Chris's Cupboard

Wedding Bell Blues

2009-05-19T18:31:00.000-07:00

Well, as Davori & Steve are being married in our yard on Sept. 5th, we naturally have lots to do to get ready. It's amazing how much there is to do even for a small mostly family wedding. Pete has been breaking his back getting the yard going. He's moved sprinkler system heads, replaced broken fittings, helped me plant all the planters with plants that we HOPE will still be alive in September. (But you never know in Holbrook.) He's been feeding the lawn, and therefore the rabbit that seems to have taken up residence.

I've been spending hours on the computer looking for the best buys in wedding supplies. It is amazing to this old lady, just what you can find on the internet. I love Google!!

Pete & I hang in there, in spite of all the drama, & disaster going on in our children's and grandchildren's lives. Everyday is a new adventure in ---- "Oh, no, my cell is ringing. Who wants what now!" Does anyone else sometimes not want to answer phone calls? Or have I been trained like Pavlov's dogs or rats in a cage? Oh, well, I love them all so much, anyway!!!!!

Davori & Steve are Engaged!

2009-04-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody -
Well, we had a wonderful time in Albuquerque (you should get extra points for being able to spell that). And we were priviledged to be there for the big engagement question.

Steve was so clever about how he asked. The night before, he and his Mom went to Davori's favorite Thai food place, and got several fortune cookies. Then he pulled the fortune out of one, inserted one with the big question, put it back in the carefully opened bag, and resealed it with a warm curling iron.

So the next night we went to The Orchid to eat, and when I saw the fortune cookies headed toward out table, I scooted Davori off to the ladies room, to give Steve & Pete a chance to exchange one. When we came back to the table, there was a fortune cookie on each place mat. So we all open ours, then Davori went last. When she opened it, the look that came over her face was priceless! She turned to look at Steve, and he was on one knee holding the open ring box! It was so CUTE! The great thing about it was that Steve has never been able to keep a secret from Davori in 4 years.

They have set the wedding date for Sept. 5, in our yard! Davori Rain Byrdsong, how's that for a name. We tease her that it sounds like a hippie. But, we are very happy, as we love Steve a lot, and will so enjoy having him for our Grandson!

2009-04-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Holy Cow, Batman!!!! It's been three and a half months since I wrote anything. Talk about a slothful blogger!

Since last I wrote, I have become a great-grandmother again. My granddaughter Andrina (Marni's youngest) had a boy on March 28th. Can you believe it----a BOY! That makes two in our family. We also have a 14 year old grandson, Pnut. Two boys, and 11 girls (counting 3 daughters). Pete always says he's up to his hips in women. But, I think it's a little higher than than--chin maybe. Anyway, Drina's baby is named Michail Gage Baldonado-Barker. That's an awful lot of name for a 7#8oz. little one. He sure is cute. A sleeps most of the night already, which his mom and dad are grateful for.

We are going to Alququerque tomorrow to see our oldest granddaughter, Davori. She and her honey Steve, are going to be getting engaged while we are there. He is planning to officially pop the question and give her a ring in front of us. We are thrilled to be in on the excitement, as Davori is our girl. Very close to us!

Hallalejuah!!! Spring is FINALLY here. I so look forward to the warm weather, and the green popping up around us. I HATE THE COLD!

I'll try to do better about blogging, Sis. (Rae is on me all the time about it. You know she's a nudge!) Course, I can't promise.

Not Another One!

2009-01-10T18:31:00.000-08:00

Hi Dear Ones:

My heart is very tender tonight. Pete just got a call that his Aunt Angela (his father's sister, who was retarded) passed away today. That makes the third death in his family in under three months.

First his sister Reina lost her sweet daughter to liver disease on Nov. 17. Lori would have been 50 on Christmas day. That was a hard one. Then his mother's sister Lena died on January 2nd. She was 10 years younger than Flora, and they were as close as Rae & I. Their mother died when Flora was a young bride, so she finished raising Lena and their brother Carlos (who died several years ago.) Lena often called Flora "Mom".

Now we lose "Angelita" as she was called. She had the mind of a 7 or 8 year old. She was very sweet and a joy to be around. She had the sweetest smile, and rosy cheeks, and was always happy and content with her lot in life. She lived with her older sister, Andrea, for more that 60 years. When Andreita passed a way just a year ago, her children took turns staying with their Aunt. They took very loving care of her. I cannot help but think of the joyous reunion on the other side of the veil, as these brothers and sisters were reunited. And I am sure that Angelita's place in Heaven is assured.

I worry about Pete's aged mother. He said she took the news well when he called her, but I'm concerned about her delayed reaction. So many loved ones in such a short time. Flora will be 95 on April 9th, so you can see why I am worried. But, she loves the Lord so much, and I know He will bless her with sweet peace.

2008-12-26T10:19:00.000-08:00

Hi All: It's been so long that I did a blog, I couldn't even remember how to sign in. Pitiful, Huh? I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. We did here in Holbrook. The family all came by for brunch. Then in the afternoon they all went to their Grampa Smith's for dinner. And Pete & I enjoyed some peace & quiet.

We watched one of our favorite movies, Ben Hur. This movie always lifts me up and makes me so grateful for the Savior & His sacrifice for us. I sat there and resolved several things for the new year. (No not regular new year resolutions), but promises to myself as to how to be a better, and happier person this next year. I resolve to go to the Temple more, to read my scriptures more, to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. To be a better wife, mother, sister & friend. (And to write and read blogs more.)

So anyway, keep the blogs coming. I enjoy them so much!

Pete has surgery

2008-10-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, Oct. 8, Pete has arthoscopic surgery on his right knee. It all went well, and he has had no pain. I have had to get after him a little for not using the walker. He is supposed to use it and keep full weight off that leg until we see the Dr. next week. It just amazes me. I would probably be laying on the sofa moaning, groaning, and complaining all day. Oh, and making everyone wait on me, hand and foot. Come to think of it, shouldn't the queen be waited on that way all the time?

Tomorrow, we are going back to Rae's for a few days. I surely do miss her when we are apart. But, it's been a long time since I drove to the Valley, and never with Pete as a passenger. New experience. We have this long time standing arrangement - he drives, and I read. (Keeps you from worrying about the driving.)

Senior Cerebral Flatulation!

2008-10-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

I just reread my blog. Is my life dull? My brains don't seem to be in gear this morning. Rae called to tell me when our next nail appointment would be, and right while I was on the phone with her I was writing it on the calendar. That's good, right? Trouble is, I told Pete when it was and when he looked at the calendar, I had written in on the day before! Nobody ever said it would be easy to get old, but they also don't tell you that it might be h---! Love you all!

2008-10-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

Well, here we again. Yesterday we had a family barbq. We had about 16 people here. Vicki and here family. Melanie and her family, plus Randy Turley (Hailie's daddy) who is home on leave from the army. Sherri and her kids. Samantha and Pete & I.

Our little house feels really full when we all gather. But it was great having them all here.

It was the first time for Brittany's step-dad, Fred, to meet Randy. It went well (especially considering that when Brit first got pregnant Fred wanted to do murdfer.) Fred even wanted Melanie to take a picture of him with Randy & Hailie. Randy leaves the 20 or 22 for Fr. Riley, Kansas for schooling. But is supposed to ship out to Iraq in January. I don't see how his mother can take it, as his brother was killed over there. I pray for him daily, along with all our other young service members.

Samantha, Marni's middle girl, is here from California. She's trying to get a new start in life. I hope that this time will be successful for her. She's had a really rough time of it, mostly her own making. Today is her 20th birthday.

Today and tomorrow Pete is getting blood tests done before his surgery on Wednesday. The doctor wanted to be sure of his blood clotting, as he takes coumadin. Plus he has a history of blood clots, which adds a little to the risk.

Due to the family stuff going on this weekend, I was unable to watch any conference, except Sunday morning session, which was wonderful. This is the first time, I think, since 1986, that I've not seen, or listened to, all the sessions.

Have a great week out there! And God Bless you.

2008-09-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

Well, this is blue monday. Rae went home today. I always miss her so much when we are not together. But I know she needs to get to that lower altitude. (You worried me yesterday, Sis.)

We had a busy week around here. But it was great, as we got to spend a lot of time with family. We are enjoying getting to know Victoria's fiance, Rick Kilpatrick. He is so genuine about his love for her. God grant that this be as good as it seems, so that she will have some happiness in her life.

Thursday we are going to Flagstaff to get the MRI results on Pete's knee. Looks like he'll be having surgery in October. He wants to be okay by the holidays. Isn't it just the way it goes, that when I am getting a full head of steam about doing some repainting, etc., that he hurts his knee. So I guess my plans will have to wait until he's ready. Really, his knee is killing him, it's not an excuse to get out of painting! Honest!

We had such fun Saturday. Victoria & Rick came over and we watched the horse races. As this is the field that Rick is employed in, he was able to tell us a lot about the horses, jockies, and the races. It was so interesting to me. I am impressed with his fount of knowledge. Rae would have been the big winner, if we had been at the track. She picked a couple of good ones. Me, I felt like a real dumb blonde. You know, "See the pretty horses! Duh!"

2008-09-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am apart from my Pete again. But only for a few days. Rae & I are going to Holbrook on Tuesday. It looks like I'll be staying there a lot more, except for coming down for a few days every two weeks to have my nails done, as Pete is probably going to have surgery on his right knee soon.

Sometimesw in life, we stumble into the best relationships. I don't know how I was so lucky to find Pete, but everyday I am so grateful. I makes me laugh, want to pull my hair out, feel frustrated, but everytime he walks into the room, I feel my heart swell with love. And after 30 years. So I guess it's permanent, wouldn't you say?

Sometimes he makes Rae & I laugh. For instance, there's the chair thing. We recently gave our dining room table, eight big chairs, and a buffet to Marni. He brought me to the Valley, turned around the next day and drove back so he could load all the stuff in his pickup and take it to Belen, NM. Then our new table and chairs were delivered. It is a large (60 in.) round table with 4 beautiful chairs. But we knew this would not be enough. So---we picked out some at Ikea that can be stacked and put away when not needed. Well, Pete went home Friday. He didn't tell me whether or not he had put them together. You see, that's one of the fun things about Ikea - everything has to be assembled at home.) I commented to Rae that I wondered if he had put these four chairs together. She started laughing and said of course he had. So when I talked to him I asked him about it---and was told that that was one of the first things he had done after he unloaded the car, and checked out the mail. That's my Pete. You ask him to do something and he's up and on his way to do it before the words are completely out of your mouth. Obviously more husbands should be like that. Then we wives wouldn't be so frustrated. True?

2008-09-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at Blogging - and I'm sure you will say what a boring life I lead. But such as it is, it's mine and I'm happy. I have spent the last week in Mesa with Rae. We have a ball together. Pete came down this morning, so that we can spend his birthday with him.

Anyone that knows me, knows how much I love this husband of mine, and how blest I feel to have him in my life. I can't believe that he will be 68 on Wednesday the 17th. The trouble is, that no matter how old he gets, he never catches up with me. (I was 69 in April. Ugh!!! My last year to be in my sixties.)