MY OHANA

Saying Goodbye is So Hard

2010-06-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

This is Betty.

Or, maybe you know her as Elizabeth.

Or, Betts.

Or, Grandma Betty.

Or, Aunt Betty.

But no matter how you know her, she is still my sister Elizabeth Walker.

And she moved.

For almost 3 years she lived right next to us. We shared more than just a cup of sugar from time to time.

As we all must move on to new adventures in life, she took her adventure up north to live near her kids.

I miss you Betty! And good luck with your new adventure!

Do You Have a Movie Group?

2010-05-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

What girl doesn't want a group of friends to watch good movies with?

Well, I've been lucky enough to enjoy some fun movies with this fabulous group of women! Lunch is included, too!

Movies we have watched:

How to Steal a Million

Bachelor and the Bobbysoxer

Notorious

Lost in Austen

Strictly Ballroom

Laura

Friendly Persuasion

Charade

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Move over Darling

My Favorite Wife

What's Up Doc?

Woman of Substance

Unfortunately, since Betty moved the Movie Group has fizzled.

Anyone up for good movies?

Ringing in the New Year 2010

2010-03-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

Guess where I started off my new year??????

Thanks to my dear friend, I was granted a job as "driver" in my favorite place on earth....Hawaii. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it!

I mean, waking up to THIS every day, was a little hard to swallow!

Here we are at the Waioli Tea Room having tea with friends.

Here is my sweet Kailua Beach. I had to cleanse this beach since Obama was just there before me. "Get off my beach buddy!"

North Shore Turtle....love these little guys!

This is our beach house we stayed in! Thanks Debbi!

Macky's Shrimp...to die for!

Debbi and Maci building sand castles.

Noah and Mike, Matt and Delea

I love this place. It's a little piece of heaven on earth. Thank you for this gift Debbi!

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS.....

2009-12-03T21:06:00.000-08:00

We love Christmas at our house.....

Nativities the grand kids can play with....

The Stockings were hung...

Merry Greetings....

Nana and Papa's Tree...

Snowmen from around the World...

Why we celebrate....

OKAY, MOVING RIGHT ALONG......

2009-12-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

"TIS THE SEASON"....Now that Thanksgiving is over (I love Thanksgiving!) and it is December 1st, I mean please, what is taking me so long to get my Fall/Thanksgiving decorations down and my Christmas decor up and ready ?? These stockings...have been keeping me busy and behind just a bit....The story behind these "fun, cute and the gift that keeps giving, stockings"
is.... I saw them years ago at my sister-in-law's home,(like 1988-ish) had to have the pattern. So, then everyone that saw them at my home wanted one. I decided to start making them as wedding gifts for close friends and family. I thought that would be the end of it, but no, all the newly married couples started having babies and of course they would need a "fun, cute and the gift that keeps on giving stocking" for all their babies...so the rest is history. Every year, the first week in November, my daughter, Natalie and I get all our orders in and make these, "fun, cute, and the gift that keeps on giving, stocking". We love it and have enjoyed our tradition making event...and that's my story. What do you think about that???

These are just a few I made this year...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!!

2009-11-26T12:26:00.001-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY.... Here is how we started our day....Natalie and Brig were in a mini-Triathalon( 2 mile run, 12 mile bike ride and 400 meter swim)

And then Thanksgiving dinner(over 20 guests) and a celebration for Ken's birthday....

May I always remember my many, many blessings each and everyday, especially on this day of Thanksgiving....Love and best to all!

Happy Birthday Sandy Rodriguez!

2009-11-11T18:28:00.000-08:00

SURPRISE! It is your birthday and we came to celebrate with you!

It was my sister, Sandra's birthday, so with the help of her husband, Bob, we planned a surprise trip to be with our sweet sister, SANDRA. It was a great time and we are so glad we did it! Sandra, you're not getting older your getting better....

Sisters at Church-Donna, Gail, Sandra, Elizabeth

Sandra and Bob with Sandra's awesome (Shutterfly)

Tribute book, her son made for her.

It always seems to find us!!

What would a visit without shopping be? BORING!!!

Or pedicures......

We love you Sandra....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

We had a great time...it just went by too fast!

THE WEATHER IS CHANGING!!!!

2009-11-03T12:21:00.000-08:00

HALLOWEEN THROUGH THE YEARS...

(I have so many more photos, but they were before the days of digital)

Elle- Care Bear- 2003 Brig- Harry Potter- 2003

Tatum - Cow girl- 2008

Elle - Minnie Mouse

Ken and Donna- Rhett and Scarlett- 2007

Doctor Brig, Samurai Ken, Cowgirl Elle 2008

Samurai Ken and Geisha Donna

Cowboy Dallin

Ken as a "tourist" 2009

Our home is ready for the change of weather....FALL is in the air.....

HAPPY FALL TO ALL OF YOU.......

Good-bye to Summer!

2009-09-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

Let's say good-bye to the Summer of 2009....

Sept.21 is officially the last day of summer, which might mean cooler weather to most people, but not here in sunny Arizona...I like saying it is the end of summer because, I think that it might make the weather "seem" cooler, but it doesn't. It's just a tease that cooler weather "may" be around the corner. So, with that in mind(mainly because I need a theme for this blog spot and for journal purposes) I wanted to download photos from this summer...kind of like a "photo journal" to say, good-bye. Before I started the search of my summer pictures, thought I wouldn't have but a few, thinking that this summer wasn't very busy, but I guess I have a short memory loss, because we really did have a busy, fun and memorable time (these pictures are not in chronological order as blogger will not allow me to move the photos...dang! I don't know why it just isn't working!).

Here is our Summer of 2009 in review:

Cousins at the Bates reunion-June

l-r: Amy, Jarond, J.Hyde, Kevin and Greg

Brigham with his brother, Rigdon(on the right of photo) and his cousin, Cooper-Sept.

Alyssa and Amanda in Hawaii - May

Ken with 4 of our 8 grandchildren just hanging out at our home

Dallin turns 3 in August.....

Bates Family Reunion-June-sisters, Elizabeth and Sandra

Swim meets with Brigham...he had a winning summer!

Elle turns 8, goes to Disneyland with Nana and Papa

and gets baptized-June

Family Fun week Michael with Hunter and Brandon...July

Ken with Rigdon, Michael with Cooper-August

Gail, and Donna on beautiful Kailua Beach -June

Grand Lake, Colorado at Gail and Hyde's cabin - August

Grand Lake with Hyde and Travis-August

Grandpa Schaub's Funeral -July

At Grandpa Schaub's grave site

Brandon at the Schaub Family Reunion- July

Hunter at the Schaub Family Reunion-July

Ken and Donna at the Snowflake, AZ temple....

I can't say that the summer of 2009 is my favorite summer, but as I look over all of our pictures, there are fun memories, sad feelings, but mostly a lot of reflecting and realizing what great blessings I have. I could never feel right about complaining or being ungrateful, when I know all that I have be given is so wonderful! Good-bye, summer. I'm looking forward to what the Fall of 2009 will bring...it will be interesting I am sure!

HAPPY FALL, TO ALL OF YOU!

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY!

2009-08-31T21:24:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it! Our Dallin is 3 years old!
He is our 6th grandchild and our 4th grandson....
Reasons we love our Dallin:
1) He has the sweetest, kindest heart
2) He loves everybody (especially his family)
3) Every time you see him he says, "I really missed you!"
4) He shares his toys
5) He is so excited about life
6) He is very obedient
7) His eyes are the prettiest color blue ...you can get lost in them
8) Dallin loves to help
9) He is just so pleasant to be with and to talk to

10) He loves Zack (our dog)

Happy Birthday Dallin we love you.....
Nana and Papa

Dallin with his Papa and Nana -Newport Beach 2007

Dallin with his Dad on the Disney Cruise

Still on the Cruise

Dallin hugging his favorite playmate, his sister Tatum

A rare moment, Dallin without a smile

Dallin loves water

Dallin playing at Nana and Papa's

What a complete joy you are to all of us! We are so thankful for you!!

"And all these things shall give thee experience".....

2009-08-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

Be of Good Cheer “None of us makes it through this life without problems and challenges—and sometimes tragedies and misfortunes. After all, in large part we are here to learn and grow from such events in our lives. We know that there are times when we will suffer, when we will grieve, and when we will be saddened. However, we are told, ‘Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.’ How might we have joy in our lives, despite all that we may face? Again from the scriptures: ‘Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you”. Thomas S. Monson, “Be of Good Cheer,” Ensign, May 2009
So, this is where I have been....trying to be of good cheer and remembering why I am here and each day realizing the Lord is with me and is mindful of what my sweet husband and I are going through. I have been a little depressed, but each day I feel strength from reading my scriptures, praying and just having the temple and wonderful family members to go to. I have "kind of" been absent from my "normal life".... trying to regroup, and dealing with some very sad, hard trials. But, you know I have found out that, "things are just things" and we really can't take any of these "things" with us...I know we all have said that and I use to "say" that, too...but now I can "say it, with experience". It is okay to miss those "things", and then let go of them. I have realized that putting my faith and trust in the Lord, knowing that he knows what is the best for me and my family and having the faith to go forward, blindly, is hard, but in the end it's the best thing I can do for me. Everything is going to be just fine as long as I do what I am suppose to do and live by the Spirit. I also know, that there is only so much I can do to help someone else that is going through difficult times, because they need to make their own path and find their own happiness. I can sincerely say, I am so grateful for my life and all my thousands of blessings! I don't have to let go of the things I truly love, they are mine forever....
My eternal blessings....

FAMILY

Relationships

The Temple

again Family

My Savior

My eternal Companion

I have a wonderful, blessed life!

A GREAT MAN...SO MANY WILL MISS HIM!

2009-06-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

What a honor and blessing to have known such a wonderful man....Ken's Dad passed away June 26, 2009. Ken and I were with Dad at a hospice center when he died. It was a very solemn, sweet moment. A lot of tears were shed and a lot of love was felt ( Dad had several family members that had gone before him, that we are sure were anxiously waiting for him). We will miss him so much, but know that we will see him again! Until we meet again, Dad...God be with you.

Donna, Mom, Dad and Ken - Christmas 2008

Family Reunion-2005

(L-R): Dad, Dennis, Jeff and Charlotte

Dad -2005

We love you, Ken and Donna

WHAT A FUN TIME..ELLE IS 8!!!

2009-06-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

OUR 3rd grandchild, first granddaughter is 8 years old !! We have a family tradition, when our grandchildren turn 8 they get to go to Disneyland with Nana and Papa. We had a great time and it was so nice to be together, just the 3 of us!

Papa, Nana and Elle on the plane to Orange County Airport

This Birthday Cake was on Elle's bed when we
arrived at the Hotel

Elle and Nana showing off their sunglasses

(Elle just bought her's at the Disney Emporium)

Elle loved the fast rides...here she is in front of "Thunder Mountain"

Elle watching an artist draw her Papa.
Another tradition...when we take our grandkids to Disneyland,
we sit for a "chalking" portrait of the 3 of us....Elle loved this, as she is
great artist, too!

Papa and Elle in front of "It's a Small World" ride (she didn't want to go on it)

Nana and Elle on Splash Mountain

Elle and some of her b-day gifts from Disneyland

Happy Birthday, Elle...it was a great time with you at Disneyland!

WHAT DID WE DO THIS LAST WEEKEND???

2009-06-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

WE had too much fun! It was my family reunion....it was held in St. George and we had a fantastic time. Thanks to my wonderful nephews and nieces, they were in charge....Greg (and his wife Kristen), Jenna (and her husband, Phil), Bethany (and her husband, Jim) and Jarond (and his wife, Jenny).....We had a great turn out. Seven of the 9 siblings(and their families) were there in attendance. We had picnics, family planning meetings, and of course the TALENT SHOW, as always was the hit of the Reunion. I love all my brothers and sisters and all my family and enjoyed every minute of our time together...I didn't want it to end! We are looking forward to our 2011 Reunion, in Colorado....here are several photos of the weekend..... (Natalie I need all your photos you took, please)

Kristen and her daughter Tatum

Jenna - Tatum and Rachel

Greg, Holly and J.Hyde

Joey, Katie and Travis

Brittiany, Brett, Amy and Liam

Adrian, Hillary, Phil and Theresa

Bob, Sandra and Hannah

Elizabeth and Sandra

Me, Gail and Alyssa

Anthony, Greg, Natalie and Melanie

Brittiany, Brett and Bethany

Tracy, Rob and Noble - Jim, Jacey, Braddock and Emmalee

Bethany and Susan

Phil, Katie and Gail

Amy, Jarond, J.Hyde, Kevin and Greg

I am going to be making a digital scrapbook of the reunion...so if any of you that attended, have some pictures of the reunion you would like to share with me, I would greatly appreciate it!

Love and thanks to all of you!... (I tried to get a picture of everyone, sorry if your photo isn't in this post)

THE BEST DADS I KNOW!

2009-06-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
We have been away at a family reunion, so I wasn't able to wish my 3 favorite Dad's a Happy Day, on my blog....THANKS, for being so awesome. Our entire family is blessed because you three our in our lives!

#1 -Ken (my husband)

Ken with his oldest grandchild- Brig - Ken with his youngest grandchild-Cooper (#8)

#2 -Michael (my son)

Michael with 2 of his 3 sons, Hunter and Brandon

#3 - Anthony (my son-in-law)

Anthony with 1 of his five children, Elle

There are several men I know that are awesome Father's...so, to them and to all the great Father's in the world, please know that our world is a better place because of you!

SUNDAYS AT OUR HOME

2009-06-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY IS MY FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK...because, it is our family day. I love going to Church. After Church we have our family with us for dinner and just hang-out together. I cherish my Sundays, they are special and I look forward to them every week.....

From bottom-top: Brandon, Brigham,

Hunter and Dallin...a pillow sandwich

Ken and I (Ken holding Cooper, I'm holding Rigdon) with grandbabies #7 & 8

THIS SUNDAY WAS AN EXTRA SPECIAL SUNDAY, BECAUSE....of these 2 people celebrating their 12th anniversary (12 years and 5 kids later). HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, NATALIE AND ANTHONY!

Hope you all had a wonderful Sunday!

ALOHA AND BACK TO REALITY.....DARN IT!

2009-06-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

I am home now, but I need to post days 13 & 14 in Hawaii. It will be difficult to do, as I am missing it already, and going through the photos will take me back there and make me a little melancholy....but I must count my blessings! It was a gift to be there and to have such a FANTASTIC, relaxing, get-away! This ranks up in the top 5 of all my vacations! I loved every minute of it, and I loved spending time with my sweet sister, Gail and my beautiful, awesome, nieces, Alyssa and Amanda! Here are days 13 and 14 in Hawaii.....

Gail and Donna in beautiful Kailua Beach...we had a hard time getting

out of the water, knowing it was our last day. We were at the beach for

3 hours!

As we were leaving Kailua Beach, I turned around

and took this photo...see why I am missing it???

After the beach we went back to our place and packed

up. Then went to Buzz's Steak House (yum..Mahi-Mahi), compliments of our

Landlady...Look, Gail there's a tree behind you (ha-ha)...inside joke

Donna at Buzz's trying to cool down after loading all the

luggage...it was humid and we all felt like we had poured

warm water over us!

One last pose in front of Kailua Beach...(it is right across

from Buzz's). Alyssa, loves Kailua Beach!

This is where the fresh water in Kailua meets the Ocean.

After Buzz's we left to pick up Amanda at BYU-Hawaii and to stay at Turtle Bay, for our last night in Hawaii. We stopped off at Ted's Bakery and got another Haupia pie (coconut and creamy chocolate)...one more, for the road!!!

This is the view from our room....

Sisters, sisters...we are planning on doing this every 2 years!
We will start saving for it now! 2011, here we come!!!

Alyssa, Amanda and Gail...our last day in Hawaii (Amanda is staying for school)

Alyssa and Amanda saying Good-bye! - I mean ALOHA!

Mother-daughter good-byes/Alohas!

This is Amanda's friend, Bart... we gave him a ride to the airport.
He will be back to BYU-H in the Fall (lucky!)....Aloha, Amanda, have a great

time at BYU-H!!! We will miss you!

BONUS PICTURE:

Donna dragging Gail off Kailua Beach, it was our last day in Kailua, day 13.

None of us wanted to leave this beautiful, wonderful beach!

Aloha, nui loa, Hawaii and beautiful Kailua.....until we meet again!

Kailua Blue...oh what a blue!

2009-06-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

First off, I want to thank my wonderful husband for making this possible. He knows how much I love Kailua and he is happy for me to be here, and he has never once complained except to tell me that I've been gone too long. He has been great. THANK YOU, KEN!

Days 11 & 12 - This is basically where we've been the last few days - on Kailua Beach...

Amanda and Alyssa

Gail soaking up some of that wonderful sun

We had to get these skirts because they are the color of Kailua...Kailua blue (we got them at Ross and amazingly they had all of our sizes!) This is the beach house we stayed in in Kailua

Kailua Blue!

The end of Day 12 - we went to the PCC in Laie

My beautiful nieces, Alyssa (she is attending BYU-Provo) and Amanda (is staying in Hawaii, attending BYU -Hawaii) They have been so much fun...putting up with 2 old Aunties!

PCC-This man is real, not a statue!

BONUS PICTURES:

A dog and his owner surfing - the dog is more on the board than the owner - at Kailua Beach

This one's for my granddaughters - what kind of a skirt would it be if you couldn't twirl in it?

Thanks again, Ken...I love you!

Why is this ocean SO TURQUOISE?

2009-05-31T14:57:00.000-07:00

Days 9 & 10 - This is why I love Hawaii so much - because of this beautiful beach. It is just amazing and the pictures don't come close to doing it justice.
Kailua Beach

Lei makers' fresh leis at International Marketplace

Beautiful Kailua Beach and beautiful girls

Amanda and Alyssa with the colors of the ocean towels

Donna and Gail at Kailua Beach

Day 10 - A trip to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial

Alyssa and Amanda in front of the U.S.S. Arizona mural

On the Memorial

BONUS PICTURES -

I tried to take THIS picture-

And got THIS picture instead -

This one of course goes without saying - some showoff at Kailua Beach

Drive Around the Island

2009-05-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

Days 7 & 8....We started out at Kailua Beach until it started to rain, then we had to go to Plan B, which was to shop, and pick up Amanda early from BYU-H. And this is what we saw on the trip from Kailua to Laie, and then from Laie to Ko'Olina. It was a great day!
State flower of Hawaii - hibiscus - biggest I've ever seen!

Me and Alyssa at Kailua Beach, before the rain

Kailua, beautiful Kailua

Koo'lau mountain range, Kam Highway

Banyan tree on Kam Highway. "How far away? Philadelphia, PA..."

Chinaman's Hat State Park

Amanda and her roommate Barbara from Chile

Chocolate Haupia pie from Ted's Bakery at Sunset Beach - YUM.

Pineapple, pineapple!

My dear friend Debbi

Sisters, sisters....Ko'Olina Lagoon at sunset

Amanda and Alyssa at the Iilani Resort Hotel poolside

Enjoying fruit drinks at Ko'Olina Grill

MY BONUS PICTURE OF THE DAY: Sunset at Ko'Olina

**These pictures are not postcards. We took them ourselves!**

Aloha Nui Loa!

2009-05-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

Days 5 & 6 were awesome! Too many pictures to choose from. Here are the lucky winners
Mokapu'u Beach

Sandy Beach

This is how we spent our Memorial Day - how was yours?

Fly-by over Punchbowl Cemetery - National Cemetery of the Pacific

All war veterans at this cemetery

Gail and Amanda in Amanda's dorm

Ted's Bakery, North Shore - Sunset Beach

Waimea Bay and a beach beauty

Waimea Bay

Not bad for shrimp from a dirty van - we shared a plate like this for $12. Not bad at all.

Best shrimp on Oahu

Laie, HI Temple

BYU-Hawaii, Gail and Amanda

Haleiwa Bridge with Alyssa, Amanda, and Ally (Amanda's friend at school)

Haleiwa Beach Park and my favorite Flame Bush tree

BONUS PICTURES! DAYS 5 & 6

Some people can handle a bee flying around them. Others can't. Hanauma Bay

These chickens are EVERYWHERE here. WHY?

Days 3 and 4 in Hawaii

2009-05-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

Kailua 2009 - A recap of days 3 & 4 in paradise

Ken, this picture is for you. Remember these phone booths? They've been here since the 1970s, if not before.

Kailua Beach - Gail and Amanda

More Kailua Beach

Our home for the next two weeks

And more of our home...isn't it cute? It's really clean and nice

Buzz's in Kailua. The Mahi Mahi was delicious!

A trip to Ala Moana shopping center for the all-important See's

Ready for Sunday in their cute new mu'u-mu'us

Sisters, sisters....going to Kailua 2nd Ward

And our BONUS PICTURES for the day.....

If they didn't have these here, we'd think we were in heaven

Gail is our hero! She's the only one that would brave the roach while the rest of us ran around screaming and covering our faces. I was on a chair, Alyssa was on the counter, Amanda was all over the place - it's too bad we didn't take a video for the sound effects.

We're having a great time. We'll miss you soon. We think.

ALOOOOOOHA!

2009-05-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

Here we are, we're in Hawaii!

Day 1 - Alyssa and I arriving at the Honolulu Airport

Day 1 - Open Air Market in Kailua

Day 1 - View from our house

Day 2 - Getting ready....for Day 2

Day 2 - Amanda and Gail at Pali Lookout

Day 2 - International Marketplace

Day 2 - Amanda, Alyssa, and Gail at the International Marketplace, Waikiki. Notice the awesome Banyan tree in the background. Yes, that's a real tree.

Day 2 - Gail, Me, and Amanda at Duke's at the Outrigger, Waikiki

Day 2 - Betty, could you help us out? Are these pigeons or doves?

Day 2 - Amanda and Alyssa at Waikiki

Day 2 - Lomi Lomi massages, accompanied by some live Hawaiian harmony

Day 2 - End of day 2.......amazing what you can do in your sleep!

Day 2 - Here are the bloggers

BONUS PICTURE OF THE DAY: My sister Gail ran into Dick Morris, of the Fox News fame, on Waikiki Beach - can you believe it?! And then later on that night we saw him on the news, wearing his lei, reporting from Honolulu. Strangely enough, he didn't mention having his picture taken with one of his biggest fans!

As you can see from the pictures, it's rough out here in paradise, but we're making the best of it!

GOT TO GO!

2009-05-21T04:52:00.000-07:00

LEAVING TODAY.....ON A JET PLANE.... DON'T WHEN I'LL BE BACK AGAIN....
I'll try to blog while I'm gone, but don't know if I can, so it might have to wait, but we will see!
Going with my sister and niece..too much fun!!!

I LOVE MY LIFE!

2009-05-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

Since Mother's Day and until now it has been a very busy, and rewarding couple of weeks.....Some of those busy times I have pictures of ....I am so thankful that I can be busy and do all the everyday things and cherish the really special days!

Last Sunday I was able to be with 6 of my 8 grandchildren

Me with my newest grandchildren, Rigdon on the left and Cooper on the right-Sunday-May 17

Rigdon and Cooper meet for the first time-Rigdon - 6 weeks old - Cooper- 4 days old

Brigham and Elle meeting their newest cousin, Cooper - May 17

I was able to attend my sweet little granddaughter's (Tatum) graduation from her Preschool

She was the best performer/singer there!

Isn't she beautiful!

What a blessing to be able to share this with her..

Mother's Day-May 10th, dinner at our home....

Ken and I with Rigdon and Grandma and Grandpa Schaub, so thankful they were able to be with us.

Nicole, Me and baby Rigdon-Mother's Day

Michael and Nicole with Grandparents...

Brig, Elle and Tatum with Great Grandpa and Grandma Schaub

Dinner with the family on Mother's Day

Grandma Schaub, Michael and Nicole

Natalie and her 2 daughters, Elle and Tatum

Dallin, was so tired he went right to sleep after dinner.....

I have been so blessed! This is just a very small glimpse of my life and how full and busy it is, and I love it!

NEWFLASH....YEE-YAW!!!

2009-05-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

YEE-YAW !

COOPER JAMES IS FINALLY HERE!

May 13 2009

weight: 8 lbs. 15 oz. 22" long

Mom and Cooper are doing great...both beautiful, but very tired!

Cooper's Daddy is very grateful that they are all doing good....

Papa, Michael (Daddy) and Nicole

Cooper James

Cooper

Papa and Cooper - Nana and Cooper

Nicole's parents, Jim and Iris are so excited, as this is their first grandchild....Congrats to everyone!
Yesterday, we could see a lot of his Mommy's features in Cooper, but today we think he is looking more like his Daddy.....he is a cutie and a little chunk! We are so happy and thankful for you, Cooper... and we are looking forward to all the hugs, kisses and lots of love we can share with you...... Nana and Papa

WHAT A GREAT DAY!

2009-05-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY ! All of these beautiful women have influenced my life for good, in so many ways.....
may you all have a happy, blessed day......

My Mom , mother of 9 - My Mom just "hanging out" out our home

Nicole-daughter-in-law -soon to be mom - Natalie, my daughter, mother of 5

Sandra, my sister mother of 8 -Gail, my sister, mother of 4 -Betty, my sister, mother of 6

Mary, friend, mother of 4 - Rhonda, friend, mother of 6

Kathy-friend, mother of 3 - Nancee, friend, mother of 4

Debbi, friend, mother of 3+ - Debbie, sister-in-law, mother of 6

Char, sister-in-law, mother of 3 - Judy, sister-in-law, mother of 5

Jan, sister-in-law, mother of 6 - Kelly, sister-in-law, mother of 5

Teri, friend, mother of 4 - Verna, friend, mother of 4 - Bonnie, sister, mother of 5

Ariane-former daughter-in-law,mother of 3 -Jeannie, friend, mother of 7

Shirley, sister, mother of 5 - Dellola, mother-in-law, mother of 6

Susan, sister-in-law, mother of 10 - Korliss, sister-in-law, mother of 3

LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!

A GREAT TIME HAD BY ALL....

2009-05-04T08:22:00.000-07:00

Visiting my Mom.... a bitter-sweet event. This was a hard trip to make, but very much needed! Ken and I and 3 of my siblings (Ron, Betty and Phil) flew from Arizona to Oklahoma and then drove to where Bonnie and Mom live in Kansas. My Mom has been living in a "Rest Home" since June of 1997, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1996. She is in the last stages of the disease, so it was time to make a "good-bye" visit to her. My sister, Bonnie lives just minutes away from the facility and has taken good care of her, for all these years. Here are some pictures of our weekend with our sweet, Mother......

Mom with 5 of her 9 children

me, Mom and Ken

My brother Ron and my brother-in-law, Marty and his grandson, Will at Bonnie and Burl's home.

Meggin and Dan (niece and nephew-in-law)

Will and Logan (Meggin and Dan's sons)

At the Rest Home singing to our mother

Betty(sister), Heather (niece) and Shirley (sister)

nieces, Heather and Meggin, Dan and Logan.

Ron and our Mom

Phil and Mom

Betty, Mom and Bonnie - Donna, Mom and Betty

Mom and Betty

All of us and our precious Mother....

Thanks, Bonnie and Burl, for putting us all up and putting up, with all of us! It was good to be together and I know it meant a lot to our Mother...we love you, Mom...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

FLASHBACK FRIDAY

2009-04-29T06:40:00.000-07:00

This Flashback Friday will be on Thursday, (as I will be out of town on Friday)
I wanted to dedicate this FF to the great times I have had on family vacations. Not to belittle the word happy or try and be funny, but some of the best memories I have, were times spent with my loved ones...yes, at one of the "Happiest Places on Earth".... Disneyland/Disney World/Disney Cruise". So, just for the good old times, with Mickey and Friends...this is for my family.
Here are some photos/memories, from times past....

DISNEYLAND

1972- Donna with High School friend, Joyce

1977 - Donna, with sisters, Sandra and Bonnie

1977-Donna

1980-Ken and Natalie

1980-Donna, Michael and Natalie

1983-Michael, and Natalie(Michael,

maybe this why Hunter loves Pooh so much??)

2004-Donna, Brig, Ken and Brandon

2004
Elle and Sleeping Beauty - Brandon, Brig, Nana and Pluto

2004
The kids were so excited to see these characters, they had just watched the movie Pinocchio in the car...Natalie, Elle, Brandon and Hunter

Little Mermaid and Elle - Storybook Ride Brig and Brandon

DISNEY WORLD
2004-Ken, Donna, Natalie, Brig, Elle and Tinkerbell

2004-Brig and Ken -Buzz Lightyear

2004- Brig and Snow White

DISNEY CRUISE -2006
All of us, minus, Rigdon

Natalie with Tatum and Minnie

Anthony, Natalie and family boarding the Disney "Magic" Cruise Ship

Michael and Nicole and Family

Anthony, Dallin and Mickey ( or Minnie?)

Belle, Nana, Tatum, Elle and Brandon

Michael and Nicole and "The Disney Magic" Ship

Brandon and Pirate Ship Castaway Island
Daisy Duck, Nana, Brig, Elle, Hunter and Brandon

Nicole and boys ready for Pirate's Party on board...
Nicole and 2 pirates, Hunter and Brandon

Elle, Sleeping Beauty, Tatum, Natalie, Anthony, Dallin and Brandon

One of the best treats on our Disney Cruise was to watch the launch of the Space Shuttle "Discovery", from the Cruise Ship(Cape Canaveral was right by our Port that we left from)we had front row seats out in the ocean!...It was a "once in a life time experience"...and we were so blessed to share it as a family. I will never forget it!

DISNEYLAND for 8 year birthdays...One of our family traditions is to take our grand kids to Disneyland when they turn 8. It is just Papa, Nana and the 8 year old grandchild. It is "their" special time, with us. They plan the whole day at Disneyland and we just have a great time. So, far we have taken Brigham(2007) and Hunter (2008) and Elle Kate and Brandon go at separate times this year...too much fun, we love it!

Nana, Ms. DeVille, Papa and Brig -2007

Brig and Ken -2007

2008- Hunter and Ken

Hunter-2008

Thanks, to Mickey and Friends, from me and my friends and family, for all the good memories, we have had together....

I love this time of year!

2009-04-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

I am realizing in my old age how much of a flip-flop, capri girl that I am! I was so glad to put away the closed toed shoes and the SOCKS, long pants, and nylons! Just to think about putting on socks right now, makes me want to sweat(okay, I wear socks with my gym shoes, but that doesn't count). I guess after living in Hawaii, and California and of course most of my life in Arizona, I am a sunshine, beachy, balmy, weather person....I'm, not saying I love Arizona Summers, (that's a separate blog all together). I just love sunshine and the last 2 months here, have been beautiful! Pedicures are a treat for me and I even keep them up in the winter. So, what do you think...flip-flops or shoes? Just wondering.....

You're as old as you feel, maybe?

2009-04-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANTHONY! Wow, you are 34 and we can't believe it!
Anthony, you are the best son-in-law, we could have ever hoped for! Here's why we love you so much...
-You, are always so willing to help and always pitch-in at all our family gatherings.
- you are our family's "computer tech"
- you are an awesome father and spend good quality time with your kids (make the extra effort to teach them to read, understand their homework, etc.)
-you have a great sense of humor
-you never say anything bad about anyone
-you like the same radio stations/politics as your mother-in-law (ha)
-you have strong moral convictions
-you have a great love and understanding of the scriptures
-you are an awesome teacher of any subject you are asked to teach
-you have the patience of Job
-you are financially-wise
-you are great to travel with (Hawaii, Europe, Caribbean, Grand Canyon, etc.)
-you are a very hard worker
-you are honest
-you are so loyal to all you love
-last, but not least you adore our daughter and take care of her better than we ever could! Thank you, Anthony for being a part of our family! We love you and we are so thankful for you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

THE MANY FACES OF ANTHONY /"DOC"....

Anthony on our swamp tour-on the Bayou near New Orleans

Anthony and one of his many brothers, Adam...

Anthony/Elvis and a "Fan"-Halloween -2005

Natalie and Anthony in Tuscany, Italy-(his graduation gift from Medical School) -2007

Natalie and Anthony -Trevi Fountain-Rome-2007

Doctor Perry, and family in Temple Texas-finishing up his med.school (transferred to Texas A&M, after KATRINA, forced Tulane Med. Sch. to close)-2006

Anthony and baby Dallin-Disney Cruise-2006

Anthony and his best friend and wife, Natalie-2007

WITH LOVE AND BEST WISHES TO YOU, ANTHONY....KEN AND DONNA

TEA ANYONE?

2009-04-15T21:46:00.000-07:00

Today my friend Rhonda and her daughter Kristen and I attended a "Tea Party" in our little town, ...we were so excited when we drove up....so many people there.... yes! They must all fell the same way we do. It was such a comfort to know that my concerns of all the "stuff' that has been going on in our Nation, that had been causing me so much frustration, wasn't just my worries alone... it had obviously, affected a lot of other people in the same way. Here we all were together standing up for what we believed in and having a vehicle/venue where our voices could be shared and heard...
What are these Tea Parties about?
Glenn Beck, had this to say about the Tea Parties and I agree...

"It's about, spending- too much spending!
It's about, burdening me and my loved ones (our children and grandchildren) with a huge debt over $12 trillion!
It's about, too much power to our Federal Gov't.
It's about, too much corruption in both political parties.
It's about hypocrisy - both parties claim to be the most ethical, but we get corruption from both sides, and no one in Washington speaks out against it!....
It's about the media that gets into bed with one party and has moved so far left that it can't even begin to see we're not extremists, we're moms and dads who just want to have a Republic for our children; but they can't see it....
I believe in the Constitution. I believe in the Founding Fathers. I believe in the American People. When did believing those things make someone-anyone-an extremist.
I am(we are) not the extremist."

Here are some photos from our Town Tea Party...it was great to be there and feel a unity and hope for a better future for all of us, all of us that, care about the future of our wonderful Country!
The homemade signs were great!

Rhonda and Kristen

May we always be able to stand for what we believe in and let our voices be heard!

Remember When....

2009-04-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

"Remember When.....30 seemed so old, now looking back it was just a stepping stone, to where we are, to where we've been...said we'd do it all again, Remember When"....
As I look at my children and my grandchildren and Ken's parents, I can't help but think of the words to one of my favorite Country songs...REMEMBER WHEN....Life is great and we are so blessed!

Tatum and Dallin - Elle and Brandon

Our grand kids went swimming this last Friday, in our freezing ice water in our pool, and enjoyed every minute of it...

Brigham and Hunter and Elle Kate

Dallin

Papa (Ken) with Tatum and Rigdon

Easter Egg Hunt in our backyard...

"Remember When, we said, when we turned gray, when the children grew-up and moved away"...

Grandpa and Grandma Schaub with great-grandchild #48, Rigdon

Natalie, Grandpa, Rigdon and Grandma

Easter Sunday...2009

"We won't be said, we'll be glad for all the life we had, and we'll, Remember When".....

I am so thankful for my life, my children, grandchildren, and parents...and for all the memories....

I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!

2009-04-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER to all of you! This is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather is beautiful, the flowers are blooming, trees budding, a renewal of what was once dead, coming back to life again.

Alma 42:23... "and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence"...

Without this what would be our purpose? I am so thankful for Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for me. What a wonderful gift this is and I can never repay him....but I will for the rest of my life show thanks and gratitude to Him.

Have a great Easter weekend!

OUR BABY IS ONE WEEK OLD!

2009-04-08T22:57:00.000-07:00

OH, IT IS SO MUCH FUN BEING A BIG BROTHER, I THINK?!
Dallin is a big brother, now...here he is with our newest grandchild, his little brother, Rigdon....

Dallin loves to help with Rigdon, we have to remind him, to "gently" help.

Rigdon -one week old

Brothers are great!

What a pleasant surprise!

2009-04-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

APRIL FOOL'S......Our little Rigdon surprised us all! He wasn't due until the 21st of April, but here he is! Born April 1, 2009 at 9:54 PM
Rigdon Grant Perry
6 lbs. 11 oz. 21" long

Papa and Nana with #7 grandchild

Rigdon with his Mommy and Daddy

The Anthony Perry Family

Tatum, Rigdon and Dad

I LOVE WEDDINGS!

2009-03-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

So, I feel as if I have been away for months! But, really it has been only a week! We left last Tuesday for Utah. My oldest sister's (Sandra), youngest child (Brittany) was getting married.
Ken and I have some dear friends in Farmington that we wanted to visit, so we left a few days early, so we could visit them. We also wanted to stop by and see Hunter and Brandon, our grandsons, in Richfield. We had a great time! It was freezing everyday, except on the 28th, the day of the wedding, was actually nice weather (55 degrees, a real heatwave!)
The wedding was beautiful, at the Mt.Timpanogos Temple. Ken and I attended a session before the sealing and it is a very lovely, very roomy temple!
I want to tell you a little about my sister, Sandra. She is the such a dear, kind and loving person. She and her husband Bob, have 8 children. All 8 of them are awesome and so very talented in their own different ways. I love each one of them and enjoyed them when they were younger and now, that they are all older and have families of their own, there is a lot more of them get to know and I love them all, even more! They truly are good, wonderful, people and I pay tribute to my sister for the fantastic Mother she was and is. She has blessed the lives of so many people, because of the outstanding children she raised, they are and will be a blessing in our lives and in our society...thank you, Sandra!

Here are some pictures of our trip....

Our visit with Brandon and Hunter...it was so good to see them!

Hunter loves Batman...he used some of his Easter $$ we gave him to buy this.

Our good friends, Ron and Kathy Rodda, with Ken

Kathy and Donna

We were invited to my other sister Betty's, family's birthday
celebration.....thanks, food was great and so fun to be with
all of our awesome nieces, nephews-in-laws, great nieces and
nephews...

Livvy, Jim and Hallie

Jacey with 3 of her 4 children

Here is one of the birthday honorees...Bethany
with her baby, Emmalee

Here are the other birthday kids...Henry and Jack (twins of
Jenna and Phil)

THE WEDDING DAY....
Brittany and Brett

Our great-niece, Bethany
Cameraman/ Jarond (Sandra's youngest son)

Becky (Sandra's oldest child) with husband David and their 9th child, Kelsey

Sandra and Jarond (nice camera, Jarond!)Amy (Sandra's 5th child) with her husband, Chad and their 4th child, Hannah

Too many cute girls all nieces,
Tracy (with Noble) Jenny, Melanie and Amy

Betty with 3 of her
4 daughters; Jenna, Bethany and Alyssa

Greg (Sandra's 3rd child)
his wife, Kristen, Ken and their daughter, Tatum

3 of many great-nephews;
Landon, Hudson and Jack

Betty, Sandra and Donna more great-nephews;
Tanner, Keaton and Dallin

Kevin(Sandra's 4th child)/
cameraman's assistant
Sandra and Bob with 7
of their 8 children and their new son-in-law

2 of many great-nieces;
Lindsey and Tatum
THE RECEPTION....
The Bride...Brittany...love her dress!

Brittany with her sisters,
Becky and Amy

Kevin, the DJ and Jarond
the cameraman

Cute helpers, Melanie
and Bethany

All the grand kids danced the night away...they love to dance just
like their fathers and uncles do!

Kristen, Greg and their
daughter Carly and my brother, Ivan

Some of us danced......

Jarond, Kevin and Greg, doing "Grease Lighting"....they still can do it!

Jenna, Alyssa and Bethany doing the Macarena (sp?)...cute!

And some of us didn't...
Ken and Ben

Rob, Jarond and Greg...great dancers!! They have so much fun,
but we have more fun watching them...

Parent's of the bride
(Sandra and Bob) even danced!

Brittany with her niece,
Amy and Amy's husband, Liam.

Phil, Jenna and Alyssa...
they helped run the kitchen all night...and danced a little, too!
Thanks, Sandra and Bob for always providing us with a great time and wonderful memories!
We love you and your fantastic, children!

2009-03-22T22:49:00.001-07:00

I AM 55 TIMES THANKFUL

2009-03-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

So, here I am 55 years old and loving every minute of it. If you would have asked me early this morning if I felt old, I would have probably complained and said, something about my hip, neck and other ailing parts of my aging body...but after having our friends over tonight for dinner I am singing a different tune...Why? Because, my friend (the wife of the couple) has lung cancer, and starts her 6th round of chemo next week. Her hair is starting to fall out and she is tired all of the time. Do you see why I am 55 and loving it? I have been given so much and why does it take a night with an ailing friend, help me to feel so very blessed? I thought... I need to recognize all my blessings, make a list and celebrate my life. I know that I have hundreds of things I have been blessed with! Being that it was just my 55th birthday, I thought I could at the least come up with 55 of my blessings. I am going to try to capture a lot of them with photos...so, this could be long, but I want to count my many blessings, name them one by one. I owe that much to my Heavenly Father and to all my loved ones (these are not in order of importance, just random).....

1. A loving, wonderful husband 2. Great marriage (37 years)

3. My Savior/the Atonement

4. Scriptures

5. Living Prophets

6. Temples (Hawaiian Temple) (Preston, England Temple)

7. Family Vacations (Newport Beach)

8. and 9. A loving daughter and son-in-law

10. and 11. A wonderful son and daughter-in-law

12. Grandson-Brigham (Disneyland 2007)

13. Grandson - Hunter (Disney Cruise 2006)

14. Granddaughter - Elle Kate (Cozumel -2006)

15. Grandson - Brandon (Woods Canyon Lake 2008)

16. Granddaughter - Tatum Lily (Girly Girls 2009)

17. Grandson - Dallin (Christmas 2008)

18. Friends - Craig and Mary Silverthorne (2008)

19. Friends - Glenn and Debbi Vavra (Kailua Beach 2006)

20. Friends- Verna and Chris Lueck (Hawaii 2006)

21. Friends- Terri and Mat Greer (Hawaii 2006)

22. Friends - Susan and Mike McDonough (Kailua Beach 2006)

23. Friends - Marv and Nancee Jessee (Oregon 2009)

24. Plays (Les Miserables -London)

25. Roomy laundry rooms

26. Walks with my grandchildren and husband

26. Craft rooms

27. A lazy, sweet dog (Zack 2009)

28. Backyard playgrounds

29. Pools in Arizona summers

30. Digital Scrapbooking

31. Music

32. Big kitchens

33. Blue Houses with a weather vane

FLOWERS:

34. In Tuscany-Italy

In Hawaii (plumerias)

35. For comfortable beds

36. Silly, giggly girls (Tatum and Elle)

37. Life-long girlfriends (Rhonda Sarager-San Francisco)

38. Girlfriend Get-aways (Debbi and Donna in Hawaii)

39. Old Movies

40. Tiffany's in NYC 41. Walks in Central Park NYC (Donna and Natalie)

42. Macy's in NYC

43. Waimea Bay -Hawaii

44. Rainbows - Maui

45. Hammocks (Maui - 2004)

46. Reading to grandchildren (Newport Beach 2007)

47. Traveling - England (2005 -Stonehenge)

48. Gandola rides in Venice (2007)

49. Beautiful sights - Fog rolling in over Golden Gate Bridge (2006)

50. Kailua Beach, Hawaii 51. With Ken

52. Disney Cruise with Family -2006

53. Newport Beach 54. Sisters (Gail and Donna)

55. FOOD:
Jordan's Mexican Food - Phoenix, AZ

See's Candies

Crepes in France (2005)

Gelato in Rome (2005)

These are some of the things that I am so thankful to have in my life! I pray that Iwill forever be thankful and grateful for all the seen and unseen blessings I have been given! I truly do have a wonderful, blessed life!

HOORAY, FOR MODERN TECHNOLOGY!

2009-03-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

Tonight Ken and I were invited to share with our son Michael and his sweet wife, Nicole, a really awesome moment. We went to a place called, Stork Vision and we were able to view, our almost to be, grandson through 3d imaging...it was so amazing! And I am here to tell everyone that Cooper James, is perfect and cute as a bug! The process is the same as an ultra sound but, more advanced. We could actually see Cooper's face (what he looks like, can you believe it?)and see his feet perfectly, (counting all five toes on each foot) and all the rest of his cute, healthy body parts. I walked away feeling like I had just met our unborn grandson...it was such a special feeling! Congrats, Michael and Nicole on a precious little child! Thanks, to Grandma Iris and Grandpa Jim (Nicole's parents) for making it all possible...I will never forget it! "What will they think of next?"....

Just amazing!

Cooper's Mom - due May 8th

Cooper's Mom and Dad

Cooper's Grandparents(Lefever and Schaub)
and Parents

NOT AGAIN!! I'VE BEEN TAGGED!

2009-03-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I was tagged again....thanks, Gail (my sister)! This is what I was told to do....take your 6th folder of pictures and pick the 6th picture in the folder and then publish it on your blog...here it is:

Ken riding a Raptor in the desert...it really was my 6th, 6th photo...I like it because I think he is kind of cute!
By the way this is not what I was talking about when I said I was going to be posting something soon...this just happened! Okay, now, Ben, Jessie, Megan and Jeana you guys have been tagged! And , Natalie I want to make my pictures bigger, like yours on your post...how do you do it???

2009-03-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I haven't done a new post...but I promise it is going to happen, soon! I'm Spring Cleaning and soooooooo busy, but I've got ideas and things I want to share, so just hang on! Until, Later....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY-BRIGHAM STEELE PERRY!

2009-03-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I feel so old...because our oldest grandchild is 10 years old today! But, I don't really care about being old, because I have enjoyed every minute I have had with Brigham! The bonus is...we are birthday buds! Yes, our first grandchild was born on my birthday..thank you, Natalie and Anthony! Brigham is the best birthday gift I have ever received!
Brigham was born in Provo, Utah on March 6, 1999 at about 2:47 PM. He is the only grandchild of ours that can claim Utah as his birth place (his Dad is a native of Utah). Brig was the first grandchild in the Perry family and Schaub family. Brigham has always been dear to my heart for so many reason...because he is 10, I will share with you 10 reasons why I love Brigham-
10)He is very tender hearted and kind to everyone
9) He still will hug and kiss me hello and good-bye
8) He loves Hawaii
7) He is a wonderful example to his siblings
6) He is a natural leader
5) He is a great athlete, but works hard at it.
4) He loves his Mother and Father very much
3) He always chooses to be obedient
2) He has an awesome sense of humor
1) He is my precious grandson
Like always I have several photos...here is Brig thru the past 10 years-

March of 1999- Nana and Brigham (love the hair, Nana!)

Papa and Brig - March 6, 1999

Many faces of Brigham - he was and is the cutest kid!

This is one of my favorites--love it!

Brig with Papa and Nana on a Carriage Ride in SLC -Temple Square

Brigham with his friend and cousin, Hunter saying good-bye

they have always been best friends - New Orleans 2003

This is a favorite of mine..Brigham hates it. I had this picture

on my frig and he would always take it down and hide it...Disney World -2004

Brigham at Cafe Du Monde's eating beignets - New Orleans

Sister Elle and Brigham - 2004

Hunter, Brigham and Brandon, best friends and cousins

Newport Beach, CA 2006

Disney Cruise - Cozumel...Swimming with Regina the Dolphin

2006

Papa and Brigham on Brigham's baptism day - 2007

Brigham and Nana at Disneyland - 2007

Papa and Brig at SLC Temple Square-they are always goofing off!

2008

Brigham loves to swim- Summer 2008 at Nana and Papa's

Elle, cousins and Brig, they have too much fun together!

2008

Dr. Perry - Halloween 2008

Brigham Steele Perry

Happy Birthday, Brigham...you are awesome and we love you!

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - Back to Reality....

2009-02-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

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

HAPPY 30th NATALIE.......

2009-02-21T22:07:00.000-08:00

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!

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

2009-02-19T19:14:00.000-08:00

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

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

2009-02-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

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!

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

2009-02-11T08:50:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-02-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

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

FLASHBACK FRIDAY

2009-01-30T15:49:00.000-08:00

THOSE WERE THE DAYS! Here are some photos from one of our most favorite places on earth....yes, Hawaii! Ken and I lived there from 1973 to 1977 (the first 4 years of our marriage!). He was in the Marine Corps, we were stationed at Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station...needless to say we loved it and still do. We always had friends and family visiting us while we lived there. We go back almost every year and try to invite a few friends/family each time we go. Hawaii has always held a a big place in our hearts, we love sharing the beauty of this State with all of our loved ones. So now I'm sharing with you some of the great memories of our wonderful Hawaii...hope all of you can catch the Spirit of Aloha, too....

Marty and Rhonda Sarager and Donna at the Pali Lookout 1975

Capt. Ken, Donna, with Donna's Aunt Wynne and Uncle Bob and kids visiting -1976

Donna with niece Megan Schaub visiting the Black Sand Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii - 1976(Megan and her family were stationed in Hawaii, too)

Glenn and Debbi Vavra, Ken, Donna, Susan and Mike McDonough at Kailua Beach House - 2006

Donna and Ken on Maui, Kaanapali Beach - 2004

Sisters are the best! My sisters(L-R: Sandra, Elizabeth, Donna and Gail) in Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay behind us - 2004

Buzz's Steak House in Kailua Town... Ken and I and my sisters and their spouses - 2004

Ben Cobb and Ken with the catch of the day..Mahi-Mahi! - 2004

Ben, Bodin, Shani, Donna and McKinna at Ko'Olina Resort-2005

Ken and Craig Silverthorne at Waimea Bay - 2008

DEBBI FINALLY VISITS DONNA!!!!

2009-01-29T16:13:00.000-08:00

Donna and Debbi best friends forever!!!

Crepes anyone? Donna, Debbi and Ken

Donna, Debbi and Glenn with a few of Glenn's cute kids and grandkids....

We've been...

2009-01-29T12:20:00.000-08:00

Where do we begin...

I guess maybe letting you know what went on during the past several months...we had friends that visited us, we had Christmas with family and we went and visited dear friends in Oregon.

THE SILVERTHORNES

Craig and Mary came for a short visit in December. Here they are with Natalie and Elle.

Carey Silverthorne with Dallin playing with the Fisher Price Christmas displays.

Carey, Elle and Katie watching movies in home theater...

Craig, Mary and Ken

CHRISTMAS DAY 2008

Natalie, Michael, Grandma Schaub, Grandpa Schaub, Donna and Ken at Grandma and Grandpa's home.

Anthony, Tatum, Elle, Great Grandma, Great Grandpa, Natalie and Brig (Dallin was asleep in the car).

Hunter, Michael, Great-Grandma, Great Grandpa, Nicole and Brandon

OUR TRIP TO OREGON TO VISIT THE JESSEES

Ken and Donna with June Sharp

Donna, Ken, Nancee, and Marv

Nancee and Donna in front of Ken and Donna's old home in Grants Pass, Oregon

We have had a very busy, but blessed Holiday Season. So many dear friends and wonderful family members to share with and create memories.

I am finally joining the world of blogs!

2008-12-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

My blog is a major work in progress...especially for me, as I am so computer illiterate! Stay Tuned....

Grand Canyon Train Ride 2006