Sharman's 50th

Sharman celebrated her 50th birthday in May. She wasn't too sure about how she felt turning 50, but I assured her that she enters her 50s with great wisdom, life's experience, good health, terrific kids, (and so-so husband), and that she can expect that with these benefits, her 50s will be even better than ever. I think she bought it. But in reality, I really mean it. She is really great, and I am looking forward to someday reaching my 50s (in January) and spending them with her.

We celebrated by spending last Friday and Saturday in San Francisco, doing some touristy things that we sometimes don't take the time to do. After a great dinner, we went to see Beach Blanket Babylon (a comedy musical revue with some rather interesting subject matter). The next day we went to the farmer's market at the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero overlooking the Bay Bridge, the Palace of Legion of Honor (up by the Golden Gate Bridge) where we saw the Annie Liebowitz exhibit, the Fillmore area by where we used to live to eat at a wonderful hole-in-the-wall called la Mediterranee, down to the Kabuki Theater in Japantown to see Indiana Jones. We finished the day at Browser Books on Fillmore Street where, 20 years ago, Sharman was browsing with baby Jake when Robin Williams popped in, looking at books, and, commenting on whatever came to mind, compared baby Jake with Winston Churchill.

Being the gumball that I am, we didn't take the camera, but here are a couple of pictures from earlier in the year when we went to the De Young in San Francisco with the kids.

Lives of Jane Johnston Black and William Y. Black

This little history is to go along with the pictures of their gravestones at the Rockville cemetery. William was born On Aug. 20, 1784 in Lisburn, Antrim, Ireland and Jane Johnston was born in Lombag, Antrim Ireland on June 11,1801. William enlisted in the British army in 1800 at the age of 16 and served in many areas of the world. He did not return to England until 1821. Jane's father who had been a Wesleyan Methodist Minister, died four years previously and left Jane to the guardianship of William's father. Jane became a local preacher on the same circuit her father had traveled. Jane and William were married on July 31, 1822. They moved to Manchester where they heard the gospel from Joseph Fielding and William Clayton and joined the church on Jan. 14, 1839 - being baptized by William Clayton. William Black was called to serve a mission and went back to Ireland where he opened the mission with Pres. John Taylor. Later he preached back in Manchester and Preston. Meanwhile, Jane and family traveled to Nauvoo in 1840, leaving her husband to complete his two year mission. They lived in Nauvoo until the Saints were driven out. Jane received a special call and blessing from Joseph Smith to be a midwife to the Saints. She delivered over 3,000 babies in her lifetime and not one died under her care. They stayed in Winter Quarters for about a year and then arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in the fall of 1850. In Nov. 1850 they went to SanPete County and were ther until 1861, when they were requested by Brigham Young to move to St. George. They built their home and farmed in the Rockville area. William died Jan 28, 1873 and was buried in Rockville. In 1878, Jane moved to Delta to be near some of her children. She died there on Jan. 20,1890 and was taken to Rockville to be buried next to her husband. I have more information about Jane and William and would be glad to share it. There is a story about Jane in the blue 3-ring binder I gave to each family at our reunion at Lake Tahoe.

Graves of William Y. Black and Jane Johnston Black in the Rockville Cemetery, Rockville UT

Rockville Cemetery, just outside Zion National Park in southern Utah in the town of Rockville.  Burial place for  William Y. Black and Jane Johnston Black, a ancestors of importance for all descendants of Dwight and Velna (Black) Blood. (More information will be added soon).

Velna (Black Blood) by gravestone of William V. and Jane Johnston Black

Landscaping in Rockville Cemetery

Rockville Cemetery in Rockville Utah.  I have been carrying on a conversation for years with one of my BYU colleagues who is from Rockville over the beautification plans for the Rockville Cemetery.  But apparently it is beautiful enough, in its own way.  Does this cemetery look like something out of a John Wayne western, or what?

Memorial Day Barbecue at Stacey and David's

Not a great picture, but nonetheless 66 2/3 % of our great grandchildren.  Andrew, Kathryn, Michael, Lily holding Odessa.  * hope the names are spelled correctly.  Too much squirming to get a good picture, so must try again.  But most of you have never seen these little angels, so here they are.

Cara's daughter, Arabella Marie

Wonder Woman, aka Stacey, presiding at the indoor barbecue, due to torrential downpours in the backyard.  (See Stacey's Mothering Moments for Stacey's day at the Triathlon).

Memorial Day 2008

Graves of Pearl  and Volney Black, Orem Cemetery

Velna's 75th Birthday May 24 2008

Circle Quilt at Gardner Village

Lunch at Gardner Village

The Old Navy Gang at Lake Tahoe

Powder Puff Football

I just wanted all you football fans to know, so that you too can be proud...Whitney was the quarterback of her powder puff football team, and threw several complete touchdown passes!!! The last play of the game...on the 1 yard line...she thinks to herself...what do I do??? So, she dives ( that makes it sound more dramatic...she said she fell to the ground) and crosses the goal line. TOUCHDOWN!!! End of game. Beat the Seniors. (and everyone else). If only we had photos to commemorate the victory!!!

Pictures of New Granddaughter

For anyone interested in pictures of our new granddaughter and family, follow this link to Lori and Chad's blog: http://www.planetmayfield.com/

Lori, Chad and Ella are adjusting to having another body in their home, and Susan has had a great time grandmothering! It has been a fun week for us.

Grandma Blood and the Geese: May 22 2008

Three Musketeers: Michelle, Daniel, Lori

I received a birthday card from my brother, Frank. He said that they didn't send Christmas cards because Brian had to have another kidney transplant, which was done at the CU Medical Center in Denver, on Dec. 20. Scott was the donor. Both have recovered well and Brian reports that he feels better than he has in years. Frank and Donna are both busy working in the Family History Center and in the Oklahoma City Temple and on the High Council and in the R.S. presidency. Scott's son, Michael will return home from his mission in Taiwan in August and Darren's oldest, Kyle, goes to Harrisburg, PA in June. Scott's oldest, Jennifer will be having a baby in August. Anyway, that is the news from them, just in case anyone's interested.

Grandma reading to Michelle and Daniel, 1985

We are the Bridesmaids Clad in Purple: Michelle, Melanie, and Monica

Michelle Photographing Her Sister Megan

Daniel and Michelle, 1984

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Deja Vu All Over Again!

Megan and Alan's Wedding, more photos

Megan and Alan's Wedding

Megan and Alan's Wedding Dinner

New Granddaughter!

We are pleased to announce the arrival of our eighth grandchild and Lori's second child, Melody Judy, at 3:30 p.m. today, May 15, 2008. At birth, she weighed 7 pounds 3 oz, was 19.5 inches long, and has light brown hair. Susan has been there to help and support Lori and Chad through the labor and delivery since about 9 this morning and had a great experience. She reports that mother and baby are doing fine.

The Engaged Couple

Here are a few pictures of Megan and Alan. The big day is almost here!

Flowers for Mother's Day

Thanks

I want to thank everyone for the Mother's Day cards, gifts and flowers. It was a nice day and I feel very blessed with my family. While I agree with Susan that every day can be mother's day when we experience a special time with our family, it is still nice to have some "special" days to look forward to. I was thinking on Mother's Day that 28 years have passed since I have been able to give my mother a hug and wish her a Happy Mother's Day. I'm sure that I missed many opportunities to express my feelings to her and make her day a "special" one.
In other news - we had a nice e-mail from Jacob and he reports that he likes his assignment in Austin and hopes that he can stay there through the remainder of his mission. Jim reports that they have had brief messages from Caleb and that he is enjoying his trip to Australia with the Young Ambassadors. Sharman will be driving to Utah tomorrow and we will see her at Megan's wedding on Friday. After Caleb returns on the 19th, they will drive back to California. Meanwhile, Jim, Kate and Nat will have to manage on their own. We had nice visits with Ron , Lani, and Michelle, and Russ, Susan and Steven over the weekend. We are looking forward to Megan's wedding and reception on Friday and hope that there will be some pictures for Ron or grandpa to post on the blog. That's all for now - now (as Chris Matthews says), tell me something I don't know.

Looking for signs of life

Velna on Mother's Day 2008

Velna on Mother's Day 2008.  Thanks to Jim, Sharman, and family for the posies.

I had intended to put this picture on the old blog for some time but never got it done. So now that we have the new and improved blog, I guess I'll get it posted. This was taken on temple square after the First Presidency Christmas Devotional last December.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!

Top ten reasons why we all love you!!!

10. You wore "sweet" sunglasses in your younger years, and in the words of Courtney's friend who saw your picture in your Easter suit..."she's gorgeous."

9. You always made us breakfast and dinner growing up...a strange phenomenon. I remember folding newspapers, while you were already up and making breakfast. Amazing!!!

8. You made scones from the home made bread dough, which we ate hot with butter and jam or honey...so yummy!!! (Not to mention the fact that it was amazing that you made bread)

7. You hated to sew and made no apologies for it...I'm right there with you...besides it usually costs more to make it yourself, nevermind the frustration.

6. You were a "stay-at-home" mom who always made your family the priority, but at the same time taught us that education was important as you finished your college, while managing 5 young children, husband and home. I was always amazed that you continually had something else going on...preschool...apartments...bookstore. How did you juggle it all??

5. You are a GREAT Grandma. My kids still remember the "powty" and how you made simple things seem so special. They love visiting you now, and especially for the BYU gang...it's great to know Grandma (and Grandpa...but we'll save that for Father's Day) is nearby.

4. You are hilarious and don't even know it...that's the best part.

3. You say "ohhhh"!

2. You started the family reunions, and kept them going, without which many of us would rarely see each other.

1. You are supportive, encouraging, and always willing to lend a listening ear. You always want to hear what's going on in our lives and want to know what our kids are up to. You are loving and totally devoted to your family. You were a great Mom to all of us growing up, and continue to be a great Mom to us even though we are "all growed up", we will always need our Mom.

We love you Mom. Happy Mother's Day