MARICOPA INDIANS

Elaine wrote...

While working on the Primary Stake Board of the Phoenix Stake (there was only one then) in May 1949, word was received that they were to start a Primary among the Maricopa Indians. Th me this seemed like a wonderful oportunity which I would like to participate in. I volunteered for this position. I say position, however, we didn't know what to call me so I was never given a title.

Our first meeting or two were held under the arbor of the Sundust family and both men ,women and children came until the Relief Society was organized and then the sisters attended that and loved it. Our average attendance was 9 adults and 20 children. This was the first time they had ever learned to do something for one another--when they learned to quilt. This was done until each sister had a quilt. They learned unselfishness, they learned to do for others, and they learned to love one another around those quilts. Lola Shumway was the first Relief Society President to go out to the Reservation. They loved her. She taught them how to do for themselves.

We would leave Phoenix every Saturday morning about 9:30 AM and stay until afternoon. I didn't have a car to use so had to depend on someone to take me out. I went the entire year without missing one week. But I had many different assistants, Maude Pace being the first one to go with me. Even I couldn't have done this without my baby sitter, June Marble, a teen-ager then, who came every week and didn't charge me. I'll never forget this wonderful service she did.

We didn't have an outine to follow--my but we were green. No one knew what to tell us to do so I took the lessons from the back of the Children's Friend which appeared then for the the missions. We tried to teach them good health habits and cleanliness, along with the gospel and handicrafts. The activity they loved the most was a game of baseball after every Primary -- I enjoyed it as much as they did. It ws wonderful to drive into the school yard and see those happy, smiling faces standing there waiting forus and waving goodbye as we drove away.

Before we could hold our meetings in the school house we had to clean is up, not having been used for so many years. One of the government workers told us that we had done more in 3 months than the other hurches and the government had been able to do in 20 years.

I moved away from Phoenix 10 years ago, and I know that there has been great improvement over our humble beginning but it was a beginning with love and a sincere effort to bring to these wonderful people the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Elaine Kimball Jones
1963

A New Birth

My life was in darkness, I searched and found
The truth and the joy of my life
I shall not be afraid of the dark
Steadfast and sure will I stand
To witness for my great Spirit in Heaven
For I found joy in life
Through the teachings of the Book of Mormon
It guided my life to a new birth.

Writings by Sally Sundust, 1949

CATCH UP ???

These are pics of Mom and friends.
This got in here unexpectedly. But is was truely a mystery quilt. This was for Mary for her birthday and I am working on one for Peggy now. Maybe it will be done for her birthday.

I don't think I can catch up for 3 months worth of info.

I've been busy with finishing up and presenting a beautiful Primary Program at the end of September. We had maybe 40 children and to hear them sing we had to bunch them up together close to the piano because there were so few older voices. But it was amazing and they did an incredible job.

Then the stake decided that "yes" we would designate new boundaries for each ward in the stake. Essentially, they took our ward and split it up to two other areas and gave us names instead of numbers. We are in the Falcon View ward now with many new people to get to know. Now I understand what our kids are going through when their wards are divided and they lose friendships that were just beginning. But looking through this with older eyes, Mister and I just
know that we have more friends to meet and make.

I decided not to return to the primary. (This was an option for me) It was time for new folks to take over. I was put in as the Compassionate Service Leader. This will allow me to serve a little more and get to know more people.

I have been working on our Christmas party for the Jones family. Invites are out and I will be doing a collage about Mom.

She was a beautiful woman who had a huge responsibility of seeing that her younger sisters were taken care of after the divorce of their parents.

I also made a snow white costume for Gabby. It was darling but my photos are not loading so I can't show it off. I have finished several quilts to be given away to famiy. Its been fun but now my time needs to take off in another direction. I feel like I need to be of more service than I am and will start finding ways to use my time more productively.

LUKE'S BAPTISMAL DAY

Luke was baptized and confirmed by his father Levi on July 18, 2009. How proud we were to be a part of this special day to honor our oldest grandson. His father confirmed him and gave him a very special blessing. He will be a great example to his cousins.

The Miller Family was there to watch and...
so were the Smith's. A few of his friends were there also.
Momma Sandie was also very proud of her oldest son.

The Boardman's came up from Delta, Axel and Springville. Cousin Cheyenne gave a talk on the Holy Ghost and Granny B gave a talk on baptism. What a wonderful day.

New Post Finally

WELL!! It has been a while since the last post. All I can say is that this hasn't been top of the priority list.

Many things have happened since April--Grandkids have had birthdays, trips have been made, swine flu has made its debut and lives have moved on.

Family Fun day was held in early June and Andrew and Lori brought their bounce houses and stayed to have fun with the kids. Next year I will insist that all the families come because it is a fun activity to be together at. Here are pics with Lori, Andrew and the kids.

One special thing that happened was the rain. It had been raining for weeks and this day was also expecting a good downpour. We heard that the high counsel member in charge of the fun was praying for weeks with his family that the rain would hold off. He said that his prayers were very specific that the rain would hold off until at least 2:00 pm. We started cleaning up about 2:00 because everything was winding down. Andrew had lots of help with the houses before the sky burst open at about 2:10. Prayers were heard and answered that day.

FAIRY TALES

How do you feel about fairy tales?  I grew up with Red Rose, Snow White, Grimm Brothers, and Hans Christian Anderson.  My favorite book to pull from Dad's shelves and shelves of books was the Blue Book of Fairy Tales. I found out when I was older that there was a Red Book and possibly others. I think if I ran across one of those books now, I'd pay whatever price was being asked.  Many parents won't let their children read them because they may be too violent but I read them for the fun of it and where my imagination took me.  I have kept my school collection of fairy tales but there are so many wonderful authors now that expand the tales into novels. Shannon Hale, Robin McKinley and Jessica Day-George are just some.  

I consider Brian Mull's Fablehaven series as a fairy tale.  He  also wrote The Candy Wars. I have just finished his newest adventure.  Luke was excited that I had read them as his teacher has read them to her 2nd grade class. (Maybe a little overload there) Pick up a book at the library and sit down with a new fairy tale that you haven't read before.

EASTER SUNDAY

HAPPY EASTER

Isn't that a cute image?  You can get these wonderful vintage images from Vintage Moth. There is a link to the right.

We attended Stake Conference that morning and a wonderful message about just being happy was presented by Pres. Rudd.  This message basically told us that it was our attitude and thoughts that would bring happiness our way.  He gave several steps as to how to make that happen.  Pres. Morgan reminded us about helping one another whether it be family, friends, co-workers etc.  These messages were very timely, especially during the time now where everyone is struggling to stay afloat.

Afterwards, we got in our little blue taxi and headed to Sandie's for a lovely Easter dinner.  Everyone was there so we tried to get a decent picture with the Grandkids for a Christmas card.  This is the best one. 2 criers, 2--the sun is in my eyes and 3 wiggles.  Lilly sat on Granny's lap just taking it all in.

DESERET STAR PLAYHOUSE

Saturday part of the family attended a silly rendition of American Idol.  It was cute and the little ones enjoyed it.  I, however, found the singing afterwards was very good. They performed songs from the mid-60's that the grandma's and grandpa's enjoyed.

In front are Caedan, Luke and Bubba (Ethan).  He is just a bubble of fun!!

Front--Anna, Olivia and Bubba    Back--Sophia, Macy and Mark
Jen, Alex, Kristie and Sandie along with 2 silly boys Luke and Caeden
Last but not least--Lee, Laurie, Mary and Uncle Animal (Joe)

PAJAMA DAY

I was privileged to be able to have 2 of my boys for a Friday. They came in pj's and didn't want to get out of them all day.  I stayed in mine until noon when I suddenly got fearful of someone coming to the door.  NO ONE wants to see "the momma" in her jammies.

We watched cartoons, played and jumped around on Gramma's new furniture.
Even Lil' Butt felt like he needed to take it easy.


After lunch we got out games and made cookies. (We put the frozen cookies on the pan, then cooked them.)

LIFE CAN BE A LITTLE MUNDANE

This little stool belonged to my mother.  She used it at her sewing machine during the early 60's.  I have no idea where she got it from but she was visiting  with her Aunt Vi up in the avenues quite a bit. Aunt Vi passed some things on to her and this might have been one of those items.

I recall Mom saying that she would like to recover this stool.  Well as we all know, these things are low on the priority list and never got done. This little stool just kept on giving and giving.  It must be 50 years old at least and is as sturdy as can be.  I purchased a print to finally get it covered.

I took it apart and spent several hours hunting for new material to put in as filling.  I couldn't find anyone to sell me anything but foam rubber. YUCK!!! I looked at the padding again and decided that it could be saved.  I put a piece of thin batting over it and then the fabric. I stapled it together and this is what a now have.  A beautifully covered sewing stool that can be passed on with my sewing machine.

NEW QUILT

This quilt is finally done. It turned out quite beautiful and one of my lovely children will be the beneficiary of it.  It just delights to make them and give them.  Enjoy!!

HAPPY,HAPPY BIRTHDAY

There is such peace when your family gathers around to let you know that they love you and that you really are important in their lives. I've often said that it isn't only young people that need the positive strokes in their lives.  Those of us who are getting just a "tad" older need that also.  I spent my birthday day in the best way possible--with much of my family and very little of that was planned as we had celebrated everyone last week.

As  I was leaving the house  to go out to Jane's, Cathy Smith arrived with a Dove chocolate bar from the Relief Society to remember my birthday.  M & M's are really good but a Dove bar to start your day-mmmmmm!! I drove to Jane's to tend Lilly and Urban while Jane went out to her Dad's school to help with his reading tests. Then she brought lunch home and we had a nice visit. While I was there Dall called to see what I was doing tonight and if we went to a restaurant in between, he'd meet us there. We chose the Dodo out near Sugarhouse Park.  It's one of our favorites.  We had a nice visit with Dall about school, housing, and life.

Mister brought home these beautiful roses.  I told him that this was a rare occurance. I don't remeber the last time I had roses and then he reminded me that I once said that I would rather have daises than roses.  I must have been quite young when I said that.  

Levi and the boys also called along with Andrew and Zach.  We had a small conversation about our birthdays.   Earlier Jane and Urban sang Happy Birthday.

So why are birthdays so special.  I personally don't think its the presents but the focus that is put on that person to let them know how much they are loved and appreciated.  Thank you everybody.  My family is my treasure.  And my extended family only adds that much more.  I love you all. --I am soooo sappy.---

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

IT'S FINISHED!!  This was a fairly easy quilt to do but the colors are incredible--black, white and that vibrant yellow. This photo doesn't do it justice.  This is the kit  I found in Las Vegas last fall while we toured the Henderson area.  I'm glad we stopped.  I haven't seen this quilt kit any place else.

I washed after I brought it back from the quilters so it would be softer. Look closely at the amazing job she did with the quilting. I was very pleased with it.
WE'VE HAD A BIRTHDAY, SHOUT HURRAY!!!  Zach turned 4 and here he is with his Mom, sister, and IRON MAN. He isn't feeling very well.
Dallin turned 28. Oh, how time flies. I remember meeting this young man when he was a mere 10 lbs and ready to play football. ( and beautiful) He loved the quilt, thank goodness.
Levi turned 34 and the Momma turned 63. Oh, whoa is me.... The kids decided that I needed something special. Isn't is gorgeous?? I said that it would make a nice sewing bag but they put the nix on that.  j/k I know better than that. I was impressed with their good taste and I love it. Only Mister knows how much I like an expensive bag--not out of pride, but out of I don't like to buy a new purse every season. So I buy a good one that will last me for a few years.
Well, it was a good party and everyone loved the dipped beef and potato salad.  The big hit though was the cake.  Even those who don't usually eat cake enjoyed this one.  It was a bundt cake from that new cake store over by the mall.

Have a good day everybody.

MC HAMMER

For goodness sakes, what does MC Hammer have to do with my blog?  Do I even know who he is? Well actually I do know that he is a rapper, but that's now what he is doing on my blog.  I am still trying to learn the ins and outs of photos and how to get them over here.  My children just tell me to right click but MAC's don't have a mouse with that ability.  I did learn though, that I can buy one and it will do the same thing.  I also learned how to put emailed pics into my iphoto.  Janice if you want a lesson I can help.

So, why MC Hammer? Today Mister and I went to the mall to return an item and there was a huge lovesac lounge bus and a very beautiful limo parked in front of Macy's--like it was a natural thing to park there.  I nosed around and found out MC and his "entourage" were shopping.  I went in to do my return and Mister went to men's dept. When I went down to find him, there were several, (obviously) fancy people in the area. One stood out from all the rest.  He had on jeans trimmed in  red thread and fancy designs, a belt and buckle that men around here wouldn't be caught dead in, jewelry, hair done up like a peacock and a smart cap on his head and talking on his phone.  The other folks had an "air" about them that set them apart from the rest of us. We decided that must be MC.  

When I got home I googled and found these pics of a man who was walking out ahead of us and could have been your next door neighbor. Oh, how easy it is to judge. 

LIL' RAMBLES

Nothing of note has had a major part in my life at this point so this is one of those "rambling" kind of blogs.

1.  I finished 3 books that I felt were excellent reads

Veil of Lies

The Magicians and Mrs. Quent

Missing Joseph

2.  Uncle Leonard has decided that I have too much time on my hands.  I pass on the interesting emails that I get.  At least I'm not looking for them.

3.  I went to see Slumdog Millionare tonight even though it is R rated.  It was excellent.  Sometimes you have to listen to the advice of others and make a judgement call.  On their recommendation we decided that it was a must see.  It was.  I'm not quite sure about the rating but there was some violence.  Even the language wasn't bad, but everyone knows that I can't hear well.

4.  We also saw Pink Panther. So-so.

5.  I spent Tuesday at the Draper Temple.  Morning I hauled water to and from the table until the men finished unloading the semi and then they helped.  It was just so sweet to see those young parents bringing their sweet and well-mannered children up to the refreshment table.  They were mostly dressed in their Sunday best.  In the evening Lee and I hosted in the temple near the sealing rooms.  The Celestial room was incredible with that gorgeous chandelier that extended so far from the ceiling.  Beautiful.  I also recognized a few of my former students as they came through with their YM-YW groups.  We were worn out after serving in the temple but it was a good kind of tired.

6.  I bought a few of those new style of blouses that are made from a soft fabric that clings to the body.  My kind of body in those clingy kind of blouses is waaay sad.  I took them back.

7.  I won at bonco last night.  I sub sometimes.  The prize was a steamer buddy that you take when traveling.  Not what I can use so I returned it to Macy's and bought a white pitcher and 6 little dessert bowls.  This is my 4th pitcher so now I guess I am in a collection mode. ( The girls can divide them up when I'm gone.)

8. I finished my appliqued quilt.  It turned out beautiful and the first one that I will keep for myself--finally.  I'll post pictures when it comes back from the quilters.

9. I am reading up on NO-nitric oxide. I am going to see if it lives up to all its expectations concerning blood pressure.

10.  I have spent 2 days with grandchildren.  I'm glad that I was fairly young when I was raising  mine.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!   

VALENTINE'S DAY

Little Butt and I were munching on our pink M & M's (thanks Alissa) and appliqueing when my eyes finally gave out.  It is such fine work that I think I'll have to invest in one of those lights with a magnifying glass before long.  So we were thinking about what to blog about next.  Since it is February (I actually saw this word spelled Febuary on GMA yesterday. Which reminds me of a funny email I got from Sue today. I'll pass it along.) Valentines come to mind. I think that Valentine's Day has become one of my favorite holidays.  It is such a sweet, personal time that speaks to almost everyone. 

For the last 3 years my dear principal would dress up in his tux and walk around with a handful of fake roses and present one to each of his teachers.  It was just one of the many ways that he said "thank you."  I have kept these roses in this vase that was given to be by a student many years ago.  I think her name was Becky Richards, but my mind is slowing down and I'm not sure.  But it was the thought that counts.

I haven't kept many things given to me by students just because of the storage issues that I deal with But this vase  of flowers has come to mean a lot to me not only for its beauty. (my opinion) but for the many lovely things I remember about the children I have come in contact with over the many years.

Valentine's Day in the 60's and 70's was looked upon as a time when you gave a card to that special person with no strings attached.  Then it became like Halloween, how much candy did you get.  Still it was a time when kindness was at it's peak during the year and a time to show your teacher how much you cared.  The Valentine for the teacher was always picked out of the bunch as a special one and the child always wanted to make sure you saw his/hers first.

There was always a sick child who worried that their cards wouldn't get passed out or they wouldn't get any.

My favorite part was when the children would "quietly" sit and open their cards to see if so and so had given them one and to see if it was a special one.

I have found it interesting that among my fathers things we found  a classroom set of Valentine Day cards.  Probably 4th or 5th grade.  He had saved them for whatever reason.  They are beautiful.  I have provided pics of some of them and I am think of having them framed as a collage.  What do you think?

Aren't they sweet?  There are Victorian-like with lace and flowers, children with those beautiful round faces, silly ones like the clown and even a horse that stands up. Girls, what do you think? Should I just do one for me as a collage or four so each of you can have one.

Yes, I enjoy Valentine's Day.  And I have the sweetest, most understanding and loving Valentine of all. My Mister!!!!