Friday, February 27, 2009

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - Back to Reality....

It is so hard to return to reality when you have been "playing" for 12 days straight! Our 2009 Sister Retreat has already come and gone. Time flies when you are having fun!! Each Year it gets harder to say good-bye and we start counting and planning for the next year, right away. Sandra flies in from Provo, Utah. Gail arrives from Monument, Colorado. Betty and I are always anxiously awaiting for them here, in Gilbert.... We gather for my birthday each year and it is just a week (12 days this time) of visiting, laughing, sitting out on the back patio (Gail and Sandra especially enjoy this, as they are "thawing out" from their long cold winters), watching movies, pedicures, massages, jacuzzi, Jordan's (our favorite Mexican Food place, in Phoenix). We attended the temple and did sealings for some family names. We were able to go to our Stake RS Enrichment Day. We planted flowers, went for a ride down Memory Lane in Phoenix, to see all our old homes we lived in and our old schools, Church buildings, etc.

Let's see how many movies did we watch (this info is just strictly for my journal entry) during this visit?

1) Fiddler On the Roof

2) Overboard

3) Friendly Persuasion

4) Thoroughly Modern Millie

5) The Apartment

6) How to Murder Your Wife

7) Some Like It Hot

8) Brian Regan "I Walked On the Moon"

9) What's Up Doc?

10) Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer (Cary Grant)


I Think that's all....can you believe it?? As if 10 movies weren't enough....we even went to the theater and saw "Confessions of a Shopaholic"!



Here are a few photos of this past week (Feb. 12- 24)....





Our brother Phil and his sweet wife, Susan joined us for
dinner one evening. Our brother Ron stopped by too, but we
forgot to get a picture with him. No, men allowed at our
Retreats..but we let our brothers stop by for visit. Ken, thanks
for putting up with all of us crazy girls and giving up your time with me...
you are the best husband! Every year he does this for me!

On our ride down Memory Lane we saw....


Our home on Campbell, (1950- 1956? 20th Street and Campbell)in Phoenix.
It basically looks the same, at least the owners have kept it up.



Our Mariposa home ( 28th Street and Camelback Rd), Phoenix
(1956 - 1966ish? -This house has been totally remodeled and
doesn't even look like the house we lived in... it's nice, huh?).


Our 19th Street home ( 1967 -1972. 19th Street and Bethany Home) -
This home has been remodeled, too and looks better than it did
when we lived in it! It was nice to see that our childhood homes were
well taken care of and still standing after all these years!




Our East Phoenix Stake Center (18th Street and Brill)
It is empty and not owned by our church anymore.




Gail, Sandra and Betty in front of Jordan's Mexican Restaurant.
This Jordan's is located on 7th Street and Bethany Home Rd. The
original Jordan's (the one we went to more often) was located on Central
and Thomas area. Because of the "light rail" it went out of business! That
was a sad day for all of us... for over 50 years we ate there!


BUT, we didn't just watch movies, we did a few productive things....

Gail and Donna planted flowers in front of Ken and Donna's home



Donna and Gail and planted flowers...(Thanks-Gail!)

And one thing we can always count on is....
When ever we are together we reminisce
about our visits to Hawaii....
and plan for our next trip there!





Gail, Betty, Donna and Sandra in Hawaii....




We will always take whatever chance we can to be together but...
We would always rather be shopping, or beach hopping in Hawaii...(we try to go every other year, if our finances allows us). We love our time together there and our husbands are allowed to join us on this retreat, ha-ha!

But, until next time, Sisters...we'll just keep dreaming of Hawaii! A big THANKS for all that you do for me and for taking the time to come here each year. I love you, Sandra, Betty and Gail!

Your little sister,

Donna

Saturday, February 21, 2009

HAPPY 30th NATALIE.......

Natalie is 30!!!!.....Where has the time gone?

It seems just like yesterday that we were so happy and thrilled when we found out we were expecting our 2nd child! We had waited a long time for both our children, and each one was a separate miracle. Natalie has been a joy and a blessing to us and to so many others. She is fun to just hang around with and be with. She is talented; she is a quilter, awesome cook, organizer, and one of her best qualities is she has great faith and gratitude and appreciation of all her blessings. She has a very kind and giving heart and truly cares about others. She is a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend neice, etc. She has always been a great example of finding the good in everyone and everything. Happy Birthday, Natalie! We love you....Mom and Dad-

Here are some photos of Nat through the last 30 years.....



Natalie - 6 months old





Natalie - 3rd grade




Natalie and Michael - 1996


Senior Year -1997



Anthony and Natalie - Wedding - June 1997


Natalie and Anthony - Italy- 2007



Natalie and Donna buying olive oil in Assisi, Italy -2007





Natalie with her Dad in Tuscany, Italy -2007




Natalie and daughter, Tatum -2007





Natalie and Schaub family at Schaub Reunion - 2005





Natalie with her Aunt Gail and baby Dallin - 2007




Natalie and Lindsey -San Francisco 2007




Natalie with Brig and Elle - 2008




Natalie and sister-in-law, Nicole - 2009




Natalie and her best friend, Anthony ....married 12 years this June.
Happy 30th , Nat!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

FLASHBACK FRIDAY: MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL....

Who's the best look alike after all??

When four silly sisters
together spend time
they often are guilty
of an unbalanced mind.

They play, watch old movies,

reminisce of days gone by

and

GOOGLE OLD LOOK-ALIKES

TO MAKE THE TIME FLY.


Donna (1977), Lee Remick (Days of Wine and Roses)



Gail (1968), Judy Norton (Mary Ellen of the Walton's)




Elizabeth (1972), Sally Field







Sandra (1956), Kelly McGillis (Top Gun and Witness)





Elizabeth, Sandra, Gail, and Donna 2009

Friday, February 13, 2009

FLASHBACK FRIDAY FOR TATUM LILY PERRY...4 YEARS OLD!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!....I know, I know, it isn't until Saturday, but I wanted to wish everyone a happy day, and have my Flashback Friday for my precious granddaughter, Tatum all in the same post. She is our Valentine baby (born: February 14, 2005) and definitely fits the day she was born, she is our sweetheart! I can remember that day....4 years ago.....she was about to be delivered when her Mom said to the doctor, "I think the baby has turned, it feels like her head is under my ribs"..."oh, no" says, the doctor, "that can't be!" But, it was. To make a long story, short...little Miss Tatum came into this world via an emergency C-Section. I was fortunate to be in the room when Tatum was born. I actually saw the doctor cut Natalie's stomach open and while cutting Natalie the doctor cut Tatum's arm (she came home with 9 or 10 stitches on her little arm) and Tatum was moving so much inside of Natalie, that the doctor scratched Tatum's chin and cheek with the scalpel, trying to deliver her. She is here with us now, and we love her so much....here's a few "flashback photos" of our Valentine Girl.....


Happy Valentine's Day Tatum! Welcome to this world!

Here I am with Tatum at the hospital the day after she was born.


Brigham and Tatum 2005

The Perry Family on Tatum's Blessing Day.....New Orleans 2005



Cute little Tots!



Tatum with her Tea Set at Nana and Papa's...2008



Tatum in Hawaii dances with her favorite Muu-Muu on...2008

Tatum and Alyssa (her favorite cousin) in Newport Beach ....2007


Tatum on Castaway Cay Island, Disney Cruise....2006




Tatum and her Mom, Newport Beach...2005

Tatum, with Papa and Nana in New Orleans...2005




We love you and we are so thankful you are a part of our family!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

I'VE BEEN TAGGED...I'VE NEVER REALLY BEEN GOOD AT THIS GAME...I WAS ALWAYS "IT"


Okay, now let me explain...if the questions are in blue I have done it. If they are in red, I haven't. All responses are in black...you follow? Gail, Elizabeth and Rhonda, you've been tagged..you're it! Have fun!

Started your own blog -Yes. What sold me on blogging was that I could have my pages bound at the end of each year...like a journal with pictures. I like that!
Slept under the stars - yes, when we used to camp as a family, I did that a couple of times.
Played in a band - no, never even played any kind of an instrument.
Visited Hawaii - Oh, yeah! I lived there, and I have been back many times....
I L-O-V-E, Hawaii!
Watched a meteor shower - no, but that would be so neat!
Given more than you can afford to charity - every month and I'll never stop!
Been to Disneyland - more than I can count....it's the Happiest Place on Earth, right?
Climbed a mountain - yes, as a teenager my friends and I hiked North Mountain and Squaw Peak Mountains ( in Phoenix, AZ) several times.
Held a praying mantis - no, but I have seen several in my life and they are so different.
Sang a solo - Does singing in the shower count?
Bungee jumped - no, and that is one item I will never put on my "bucket list"!
Visited Paris - yes, in 2005. We rode the Chunnel from England and spent the day in Paris...it was great!
Watched a lightning storm at sea - I'm not sure if it was a lightning storm, but it was a storm, we were rocking and rolling all night....2007 on a Cruise to the Southern Caribbean.
Taught yourself an art from scratch - I think so.... Sewing, Scrap booking, Blogging, making bread.
Adopted a child - yes, our oldest child, Michael is adopted and we are so thankful for him.
Had food poisoning - yes, in Hawaii. I ate at a friend's house and bite into an uncooked teriyaki steak..I was so sick.
Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty - no, but I have seen it many, many times! It is one of a kind!
Grown your own vegetables - oh yes....and canned almost everything we grew. Fresh garden food, can't be beat!
Slept on an overnight train- no, I've been on several trains in Europe and back East, but never overnight. I would love to go on the Orient Express, someday...that is on my list!
Had a pillow fight - I have 8 siblings and I'm the youngest. We had pillow fights all the time, and I was the target.
Hitch hiked- absolutely not and I never will and if anyone of my grand kids do, they will hear from me!!!
Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - yes, I must admit I have, and I have never felt good about it...oh, well!
Held a lamb- yes, and they are so sweet.
Gone skinny dipping - yes, when I was a teenager with my girlfriends at one of their houses (their parents were gone). We were too chicken to turn the pool lights on, and we wouldn't stay in long...crazy!
Run a Marathon - no, but I would like to say I have! What an accomplishment!
Seen a total eclipse - no, just a partial.
Watched a sunrise or sunset - oh yes, at least once a week! Arizona has some of the most beautiful sunsets the world has to offer, even better than Hawaii's!
Hit a home run - yes believe it or not...I played baseball in 8th grade and loved it and hit several home runs...wow, I had forgotten about that!
Been on a cruise - Yes, I love to Cruise, it's a complete vacation for me..no cooking, cleaning, running errands, etc. Ensenada, Mexico, Western Caribbean, Southern Caribbean, Greek Islands, Venice, Rome....it was fabulous!
Seen Niagara Falls in person- yes, I think 3 different times. It should be on every one's "list". It is amazing to see!
Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - yes, England and Miami and Taylor, AZ....ha!
Seen an Amish community- 2 different trips, one to Berlin, Ohio and the other to Lancaster, PA. What a great way of life..so simple and a lot of hard work!
Fired a rifle, shotgun or pistol- yes, I am married to a former Marine and FBI Agent, it was a requirement before we were married!
Seen Michelangelo’s David- yes, twice...and I would go back tomorrow and see it again, if I could. He was an fantastic artist!
Sung karaoke-not at a bar, but in my sister-in-law's basement, does that count? Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt-yes, twice in my life.
Bought a stranger a meal - no, have never had the opportunity.
Visited Africa - no, but that is one of my husband's dreams...he would love to hunt in Africa!
Been transported in an ambulance - this one thing I hope I never achieve!
Had your portrait painted - does a chalked caricature at Disneyland count?
Gone deep sea fishing -yes, in Mazatlan, Mexico... and I will never do that again..I threw-up the entire 8 hours on the trip...I'm getting a headache just writing about it!
Seen the Sistine Chapel in person - yes in 2005 and I loved it...Michelangelo's "God touches Adam" is on the ceiling of the chapel!
Gone scuba diving or snorkeling- yes, in Hawaii (the water is crystal clear there and perfect for snorkeling) and it is a lot of fun!
Kissed in the rain - yes, it is the best kind of kissing!
Played in the mud - yes, does slopping pigs on our farm, count?
Gone to a drive-in theater - yes, who didn't in the 1960's and 70's? I grew up in those years.
Visited the Great Wall of China - no, but I would really like to go there and to Hong Kong...on my list.
Started a business -yes, and then ended it 20 years later...sad, but still learning from it!
Taken a martial arts class - no, but I need to.
Visited Russia - no, and it is a place I would like to visit, but not at the top of my list.
Served at a soup kitchen - no, but that is something I would enjoy...
Sold Girl Scout Cookies - no, but if I didn't when I was young, I think this will have to be scratched off my list of things to do...I did buy a lot of GS cookies, you know the Thin Mints...yum!
Gone whale watching - not on a planned trip, just saw a lot of whales (in the Ocean, not at a park) when we lived in Hawaii....
Got flowers for no reason - yes, all the time from my husband, Ken...he spoils me.
Donated blood, platelets or plasma - yes, I have AB- blood so I get a lot of requests for donating...
Gone sky diving - no and I never, ever will want to (I have a fear of heights)!
Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp - no, but I would really like to, because I am a WWII Era nut.
Flown in a helicopter - yes, on the Island of Maui in Hawaii....beautiful, waterfalls, canyons, rivers, etc.
Saved a favorite childhood toy - I didn't have one, I don't think?
Visited the Lincoln Memorial - many times..we used to live in the DC area.
Eaten Caviar - no, and I'm really not wanting to.
Stood in Times Square - many times...New York is one of my favorite places to visit!
Been fired from a job - no
Seen the Changing of the Guards in London - I've seen it on TV and been to London and to Buckingham Palace... putting all those together, does it count?
Been on a speeding motorcycle - yes, but not for long...I didn't like it! Seen the Grand Canyon in person - many times, and I never tire of it...it is wonderful...I am a Native of Arizona.
Published something - no
Bought a brand new car - yes, and love the smell of them!
Walked in Jerusalem - no but it is on my "to do list"
Visited the White House - yes, several times!
Had chickenpox - yes, every child in the 50's and 60's did.
Sat on a jury - never sat on a jury, but have been called for jury duty many, many times!
Met someone famous - Let's see, Col. Oliver North (my husband and he knew each other from the Naval Academy, so I met him when he was Capt. North) Jack Warden, the movie star (he was in "While You Were Sleeping", the next door neighbor) at a Bolshoi Ballet in Los Angeles during intermission. Mohammad Ali on a flight back from Europe. All the cast of the show "Dallas", you know JR and everyone ( I catered a Party for them at the Studio Lot in Hollywood). Charleton Heston ( I was only 7, so I barely remember meeting him, but he is one of my favorites). I've seen a lot of Broadway Shows with famous people, but didn't met them; Christopher Plummer, Brian Dennehy, Matthew Broderick, Ben Vereen, Amanda Peet, Carol Kane, Tyne Daly, and Yul Brynner (The King and I).
Joined a book club - no, but I love to read.
Lost a loved one - unfortunately, yes...my dad when I was only 18 years old!
Had a baby - yes, it is my greatest achievement!
Seen the Alamo in person - no, but that is a good one to put on my list...
Swam in the Ocean - yes, at the most beautiful beach in the World...Kailua, Hawaii and in California.
Owned a cell phone - oh, come on, when was this questionnaire made?
Been stung by a bee - yes, ouch... when I was on a date with Ken (we weren't married, yet).
Seen Mount Rushmore in person- no, but I want to...my list is getting longer and longer!
Learned to play an instrument - you, know I never did, but if I could choose one to play now, it would be the violin.
Held a tarantula - no, and I just don't think I would want to, ever!
Touched an iceberg - a thing, or person?
Changed a baby’s diaper - oh yes, and I still do....in fact I just did this morning and it was a stinky one ( grandson)!
Taken a trip in a hot air balloon - no, and I don't want to, because of the height thing!
Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment - oh, yeah! Most of those times were either with my sisters, or my daughter in Church or at the Temple ( I know I am ashamed to even say that, but it is true...Sandra, my oldest sister is the main cause of those times).
Had a food fight - ah, no...am I really missing out on this one?
Had a snowball fight - yes, that is fun and a lot less messy and cheaper, maybe?
Screamed as loudly as you possibly can - yes, that would have been at the Theater on a date watching "Wait Until Dark"....1970-ish.
Ridden a roller coaster - yes, and I have probably done that enough, that I don't need to again..isn't that how it works?
Visited all 50 states - no, but that is a nice thought ( I've been to all but, the Dakotas, Indiana, New Hampshire, Maine, Kentucky, Rhode Island and Minnesota).
Taken a road-trip - oh, yes... it is one of my favorite things to do!
Milked a cow - yes, her name was Holly, a Jersey.
Been in a movie - no, unless a home movie is acceptable.
Crashed a party -no, not really...
Made Cookies from scratch- yes, what other way is there?
Gotten a tattoo - yes, from a box of Cereal...it lasted for an afternoon.
Rafted the Snake River - no, but I thinking about this one...
Performed on stage - yes, at Church Road Shows...I was horrible!
Been to Las Vegas - yes, but if it weren't for my grandsons living there and some of the shows offered....I would have never gone! It isn't a fun place for me!
Eaten shark - just a taste of one in Hawaii...no, not in the Ocean, at a restaurant. Bought a house - too many unfortunately!
Been in a combat zone - I will have to think about that one...remember I grew up in a large family...sometimes it seemed like a War Zone.
Walked the Golden Gate Bridge - not the entire Bridge but a few steps...
Touched a stingray - no! Remember Steve the Croc guy?
Broken a bone - no, and I hope I never do!
Ridden a horse - yes, it is fun, but it's okay if I never do it again!
Eaten sushi - yes, not one of my favorite foods.
Had your picture in the newspaper....yes, I have when Ken and I were engaged our annoucement was in the paper...
Gone back to school - yes, after 17 years of marriage, almost got my AA, but had to stop...but I really enjoyed it!
Eaten fried green tomatoes- yes, in Savannah, Georgia.
Killed and prepared an animal for eating - I hate to admit to this, but yes! We used to live on a farm...we raised pigs, rabbits and chickens and we ate them!
Dyed your hair- oh...only my hairdresser knows for sure!
Caused a car accident - no, and hope I never do!
Saved someone’s life - no, I have never been in a situation to have had to.
Okay, now that was way tooo long!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

SO MUCH PRESSURE IN BLOGGING!...Well, when you are just new at it, anyways. I was so involved in getting out my "first flashback Friday"...that I overlooked one of the most important people in my life...my sister, Gail! I didn't forget her birthday, I just didn't blog about it.....to be honest I didn't think about blogging about until I read my nieces' (Jacey, and Alyssa, thank you!) blogs about their sister just having a birthday...so here I go....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,GAIL (Feb. 5)! Thanks, for the memories.....
Gail is 3 years older than me, and has always taken care of me and watched out for me my whole life! Why, she even dated Ken before I did, (just to make sure he was good enough for me). After that she went back to BYU and got engaged to a handsome, great guy, Hyde. They have been married for 37 years....wow!
10 reasons why I am thankful for my sis, Gail...
10. She makes me laugh
9. She makes me cry
8. She loves to talk politics and we both love Rush!
7. See's Candies (need I say more?)
6. Jordan's Mexican Food (The best in AZ)
5. Pepsi/Dr. Pepper (We fluctuate)
4. She has always been my prompter and example of daily exercising (funny I should put this right after 7, 6 and 5-Ha!)
3. She loves me warts and all (she knows me better than anyone, besides Ken)
2. We love to watch the same old movies, over and over again.
1. She is always serving others; Mother, friend, wife, daughter and sister!
I could go on and on with a bigger list, but I will save some for next year!
Enjoy the photos, Gail!
Bates Family... (Gail-polka-dot tie on right side of photo)-1970

Gail and Donna at the SLC Airport....1971

Donna, Gail and Hyde....Provo, Utah 1971
Hyde, Gail and Ken in Grand Lake, CO - at Gail and Hyde's Cabin- 2008

Donna and Gail - Grand Lake, CO - 2008

Gail and Donna at Gail's daughter's(Katie) wedding -Denver Temple- 2007