Laughter & Teardrops

Those precious memories of my little grandchildren...
My joy My Frankincense My Myrrh

The big family get together had arrived. The back lawn held a heap of carrots from the garden, gathered by the ambitious little ones. Glancing out I was startled by the tiny ones chopping tops off with my sharp kitchen knives. Eight year old Aubree just then stepped to my drawer for more. I said, "Oh Obee, please gather the knives from the little ones and lets set an age - just tell them just eight year olds and older are to cut the tops off. " I suddenly hear her voice ring out, "Hold it, hold it. The only ones who get to cut the tops off the carrots are those who have been baptized!" (Laughter)

Oh yes, now I'm remembering Darrin's baptism day. We were in College Station, Texas. The baptism was over and we were heading home. Dear little Darrin was so full of joy. He said, "Wasn't that a special day? Me and my friends all in white, our dads in white, the water in front of us just clear and pretty, everybody around us. And there's only one thing that could have made it better - if somebody could have just been playing soft music on the piano - oh, something like - (and he started to softly sing), "There's a little white duck floating on the water, a little white duck doing what he otter." (Laughter)

And there was that day I was driving down to Delta with my car full of the little grandkids from Orem. As we got to the little country town of Leamington I stopped behind the big yellow school bus awaiting three little children to exit. They were a little shabby looking, one in a well worn oversized coat. I grabbed for a teaching moment saying, "Look at these little children not dressed in the best but we always treat them as nice as any others, don't we? Look at their little house and see on the top - they don't even have an antenna on the roof because they don't have a TV in their home." Zander spoke up immediately, "Grandma, remember where this house is. We have two TVs in our home. We don't need two - we sure don't need two! We'll bring one here." (Teardrops)

Oh dear - now they have divided the ward boundaries again and this time my little six year old Kelly across the street will go to another ward. His mom and dad busy, involved and etc. just didn't get to church at all on a regular basis, but dear gray-haired Lilac Holman stopped and picked him up each Sunday. After months had passed I realized I should ask Kelly if he wanted to come to my ward with me. He said, "Well, Grandma, I'm not sure I had better because over there they said we have the only true church!" (Teardrops)

Oh yes, and there was the time when little three year old Brandon heard the news from his mother that she had been holding back for some time. She said with sweet, precious feelings in her heart, "Brandon, I've got something exciting to tell you. In about three months, we will be getting you a new little sister! Isn't that going to be exciting?" Brandon said, "Well, I don't know - I'd sooner have a little monkey!" (Laughter) And I am remembering now when dear little Kimberly was born in Salt Lake and James and I were driving home from seeing her. Little Brandon was with us - he was an excited and astonished little boy. And I am also remembering Brandon looked out the rear window and said, "Oh, oh Grandpa, trouble! Trouble! Trouble!" (James never did learn to slow down - he's paid his share). (Teardrops - teardrops)

Now I am remembering little Kaydn being dropped off at my home so many mornings with Joan teaching school. How Sam, so confined to his walker and occasional wheelchair, would look forward to Kaydn brightening his day. And always as Kaydn was picked up to go home he and Sam had the same goodbye of, "See ya' later alligator," - "After while crocodile." I am remembering the morning Joan called and asked if I could hurry there and get Kaydn to kindergarten as he'd missed the bus - she had no car. I was dashing out the door as my phone rang again. I answered - it was the hospital gently letting me know Sam had just passed away! (Four days in the hospital). I just drove straight to get Kaydn to school and released the news to Joan, and Kaydn said, "I guess I can't say, 'After while crocodile' anymore." (Teardrops - teardrops - overflowing teardrops)

There is no end to the memories tucked deep in my heart.
(Maybe someday I'll write a book).

Grandma N. G.
May 6, 2010

My Jewels

I read each name with tender care
Such precious jewels sent from above
Each has their own special place
That time and memory cannot erase!

April 21, 2007

Bryson's Baptism

Could I tell you about a special gift
More special than any I know
It comes straight to you from God up above
Because He loves you so

When hands are placed upon your head
By men holding the priesthood so true
They give you this gift of the Holy Ghost
That you may know those things that are true!

He wants you to be protected
To be watched over through night and through day
He wants you to feel the right thing to do
When others would lead you astray

So heed and listen when he whispers to you
Now the words won't be spoken and real
But the promptings will come and you'll know just what to do
For it's something inside that you'll feel

Sometimes you'll be sad and lonely
Sometimes you'll not know what to do
As years move along and problems arise
But He'll be there to see you through

Now there are things you must do to keep this gift
That it will not leave and depart
Try to keep the commandments and choose the right
And listen to Him with your heart

For this is the Gift of the Holy Ghost
He's a messenger sent to you from above
And He'll always be there to guide and direct
God sends Him to you with His love!

March 2, 2002

Andy Andy

Andy, Andy on the run
Always up before the sun
Feeds the cows -
Checks the calves
Then he's stepping on the gas
So he can be on time for class.

I hear the tractor leave the yard
It's Andy Andy workin' hard
Now to the Palladium I must go
On my way to see the Pro!
Be it rain or sleet or snow!

My shaken frame is full of fears
I hide my eyes, I clasp my ears
It's not a pretty sight to see
Those twisted limbs in front of me
Oh - how much longer must this be?

Now Andy's on that man he flopped
I watch the clock - I think it's stopped
Don't think I can take much more
Now Andy's pinned him to the floor.

I'm on my way another night
Where everything will be just right
He's standing tall and so refined
Tuxedo clad with shoes all shined
For now it's Bone Voce time!

He has no time to court a girl
Although they keep him in a whirl
But I would say that he's in luck
'Cause he must gather every buck
To make those payments on that truck.

Now reverently I'm in my place
My eyes are searching for his face
Yet I know 'twill be awhile
So I'll keep faith and wear my smile
To church on time is not his style.

I know it's wrong to feel so proud
To spread my voice so clear and loud
But I want everyone to know
As much as he is on the go
He also makes the honor roll!

Yes, Andy Andy on the run
Gives this grandma lots of fun
Never gives me time to sit
More gray hairs I must admit
But I don't care -
It's all worth it!

Love,
Grandma

February 1998

Sweet Sixteen

You're sweet 16
Life's really in the pink
But it's going to pass by
As quickly as a wink

So take each day
And love every minute
And I'm sure you will
If you put the right things in it

For there's this saying
And I'm sure it's true -
When you give life your best
The best comes back to you!

Dear Ali

Roses are pink
Apples are yellow
Whoever gets you
Will be some lucky fellow.

But don't get in a hurry
You've just turned fifteen
And these are your years
To laugh and to dream!

Life holds so much
For a girl such as you
You're charming and pretty
So talented too!

You're always a lady
Wherever you are
You know how to handle
A ball or a car!!!

Your cooking's delish!
Your cheesecakes superb
You practice on brothers
Who eat what you serve.

May life give you pleasures
As you go on your way
May you stay just as sweet
As we find you today.

Love from Grandma.

October 26th, 1997



To Ali

Happy Birthday to you
Could no. 17 be true
Yes it adds up correctly
You were born in '82.

What a busy lady you are
Off to work in that car
Off to church you must go
Always keeping a 4 point 0.

Mom had a heavy surgery day
Yet hurried home your cake to bake
Homemade frosting fluffy white
'Twas a very special night.

Orvetta's thoughts: Composed 1-14-00 as I put her pictures in a scrapbook.



Dear Ali,
Roses are red violets are blue
I think you're beautiful and Chris does too
Kresdon thinks you're beautiful and Kurt does too
Brandon thinks you're beautiful and Mike does too!

Roses are red and violets are blue
I think you're smart and Jenn does too.
Roses are red and violets are blue
Marie thinks you're a brain and you study hard too.

Roses are red and violets are blue
Liz thinks you're really on the ball and you'd better be too
Roses are red - violets are blue
And Carolyn and Marci will dribble with you!

And all the above think you're lots of fun
My page is all gone so my poem is all done.

October 26, 2000
Orvetta's thoughts: On Ali's B-day card as she turned 18.

Dear Kelly

Dear Kelly,

As I looked at this card with the seagull soaring, wings spread, I thought of you -- some of your lofty dreams have taken flight and you are out there somewhere, trying your wings!

I look deeper on and the ships sailing on, remind me of the span between us, maybe it's the blueness too that catches this breath deep within me.

The waves with their mysterious depth, are telling me how life moves on, disguising the forward voyage, and reminds me of my powerlessness in trying to stop the movement and progression of earth and time.

God bless you out there and I'll wait for golden September to see you again!

May all my love reach through the distance between us and let you know once again how much you mean in my life.

Your best friend,
Grandma

June 16, 1987

Farewell Party

Leaves are falling, summer's going
Grandma's feeling blue.
We didn't get together much
Each day kept racing through.

So let's have a "Farewell Party"
To all those summer days
Come on over to my house
We'll eat and laugh and play.

Dinner at 6:30 this coming Thursday night
Fried chicken and your favorite pie
So bring you appetite.

So Ali, Kyle, and Cory come, Aubree, Ryan too
And how I wish that we could have
Heather, Nate and Andy.

This invitation goes to all -
The sisters and the brothers
And also you can bring along
Your dads and then your mothers!

But remember it's your special night
For age 13 down to 9
The table will be set for you!
While others at the bar will dine.

Then what we really need is
For them to eat and run
So we can have our cozy night
Of games and laughs and fun!!!

Love,
Grandma

August 10, 1996
Orvetta's thoughts: Invitation sent to my Delta Grandchildren for our closing summer party.

Dear Brian

Dear Brian,

As I watched you among some one hundred thirty other graduates tonight in your black cap and robe, my feelings swelled within me. What pride I felt for the grandson who was emerging from so many molding and growing years.

I don't believe anyone there could look upon their graduate and feel any more proud than you have made all of us.

Not only have you excelled scholastically, but through the music field - and other cultural areas. And most of all you are a gentleman in every respect - and you are a true representation of our gospel!

What more could a grandmother ask?

And now, as the song said, as you and your group sang to us this night, "It's time for moving on." I'm sure you will move on to the many greater achievements - as life expects of you.

Yes Brian, I feel sure that as all of us watched you with satisfied hearts mingled with some tears of joy, that someone else from up above was sharing this same brief momentous moment with us.

Thank you.

Love,
Grandmother Nickle

Delta, Utah
May 20, 1982

Dear Monica

Spring is here and robins sing
The flowers are starting to bloom
Blue skies look down and smile with you
You're going to be married soon!

And down through the years we've heard it said
They lived happily ever after
Don't count it always to be this way
It won't be all music and laughter.

Oh the first few weeks will be blissful
He will be perfect within your eyes
And you will be just as perfect for him
It takes time to realize ---

There'll be floors to mop, his shirts to iron
You'll find some button missing
Not enough time to do it all
Not much time left for kissing.

There'll be pans to scrub from those cookies burned
And that dripping fridge to defrost
And windows that you can't see through
You'll wish that you could get lost!

Your flour bag will empty, the money spent
And there'll be no more 'til the first!
These are those times I'm warning you of
You'll think that life's at it's worst.

But hang in there dear, you need to know
There's much more of this to come
Just grit your teeth and bear it
You've only just begun!

Think of the meals you'll have to fix
But it will be so much fun
When everything turns out just right
Then Casey doesn't come!

But he'll finally appear with flowers in his hand
You could have bought a big roast!
He holds you close and whispers sweet talk
Now, what really matters most!

Yes, just like the change in the weather
From sunshine to wintry snows
You'll have good times and then you'll have bad ones
That's just the way life goes.

Now these are the words I want you to hear
Make sure as you journey through
That you'll find the roses, not the prickly thorns
The choosing is all up to you.

And someday you will be my age
And then you'll look back and say
Life has been beautiful only because
The blue skies took turns with the gray!

Love,
Grandma

March 10, 1990

Matthew Aaron Edwards

Dear Mother, Dad, & Family,

I have watched with longing patience
From this pre-earth life view
Wondering when my time would come
To be sent down to you.

I pleaded with my Father,
"They need me there on earth
To complete our family circle,
Could I experience birth?"

You see, I know you Mother
And I knew that you
Would be glad of heart and willing
To suffer for me too.

And even though your waiting hands
Would cuddle me - so sweet
You would let go - because you'd know
My mission was complete.

And Dad, I know the joys we'd have
As father and his son
How proud I am to see you bow
And say, "Thy will be done."

So God in all His wisdom
His graciousness and love
Has let me touch my footprints there
Then called me up above.

And now my place has been secured
I have my earthly home
Among my brothers, sister too
No longer, left alone.

And just as brief as my time there
So brief again 'twill be
Until we're joined together
Through all eternity.

You son,
Matthew Aaron Edwards

Earth life arrival
September 26, 1986

Merry Christmas Kelly

Decisions, decisions, decisions
I don't know what to do
Your box is packed with fruit and cakes
A little candy too
That magazine subscription
I renew when Christmas is near
You told me to forget it
Til the middle of next year
Now oh dear it's Christmas Eve
What do I have instead?
A comfy sweatshirt you could use
But I don't think you like red
Oh yes, I have another shirt
A flannel plaid would fit
Or else some warm lined winter gloves
I'll let you take your pick
There's one more choice I'd better add
If you don't like any of them
How about a little cash -
Would you rather have a ten?

Merry Christmas Kelly, 1989

Dear OB

Dear OB,

Now sweet 16 is what you are
The day you've waited so long for
For you can legally drive that car
But we can't keep track of where you are

January 7, 2001

Dear Andy

Dear Andy,

I'm sure that you could never know
How much I look and see
You dashing here and racing there
And where you're going to be
And whenever I am in your view
As you go racing by
I feel the warmth of love from you
As I see your hand wave, "Hi"
And I know no matter what I need
Of things I cannot do
My grateful heart is full of thanks
I can always count on you!

Love,
Grandma

May 16, 2004

The Story Of The Stockings

Today I hung their stockings, all of them, the grandchildren's, the married grandchildren's, their spouses, and the eight little greats. What a wonderful day!

Each little stocking I placed in my hand flooded the feelings through me. Each little stocking talked with me as I hung. I'm smiling, Aubree will be asking me why her stocking and Melissa's is so tiny. Yes, two little alike stockings made for two little near three year olds those six years back. Now here is Aubree getting tall and long legged, seriously thoughtful, dribbling balls and on the go always. And here's Melissa, mild and mannerly, wise.

I hope I didn't too lavishly decorate some more than others. I stood back and gazed on the display, lifted some down to add more trim and equalize.

I've lined them all, oldest down. So always, Kelly, my first grandchild starts the picture. How blessed I've been to have him so near through his growing years. We share a million memories. I know the order they come in. I don't have to look up any birth dates for any of the forty.

How nice to sew and new stocking and scroll the name "Liz" for the new wife added to our family. How nice to pause and study each young couple and feel so warm and good inside for what I see. My heart leaps as I add tiny little new ones next to their sweet mothers. Look at Aislynn's with the dainty bow on it. Oh how my fingers scurried through the scrap drawer for that, and pink trimmed! I gave a little scream of delight when I saw it! With six little, healthy, robust great grandsons born just ahead of her the pink touch was a must! Now here's Jessica. She's the one that turned me into a great grandmother five years ago. Oh, I've just got to add a bright fluffy pom-pom to hers.