What a joy it is to be able to see this beautiful little child on a weekly basis. She and Creed add a lot of happiness and love to my life. For this I am very grateful.

Singing The Blues

Nobody leaves this place without singing the blues.

They’re slowed down because you can’t escape or run away;

you can only go through what life puts before you.

It’s amazing what happens when we tell our story.

Things aren’t quite as bad as we thought.

Oh, they may be bad alright,

but naming them takes away their ruthless power.

A little perspective helps too.

This is what I love: when you sing the blues you go through them.

And it’s really the only way.

Oh, I’ve tried other ways. Haven’t you?

The old Spiritual explains it though:

You can’t go around them ‘cause they’re too wide;

you can’t go over them ‘cause they’re too high;

and you can’t go under them ‘cause they’re too low.

I guess I’ll just go through, and try to keep singing. (Of course, anyone who has heard me sing, might ask that I investigate another way.)

Mah Jong

So I have a friend who goes to church with me. She has been asking me numerous times to come and play Mah Jong with she and her neighbor. I finally decided that I would count it as missionary work, :) and give it a try.

I must say that I LOVE games. Always have. This is not the Mah Jong that you play on the computer. This one apparently is played by the Jewish women of New York (which is what and where my neighbor is) for blood and money! She is a typical Easterner and is very too the point, a little bossy, but very nice and very excited to be training some “competetion.” Little does she know, I have no money :), am not that competitive, and am anemic!

It is pretty fun, but she wants to play twice a week. I had them all over to my house on Monday and they stayed from 12:00 to 4:00 and I had to scoot them out!!!!

My one and only winning hand!

I’ll let you know if I become competitive. Stay tuned.

TYLEE AFTON JARDINE HAS ARRIVED!

Yesterday was Jacqui’s birthday and guess what she got?  A new niece, Tylee Afton Jardine, weighing in at 7 pounds, 6 ounces, and 19 inches long.  I swear she is a clone of Creed. 

One proud daddy.

Of course, Jacqui fits right in where ever she goes and the hospital is her home away from home!

Laurie is here to help take care of the Jardine household, Creed is not allowed to visit because of the HlNl virus. 

I am sure there are more pictures to come, but we are so grateful for another healthy little princess.  That makes our count, 6 Princesses with one more on the way, and three little men….We are very blessed.

OH, FOR A SMOOTH WALL!

I finally have pictures of the walls that I painted in Tara’s house.  I used to tole paint all of the time, and had the opportunity to do it on a bigger scale, by painting a room for Gage.

At the time, Home On The Range, was the big movie. So a Little Patch Of Heaven, was from the movie.

 

 Not a good angle of the barn, but you get the idea.

Loved the pigs in the mud!

 

 

Chicken coop and pond with little duckies.

Horses, sheep.

My favorites, the cows. Reminds me of my childhood.

 

As close as I have come to planting a complete garden.

That’s all folks!

Wise Advise

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio *"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me... It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more: 1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone... 4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will.. Stay in touch. 5. Pay off your credit cards every month. 6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. 7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone. 8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it. 9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check. 10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. 11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present. 12. It's OK to let your children see you cry. 13. Don't compare your life to others.. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it. 15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks. 16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. 17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful. 18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger. 19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer. 21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. 22. Over prepare, then go with the flow. 23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple. 24. The most important sex organ is the brain. 25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you. 26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?' 27. Always choose life. 28. Forgive everyone everything. 29. What other people think of you is none of your business. 30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time. 31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.. 32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 33. Believe in miracles. 34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or did not do. 35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. 36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young. 37. Your children get only one childhood. 38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. 39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. 40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back. 41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. 42. The best is yet to come. 43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. 44. Yield. 45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Family That I Grew Up With

Family has always been one of my greatest blessings. My whole life has been made up of people surrounding me that I love. I will try to concentrate on one side and then the other.

Malone’s

Marjory Blanche Swan Malone was my paternal grandmother. Man did I love her. She was so sweet and kind, loving and soft! ( She was fluffy and I loved to lay on her and have her rock me.) She was a scrub nurse at the hospital and no matter where she went, she would call in and leave a number where they could reach her. I think it gave her life purpose. She loved to have people over for dinner and when she did, she would set the table so prettily. That is where I got my love of dishes. She never had anything material really, but she loved pretty dishes. She made fried rabbit that would melt in your mouth.

Mike, Diane, Kelly and I would always go over to Grandmothers’. She would give us anything to make forts in her backyard and always help us.

We would stay all night and when I did, I slept with her. She would leave her false teeth under my pillow, every time, and ask me in the morning, where her teeth were! At night we would eat fried egg sandwiches, (how did I do that?) and watch Peter Gun on TV. I can still hear that music in my head.

She loved Easter, and we always had an

egg hunt at her house, among her flowers. She especially loved Iris’ and I can see her bending over, hands behind her back, smelling her flowers.

Grandmother loved to play canasta. She taught us kids from a young age how to play and I still do to this day. She taught Diane and I how to play Jacks and we used to do that for hours in Oklahoma. Grandmother loved to swim. We used to go to the lakes around Porum all the time. I grew up camping, water skiing, and swimming. Grandma wasn’t skinny (it didn’t matter to her, plus I thought she was beautiful) and would put on a suit with the best of us. I got some of my worst sunburns in Oklahoma at her house! :(

Grandmother was a strong member of the Bouciant ?, the women’s arm of the Masonic Lodge. My Dad and Uncle Bud, and my Grandfather Malone, all obtained the highest rank in the Masons. This is her, very proud of her two sons.

One year, she was the chairperson for the cancer drive in Liberal. I used to go downtown and sit in her office with her. She was a good member of the Methodist Church and I went with her there on occasion.

My grandmother was one of the sweetest people. I never heard her talk badly about anyone, she never swore, drank, smoked, or was uncouth in any way. She had a very, very hard life. Her mother died when she was 4. She was basically raised by an older sister who was nothing like her. She married and was pregnant ten times. Three miscarriages, one stillbirth, two children died from Hemophylia, and another one from Meningitis, and three children who lived to adulthood, my father being one of them. Diane’s dad, Uncle Bud, and my Aunt Martha.

Aunt Martha with Mike……

She lived with Arthritis that was very painful. I used to want to just hug her and hug her, and sometimes she would just wince, not complaining.

She would write to me in college and I always loved her letters. She passed away in her early 70’s, watching her favorite show, General Hospital. :) I could go on and on, but will save it for another post. I hope that I am like her in just a few ways. I love you Grandmother.

Hotel Jardine (A Classy Place)

 

We moved to Denver now almost four years ago.  Seems impossible to believe but it is true.  Especially in the beginning and well, until now, it was hard to leave Kansas City and all of our family and friends.

The Lord knew I was lonely and so along this journey, there have been over one-hundred (yes I said 100) different people who have come to stay with us……How awesome is that?

This is one of our favorite little visitors, well he is actually a man now, but will always be one of my boys.  Camron Smith is on his way back to BYU and so we get to have him stay to and from the greatest university.  He just brings a light to our home, thank you Camron.

I absolutely love to cook for this boy, he loves to eat and my cooking seems to agree with him.  This morning he got biscuits, gravy, bacon, scrambled eggs with cheese, fresh peaches with cream, and orange juice.  So until next time Camron, have a great semester.  Go COUGARS!

“Little Reward”

In about 610 A.D. a very creative Alpine Monk decided to make use of the pieces of dough left over from baking bread. The Monk formed them into thin strips folded into a looped twist to represent the folded arms of children in prayer.

This scrumptious treat was given to the children as they learned their prayers. They began calling the treat "Pretiola", which is Latin for "little reward". Soon it was known the world over as a pretzel.

The secret of making great pretzels is not only in the baking but also in the shaping. We, like pretzels, are made from the best ingredients, by the best hands available, the hands of our Father in Heaven.

Have you ever seen a broken pretzel, or one that's lost its shape? We too, can lose our shape when we don't pray always to keep our spirituality intact. Even in the midst of our greatest trials, we must remember, as did Job, to call on the Lord. The simple shape of the pretzel, arms folded in prayer, reminds us to pray each day. Our "Pretiola" or "little rewards" are the blessings we receive.

Every time you see a pretzel, remember prayer. Check to see if your arms are often folded in prayer and have not lost their shape!

Recipes:

Cheesy Soft Pretzels by Annette Wrigley

1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. shredded cheese
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. sugar

2 Tbsp. cold butter
2/3 c. milk
1 egg, beaten
Coarse salt

In a bowl, combine flour, cheese, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in milk - just to moisten. Knead 1 minute. Divide in half. Roll each portion into a 12X8 inch rectangle. Cut in strips and twist into pretzel shape. Pinch ends together. Place on a greased pan. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 400° for 12 to 15 minutes. Serve immediately. Makes 1 1/2 dozen.

Homemade Pretzels by Paige Holden

1 Tbsp. dry yeast
3/4 c. warm water
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

2 c. flour
1 egg, beaten
Coarse salt
Wax paper

Mix yeast in warm water. Add sugar and salt. Add flour and mix. Put dough on wax paper and knead until soft. Cut off pieces and shape as you like (too thick = doughy, too thin = brittle). Place them on a cookie sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle coarse salt. Bake at 425° for 12 to 15 minutes.

A Day in the Life of Nonna and Poppa

Jaimie had to go to a doctors appointment today, so Nonna and Poppa got to watch Creed……Yahoo! We had a great time and hope that he did also. Jaimie is right on course, and the midwife thinks she won’t make it until the 26th of September which is her due date. Tylee could be born on Jacqui’s birthday, Jag’s birthday, or Jonathan’s birthday. Man we will leave decorations out all month.

Downstairs in the playroom. He is going to be good with a little sister. Lots of kisses in store for Tylee…..

Becoming proficient with money….

Poppa is his buddy.

So cute, he was fascinated with the washer today. Maybe an engineer in the future?

Helping Poppa clean the truck. “No

Creed, no reverse!!!”

“Time for lunch Poppa, we have had a busy day. Until next time……”

Thanks To Jacqui…

Thanks to Jacqui, my house is looking finer by the minute.  “But Mom, you don’t really want to put those things up. I will feel so bad, when I move and they have to come with me!”  Don’t worry honey, I’ll adjust, meanwhile I love my dining room…..

Gentle Thoughts for Today

Does anyone realize that I have learned to cut and paste? I love it!!!!! So this is an e-mail from Mother and I laughed today. Thus I am going to share. I have not learned yet to flip the bird, (Mike however my pointer finger is going a hundred miles an hour!) but I am feeling better.

Birds of a feather flock together and crap on your car.

When I'm feeling down, I like to whistle.
It makes the neighbor's dog run to the end of his chain and gag himself.

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because
by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.

The easiest way to find something lost around the house
is to buy a replacement.

He who hesitates is probably right.

Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are ' XL.'

The sole purpose of a child's middle name is
so he can tell when he's really in trouble.

There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.

Did you ever notice: When you put the two words
'The' and 'IRS' together it spells 'Theirs.'

Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying
about your age and start bragging about it.

The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

Some people try to turn back their odometers.
Not me, I want people to know 'why' I look this way.
I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.

When you are dissatisfied and would like
to go back to youth, think of Algebra.

You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.

One of the many things no one tells you about aging is
that it is such a nice change from being young.

Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.

First you forget names, then you forget faces.
Then you forget to pull up your zipper.
It's worse when you forget to pull it down.

Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks,
it was called witchcraft. Today, it's called golf.

Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand around my mouth. AMEN

I SEE THEM…The White Hats That IS

So my last post was a little sad, I was in the slump. Fridays we work in the temple for 10 hours and I saw a lot of white hats:) White hats everywhere, people who are absolutely wonderful and working just because they love the Savior. So today I will be happy again and try to keep out of the slumps.

I never was a good roller coaster rider. I don’t have the stomach for it! Life is like riding on a roller coaster at times. I love the wind in my face, but the drops do me in.

President Holland Does It Again……

‘Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said, “I will not leave you comfortless. [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].”

About ten years ago, we were also going through a trial that I considered almost insurmountable. I could hardly find comfort at that time. Others were receiving persecution because of our family and it was overwhelming. I searched and searched for comfort and finally found what I was yearning for by reading a talk given by President Jeffrey R. Holland. It was entitled, “ Cast Not Away Therefore Thy Confidence.” It was so elemental to my being enlightened. Because of it, I wrote to him and told him how important his thoughts had become to the way I was trying to handle life. I actually got a note back from him and he said, “Remember the white hats always win in the end, always.”

So as we are here in another seemingly life altering trial, I once again have turned to his counsel and inspiration to see me through.

I pray I may not lose my confidence, but I sure am getting tired. All I see are black hats………………..

Once Again “What the Hail!”

I just love saying that word and actually getting away with it! So we are sitting quietly yesterday afternoon, playing Canasta with Jacqui, and all of a sudden the dogs start barking and all hail breaks loose.

It has come a gully washer and there goes my flowers..

See my earlier post to understand my dismay…

So for the record, we have made snow balls in April, (see Cousin Camp), snowballs in Montana for our reunion in July, and now August. It's a hail of a life, but it's my life! What will October bring? Stay tuned.