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.