News from Nonna

2009-10-22T13:13:00.005-06:00

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

2009-10-03T13:14:00.002-06:00

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

2009-10-01T12:58:00.002-06:00

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!

2009-09-30T13:21:00.001-06:00

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!

2009-09-30T12:48:00.001-06:00

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

2009-09-21T16:21:00.002-06:00

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

2009-08-31T16:51:00.002-06:00

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)

2009-08-27T17:03:00.002-06:00

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”

2009-08-27T16:40:00.004-06:00

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

2009-08-26T19:10:00.002-06:00

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…

2009-08-26T19:01:00.001-06:00

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

2009-08-24T11:59:00.004-06:00

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

2009-08-23T16:43:00.002-06:00

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……

2009-08-20T19:00:00.004-06:00

‘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!”

2009-08-19T15:35:00.003-06:00

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.

Am I OCD?

2009-08-19T15:28:00.002-06:00

I have worried a little on occasion if I could possibly, just maybe, or by chance be a little OCD. Not that I think that is all bad, considering I get a lot done, and I love, absolutely love a clean and organized house.

I would love to say that I am a compulsive shopper (be quiet Richard!), that I work out non-stop, that I dress like gangbusters every day, or that I can’t go to sleep unless I have everything done for the week, but alas no. I can just say that I love a clean and organized house.

I think that RIchard has more vitamins than we have food, but those Jardines’ are long-lived……This is one room that I would not want to do without ever again. PANTRY!

The spices of life……

So maybe I should try to excell in something besides food!

Six Miles, Three Hikers, and a Beautiful Day!

2009-08-19T12:20:00.001-06:00

Richard has been begging Jacqui and I to go hiking with him in the Rocky Mountain National Forest. So Saturday was the day. It was glorious, the weather was cool, we took jackets, and the scenery was magnificent. You have to consider the state of the hiking crew. Jacqui is five months pregnant, Richard is still limping from his ATV accident and I have two rods, four screws, and a metal cage in my spine. What a crew. We however thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. And it was up hill both ways! :)

There were horses going up to the top of the mountain, I wish we could have hitched a ride! But where is the pain in that?

Actually, my favorite part of the hike. This little fellow climbed up on our hands, legs, and arms to get the PIstachio nuts that I had. I am sure he has enough food storage for the winter. I couldn’t stop feeding him.

Thanks RIchard for the adventure. I would do it all over again, but six miles! surely I will loose a few ounces…….

STAND BY ME

2009-08-13T18:24:00.001-06:00

I would like to acknowledge my brother. I am going through an extremely difficult time in my life right now. Probably one of the most challenging trials to date. I am an emotional person on a good day, so you can imagine my dilemma. I have done all of the things that are important, praying, studying, improving the quality of my faith, counting my blessings, and doing everything that I can think of to help me through. But my Father in Heaven continues to know what will strengthen me. Yesterday morning my brother sends me this song and it was a port in my storm………………..

I have been greatly blessed in so many ways and I acknowledge my Father’s loving hand in all things. That however does not seem to make this battle easier. And so to remind me, he sends me a gift, a comfort, an answer to my prayers through my loving brother. The song that you are listening to as you read my blog today, is my brother. He knows just how important music has always been in my life, but no music is more beautiful to me than that, that my brother sings. I could listen to him forever.

We both love gospel music. I think it is in our souls. My great-grandfather was a music maker and played at his church. He loved to sing, my grandmother loved to sing, Uncle Gary loves to sing. And so my brother was blessed with this talent as well. (NO one is more talented at listening than I am!) So not only do I have great gratitude for my brother at this time and his sensitivity to my spirit, I feel the comfort and peace of those of my family who have gone on before me. They are all telling me to hang on, this is but a moment and if thou endure it well, we will all be together again and then I will be comforted by them as well. So Mike, my dearest brother and friend, Thank you, Thank you, for standing by me, loving me, and being in tune enough to know that at this moment, you are an answer to my prayer! I love you.

lIBERAL THE lAND OF AHS

2009-08-02T20:05:00.001-06:00

I was born on the 20th of July, around 5 AM in the morning, at the Epworth Hospital, in Liberal, Seward County, Kansas. That is a story all in itself but for now, Jerianne has asked me to describe the place that I grew up, including sights, sounds, and smells.

I loved growing up in a small town. It got it’s name from what I understand, by a particular man being very “liberal,” with the water from his well, in a considerably dry part of the country.

Liberal is famous for the annual Pancake Day Race with Olney, England. That was always a highlight of the year with parades, a pancake race, school was always out, and my mom was famous worldwide because of it. She and her best friend Sally Warden, were the prettiest girls in town and they used them on a postcard that is still sold to this day.

Uncle Gary in the Liberal parade, he is on the left holding the gun on his shoulder. He used to make me cry when he would walk by looking so handsome.

Liberal is on the very plains of Kansas and is dry for the most part. Not a lot of moisture to remember. The feeling I have climate wise is one of dirt, in my teeth, on my face, and sunburns. Oh, my sunburns were a plague to me. I never tanned and had freckles a bushel. I don’t remember a lot of snow, or rain but do remember a lot of threats for tornadoes. Running to the cellar or basement, or being stuffed under the bed while my mother stood and danced in place. Dark funnel clouds and anxiety. The song from Oklahoma, which was four miles from Liberal, is that there is corn and wheat as “High as an elephant’s eye,” and you can see for miles and miles. Cows, everywhere, the smell of cows and my daddy would always say, “Verlinda, that smells like money to me!”

Growing up in Liberal was fantastic for me. I loved it and look back on it with nothing but pleasant memories. Maybe it was the small town that I loved. Mike and I and Diane and Kelly, and our friends would play outside all day long. LIterally, and into the night. Our mother was never worried about us, there was nothing to worry about. My grandparents both lived within blocks of us and that is where we spent most of our time. Mostly, always over at Grandma and Granddaddy Upchruch’s. No phones really, party lines I remember. No cell phones, we didn’t watch tv and there were no computers. Just wonderful friends and the big outdoors. We would ride our bikes, play ball in the fields, draw houses with rocks in the street, (they weren’t paved) play in the lumber yard, Uncle Bud’s big old truck, games galore in our yards and used our imaginations.

Liberal was dry as I said and some of the feelings of the place is that my feet hurt! They had goatheads, huge, hard stickers, that would get in your feet and you had to literally pull them out. Your feet were sore for days, but we really didn’t wear shoes a great deal. There were also sandburrs, stickers on a stem that we would throw at one another, and play tag. We played all of the old games, Annie-Over, Hide and Seek, Kick the Can, The Bears, Blind Man’s BLuff, Red Light Green Light, Mother May I, and on and on. Always we were outside.

On Saturdays, during the summers, we could go to the Tucker Theatre, downtown for 25 cents. We would buy a series of tickets from school. We would walk all the way downtown, by ourselves, across the train tracks, and go to the movie and to Duckwall’s, where we could spend 10 cents for a candy. We could walk all over town when we were younger and no one ever worried. We were safe back then. What a wonderful way to grow up.

Liberal was synonymous with family. Family all around me and memories so close to my heart. Grandmother Upchurch would put Mike and I in the car and we would “ride around,” Liberal for hours on end. Looking at houses, waving to friends, going to the grocery stores, shopping at the Gibson store, visiting their friends, riding, riding, riding. I never got tired of it.

Liberal is bible school at the neighbors house, going with my grandmother to so many different churches, family dinners, the smell of fried rabbit, walking to and from school twice a day, Rainbow Girls, wanting to fit in at school, McDermott,UFO’S, tinsel Christmas Trees that turned colors, security, laughter, friends, happiness, joy, and gratitude and so much more. Liberal is part of who I am.

Grandmother’s Posterity…..

2009-08-02T18:26:00.002-06:00

We continued our reunion for those of us who were brave enough and still had a little sanity left, at my brother’s house in Spanish Fork, Utah. Diane, my cousin, had graciously offered her house as another resting ground for the Malone clan.

We had a wonderful time, eating, of course, playing games, laughing, hanging out and all over,enjoying the 24th of July festivities.

We had a tribute dedicated to Grandmother Blanche Marjory Swan Malone. We shared some of our wonderful, fun, and happy memories about her with the younger generations. She would have loved this posterity of hers and been laughing right along with us. I believe Mike is demonstrating how we would all help her put on her girdle. Good thing this experience didn’t scar you Mike!

Grandmother’s great-grandchildren minus Jonathan and Jason. What a pretty group, and now for all of her great-great grandchildren…….

We played old time games that Diane, Kelly, Mike and I used to play. Red Rover, Freeze Tag, Annie-Over, Blind Man’s Bluff and proved that the following generation could still compete!

Batter-Batter Swing…..

And ended the evening with an outdoor movie at Julie and Richard’s house. What fun….The kids played so well with each other for the next four days.

Bless Mike and Debbie and Diane. They opened their homes literally to us all. Let’s just say, if Janae and her children have stayed at your home, you have been visited. All of the kids love Uncle Mika and Aunt Debbie. I unfortunately was extremely sick. I tried but knowing how generous I have always been, I shared the Plague from He.. with one and all. We were always calling poor Dave for a doctors viewpoint. After two round of anti=biotics, three bottles of cough syrup, Alka-Seltzer Plus, kleenexes, and coughing up a lung, I have managed to share this with one and all……..Sorry, but Families Are Forever! Thank you everyone, for helping to keep our family together and solid. (Did she say solid? Which one of this group is solid? I don't know what she's talking about! This whole Fam Damily is crazy........................Until next time.

Some of My Favorite Photos from the Reunion

2009-08-02T16:48:00.005-06:00

Lee contemplating future damage to his Atv’s. Little did he know that Richard would barely be able to walk away from an accident that scared the life out of Jonathan, and Richard also. After prayer, blessings, tears, and run into Yellowstone for pain meds, Richard is finally hobbling around as we speak. Those Atv’s look so fun, and harmless but underneath lurkes injury!

Nurse Jacqui! She wanted to sew Richard's third eye closed with fishing wire. He Declined!

Award for best use of an ATV!

Kelly was in heaven at the cabin. He was a “heat-packing, hot hancho!” We may not have food storage but we’ve got fire power. They went up each day and did I don’t know what, but we could sure hear them.

Does this picture scare anyone else as much as it does me? Janae and a gun????????

We loved having a campfire everynight. Lots and lots of s’mores made and eaten. I think Kelly was the king of even roasting and then finished the night off with games of “washers,” that Darin brought. The competition was stiff and I think I actually excelled……..

Lots of time to bond. Whenever we went out the kids would pile in the back of the pickup.

Bonding over meals which went quite well. Chris’ kitchen was equipped like a restaurant. Lots of hungry appetites made in the fresh mountain air.

Too many cooks do not spoil the pot for me!

We were happy to have Alexis along. The kids loved her and she was always there with a smile. Hope you had fun Alexis.

Of course, how could you have a party without my brother. He is all things good and makes everyone smile. Three days your limit,huh? You thought we were going to a beach?

The next generation loves him as much as the first. Always had little kids he was taking care of. Good practice for Aubrey’s surprise! She is expecting in March!!!!!!

More Male bonding!!!!! Good thing, these boys are out-numbered 7-3!

Sand castles in the horseshoe pit……..

Some of my favorite pictures of such a beautiful, cool, clean mountain air place. Thanks for the memories Chris and Lee!

Until next year!! WHO SAID THAT! WHO SAID THAT!

Families Are Forever: My Obsession!

2009-07-29T13:20:00.003-06:00

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been very aware of family and relationships. They have always been my highest priority and still continue to be. I had the best childhood and life actually, and it is all because of the people that have been so important in my life. I also have an overwhelming feeling about ancestors that have passed on and ones that I have not even met, so I guess you could say that the “Spirit of Elijah,” resides in me.

Having said that, I try to do everything that I can to make sure my family stays close to one another and that we support and encourage each other. I have always thought that just being “together,” was very important and now people seem to be spread all over the place. SSOOOOOOO, a family reunion seemed like the answer. I started planning this last year in hopes that even our Oklahoma family would join us. I started looking at places all over the map but finally settled on Montana. (I need to tell Lee and Chris how grateful I am for the offer of their beautiful second home in the mountains of Montana. It was more than we could have ever hoped for, certainly more than we could have paid for :) It is one of my favorite spots and the weather was unbelievable. So after many phone calls, many e-mails, hair pulling, coaxing and people backing out, I set in stone the trip to Montana. Let those who will, come! My folks didn’t come because of breathing issues, Uncle Gary didn’t come because he was a poop!, the Treadwells didn’t come because of a wedding…….So the fun people came!

Richard and I went up early to get the food, cabin in order, and make sure the party could start. Chris let me help her make ice cream cakes to take………What fun.

OH, and I found out there are NO Calories in a Dairy Queen Cake!!!!!!

Chris and Lee went to the cabin with us along with Mom, for a couple of days. We had a great time with them. We went ATVing, boating, sightseeing, and just enjoying each other. Well on one of our trips to the lake, (our guide and engineer being Lee, armed and all) he seriously is a funny guy! Plus everyone’s favorite uncle……

Since he was “packing,” we were pretty secure. Then comes Mother Nature…..We were out on the most beautiful lake, Lake Cliff and Lake Wade, and spotted Bald Eagles a plenty. As we get to the back of the lake, Lee says, “I think there’s a storm coming.” Keep in mind, we were in an aluminum boat, in the water, in the lightning and thunder, and then it proceeds to HAIL!

Bald Eagle Nest at the top of the tree.

“OH, Lee, does that look bad……………?”

“Nah, we can make it!”

OH HAIL!!! Precursor to the flu!

Dock covered in the “soft” hail that pelted us all across the lake.

One of my favorite pictures. Richard on the dock with the clouds resting on the lake.

It doesn’t get more beautiful than this. Thanks for the memory Lee and Chris.

Like Grandmother Like Granddaughter

2009-07-28T17:08:00.003-06:00

I recently had my mother-in-law visiting me for a month. One of the things that unsettle her about me (I am only mentioning one in here!) is that I am always changing and working in my house. I realize this is something that I do. I come by it honestly. Growing up by my Grandmother Upchurch was a delight in so many ways. I was always there to help rearrange the furniture, which occurred on a weekly basis. She never got tired of moving the furniture and sometimes did it for a specific reason. Uncle Gary would come in late at night, very late, after partying and would fall over the furniture. It was her alarm clock. :) And she just plain loved working in her house. She was always making something or trying something a new way. That’s where I got my catty-corner phrase. Nothing straight against the wall when it could be angled. I remember her making dividers out of beads, always making new curtains, pillows, stuffed animals and the ever famous acrylic grapes. I was a little girl out in the garage hitting those things with a hammer to break off the mold. So many wonderful memories and I am happy that wanting to continually improve my home is one that stuck. I take great joy, satisfaction, and pleasure in improving my home. Like Grandmother, like granddaughter.

This is a picture that Jerianne gave me several years ago and I have recovered the mat in fabric as the focal point of my “Wedding Wall.”

I made a new wreath to go above my bed in the brown bedroom. I think it adds just that pop of color. The ribbon is stunning.

I repainted my main floor bathroom and redid the candles, wreath, and made my own towels.

So Grandma Jardine, it is not that I am not grateful for what I have, it is not that what I have isn't good enough, it is that I love working in my house. It is my heaven on earth.

My Secret Garden

2009-07-05T16:11:00.003-06:00

I love looking outside. I am a “lookey-loo” as I have said before. My kitchen windows are wonderful for just that, looking outside. We have hummingbirds that come right on our deck due to the Honeysuckle Bush crawling all over our deck. We have a Finch birdfeeder and we see many of those each day as well. We have flowers of all kinds growing wherever they want unlike our organized beauty in Kansas City.

Colorado’s State Flower, Columbine

Peonies, all shades of pink. They were our table decorations for Father’s Day.

I walked outside the other day and the deck and trees were covered with LadyBugs so I took this little look see specially for Taryn.

These flowers remind me of my Grandmother Malone. I can just see her in the garden walking along and bending over, with her hands behind her back to smell her flowers.

Creed has also found “the special,” way to go in and out as have all of the grandchildren, well children actually. Jacqui and Janae still use the doggy door on occasion!

My Contributions For Cousin Camp

2009-07-04T14:41:00.003-06:00

I just have a few pictures to add for cousins camp. It is a tradition that I heard about years ago and just knew that I would have to copy it. We have been doing it for about 4 years now and I have loved every memory made. I hope the grandchildren have too.

This year we had the opportunity to expand our borders a little. Two of my nieces came to help out. Thank you so much Aubrey and Brianne, we couldn’t have done it without you! My cousin, Tara, and her two boys Gage and Brody also came from Kansas City. (Tara, I feel badly that you mostly have me, an old person, for your first cousin, but I couldn’t be happier!) They were an added bonus for our celebration. We also had Lacey and her two girls who have recently moved to Colorado (also a second cousin on Richard’s side) come and play.

I honestly think the big girls had as much fun as the little girls and that is a wonderful blessing as well. We are a tight knit group!

Jerianne was a huge help to me this year. I got home about four days before camp was supposed to start. I had been in KC helping my dad recover from his last surgery. Knee replacement, and I think this is like his 32nd surgery! Anyway, Jerianne did a lot of the work. She is amazing.

Each day had a theme. First day was a “Buggy” situation. We had the menus’ even planned to go along with the day.

We started off by having an opening ceremony and giving out shirts and magnifying glasses for our adventure.

We took the kids to the Butterfly Pavilion that I had heard about and we all loved it! Taryn especially. We got to hold a tarantula, (what I won’t do for these kids!) see and touch all kinds of little buggy animals, and see them let the butterflies loose. touching the turtle.

This butterfly actually landed on Aunt Nacky’s finger! Stuck in the spider web! Finding a place in the hive!

After the kids went to bed at night (Nonna’s bed was the sleeping place of choice,) then it was party time for the big girls. Lots of games, and laughter, laughter, laughter, stories, and more laughter.

The next day was our pirate theme. We started off by eating cannonballs, thanks to Aunt Nacky. Pancakes filled with chocolate chips! Aye

Matey! Then on to the treasure map. We played pin the ship and then looking for clues to lost treasures. Next lunch was had and it was Pirate Ships! Then it was on to one of our favorite ocean places, the Denver Acquarium! Man is it amazing. The kids loved every minute of it and would go back time and again. Everything from Jelly Fish, to Sharks, Tigers? and Stingrays that you can feed. (You’ll have to refer to the girls’ blogs because I left my camera at home on this trip) Then on to Long John Silvers for supper!

Day three was our Luau theme. SWIMMING was on the docket. The pools here in our rec centers are wonderful and the kids all love to swim and walk across the log, float the lazy river. Which happens to be indoors, because of all things………………………………………………………….

IT SNOWED!!!!!!! My Arizona children loved it and so because they didn’t bring any warm clothes, it was only March, we made snowmen inside. Navie won the snow-elephant contest…… Reflections of Nonna by Shea and Brianne.

The day was completed with a Pinata which we broke with a toilet wand!!!!!!! And then we made cousin camp pillows with everyones name and date. Thanks to Aunt Nacky and Tia Jaimie, they were a big hit.

We had closing ceremonies and gave each child an award. During this last day Poppa came home and brought the lady who started this all. My what a posterity she has. Grandma Jardine was a little overwhelmed but the kids thought that she was something. They were as tall as her!

PS We also celebrated birthdays and then Nonna fell over! Until next year………………………….

Neverland………

2009-07-04T13:30:00.002-06:00

Where in the world have I been and what have I been doing? I wish I could explain my life in a few short paragraphs this past few months, but alas………………..I have missed blogging and so I will make a few entries.

Besides being in Kansas City three times, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona I have spent some time here in Denver. I’ve got to say that I think Colorado is beautiful! I love the weather here more than anywhere else I have been. (consider that I haven’t been too many places!) It is the fourth of July and we haven’t had our air conditioner on! The nights are absolutely wonderful and remind me of sleeping out at night with my grandparents, on the lawn, in the garage, on the porch.

Richard went hiking yesterday just a short way from the house and here is what you will see.

We had the opportunity to go and see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on Monday night out at Red Rocks. It was so beautiful sitting out in the cool air, surrounded by nature and being able to also see downtown Denver. The choir performance was incredible! And as an extra bonus, they had President Monson stand up! He was in the crowd…:)

Jacqui and Dave went with us and we saw half of our ward there. It is always fun to have someone to double date with!

HAIR

2009-05-18T11:51:00.002-06:00

I heard a story yesterday that I thought was wonderful and so I am putting it down for future reference.

There was an older woman that woke up one morning and she looked in the mirror and discovered that she only had three hairs. She thought to herself, I'll braid my hair today and decided it was going to be a good day and it was.

The next day she woke up and looked in the mirror and saw that she had two hairs. Well, she thought, I'll part my hair right down the middle and decided it was going to be a good day and it was.

The next day she woke up and looked in the mirror again, saw she had only one hair and thought, great, I'll wear my hair in a ponytail. She decided it was going to be a great day and it was.

She woke up again and looked in the mirror and saw that she had no hair. Wow, she thought, I don't have to fix my hair today! She decided it was going to be a great day and it was.

Moral of the story, she decided it was going to be a good day. I think a positive attitude is so important in how we approach life and what we get out of it. When I was younger I was an idealist. Everything was supposed to be just so. I was a perfectionist in some ways and that is a hard way to live your life. I used to compare myself to every one else and of course, came up on the short end of the stick. It took me almost forty years, and that is way too long by the way, to decide that maybe I was alright. I want my children and grandchildren to learn from me. Who you are is enough, so long as you are working on becoming your best self. Love yourself, be positive, find the joy in everyday living.

I sit here now, a bit droopy in many places, :) thinning hair, not a flat stomach, and many other things, but I probably love myself more now that I ever have! It is actually quite liberating.............to think you are okay.

I was thinking about my Grandmother Malone at the temple the other day. She had a rough life, so much sorrow, and yet I don't think I ever saw her "down" or complaining about her lot in life. My memories of her were always a smile on her face, kind words for everyone, and a genuinely good person. I want to be like her.

I love the quote by President Hinckley and I will have to find the exact quote and put it in, but for today, it goes something like this. If you think life is supposed to be fair, you are in for a great disappointment. Life isn't fair. It is much like an old time train ride. There are beautiful vistas, lush green views, and thrilling peaks, but there are also valleys, smoke, cinders and ash that get in your eyes. The trick is to enjoy the journey and be grateful for the ride.

As I look back over my life I see that this is so. I also realize that I am extremely grateful for the journey.

May 12, 2009

2009-05-12T17:24:00.001-06:00

I brushed my teeth today and that's it! More to follow later, but I am back......

Verlinda, Wife, Mother, Nonna, Cousin, Aunt,Daughter, Sister, Sister-in-law, Daughter-in-law, Cruise Director, Entertainer, Housekeeper, Laundress, Cook, Shopper, Nurse, Office Assistant, Church going, Temple Worker, Friend, dog mother, Confidante.......I am going back to bed!

Buff in Idaho!!

2009-02-13T15:00:00.002-07:00

I want my children to know that while I have been in Idaho I have been exercising to the max!!!!! I now have thighs of Steel! I refuse to come anywhere near a toilet in this town with my little derriere(exaggeration I know) thus, exercising my thighs to near burning capacity. 1,2,3, breathe, 1,2,3, breathe............

Potatoe Bugs, Spiders, and Ants Oh My!

2009-02-06T13:21:00.002-07:00

Just to let everyone know out there that I am not alone in the "condo," when Richard is at work before me. (That almost never happens! ) This morning I had a visit from all three and since Jonathan is not there to help me, I take it upon myself to send these little "creatures," to HEAVEN!

SOOOOOOO Thoughtful!

2009-02-02T15:05:00.002-07:00

Here I am in Pocatello again, living in the Taj Mahut.........Just wanted you to know how thoughtful Richard is. (Refer to last year at this time:( He has put those sticky strips in the "bathtub," which leans toward the wall, and now it actually gives me time to grab the side of the tub before I fall. He's a keeper and he's all mine!

ON THE ROAD AGAIN……………..

2009-01-21T15:45:00.001-07:00

We got home from Kansas City in time to celebrate the New Year with our kids that live here. I must say, I don’t think Richard and I are too exciting anymore, just exhausted! What happened to dancing, and Guy Lombardo? We had just enough time to get Richard ready to go back to his “time,” in Pocatello. He left with a packed car the day before our 34th wedding anniversary. Talk about romantic, well at least my kids spent the night with me so that I wouldn’t be so afraid! He however remembered that I don’t like flowers and so I got something near and dear to my heart! FOOD! Now that is true love! An Edible Bouquet!

Jacqui and Dave have spent several nights with me, sorry Dave, but I have really appreciated it. I never was very brave. When Richard went out of town, which was rarely, I packed up all the kids in the car and off to Mom and Dad’s we went. I have gifts but bravery was never one of them……….

Went back to the temple for a week without Richard. Then got a call from Janae saying she NEEDED me. Greer has thrush, she has four children under six, and is seeking a little support. So I get back on the plane and to Arizona I go. The weather was spectacular and I get to see all of the kids. I loved being there. I got to bond a little more with Greer, bike, go to the park, color, play blocks, bake cookies, bake cookies, read books, play, play, and have great one on one time with Janae. So even though I was trying to help out, I was the one that was blessed.

I fly back after a week, and then have an ENTIRE week to get ready to go to Idaho!!!!!!! This is Richard’s busiest time with his tax business and so he needs my help. I will spend three weeks in Idaho and by the way, living in the squalor that I lived in last year.! How can one man be so lucky as to find the same hole of an apartment, two years in a row? Cheep,cheep,cheep!

The last of the time that I will be there, all of my girls, including Jaimie, will be together for our first “GIRLS” getaway. I can’t wait. So, until I get home and can post again…………..Hang in there, I am trying to!

Merry Christmas and ANOTHER NEW YEAR!

2009-01-21T15:22:00.001-07:00

After my book group and the SHEEP, I was on my way to Arizona to help Janae and her family as the new baby came. What an awesome experience! We left on the 10th of December and Greer Mae Burkinshaw was born on the 11th! Janae named her after my grandmother. Vera Mae Upchurch. If she grows up to be half of the woman my grandmother was, she will be blessed. Janae had a very spiritual experience the day of her blessing with feeling the presence of Grandmother very strongly. Another tender mercy, especially for Janae. This is the first child that I have ever seen delivered and let me tell you, it is something that I will never forget. What a miracle to behold. She was only 6 lbs. and 10ozs. but so beautiful. The amazing thing was is that Jacqui helped deliver her. She is a labor and delivery nurse and so she was at the hospital that she used to work in with the doctor that she loves, Dr. Russ Beck, and so she was one of Janae’s nurses. She took Greer after the delivery and cleaned her up and did all the new baby stuff. She took such good care of Janae and it was a moment in time when I was in awe and so pleased that we could all have this experience together. Another Tender Mercy for me. I am having a lot of those and I realize it and am so grateful.

So after having helped Janae for 10 days, we flew back to Colorado and got home at 3 AM. Went to the temple the next day for our 10 hours, and then were up at 6 AM to drive to Kansas City for Christmas with my folks. Keep in mind that we had three dogs with us that we had to take, because Jonathan and Jaimie went to SLC! This is the way that I rode in the car for 10 hours! Richard insisted that he needed to drive the whole, entire…….way. I wonder why?

So along with “White Lung Disease,” I now have a hairball that will last a life time. (See earlier post.)

We had a great time with Mom and Dad, and spent a lot of time with the Upchurchs’. Christmas with them was fun, we did everything from eat, eat, eat, to playing Christmas Bingo, reading the Christmas Story, (with Lotto tickets as an incentive :) way to go Tara!, to playing Guitar Hero, Karaoke, and just plain fun. I taught Tara how to make homemade rolls. She was so excited and now I have passed on the recipe to the younger generation. Mom started it and it better carry on!

We had a special Christmas morning with just my folks. Not much hoopla but so nice. We opened gifts and just enjoyed each other. It was a special Christmas for me. My mother gave me my Grandmother Upchurch’s old wedding ring and it is something that I will always treasure. It was a Christmas that I gave the best present that I have ever given. I have been working on a book for my mother for the last six months. It was a book filled with pictures of her life and my memories of the times I remember. It is something that she will treasure. She was so touched and I am so grateful that it is something I did. Tender Mercies. I enlisted Daddy to help decorate gingerbread cookies that I took over to the Upchurchs’ and he is pretty artistic…

Then I also had a little chance to visit with some of our friends. We went to church at our old ward and saw lots of dear friends. Went over to the Carlsen’s and got to see Elaine and Justin. He is one of my boys………He is a big time pilot in the Marine Corps and will be going to Iraq in March to fly those big planes. I’ll let you know when we all need to start praying! Maybe it will be over by then!

I’m Afraid To Close My Eyes!

2009-01-21T14:43:00.001-07:00

I know that it has been three months since I have last posted on my blog. Honestly, the time has gone by so quickly and has been so filled with things that I had to do, that I am struggling to remember all that has happened! But for the sake of a journal, I will attempt to put things down. Followers of my blog, you may click out at any time.

These are some of the projects that have kept me on my toes, literally. In October I went to Arizona with Jacqui to help move her belongings up to Colorado. I went out a little early to spend some time with Janae and her family and as always, love to do that. Then we loaded up Jacqui’s U’haul and unloaded it in Monument, Colorado. We helped her set up her house, hung pictures on the wall, got cabinets organized, and christened her new home.

Next came getting ready for Thanksgiving with all of my family coming home except the Burkinshaw’s. Janae was due in December and couldn’t make the trip. We missed them. We however had a wonderful Thanksgiving with the other kids here and my folks as well. Lots of love and fun to go around. Taryn and Shea were so sweet, they ran a nail salon. We all got manicures and pedicures and they seemed to love the “tips”, they received. It was a great holiday because not only my folks were here, but Mike and Debbie as well. It really isn’t a party unless they are here and we did party. Lots of playing cards, and laughing, laughing, laughing!!!!!!!! I loved it. (Working with this new program and so I just put in all of my BEAUTIFUL grandchildren.)

Then December rolls in and my plate is full to overflowing! Remember that RIchard and I work 10 hours a week in the temple, which we love, but that takes a little time. In December I was in charge of having book group at my home. I didn’t put up Christmas decorations this year, because no one was going to be here including me. So I tried to make the tables look good. I fixed a typical “Christmas Dinner,” for the girls with turkey and dressing, homemade rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade rolls, salads, and my famous Brandy Snap Basket dessert. That took some time, but everyone seems to love coming to my house. One more commitment down.

I was the first counselor in the Relief Society Presidency for a very short while. So, I was in charge of the “HANDOUTS,” and refreshments for our Visiting Teaching Conference. Let me tell you all that I worked on this project for three months! No joke, I didn’t realize that these cute little sheep could take me so freaking long, but they did. Just ask Richard, who had to bring out his saw to help me. (Thanks RIchard) 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,……50…..75……100! (I’m NEVER counting sheep again!) Really, they were so time consuming and if I find out that one sister threw them away, we will have words! Along with that, I had to make 120 sheep gingerbread cookies. They even looked like they had curly fur. Thanks to Jerianne, I had a label that said, “Feed My Sheep,” and they turned out darned cute. So, one more project completed, but not without me getting “White Lung Disease”! After all of that, I am now the Home Family Enrichment Leader, and my first big bash is in March. Thank heavens, cause I won’t be home until then!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everything But the Kitchen Sink........

2008-10-06T20:28:00.004-06:00

How much longer do you think I will fit, Nonna?

Am I on film?????

We are so blessed to have Creed and his folks living by us. It is our first grandchild that we get to enjoy on a weekly basis. It is so fun to watch him grow and learn new skills it seems like every week. One of my favorite things to do is to give him a bath in the kitchen sink...........That's the way they used to do in the "olden" days kids! He loves to splash and I love to wash him and then lather him with lotion. Aren't nonna's crazy? Bonding, right Creed?

"We Thank Thee Oh God, For A Prophet"

2008-10-06T19:57:00.007-06:00

I have been very concerned of late for the state of our country. It seems like there are so many things to worry about. A failing economy, so many practices that are contrary to the principles upon which this great nation was founded. Dishonesty, crime, selfishness on the part of so many and on and on are part of the every day life we are exposed to. So, I have upped my prayers on behalf of our nation. Things in my uneducated mind keep going down and down and I have decided that the only thing I can do is pray. Our options for president have never been so bleak. This is the first time I am not voting for someone, rather voting against someone. I don't think my little vote is going to count for much, although I am and have always been a voter. I think if you don't vote, you don't have the right to complain. Richard is basically retired, and spendable income is no where to be found. I am concerned for my children and grandchildren, but then again I guess parents have always been. I have heard that each generation has their worries. And so, I have anxiously been awaiting conference. I just knew that when conference came around all things would be answered.

I am so grateful that I know that we have a living prophet on the earth today. Conference and the talks were amazing, inspiring, uplifting and just what I needed. Honestly, each talk was so reassuring and motivating. I came away with renewed hope, faith, and joy. The Lord doesn't promise us that life will be easy, he promises comfort and direction along the way. One of my favorite quotes is by President Hinckley. He talks about having Joy in the Journey and I think that as I have grown older, I have honestly tried to incorporate this in my life. "Anyone who imgaines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time journey.....delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas, and thrilling bursts of speed. The TRICK IS TO THANK THE LORD FOR LETTING YOU HAVE THE RIDE." I try each day to find joy in my journey. Some days I have to look a little harder than others but there is always something to be grateful for. I truly am blessed.

I Left Home For This!!!!!!

2008-10-06T19:33:00.009-06:00

Jenny and Chris had scheduled a time to clear out a little room for Greg at Mom's house. They dropped the gentle hint that they would like for me to come........So on Sunday after church, I had to teach in Relief Society, we hopped in the car and drove to Idaho Falls. We even tried a new way thanks to Sr. Garmin. We arrived late that night and got up running the next day to work on Mom's house. We did that for three days straight. I know that she was raised during the depression and is uncooperative when we suggest getting rid of anything. I understand that, but there were a great many things that have outlived their usefulness. So under much duress, (Mom was not only not happy, I think she was angry) we started going through closets and cupboards and getting rid of things. I am the great "throw this away," kind of gal. Clutter makes me nervous and so Jenny and Chris would look at me, raise something up, and I would shake my head to chuck it!!!!!!! Poor Mom, she still hasn't forgiven me. But I tell you, she won't miss a thing that we got rid of. Who needs a trash can, I mean a big one, full of plastic lids with no bottoms? Bless her heart. She kept telling me that to throw things away meant that I would need them some day. Let's hope not! Anyway, I think this is all a life experience until my kids start throwing my treasures away! GET BACK....GET BACK!

Lee was always a big help as usual. He walks around with a big question mark above his head when we girls are together.

Who's idea was this anyway? Where is the love, where is the gratitude? You've got to be kidding!
It's not every grandmother that can sit in their grandchild's car seat!

On and On

2008-09-24T19:01:00.002-06:00

I haven't blogged in awhile, just so busy with the every day things that are happening here. Last

week, Richard and I went to the cannery, (wet pack) here in Denver. I have been many times, but this time, about 15 of us mixed, stirred, heated, poured, canned, labeled, boxed, 5,000 cans of Tomato Soup, for the humanitarian efforts. It was really a lot of fun, but I will wait a few months to have tomato soup again. We have been working on the playhouse still, going to church, giving lessons, doing vting, cleaning house, exploring with Jacqui and the list goes on and on. We are waiting on Jenny and Paul to drive by on their way to Idaho, and start our first night as ordinance workers in the temple on Friday. I teach RS on Sunday and so I continue to study. Anyway, just to let you know why my blog has suffered. But I still love reading everyone elses.

I Do Have Friends

2008-09-15T11:05:00.003-06:00

I have been in Denver now for 3 years. Can you believe that? So fast and so long all at the same time. I hated leaving my friends in Kansas City and still do, but the Lord has blessed me with some good friends here as well. I am part of a monthly book club that I love. There are about 18 of us and we read, share views, and eat lunch. Can't get better than that. This month we read "The Magic of Ordinary Days" and I loved it. One of the group found the Hallmark movie and soooooooo. LUNCH AT VERLINDA'S! Joan is Maldia's sister, Rhonda was the Stake RS president that I served with, and Cathy is a new friend from the ward. She is at least ten years younger than I am but has decided there must be something worthwhile in this old relic. We have the best time and laugh and laugh and laugh. This particular day we even had spitting out our water over a funny remark. So here is some of my new tender mercies.

Best Tio in the World

2008-09-15T10:57:00.004-06:00

Jonathan has always wanted to be a good Tio and I think he may be reaching gigantic proportions. Whenever his "kids" come to town, he takes them swimming, plays games, wrestles, and is just all around a favorite person. He has always had a kind heart and that is more plain every day. With his job he ran into this old playhouse. He asked to take it to his home for his nieces. So for the past several weeks we have been cleaning, painting, and trying to remodel this awesome playhouse. The Conroys will be here in October and we can't wait. Jonathan and his dad have made a tire swing and he is hoping to put in a zip line! He is the next Uncle Dorin. He figures he will go from Tio to Legend. Reminds me of another King! (Uncle Mike)

Gotta Love Denver!

2008-09-05T13:54:00.033-06:00

As we were walking downtown, right front and center a picture of NOBAMA! What can you expect from the convention site I guess.........................

This was awesome. People on the street playing chess. This man is waiting for a partner. Sixteen Street doesn't have any cars!

Walking downton and seeing all of the wonderful architecture. There are some really pretty buildings in Denver.

Shopping everywhere.

Now this reminded me of KC. Cows painted along the street. The Dixie Chicks!

Beautiful fountains and sculptures.

I'm not exactly sure but I think this is the capital. They say that the thirteenth step is exactly one mile above sea level. Thus the Mile High City..

There were beautiful flowers all over this downtown area.

Posing. Looks like they are having fun, huh?

Peace brother.

Beautiful building again.

Jacqui sporting an attitude. Actually, remember when she was a little girl and whenever she ate anything with red food coloring, her ears got beet red and started to put off heat? Well the sun does the same thing to her, thus the improvised hat. Cute!

Trying on hats. The next top super model!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See the architecture?

Almost done.

On Labor Day we decided to do something fun,(yes, Richard and Verlinda had the idea :) and spontaneous. We had heard about the Taste of Denver and decided to see what was there. Just let me tell you, that if the people we saw were a cross section of the United States, we are in major trouble!!!!!!!! Jonathan even told me at one time not to look around because there was a Latino Bandito (mafia in Tijuana) right behind me and he wouldn't hesitate to cut off my fingers. Then he happened to mention how one of those men dragged him into an alley in TJ...........Better that he told me now.

It was however a lot of fun. Three different stages with music playing. I think Herman and the Hermits had even been there. Dejavu..............We heard Bob Marley music, country, and Janis Joplin all in the same day.

Lots of food to be tasted but expensive. Lots of booths selling things and you know how I love looking at things. I think Jacqui got disgusted with me. I am a major "lookey loo," and love just seeing. No Richard, I didn't buy anything!

Then we walked down the Sixteenth Street Mall. Actually Denver's Downtown or LODO, is one of the best I have ever seen. There are blocks and blocks of great shopping and no cars allowed. I mean even TJ Maxx is down there. How much better can it get.

We ended up eating at ESPN. Jonathan's favorite place. All kinds of games going on, on big screens everywhere. We returned home and played Settlers of Catan. That was one of the things that Jaimie, Jacqui, and I are addicted to. Love family traditions. Thanks everyone for a great day.

I've Been What?

2008-09-04T18:22:00.008-06:00

Yes, folks, I have been nominated for a blog award!!!!!!!!!! Imagine that. Of course, Caryn Beck, happens to be a favorite of mine from Janae's long list of friends. Anyway, I will be honored to pass on this award. Thank you so much Caryn, I can find joy in the littlest of things. You made my day.

I would like to nominate a few blogs and here I go. I guess that you put the logo on your blog, and then pass it on to 7 other blogs that you think are deserving and why. At the end you must write an acceptance speech and thank everyone and their mother for your nomination.

1. The first blog that I would nominate is my daughter, Jerianne. After all she is the one that got me hooked on blogging and kept encouraging me that I could do it. She has always been that way, encouraging and teaching an old dog who is trying to learn new tricks. She has listened to me endlessly on the phone, as I lament, cry, and beg for her to help. She is patient and kind, and always willing to do whatever I ask. This allows me to stay in touch with her and my grandchildren whom I adore. I can't forget Kelly! She is so smart and has such interesting entries, and has to her credit, started a family cookbook website. So Jerianne, this award is for you. Love You! You can find her at theconroys.blogspot.com Beautiful Life.

2. My second nominee would go to Emily Scharman. Her blog squeezescharmans.blogspot.com is called "Concrete Sequential" She is the wife of one of my favorite nephews, Clark. She is a professional blogger for sure. She always has such interesting entries and has such a way of wording things that my mother will even go to her blog just to see what she has to say. Her children will be forever grateful, because her blog is truly a journal. She is not afraid to share her real feelings and I feel like I learn from her. Great job Emily!

3. My third nominee is Sariah Spradling. Her blog is thespradling.blogspot.com and
she has an amazingly professional looking blog. Her husband is a young man who was our neighbor when he and Jonathan were young. I have had the pleasure of watching him grow up into a fine man and he has a wonderful family. I just really enjoy her blog and she has given me some hints about blogging with her layout sites. I love your blog, Sariah. Thank you for keeping us connected.

4. My fourth nomination would go to Megan Keck. You can find her blog at thekeck7.blogspot.com entitled , "In Between Days." She is one of my nieces and yes, she is another one of those talented Scharmans. She has some darling kids and I love to read her blog. She is so honest and upfront with some of her hilarious stories that it brings back many a memory of raising my own children. Keep them coming Megan. Any girl who can lay sod in Texas, deserves more than a blog award!

5. Janae Burkinshaw is my next nominee. Yes, she is my daughter and I love her, but I love reading her blog as well. You can find her at theburkinshaws.blogspot.com I am very grateful that she keeps her blog up because it again allows me to keep track of her and her wonderful children. It's hard when you don't live by your children. I can make sure that she is still standing and that my kids are well and strong. I love the pictures and her sharing her daily life with me. Thanks Janae, I love you. Besides, she gives me ideas for my house.:)

6. Jacqui Baer would be my next nominee. Yes, she is my other daughter. I am no dumb mom! :) I couldn't wait for her to update her blog when she was in Arizona. Now she lives here in Denver and things are even better. I get to see her live out her blog and there is nothing like it! And yes Jacqui, blogs are more fun with pictures. I am trying. You can see her blog at washthosehands.blogspot.com The Baers.

7. Last but not least, would be Liz Rosenbaum. She has such an amazing skill and talent with all that is involved in a blog. She is my cousin's daughter-in-law. She helped me through the scrapbooking phase and now gives me new ideas. She is a talented photographer and you can see her skill on her page. You can check out her blog at rosenbaumfamily.blogspot.com Life Is Simply Rosey.

So to all of you bloggers I say, "Way to go." I love blogging and it gives me a chance to keep a journal, which I have never before been able to do. I can't wait to make it into a book and hopefully some day, my children or grandchildren will see that I tried to do my best. For me there is , Magic In Ordinary Days.

Help HGTV.................

2008-08-03T20:06:00.004-06:00

This is the shelf, however it is upside down :) Shhhhhhh!

I changed the mat and put ribbon around the picture to make it "match" a little bit more. We had a family home evening in 1992 and talked about the lost sheep and the shepherd. We all signed it and it is a treasure. Grandma Jardine happened to be with us then, so all of the signatures remain......

This is the wall that I need to put something on. Either Jacqui's shelf or a black and gold mirror that I am getting from Janae, what do you think?

My dresser. I love these pictures. Mom, can you see the cologne that you bought me? I love it more than any other perfume I have had. It is called, "Insolence," which I am not sure is wonderful but you should smell it! It is by Guerlain.

Is the piece above my bed too small? So many decisions.

The chairs that my Grandmother and Granddaddy have rocked many a child in. They are a treasure to me and sometimes I just sit in them and reminisce. I miss them so.

The picture on the table is of my folks when they were a little younger. What a studly pair!

I was out with Jacqui yesterday and we happened upon a sidewalk sale at a mall here in Denver. For those of you who know me I am a "looky loo," which means I could look at little stores for hours and never tire. Well, we happened upon this stand that sold OLD things. Jacqui found a tin mantle piece that was framed by distressed wood. She had the money to buy it! We brought it home and put it in my bedroom and she is going to have to fight me to get it out. I sent her back and asked if they would bring more with them in September. Keeping my fingers crossed. Why enter this in my blog? Because I have redecorated my bedroom and something is still not exactly right. I have watched HGTV design shows until my eyes are dry and I am still a little unsettled. Alright, so I did surround myself in MILK CHOCOLATE........Creamy, warm, flowing milk choc0late :) I actually bought my bedding first which is just like Jacqui's and Jaimie's. So I at least know that I am in with good bedding. Then according to my brother, I needed to make sure my oak furniture stood out and thus a darker color on the walls. Next I chose dark drapes, but they are see through and floaty.:) I didn't want to detract from the furniture and thus my dilemma. If you want to sleep, this is the room. Some people might think it is too dark. So in an effort to correct this, I am keeping Jacqui's beige shelf and hope it will complete the room. No one tell Jacqui. This is our little secret...........If you have any further suggestions, don't hesitate to tell me. I am teachable!!!!!!! I love working in my house. It reminds me of my grandmother Upchurch. We used to move her furniture around every week! No kidding....... And I learned about putting furniture "kitty kornered," nothing flat against a wall. She also had an alterior motive with the furniture moving. When Uncle Gary came in too late he would be a little confused in his "state," and inevitably trip. That way she could know when he came home. AHHHHH the memories. I love them.

Heart Of Gold

2008-07-28T17:47:00.005-06:00

There is always a light moment with Jonathan involved. They all seemed to get into it as well.

Jacqui and Jonathan have always supported each other. Jacqui had worked all night long in labor and delivery and came straight from work to help out. She got to video and interview the boys and be a general cheerleader. They are trying to take Fastball nation wide and with the leagues come this service project.

Jaimie keeping the stats. She is always supporting Jonathan too. What a treasure she is. They are a good team.

Jonathan, encouraging, teaching and supporting. He truly has a gift with others.

Creed and I hanging out together. I got the best assignment out of the whole group!!! His dad will have him playing soon enough. I tease Jonathan and tell him that Creed will want to play the piano! His response, "No Way!"

This last Saturday, Jonathan and his friend Mike, put on a clinic (baseball of course) for a group of children and their sponsors who work with Big Brothers. Jonathan had signed up and worked with Big Brothers shortly after moving to Denver. So after starting this Fastball League with Mike, they have decided to do some community service. We got to help at their first clinic and it was a great opportunity. Jacqui came in from working at the hospital all night and we jumped in the car and headed to a part of Denver that we have never been in...........They had batting practice, pitching, catching, running and scrimmage opportunities. You could tell that a majority of these young boys knew nothing about baseball. After working with them for a couple of hours, they were darned excited about what they had done. Some of these young boys, could do very well, I told Jonathan he needed to be a mentor. Anyway, it was a wonderful opportunity, that they are going to continue doing and I think everyone was blessed to have been there. I know I was. Jonathan is actually amazing to watch with people. He has such a good heart and cares so about other people. Everyone relates to him and if he didn't need money, I could see him doing service full time and loving it. I am going to sit back and watch what the Lord does with him. Jaimie was every bit a partner. They had certificates for the boys, timed trials that she kept track of, drinks, and lots of cheering and support. They are a wonderful pair. I am blessed.

HERE'S TO ALL OF US FIRECRACKERS!!!!

2008-07-21T17:43:00.004-06:00

Didn't I used to change their diapers? What happened?

July is one of the months of birthdays for our family. Navie starts it out by being born on the fourth of July! She really is a firecracker and we all love her. Then comes my mom next being born on the 6th, I blogged about her a little earlier, she also is a firecracker times two........Then comes our newest firecracker Jaimie Lynn Jardine......Her birthday is on the 16th just before mine. We were excited to be able to celebrate with her this year. We are very grateful to have her in our family and she fits in so well, sorry Jaimie. She is beautiful, as are all my girls, and she is sweet, fun, a hard worker, talented, and so good as a mom and wife. I could go on but I must leave some mystery as to how I feel about her, right??????? Happy Birthday Jaimie! We love you!!!!!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, THANKS RICHARD!

2008-07-21T17:12:00.015-06:00

This was a praticularly hard birthday for me. Just saying the number brings back math class in my mind, where diarrhea was my constant friend......Going to the board and not being able to do the problem, you get the picture. So thank heavens Richard surprised me and took me to Steamboat Springs. It was absolutely beautiful, green, fresh mountain air and so many fun things to do. I really didn't concentrate on being older for one second and now I can pretend it just didn't happen.:)

As we are there, I am thinking this is the perfect place for our family reunion next year.......

A view of the ski runs from far away.....

People floating down the Yampa River. So much fun. You can put in all long this river and it actually flows all the way to Craig from Steamboat.

There is a rodeo on Friday and Saturday nights all through the summer season. It was beautiful sitting out in the cool mountain air and watching those crazy boys "cheat injury," one more time. I know Buddy will like this little stop.

I think he's saying to us, "Go ahead, make my day!"

The children's pee wee chase. See the little calf over by the wall with a red ribbon on his tail? The little boy in the middle of the picture, almost by himself, with a blue shirt and white cowboy hat, one the prize. We think someone coached him?

We rode the gondola up to the top of the mountain. It was so pretty. I am sure that Daddy would not be looking down. How about you Buddy? Once you get up this high, there are hiking trails and bike trails and a ton of people taking advantage of them. I would like to be in shape enough on my NEXT birthday to do it myself.

The botanical gardens. We were on the lookout for new groundcover :)
So these are just a few of the things you can do here. I got all of the information and am sending a packet to all of the family. There is an alpine slide, a beautiful little spot out in the middle of nowhere that has five hot pools. There is kayaking, atv's, motorcycles, golfing, hiking, biking, shows, and last but not least, shopping. So stay tuned all of you Messick's, we are going to have a party!!!!!

RUN! IT MUST BE THE END OF THE WORLD.....

2008-07-21T16:41:00.014-06:00

Always a rainbow at the end of the storm.....

Actual water running in the streets!! This is too good to be true!

One of the things that I miss most about good old Kansas City is a rainstorm.....Ah, thunder, lightning, huge and long rainstorms. It just makes me homesick thinking about them. In Denver, every afternoon it looks like it could rain, and does, every 6". That is, it rains one drop every 6 inches apart. That's It! So we are sitting around the table here and all of a sudden it sounds like rain. Actual thunder and lightning! I run and open the door and get my camera because I want to document this for my own recolletion. Actual rain. We all stood outside in the garage and just soaked it in. Of course, this was the one night that we had plans. There was a banjo concert in the park and we were on our way! DELIVERANCE!!! One side of my face is happy (rain), one side of my face is sad (no concert) at the same time. I looked wonderful........Jonathan said, "Mom just wait a minute, nothing will be cancelled. Lo and behold, I remember this isn't KC and we wait ten minutes. On to the concert! The end of the world abated for one more day :)

Jonathan, in his role as a pack horse. How many more children are you going to have? :) Jacqui talking to the professional about strings, music lessons, etc. Notice she is from the South with her gesturing and all.....

KISSING COUSINS!

2008-07-16T16:59:00.006-06:00

I didn't know I had an Uncle Bill and Auntie Pat......Yes, Creed, everyone loves you!

My cousin, Patricia Ann Cassidy, Vary, was so kind and sweet to come and stay with us on her way home. She and her husband, Bill, had been to Oregon for a long vacation and so we were able to see them for an overnight visit. I really appreciate you Pat, for making and taking the time to stop over. We don't get to see each other that much and it was a wonderful opportunity to catch up. I remember being younger and standing on Grandmother's porch with Pat, Mickey, and David. My how the time has flown. Now we are both grandmothers ourselves and with just a little water under the bridge.:) If you can't tell, Pat is over 6' and has always been so striking. Everyone else is jealous of her stature, and she sure wears it well. We reminisced about our"past life," of sitting out in the road and smoking grape vines!!!!!! My kids are still choking, roasting red hot dogs, sitting on back of the tractor and counting the cows, taking baths outside in the freezing water, the old hand water pump, Aunt Martha's fried potatoes, and everything else she grew that was amazing. We talked about Grandmother, parties in her yard, how she liked to cook, and so many more things. Isn't family wonderful? There is nothing to replace it so ,thank you Pat. We will always be family.

CHOO, CHOO!

2008-07-16T16:46:00.009-06:00

Christmas in July, still a little snow in the mountains. Ah but that lovely, mountain air!

Beautiful Streams all through our train ride and around the loop in the car. Daddy was so funny, he never looked to the right or left, just straight ahead. I would have noticed but I was cowering in the back floor board.

This old bridge has been refurbished but was built in the l800's for the miners and product from Georgetown to Silvermine..................What a view, and look maw, no top...........

All decked out and ready to ride the train......Richard is still a Chief's fan. We actually met a few others.

Mom and Dad waiting for the train. That water was cold!

Can you see the little chipmunk on the ledge of the rock? This one is for my grandchildren. We love little animals, right Taryn?

Mom and Dad stayed a couple of days after they got back from Mike's. So we decided to be brave and have an adventure. We decided to go to Georgetown and ride the train to the silvermine. It was beautiful outside and we had a great time.

FOREVER A FAN!!!!!!

2008-07-16T16:05:00.008-06:00

Richard, my main man playing in right field. He says his head works a lot faster than his feet, but oh, he's good.

COOKIE!!!!!! He's my other boy that I have cheered for since he was knee-high to a grasshopper. We love having him here in Denver, besides he works for the Broncos so we keep up on things.........................I bake cookies, for Cookie.

Jonathan having to hand out the trophies. We lost by one point I think and Jonathan's not used to having the other team take them home, sooooooooooooooooooo.......Wendy, Mike's wife, saved him one. You know they are the founders:)

JONATHAN COULDN'T HAVE BETTER CHEERLEADERS!

It seems like I have been supporting and cheering on my favorite athlete for oh, 24 years now. That's quite a tradition in my book. Jonathan has been playing multiple sports for that long and I have been right there cheering him on every step of the way. In fact, I think some of our best family memories involve ball and going along with the teams when they traveled. Jonathan's favorite sport, however, is baseball. He is not ready to give it up any time soon. He and a friend have started a FastBall League and are trying to take the sport nation wide. So every week we get to see some games and I get to be the cheerleading section. Jerianne, I miss you! We had a Firecracker Tournament on the Fourth and Jonathan and Mike were in charge of it. It turned out great and they played some fabulous ball. Did you know that Richard is playing on this team as well? He has a great batting average and it is fun to see him and Jonathan in the male bonding.

Just a story, when Jonathan was playing baseball at BYU, I was there cheering for him at one of the games. Of course, I have always called him "Sonshine," and still do. I was screaming after a particularly good play, "Way to go Sonshine," when a man two rows down from me turned around and said, "Lady, don't you think it's time to give that up?" I say NEVER.....Once a mom, always a mom, oh I mean fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Since this is my journal so to speak, I will write down another story. When Jonathan was a senior in high school, he and his buddies wanted to have a recreational basketball team. SOOOOOOOOOOOO..who do you call? Verlinda! I signed up to be their coach. Now those of you who know me, know that I don't really know about the particulars, I just enjoy the game. So I think I was a coach in name only, BUT, I got to sit on the bench, be part of the huddle, give all of my favorite boys love and encouragement, and provided refreshments for the team and the referees. (Who says I'm not smart?) Things went very well for us and I got my first ever trophy! Plus, we got our pictures in the yearbook, all in all, not to shabby!

Hanging Out With My Homies!

2008-07-16T15:35:00.014-06:00

Hello from Creed, as he hangs out with his Poppa. We did eventually take off his clothes and let him dangle his feet in the water.

The fountain that empties into Texie's pool.

Jonathan, I'm too old for this. It brings back many a memory. (You all can just hear Jacqui screaming, can't you?)

It's amazing to think that I have two of my four children living right here in Colorado. The way life is anymore, one is lucky to have anyone, right Mother? But I am grateful. Jacqui and Dave have just moved back after finishing at Ohio State. Dave is now on the road to practicing all of that torture that just puts my teeth on edge!!!! (Pretty good analogy.) I believe that they will probably end up living in Colorado Springs, but that isn't too far for a visit so I am happy. Besdies the Springs are beautiful. Jacqui has started in the Labor and Delivery department at the Littleton Hospital. I think she really misses all of the people in Arizona. Her first day she helped deliver 5 babies, 3 c-sections, so people are continuting to populate......Jonathan and Jaimie, and Creed just live 10 miles up the road and we get to see them quite a lot. Thank you Jaimie, for being so willing to visit the old in-laws. We love it when they come over. Every Sunday we have a Settlers game and a walk with the dogs. I know, they need to get out more.:) So last week, the Jardine's invited us over to swim in Texie's pool. Thanks Texie! It really is a beautiful back yard and we appreciate being able to enjoy it. Jaimie's parents had come in for the fourth and we swam and had dessert. It is wonderful being able to be friends with the in-laws. We love Alan and Laurie. Actually, Laurie and I have a "connection!" We know what each other is thinking. Thank heavens there is another person like me out there....................

These are Creed's grandparents........aren't they fun!!!!

Take Me Out To The Ballgame, Please!

2008-07-16T15:18:00.007-06:00

These are our very good friends, the Jensens. They invited us out to see a Rockies game at the beginning of this month. They are really a lot of fun and Carol just so happens to be my visiting teacher. (I hope it wasn't a sympathy invitation!) They love playing cards and are super fun. They are now serving their third mission in the Denver Temple Presidency. They served in California and then as mission president in Boston, following Danny Ainge. We love them both!

Out side of Coors Stadium. What a name, but you know this is Colorado. The evenings here are absolutely beautiful. No humidity which I love and beautiful blue skies, cooler temperatures. I surely miss Kansas City and the green, lush vegetation, but no humidity is nice too. See what a postive outlook I have.

.This is where we ate supper. It was on a balcony over looking Coors Field. I felt a little like the rich and fabulous, ah I mean famous

Now you see it, now you don't!

2008-06-20T11:49:00.003-06:00

Richard and I have been redoing our bedroom......Much to his displeasure, like what's wrong with the old stuff? Anyway, he is a perfectionist for those of you who don't know. Everything has to be done just so, his way or the highway, So I let him do a wonderful job, most of the time, and he does. We are painting our room a chocolate brown, (my favorite flavor, um, I mean color) and it looks so nice. I bought the bedding last year with my birthday money so that was already done. Well, we are getting down to the end of painting and I might add I did my fair share. He has gone back over everything with a fine tooth comb and I guess it will pass. We are cleaning up at the very end of the project. I am helping him move the ladder and as we pass by the full paint can, he( did I say he!) hits it with the leg of the ladder and it spills on our carpet at least half of the can. Brown, gooey, runny, beautiful paint on our beige carpet. I scream and he panics. (After all, if the dogs have a accident he freaks out, look what it will do to the carpet!) So I run downstairs and get spoons, spatulas, cups, pancake turners, anything I can find. We both start scooping and we wish by now that the dogs had been pooping :) We get as much put back in the can as possible and then run and get the wet/dry vac. He goes over it time and again, and then I pour pitcher after pitcher of water on it while he soaks it up. Then I go and get the carpet cleaning machine and he goes over and over it. Low and behold. It all comes out. I wouldn't have been so lucky if I had done it, I can guarantee. Now you see it now you don't. Lucky devil he is, I am just overwhelmingly grateful that it wasn't me!!!!!!!!!!

How Do You Spell Relief?

2008-06-16T09:36:00.006-06:00

Flowers from my garden, aren't they beautiful? Now I know why my Grandmother Malone loved having pictures of her flowers.......

An adoring look from her husband?

Our waterfall in the back yard. It is so nice outside right now.Poppa hanging out with his favorites, just kidding, he doesn't like the dogs!

Now this is his favorite. Creed is really liking to visit the grandparents, we love it!

Speaking of muscles, Jaimie shows hers off..............................................

Now that's a muscle Jonathan. My granddaddy used to show his muscle and say, "Jump up on that baby and crow!"Creed wants to know if he is going to have to suffer with Poppa's sense of humor his whole life?

Don't you just want to eat him?

I spell it, Whew, my talk is over! Isn't it funny when you have to do a presentation of any kind your whole week is spent in anxiety? Richard and I got to talk on Father's Day but we were assigned a topic. Of course, knowing me I can turn any topic into a road I need to take :) So, I spoke about the faith of our fathers. I got the opportunity to go through many memories in my mind all week long. Although I don't have an LDS heritage, I think mine is pretty darn remarkable. Anyway, I am so blessed to come from the family line that I do. I have many heroes to look up to and with my new information from the NewFamilySearch, I can just envision those who came before me. Their blood runs in my veins. I wouldn't be what I am today (in a good way) without those who came before me. I am grateful and hope my children and grandchildren can say the same about me.

Papaw watching over his little ones, who someday

will probably be bigger than he is!

I'm In Heavy Like!

2008-06-12T20:58:00.007-06:00

Have your ever just loved some inanimate object? I now can say that about my new Dyson. I love it. Where has it been all of my vacuuming life? My mother had given me her old vacuum years before I left KC. I'm grateful, it is hard to pick dog hair up off of the carpet by hand. Thank you mother. I diligently used it weekly and it has broken almost as many times. My Frugal husband would send away for new parts and proudly present me with a "good as new," vacuum. I smiled for a few years of this and then began to get a little upset. By now I would think that a new vacuum would be in order. Low and behold we have now accumulated enough points on our American Express (your welcome Richard, glad to help out), to get a new vacuum. We chose the ANIMAL by Dyson and boy what a sucker! I vacuumed one day with my old one and then the next with my new best friend and got a whole tube of dirt. There are actually lines in my carpet. Nothing is prettier than that except a new mowed lawn of course. So hats off to whoever has the smarts to make my life wonderful!!!!!!!!

AWOL

2008-06-09T20:22:00.005-06:00

We did so many things in Utah. From the Kangaroo Zoo to McDonald's to the national park, to the city park.

Meal time is so much fun. Where are the dogs when you need them? Score one argument for Taryn!

My baby is eight and has been baptized. My how the time has flown. She is such a great example to all of the other children.

He is so adorable but is going to be a big bruiser.......................................His voice is already deep.

Blake, where are the babies? Did you leave home without them?

I don't think she has ever taken a bad picture.

Jag, hey where did everyone go? I thought I was supposed to take my shoes off!

Hey, I didn't know Ryan was there!!!!!

You may ask, where in the world is Verlinda, and I would answer, "I'm not sure!" And that is as close to truth as I can get. It has been over three weeks since I have blogged and I realize that I really miss it. I have spent the better part of the evening reading everyone's blogs and loving to see the pictures. (Yes Jacqui, I do love blogs with pictures better.)

So many things have happened and I am literally seeing my life pass before my face. Does time seem to fly for anyone else?

We just got back from Utah on Saturday evening, and on Saturday evening, my darling little nephew, Ethan, from Houston, arrived. We spent a great Sabbath with him and hung out at Jonathan's new house for the better part of the afternoon. We sent him on his way this morning, well fed, and with hugs and kisses. He has really grown up and I know he was just born a few years ago.

We had a wonderful time in Utah being able to be part of Taryn's baptism. I can close my eyes and see Jerianne's baptism still in my mind. Taryn was so sweet and so excited. We had a picnic the night before, baptism, then Shea's recital. (A star is born!) The next morning we went to church where they sustained Taryn, and then she gave a talk in Primary. From there we went to Creed's blessing, and had a wonderful time. Laurie is so much fun, open, and welcoming and so the blessing and luncheon were great. It was especially wonderful because all of our family was there, except Mamaw and Papaw. The circle was filled with amazing examples of honorable men and I know Creed will turn out just as well. My brother and his family came and I am so grateful. I really love them all and appreciate their efforts to support our family. There is no one or nothing more important than family. From there we all went to Mike and Debbie's house for a couple of days. They were so accomodating and we had a blast. Of course, has anyone ever been around them when it wasn't just that way?

Yes, I am the one who spewed!!!!!! root beer all over their beautiful house. Leave it to beaver!
And to think I was worried about the kids...................................We played games, enjoyed the yard, laughed, laughed, and laughed some more. My brother really does have a gift.

Back to SLC and dinosaur museums, shopping, eating, games, and good times. Thanks Jerianne for being such a good sport and to Janae and Jacqui for making the sacrifice to come.

Iwas AWOL, but now I am found! :) :) :)

Hodge Podge

2008-05-19T11:49:00.007-06:00

Jonathan's neighborhood. He lives in Cherry Hills, Colorado!!!!!!!!!!

Jaimie and Creed out in front of their house.

View from Jonathan and Jaimie's front yard.

Texie and Scott's house being built across the street. There are 8 garages!

13 fireplaces, infinity pool, pool house, well you just have to see it to believe it. I can't wait to be invited to supper!

The view from the back of the house.

Front of the house.

Well, just a few things happening here. Yesterday I made homemade chicken and noodles because Jenny and Clark and his girls were traveling through on their way to Connecticut. I was thinking and called them and told them if they were coming just to see us, I appreciated the thought, but I think we were out of their way. They are so nice. But did decide to stay on I-80 and go on through. So lots of noodles.

Jonathan called and said Jaimie had Mastitis (sp) and so we picked up her medicine and took the noodles to their house. They have the most amazing view I think in the whole of Denver. They live across the street from Texie's new house and it is incredible. Horses right by their yard, all kinds of trees, rabbits, hawks, birds, sound of running water, and no traffic. We went on a walk and Creed fell asleep in the stroller to the bumpiest ride. (Side note. Remember my folks were 18 when I came. I guess when I was "Fussy", that one time :) they would put me in the car and back in and out of the drive. Guess it worked. Also, I was allergic to milk and they didn't have formula in "those" days. I was having a hard time and they finally found a little old country doctor to help. He told them to put some purple stuff in my bottle, and cut the end of the nipple off because it curdled the milk. I basically drank cottage cheese. No wonder I have issues! My grandmother would tell me that I threw up on her all the time and ruined her clothes because it stained purple all over.) Anyway, So we played Wii and I got to spoil Creed! He is starting to recognize my voice and I bathed him yesterday, we went out and sat in the swing and I made him laugh. He is not any more special than my other grandchildren, but I get to see him a lot and it is wonderful.

I just got back from visiting teaching a little sister who is in her 80's and is crippled with arthritis. I so enjoy visiting with her and she always teaches me so much. Today among the many things that I came away with was this ah-ha moment for me. "Low self esteem is a form of pride!" I am thinking on this alot right now and I need to go back and read President Benson's talk on pride. I refuse, because of my weight, to see myself as my Heavenly Father sees me and that just may be a big form of PRIDE. I will let you know after I ponder on this for awhile. I do not consider myself a prideful person in any way and yet I believe that I must be....................

Help! I'm Forming An Addiction!

2008-05-14T13:24:00.004-06:00

Like nobody knows that I am addicted to food, but this is on another level.:) Richard and I went to a genealogy class last week and now I can hardly get off of the computer. By the way, I am now in my "office," with my own computer. I got Richard's old one and feel pretty darned special. I have my own mouse pad and everything.

So this class is being done in 27 temple districts and they have been working on it for years. They are trying to consolidate records and get all of the entries on a particular person in one folder. You can print off a name and take it to the temple yourself! I was the first person in my family to try my hand at this and then turned it over to my Dad who has done a bang up job. Anyway, we have been stuck on so many of our lines and never could get anyone "across the water." Lo and behold, after going back on some of my lines and with all of the effort of this new program, I now know that the Messick line goes to France! The Malone's go to Cork County in Ireland, and the Upchurches are from Debham, England!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am in awe of the plan that Heavenly Father has. The computer has revolutionized tying your family together. He has done His part and so now I am trying to do mine. I love taking our own family names to the temple. So Tally-ho, Top of the Morning To Ya, and Merci..........

I'M OUT OF HERE!

2008-05-11T22:26:00.003-06:00

FORECAST FOR DENVER THIS WEEK................................................TATATADA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SNOW...............................................................................................

I'M OUTTA HERE.

Kick Me Into High Gear!

2008-05-08T10:48:00.002-06:00

It has been so long since I have updated my blog! I know! I am sitting here wondering just where to start and it is difficult to know. So much has happened good and wonderful and difficult and life changing. Since the first of April I have traveled in the car over 4,000 miles! No wonder I have such a big behind! I went down to Arizona to drive to Colorado with Jacqui so that she didn't have to do it alone. That was fun except she is a little car Nazi! She wouldn't let me eat or drink anything in the car and I was afraid to touch anything. What do you think kids will do to her lifestyle? Then came the wedding and it turned out so well and Jacqui looked amazingly happy. (I will do a whole blog on that later.) Then I decided to ride to Utah with Jerianne so that she didn't have to drive alone with three kids. I think it was a good thing she had me, of course, she could have done it by herself knowing her, but I do think I helped. I got into her drive way and went in to go to the bathroom and came back out and got into the car to head back to Denver. My grandmother had fallen in KC and she was in critical condition and so I NEEDED to be with her for my sake. We drove back to Denver, Richard and I, and slept for a few hours, got back in the car and went to KC. I missed seeing my Grandmother for the last time by 20 minutes. I don't think I will ever live over that. (I will write a whole blog on this.) So we helped get everything ready to take my grandmother home. That would be Oklahoma and back to where her whole family is. So in the car again, Mountain Park, and then back to Kansas City and then back to Denver. I have to have an awfully good reason to get back in that car. It now has l40,000 miles on it and I asked Richard what that thumping sounds was. I guess the tires are bad. No problem Richard, I'll just increase my prayers to every few seconds. At least you know why my blogging has suffered.

SPRING?

2008-03-30T19:16:00.005-06:00

Everyone always has such neat and profound posts but I find myself in a household with only three dogs and myself for company. Not much meat for stimulation and conversation in that. No children, no spouse, no excitement, no pictures unless I try and "make" an opportunity. So that is what this post is, an opportunity. I took these pictures on Saturday and on Sunday it snowed! Gotta love Colorado....................................

THINK SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tickled Pink................

2008-03-25T14:38:00.009-06:00

I found some amazing ribbon that has a little gathered, ruffled edge and I am a sucker for ruffles. The brown matches perfectly and then I accented them with a little "bling!"
Stay tuned more updates to follow as my project proceeds, with caution!!!!!! That means until Richard comes home and puts a stop to my creativity!

Today I decided I needed to do something for myself and so I started decorating the pink room for my little granddaughters when they are able to stay here alone......Until then I am having some fun. I saw this idea in a magazine and so I tried it and will keep you updated as the room progresses. I talked to Janae today and we were talking about how much we loved working in our homes, in fact all three of my girls are the same. So when I do something for myself, heaven forbid, a manicure, facial, new outfit, etc, I always choose to work in my home. I think I need counseling. (I think I needed that a long time ago!)

I free handed a ribbon design and then used my acrylics to paint it. I also added some embellishment to my light. I actually made them out of Christmas ornaments and then strung glass beads on it. Above the ribbon design I ragged the wall with white. Can you see it? I have great plans for above the bed, stay tuned.

Gracie's favorite place to lay. The sun is shining and she can bark at any and everything!

SO this is how the brownie wedding cakes are going to turn out. This was my first one so they will progressively get better. I need 34 boxes of brownie mix. 9 Dozen eggs, and 17 cups of oil............Where is the light at the end of the tunnel?

I have my fingers in too many pots!

2008-03-22T14:48:00.019-06:00

This is kind of a hodge podge of a post but just to let myself know that I haven't been wasting my time and actually have been working hard. (No sitting around eating bon bons for me, other things perhaps :) I have been working on Jacqui's candy table jars and I think they have turned out rather nice. They look better in person, but I have filled them up to make sure we have enough and everything is kosher. Next project is to make the brownies. Any help out there? I am going to be making 300-3" circles, 300-2" circles, and 300-1" circles. I am going to get them done next week and then pray for the freezing fairy to be kind to them. Any suggestions? Oh, to go along with the Baskins and Robbins ice cream, we are making little mini brownie wedding cakes with little pink flowers on the top sprinkled with powdered sugar. Keep your fingers crossed!

No Jacqui I didn't eat these, I had to take them out of little packages!!!! The Cotton Candy ones are the best :)

I thought I was rather clever to put a flower on the inside of the jar.

Sugarless gum at a candy bar. We have to at least try ............................

Salt Water Taffy, strawberry. Did you know so many candies came in pink?

Mentos............................

MMMMMMM & MMMMMMMMM's especially ordered. I haven't broken out the gummi cherries. I dared not take the chance. Other things I can resist so rest easy Jacqui.

ON TO OTHER THINGS..........................

Last week I had one of my favorite families stop by to spend the night. I was so excited to see them. In Overland Park, they became my adopted family and I have watched their kids grow up to be amazing. LeAnne is so dear to me and we served in several YW callings together. Even though she is a lot younger, we are like sisters and she is just one of a kind. The kids call me Aunt Verlinda and Uncle Bishop. They were the ones that kept Joie once when I went out of town. Funny story....................I left Joie alone in the house and the kids took turns coming down to play and to check on her. When Trevor went one evening, he couldn't find her anywhere. So he had his dad Eric come down and they searched and searched. They eventually went and alerted our neighbors, who knew Joie well, and then the whole street was out looking for her. Panic mode started to set in. Eric ended up calling the police! They came and searched our house even the closets! I'm not going to think about it. Finally Eric found Joie asleep in my closet. I had gum in my purse, ( it was hanging on the back on the door handle) which Joie loved wrappers and all, and she had gotten into it and the door closed. She was sleeping peacefully while Eric was having a heart attack. All of the neighbors were telling Eric, oh my gosh, you know how much Verlinda loves that dog????????? Needless to say I didn't ask them to babysit again, Eric's heart wouldn't have stood it. So we are connected and I am grateful that they came and stayed the night and that we could have a little visit and I could get a little love, hugs and kisses, which I need. I was thinking about it the other day and this visit pushed our count of overnight visitors to over a whopping 100 different people. I feel loved...............and grateful.

ON TO OTHER THINGS...................

I had the neatest experience in the temple yesterday. It was a small session and someone came in right behind me and sat down. He said, VERLINDA! I turned around and it was my brothers best friend from high school. (My parents and Mike lived in Brighton for two years while Daddy worked on the pipeline stations there.) His mother happened to be with him also. I think she is now in her 80's. It brought back such great memories. His mother was the one who helped me get my temple clothes before I got married, and they came to my reception in Idaho Falls, and she sat at my book! Can you believe that? Rick reminded me that Richard and I had gone with him to get his endowments and I used to make sure that he and Mike ate at college.........They are coming to the reception and hopefully Mike and his family will be there. If they are both there, it will be a real party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know my brother always makes everyone laugh and have a good time, for him a blessing and a burden, but we can't bury our talents, right Mike?

ON TO THE GREATEST THINGS...................

Last but not least, here are a few more pictures of Creed with his Poppa. I can't wait until he knows how much his Nonna loves him. He actually lives by me, can you believe that? One out of Seven!

Dinner before Jaimie went into the hospital. Laurie was such a help! I told Jonathan and Jaimie that they would never be the same after this particular moment. Kids change your life!!!!

Well, back to eating bon-bons!!!!!! See you later!

For Easter I have been graciously invited over to Texie and Scott's. This is Jaimie's aunt who is stunning by the way, and so I am taking dessert. I am making Jaimie's favorite cake, Frozen Lemonade Cake, and just thought I would throw in a picture of Savannah Strawberry Shortcake also, that I made to take over to dinner last week. Wish I didn't like to cook! Well, I actually like to cook just wish it didn't go to my hips, and thighs, and stomach, and arms, and face, oh well.

I've Been Labeled

2008-03-19T11:49:00.002-06:00

One of my friends invited my to go to lunch and I was really excited. I don't get that often, you know conversation from a human! So I meet her at the Olive Garden and low and behold, it is an enrichment activity for the, pardon my language, "Old Farts!" They actually call it the empty nesters, but I call a spade a spade. I guess Relief Society is trying to meet everyones needs and we happen to be lumped into a group. When did this happen to me? When did I become old , cause in my mind I am no where near retirement. It was nice, I mean I didn't have to go home and have an old, cold, hot dog but all the same was it worth the label?

WELCOME CREED TERRANCE JARDINE!

2008-03-11T21:56:00.014-06:00

Look at all that hair! There was never a Jardine born that came this way. Usually bald and shiny. I think it is Jonathan's color without the weave.:)

He didn't make a sound. I guess he loved having his head rubbed. Must take after his Nonna.

Only time I heard him make a sound. He didn't like having his ears cleaned. He didn't even cry when he got his shots, but this was too much.

Still enjoying the head rub. :) Can you see that he has a fuzzy little back? He is actually fuzzy and I am sure that is after his Uncle Mike. My mom used to take Mike into the Dr. because she was worried. But look how he turned out?

I think he is going to be tall because he has to grow into his feet and toes!

I guess I am fascinated with his hair.

One ecstatic daddy. Jonathan is so happy . He is going to be one good daddy, but Jaimie is going to be an incredible mother. She was amazing yesterday. This family is blessed by having her.

He's ready to talk. Did I mention his hands look like Daddy's. I am not imagining. He is already taking after his namesake.

ADORABLE WHAT ELSE CAN I SAY......................................

He's here!!!!!!!! We are so excited and Jaimie was an absolute trooper. Jonathan even watched the whole thing and cut the cord............................I am just going to put a lot of pictures on and then I will edit this blog when I am not so tired. I am one happy NONNA! with news!!!!!

Anxiously Awaiting

2008-03-10T15:45:00.002-06:00

I just love blogging!!!!!!! It makes me feel like we all live right next door to each other and know exactly what is going on with our extended family. I love the pictures and so now must really learn how to use the camera and the computer and how to connect all of the cords and keep from blowing something up or loosing Richard's information! Scarey, but thank heavens for Jerianne. I keep her on speed dial.

Jaimie, Jonathan, Laurie, and I are going out to eat tonight. They will be dropping off Chief for me to babysit until Jaimie decides she wants him back. Three dogs is no sweat anymore, but I am sure I will die from a hairball! Then Jaimie checks into the hospital tonight and they start the Pitossin tomorrow morning. I am supposed to have my seventh grandchild, and third boy, by tomorrow evening. His name as of right now, is Creed Terrance Jardine, or Terrance Creed Jardine. I am having a ball watching Jonathan. He has asked Jacqui what the dads are supposed to do. He will stay up at Jaimie's head so as not to take the chance of fainting like his Papaw did! ( A little note for history. Remember my mom and dad were only barely 18 years old when I came into this world. My mom had gone to the hospital and my Grandmother Malone was a nurse. My dad was pacing the halls and I guess that a woman, not my mother, screamed and my dad thought it was my mother and he passed right out on the floor. Grandma called Uncle Bud to come and get Daddy and take him home. So he did. My dad got right back in the car and went back to the hospital. ) Jacqui says it is not time to have two patients so stay up top! This is really some kind of a milestone, it means my son is really grown up and it is almost surreal in a way. So, stay tuned and I will post pictures.

Age and or Stage?

2008-03-07T12:51:00.024-07:00

Just finsihed a wreath for my front door that will go with the house all year round, when my theme wreaths are not up. Age? or Stage?

Just moved my furniture around from the hall to the dining room. Reminds me of my Grandmother Upchurch. I would help her move the furniture on a weekly basis. Sometimes it was in order to trick Uncle Gary when he would come in late at night in a rather happy and confused state! :)

Working on my hutch downstairs. I am still a Kansas girl at heart and sunflowers make me happy. Of course, there is seldom anyone who goes downstairs, so maybe my age is showing!

A touch of Colorado to make me try to fit in. Actually last summer on a bike trip in the mountains Richard and I did see a black bear. Wow! You gotta love Colorado!

Okay, so another reason why I have no time. I am once again a nurse. To Diva! Jacqui took her to get her teeth cleaned and they had to pull 10 of them. Thank heavens, you can actually stand to have her open her mouth. She smells like roses and is so easy to love. Another grandchild

Who wouldn't love this little darling? Oh, right, that would be Dave and his side of the family. Challenge #1 or...................

Another project that Janae and Jerianne and I worked on. These boxes are darling and are made with scrapbooking supplies. Never throw any of those old ribbons or bobbits away.

CONTINUING ON.................................................

I have just gotten my internet to work again after a whole week of being down. How in the world did we live without computers? Geez, we didn't even used to be able to call anyone except once a week if we were wealthy. What has happened? I know there have been blogs out there just burning the insides of my eyeballs to read. What is happening to Jenny, Megan, Tracie, all of my children, Richard, Sadie, Em and family etc........? How can I live like this in the modern age?

Sorting through clothes that Jonathan brought over from Texxie for our little girls. Aren't we lucky? I did the same thing when my girls were little. I bought clothes from a rich cousin in Oklahoma and Jerianne wore them, then Janae, Tara, Aubrey, Candace, Jacqui, and Brianne. I felt greatly blessed with hand me downs.

CONTINUING ON................................

The girls at bookclub were talking about when their children were gone and how they would have time for themselves. I of course chimed up and said, "Dream on!" I haven't had a minute to worry about myself in who knows how long. It seems like I have been running since before Thanksgiving and probably even before that, I can't remember (blessing or curse?)! Getting ready for Christmas and company, which I loved, then going to Idaho,( which I ......), then going to Kansas City and worrying about parents and grandparents, then coming home and taking care of wedding plans which I am in the full blown midst of. Then my newest grandson coming on Tuesday, then back to wedding plans. I have invitiations that must be out by Monday, company spending the night on Saturday and then again more company on the 12th, doctoring dogs, cleaning, preparing lessons for church. Now in between that all I thought it would be a cinch to exercise, but guess what I put on the backburner? Needless to say, I won't be the skinniest mother by far. Jacqui's new other mother is about a size 6!!!!!!!! Yuck, yuck, yuck, story of my life. Oh well, so thank heavens my kids are gone or I would just give up the ghost!

Jacqui's reception will be held at the Riverwalk. This is a view of the inside. I have been there several times and what I see in my head, I hope happens for real...........

Some vases for silverware, and a HUGE wedding cake plate which will actually be a very diminuitive brownie cake. We are serving little three tiered wedding cakes with Baskin and Robbins ice cream. Dave is extremely happy and Jonathan has called dibs on all of the Mint Chocolate Chip!

Preparations for the candy bar. Jacqui has ordered over $500.00 worth of candy! Ah what a dream. We have pink salt water taffy, pink bubblegum, pink M & M's, pink Mintos, gummy cherries, (my favorite and temptation) , pink candy sticks and so on. We now have to get the little bags and stickers. Is that on my list?

The little girls bouquets. There are eleven little girls under eight years of age. All of the older girls will just wear pink and black. Thank Heavens! So maybe you all might understand why it is taking me so long to be consistent with my blog. Please be patient. I love staying in touch and think our family is so much closer, just because we know what is happening in each other lives. Stay tuned and pray, for me, my age, and stage! Rock on!

CHURCH CANCELLED!

2008-02-17T14:19:00.004-07:00

I am sitting and silently, well not really, laughing to myself over the state of the weather. Having just spent several lovely weeks in the state of "Tundra Pocatello," I have a hard time understanding two inches of snow and some ice cancelling church. But to be fair MCI was closed down for awhile. I do remember many lovely ice storms here in good old Kansas City. People accidentally leaving their sprinklers on not expecting freezing temperatures. It is quite a beautiful sight but my sympathy after Idaho is a little low. You can hardly find Richard's mother's house for the banks of snow and when you can only see the very tops of the fence posts I say it is time for Tahiti. (Like I would ever get to go)...........................................................

The Upchurches were coming over for supper tonight but now Uncle Gary is sick with the flu. They have a notice on Grandmother's center, warning that the Type A flu virus is being fought at this time. I wonder who else will get it? So much for those flu shots. I don't have time to be sick from now until the wedding is over. If I can just hold off until then. :) I'll take my licks as they come.

I took some pictures of Daddy and everyone is going to feel sorry for him when I finally get them put on this blog. This poor man is a scar from one end to the other. He is so bruised and the staples make me wince. So I keep learning more and more about the sufferings of others whether I want to or not......

So, just another Sunday in paradise. I can't believe I put my makeup on for this!

GED in RN at home......

2008-02-13T23:09:00.003-07:00

The sling was rubbing against Daddy's arm and of course he had a reaction to it. This was driving him crazy, it was one big blister or hive and he itched continuously.................

The bleeding and aftermath of his shoulder surgery ran down along his scar line from his open heart surgery! Oh, Daddy...............................

And to think this was his 20th something surgery. How has one man's body withstood the test of time and a poor gene pool?

BRUISING, BRUISING, EVERYWHERE!

Well Daddy is home again from his surgery yesterday and is in quite a bit of pain. He says it is more painful than his open heart surgery and so we are being very careful. He and mother make me laugh. By the time you have been together over fifty years you pretty much have each other figured out. He knows what she is going to say and she knows what he is going to do and so I sit back and watch!

I figure that I have almost earned an Rn degree between my surgeries and Daddy's and Mother's. It is interesting to hear us talk about medications, IV procedures, tape reactions, rehab, how to bathe, sleep, walk, recovery time etc. All in all, we are pretty amazing or pretty pitiful. On to another subject......

When I was looking for Richard's wedding ring, which I am beginning to think he lost on purpose, there are some hot women in Pokie!!!!!, I found two tapes that had been made in 1981 in Mountain Park, Oklahoma. It was me talking to my great grandmother, Grandmother Messick, and my Aunt Ruth and Grandmother. It was so interesting to listen to them. I know where my accent comes from and am proud of it. But life was so completely different back then just two generations ago. What a hard life they had, but they thought it was wonderful. They worked so hard and my grandmother and aunt actually started picking cotton when they were two and three years old. So many wonderful stories for my posterity. So many things to learn from these amazing women. We had five generations when I made that tape and we have five generations today. What a legacy. I am having them made and put onto Cd's. When I get home I will have Jerianne help me put pictures up. I am so blessed with Family, so blessed. I just wish Grandmother could listen and understand what was happening but that time is passed.

LEARNING -------- AT WARP SPEED!

2008-02-12T04:15:00.000-07:00

Here it is at 5 AM and I can't sleep, so many things running through my mind. And yet, heaven knows I need my beauty sleep and others will suffer if I don't get it! This last month has been such a learning curve and I am ready to slow down some. Seems I have too much to learn and the Lord is surely trying to teach me over and over and over.

I am now in Kansas City and today Daddy will once again have surgery. I belive this to be his 26th time of " going under the knife," in his lifetime, and yet he bears it with bravery and faith. They will be putting a pin in his shoulder and fixing three tears in his ligaments. I know he lives with a constant level of pain. His poor body has been used up and yet he keeps trucking. When he was a very young man he used to lift 100 pound tires and throw them over his shoulder. That was when I was born and he was working 2 to 3 jobs at the age of 18 to support a family. I think one of the things that impress me so much about him is that you never hear him complain or say poor me. He has had some really tough life experiences yet he continues on not lamenting how hard his life has been. I am trying to be like him and yet I seem to want everyone to go along on my life journey with me! I guess I am a wimp. Thanks Daddy for your example.

Now I guess that I need to put this down so that I can try and go back to sleep. I have been thinking how the Lord works in His own special way and how He knows the end from the beginning. As I sit here I have been thinking about how good deeds come back to you. Things that you have done in many years past, long forgotten, without expectations, are repaid at the most unexpected time. I visited my Grandmother today and it is literally breaking my heart to see her. She was the most alive, vibrant person I think I have ever known, and now she is just existing, waiting to go home to where most of her family now resides.........back to a loving Heavenly Father. I never thought I would ever say these words, but I want her to be able to do the same, she is suffering and so are we and there is such a better place for her to be. The ironic thing is, is that she is in an assisted living facility that is virtually out the back door of my house in Kansas City! Why am I in Colorado, when if I was here I could do so much.? Sometimes guilt eats away at me. I still don't understand and struggle with the Lord's plan, but hopefully some day I will.

Anyway, to the point of my story. I have a dear friend who is more like a sister actually. She went to church with me and we have known each other a long time. We were visiting teaching companions and became good friends. She and I have been through a lot of situations together and no one would have ever guessed she and I to be so close. We come from very different backgrounds and life experiances and yet we are "sisters," in the gospel. How amazing when you think about it. Well, come to find out she has been going and sitting with my Grandmother at supper time every evening, feeding her, ( I think my Grandmother is trying to starve herself to death) taking her back to her room, getting her ready for bed, and watching a little TV with her until she is sleepy. I am not talking about occasionally, she has been doing this almost every night. I have cried all day, thinking about the service that this dear friend is giving not only to my Grandmother but to me. She is serving me by doing the things that I cannot do for myself, but want to so badly, unconditionally! I asked her why, and she said, "Because of the Gospel, because I love you." How amazing, and how humble I am to be taught by her. Did the Lord know long ago when I helped someone in need that they would turn around and serve me to this extent? I believe so and "I Stand All Amazed!"

This is for Jerianne!

2008-02-06T20:26:00.002-07:00

I took the quiz on your blog and this is who I turned out to be. I've always wanted dark hair and a slim waist. I was pretty intrigued by this quiz and so I went out and bought the book , Persuasion, by Jane Austin and I was amazed because I recognized myself in her. Woo, a little spooky but I enjoyed the book

Counting My Blessings! Over and Over.....

2008-02-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

Working at the Liberty Tax Office has been an experience of a lifetime. (One I hope I never have to repeat) So I am trying to learn everything here that the Lord wants to teach me. I have great compassion for Richard and for the amount of blood,sweat, and tears, that he puts in each day. He is a hard worker and a very efficient and caring person. I have seen him get up every morning early enough to be in here by 7AM and we don't leave until after 9PM. I have seen him give discounts to people who are in desperate need and even do some returns at no cost. He rarely even takes time to drink water and so when I am gone we will all have to send reminders. But, I respect his work ethic and hope that this year works out to his advantage. If I thought that I had to stay here until April I would be very depressed.........

Secondly, I think the Lord wants me to be aware once again how richly blessed I am. Not only in material goods, but with family, raising by my folks, ethics, honesty, hope. CLEANLINESS OF BODY AND SPIRIT............................Woe you can't even imagine. I feel as if I have been living and working in the inner city and the despair I see on some peoples faces is haunting. And the sad thing is that, that despair is passed on to the next generation. I think some of these little children will never have a chance to be anything different than what they have been taught. So many of these folks aren't married, fighting over who claims the children etc. When I was growing up we were not well off financially but we were clean and happy. I am very aware of not judging others and I swear I have treated every one with respect. But I think that the biggest impression that I will come away with is, that the Light of Christ, and the hope that shines from faces of those who know, is so apparent and is so vacant in the ones who don't.

I have also discovered that I am a little OCD. I have those Clorox wipes out every time someone leaves from the tables and as we speak I am soaking the Legos, in hot water and soap. Right now I feel as if I will never be clean again, and then I think of people in third world countries. So you see my dilemma. I have counted my blessings almost continually since coming here and for that it has been a wonderful experience. BUT DON"T TELL RICHARD!

I WILL............

2008-02-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

I have had a very interesting experience in the last week. It is something that I want to put down for my children and my grandchildren and so may not be interesting to the general population>:) WARNING! There are no pictures.........

There is someone that I have always had very tender feelings towards. I have been thinking about them alot and in the past month I have had a very similar dream several times. In my dream I was supposed to go and see them and tell them some very specific things. Sometimes I am very leary of myself not knowing if I am being prompted by the Spirit or just making things up in my mind. And so I had this dream again this past week. As I was sitting in our Sunday School class, taught by someone much younger than me,( but again who isn't?), he was talking about the differences between Laman, Lemuel, and Nephi. Up on the board he had written the words, No.........I don't want to.............I'll try.......................and then in capital letters I WILL.....
Then he asked us who were we like when the Lord had need of us? I had an overwhelming feeling that the Lord was prompting me again through him. And so this time, I prayed, took a deep breath and told the Lord, I WILL. And so I did. It was actually a little terrifying going to this person and explaining why I was there, but I love them so much I have their best interests in mind and hopefully the Lord's. It turned out to be a very touching moment and I know this person knows how much I care about them, but I believe they also know that the Lord is very aware of them and the challenge they bare. I hope that I am able to always have the attitude of Nephi and say, I WILL, when I am asked to do the things he wants me to do. I feel that I have not always succeeded, and sometimes it has taken me longer than others, but I have a great desire to serve Him and am so aware of my blessings.

In the interest of making this blog my journal, I will write down another experience that comes to my mind when I felt a huge prompting and was terrified to do as I was asked. It was before my dad had joined the church and I had been doing genealogy work. I really felt that I had and still do, the "spirit of Elijah," and am very aware of family here and beyond the veil. I was literally kept up all night, and I mean I did not sleep at all, with so many thoughts running through my mind that I needed to tell my dad. I was up and dressed and at my folks house by 8 AM the next morning, all but ready to bust. I don't remember now the things that I had said to him, but I do know it had to do with unifying our family and how much he was loved and needed. I am not exactly sure of the time sequence, but it was not too long after that, that he was baptized. It was just a small moment in a series of things that had happened to him to let him know that the Lord was aware of him and now was the time for him to put his life in order. What an amazing series of events that lead up to his baptism. And now he is a sealer in the St. Louis Temple. It doesn't get much more inspiring than that. But it was another time when I said, I WILL, and although it took so much courage, I could not deny that the Spirit had prompted me to do the Lord's will.

And so it is in my heart to let you know that I know the Lord prompts us through the Holy Ghost and that we can be instruments in His hands to help him help others. It is not always easys to discern the Spirit and I am still working on it even at my age, but it is a precious gift for which I will be eternally grateful.

DOCUMENTATION SO THAT WE WON'T STEAL!

2008-02-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

You know how my dad and I are "an accident waiting to happen?" Well, I don't think we will need any help with this one. I wash my hair and hang on to the side at the same time because the floor slants toward the wall. I dropped the shampoo behind the tub and told Richard if I looked like the witch of the west, I would NOT get behind the tub to find it..............

An actual walk in closet! I mean really it comes with four chairs from the 1950's and a mouse powder deterrent on the floor at no extra cost...................................

This is our front room designed especially for entertaining LARGE crowds. Can you just see the amount of fun you can have in here?

Of course, this is the office, desk space and all. So much hard work is done in this lovely work space. An extra table is provided for that oh so important scanner or extra laptop, what a plus!

Be sure and notice that no space is complete without my typical addition of greenery. It sure brings the outdoors in doesn't it?

Mike can you believe it? A blue chair from our home in Liberal in 1954............We need to put it in the Smithsonian along with Archie Bunkers chair.

Notice the front door with the pull string light, and an added bonus of extra "cotton" insulation in the key hole. How blessed we are.......These are the pieces that I want to call Antique Roadshow about. Oh, I forgot we signed a lease that we wouldn't steal..................................

Now we come to the master suite. I am at a loss for words.

Front door to "Home Sweet Home!" I don't want my children to ever say another word to me about doing my part of the job! Please excuse me while I call HGTV FOR AN EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER. ty..................................Ty..................................................TY HELP!

So now I have the actual proof that I am not making my life story up or even exaggerating this time, although my side of the family does tend to stretch things every once in awhile! These are actual pictures of the "apartment" that I am now residing in. Believe me, I don't mind working until 9 PM so that I only have to actually spend my sleeping hours in this lovely piece of property!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'M NOT EVEN LOOKING FOR NORMAL, JUST A COMFORT ZONE!

2008-01-28T19:36:00.000-07:00

Here I sit in the Liberty Tax Office in Pocatello, Idaho....................It was a high of 22* today and the wind has been blowing like the end of the world. I have tried to be a help to Richard, but remember I can only count to 20, fingers and toes, and the rest of math problems make me sick at my stomach. So I am here pretty much to keep Richard company and to be his hospitality hostess! I greet people with a smile, in an accent they don't understand, ask them if they'd like something to drink, get them started on paperwork if we are busy.........Business comes in spurts, busy, not busy, etc. So glad I brought a book to read. Plus, Richard never thinks about eating so at 7 PM tonight I reminded him that I had had popcorn (thank heavens there was some in the back room) and a granola bar left over from my purse. I don't think he or I even have had a drink of water. When we finally walked across the street and got something to eat I reminded him that I was sure this plan was not from the "Biggest Loser," reality show. Of course, he will lose but that won't happen to me.

Then the only other option I have is to go "Home!" Meaning our basement apartment. Oh my word, I am so glad my mother can't see this with her own eyes. I am trying not to believe it myself. I am just floored, speaking of flooring or lack of it..........I know that the furniture is from our old home in Liberal. When you see the pictures you will see the chair that looks just like our old couches! Vinyl chairs, linoleum, pipiing that goes over the whole ceiling of the apartment. I am terrified to know exactly where or what is in those pipes. I am really terrified to go home because I need to take a shower. Wait until you see the pictures of our "shower." When the wind is blowing, as we speak, the windows and walls kind of suck in and out. I know there are a few pieces that I need to call Antiques Roadshow about. I am not cooking in that kitchen, I only go to the bathroom out of necessity!

So to my children who feel compassion for their "father," only, I am trying to do my best and feel like a darned good sport just to have been here one day! I am not that much help and I am not whining Kelly! What happened to compassion for me all of these years? Oh yea, I get that from my Mother, bless her soul. Thanks Mom for worrying about me.

Back to Normal..............What's Normal?

2008-01-16T15:38:00.001-07:00

Janae looking for the magnet that Jag swallowed! After calling Dr. Dave and Nurse Jacqui, we decided to patiently await the outcome.................................Bingo after three days! Normal?

Jag preferring to sleep with the dogs in the doggie bed. Normal?

Four dogs in my house for Christmas besides all the people............................Normal?

Sisterly affection from Jaimie Ralphs Jardines point of view................Normal?

Four dogs and four children, shopping carts, strollers and poopie bags..................Normal?

Eating nothing but chocolate at an early and young and middle and old age. Yes, Normal! We inadvertently found a package of cigarettes that must have fallen out of Uncle Gary's pocket lost in the cushions of the divan! I swear! Of course, the girls couldn't resist making the most of a spontaneous situation. Aren't we a class act, normal..........................yes!

Tio feeding Brogan messy, sloppy, orange, running food.......................Normal........................NOOOOOO!

Well, I have finally finished cleaning my house after the chaos of the holidays, I don't think those two words go together, but I have no other description. It has been a full week and just yesterday I found the home phone in Richard's closet hidden on a shelf. I have mopped floors, cleaned bathrooms. done laundry, moved furniture, tried to clean the carpets, and ended up going through drawers and throwing, throwing, throwing things away. ( I can only do this when Richard is gone because he still has clothes from his mission he is sure he will need someday!) So, I finally feel like all is back to normal?

Jacqui flew in last night and I love having her here. Dave is in town also and so they are looking for his wedding ring, registering, trying to figure out where to have this shindig, finding a photographer............in other words all of the things that have caused my sagging skin and dementia! How do people with more than four children survive? But, I wouldn't trade a one. So I am going to enjoy her company for a few days and then I will be on my way to Idaho to help Richard with the tax business (albatrose, stone around our necks, weight, mental anguish, emotional trauma just to name a few :) Sooooooooo, that brings me back to the heading of this blog. What is Normal? I don't know!

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

2008-01-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to help my friend Maura with a little welcome home for her son who had just gotten home from serving in Iraq in the Marine Corps. He was in a very dangerous place and felt that what he was doing was very necessary. I think he became close to some of the villagers and sees a need for us to be there. Anyway, we talk about how much we love America, and know that we have strong feelings, but I was so overwhelmed with patriotism when he came home it was tangible. He did not know it but when they brought him home from the airport, friends and neighbors had lined the street holding American Flags and we had music playing loudly. There were people who had put up signs in their yards, and were flying flags on their houses. The little scouts were saluting, people were clapping, and of course, I was crying. I can't even imagine what it is like to have someone in harms way, but I can say that I am grateful for each and everyone of them and pray for them daily. God Bless America!