I made this quilt for my niece that just had a baby girl.  My niece, Jalayne, requested the colors of purple, brown, and green for her baby girls nursery.  As soon as I knew Jalayne was having a girl, I was sure I wanted to make this quilt for her.  The bottom left square is made with fabric from my Mother's dress and my Father's handkerchief.  I used these special fabrics for that square so that Jalayne's baby girl would know that there are 2 special Angels in Heaven that love her.

A memory of Chirstmas Past

I was thinking the other day (a dangerous pass time I know) about Christmastime when I was a kid. Our Christmas mornings were simple. We were never allowed to wake up Mom and Dad. But I believe that we were always up before the sun anxious to see what treasures were underneath the tree and hidden in our stockings and boots (leaving shoes or boots by the door is a European tradition).

One of my favorite gifts I received when I was 7. My sister, Lydia, was a Lobo-ette that year. Lydia is smart, kind, tall, and beautiful. I loved spending time with her. I remember when she was practicing her try-out routine for the Loboettes, I learned every step and kick right along with her. Christmas of 1975, Lydia made a loboette costume just for ME! I remember opening the gift, and being so excited. It was blue and white and had a letter “S” on the front. I put it on later that day. Luckily for me, it was a warm Christmas day. I skipped off to Shannon’s and Jodi’s houses to show them my new treasure. I wish I still had that outfit. Thanks again to my fabulous big sister for letting me pretend to be just like her.

Senior Year...Continued

My Senior year was a good year, but it also had some tough (tough for an 18 year old brain that is) times. I was asked to the homecoming dance by Thomas. He and I doubled with his best friend, Steve, and my best friend, Paige. We had a fantastic time. We went to Pizza Hut (in Show Low) for dinner. We laughed and talked and ate pizza. We had so much fun at the restaurant, we did not have much time at the dance. We had a great time. Or at least I had a great time.

The Co-Ed (girls ask the guys) dance was also a nice time. I asked Warren. We went on a 'triple' date. Paige and her date, Daryll. Jaye Lynn and her date, Jeff. We went to a pizza place in Show Low for dinner, and then went to the dance at the school afterward.

Paige's parents got a divorce, and she had to move to Tucson. So after Christmas, she was gone. I missed her so much. She came back to Snowflake 1 weekend for a visit, and then came back for our Senior trip to DisneyLand and Graduation.

The Senior trip to DisneyLand was fun. We went by school bus from Snowflake (8pm Thursday) to Phoenix. In Phoenix we boarded a travel bus and landed in Anaheim 8am the next morning. We spent the next 12 hours having fun. Then we boarded the bus at 8 pm and arrived home in Snowflake at 8am Saturday morning. Saturday evening, we had our graduation ceremony. We were all exhausted.

Graduation was held at the football field. I received a small (really small) scholarship from the Women's Club (Mom pulled some strings for that one). High school was over. I had no idea what I wanted to do next. I knew what I was expected to do, but I had no clue where I wanted to take my future.

Christmas Memories

I am in Snowflake for a few days visiting my Mom. Braden is here with me. I have not been to Snowflake at Christmas time since before I got married. I am having a few memories of my childhood Christmases. On top of Mom's Christmas tree is the same Angel that was on our tree every Christmas. I remember that Angel being bigger...

Who doesn't love Christmas?

That is a rhetorical question.

My Dad

Jerry Dale Wiltbank was born November 9, 1929, in Eager, Arizona. He spent his growing up years in Greer, Arizona. He attended grade school in Greer. He went to Round Valley High in Eager, and graduated in 1947.

He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1948. He received basic training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. He was promoted to Private First Class and then to Corporal. He served during the Korean War. He was Honorably Discharged on September 5, 1954.

My Dad attended BYU and ASU. He married my Mom on August 24, 1957.

My Dad was a school teacher. In Snowflake, he taught 4th and 5th grade. He was my 5th grade teacher. I loved being in his class. In his class, we started every morning with a Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

My Dad also drove a school bus during the school year, and he was a Volunteer Fireman. Sometimes during the summer months he worked as well. A few summers he repaired fire extinguishers. One summer he worked at Maverick. Sometimes he would do roofing.

My Dad liked to build things. He had lots of tools. He made rubber band guns, wooden train sets, and wooden tops. My Dad loved to read, he could often be found sitting reading a good book. He loved to take people to the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest. He often took his grandkids there during the summer.

My Dad loved the Gospel. He loved the Bishop. Who ever the Bishop was at the time, my Dad loved and sustained him with all his heart. He taught me to never criticize the Bishop. My Dad would give me Priesthood Blessings. Whenever I was sick, I would ask for a blessing. He loved being busy with his Church Callings.

When I was little, my Dad would let me ride on his shoulders. I remember the smell of his head. Whenever I think of that smell, my eyes get misty. I remember going for walks down ‘Back Street’. He would lift me onto his shoulders. I would hold onto his forehead. I could reach the tree branches. I was so tall when I was on my Dad’s shoulders. The world looked different from up there.

My Dad was not much of a swimmer. He had a bathing suit, but we (his children) rarely saw him in it. Red and white trunks, and a red tank top. He could do the dog-paddle, but that was about it.

After I got married, I would call home just to hear his voice. When the phone conversation would come to an end, he would always cry…always. My Dad came to Canada 3 times to visit me. He came just after Brittain was born, just after Braden was born, and then a third time, just because. He came to California 3 times. Once when we lived in Roseville, and when Braden we receiving the Aaronic Priesthood, and a third time, he came for Thanksgiving.

My Dad was diagnosed with Lymphoma in July 2005. He passed away on September 15, 2005. I miss him so much.

My Dad loves my Mom.

My Dad loves me.

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