Troy and Darlene, were down in front of us, and we visited with them afterwards, talking about books and things. The graduation was actually pretty good, with short speeches, the Honor Choir singing–with Derek in the group, and the diplomas being handed out in record time. Derek was so "Derek" as he received his diploma and looked up for his family to see him at this proud moment. And we were!
Janet and Lee threw the biggest party ever for Derek and about 40 of his friends afterwards. They held it at the entertainment room at their town homes. They provided tons of food and dancing, a fun party for Derek. They always do the best things for their children; they give them their time. We figured they didn’t need us old folks around, so we went back to Louis and Dawn’s to have time to visit with them a little before they headed for New York with Alexa the next day
Friday morning, and we were ready to be home, but we stopped by Janet’s to say goodbye to Ashley who was going back to Utah. Janet had leftover hot dogs from the party, and I asked her to fry us one. We ate hot dogs and visited with them all, including Ryan who was there working. Grandpa had to play "Grandpa" and slip them all a little money for EFY, even Diana. I thought she was going to cry when Blaine said to her, "Are you still my granddaughter, too?" and handed her some money. It was tender. Blaine has such a good heart, especially for kids who don’t have as much as others do.
Well, it’s been fun to reminisce back over that fun week. It’s Saturday night, and it’s been a good day. I got to shop a little for Carolyn who’s having an infection in her leg again. It was fun to talk to Mama and find out she passed her driver’s test this week. Sherita took her, and she did very well. She is so happy about not losing her license to drive. I’d better get to bed. It’s fast Sunday tomorrow, and we’re fasting for rain for our area, and for Sandy Nichols Ashton who has been diagnosed with leukemia this week. We feel bad about that, but she will go to Tucson for treatments next week. We wish her the best. We talked to Janet on the phone a little. They are in Utah picking up Miranda in St. George after her week at EFY in Provo. Life is definitely good. We feel very blessed.

Saturday, June 3, 2006
Dear Journal,
I love working on the computer! I love writing in my journal, writing letters to family, creating beautiful quotes to share with family and friends, working on family history–in short, anything that’s on the computer. I’ve had a fun couple of days cleaning out my Word and Word Perfect files. I’ve copied lots of letters, journals, quotes, documents, etc. to disk and deleted many of them. It makes me feel sort of clean to have things saved to dish and off the computer. It’s organized, too, which I love. I need a little CD file to put all these new disks in to be able to access them when I need to. I’ve been working on Young Women notebooks also getting them ready to hand out to the girls tomorrow in church. I want them to have a notebook where they keep all the helps and quotes and goals and records concerning their Personal Progress. So, Janet got me some notebooks at Costco, and I’ve prepared a pretty cover sheet for them and the sheets for inside. I’m excited to give them to the young women tomorrow.
I’ve also caught up somewhat on my journal for the past month, and now I’m going to finish up. I’ll put this record on my blog for the rest of the family or friends who want to know what’s going on in our lives and my feelings and things I care about.
Friendships are so important to us, and one friend we really value and treasure, along with many others, is Carolyn Cunningham, so it was a good day on Wednesday when we got to spend the day with her. We went to Wal-Mart to shop, then to see The DaVinci Code at the Village 8 theaters in Lakeside. We were excited to see this new movie since we had read Dan Brown’s book. Blaine hadn’t read the book, but enjoyed the movie as much as we did. It was an exciting, fast-paced movie and full of interesting religious ideas. We all agreed that we can enjoy the movie without accepting the ideas put forth in the book. Tom Hands and the new actress playing the lead did a great job. It was a very pleasant time together. Afterwards we enjoyed discussing the thoughts we had from the movie over dinner at Licano’s in Show Low. The food is pretty good there.
The Memorial Day Weekend was a fun time mostly because of the surprise visit from Ryan, who brought Megan and Madison with him. Megan is his girl friend who was baptized on Mother’s Day weekend. They got here on Sunday night just as we were having home teachers, Ted Turley and Herb Decker. We made our own sub sandwiches and played some card games and a domino game called "Chicken Foot." Madison did very well, and liked that game. We also played some "Catch Phrase," which Maddie did well at, and had fun with. Carolyn came down and played with us for a little while. Ryan got so sleepy that he laid down for a little rest, and slept all night! So, we took Madison and Megan for a night time ride to see the temple at night and the pretty lamp lights down main street. It was fun to share that with our sweet granddaughter Madison and Megan, who is a sweet girl, too. Madison, Megan, and I started watching National Treasure with Nicholas Cage, one of my favorite movies, but those two got sleepy, too, and we went to bed.
Monday morning we just lazed around, some went for a walk and ride. At noon, Ryan wanted Megan to have a Trapper’s hamburger and pie, so we had lunch at Ryan’s treat. It was as good as ever, and Megan was properly impressed. One little side note: Blaine showed that he really cares for me over his own feelings. Ryan didn’t want me to drink a soda with lunch, but Blaine knows how I like one with certain foods, so he ordered one when the waitress came back. It’s a small thing, but it really touched me.
After lunch, we were a little sleepy, so we settled in the "theater room" to watch "The Other Side of Heaven," which we all love, and wanted to share that with Megan. Madison wanted to golf , so since Megan is taking golf lessons, she wanted to go, too. Ryan took them. While they went golfing, I cooked. I made "Funeral Potatoes" or "Monja’s Potatoes," as I call them. I made them the easy way with Ore-Ida frozen hash browns, and they were delicious if I do say so myself. I also made a small zucchini casserole, and a marble cake with chocolate frosting. Madison wanted pizza, and Ryan wanted Megan to taste Bits and Pizzas pizza, so I ordered an extra large. With all that food, we got pretty full, and enjoyed eating on the porch because the wind had died down.
Ryan is only looking out for me when he tells me what to eat or not eat, and I respect that, but sometimes I want my own choices. But Ryan really has a generous heart and takes care of us in lots of ways. He brought us up the golf cart to use for the summer till it gets cool enough in the valley for him to use it at his home. We really love taking it swimming every day. The kids around here think we’ll "cool" older folks as we ride around in our golf cart. We appreciate Ryan letting us use it for so long. We really use the red truck that Ryan gave to Blaine to use also.
We talked Ryan into playing one more game before they headed back to the valley. We taught them the game of Golf, and Madison excelled at this game, too. She loves games and playing with Grandma and Grandpa, and we sure love being with her, and also Ryan and Megan. It was a very fun weekend.

Saturday, May 6, 2006
Dear Journal,
I am about a month behind! Here it is June 3rd, and I’m going back to write about some memorable April events. I’m telling myself "It’s okay," because at least I’m doing it.
Going way back to Jade’s reception which was held in Louis and Dawn’s back yard, in a word, it was magnificent. The decorations were gorgeous, the food scrumptious, the crowd overwhelming, the weather perfect, and family feelings warm and fuzzy. The day of the reception, we all went over and helped do the finishing touches. Dawn and her sister Joanne, visiting from England, had done all the big stuff after the huge tent was set up on Thursday. We put red cloths on the 12 round tables. Then added gold satin striped with netting cloths over the to of the red. Janet, Shiela, Blaine, and others helped cut the 26 dozen red roses down to a size that they could be put in rings of styrofoam for the center of the tables. Greenery was put around the base and a tall, 3 inch wide gold candle was put in the center, with a pretty glass chimney over that. They were lit that night along with thousands of little, twinkly strings of lights around the top of the tent and on the decorative trees. It was like a fairyland.
Other details that day that we helped with were: Lee was the man of the hour, helping with lights, cords, and got the rock fountain flowing with water, and other stuff. Mitch, Kelly, Jen, and all the kids either helped us or helped with the little kids. Ashley helped by doing hair, Alexa’s and maybe Jade’s too; the ‘beauty shop" was upstairs. We set up the gift table; Janet cleaned the bathrooms and upstairs; I tied some of the cute favors, which were circles of net with candy-shelled almonds inside tied with dark red and brown ribbons. Those were Jade’s colors. The cake was chocolate brown with red roses. They served chocolate cake with a creamy pudding filling, as well as little plastic, tall dessert cups of chocolate pudding. The spread of food was elaborate: chocolate covered huge strawberries, little chicken salad croissants, small ham and cheese flaky biscuits, spinach dip with crackers and bread, vegetables and dip, and other yummy stuff.
The receiving line was set up over the end of the pool with its own tent which was decorated with the same red velvet as the big tent in the yard. There were red roses floating in the pool in front of the line. As is usual, there was a video playing of Jade and Ty as the guests came in and signed the guest book. There was an enormous crowd of over 500, we think. They ran out of food at the very end because they planned for 300. We were so pleased that so many of Blaine’s family were able to come: Judy and Roger, Joanne and Tom, Randy Stock, Tom and Lovenia, Gary and Lori, Suzanne, Cindy and Dave, and others I’ve probably forgotten. We know a lot of their friends, but were pleasantly surprised that a lot of our own friends came: Verd and Karyle Rogers, my roommate Sherrill Funk and Herm, and her daughter Lori and Todd, Rudger and Ruth Hiatt, with whom I spent a lot of the evening visiting. It was fun to see David and Pam Kitchen, Louis’ friend from Snowflake days who now lives in the valley and others we hadn’t seen in awhile. Rick and Cari West brought their few weeks old baby and came. It was a wonderful party, and every member of our family was there except Jason who is in Hungary on a mission. We took lots of family pictures. Jade looked gorgeous and Ty so handsome, and we have a whole disk of pictures to enjoy from that night as well as the ones from San Diego at the temple.
Family helps family. And that night, I don’t think Lee ever sat down during the reception. He helped keep the trash cans emptied, helped the caterers with anything they needed, and generally was the back-up guy. We all stayed till the last hurrah after the reception and cleaned up what could be. The next day, Blaine did his part to help this tired family by treating all 30 0f us to lunch at Sweet Tomatoes. We got to sit all together, and visited and had a grand time. This was after everyone went to church, in their own wards, of course.
The next day was Derek’s final concert with Honor Choir which has been a big part of his high school years. This was held at the Westwood High’s auditorium to a full audience. They had bought new, black, nice, collared shirts with a white Westwood Warrior emblem for the students to wear. Derek had a prominent part in this concert, which was on the lighter side, since their March concert had been more classical. Derek is the leader of the special, small group called the Cantori Club. They performed a number called "Seasons of Love." Then a highlight of the night was a video presentation of memories of the Honor Choir and their performances through the year. Derek gathered pictures from the members and took them to a video person Janet knew, and the result was a great trip down memory lane with musical accompaniment that was presented that night to an enthusiastic audience. The kids loved it. Janet had copies of the DVD to sell; it’s very attractive with pictures of the choir on the front of the CD. We are so proud of Derek, his example, his talents, and his leadership.
One added benefit of this concert was seeing Ashley go stand by Derek at the conclusion when they sing their special Choir’s song. All former members of Honor Choir are invited to come and join the choir in this special concluding number. They stand in a circle around the room singing. It’s a touching time, especially for those participating. It gave me a thrill to see Ashley stand by Derek and sing. It was so great to have Ashley home for this special concert and weekend. She and Jade are just 6 weeks apart in age, and so it was neat to have her get to come home from Utah to participate in her reception.
This was another special family weekend that we will remember always.
There were a couple of memories that I forgot to include in my last entry. When we went to the temple in San Diego for Jade’s wedding, we ran into special friends as we waited to enter the sealing room. Harold and Polly Logan are temple workers at the San Diego Temple and happened to be working that day. We sat and visited with Harold while we waited for Polly, who is a coordinator and had a meeting. What a thrill to give Polly a hug around the neck when she came. What an unexpected, nice surprise.
When our daughter-in-law, Jennifer went to Provo to Women’s Conference at BYU, with her mother and sister, we were happy for her. She had invited me to go along, but with all the traveling we’d been doing, I decided to watch it on TV. But another unexpected surprise was when Jen called me from BYU telling me of running into someone who said to her, "Are you Verona Jarvis’ daughter-in-law?" It was Joan Ralphs who had lived in Snowflake years ago, about 40 to be exact, when we first moved here. We were close friends, and have kept in touch over the years. In fact we met up with her another year about 5 years ago, at Women’s Conference. She told Jen to tell me hello, and to come next year. That was fun to have Jen meet our good friend.

Derek's Seminary graduation, May 23, 2006.
Megan Emshoff on her baptismal day, May 13, 2006.
The Funkhouser Family: Ashley, Lee, Janet, Derek, Miranda, April 28, 2006.
Derek's cake, served at the family party to honor him, May 24, 2006.
Davin in his new outfit with dophins on it, a gift from Grandma Jarvis.

LINKS:
http://www.underthebambootree.blogspot.com
http://www.trekkingthefoothills.blogspot.com
http://www.theoldgraymare.blogspot.com
http://www.pickapeck.blogspot.com

I love this pose.

Cole, Jade, Alexa

Our whole family at Jade's reception.

Thursday, May 18, 2006
Dear Journal,
So many wonderful things have occurred in the last few weeks that I hardly know where to begin. That’s why we should write in our journals more often, to remember the details and savor them while they are fresh in our minds.
Perhaps I’ll start with the most significant spiritual events and not try to go in sequential order. Saturday, May 13, 2006 will always be a special day for our family. That’s the day that Megan Emshoff, Ryan’s girl friend, chose to be baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a beautiful day in every way: beautiful weather, beautiful friendships, beautiful gospel truths participated in. But the most beautiful aspect was the actual baptism and what that will mean to Megan eternally.
Although Megan was a little nervous, she was soon put at ease by the support she received in the room full of people who came to witness this special event. Nearly all our family was there: Blaine and I; Ryan, Velvet, Madison, and Maizey; Janet, Lee, Miranda, and Derek; Shiela and Mitch and Davin; Louis, Cole, Jade and Ty. I was very touched that Jade and Ty would take time to come and was tickled when they walked in. Afterwards Jade hugged me around the neck and said, "You sure look beautiful today, Grandma." I gave her a comeback, saying, "Don’t I look beautiful always and not just ‘today?’" We had a little laugh together. It was a thrill to see how happy she was over the quote book that I had made for her. I had personalized each book, and hers said "Jade Bennett" on the title page. I had promised her one when she loved the ones I made for Velvet and Janet a few months ago. She also loved the temple envelope that we had ordered for her that finally came. It is elegant with her name, "Jade Britain Jarvis Bennett" on it at the top, and April 22, 2006 at the bottom, all embroidered in white satin.
Megan’s Dad and her two stepsisters took the opportunity of coming and showing love to Megan. One of Megan’s neighbors who has known her all her life, and who is a member of the church, attended, as did also a couple, the husband having worked with Megan’s Dad Bill for many years; they are also members of the church. As a side note, Janet and Lee know this couple well and recently worked with them on the Pioneer Trek for their stake. There were 8 missionaries in attendance, including the AP Elders. The Bishop of the Ward was there and about a dozen ward members. The Ward Mission Leader conducted.
Everyone tried to help in any way they could. Velvet helped Megan get her things settled in the dressing room. Later Janet went with her to get dressed for the baptism and to get back into dry clothes after the baptism. Janet also gave a beautiful, appropriate opening prayer and Mitch did the same in his closing prayer. I was so touched by both their prayers and felt the Spirit as they prayed and as they expressed love and support for Megan. Shiela sang a most beautiful song while invited the Spirit. Two of Megan’s friends from the ward gave talks that were simple, but enlightening. What were the chances that we would know either of these two young women? Well, Beth Martineau is from Joseph City, and Jade knew Sister Lindblom who is good friends with some of the people in Jade’s ward. Elder Vila gave a great talk on the gospel and laid out the teachings of the Church in such a clear way. We felt like this was a good introduction to the church for Megan’s family.
After the baptism concluded, Ryan had bought lots of cut-up fresh fruit—cantaloupe, honeydew melon, watermelon, fresh pineapple cubes, grapes—and delicious chocolate chip and other cookies. Janet and Lee set it up to look pretty and served it, and bought and made punch to go with the food. Whenever there’s work to be done, Janet and Lee will be there. Everyone enjoyed visiting with each other while enjoying refreshments. Ryan did everything he could to make this a special day for Megan. After the baptism he brought the Elders (One was Elder Burton, who had done the most teaching to Megan and was her "favorite.") over to his house where they played a quick game of chess; then Ryan and Megan gave them a ride back to Tempe.
Megan received some gifts from different ones showing love to her. Janet and I went together and got her a $40 gift certificate to Dereret Book. We thought she might like a CTR ring, or a CD or something else. I made her one of my famous Quote Books with her name in it. I think she liked it. I put a Scripture CD in the gift bag also, so she can read the scriptures on her laptop. I loved making the book for her and thinking about her while I made it. She is such a sweet, kind young woman. She is easy to give to and easy to love. We all just love her and appreciate the light she has brought into Ryan’s life.
That evening we had the opportunity to get to know Megan’s Dad a little better as we went to dinner at Oregano’s, one of Megan’s favorite places to eat. We really like her Dad. He is friendly and easy to talk to, and he loves Megan. Besides that, he looks like Grandpa Rulon Jarvis. He is 6 feet 10 inches tall, with long, long legs, and wears Levi’s and denim shirt. Madison came with us to dinner, and we had a fun time walking around outside while waiting for our table. I love my grandchildren so much, and Madison is really fun to be around. We walked and talked, and Ryan brought Madison a pink lemonade, and us a coke and some cheesy breadsticks as an appetizer till we could get a table. We had a delicious Italian, chicken salad that all of us shared. Everything was delicious, especially my lasagna; Ryan treated me for Mother’s Day and all of us, too. As we drove Madison home, we listened to a CD, Primary Colors, a modern version of Primary songs by a group called Inside Out. Madison loved the songs, especially the many versions of "Once There Was a Snowman," so we gave her that CD to keep.
When we pulled up at Ryan’s there was a floral shop delivery guy bringing a beautiful bouquet of purple flowers of all varieties from Megan and Ryan. The most beautiful were the purple, yes purple, roses. They are still fresh and pretty today. The note attached to the flowers was touching and made me feel loved. It was the start of many expressions of love for Mother’s Day from my family. Sunday morning as we entered the church for Megan’s confirmation, Janet handed me a corsage from Blaine. Miranda’s YW had made them to raise money for camp, so we all had one of these pretty corsages. After church, our whole family, except for Kelly and Jen and kids who were in Snowflake, went to lunch for Mother’s Day at a place that Mitch does business with, Marcello’s. It was delicious food, and we all had a good time visiting with one another. Our long table wasn’t needed, so we got to talk for a long time after dinner. That evening we gathered at Janet’s and played some card games. We taught Megan "3-13" and Mormon Rook. It was fun.
This had been a long day, starting at 7:00 when Madison crawled into bed with Grandpa and me, saying she had a basketball game at 8:00. Madison and Maizey stayed the night and slept with their Dad in his very tall bed. I asked Madison to let me sleep a few more minutes and that I probably wouldn’t get up and try to go to her game. But at 7:45, I couldn’t sleep knowing that I’d miss my sweetie’s game, so I crawled out, asked Ryan if I could make it, jerked on my clothes, and away we went. I was so glad that I had gone when Madison, as she usually does, hit a lot of baskets and made some unselfish assists in this wild world of little ones running up and down the court. Madison’s one of the tallest ones, so she does well. Maizey was the wild one though. Ryan asked me to check on her as she had gone to the bathroom. I found her in the handicapped stall; bare naked with the door locked. I told her to hurry up and I’d get her dressed. She came out and headed for the hand dryer saying she had to wash her hands. I grabbed her clothes and headed after her, but she thought it was a game and streaked her way back to Ryan right in front of all the people watching the game. She created quite the stir, but that’s our Maizey.
Megan’s confirmation was just what it should be, with Lee, Blaine, Mitch, and the Elders participating with the Bishopric and Brother Scott, the Ward Mission Leader, who actually confirmed her, surrounding her. Mitch and Janet and families left after the confirmation to go teach and serve in their own wards. They made a sacrifice to drive 40 minutes to get there by 8:00 for their early church. One of the most spiritual moments for me was seeing Megan take the Sacrament for the first time. It was then that I realized all the blessings that are in store for this choice young woman. Megan’s Dad came, and stayed for the whole Sacrament meeting and seemed to enjoy the cute Primary kids singing and the good talks. We attended the Gospel Essentials class with Ryan and Megan, and then Megan and I attended Relief Society.
The Relief Society lesson was appropriately on Preaching the Gospel, a Wilford Woodruff lesson. We sat with Megan’s friend, Beth, who spoke at her baptism, who told us that she and her husband are finally expecting their first child and are so excited. I wanted to express many things during the lesson, but saved my comments for the question about what we can do to be missionaries: "I should let Megan speak for herself, but some of you may not know that she was baptized yesterday. New members need your love and friendship. We shouldn’t let them just get baptized and then leave them alone. Megan knew some of her neighbors when she was growing up, but she didn’t know much about what we believed until she took the missionary lessons. Megan is a sweet, wonderful young woman. We love her, and know that you will, too, in this ward."
Come Monday morning, Mother’s Day was not over! Janet had given me one of her special brand of cards that make me cry because of the tender feelings they express. In the card were two tickets for us to go see "Poseidon," the remake of "The Poseidon Adventure" that Janet and I saw back when she was a little girl and we were going on a sort of date. We called it "Our Night" and Blaine and I each took one of the kids for a night of their choice each week. Janet had such vivid memories of that time we spent together, and said that was what she wanted us to do for Mother’s Day. I was game! I loved the movie, and I love being with Janet, so we took off, got our popcorn and drinks, and with Janet’s Hot Tamales candy in her purse, we were ready. We weren’t disappointed. The movie was pretty much like the original, and we felt so conspiratorial as we got to go just by ourselves just like on "our night" some 30 years ago. It was pure fun and satisfying to get to do that with my daughter, and how thoughtful it was of her to think of it!
More fun was coming up that evening, with Miranda’s Junior High Singing Group, the Canticles, performed their final concert of the year. Having dinner from Panda Express beforehand seemed appropriate since Miranda’s nickname is "Panda." The concert was so enjoyable, from the musical selections, to the choreography, to just being there with Janet and Lee, and Derek, and Aunt Shiela. I was so proud of Miranda; she looked beautiful, and I told her truthfully that she was the prettiest one in the group. I love watching my grandchildren perform, and happy that they are participating in good activities. Miranda hugged me tight after the concert and thanked me for coming. I felt like she really was glad I was there, and I truly was.
Another grandchild needed me to attend their musical event—Madison. She had a piano recital with Aunt Shiela. We met her at Washburn’s Music Store, and boy, did she look cute in her dark pink print skirt and white blouse, and her cute dress-up pink flower shoes! We were so proud that she dressed up to perform. She played "The Wigwam" and did such a great job. When she finished and came back to sit with us, Megan handed her a beautiful bouquet of a variety of flowers, just right for a young girl like Madison. They were so pretty, and Madison said, "I’ve never had flowers of my own before." She hung on to them, and couldn’t wait to get home and put them in a vase. She took loving care of them every day. That was so kind of Megan to think of Madison and help her feel special. We were really proud of Mitch and Shiela that night for putting on a recital so that their students could perform and receive some awards. They do a super job in a much-needed profession—teaching music. That's when I presented Shiela with her Quote Book, a sort of "thank you" for teaching all our grandchildren to play the piano and sing. She is so unselfish to do that for free for her nieces and nephews. It was fun to be with Davin, too, and he enjoyed playing with Maizey and Madison. They are all such darling kids. They really are, even if they are our grandkids; it’s true.
While we were enjoying Miranda’ concert, Ryan was making memories with Madison and her T-ball team. Ryan took Blaine with him and Madison to the Diamondback game where he had 30 tickets for members of Madison’s T-ball team that he had coached. They had a blast, Madison said, and the Diamondbacks won! We all had a chance to be with our loved ones, just not all at the same place. That afternoon, Janet and I drove to Louis and Dawn's to pick up our CD of Jade and Ty’s wedding, and Dawn gave me my Mother’s Day present—an 11x14 portrait of Jade and Ty. It is a beautiful, gold frame, and one of my favorites of their wedding photos. What I love as much as the gift was the sweet note that Dawn wrote to give me with the picture. It was a sweet tribute to my being a good mother to Louis and how that blesses her life. I appreciated her taking time to write to me.
Tuesday morning, we slept in at Ryan’s, and then bless Blaine’s heart, he allowed us to stay in Mesa long enough to let Shiela and Mitch treat us to lunch at Matta’s for Mother’s Day. They didn’t need to do that, but they are sweet kids and wanted to. It was such a good way to finish up a perfect weekend. The food was delicious and the visiting was lively and fun. We got a little rowdy in giving Ryan all this advice, and I worried that he would think we were picking on him. Blaine got up and came behind Ryan and put his arms around his neck, and said, "You know why we all give you advice, don’t you? We love you and care about you. You’re lucky to have brothers and sisters who love you that much." He had us all with a tear in our eyes because he was emotional as he said this to Ryan.
Mother’s Day was still not over; I like to draw things out and enjoy them a long time. Jennifer and Rachel came down Wed. night to print a report for Rachel for school. Jen gave me a beautiful card and a spicy candle set for Mother’s Day. I got to feel the love of my family once again. It was one of my best Mother’s Day ever, thanks to our family. Blaine started the Mother’s Day season off right, by giving me his Discover Card at WalMart the Thursday before Mother’s Day. We had gone to the movies to see "Mission Impossible III," and I had a big list to shop by. I got more pretty paper for my quote books, photos, printer ink, and a supply of sugar free candy among groceries and things. I love shopping, so this was a good present for me.

April 26, 2006
Precious memories of the last week are floating in my mind today, so I want to record them, not only for me, but for posterity. Our first grandchild was getting married! My, what a thrill! What made it special was that we all traveled to California together along the highways. Some were ahead, some behind, but we arrived at the Marriott around the same time, in time for a swim for some before dinner.
Getting up at the crack of dawn is not our usual time, but six o’clock seemed fine when we got to be with out family all day. It was sweet to travel with little Davin all day. What a good traveler he is! We had such fun talking to him and listening to his improved speech and cute songs, especially the "A,B,C Song." He is so cute. Mitch and Shiela let us travel with them and Velvet, and what a good time we all had talking all the way. I took some tapes to listen to, but we liked the sound of each other’s voices much better. Janet and Lee, with Derek and Miranda, were right with us all the way and made the same stops for snacks and all.
That night, our whole family, including Buck and Jean Smith and the Connolly’s, and Dawn’s sister Joanne and her family, all went to The Corvette Diner to celebrate Derek’s 18th birthday. His birthday was actually the next day which was Jade’s wedding day, so they chose to honor him on a different day. That diner was rocking with 50’s music and atmosphere. We had a blast! We drank shakes and malts, which they are famous for, and burgers and salads. Janet and Lee picked up our tab, bless their generous hearts. The highlight of the night was Derek opening his gift from Janet and Lee. When he pulled out a framed picture of his dream white truck, he said, "No way!" and turned red in the face. He was even more sure when he found the key to the truck in the gift bag, too. He said, "Let’s get back home right now so I can drive my truck!"
Being in the temple with most of our family the next day was a choice experience. The San Diego temple is the most strikingly beautiful of any temple, and we all felt happy to be there with each other. Dawn honored me by having me sit with her and hold her hand as she struggled with her emotions of the happiness of a temple marriage for Jade, but "losing" her, out of their home.
The most memorable part to me personally was watching my sweet granddaughter over the altar. I realized she was truly MY granddaughter when she smiled so big at Ty across the altar. It reminded me of my wedding day 45 years ago when I was so happy, and nervous, that I thought I was going to be guilty of laughing out loud during the ceremony. I saw that look on Jade’s face, and it made me smile, knowing that she was like me, her grandma.
Taking pictures afterwards was a "fun ordeal" if there is such a thing. San Diego’s wind rivaled Snowflake’s on this day, and it was plenty cold. Walking around those grounds with the hills was a challenge to us, but again being with family made up for discomfort. Ryan made us laugh especially having his picture taken with both Megan and Velvet, with his arms around both of them.
One of the best events of the day was meeting up with Dawn Case Sheretz, my friend from Snowflake who now lives in the area close to the temple. We are the best e-mail buddies, and we arranged to meet and get to see each other in person. What joy to hug her neck when I spotted her there on the grounds. She has not changed one bit, even down to her short, red hair. She looks great! We had such a good time chatting as we walked around taking pictures and visiting with my kids, and meeting my grandkids. Her biggest surprise was meeting up with Buck and Jean; she didn’t know they’d be there. Buck was our Bishop when Dawn was the Relief Society President, and I was her counselor.
The luncheon at The Outback was such a great time—getting acquainted with Ty’s family, and others, relaxing, teasing Jade and spending a few intimate minutes with just us girls. Janet and Lee set up little glasses for all of us, and tall glasses for the bride and groom, and poured sparkling cider for a toast to Jade and Ty. Steve Connolly, good friend of the family, wrote and read a darling poem about Jade. He has her personality "pegged," when he called her life, "The Jade Jarvis Show." It made us laugh and cry.
Getting home about midnight, after lots of good times on the way home, and getting up early for church the next day, watching Derek drive his new truck to meetings, savoring the sweetness of family togetherness: it’s all worth it!
Earlier in the week, we started off this great week by going to the temple with Jade, with most of our family with us. As is our tradition, dinner at Mattas afterwards was a fun time with ours and Ty’s family. Louis and Lee treated us all—those generous, good men! Louis made the comment that he was married before he realized that going across the street to Mattas wasn’t part of the temple experience!
Wednesday, Janet and I prepared a big meal of spiral ham, "Funeral Potatoes," frozen corn, carrots, rolls, and peach and apple cobblers for ours and Ty’s families at Louis and Dawn’s home, sort of a pre-wedding dinner. That was a lot of fun. Dawn really appreciated the love and the meal in such a busy, stressful week. Janet and Lee provided all the food; I just helped cook. They are such thoughtful people.
Thursday night some of us attended Madison’s T-ball game. She’s one of the tallest members of her team, and the most savvy sportswise. Ryan is their coach, and he is so good with those little tykes, and so patient. Amazing! Just kidding. He really knows how to teach them about the game. We had fun being there together in the cool of the evening. Maizey, who is two, kept us all hopping, to keep her out of the game.
Staying with Janet and Lee’s family this week has been sweet because we experienced how a faithful LDS family lives. It warmed our hearts to hear Derek and Miranda’s prayers, to read The Book of Mormon with their family, and to just be together. Like the scripture says: "It is good to know that my children walk in truth."Sharing the joys of the gospel with our family this week has given us a spiritual boost and comfort to see them all living the way the Savior taught.

God Bless the USA!

I'm proud to be an American! I love the Constitution and our nation's history! That's what my kids and grandkids know about me. My house if full of patriotic items. My bathroom decor forces you to salute when you enter with the flag shower curtain. I love all the questions on Jeopardy that have to do with the 50 United States and American History. I sure don't know it all, but I love it.
I love my family! They are the greatest! Those 13 wonderful grandkids make us feel so lucky to be their grandparents. We love their parents, too! It's a wonderful life.
When Mama created her own blog, I knew I couldn't be left behind in the dust, so I decided to create one of my own today. Not much time to write, though, so look for more in the weeks to come. We'll be gone with the wind the next two weeks. Well, the wind is here in Snowflake, and we'll be glad to leave it behind to go to Mesa to attend the temple with granddaughter, Jade on Tuesday. Then on to the San Diego temple on Friday for her wedding on Saturday, April 22nd. She's our first grandchild to be married, so it's pretty exciting times. She is the oldest daughter of Louis, our first son, and Dawn, his wife who's from England. Jade's beautiful and sweet, so we couldn't be happier, and we love Ty Bennett, her intended. The whole family's headed to California for the wedding, and the reception will be April 29th on Louis and Dawn's back lawn. Therefore, the next two weeks are brim full of fun.
This whole month has been full of fun actually. As I see now, I'll just use this blog as my journal. This busy month started out on April 1st with Jade's bridal shower given by Ty's mother. It was so nice, an occasion arranged for just the close family members who will be going to CA for the wedding. Now, we know each other a little better and will feel close to each other in the San Diego Temple. It was very sweet being together with Jade, and her aunts on our side of the family: my daughter, Janet, and daughters in law, Dawn--Jade's mom, Shiela, and Velvet. Jennifer had just had surgery and couldn't be there.
The next big April doings was the play "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers," in which grandson Derek had a leading role. He played Benjamin, one of the seven brothers. Derek, while not the lead actor, certainly stood out to us as he sang, acted, danced, used humor, and sort of stole the show. He was the featured with his "girl" on the front center cover of the posters advertising the play. He was simply fantastic! And he definitely was the most handsome brother up there. Spoken like a true Grandma, huh! This was Westwood High School's production. What a thrill for us to get to attend two nights of the three it was performed. Most of our family attended on Saturday night, and some, including Davin, 3, and Madison, 6, got to see it twice and were enthralled with seeing their cousin on stage. It was such fun! Thanks, Derek, for your talent and hard work!
Saturday of that week had us going to two ball games for Madison, age 6, who is Ryan and Velvet's athletic little girl. At ten o'clock, T-ball pictures were the order of the day. Madison looked pretty cute in her teal green shirt and white pants. Ryan is her coach, and I had fun walking around the field watching Madison and Ryan during the practice. Madison can really whack the ball. Ryan is such a patient, teaching, good coach. I was tickled to see him talk to those little guys and help them learn the positions and what T-ball is about. Ryan treated us all to a Sonic lunch while Madison rested a bit before her basketball game at 2:00. Madison, the star! That's the way it was as Madison shot 10 baskets for her team, which was 3/4ths of the baskets made by the whole team. She is taller than most of them, and that helps. She was so adept at getting the ball and then positioning herself in her favorite spot and sinking those baskets. They don't care much if they "walk," or otherwise follow conventional rules. We won't tell that Ryan offered her a dollar for every basket she made! Velvet brought Capri Sun drinks and Cheetos for the team's treats afterwards.
What a thrill to get to be with granddaughter Jade on Thursday when we went to Mesa. Janet arranged for her and Dawn to meet us at Beehive Clothing where it was mine and Janet's privilege to buy Jade her first temple clothing, 7 pairs for her honeymoon! And not one, but two, temple dresses! She wanted a simple style for comfort, and she looked sweet in it when she tried it on, but I asked her if she didn't want to be a little more "dressy" for her wedding. (Her wedding dress is cream, and besides brides are discouraged from wearing their wedding gowns to the temple.) She tried on a satiny, white rose embossed dress which was very beautiful, so we bought that one for her also. Things are half price when it's your first time! Jade was as sweet as she has ever been, and hugged out necks and kissed my cheek in saying how much she appreciated these special clothing items for her wedding and temple experience. I was so honored to be able to do this for my first granddaughter getting married, and in the temple. I'll love doing it for the rest who make the same good choices.
I just called and talked to Carolyn who has had some health problems this week, and in the course of checking on her found out that Kelly was called last week to be the Sunday School President in their ward. He came down to visit with us this afternoon, but failed to tell us that.
Speaking of callings, our grandson Jason, who is serving his mission in Budapest Hungary, was called to be the assistant to his mission president. What great opportunities for him to serve. He has been greatly blessed with the gift of tongues and has really been able to speak the language fluently. He has a tremendous testimony and works so hard as a missionary, so he will be of help to President Clement for a few months, and to the new President Gasser when he arrives in July. We feel this is truly a call from the Lord, rather than "moving" up the leadership way, because Jason has not been district or zone leader, but a missionary full of testimony. We love sharing in his letters each week as Louis forwards them to us. We feel like we're a part of his mission, too.
April 29th will be a big family affair for our family as Ashley is coming down from Utah to be with Jade at this special time. She is loving Utah and her job, but hates to miss out on family things. She and Ethan have talked on the phone a lot, but haven't been able to get together yet. He wants to have her double date with him sometime. It would be fun for these two cousins to get together.
Thanks, Mama, for getting me started on writing a blog. I have probably written more than anyone wants to know, but I enjoyed recording my thoughts and a record of some of our activities. When I learn how to put pictures on here, I'll do that, too. We love all of you, dear family members and friends. More as I have time.
Love,
Verona
Patriotic Grandma