Grandma's House

Apr 4, 2009

The Joke's on Mom!

The only notable claim I have to uniqueness is my birthday on April Fool's Day. Brother Phillips in our bishopric left a message on my answering machine saying happy birthday, that he did not know I was born that odd day, which he said explained a lot of things. Hmm, I don't know whether to pursue that line of reasoning or not. Of course, when Becca and Mitchell called early that morning and said "Happy Birthday," I shot back, "Thank you. And happy birthday to you, too." Which clearly shows I can never be responsible for what I say, having been born on April lst. After that Becca said Mitchell walked around the house singing "Happy Birthday to me."

My cute husband Doug cased the mall for hours looking for the right gift, a huge gesture if you know how much he dislikes being in crowds shopping and how challenging it is to shop in a wheelchair anyway. Although the dress he bought was adorable, it belonged on someone taller, so we had to return it. We did find a black jacket to compliment my skirt, making a new outfit for church. Always a welcome thing. That seemed like enough celebration for someone turning an ancient 69.

But apparently Doug is not sure I will survive another year, because he also made reservations for dinner at Chef's Table, a restaurant known not only for its gourmet food but its ambience with lovely views out picture windows overlooking Provo and fine art everywhere. We had looked forward to eating there for two weeks! (And saving our money!) But the best part of that meal was the surprise that Liz and Lane were joining us for dinner, with Sarah, who just recently soloed with the Utah Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra, serenading us on her harp, filling the restaurant with graceful and soothing music that had to improve everyone's digestion (if not their disposition as well). The event was a complete surprise, and made for a very happy and memorable dinner. The only thing that could have made it any better was if all the children could have been there, too.

Thank you, everyone, for your calls and cards. It is wonderful to be remembered. We are blessed with thoughtful and marvelous children, and I am fortunate to have a very sweet and romantic husband.

Feb 20, 2009

The Passing of a Gentle Giant

Doug's younger brother, Thomas Owen McConochie, was laid to rest on Valentine's Day, an appropriate time for someone so beloved by his children and grand-children. Although it was a cold snowy day, our hearts were indeed warmed by all the comments and anecdotes of appreciation, good humor, and pure affection for this gentle giant which we saw and heard expressed during his funeral. The grandchildren were the pallbearers.

Sweet Lisa, Rod's wife.

Life remains jolly for the kids.

Tom's daughter Diane, a nurse at Utah Valley Hospital, with her son Kendall.

Zona and family launch garlands of helium balloons into the atmosphere as a final wish of good luck and love to Tom. The snow didn't deter her; nothing deters Z. She's always gone for what she wanted-- and people follow, knowing it will be exciting and fun and worthwhile and that she knows where she is going.

Here's one for you!

Choosing a few roses for mementos . Doug is watching from our red car located in the background. Since the wheelchair lacked snow chains, he watched from his ringside seat where he could hear the grave dedicatory prayer because microphones were set up for him. Very thoughtful!

Tom's grandson Doug McConochie and his young son reflect the deep grief the family members and children felt for the loss of their dear "Pa."

Livingstons braved the weather with us. They learned new things about their Uncle Tom-- the fine athlete he was, how smart at math (could do any problem in his head), and how he loved attending all the games and athletic endeavors of his grandchildren as long as he could.

Taking shelter under umbrellas from the very cold snow, which began falling at the gravesite. Zona, Susan, Diane, and Susan's husband affectionately called "Taj" behind them. Below are Susan and our daughter Cathy with me; neither of us had not seen Susan for years. So good to renew that connection!

Two cousins who always come off smiling, even with tears in their eyes.

Tom's daughter Allison with her nephew Bill; Glenna, a very dear family friend, on the side. As you can see, Allison is the ham of the family.

Hold it-- Isn't that Uncle Tom? Nope-- just Tom's grandson, Bill, who bears an uncanny resemblance to his grandpa at that age. He considers it a great compliment, and rightfully so. Both great athletes, 6' 2", curly dark hair, big smile, same McConochie mold. Both handsome dudes.

Two charmers: Cathy and her cousin Allison, Tom's youngest daughter and mother of four blond sons, including "the twins".....

or as Uncle Tom dubbed them,

" The Bookends."

Tom's son Rod with wife Lisa at the viewing. Rod will miss his weekly phone calls with his dad. Now Uncle Doug will have to chew him out!!

It is interesting how Diane also resembles her Grandma Vi. She made us feel a bit homesick for Viola. Below, Allison and Doug have a moment's reunion after too many years.

Susan and Taj. Wish they all lived closer.

Zona is a most unusual woman of great courage and personal strength. Famous among family and friends for her wit and good cooking, she was zealous and devoted in her care for Tom. He always spoke of her with great love and appreciation.

The family and grandchildren wrote Valentine messages which they placed in the casket with Tom, who would have appreciated them so dearly. How appropriate that he would have his funeral on this day of love and tribute.

To quote from Doug's brief obituary reading at the funeral:

"My brother Tom had a great testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and as long as he was able, he studied to increase his knowledge, and when he could no longer read, he listened to tapes and talks. Through his long trials he never doubted the truthfulness of the gospel.

Tom had a great love for life and a keen sense of humor. He was quick to see the best in others. He was very social, had a gentle spirit, and loved to be around people. Although his health challenges were great, he had a positive attitude and was patient. He passed away on the tenth of Feb., 2009, and was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sandra, and brother Keith."

We will miss our gentle giant.

"The love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow,

and gladdens every heart.”

Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, quorum of the Twelve Apostles, conference address Oct. 2008

To see a short video Allison took of the family:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixAzl8sKurY

Jan 18, 2009

Snowtime

SNOWTIME

Soon after arriving for a visit from California, Tony and Cathy gathered their children, Jaci and Garrett, with Peter and Eliza (cousins), and me (Grandma Barb) for a snow outing at Foothill Park.

And I'll huff and I'll puff, and maybe I'll make it to the top! This is exercise!

I'm sure glad I don't have to carry these discs myself, thinks Peter.

Ready, get set.... go!

Hurry up, Mom! You're in the way!

It was a great time to enjoy the fresh snow. Others were there too, but there was plenty of room for us. The snow was perfect, the air crisp and cold, but our snow suits were warm and we all felt toasty. The hills were steep and long. Armed with discs we tramped up and down, the children gleeful as they climbed the hills, slipping and sliding down sometimes before they even reached the top.

I was hoping I could climb these hills as easily as the children. (Tony doesn't count; he could climb Mt. Everest in an afternoon.)

Eliza doesn't trust the first run without a guide, and Tony, natch, is the best!

Garrett posed only twice for me. He was much too busy tramping up and down, racing and recovering to be bothered with photo shoots.

Cathy takes her first ride down the hill. Does it look this scarey to the children?