NEW HOME - MOVING TO QUEEN CREEK FROM GILBERT

 When I got home from Utah, helping Jonique with her new baby boy, Quinton, this is what Rick had built  for the grandkids!  He told me he was going to fix the dilapidated swingset that had been on our newly purchased property (as of September 1, 2013).  The past month had been a whirlwind of intense work, packing, painting and repairing this house on 17424 E Chestnut Dr, tearing out the food storage room, the aquarium, and Jonique's "loft bed" in our Hampton house and all the other details that go with moving.

We experienced miracles and felt God's hand in our lives as our prayers have been answered.  It all started when Riley and Ashley got their "miracle" home, and we came to help them with the re-build and the move.  Several times Riley told us we ought to buy the house across the street, until we finally went and checked it out.  The price was more than we could afford (we wanted to pay cash) after selling our Hampton home and the Elliot shop - so we let the idea go.  One Sunday Rick said, "we need to go talk to those people about that home by Riley".  He had been having strong impressions when we were at the temple that we needed to do the move.  I told him that it was already sold. 

Rick said that we should go visit Riley and Ashley anyway, and when we got to the neighborhood the owners of the home were in the driveway and called us over.  They said that their buyers had fallen through, and did we still want the home?  I wrote up a contract - - that was much lower than their asking price, and stating that we would move in the home with no money down - - but that we would cash them out in 6 months, live in the house, and make the monthly payments.  We were shocked when they accepted the offer!  Then we were in gear and our lives took a huge turn (for the better!)  Since that time we found that we had some months without work and would have been in a huge financial problem at the Hampton house, because our payments were $2400.  Our Hampton home sold in 6 days (another miracle!) and the Elliot shop sold in 6 months. 

With the Elliot property money, finally, Rick and I drove to the Title company to pay-off the house and get it into our names.  We had pulled money from savings and from coins that we had stashed, and had just enough to the penny to pay for the home.  After leaving the title company (on our way to the temple) we both cried as we drove - our hearts so full of gratitude.  Once again, we experienced a miracle!

This home has been a place of peace, a place of safety, a haven for our grandkids, and a place where we can build gardens, a shop, a mother-in-law home (which we will probably live in as we age), etc.  At night I go out and look at the stars and at San Tan mountain and walk through the orange trees.  They are my age - and I talk to the "girls" to make them happy and healthy!  The grandkids play in the back yard, chasing each other, swinging, and I feel that I am in heaven! 

The best thing is living by Riley and Ashley, being able to be spontaneous, dropping by, enjoying Brailyn and Bodie so much more, and feeling the closeness of family!  They decided to board horses, so Ashley gets her dream to have horses, and Brailyn gets to ride.  Yes, thank you, Father in Heaven, for being aware of us, and for looking out for us!  We are truly grateful!

QUINTON BORN! October 12, 2012

QUINTON JACOB BEACH was born in the Riverton Hospital while Jacob, Jonique and Xelly lived in West Jordan, Utah.  Jonique wanted him to be born on October 11th, so his birthday would be 11-12-13 ... but Quinton decided to be born on the 12th.  It was more peaceful in the hospital on that day - - and that is the kind of spirit that this little boy is!  He was born with oodles of black hair (a pattern here!) and when I took Xelly to the hospital to be with her mom, dad and new baby brother, she couldn't stop jumping up and down ... and hiding in the closets, and everything that a big sister would do out of excitement.

Jonique and I had made drapes for his room and Jacob and Jonique made Scrabble-Square letters for his wall that spell his name.  He came home to a wonderful home and lots of love!  Before I flew home we took Xelly to the Pumpkin Patch - and this picture of Quinton, born in October, is so appropriate! 

When Quinton was a few weeks old Jacob, Jonique and their family of 4 flew to Arizona to be with us so Quinton could receive a name and a blessing from his father - - and have family members enjoy this special event. The Sunday of Quinton's blessing Jonique was noticing that he was not able to hold any food down, and was becoming lethargic. She followed her motherly inspiration and took him to the Urgent Care, who immediately sent them to the Emergency Hospital, who immediately sent them to Cardon's Children's Hospital. Quinton had a blockage of his pyloric valve and was in danger of not "making it" without surgery.  Jonique and Jacob stayed with him in the hospital and we had Xelly at home to love and enjoy!   The surgery went well and Quinton has recovered completely.  He is beautiful, calm and precious!  While in Arizona, Jacob felt that they should move back home as soon as he graduates from his accounting program at University of Phoenix (ironically, in Utah) - yeah!

2012 IMPORTANT THINGS THAT I MISSED

There are so many things that I didn't record this past year in this blog, and now I can't find my journal with all of its awesome miracles and wonderful experiences.  But here are some pictures of memories that made me happy!  I have to laugh when I see our family pictures!  We all wanted "fresh" pictures, and a nice one to hang in the family room to replace the old one.  When we got to the place the photographer selected - there we stood in cow manure and soggy leaves, with mud sticking to our shoes.  To top it off, the littles 3 grandkids could not all act "normal" at the same time.  We just have to love them!!!  I still like the pictures, and love the memories!

Devanie's soccer season ended with an injured wrist, but she came to the final game to cheer her team on and was a great sport.  This was the first year for each of the 3 oldest kids (Devanie, Zander and Roxie) to play soccer, and I loved going to their games.  We usually had to leave one game to see another, and it was fun to see them improve throughout the season as they learned more and more how the game works.

At the awards ceremony I caught this picture of Zander laughing at his coach, and LOVE to see him laugh.  He is a very fast runner so soccer is a natural sport for his running talent.  Speaking of talents, I have loved teaching these kids piano this year.  I got up at 5:30 am and went to Ryan and Cam's home on Monday mornings to teach them piano (well, most of the time - because sometimes I slept in and missed).  It's great to see the kids especially love to play hymns, and Cam says that it creates a good spirit in their homes in the mornings when their hymn-practicing is going on.

The GILBERT TEMPLE was started and is scheduled to be completed the summer/fall of 2013.  It is on Pecos and Greenfield, just 2.5 miles from our home.  The day that Angel Moroni was placed upon the temple, Dad and I were working in the Mesa Temple and weren't able to be there.  We have served in the temple for 5 years now, and we realize that it is a great blessing, and that many factors have aligned so that we can have this privilege.  In February I was called to be a Coordinator, training, scheduling and organizing the 150 women who work under me and my assistantx on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  It has been a huge responsibility with a big learning curve, but I am finally starting to feel more in control and capable.  I have been given several visible and huge miracles during these 4 months - and I am so grateful for them.  Thank you, Heavenly Father, for being aware of my needs!

Each time Angel Moroni is placed atop a temple of God, the powers of Satan on the earth are decreased.  Moroni STOOD ALONE in his time - which was a wicked time much like it is today.  He is a great example of how we should be - standing for truth and righteousness in spite of the temptations and the upheaval in the world.  I'm so grateful that he came to Joseph Smith and gave him God's message (4 times in one night), telling him that he, Joseph, was called to help God restore Christ's kingdom back upon the earth in the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times.  I can only imagine what a 14 year old boy would feel like with an experience like that - but from my own experiences - I KNOW that this happened - and I KNOW that God's complete plan for His children is fully restored and all is in preparation for Jesus Christ's 2nd Coming.

Devanie, Zander, Roxie and Maddaux spent a day with me going to several parks.  The kids brought skateboards and bikes and we had a great time playing on the huge playground and skating.  Also, when Grandpa came, we went to Barney Park and scoped out the new horseshoe pit and other things that were being built by Eagle Scouts.

Zander is a real athlete!

Jonique and Xelly got to come and visit us while Jacob went to his gun training in Nevada.  We had a great time together, went shopping, ate out, and did girl things that I never get to do because of my crazy schedule.  Jonique announced that she is pregnant - due on October 11 - and we were later so excited to learn that she is having a baby boy!  We found out the gender when we went to Utah (dad and me) and we enjoyed staying with them for a weekend while I attended the Zyto Conference.

Moab was a trip we will never forget - - not only because they scared me to death by taking me up this narrow and dangerous spine of rocks, but watching them climb Devils Gate and other dangerous places, let me know that I have become a wimp over the years.  I especially enjoyed watching Richard and Riley help one another through hard things - guiding one another to keep each other safe.

RICHARD'S 25th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

RICHARD agreed that his house is the most fun place to celebrate a birthday when there are kids involved - because of his awesome swimming pool!  The grandkids were so excited to go there again!  Riley and Richard were the only adults who were "fun" enough to go swimming with the kids - and Bodie wasn't allowed to swim (since he is only a few weeks old)!  Brailyn was a little timid (at 2 1/2 years, as she has forgotten her skills from last year).  On the other hand, Zander has gotten so much better!  He had a backwards dive added into his repertoire, and Richard had a 1 1/2 with a twist added into his!

Even though it is June, the weather was nice enough to have food on the patio, and we enjoyed chatting and laughing together.  Birthday cake was Cheesecake with fresh strawberries and it didn't even melt!  Richard grilled hot dogs and we had salads, chips, watermelon and the works.  Richard's friends were coming over later to celebrate with him - and we knew they (mostly single, starving guys) would be happy with leftovers.

Great Grandma Gurney came too (I'm still looking for the other pictures that were taken that show the rest of the group).  It's great to have family get-togethers and to celebrate someone that we love so much!  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICHARD!  

Every year you become more dear to us!  May your 25th year be your best!  

We love you! 

RORY AND RACHEL'S WEDDING

Rory and Rachel's wedding has been one of the most joyful events of 2012!  It takes miracles and time for Heavenly Father and His angels to get the perfect people together - but somehow it happens!  For 4 months my friend, Debbie Johnson, told me that she knew of a girl that Rory needed to meet.  I didn't think that he was quite ready, especially since he told me he didn't want any relationships until 1.5 years "after-the-fact", because he wanted to be "fully present", with feet planted solidly on the ground before meeting anyone new.  However, Debbie called me each month, and told me that it wasn't just her, she felt that the Holy Ghost was prompting her - because the feeling that he needed to meet this girl was very strong.  She gave me the Facebook link to the girl - her name was RACHEL LINDSEY.  So Rory and I explored her page, pictures ... and she looked so fun ... lots of action shots of jumping off cliffs into water, dancing and dinners with friends, and culinary artistic specialties that she had made.  She was cute, and he thought OK, but nothing was done about it.  Then one Saturday night Debbie and her husband were here with Rick and me playing cards and Rory walked in.  They told him they weren't going to leave until he called Rachel for a date.  He went into his bedroom and seemed to come out only 1 minute later - and said, I did it.  Really?  That was fast, but he had asked her for a date to Freestone Park, for a picnic (barbeque) ... it was that simple! 

Rory came in from the date and said, "she is gorgeous!".  Then after a day, he asked, "when would it be appropriate to ask for another date"?  I told him that he was an adult and there wasn't a "waiting time".  So he went into his room, called Rachel, came out, and said, "she said to come over now".  And it turned into full swing!  Rory really liked where Rachel lived ... it was the tiniest little house, just south of the Mesa Temple.  He liked to walk around the temple grounds when he was waiting for her, or they walked there together.  Everytime he came home he said how easy Rachel was to talk to, how beautiful she is, and when he brought her here to meet us we had to agree!  What a stunning couple! 

At Thanksgiving Rory went to Safford with Rachel to meet her family.  He LOVED them and loved the whole experience.  He was already smitten, and while he was there he talked to Rachel's father and asked for permission to marry her.  He said her dad was easy to talk to and he gave him his blessing and good counsel.  Rory came home from that trip ready to move forward into a new and wonderful life!  Alex and Aurora absolutely loved Rachel, and when then ran into the house, it wasn't me Aurora was looking for anymore, it was Rachel!  That's how it should be - and my heart is so overjoyed!

The time for the wedding came quickly due to Christmas holidays, finding an apartment, moving Rory there first (thanks to Ryan and his workers the difficult move up to the 3rd floor didn't kill anyone!), and working out all the details of the wedding and reception.  Rachel's aunt, Donna Barney, is a decor and event specialist, so between Rachel's dream vision of the reception, and Donna's brilliance in design the work was divided between many of us.  I was impressed with Rachel's detailed planning, and could see that she is a good organizer and that she pays attention to details.  It was good getting to know her better and better - and liking her even more!

The temple has been a big part of their relationship, where she lived so close to it, and it is going to be a most joyful day when they kneel over the altar and make the covenants for eternity that will seal them together forever.  Yes, this has been one of the most beautiful miracles I have witnessed in my life, and I have seen many!  Thank you, Heavenly Father, for answering a mother's prayers for her precious son.  I guess that goes for Rachel's mom too - as I feel that she was there all along the way, guiding her daughter, but from behind the veil, on the other side of mortality.  I feel close to her and had a special experience in the temple when Rory, Rachel, Rick and I went there to do initiatory work.  I am so grateful for God's amazing plan of happiness!

My favorite memory of the reception (it was absolutely the most gorgeous reception ever!) was when Rachel's uncle sat them back-to-back on chairs in the courtyard, and each of them had the other person's SHOE in their right hand.  When her uncle read questions to stump them about each other - not even one time were they stumped!!!  They knew one another - and it was amazing!  It was the end of a beautiful day, but the beginning of an eternity together - for that is what they want and will work for!  Welcome into the Gurney Family, Mrs. Rachel Gurney!  We love you!

BODIE GURNEY BORN APRIL 17, 2012

 Ashley is a beautiful pregnant mom!  Rick has always said that clean, pregnant women are the most beautiful women in the world!  (He always knew how to make me feel better during that time and season - when women get discouraged and feel not-so-beautiful).  Riley and Ashley have been going through a move, remodeling (extensively) the new home they purchased on horse property in Queen Creek - - and Ashley is brave enough to do all this while adding another baby into their family. 

Ashley is proof that Rick is right!

Bodie was born on a Tuesday, when Riley had been working all day, and Ashley started to think that something might be really going on (delivery) and so she had a bath, did her hair, and it was the real thing!  Rick and I headed to the hospital in time for her delivery, so we got to welcome Bodie just moments after he arrived.  He is so beautiful - so Riley, and so heavenly!  He has a gentle, peaceful, patient spirit (like his dad) and I am so excited for them!  Every grandchild that comes into our family will be loved like he or she is the only grandchild that we ever received - unique and special!

SUMMER 2011 - Extreme Temperatures and Extreme Love!

So much has happened in our family since January! There have been absolute highs and absolute lows - but love will prevail and eternal relationships will go on! We have been so blessed to have Rory, Alex and Aurora move in with us - and to see Rory as an absolutely amazing father. His teaching methods, his love, his humor and his diligence are beyond what most fathers experience in their "fatherhood" years. He is also a great cook, a great cleaner and organizer, and now he has added school to his routine. Most parents don't get to see thier children in the full role of parenting, but we have been blessed over the years to have several of our kids and grandkids live with us for a season - to see them as adults - and to know of their goodness. One of the coolest things is to see these kids love and care for one another. Last Sunday we celebrated Grandma Gurney coming home from Utah and some of the family stayed until late. Ryan told funny stories of when we lived in Utah and the kids were little, and he kept us laughing! His kids were delighted, and I was happy to see family traditions and stories being passed down the generations. It reminded me of my favorite times growing up, when my parents, aunts and uncles would entertain us with their stories - especially about their lives in the mountains, the Indians, horses, etc.

My favorite days are always those where the family gets together - whether it is for Sunday dinners, to swim, to barbeque, or just when I get to tend the grandkids. A favorite day was when Rory took his brothers, sisters-in-law, and dad to a movie to thank them for all the work they gave in helping him move. I could tell that they were nervous to leave me with all the grandkids (since we were all in the pool), but the big kids (Devanie and Zander) helped with the little kids and I counted heads every few minutes.... 7 happy kids! When we got out we got on pijamas, ate, made popcorn and got out lots of pillows and blankets and watched The Frog Princess movie. All was calm and quiet until the dancing music came on - and then Aurora and Brailyn couldn't stay down! They jumped up, started dancing, and then everyone got excited - - and then parents came home!

It is so fun to cook with grandkids around! Lately they have helped prepare a lot of the meals. For our last Sunday dinner Roxie made the gravy, Devanie made the potatoes, Cam and Ryan tended the rolls, Ryan carved the turkey, Rick set the table - and I can't remember everything each person did, but dinner was wonderful! Afterwards it's a race to the sink for the little kids - because they all love to wash the dishes! I got a letter from Gilbert Town saying our water use was xtra high...so between my "forgotten" waterings of plants and our really clean dishes by Brailyn and Aurora it's totally possible! When everyone is gone I leave the toy room "as is" for a day or so, then re-organize it so that they next time they come they will be excited to be here. I remember our kids when they were little and when they didn't want to go to grandmas house because there was nothing to do and nothing to eat. I committed that our grandkids would never get a chance to feel that way!

A highlight of the summer was going to Utah - the first time with Rick, and the 2nd time I drove on my own. Rick was nervous for me to drive alone - but he tracked me on his phone and we talked at every stop (and sometimes in between). I totally loved my week with Jonique, Jacob and Xelly! It was beautiful weather, and a privilege to help Jonique while she got her wisdom teeth pulled. Xelly loved playing outside, filling her little rectangular pan with water, sitting in it, putting her babies in it ... and I thought ... "how awesome kids are to be happy with the simpliest of things". I didn't like leaving - but knew that we would be together in the end of August at Lake Powell. I'm grateful that Jacob works hard to take care of his cute little family - even if his job took them away! It is nice to have an excuse to go to Utah - and a wonderful place to stay!

Rory's birthday was fun - with everyone there to celebrate. The grandkids made heart messages and put them on large skewers and filled the lawns, planters and inside plants with them for a great heart attack! Rory chose to have homemade chicken noodle soup (old family recipe) and cheesecake(s). Some things just don't change! At least it wasn't "Bruno" soup!

These terrific grandkids have turned into fish! They took swimming lessons this year and all of them are very water savvy and they do some great dives, back-dives, pencils, and other tricks for me. Even Maddaux can do things that I wouldn't think a 4 year old would dare to do - and he's pretty tough. One of my favorite things since their school started (year round school) is that I get to teach them piano lessons at 6 am each week. What a great experience for a grandma! I'm so proud of each of them and the progress that they are making. Their music is beautiful and I see them moving forward each week! Yeah!

Another fun experience was camping up Sedona canyon (near Flagstaff) with Riley, Ashley and Brailyn. There were not any forests open for camping other than this one due to the fires and dryness. We hoped the other kids would be able to come, but Richard had to work (or should I say "got" to work), Ryan too, so it was just the 5 of us! We played lots of card games - and Ashley's favorite was SkipBo. The day that we left it began to rain, but as we arrived into the Phoenix valley the weather was 114 degrees! Yep, we came home too soon!

Jonique, Jacob and Xelly posed for me at Chris Dayley's reception. It was fun being with them and seeing Richard there too with his friends. We enjoyed having Richard fly home with us - since we don't get to see him as much after we changed our day and time of service at the temple. Rick and I love serving at the temple! It is truly a blessing to us - and we see miracles that bless our kids and grandkids - recognizing that the Lord is near, and he loves each one of us!

 These kids are getting so brave, and it's fun to see their confidence grow as their abilities grow.  Lake Powell this year will be extra fun with all these little "water bugs"!

  This little guy makes me laugh!  I am waiting for a day to be with just him - and I know that the time quickly goes by, so I need to take every chance to be with him before he is a big kid and it's not "cool" to be with grandma!

Being a grandma is the best! Rory was telling me that he thinks that pregnancy is a great thing, because it is the beginning of the absolute best part of life! Yep, I agree! The blessings of children and grandchildren are some of the greatest blessings on earth! Every kid needs a safe place to go when life is tough - and grandma's house is a safe place - always!