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