Keepin' Up With the Joneses

Saying Goodbye to Grandma Jones

2011-10-24T18:39:00.000-06:00

We said goodbye to Grandma Jones on Saturday, October 22, 2011. We enjoyed a very nice memorial service at the church in Pleasant Grove. The talks were wonderful and the music was beautiful, touching everyone who attended. I was so proud of my son, Jaron who gave a great talk on the Plan of Salvation. You can also hear my grand daughter, Adia, sing her song during a practice on my daughter's blog at http://www.lovelyladyfox.blogspot.com/ on her October 23, 2011 post.

It was a perfect and beautiful fall day at the Rockpoint Cemetery in Maeser, Utah. The surrounding area was so peaceful.

Just a few of the family were able to make the three-hour drive.

Jerry, Laura, Aunt Jane and Uncle Dick visited for a little while.

Little Zoey was fascinated by the tiny toys etched onto a nearby child's headstone.

Alyza was so sweet and tender-hearted. She picked four beautiful roses from her yard for Grandma Jones. By the time the roses made the long ride, they were droopy and wilted, but it was so tender to see Alyza place each rose by the headstone while she paid her last respects to Grandma.

I will miss Grandma Jones. I hope I can live worthy of her example.

I Love Fall

2011-10-16T22:21:00.000-06:00

I love fall flowers, especially the mums in my yard.

I love the red apples hanging on the trees.

I love decorated front porches. Everybody has pumpkins on their front porch, and so do I. I wanted to make a wreath using some dried magnolia leaves and dried artichokes from my parents' house in California, but I think I must be craft-impaired these days. I even went to the trouble of spray painting the magnolia leaves a beautiful gold. The wreath looked absolutely ridiculous, so I threw that all out. Then I tried adding just the natural dried leaves to enhance the swag and wreath I already had. I resorted to putting the artichokes in a basket. They were just too "cool" to throw out. If you look closely, you can see them. (One note: I hot glued the leaves on the wreath and the swag while they were hanging. I wonder how many will be glued directly to my door when I take them down?)

2011-10-09T22:09:00.000-06:00

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Witches' Night Out

2009-10-18T14:30:00.006-06:00

Going to Witches' Night Out is an annual event for Grandpa J and I. It's an outdoor event held two weeks before Halloween. It started out to be an evening for the ladies while their husbands were away hunting. Now, it's developed into somewhat of a family affair.

I love to go because of the fall atmosphere and it's just plain 'ol fun to people watch. Hundreds.... no, thousands, of witches come dressed in all sorts of witch attire. No two witches are alike. Some wear their hats, plain or very fancy, others go all out with fancy dresses and crazy makeup. There were scarey witches, baby witches, elegant witches, pretty witches, dog witches and white witches. I think my favorite this year was the witch who obviously was wearing some sort of "blow-up" costume. She reminded me of a humpty-dumpty witch. She was as wide as she was tall.

As the sunsets, more and more witches converge on the grounds until it's so crowded, you can't move and you can't get into the shops. You just stand in one place gawking and oohing at all the amazing costumes.

This year, Grandpa J and I got to take two of our grandchildren, Aryn and Alyza. I concocted a couple of witch outfits for them and brewed up a hat for each. These little girls had as much fun dressing up as I did making the costumes for them. We had a great time making memories!

As promised, here are a few pictures. Grandpa J and I both had "camera" issues, so don't expect perfect or great pictures.

The place is full of caricature witches posed in fun poses. This one had it's arm around me. Aryn couldn't stop talking about the one with the skirt lifted up showing a cat chasing a rat.

We try to get to the place before dark so we can take pictures. There are witches mulling around, but the crowd hasn't arrived yet.

This witch rides a bicycle in the air over a duck pond.

The girls enjoyed looking at this dog with a witch hat and cape on. I tell you, there are all kinds.

Since it was Grandpa J's birthday, we had to get a picture of him in here.

It's starting to get crowded and the sun is setting. Everytime I went to take a picture of a "good" crowd of witches, by the time I got the camera set up, everybody dispursed.

Witches of all sorts and styles show up.

It started to get so crowded, poor Alyza had a hard time keeping her hat on.

We stood in a very long line for soup in bread bowls. Aryn and Alyza enjoyed cotton candy.
I was trying to get a good picture, when all of a sudden...

This witch jumped in between Aryn and Alyza and surprised them!

Again, there were some crazy hats...

But, Aryn and Alyza, I think, were most fascinated with this werewolf and the witch. They couldn't stop talking about them.

Austen and Hats

2009-08-26T07:32:00.003-06:00

When I think of Austen, I can't help but picture him with a hat on his head. For those of you who don't know Austen, you've got to know he LOVES to wear ball caps and always has one on. If I didn't know better, I'd think his hat was attached to his head in some manner. He ALWAYS has on a hat. But then, his dad was just like that when he was little too.

I understand Austen would sleep with his hat on if his mom and dad let him. Also, he's not allowed to wear a hat on Sunday. I can understand why. . .to see him without a hat is a RARE occasion.

So, in honor of Austen's birthday today, Grandpa J and I are wearing ball caps and wishing him a happy birthday!

Austen is a CUTIE! His dark brown eyes just lure you in and then his smile will melt your heart.

Happy birthday Austen on your second birthday! We love you!

Playing With Joshua

2009-08-22T13:59:00.002-06:00

The worst thing about being a grandma is not living close to ALL of the grandchildren. I HATE long distances! I miss out on all the small things like the first hiccup, the first tooth, the first steps and the first waving goodbye. I miss all of the great milestones achieved daily when they are so young. I miss out on the slobbery kisses and the gooey fingers reaching around my neck for a tight squeeze. I miss out on the "I love you Grandma" and the "Guess what, Grandma?" I simply, plain ‘ol miss out.

I love to play and chase my grand kids around the house. I love to jump out and scare them and chase them up the stairs and down the stairs and around the corners. I like to trick them and switch back the other direction and catch them so unexpectedly that they yell and scream and then laugh and laugh and laugh. Then, I laugh and laugh and laugh. It is simply the ultimate in PURE, PURE JOY: family.

Today is Joshua's birthday. He and I live a very long distance apart from each other. Just so Joshua may sort of know me and what I am like, here is a special video so he and I can play long distance as often as he wants. I want him to have the best birthday ever!

A Chat With Adam

2009-08-13T07:18:00.005-06:00

Today is Adam's 5th birthday. I decided to have a little chat with him the other day to find out about his favorite things. I learned quite a bit. I'll bet you didn't know some of this.

Adam's favorite color is blue and his most favorite thing to eat is CHOCOLATE! Now that's a boy after my heart.

He loves to read and play with cars, but most of all, he really loves to play with swords and bows and any of the weapons from Narnia. He likes cowboy hats and handcuffs and all sorts of police stuff.

Adam's favorite movie is "Cars" and his favorite song is "Scripture Power." In his spare time Adam likes to sleep and play Phase 10 cards with his mom. He likes to help his Daddy fix tires.
Jaron, you must fix a lot of tires.

Aryn told me that Adam helps her when she has an "owie." She likes to tease him a lot! Alyza said Adam plays "choo choo train" with her, but he's a trouble maker and eats part of her cake.

Austen likes to sword fight with Adam.

Adam is a very sweet boy, kind of shy and a lot of fun to be around and tease. I hope he has a very nice birthday today. I love you Adam!

Fun at Lagoon

2009-08-11T18:50:00.001-06:00

Here we are at Lagoon soaking up some sun and getting drenched on the water rides. We went three times on the Rattle Snake Rapids and got soaked. But, boy, it was sure fun! The kids wanted to go again and again. A day to laugh is good for you!

The Parable of the Houseplants

2009-07-25T22:12:00.002-06:00

Those of you who know me, know that I have a LOT of house plants in my house. This morning I looked outside and there were a lot of dark clouds hovering in the sky. I decided today would be a great day to take all of my houseplants outside, give them a "bath" and clean them up a bit.

Over time, some of my plants get long lanky stems with just a few leaves on the ends, some are root bound and need repotting, some need the dead leaves plucked, others need staked and supported and some need a good pruning and cut way back drastically. Sometimes I'm ruthless and, once in a while, a poor plant is hacked so bad, there's not much left of it.

I did all that today, loosened up the soil (in some cases it was rock hard), repotted some, added some fresh clean dirt and fertilizer and hosed them off to get off all the dust that's been collecting on their leaves. I watered them really good.

Most of the time, this treatment sends the plants into quite a shock and they appear wilted. But, after a few hours pass, I know they will snap out of it. I do all of this because I know in the end, they will grow bigger, greener, lusher and they will flourish and become more beautiful.

I have to be careful if the sun comes out. . .the plants will sunburn very easily. So, today when the sun peaked out from the clouds, I moved them into the garage where they were warm enough to dry off before I brought them into the house, but also where they were protected from burning in the sun.

A month or so ago, I woke up one morning to dark clouds hanging over my house. That should have been a warning to me right then, but unbeknownst to me, the Lord was going to take me outside and clean ME up a bit.

I'm not sure what all He is going to do to me, but I am getting my lanky stems pruned back and my dead leaves plucked. I've learned I don't need to buy movies every week or comb DI for a fifty cent bargain or eat out two or three times a week. Perhaps I am rootbound and my soil needs loosening up. I am sure, though, He is wacking me back pretty hard. Grandpa J is not having a lot of luck finding a job.

I know that what He is doing to me is for my own good and that when He's done I will be much better off, a BETTER person and "LUSHER" in my faith. The fertilizer He uses on me is a combination of scriptures and prayer where I can learn to grow in my faith and put my trust in Heavenly Father. Getting hosed off washes the dust from me and reveals my blessings. I have SO very much to be thankful for.

With all that's happened to us, I have gone into "shock." Most days I feel pretty wilted and can barely put one foot in front of the other, so I go to the Temple where I can get out of the "burning sun" and away from the disappointments of the world. The temple brings me warmth and solace and peace. It's the refuge I need and it's where I can get a "stake" to prop me up so I can make it through the day without falling over. Sometimes one time a week will do the trick. Other times, like this past week, I had to go three days in a row.

I just hope my Heavenly Father doesn't have to "repot" me. I really want to stay in this house. But, whatever happens, I know I have to put my trust in Him. He knows best and I will do whatever is required of me because in the end, I know, I will be much better off and I will flourish again one day.

Ten Reasons Why I Love Mercedes!

2009-07-20T06:11:00.008-06:00

1. She's dang cute!
2. She looks like the Gerber baby with her curls on the top of her head.

(This is the Gerber Baby and Mercedes)

3. She (mostly) never cries.
4. She waves hysterically when she sees ME.
5. She chewed the edge of the baby bed and left permanent teeth marks. (Kind of like her signature - Mercedes Was Here!)
6. She blub-bla, blub, blub-bla's when I flip my finger on her lips.
7. She crawls like I did doing the one-armed thing.
8. She's MY grand baby!
9. She visits me at work wearing her "I Love Grandma" shirt and brings me a Diet Pepsi or leaves me a note on my desk if I'm not there.
10. She sticks her tongue out at me when I stick mine out at her.
11. She brings joy to my life.
12. We are sealed together FOREVER!

(Who can stop at just ten, the list could go on forever.)

Mercedes and Grandma

WARNING: The following pictures and video are pretty goofy. What grandparents won't do for their grand babies on their birthdays!

Note: My camera now will only do 15 second videos, so whatever we do has to be pretty fast. Also, in way of explanation of the "short distance" hugs - Mercedes only lives a "short distance" from us. We can always give her up close and personal hugs-no need for long distance ones.

We love you Mercedes! Happy Blub-blub, bla Birthday!

Happy Birthday Diane!

2009-07-15T06:10:00.009-06:00

Over the years, my sister Diane and I have lived many miles apart and I regret that we haven't been able to get together a little more often. But even though we are a long distance from each other, I want to wish Diane a very Happy Birthday today!

Thinking back over the years, I remember a few things about Diane and found some pictures. I thought I'd share. . .

Diane had some musical talent. Well, so did the rest of us. The three of us girls took piano lessons. Since we each had to practice an hour every day, the piano was going all the time. Each of us also played a band instrument. I played the clarinet and flute and Yvonne also played the flute. Diane chose something "easy" with only three keys to play: the trumpet. I think it surprised her when she found out that it wasn't all that simple of an instrument. She had to squeeze her lips together plus play the appropriate combination of keys in order to make the right notes. It was fun when we got together and played in our own little band at home. Diane played the organ too. When I gave up my calling as the Ward Organist, she inherited the job from me.

When we were young we liked to play. We played on our swing set and we played with dolls. I had a Barbie and Ken doll and Diane had Midge and Skipper. I had a bride doll and Diane had a cool Chatty Cathy. You pulled the string at the back of her neck and she talked! One year I got Quick Draw McGraw and she got Huckleberry Hound for Christmas. Now that shows you how old we are. Her kids and mine won't know who those guys are.

I think, though, she preferred to play outside games such as softball and dodge ball. In fact, she liked all kinds of balls. One Christmas we got a Super Ball (the really bouncy kind) and were bouncing it in the garage of our new house before we had moved in. A few bounces later and SHE broke the window. Yes, I am putting all the blame on her because I can't get her to read my blogs. Therefore, I can say what I want and she won't dispute it.

Diane had her fair share of injuries when she was little. Thinking back on our childhood, I think Diane and I scrapped and fought A LOT. When we were little, I discovered that if I pulled on her arm, it would pull out of socket and knock her out of commission for a while. She would have to wear a sling for a time and sometimes Dad had to pull her arm again to set it. I'm sure it was pretty painful, but, I promise, I DIDN'T pull her arm on purpose!

I also remember Dad mowing the lawn when we lived in Yuba City and a bolt coming loose from the underside of the mower. The bolt was thrown from the mower like a bullet and it hit Diane in the side. I think there was an exact imprint of the side view of the bolt on her skin for a long time. Another time while at school she was playing, "Smear the Queer." Well, she got smeared and ended up breaking her collar bone.

Diane was the rebel of the family during the "Hippie Era" in the 70s, and during the days of mini skirts and long straight hair. She'd leave the house with a short skirt on, as short as she could get away with when leaving the house, and then as soon as she got on the bus, she'd ROLL up the top to make it shorter! And, speaking of long straight hair, that was Diane's hairdo in those days. Mom was always after her to curl it or get it out of her eyes. But in her defense, long straight hair was the style of the time!

Diane always insisted on having the very best and along with that, always had good taste. I think she hated homemade stuff and, therefore, she wouldn't wear home-sewn clothes like the rest of us. I truly think she would have preferred to go naked rather than wear something homemade!

Red must have been her favorite color years ago. Maybe it still is. When we were little, she got a red go cart for Christmas one year when we were back in Utah at Grandma and Grandpa's house. And then, a few years later in the 70s, she bought herself a really cute little bright red Honda Civic car. Oh, and by the way, Diane had a LEAD foot too!

Check out some of these pictures. . .

A Family Christmas Picture. (Mom, what kind of an outfit are you wearing?)

Diane and Me in our Red Radio Flyer Wagon

Me, Diane and Yvonne

A Portrait With Santa Claus - Me, Yvonne and Diane
(No wonder Diane didn't like homemade clothes. Look at the outfit she is wearing!)

Christmas at Grandpa and Grandma's House in Utah, 1971

Me, Yvonne, Mom, Diane and Dad in the 70s

Diane and Jaron, 1976

The Entire Family Gathered for Mom's Birthday, May 1984

Both of our Families Somewhere in the USA. (Where's Shaun?)

Dad and Diane - Now. . .

Diane - Then. . . On Her 3rd Birthday

Though the years grow longer and the memories grow fainter, every once in a while something comes to mind about Diane and I have to chuckle or smile to myself. I hope she has a really Happy Birthday!

Something's Wrong With This Picture!

2009-07-03T12:49:00.006-06:00

Now that Grandpa J is officially out of work, take a look at this picture.

I'm bringing home the bacon and Grandpa J is frying it up!

Well, being the traditional sort of person that I am, this is wreaking havoc with my sanity. Things seem to be working backwards. Grandpa J should be bringing home the bacon and I should be the one at home cooking and keeping house!

Last evening we heard a bunch of "Eeewww!!" "Ick!" "Gross!" "Yuck!" "Hee-hee!" "I got one!" "Eeeww!!" comments coming from the front of the house. We opened the front door and there were five visiting grandkids from the neighbor swarming around the flower beds right by our front steps. When we asked what was going on, they replied that their grandma, our neighbor on the west, was PAYING them 10 cents for every snail they could capture.

Well, it certainly has been a BUMPER crop of snails in OUR yard this year I suppose from all of the rain we've been getting nearly every day. In fact, yesterday after work, I looked at my flower beds and snails were everywhere - on the grass, on the flowers, climbing up the side of the house and all over the sidewalks. We've been taken over by SNAILS!

So, when I found out what the little kids were doing, at first I was WAY excited. They were going to get rid of these gross creatures for me! Oh, how I hate squishing them! It gives me the creeps! The kids had baggies full of them.

BUT THEN, the old cogs in my brain started to spin and I shooed them home. "Go collect your own snails out of your own yard!"

I got a terrific idea. Maybe WE can supplement our income! Now that Grandpa J is out of work, he certainly has the TIME to collect the snails out of our yard. And, since the neighbor on the WEST is willing to pay 10 cents each, I bet the neighbor on the EAST would be willing to pay at LEAST 15 cents each! If you have ever been to my house, you know how nice the neighbor's yard is on the east. You see, he hasn't a single weed in his yard, let alone a SNAIL!

But, he could have. . .

Missing Everybody

2009-06-27T21:25:00.007-06:00

I sure am going to miss all the fun that was going on around my house the last couple of weeks. All of the distractions and laughing and messes were some good therapy for me. It did me good. When life gets tough, family is what makes it all better. Here's a bit of what was going on:

Here the cousins are playing out on the lawn.

The girls picking peas.

The boys picking peas.

They were all having a blast shelling the peas and playing Phase 10. I didn't know kids thought picking and shelling peas were so much fun. But they kept at it and when all was done, you should have seen the pea pods all over the lawn!

I wasn't about to tell them that shelling peas is a lot of work. The kids worked at it until there was a huge bowl of peas we cooked for supper.

Here everybody is enjoying pizza, burritos and home-grown-and-kid-shelled peas. And guess what? They ate all their peas!

The boys loved picking bouquets of my flowers.

Here's Hamilton holding an armful. He's such a doll! He kept trying to sneak up behind me and "kick my can." But I got him myself a couple of times. I'm still not too old to get him back!

The boys loved playing in the dirt. You should have seen the dirt left in the bathtub after the boys took a bath and all the water was drained. I could have planted a garden of more peas! Hamilton loved taking a bubble bath in my big tub EVERY night!

The girls had tons of fun playing with some play-doh. It's amazing what you can find at Grandma's house. These girls found a play-doh machine their parents played with when they were these kids' ages. It kept them busy for quite some time.

On Father's Day we went up to the property in Midway and roasted hot dogs on a make-shift campfire. This was not your usual type of bonfire made with logs of wood, but I suppose it served its purpose. I swear the coals kept slipping through the grate until there were hardly enough left to roast our marshmallows.

Mercedes didn't care about eating hotdogs. She was going for the rootbeer!

Here's Mercedes just being cute!

This is Grandpa J taking 'er easy and having a nap.

This is Papa relaxing and being shy when he realized I was taking his picture.

Here's Mercedes again, just being cute and playing some peek-a-boo.

After everybody left, today I went out on the back lawn while Grandpa J was mowing the grass. This is what I came across. I am not sure if this is some type of alien sign that one reads from outer space or whether the grand kids were thinking of starting a fire in the backyard. The rocks were very meticulously placed in a circle. They also found some old dried up chunks of sheetrock and "graffitied" my back patio, but the rain washed it away before I could get a picture.

And then, of course, here are the infamous airplanes left all over the house. They made some pretty fancy ones that were beautifully colored, but they must have thrown them away before they left. Here are nine of the ones they made. I found airplanes in my plants, behind the television, up on my ledge and under the table. I love to find 'em. I pause to remember how much fun my grandchildren are and how much I love them all. I'm sure as time passes, I'll find more hiding in the crooks and crannies of my house bringing back those fond memories of when they were here and making me shed a tear or two.

My Dad's the Best!

2009-06-21T00:08:00.004-06:00

This is me and my dad. He's the BEST and this is why:

My dad took me to work with him one day when I was little. I remember going to Chico for the day. It was fun to ride with him - just me and him.

I think I deserved several spankings when I was young. I remember having a few "run-ins" with my mom, but I don't ever remember my dad spanking me. If I did something wrong, all he had to do was just look at me in a certain way and I would cry.

My dad used to go and sing in the church choir with me every Sunday so I wouldn't have to go by myself when I had to play the piano.

My dad bought me a lot of things throughout the years. One time he bought me a hanging Tiffany lamp at an auction for $350 just ‘cause I said I liked it! And then, I wondered how I was going to pay for it!

My dad always wears shirts with pockets. He always carried a "golden screwdriver" in his pocket that could fix anything! Plus, he can always find me an aspirin in the glove box to fix my headache, a toothpick in his pocket so I can get something out of my tooth, or a pocket knife in his jeans to get a sliver out of my finger without it hurting.

My dad pulled through a serious stroke several years ago and maintained his crazy sense of humor. He said it wasn't quite the right time to "kick the bucket." Besides, I don't think he could quite reach it. Good thing!

My dad seems to always have "frogs" follow him wherever he goes. Sometimes he makes me laugh and laugh about that, and anyone who knows him knows just exactly what I am talking about. ‘Nuf said about that!

My dad took me on a 450 mile yard sale vacation to Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia at my request. In fact, he's let me tag along on lots of trips to Quartzsite and Mexico. Sometimes he insists I ride up in the front seat to talk to my mother, but I always beat him to the back seat ‘cause I'm faster than he is!

My dad takes me to McDonald's for breakfast whenever I am at his house, or he is at mine. He always buys two (‘cause they're cheaper that way) apple or cherry pies and then INSISTS I eat one. By the way, I learned a long time ago I can't ever tell my dad if I'm on a diet. He'll sabotage the diet every time by buying "Costco-sized" Hot Tamales, Good and Plentys, Snicker candy bars, or sweet rolls and then HOUND me to death until I cave in and eat it ALL!

Yep, it's true. I do have the best dad. Happy Father's Day!

Eighty Toes!

2009-06-20T09:00:00.005-06:00

Here are the bare feet belonging to all but two of my grandkids. There's a total of 80 toes altogether. Can you guess whose toes they belong to?

Oh, what fun we have!
(Aryn, Orin, Alyza, Adia, Mercedes, Hamilton, Adam and Austen)

What You Can Do At Grandma J's House

2009-06-18T20:05:00.006-06:00

Here's what you can do when you are at Grandma J's house:

You can color and draw.

You can horse around.

You can play games.

You can make all the paper airplanes you want and throw them. I always find airplanes in the strangest places after these guys go home.

You can eat yummy snacks.

You can learn to say "yucky" when your mom feeds you cold spaghetti and tomato sauce. Boy, that stuff looks nasty to me. Who'd want to eat it especially when it's cold! So I'm teaching her to say the word, "yucky."

You can eat all the cold cereal you want, even if it's three bowl fulls before bedtime.

You can make popcorn when you can't stand to eat Grandma J's enchiladas.

You can take a bubble bath in Grandma J's tub.

You can have all the bubbles you want with just three drops of bubble bath and asking Grandma J to turn the jets on full blast!

You can perform a show and have everybody watch and clap.

And, the BEST part about letting your grandkids do all this stuff at your house is when your grandkids tell you, "You're AWESOME Grandma!" and "You ROCK!"

Oops! Here are the pictures!

2009-06-16T16:03:00.003-06:00

Look Where I Am!!

2009-06-16T16:03:00.001-06:00

We're on a tram overlooking the Royal Gorge. What a view!

Look Where I Am!!!

2009-06-16T11:53:00.001-06:00

We're on a tram overlooking the Royal Gorge. Look at the view!

Tornado Warning

2009-06-14T16:02:00.003-06:00

Today we had some severe thunderstorms and lots of hail. In fact, it sounded like someone was throwing rocks at the car. While we were wandering around Denver trying to figure out what direction to go and how to get back to the hotel, the tornado warnings started up. I've never been in a tornado warning before. Sirens were going off and all of a sudden it appeared there were no cars left on the road. Everybody disappeared. I think everyone was hiding in their closets or bathtubs. We learned from Yvonne that we should get in the bathtub to stay safe. So, that's what we did. It's a darned good thing that warning didn't last too long. We were wedged in together and couldn't get out!

I Ain't No Model

2009-06-13T12:10:00.001-06:00

Just thought I'd share what my mom and dad brought to me at a time when I need a hug the most. Some days are harder than others, but having a supporting family keeps me from losing it (my marbles) altogether. A bear hug is ever bit as good as a long distance hug!

Me and Court

2009-06-08T19:19:00.004-06:00

I was soooo wanting a mental health day off from work today and darned near didn't go to work. But, my mantel of responsibility took over and I made myself get there. Good thing!

Somebody called in sick. So, guess who got to go into court and cover? ME, of course. It's been a while since I've been in court since I'm the manager and tell everyone else what to do. I'm a bit rusty, but there were five hearings scheduled. . .no big deal. I'd be in and out in a couple of hours. NOT SO. We started at 9:30 a.m. and got out at 4 p.m. and I had no lunch! Talk about starving to death!

As Judge, myself (I was doodling a lot), five attorneys, and several parties sat in the middle of a very, very long and very boring civil oral argument, one particular loud and Mr. Boisterous Attorney jumped up when it was his turn and started his arguments. All of a sudden an echo repeating everything he said came out of the ceiling speakers. Those blasted gremlins must be at it again! Long story, short. . . it's really hard for me to tell a short story. . . the record (which you HAVE to have in court) was not recording. OH, oh! Judge looks at me. I look at Judge. I stop the recording and attempt to reboot, while Mr. Boisterous Attorney holds his thoughts. That's really a difficult feat for some attorneys. We start again. Mr. Boisterous Attorney attempts to continue his train of thought. I look at Judge. Judge looks at me and I shake my head. It's not working. OH, oh! Need Plan B. We move to the other courtroom.

While five attorneys, several parties and Judge take a break, I test the equipment in the second courtroom to make sure it is working, gather the water jugs and replace the ice and get the courtroom ready. When am I suppose to go to the bathroom? Judge's water jug is empty and the others need more water. I make a mistake and ask Judge, "What are you drinking?" His reply, "Water, but I wish it was something a lot better than that!" Bet you didn't know Judges don't always have water in their pitchers! So, Nice Me runs downstairs to the second floor and grabs the ice cold Diet Pepsi I had reserved for the afternoon. Judge stays awake for the afternoon, I find myself nodding off. Next time, I'm stealing somebody else's Diet Coke out of the fridge for Judge instead of donating my Diet Pepsi! Surely, that's not a crime!

Finally all the attorneys ran out of things to say. You see, attorneys always have to get the last word in before they sit down, and just when you think you're done with the hearing, another one jumps up.

Afterward, I had to call the Help Desk to figure out the problem with the recording system in the first courtroom. Mr. IT Guy promptly tells me to look at the toggle switch by my leg. I look. It's toggled to the PA system instead of the head phones. OH, oh. I SWEAR, I didn't move and there was NO WAY I switched that switch with my leg! Nice Mr. IT Guy says maybe when Mr. Boisterous Attorney jumped up for his argument, it caused some weird static electricity that caused the switch to switch to the PA system by itself. I liked his theory. He's my kind of guy. He knows just what to say to a very, very tired and hungry clerk.

Calculators and Gremlins

2009-06-05T22:07:00.004-06:00

Budget cuts are affecting us at work these days. It's almost to the point where a person has to write an essay describing why they deserve a piece of equipment, no matter how small (even paper clips), to get some things that would make our jobs easier, or better yet, more efficient. Sometimes people think state workers have the best equipment. Lest you have THAT idea, let me burst your bubble and share my experience from the other day.

I went looking for a calculator so a co-worker could have one near her desk. I looked in all the crooks and crannies, high cupboards, low cupboards, closets and storage areas hoping to find a spare hiding somewhere.

I was pretty darned optimistic when I came across THREE calculators, yellowed with age and looking quite like they would qualify as antiques. My hopes were high. Now I wouldn't have to beg and/or write an essay to justify buying a new one.

I plugged in the first one. After installing a roll of tape, I started adding simple addition problems such as 5 + 5, then 25 + 30, then 106 + 243. ANYONE with a first grade education could solve these problems. What came out of the machine and onto the tape was a column of random numbers, letters and symbols down the side of the tape. Who knew a calculator has a question mark? Weird. I guess this one won't do.

My optimism was still optimistic. I plugged in the second calculator. I figured out how to put a roll of tape on this one. When I added a few random numbers, all I got was BLANK paper out of the machine. Nothing. Nothing at all. And, NO, it didn't need a new ribbon. I think these calculators were made before math was invented. Calculator number two is out of the question.

My optimism dwindled to pessimism pretty quickly. I plugged in the third calculator and managed to get the paper in the machine. I added a few quick numbers, and, lo and behold, it WORKED! And. . . it added correctly. Just when I turned to announce my great discovery, the machine started to add by itself. It added it's own numbers and printed the totals. As I watched in astonishment, the machine just kept on working and adding and totaling. It would stop for a minute or so and then start back up. It kept up until I was able to prove to everyone in the office it was true. One of my co-workers commented, "It's just happy to be plugged in!"

I think there's a gremlin in our office messing with MY MIND! I decided we'll forget about having a calculator and just use an old fashioned piece of paper and pencil.

Happy Birthday Yvonne Today!

2009-06-02T06:34:00.002-06:00

I worked on my post for your birthday last night and saved it for your birthday today. I tried what MY SON said on Kara's blog to change the date. For Pete's sake, I can't make it work! So, here's my tribute to you. Just know, even though I created it last night, it really was posted today. . .

A Tribute to My Little Sister on Her Birthday!

2009-06-01T21:13:00.007-06:00

I was in first grade when Yvonne was born and I remember being quite pleased having a baby sister. I bragged to my first grade teacher.

Yvonne was always really little. I was the BIG one in the bunch. I think I still am. She had blonde hair and big brown eyes and the tiniest feet of anyone I've ever known. They were so small, I never figured out how she could stay standing up. Her feet were a size 5 or 6 and I wore a SIZE 8!

I have included some pictures of her when she was young. I'm sure she's never seen these. I apologize for the quality. My camera wasn't the best, nor was I a very good photographer.

Thanksgiving with Dad, Mom, Diane and Yvonne - I'm not sure of the year.

Yvonne holding Tiny (our Chihuahua) and her rag doll. Wait a minute! I thought we weren't allowed to have the dog upstairs and, besides, what's he doing on MY BED?

Yvonne swinging on our swing at our new house.

Diane, Me and Yvonne (Can you believe there's nothing on the counter?)

When we were young, I made a cake in the electric mixer. I decided to be creative and make the cake batter pink. Yvonne stood up on a chair to watch. This particular time she looked into the mixer and her long blonde hair went in the bowl and sucked up in the beaters. Her hair wound around the beaters so tight, Mom had to really work to get them out of her hair. I can't remember whether Mom had to cut her hair to get the beaters and the cake batter out of her hair, but the beaters were bent so badly they had to be thrown away. Pink cake batter flew everywhere. For years, we found pink cake batter in crazy places all over the kitchen.

She was the one who made sure we had Family Home Evening in our family. She took it on herself to plan the lessons even though she couldn't have been more than 10 or 12 years old. I remember one lesson in particular where she made a paper trash can and we "threw" bad words away. I remember it so much, that I used that same lesson on my own kids.

She's REALLY talented. She could paint and draw and play the piano and organ. She always pounded out her frustrations on the piano. If she was upset or worried, the piano was loud. If she was having a good day, the music was soft and quiet. I was always jealous that she could play one part on the piano and sing the harmony part at the same time. I can't multi-task like she does.

I remember when she got married the first time and I cried buckets because I couldn't be there. Then, when she married the second time, I was SHOCKED, ASTONISHED and SPEECHLESS when she called and announced she was marrying a guy with four kids of his own and they'd only known each other a COUPLE of weeks! I remember asking her, "Are you SURE? Are you FOR SURE, FOR SURE?" I'm glad it worked out, really I am. We like Craig.

We have a lot in common: She's my only texting buddy and she got me hooked on Desperate Housewives. Man, I like that show! She rolls up her hamburger papers and stuff the same way as I do when we go to a fast food place. We like the leaded drinks - she drinks pure Coke and I like Diet Pepsi. We love Good and Plenty candy. The only difference is when our dad buys us a Costco-size bag, I eat the whole thing til it's gone. She, on the other hand, portions it out in little baggies and has the self-control to eat one baggie portion per day. Personally, with our genes, I think she secretly eats more than one baggie worth a day. Maybe the baggies are really the gallon size!

She lives in Texas where there are the BIGGEST and MOST bugs I have ever seen in my life! Mutants for sure! There must have been some foreshadowing when I wrote her a letter in June of 1969 from summer camp. I quote my own words, "Boy, Yvonne, if you were here you would be scared! There are thousands of bugs, black ones, brown ones, hairy ones, skinny ones, flying ones and fat ones." These days she's not scared at all - it's ME that's scared of the bugs!

And, I thought she might enjoy a letter I found that she wrote back to me. I love how she says she has "nothing to say so goodby!" I bet that's not so true anymore!

I wonder if she still likes the combination of popsicles, cheese and gum?

She's made sacrifices, an awful lot of them; in fact, probably more than her fair share in life. She moved dozens of times, survived floods, raised 8 kids, plus some dogs, cats, flying squirrels, snakes, ducks, goats, birds and every other kind of animal imaginable.

I really wish we lived closer, but thanks to modern technology, it's been fun to keep in touch with her through our blogs. Our trip to Lagoon last summer will always be a memorable one in my heart. Together we screamed and laughed our guts out all day and dared each other to go on rides and got soaked to the gills. It took me three days to recuperate from that fun day!

We sang songs a lot when we were at home and she could sing the harmony on any song. In honor of her, I made this little video to see if she remembers singing this song with me. We sang it ALL the time. I rounded up a "fill-in" to stand in for Yvonne, but somehow it's not quite the same. And, if you can't hear my "fill-in" sing, it's because NOBODY can replace my sister who lives in Texas!

Happy Birthday Yvonne!

The Future is Looking Brighter

2009-05-30T14:55:00.003-06:00

In light of recent devastating news, Grandpa J and I had to get our heads together real fast to come up with a plan for our future. We've assessed our situation and figure we will be desperately needing to supplement our income to meet our financial obligations. We looked first to what we can do quickly and make the most money fast. So here's our plan:

We'll rent out some of the bedrooms. . .maybe even parts of the basement. Grandpa J and I argued whether or not baths would cost extra.

We'll sell Grandpa J's collection of cottage cheese and various other plastic containers. I must add. . . the thought of selling his prized collection hit Grandpa J real hard, but I told him this is reality now. There WILL be sacrifices. The prices are very negotiable and open to the best offer.

I figure if the little girls in Mexico can sell Chiclets gum and seashells, so can I. However, I couldn't find any Chiclets gum, so I'll sell Smarties and seashells instead.

I KNEW there was a good reason why I should drink Diet Pepsi. I can collect the cans and recycle them. This, however, won't bring in much money at the rate I drink Pepsi, so maybe I should drink MORE!

The movie rentals have been free in recent weeks, months. . .well, for years actually! So, with the price of everything else going up. . . so are the movie rentals at my house!

Our garage is full of a lot of junk, some useless. But I figure since the kids are always borrowing a various assortment of items out of the garage, maybe we can earn some money renting out some of the tools.

And. . . last but not least, we can always panhandle. We just have to be careful on which corner we stand. The ticket price, if we get caught, is quite substantial. We'll just keeping moving around every hour or so.

A Big Black Cloud Over My House

2009-05-27T07:02:00.002-06:00

Another big, black cloud has settled over my house. Grandpa J was given notice last Thursday that his job is being RIFFED. His last day of work is June 18. We are scrambling to assess our financial situation. My spirits are way low right now and I'm just trying to find the tiniest smidge of hope and faith in the future. Most of you know I am mostly a private person when it comes to things like this, so please let me have my space for a while and let me wallow in my sorrows. I really don't want to explain the story a dozen times.

Saturday Work

2009-05-24T18:17:00.003-06:00

Grandpa J worked really hard Saturday connecting to the secondary water source. What a job! But, after about four trips (maybe it was five) to Home Depot and sticking his face and arms in a hole with his bum in the air all day til dark, he got it done.

Low and behold it WORKS. . .except there's a leak! But, one more trip to Home Depot tomorrow to get some of the weird tape stuff that he can wind around the filter thingey connector, it will (or should) work without leaking.

While he did all that, I mowed the lawn, pulled buckets and buckets and bags of weeds and I fertilized the lawn too. Today I can't move, but maybe it's worth it when I can look out my window at the beauty of the irises blooming right now.

A Fairy Tale Story

2009-05-21T05:10:00.011-06:00

ONCE UPON A TIME, a very long time ago, but not quite before dinosaurs or dirt, a baby was born in a faraway land of poppies and gold.

As she grew up, she had a somewhat normal childhood with a bike and a dog.

One day, she met her Prince Charming and got married.

Then, she had three lovely daughters. They liked to play and laugh and do crafts. She made them a breakfast every day of gooey eggs and taught them how to make one-egg and two-egg cakes and oatmeal cookies with raisins.

When the daughters grew up, they left home and married fine gentlemen. She may think differently of that idea. Sometimes, I wonder if she thinks her daughters may have married frogs.

Currently, she lives in her castle (some call it a hotel) filled with glorious treasures which awe the visitors. Some say they can stand for hours and gaze upon wonderful eclectic goodies in every corner of every room. She hides candy bars. (Kind of like the secret menu at In and Out Burgers - you have to know what to ask for and where they are kept. It's just assumed you know on your own when you are old enough to just go help yourself and not have to ask.) She collects purple glass and funny little birdie statues. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren claim she also collects spiders.

If you are on her Christmas list, you can be GUARANTEED she'll buy you a cookbook for Christmas, although her cuisine of choice is breakfast at McDonald's. If you stay at her hotel, Egg McMuffins will be the main menu choice. And, speaking of food, she absolutely ADORES strawberries and angel food cake or, as a matter of fact, anything with strawberries.

She lives quite the life of luxury and can get up when she wants, leisurely read the newspaper, blog a bit on her blog and watch movies. She loves to travel to faraway exotic places like Fallon, Nevada, San Antonio and Edgewood, Texas and Pleasant Grove, Utah with her portable castle on wheels.

Now she has quite the posterity: quite a few grandchildren and several great grandchildren scattered in all sorts of faraway lands. She loves visitors and usually likes to be a part of the "party" if there's one going on. So. . . here's as much of a party as we could get together! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Happy Birthday Party!

THE END!

DELETED SCENES AND BLOOPERS!

Deleted Scenes - Happy Birthday Ballet Style!

Deleted Scenes - Happy Birthday Rap Style!

Deleted Scenes - Happy Birthday Swiss Style!

Blooper - Happy Birthday Swiss Style!

May you have a very happy birthday today. We love you. Hope you have as much fun watching this as we did making it!

Fun at Grandma J's

2009-05-17T16:25:00.008-06:00

Friday night Mercedes got to come play with Grandma and Grandpa J while her mommy and daddy went somewhere. I wanted to make it fun for her, but before I could do anything, her mommy made me sign a contract which forbade me from piercing her ears, tattooing any part of her body, applying makeup or feeding her anything out of the ordinary. I was somewhat taken aback that I, Mercedes' caring grandma, would be placed under such constraints when it came to what I could and couldn't do with Mercedes!

So, when Mercedes' played at my house, she got to play in the toilet paper. I bet she'll never get to do that at her house!

Mercedes liked to play dress up.

She liked to play with hats and things she could put on her head.

She didn't like to leave them on her head very long, but she loves jewelry! I've discovered how important it is to have a very fast camera, or I am just getting old and my reflexes that push the button are way too slow!

She loved all the girlie stuff!

Mercedes liked to read books with Grandma J. However, she was quite interested in the taste rather than the story line.

Mercedes wanted to try some ice cream, but I think she was starting to feel a bit under the weather. I swear, according to the signed contract, Mercedes didn't have even the slightest taste of ice cream. I know she's been quite sick the entire weekend, but I swear, I didn't give her any to eat!

Finally, after having so much fun at Grandma J's, she pooped out and went to sleep. As soon as her mommy and daddy came to get her, Mercedes was just SICK at the idea she had to go home and started to throw up. Poor girl!

On Saturday night, Aryn, Alyza, Adam and Austen got to come play at Grandma and Grandpa J's house while their mommy and daddy went somewhere. Now, I was not placed under any signed contract with these guys, but I knew enough in advance to make sure to ask that they come in old clothes. We were going to get dirty!

We planted a garden. When the kids got here, the flip flops went flying and the kids were in the dirt faster than I could believe. It's amazing how we, as adults, are soooo uptight about a garden. Don't walk here! Don't walk there! Watch out for the peas! Watch out for the tomatoes! But, a twenty-one-month old has no cares at all! How would it be?

The kids planted.

Adam pounded the stakes.

They raked, hoed and one played.

Adam spilled the beans - I mean the corn - all over the ground and in the chair. But that's okay. At Grandma J's you don't get in trouble for doing silly things like that.

Austen liked playing with the little shovel.

Austen liked raking with the big rake.

And, Austen liked getting his face dirty.

Aryn and Alyza liked being barefoot in the cool dirt.

They liked it so much that they buried their feet in the dirt and wanted me to water them. I guess they thought they would grow tall.

Of course, water attracts kids.

Austen came close more than twice at falling in the mud. I was worried about his shoes. They didn't look like workin' shoes to me.

Alyza was worried about getting the mud off of her.

We ran some relay races. Even I ran. However, nothing like playing games to find out what your family is really like! Alyza is fast - she won. Aryn cheats. She turned around half way and went back to the finish line. I kept running. Adam came up in the rear and just stopped, dropped and laid on the ground.

Time to squirt off the dirt from the feet. After all the digging and working and running, we all smelled like wanna-be farmers!

We sure had fun!

And, then when everyone was beat and tired and it was dark, we went inside to watch a movie until mommy and daddy came to get them. I bet those kids slept like bugs in a rug, ‘cause I sure did!

Boredom

2009-05-14T17:41:00.003-06:00

Haven't had anything to blog about this week. For me, the week has been a bit of a bore.

That is, except we bought some hot dogs at Costco for supper (haven't had a hot dog in months 'cause I don't really like 'em much actually) and had to buy a pack of 48! Holy cow! After all, it's just me and Grandpa J. We can't eat that many unless we put hot dogs in spaghetti, tacos and pancakes. Those are our usual 3 main meal choices. We're too pooped to think of anything much else for dinner. Then, we went to buy some buns. Sheesh! We had to buy four packs of those too! I told Grandpa J we will have to eat everything on hot dog buns until they're gone. Hot dog buns don't seem to last very long in the freezer. Can't waste 'em. He said he could eat tuna fish on a hot dog bun, but there's something just not quite right about eating peanut butter and jelly on a hot dog bun.

Grandpa J's been going to a special fire marshall's conference this week, so I've been able to sleep in until 6:30 a.m. I haven't had to get him to that darn early bus that leaves at 5:30 a.m.! And, he's home by 5 p.m.! Sure does feel good!

Work's been crazy as usual. But, I'm afraid, it's going to get crazier. One of my co-workers starts chemo treatments tomorrow. She has a positive attitude and thinks she will be able to work. Her doctor tells her to expect the worst. But, my group of ladies, is stepping up and willing to help out wherever. That means a lot to me.

Grandpa J broke his glasses this morning. Thank goodness for super glue. Just wish it would hold longer than 15 minutes. So now we're going to be in the poor house buying a new pair for him. There's always something.

On a good note: I found only 3 thistles that popped up in my lawn this year. Wahoo!

To My Mom

2009-05-10T10:40:00.007-06:00

Because it's Mother's Day, I wanted to get something for you to let you know how much I appreciate that you are MY mom.

First, I made a Mother's Day card for you. I wrote that I am grateful you are my mom. But, I didn't get it mailed in time.

Then, I made a bouquet of flowers for you. They remind me of how you taught me to sew and be craftsy. But, I think the flowers would be a little wilted by the time they arrived at your house. Besides, "these ones" don't have much fragrance.

Then, I got a box of candy for you. Candy reminds me how you taught me to make some of the best desserts including pies, cakes and yummy cookies. But, I figured the candy wouldn't be as good by the time you got it, so I ate it ALL. Which, by the way, is another thing I think I learned from you.

I gave some more thought to what I could do for you for this Mother's Day. Lots of people nowadays like to have their mom near to their heart. So, I had a tatoo put on my ankle. This helps me to remember just how much I really do love you. But, I decided it might fade before you could see it.

I still needed to find just the right gift for you. So, I carved your name in my lawn so I could remember how you taught me to work hard and that "anything worth doing, is worth doing right." But, the grass grows pretty fast at my house and you might miss all the hard work I put into it.

And so, even though these gifts may be a little ordinary, I want you to know you are no ordinary mom. The next best thing I could think of giving you for Mother's Day is to tell you, "I am so glad you are my mother! You are the BEST!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Birthday Hams!

2009-05-06T06:15:00.003-06:00

Dear Hamilton,

Grandpa J and I want to wish you the most happiest birthday ever! Since we can't be there, we made this little music video for you. What this Grandma and Grandpa won't do for their grandkids! And to think, the whole world can see this too!

We were approached by some talent scouts to pursue this type of career, but we decided it was in the best interest of everyone to pass up the opportunity. Just let it be known that we made this clip because we LOVE YOU TONS!

Here's sending you LOTS of hugs and kisses, and may you enjoy!

Love,
Grandpa J and Grandma J

P.S. Make sure Tootsie is out of the room when you play this. I'm sure she'll howl to the moon as soon as she hears us sing!

Just Me Time

2009-05-05T18:01:00.002-06:00

I took the afternoon off from work today and played a little "hookey." Sometimes work just gets to me and I need a little "just me time."

Last month my visiting teacher said she wanted to do some service for me. I'm not sure why I ended up being part of her service project, but she convinced me to let her give me a facial and a peppermint head massage for FREE! She's a master esthetician (whatever that is) and knows her stuff. So, I stepped into her parlor and let her work her magic on my face. Now, work with me. You're going to have to use your imagination on this. There's no picture. But, oh my. . . it sure felt good, and for an hour and a half, I left this world.

Feeling very "lovely," I went to one of my most favorite places. The DI! I spent another hour moseying around the place and found some great treasures! I found a fun desk/vanity with a mirror and bench. Of course, I will have to paint it and recover the bench.

I also found a pretty rose plate, an Occupied Japan dish and a Lefton Japan Exclusive vase. The candle stick, two dessert cups and two punch cups will turn purple in the sun.

The last picture shows some more pretty punch cups, plates and bowls which I bought just because I liked them. All in all, my treasures totaled a mere $40.

Then, I came home and took a most wonderful nap!

P.S. I keep reminding Grandpa J he got a bargain when he married me. He just needs to give me a measly allowance of a few dollars a week for me to buy my junk and I'm HAPPY!

Our Garden

2009-05-03T19:36:00.006-06:00

Here's OUR garden. Nothing to brag about (like some others I know), but we have two very short rows of two-inch high peas, two big bushes of rhubarb and a few weeds doing just fine. It will be next September by the time we can harvest the peas with the rate the weather is going.

Oh, and may I mention, my thistles are flourishing out there. I can't get out with my handy-dandy backpack sprayer to kill those suckers until it warms up a few notches on the thermometer.

Maybe we should do a family co-op with the gardens this year. The Funny Farm can provide most of the produce, we'll provide the peas and rhubarb, and the Closed Hotel can provide all the artichokes we can eat. I'm counting on most people not liking peas. You see, my two little rows probably won't go too far in this family!

I might not be able to show off a vegetable garden right now, but I have some pretty flowers and trees blooming!

So, top that all you avid gardeners out there!

Farewell to a Family Member

2009-04-29T22:14:00.002-06:00

It is with bitter sweet memories that we said goodbye to you today. Bitter because we made one heck of a lot of family memories together, and sweet because I GET MY GARAGE BACK! We've thought of you as one of the family and please know, it was very difficult to finally make the big decision. YOU, our big, red 1989 Ford Aerostar Extended Cab Van had to go.

You resided with us for 20 years and provided us with over 207,071 miles of rides. You drove us to California, Nevada, Arizona and all over Utah numerous times. You even took us to Craters of the Moon in Idaho once. Do you remember the time Grandpa J and I decided to take a trip to St. George and extended it to Las Vegas? It was during that trip that the kids got worried about us and called the cops. They put an APB out on you and Grandpa J and me. It's funny we drove all over the southern end of Utah in you, this huge red box, and NOT ONCE did the cops stop us.

You helped us make one of the most memorable trips when Grandpa J made us go to Lehman Caves one afternoon. He promised we'd only be gone a couple of hours. We rode the whole way grouchier than heck with you and ended up laughing our heads off. We made it home after 3 a.m.! The kids each have their own version of that little outing and it's fun to tell that story over and over again.

You were rear-ended once and you slammed me and my friend backwards into a telephone pole too. You always made my heart skip a dozen beats when you showed off by turning 360s on the ice in the middle of busy intersections and in mall parking lots.

You went camping in the Uintas and at Duck Creek. You took us to the Manti Pageant and hauled zillions of scouts to camp. You took us to Swiss Days and the Roberts' Family Reunion. You took us to church every Sunday and to all our meetings during the week, and you took me to work.

We slept in you. You helped us move. We laughed and cried with you. We fought in you. You hauled weeds, stuff for wedding receptions, and full sheets of plywood and sheet rock. You worked like a TRUCK!

The kids learned to drive with you even though you were a five-speed. That was hard!

You roasted us when your air conditioner refused to work for years and we froze to death when your heater finally gave up the ghost.

You stranded us coming back from Goblin Valley when the radiator overheated. That's when my life played before my eyes. I thought we were "GONNERS" when a Hippi-looking, motorcycle-riding, knife-wielding, scarey dude came to our rescue. I remember you quit on me and left me stranded in the middle of State Street on a hot summer day during rush hour. You left the oldest son stranded at a ski resort when he went skiing and you got stuck. How come you did all that to us, anyway?

We paid you back when we spilled a crock pot full of chili beans in the back end taking a corner a might bit too fast. WHEW! I still remember you stinking for years after that! And, speaking of stinking, because you were so big, more than once a gallon of milk slid from the back end and hid under one of those seats of yours until it turned to yogurt in the hot summer heat. I always wondered if you were playing games with our minds when we didn't get home with all the groceries.

Yes, farewell old and faithful family member! It hardly seems fair we got $150 for you after so many years of faithful service. But it should be okay. You should enjoy your new home with Senor Sanchez. He searched you out on Craig's list and called us within 2 hours. He must have wanted you badly. Maybe we'll see you around. May you serve him as faithfully as you served us!

Who Needs a GPS Anyway?

2009-04-28T18:43:00.003-06:00

On the way home from California yesterday, we sat at the Costco in Reno discussing lunch. SOMEONE in the backseat piped up and requested Subway. Grandpa J stated he didn't know where any were.

I, with my trusty new phone, whipped it out and said, "I can find one!" So, I checked out Google Maps and found about seven or eight or so in the Reno/Sparks area. Not knowing the area at all, I asked Grandpa J to take a look and figure out which Subway was closest to where we were. He took one look at it and then SCREWED it all up with his big fingers. Maps zoomed in and out and addresses appeared and disappeared, and then he gave it back saying my phone was too little to read. Well, buddy, open your eyes! So, I pouted a bit and just sat there. I put my cool new phone away.

ANOTHER someone in the backseat piped up and said, "Why don't you check out the GPS?" So, Grandpa J started pushing buttons. By this time, he was pushing not only the GPS buttons, but mine also. Well, he'd been pushing assorted buttons on his GPS all the way to Reno anyway and kept messing it up. He had it on phone connection. Which, by the way, keeps popping up some annoying message every 3 seconds saying there is no phone connection. Duh. . .we're in the car. We're not on the phone. Well, he got all confused as to what category he should look up Subway. So, I gently took the GPS and found, AGAIN, several Subways in the area–two or three within 1.2 or 1.3 miles from where we were at Costco. Do you think we could go to one of them? Heaven's NO. That was BACKTRACKING! Got to find one on the way.

I gently suggested one about 2 miles ahead. So, Grandpa J followed the GPS. We got off the freeway and the GPS said there was a Subway on the left. Hmmm. . . no Subway in sight. Grandpa J wandered around, made an illegal U-turn, and drove in and out of parking lots and started to get frustrated. Any wife of almost 35 years knows all about those signals a frustrated husband gives off when highly stressed.

I gently suggested another Subway. We got off the freeway as the GPS suggested. The Subway was only 2 minutes away. That seemed reasonable to me, but NO, the GPS didn't know anything and was taking us off in a direction Grandpa J didn't want to go. He made sure we all knew that this GPS didn't know anything! Another illegal U-turn and we were back on the freeway. Grandpa J said he could find a Subway better than that "blankety-blank" GPS could!

By this time, everybody was in the game. The backseat kept suggesting that Wendy's or Jack-in-the-Box or Taco Bell would do. NO WAY! I wanted a Subway. I got all in the mood for Subway, so just because Grandpa was so darned stubborn, I was going to have a SUBWAY! And, Subway it was going to be or ELSE! More than once, I stuck my tongue out at Grandpa J.

Needless to say, Grandpa J wandered on and off the freeway, down different roads and couldn't find a Subway. I got my handy, dandy trusty phone out AGAIN to check to see if we had run out of Subways by now. There were still a couple left. I zoomed in on one, but since I was deprived of my homing pigeon skills from the day I was born, (I can get lost in Walmart) SOMEONE in the back seat volunteered to figure out what direction we were going. THEN, after all that time had passed, and what had to have been an hour later, we FINALLY found a Subway! And once again, we continue to live HAPPILY EVER AFTER!

P.S. In all fairness, you should know Grandpa J has his own version of this story. I volunteered to share it with you, but he respectfully declined. You see, secretly I think he knows when to drop it.

Toilet Paper Bride

2009-04-26T22:38:00.006-06:00

Today I went to my niece's bridal shower. I was so glad I could go while we were on our quick trip to California. My, how the time flies when you're having so much fun! It was great to see my sister and visit a bit with her.

We played some fun games that I'd never played before. Just imagine trying to figure out how many safety pins there are in a bowl of rice when you can't look in the bowl. Who ever thought safety pins and long grain rice feel ALMOST exactly the same! Try it! It's harder than you think!

The highlight of the afternoon was the wedding dress design competition. The object? My mother and my daughter-in-law had to design a dress on ME out of TOILET PAPER! I tried to convince everyone we should forego the competition and just give Krystal all the toilet paper for her future food storage. But, nobody liked that idea. The result? I looked more like a NUN than a bride!

Please do not make any comments about the broad view of the backside! This shot was intended so you could see the back of the DRESS and appreciate the full talents of my mother and daughter-in-law! Oh, and we won the "Used-the-Most-Toilet Paper" award!

My Mother-In-Law

2009-04-25T19:33:00.005-06:00

I have the best mother-in-law. Today, we celebrated her 81st birthday. During the past few weeks, I've been reflecting on some of my fondest memories of her.

When we were first married, I loved her cooking. She always made the best chocolate chip oatmeal bar cookies. Sometimes she made the whole batch for me and let me eat them all myself. Maybe I can blame my pudginess on her. I also loved the meatballs she made and the monkeybread she baked.

I remember when she called my first-born son a "little spitfire." At first I was horrified that she would call my "darling son" a name like that! I took it as an insult, but found out over the years, it was just one of her terms of endearment.

She grew up in a one-room cabin during the Depression years and I think that's why she was always so frugal. I thought it was pretty funny to rinse out plastic bread bags and reuse them. I laughed when she saved empty cottage cheese cartons. I believe Grandpa J is a spin-off from her for sure. You see, he has the same tendencies; that is, he saves the cottage cheese cartons just like his mom, but there is no way we are going to recycle bread bags!

I loved that she gave me knee-high nylons when they were too little for her. I loved the pot scrubbers she made out of empty plastic milk jugs and nylon netting. She sewed potholders and gave me lots. I use them all the time! And, with a labor of love, she made me and everyone of my children and grandchildren a hand-tied or quilted blanket for all the births and marriages.

But most important of all, we knew she loved us. I loved that we could always count on her to make a special effort to attend and be there for the important things in life: the baptisms, missionary farewells and homecomings and temple marriages.

Thanks Grandma for being such a great mother-in-law! I love you! Happy Birthday!

We Finally Arrived!

2009-04-24T18:51:00.000-06:00

It was a very long day, but Mercedes did pretty good the whole ride. She was very happy to reach our destination finally at Great Grandma and Grandpa P's! Next challenge: let's see how Mercedes handles a different bed!

Sawing Logs

2009-04-24T16:50:00.001-06:00

Mercedes finally got her tummy full and the effects of Grandma J's Diet Pepsi wore off. So, after a very long day of riding and being afraid she might miss something, Mercedes lost the battle. Zzzzzzz. . .zzzzz. . .zzzzz. . .

Being Spoiled

2009-04-24T14:38:00.001-06:00

Mercedes got really, really hungry. She cried and cried for an In and Out Burger since she can't get one in Utah. Being the nice grandma that I am, we stopped to get a hamburger just for Mercedes. Who can resist those eyes? Mercedes promises after she got what she wanted that she'll eat her dinner tonight!

Learning From Grandma

2009-04-24T13:13:00.001-06:00

Mercedes really likes to travel. She eats her baby food while strapped in her car seat. It sure is the pits to have to be in a semi-straight jacket strapped down so tight she can hardly move. But, we want Mercedes to be safe. When she starts to cry, Grandma J can't hardly handle it. Grandma J thinks Mercedes can learn a lot of very valuable things from her grandma while on this trip. Grandma J found something that helps make Mercedes happy!

Just Ridin' Along!

2009-04-24T11:36:00.001-06:00

Mercedes likes to ride in the car. She goos and babbles and fusses a bit. After all, it can get a bit boring staring at the ceiling of the car. She really wishes she could see the sage brush and the big three-trailer FedEx trucks as they pass by at mach one speeds. But most of all, she sure wishes she could see the SNOW that's coming down on us!

Pit Stop

2009-04-24T09:53:00.001-06:00

Mercedes needed a pit stop. So, we stopped at Smith's and filled up. Mercedes loves to help Grandpa J pump gas!

Breakfast at McDonald's

2009-04-24T08:47:00.001-06:00

Mercedes is hungry so we stopped at McDonald's for breakfast. She really wanted a hamburger, but they don't make them so early. So, she settled for an Egg McMuffin.

Mercedes' First Road Trip With Grandma J

2009-04-24T07:53:00.001-06:00

We got up this morning around 3:30 am for a quick trip to see Great Grandma J for her birthday. We're all pretty pooped and yawning. All but Mercedes! She's WIDE AWAKE! She likes Grandma J and is pretty excited to ride in the back seat in her car seat squished between her parents!

If It Ain't Broke. . .

2009-04-22T21:28:00.002-06:00

I learned something today. . .if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Maybe that idea doesn't quite apply. You see, I fixed it alright and now there's a mess!

A co-worker wanted a Diet Coke. Personally, I prefer a Diet Pepsi. Anyway, she went to the machine on the third floor to buy a nice, ice cold soda. You may recall how I previously mentioned it was wisest to just buy the soda out of the machine. Right? You remember that, don't you?

The machine ate her money without giving her the Diet Coke. Now, we've all had that experience, right?

She came back to the office and made her complaint to all us. Of course, who wouldn't? There's something about being cheated out of 60 cents by an inanimate object. You can't do anything about it. Besides, there's a sign right on the front of the machine that says you better not shake or rattle this machine or ELSE!

Being the nice, kind person that I am, I volunteered to give her another 60 cents. Well, she traded me a quarter for a nickel so I got the raw end of the deal. I volunteered to go back with her to the third floor to check the machine out. Of course, I could also be a witness to the fact the machine ate her hard-earned money. In my line of business, it never hurts to have a witness.

She put in the money, turned the knob (this machine isn't the most turn of the century machine anyhow) and. . .NOTHING! The machine ate her money AGAIN!

Being the fix-it type of person that I am, I poked my pen in the little doorway to see if the cans were stuck. I thought by giving a gentle nudge, the cans would roll on their way and out the trap door. Nope, didn't work. We turned the knobs again and put our hand to our chins and said, "Hummph!" I got up close and peered into the machine to try to figure the problem out and then. . . I gave the can another "little" nudge with my pen. I PROMISE, it really was a "LITTLE" nudge!

Guess what? I GOT MY FACE WASHED! Man, they sure do make aluminum pop cans cheap these days! Probably made in China. . .

Want my advice? GIVE UP CAFFEINE!

A Tribute to Dallin on His Birthday!

2009-04-21T06:17:00.004-06:00

Dallin was my happy child. From the day he was born, he always displayed a big happy smile on his face. So much so, that we called him "Smiley." I remember, too, he never cried much. It's a wonder I didn't just forget about him some days because he never made much of a fuss.

I call him my "la--la--la" kid. He's the type that "moseys" through life oblivious to most things I always thought were important to worry about. I think his theme song should have been "Feelin' Groovey" or perhaps "Don't Worry, Be Happy." Because he didn't worry, I worried. I worried enough for the BOTH of us as he grew up. But that's what mothers do.

I worried whether he would catch some unknown disease in his very messy bedroom. I feared that whenever he DID get around to cleaning his room it would be like it is when they clear the rain forests: some new dreaded "epizoodic" pops up out of nowhere.

I worried about whether or not he would flunk kindergarten and then, the sixth grade. I was nearly a basket case wondering if he would actually graduate from high school!

I worried whether or not his homework was done and deadlines met and theme papers turned in on time, and whether or not it was a good idea to always be talking to complete strangers. He could learn the most interesting things and get the best bargains for free because of his ability to talk their leg off!

I worried about his "dumpster diving" for some great and wonderful treasure, and whether or not the garbage truck would come along and haul him off while he was head first in some stinking can. The list goes on and on and on. . . Good grief, sounds like I must have been a NEUROTIC mom!

Over the years I have pondered the neurotic-ness of MY life and can take a heap of learnin' from this child on how to enjoy life. He just skips through life with a "la-la" attitude which keeps him happy and carefree. You see, he loves life.

NOW HE'S ALL GROWN UP! Where did the time go? Now that I reflect back, I think maybe he was just a typical boy!

It doesn't matter much now that his room was such a mess all the time. He has a home of his own and he is working hard at getting it fixed up.

It doesn't matter that it was TWO days before graduation that we knew for sure whether or not he would really graduate from high school. He FINALLY graduated with his college degree. (Just because I'm the MOM, I think I should be able to hang the certificate on MY wall. After all, it was ME who "gently persuaded" him to do it. Wasn't it? And yes, I'll be the first to take the credit.)

It doesn't matter now that he talked to complete strangers because now he can carry on conversations with anyone. I am soooo glad I didn't stifle that talent of his!

It doesn't matter now that he used to be late coming home from school every day because he had to stop along the way and investigate everybody's trash can. His pockets were always full of "stuff." He still brings "stuff" home. In fact, my basement is FULL of it, but he can assemble all sorts of parts into something that will compute.

It doesn't matter now that he took a pomegranate to school when he was little and sold the little pomegranate seeds for a nickel a piece. I've got to hand it to the kid. . .that was actually quite ingenious and quite entrepreneurial. Now he is figuring out how to make a go of his own business. I have no doubt he will make it someday, but for the time being he has a great new job. He's a smart kid.

What DOES MATTER now is that he has turned out to be a good husband and a proud daddy. He is kind, loving, considerate and never complains, and he still always has that happy smile. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DALLIN! We love you!

P.S. After a while the music can get obnoxious, you know, the kind that sticks in your head. It never turns off. Click on the little speaker button at the top of the video to turn the sound off.

A Date at the Texas Roadhouse

2009-04-17T21:29:00.007-06:00

I worked hard today and played the martyr by not taking a lunch. Of course, it's MY fault...I exercised my fantastic managerial skills and "managed" to let nearly everyone go to lunch at the same time or home early for the day. Whoops!

Grandpa J, being the nice guy that he is, took me to dinner. I was starved! We went to HIS (but I like it too) favorite place, the Texas Roadhouse.

When we arrived, the place was already crowded. That's the first hint this place is good! So, we plowed through people, lots of 'em, to get a number. I really do hate crowds and this place is a crowd! You know the type of crowd I'm talking about. You stand shoulder to shoulder, body to body and hip to hip with weird people intruding in your personal space. You wonder what kind of cooties you're picking up and whether you need to stop by Walgreens and buy a bottle of Rid on the way home. A couple of times I mentioned to Grandpa J that I sure hoped he was the one feeling my leg, but being as deaf as he is and the place being as noisy as it was, he never answered me. Who knows?

We finally got a seat in what I call the "peanut waiting room." That's where you squeeze between all manner of characters and sit on benches and eat peanuts waiting for your number. I like to observe all the people "being connected." Everybody is sitting there, passing the time away looking at their cell phones, talking on their cell phones, playing games and whatever else they do on cell phones. So, I have to be part of 'em too. I WHIP out my phone and catch up on all my favorite blogs. Grandpa J plays his favorite game on his phone and so we sit there for an hour playing on our phones and not saying one word to each other. Wow! Now there's a great date! I secretly wonder if I'm addicted. I tried several times to put my phone back in my pocket. But, you know, it kept creeping out every time I put it back. I couldn't quit looking at it! I suppose that's a story for some other time!

Once they sit us at the table, we YELL at each other 'cause we can't hear anything through the noise. But, that's okay, it's all part of the atmosphere. Since I was starved, I snarfed two rolls, downed a diet Coke and ate all of my salad within three minutes. By the time they brought my steak, I was ready to POP, so I asked for a box and I thought I'd have to ROLL home. I told Grandpa J it would be fun and show our sense of humor to stuff our coats in our shirts and then take a picture to put on my blog. That would get the idea over that we were stuffed! He said no. I dropped it and didn't ask twice. SOME PARTY POOPER HE IS! Sooooo, you get to see just regular pictures.

The Hot Rolls, Green Salad and Diet Coke I Ate in a Hurry

Can't Even Take a Picture of the Both of Us on a Date

It's Really Spring?

2009-04-16T08:37:00.000-06:00

Look at what we woke up to this morning! These are the trees along my driveway which were starting to bloom. Maybe Grandpa J should have kept his beard since it sure looks like Christmas out there!

Not Much to Blog

2009-04-15T19:13:00.004-06:00

There's not much to blog about today. So, I'm going to take the night off and kick back a little. I figured out how to mobile blog. That's being connected for sure!

I gotta say too, Grandpa J shaved his beard off Monday morning first thing. I guess I won that little battle and I didn't even have to say much.

Today it snowed a good two or three inches. Of course, all of my daffodils are now bent to the ground.

Seemed like nearly everyone I was around today either had PMS and was grouchy, or they had menopausal forgetfulness, including myself! 'Nuff said about that.

Oh, and may I just express my wish to have been a participant in one of those tea parties going on around today, but I had to work. I HATE TAXES! Grandpa J informed me I have to wait another FEW WEEKS to get a new DVD player!

A Beard Story

2009-04-12T14:03:00.003-06:00

Grandpa J and I are having a small tiff. Not a big one, ‘cause I'm not saying much. I figure the best way to win this is to let him see why he SHOULDN'T have a beard!

I think this notion cropped up a couple of weeks ago, when we looked at some old pictures and there was one of Grandpa J (although he was not a grandpa at that time) with a beard. It's really hard to see in the picture, but when his daughter exclaimed, "Look, Dad, you have a beard in that picture!" I think the idea began to germinate like seeds in the springtime. You see, no one paid much attention to his 80's look because we were looking at how goofy the rest of us looked in that picture; namely, the aforementioned daughter in her "lovely" outfit.

I think that's what started the "OLD" cogs moving. I noticed one night after he came home from a meeting that he had a bit of a "white glow" around his cheeks and jaw bone. I casually mentioned, "Oh, looks like you forgot to shave today."

A couple of days later when the glow was becoming to the point where I needed sunglasses, I said, "Are you GROWING a BEARD?" Who needs a Santa Claus at Easter? A very quiet timid voice answered, "Yeh." I asked him, "Why?" His reply, again very quietly, "I don't know. . .see if I can." I think he thought he was going to be in big trouble. Okay, the best way to combat this thing is to let him just go through this phase.

Yesterday, I secretly noticed him scratching at it. I asked what was going on? He confided that it was itching him to death. Ah-ha! I'm beginning to creep ahead to the winning line. A few hours later he made a comment, "Gee, this thing makes me look older than heck!" Of course, it makes you look older than heck, it's pure white! I'm pulling out way ahead now. At church, one of the neighbors ("Bless the out-spoken, for I shall never regret, for once, that she opened her mouth!") told Grandpa J that she bet Grandma J didn't like that new look. How right she is, but I didn't say anything. . .I can see the finish line up ahead!

I convinced Grandpa J to take a picture with me so I could secretly show the world what the beard looks like. I thought the peer pressure would work better than me nagging at him. I told a little white lie (it matches his beard). . . I wanted to blog something about the two of us and show the world how much we love each other. That part is not the little white lie. Well, this picture does not tell a thousand words. . . YOU CAN'T SEE HIS BEARD OR THE WHITE GLOW IN THE PICTURE! I've failed in my quest! And, what you can see is that I am smiling because his beard is "poinking" me in the lips!

Happy Birthday Dad Today!

2009-04-09T09:41:00.001-06:00

I prepared this little tribute for you last night and saved it to publish today. But do to my lack of knowledge of all this new fangled techno stuff, it shows yesterday's date. I really do know your birthday is today! Have a great day!

Happy Birthday to My Dad!

2009-04-08T22:27:00.005-06:00

Happy birthday Dad! I wish I could be there to help you eat your birthday cake and sing to you, although that might not be so good since I still have a bit of a croak to my voice. Just want to send you some long distance hugs--some big, some little. You know the kind. Thanks for being the best Dad in the whole wide world. No daughter could have ever been luckier than to have someone like you for a dad while growing up. So here's hoping for the best day ever with greetings from Texas, Utah and Nevada. We all love you and send you lots of those hugs.

A Sure Way to Eventually Get Your Floor Mopped

2009-04-08T19:20:00.005-06:00

1. First thing in the morning, when you are in a hurry. . .stand at the fridge and attempt to load a can of warm Diet Pepsi so that it will be cool at lunch time.

2. Promptly drop from shoulder-height the last Diet Pepsi you are loading.

3. Notice how the Diet Pepsi sprays all over the the entire floor including under the fridge, under the pantry door and across the room to the other side of the bar. Notice the added benefit of coverage on the cupboards and fridge door, inside and out.

4. Because you are in a hurry, be sure to use Bounty paper towels ("the quicker-picker-up" towels) and spread liberally all over the entire floor. Be sure to remember to shove some under the fridge and under the pantry door. Quickly make some swipes on the cupboards and in the fridge.

5. Leave the residue to dry because you are in a hurry. When you finally arrive home at 6 p.m. because you didn't get a lunch and you are so tired from putting out fires all day, notice how dang sticky the floor is!!!

6. At this point, you have two choices: (1) Drag out the mop and bucket and clean it up; or (2) say, "What the heck, it can wait til Saturday or, better yet, maybe a couple of weeks." If you choose option (2) walk around on the floor very carefully. By this time, the floor is so sticky your shoes will permanently bond (better than Gorilla Glue) to the floor and you will trip on your face.

7. Want my advice? Buy a cold Diet Pepsi out of the machine!

Rainy Days and Mondays Get Me Down

2009-04-06T19:08:00.006-06:00

No blogging for today. Mondays are the worst day of the week for me. I spent the whole day putting out fires that kept spontaneously re-igniting.

You know those guys that dance on the street corner with their I-pod in their ears holding a big sign trying to get you to buy a house down the road or a hot-baked pizza? Well, today I accused a co-worker of doing that doing her lunch hour. The place was a mad house and to any outsider it appeared we had a sale going on for discounted traffic tickets. I think she was out on the corner of Main Street dancing her little jig convincing people to come in for some good deal. Nearly everyone who came in was pretty upset we didn't give any discounts.

Finally It's Spring in Utah!

2009-04-04T18:18:00.003-06:00

It's about time spring has arrived! There are no leaves on the trees, no flowers blooming except a few daffodils here and there. How do I know spring has arrived? There are plenty of "Utah Cone Flowers" popping up their lovely orange heads everywhere. These beautiful orange cone flowers are "blooming" down the middle and edges of more and more roads. I have dubbed these Utah's new state flower. Everywhere you turn, there is road construction and orange cones! My usual drive from home to work is three miles, but now after a dozen or so road-blocked signs, detour signs, men-working signs, road-work-ahead signs, barriers, orange barrels and cones, I zig and zag an additional four miles! I swear, every road I take has some sort of road construction. Aargh! Oh yes, spring is soooo much my favorite time of the year!

Back to the 80s

2009-04-01T20:41:00.003-06:00

This past weekend we went to California to visit Grandpa J's mother who is very ill. Seeing her reminded me how precious and short life really is. I reflected on some of the fun memories our family has had with Grandpa J's mother and, in the process, it made me think of fond memories we have with our own four children. I went digging through some old photos from the 80s at my mother's and found myself laughing a little and crying a little. I want to give my dad a special thanks for adding the special effects. I'm so glad my family is forever!

Finding a New Relative

2009-03-30T17:45:00.006-06:00

Yesterday my parents and I went to Walnut Creek, California to see a relative on the Buckley side. She and I are second cousins. It was great to chat and share family history information. I have some pictures she doesn't have and she has some pictures I don't have. Here's a picture of my Grandpa Buckley (Ellwood) and his sister, Vera. Family history is so much fun!