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