Wedding Bell Blues

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!

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!

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!

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.

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

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!

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!