One Year Older and Wiser Too

I Spy

2010-01-18T07:42:00.002-07:00

Hey Elizabeth,

Let's play....

I Spy

with my eagle eye...

a kitty

in the midst of a mess...

Can you find her?

There she is!

And P.S....

Nana's cleaned up her mess.

Sure Miss Our Kids...

2009-11-12T10:47:00.004-07:00

And their kids!

What a great week in Seattle!

Who Moved My Cheese?

2009-11-12T10:39:00.004-07:00

Jay's boss asked that all the supervisors read this book. So while on our vacation visiting our adorable granddaughters (and their terrific parents!) I thought I'd read it too. Next thing I know, Elizabeth (4 years old and reading like a PRO) has borrowed my glasses AND my book.

(Great pic by her Daddy. Good read for all.)

Cousin Reunion

2009-10-14T08:52:00.003-07:00

We had a great visit with Mike and Anyolina's beautiful girls.

My how time flies!

The benefits of the flu...

2009-10-14T08:17:00.002-07:00

Kenny and Jamie got the flu during our visit.
In an effort to keep Nora healthy they asked us to keep her for a couple of days.

Oh, darn! :-)

So sorry they are ill but SO happy to play with Nora!

Sweet Cheeks!

2009-09-26T19:17:00.004-07:00

SIX

sweet cheeks

needing Nana kisses!

Nothing is as constant as change

2009-07-18T22:39:00.005-07:00

(l to r: Debra Fetty, Debbie Wiser, Krista Schuenman)

Often, just as we are settling into a 'groove' and feeling comfortable,

change happens to stretch us.

I was preparing for an exciting year teaching the

Junior/Senior early morning seminary class (Book of Mormon year!)...

when I got a call to visit the Stake President.

Next thing I know, my gears are changed and

I am serving in the Stake Young Women Presidency.

We were blessed to enter into our new presidency weeks before Girls Camp.

It provided an opportunity to meet many of the leaders and girls and

enjoy the talents of so many stake leaders,

and to share some special experiences with the outgoing presidency.

They did a remarkable job and are an inspiration to me.

So here's to new adventures and experiences!

I am most grateful to know that He can and will make weak things strong.

Dear Elizabeth,

2009-06-13T06:18:00.014-07:00

Remember when we talked on the phone the other day and I told you Grandpa Jay and I were going to an airshow so he could talk to pilots and keep them safe, and you giggled and said

"That's not what he do!".

I thought I would send you some pictures so you can see Grandpa Jay working.

Look at all the bags Grandpa Jay and his friend Mike packed. That's a lot! :-)

(Okay... Nana's being silly. They didn't really take all those bags.)

And here is the office he set up this weekend:

Look at these cool airplanes! My favorite is the red one.

Now the pilots have to talk to the people in the tower to make sure

they don't crash into each other in the air.

And they talk to Grandpa Jay to watch out for big clouds and storms in the sky.

Look at this parachute guy carrying a flag! That was so cool!

They even played the star spangled banner

as he flew in and started the special events at the airshow.

And look at these two planes!

They were amazing pilots doing lots of turns and flips with their planes at the same time.

I even took a movie for you. This pilot was amazing!

She was flying so fast and high and went round and round and up and down...

and it made my tummy feel weird just watching her!

I Love Technology!

2009-03-27T13:52:00.008-07:00

I have TWO messages on my answering machine that will NEVER be erased!

The 1st is a sweet message from our oldest granddaughter, E.

It goes something like this:

"HI NANA!..... Oh, Nana not talk me.".... (now read with a voice of dejection) "bye, bye."

I LOVE talking with E on the phone. We've come a long way, baby!

Each week the conversation is better and more detailed.

Yesterday she told me the story of Jonah and the Whale:

(okay... I can't seem to type near as cute as she said it... but I'm sure you can imagine.)

"And Jonah didn' obey. And the whale ATE him! And Jonah told God he was sowee. And the whale spit him ouT. And he went to Ninah and told the peepow God says to wepent!"

The 2nd message was left last Sunday afternoon.

It's sweet little Nora belly laughing while her Daddy played with her.

I listen to these messages just about every day.

You precious little girls are so blessed with terrific Mommies and Daddies.

And you are missed SOOOOO much!

Please don't grow too fast. I don't want to miss it.

So, my friends, celebrate my love of technology and sing along with me

Napolean Dynamite's closing credits song:

"Yes! I love technology! But not as much as you, you see!"

Jay is a Commercial Star!

2009-03-21T19:44:00.005-07:00

Went to a Mariner's Spring Training game today for our Anniversary Weekend Get-Away. It was a great game (we won!!) and fun to see Griffey with the team again.

Before the game started FSN (Fox Sports Network)

was filming commercial segments all around the park.

Since we were there 90 minutes early and no team players were warming up

we wandered around the park with the commercial crew.

FSN has hired The Coats http://www.thecoats.net/

(quartet from Seattle, aka The Trenchcoats)

to sing in the commercials welcoming the new players (Griffey especially).

Fun watching the filming behind the scenes.

AND at the end they asked for fans to come join them!

Jay was quickly there and I planted myself with the camera to capture the Kodak moment.

So Seattle fam... watch for the commercials.

If we're lucky Jay won't end up on the cutting room floor.

Living Legends

2009-02-02T14:10:00.003-07:00

What a great weekend!

BYU Living Legends performed at Yavapai College Saturday.

We just got back from Regional Auditions in Flagstaff

in time to take a 30 minute nap and dinner

before seeing their terrific show.

We were blessed to have Kana and Tara stay to nights with our family.

They are incredibly sweet and talented girls.

It was such a pleasure to get to know them.

Think we need to start a Kana and Tara fan club.... our family will be president!

The Bass-ness!

2009-02-02T14:03:00.005-07:00

The High School Regionals auditions (in Flagstaff) went very well on Saturday.

Paul made 12th chair Bass!

Kingman, AZ here we come!

(Regional Choir Festival is held in Kingman Feb 19-21)

P.S. Paul and his friend Chris were having a GREAT time with the camera during Saturday's down-time. :-)

Good Things Come in Threes

2009-01-26T12:06:00.012-07:00

Life is good! And now seems like a good time to make a list of some of the things that make life great (in no particular order).

So... here's the list with a three theme. Why three, you ask? Well... read on and you'll see why three is my magic number today. (Can you tell who are on my mind?)

Three very adorable and very missed granddaughters!

Three stores to visit on Saturday WITH JAY! (Nice having him home again on weekends!)

Three upcoming family visits! (Dave's fam in April; Jayson's fam in May; & Val this summer!)

Three terrific directors to work with preparing for this Saturday's Regional Auditions and Solo & Ensemble in Flagstaff. ASK: Amie, Steve and Katie

Three times nine = the students I'm accompanying on Saturday.

Three well used tools of my trade.

Three trips home today.

Three more seminary lessons to finish the book of Acts.

Three (amost!) days till some birthday cake.

Three college kids to accompany in Tucson the weekend of Feb 6.

Three more days till we receive our tax return - we think. (Jay figures they've had our money long enough.)

Three terrific sons, two amazing daughters...

And a newborn baby on a pi.a.no.

Friends are the best!

2008-12-30T21:34:00.007-07:00

Thanks to a sweet friend who shares her talents,

we had a family photo shoot yesterday.

Here are a few teaser photos:

Kim calls this our first album cover

The results of the promise:

"If you sit for a few more pictures Nana will give you a chocolate kiss"

Jayson's sweet family

Kenny's little Nora

Merry Christmas to All!

2008-12-26T08:07:00.004-07:00

Here are some of our favorite things to do on Christmas:

1. Write a note to Santa on Christmas Eve.

(If you look closely you can see that Elizabeth wrote "Ho Ho" all by herself!)

2. And leave Santa some cookies and milk.

3. We sing "Jingle Bells".
After waking everyone up EARLY on Christmas Morning
we gather by the tree and sing "Jingle Bells"...
but you see, this year, we opted to sing a song Elizabeth knows well: "The ABC's".

4. We open presents!

5. And the day always ends with a Sibling Monopoly Challenge!

Okay... there are many more traditions
(and ones closer to the true meaning of Christmas)
but I didn't take pictures of those. :-)

Merry Christmas to All!

Oh the Places You've Been!

2008-12-26T07:44:00.006-07:00

Little Nora, you have been and seen lots of places in just one week.

First you started in Heaven.

You entered this earth in a nice hospital room.

Then you enjoyed a few days in Orem/Provo.

Next came your first airplane trip at only a week old!

Welcome to Arizona! You are a most wonderful Christmas present!

Introducing.... NORA!

2008-12-18T21:00:00.003-07:00

Kenny and Jamie's little bundle of joy arrived

yesterday, Dec. 17th.

Here's my favorite poem (by Carol Lynn Pearson) in honor of Nora's 1st day here:

My day-old child lay in my arms.

With my lips against her ear

I whispered strongly, "How I wish--

I wish that you could hear.

"I've a hundred wonderful things to say

(A tiny cough and a nod)

Hurry, hurry, hurry, and grow

So I can tell you about God."

My day-old baby's mouth was still

And my words only tickler her ear.

But a kind of a light passed through her eyes

And I saw this thought appear:

"How I wish I had a voice and words,

I've a hundred things to say.

Before I forget I'd tell you of God --

I left Him yesterday."

Dear Nora,

2008-12-18T20:45:00.004-07:00

Do you know how happy we are that you have arrived yesterday?! Well... I guess Mommy and Daddy might be more happy. You are the perfect size: 7 lbs 12 oz and 19" long.

You have been blessed with a very sweet family. Your Mommy and Daddy are going to take such good care for you. They have planned and prepared these long months for you, their precious little one. Daddy's finishing up his finals this week and Mommy finished her finals early for your arrival. I'm glad you like to sleep. After you move into your new apartment next week you will take your first road trip. I'm glad you like to sleep. Sleeping in the car will help the 9 hour drive seem shorter.

Grandpa and I think that having you here for Christmas one of the best presents ever. And guess what?! You can meet your Aunts and Uncles and your cousins! Maybe this year you won't feel like playing with them too much... but you will soon enough.

Just remember, Nana calls first dibs on holding you!

I love you Nora,

Nana

How I've been spending my time lately...

2008-12-17T15:54:00.005-07:00

Sitting on the bench.

And loving it.

Last night was the High School Choral Concert. That was a biggie.

Now just the Joint Seminary Christmas lesson, the Orme (Private) School Candelight service, and a little organ and piano for this Sunday's Christmas Sacrament meeting.

After that, the only thing I'll be playing for the rest of the year ...

is the GRANDKIDS!

Two More Nights!

2008-12-17T08:54:00.005-07:00

Dear Elizabeth and Madeline,

Only two more nights and then you'll be at our house! We've put lots of lights on the house so you can look out the airplane window and maybe see our house!

We are so excited to see you!

When you come we can play at the playground on a warm day....

and you can help us cook...

and we'll even read stories together.

We can't wait to give you both big hugs!

Love,

Nana and Grandpa

and Becka, Paul and Jennifer

2008 Christmas Piano Recital

2008-12-07T07:38:00.004-07:00

Yesterday five of my piano students played their Christmas songs for a local assisted living home. The audience was very warm and inviting. And the kids did a great job!

For over 19 years I've taught piano and I always love the recitals. Seeing the fruition of the student's hard work. Seeing the nerves as their hands shake while they play. Seeing the deep conscentration on their faces. Seeing their eyes light up as they bow to their audience. Seeing their confidence wax strong. AND seeing the glowing faces of parents and grandparents alike. Recitals are the best!

Jennifer (is NOT a student, as she would quickly remind us all) is playing a duet "Good King Wenceslas" with her good friend Kristen (who is a student). (Photo, compliments of Kristen's talented Mom.)

I remember Jenna's older sibling being just as insistent that he was done taking lessons, too. :-) And boy, did I cry then. I thought he'd never touch the piano again. He had so much talent and ability. Then I watched as he taught himself and improved his skills (guitar and piano). Jenna's doing the same (well... not guitar, but same determination). She likes to play what SHE wants to play and not have assignments. I love her/their spunk and self-confidence and independence. And I love how they have found joy in their music.

Can't wait for Nora!

2008-12-03T10:13:00.001-07:00

We can't wait to meet Nora! She's due to arrive anytime... however I hope she waits just a few more days (sorry Jamie) til I finish her blanket and get it in the mail.

Welcome to 8412 Rainbow Vista!

2008-12-02T10:08:00.003-07:00

I've seen more

RAINBOWS

in the last year living in on Rainbow Vista,

than I have in my entire life.

This was our Thanksgiving tender mercy.

Isn't she lovely?!

2008-11-19T08:12:00.006-07:00

Jenna's time in braces has come to an end.

She's burst from her cocoon into a beautiful butterfly!

Elizabeth Knows her ABC's

2008-11-15T08:08:00.004-07:00

Here's the video I tried to post last week. Not sure what I did wrong but let's try again. She's so cute!

I miss you Elizabeth!!

Our Family Tree

2008-11-15T07:59:00.004-07:00

My dear sister bought us this beautiful tree for a housewarming gift. Yes... about 16 months ago! We hung the tree up long ago but have been pokey putting the photos up. Last week the girls helped arranged the frames and ribbons. Just like the love for our family, this wall will continue to grow as we add more pics through the years.

Boastful Nana Moments

2008-11-05T09:37:00.005-07:00

Such adorable girls!

My New Happy Place

2008-11-05T09:20:00.003-07:00

You know how when things are tough (like labor) and you mentally take yourself to your "happy place"? For as long as I can remember, my happy place as been the beach. Well, not any more!

Jayson picked us up at the airport Saturday and drove us to their beautiful home. Mary and I were sitting in the living room as I (im)patiently waited for Elizabeth to wake up. But how nice to have some quiet time meeting our newest granddaughter. Madeline is just beautiful. The smell, the coos, the smiles... she's just perfect. THAT became my new happy place.

But...then, Elizabeth woke up! The moment of her recognition (once she could see through the sleep in her eyes) and the pitter pat of her running feet and the huge hug! Now I understand.... Grandchildren are truly just that.... GRAND children!

THESE sweet moments of joy are my new happy place.

The E&M (and J&M) Countdown!

2008-10-28T10:31:00.004-07:00

FOUR

more days till we

smother our granddaughters with kisses!

We aren't anxious at all. :-)

So E, get the storybooks ready. We can't wait for your hugs!

Tell little Mimi that we want to cuddle with her too.

Tell Mommy to get ready for a little more sleep this weekend.

And tell Daddy we are so proud of him and his little family.

A Meme

2008-10-17T20:44:00.003-07:00

Here's my response to being tagged by Mary's Meme. My sister in law has tagged me with a meme. I am to post the fourth picture from my fourth folder in My Pictures file. It's a fun trip down memory lane!

This is from our 27th anniversary cruise. Jay and I arrived in San Diego the evening before we were to board for Cabo San Lucas. We LOVE the beach and went for a lovely long walk.

If you look close you can see what's left of a hopeful young man's request for a prom date etched in the sand.

I tag Barbara and Heather and Stacey...

A Blast from Issy 1st's Past

2008-10-14T12:31:00.003-07:00

Happened across this picture recently.

Look at these handsome little boys!

Where does the time go?!

Let's stop at TEN!

2008-10-08T01:38:00.003-07:00

Had surgery yesterday to remove my last ovary (and cyst). Let's see, that now gives me ten incisions on my torso. Enough, already! Surely this has to be enough... I don't think there's much left to remove. :-)

Laproscopic surgery has got my vote. Course I'm uncomfortable and not sleeping... but still, it's MUCH better than my 1999 laprotomy hysterectomy!

Here's hoping for quick healing. Our plane tickets to Seattle are for this Friday to visit Jayson's family and our new grandbaby... and I am anxious to hold her and cuddle with Elizabeth!

Jay's 'New' Sweet Ride

2008-10-06T14:05:00.003-07:00

Jay's new-to-him sweet ride.

Since Jay travels 30 miles to work each day at approx. 25-30 mph
and spends approx. $350 driving his truck we thought this might be a good investment.

We do live in the land of sunshine now where he can ride nearly 90% of the year.

So far, so good. He sure enjoys it... and yes, he has and wears a helmet!

Let's play "I Spy"....

2008-10-06T13:53:00.002-07:00

Can you spy the grasshoppers in the lawn? Or can you find the tarantula by our back door?

Meet my neighbor!

2008-10-01T13:33:00.004-07:00

Remember Mr. Rodger's song, "Won't you be my neighbor"?.... well, I would much rather sing it "DON'T you be my neighbor!"

Another song that comes to mind.... "I don't like spiders and snakes" AND grasshoppers! This fear comes from my childhood and is alive and well today. And here I live in the grasshopper capital.

Look at the beautiful Mum's I planted. They

(and the pansies) were in the ground 3-4

days and this is what they look like now.

Nice of me to feed the grasshoppers so well.

Jay sprays about once a week.... it helps

somewhat....

Women's Broadcast

2008-09-27T22:09:00.004-07:00

You know... it seems Jay has always had a father, brother, or son (s) to take to the priesthood session with him. It's an event for them. I've always thought that was great. And with the Young Women's Broadcast the girls and I have enjoyed going together.

It was nice attending tonight's uplifting broadcast with Becka... but I couldn't help feeling like we were missing Mary and Jamie. Even knowing you were watching in another state and the same time still made me miss my sweet daughters-in-law. :-) I am grateful for these righteous young women, who were raised by faithful mothers... AND I'm grateful for the precious granddaughters they are bringing into the world. I couldn't have hand picked better wives and mothers for my sons and grandchildren! Love you girls!

Sure Proud of Becka!

2008-09-27T15:06:00.006-07:00

The Yavapai College Choirs combined to perform a Fiddler on the Roof medley for the high school choral festival. She sang the part of "Golda". I sure am proud of her AND so happy to have her home with us. She is a terrific gal, talented, and a great example to us all.

Enjoy her singing "Sunrise, Sunset".

(Not sure if I can figure out how to attach the video.... we'll see....)

I Love to see the Temple

2008-09-20T21:13:00.006-07:00

Today was Ward temple day. It was a nice day (longer drive than usual due to construction) but a nice day. With a two hour drive there, a two hour session, a stop at the fabric store, and a two hour drive home - it's a whole day excursion.

I reflected over my 27 temple attending years. I've lived as far as twelve hours from a temple and as close as ten minutes. I certainly liked the ten minute distance. What I would give to have it in my backyard again! However, there is something to be said about the longer drive to the temple. It's easier to put any thoughts of laundry or shopping or whatever farther from my mind when there is greater distance to cover. The time listening to quiet music or conference tapes or scriptures is refreshing. Seems the heavenly 'escape' is felt deeper when the distance is greater. Or so I think....

Sewing is in the mail!

2008-09-17T10:14:00.007-07:00

I've been working on a twin bedspread for Elizabeth

and crib bedding for Madeline and have finally completed the project. Sure helps me feel closer to them as I pin and cut and sew and unpick and sew again. :-) Second box is in the mail to the cutest granddaughters ever. Hope things fit and match okay.

(P.S. Can you tell I don't know how this blogspot works yet?!)

Getting with it....

2008-09-13T09:58:00.002-07:00

Guess the Wisers really should get with the times. And today, is a new beginning for our family blog and most importantly for our new granddaughter!

Congrats to J and M! Little M made her arrival early this morning. We can't wait to meet the little bundle!