Hair's LeeLee............

The Gardner family will have flashbacks of earlier days when a certain baby of the family would hang from the table (literally) with the "Marty Allen" hair-do. Now moving to the new generation and BAM here is the "Marty Allen" -ette hair-do!!! So now, Brynlee and Uncle C.J. are connected by the roots!!! Still want to eat the cheeks off that face!!!!!

The youngests......

C.J. and Brynlee



Here are the youngest in their families! Brynlee loves her uncles and Papas and I do believe the feeling is mutual! How fun when we can get together and share these "Kodak" moments!

Well ........

So has it been this long since I last posted!!!! WOW!!!! I guess some things are better left unsaid but for this long, gudfree!!!!!

The family is well and as usual, Mimi is having TheronSydneyCodyWyatt withdrawals and I am so ready for the holidays!! Mind you there is a slew of things that need to be completed but more the merrier (what am I saying!!??) so now I have the where-with-all to get, oooohhhh, about 60% done!!!

I must post that my sweetheart excepted a calling as Ward Executive Secretary and he is doing smashingly!! I am so proud of him and as he honors his priesthood I have the peace of mind and heart our lives are only getting better!!! Of course he and Bishop Hackett are having way to much fun with this calling but Bishop knows Verg has his back at all times!!

The weather is now in my most favorite mode~AUTUMN~and I couldn't be more happier (unless surrounded by eight of THE most perfect little people); the air is crisper, the cotton is ready to be picked, the sea of white from the cotton bolls make it look like a snow storm was dumped on the Gila Valley, how everything is getting ready for the cold bite of Winter (ugh)!!!

I am in a warm, fuzzy, loving place right now not saying it might overturn but I can be of good cheer knowing my Savior has my back!! I send love to each and everyone of my family, immediate and extended, near and far!!

The best is yet to come!!!

Ber and Cheej's New Hall Director Apt...

This is what you move "up" to when you are elevated to Hall Director!! This apartment is huge compared to their first place in the Married Housing just across the street from this apartment.
As you can see it is quite comfortable and the principle characters in the pictures are: C.J., Amber's husband in the role of Hall Director, Chris Angle, Amber's Dad and Verg, SueEllen Angle, Amber's mom. They also found out that during Christmas break the maintanence department is putting in new carpet and renevating the kitchen which means they will need to move their things and furniture around again. This was to be done during the summer break but NNNOOOOOOOOOO much to easy.
C.J. has two RA's under him and his boss known only as Peggy (to the rest of us) informed C.J. he will be on all the committees she is suppose to be on including the committee for the new dorms which includes but not limited to: WNMU new president, the contractors and C.J. representing the WNMU Housing Dept. sssooooo he will be a VERY busy fellow. When does the pre-med classes come to play in this scenerio?!! Amber begins her semester, student teaching at a high school in another community!
We are so very proud of them and as we are of all our children, they are doing so good!!!

Happy Anniversary....

So can anyone believe it has been two years since this awesome couple were sealed and Amber became a Gardner, joining the club of the most wonderful spouses of our children!!! This has been a dream for me ever since we moved here to Safford and became members of the Safford First Ward. I have loved the Angle family since we came here and always secretly wished C.J. and Amber would find each other and complete my dream and sure enough it happened!!!! So here are C.J. and Amber Gardner!!!! Happy 2nd, we love you!!!!!

Movin' on ......

Let me take you back about two weeks ago when the Gardners were finishing up the first part of what will be many adventures! The next day after graduation we met at 124 Muir Heights to help our C.J. and Ber finish packing and moving items in their soon-to-be basement in their beginning-of-new-place when school starts up again. C.J. and Amber were moved when C.J. accepted the job of Hall Moniter (for lack of a better title) in which he will oversee one of the single's dorms and married housing. WNMU will continue to pay for his premed. prequecs and give some income while Amber finishes up her Masters in Secondary Education (with straight A's I might add) and graduate in December 2011. This job will last until Spring Semester of 2012.
It was a busy day but with our family it was filled with hugs, pranks, smack-bending, broom rides, laughing and yes, some tear-shedding! The most terrific part of the move is Ber and C.J. get to come to Safford and live with us while C.J. takes a summer Chemistry class at EAC!!! We are S-T-O-K-E-D and are having a marvelous time as the Gardners spend time with us and the Angles!! SueEllen and I couldn't be more happier!! I want to thank our family for the love and support they give to each other whether in person, by phone, email or texting!! Love the Fam!!!!

The weekend started with .......

The weekend started with Thursday, May 12th!!!! We were so fortunate to have Rex here for the festivities and what a time we had!! We first were missing our Bryan family and we are looking forward to when we can all be together!! Doyle's school had a program at Discovery Park and for those who don't know what Discovery Park is, it the one of the neatest places in the Gila Valley. It consists of a simluated space ride and learning about space. Then it has a section where kids and adults alike learn about our area and all the great inhabitants, both human and reptile and plants that make up this valley. It was out in the amphitheatre were Doyle's school put on a Disney themed musical sensation!!!! The grades K-3 did the Jungle Book and 4-6 did the Lion King. They did a fantastic job and drew quite the crowd!!! Our Brynlee had the best seat in the house!!! Having the time to do some activities with our family definitely brings joy to Papa and Mimi's heart!!!!!

The next day, yes you are right, it was FRIDAY THE 13TH!!!! We headed to WNMU with Tifani, Kaely, Doyle, Papa and Mimi. We met up with Trevor, Heather, Cody and Wyatt!! We checked into the Holiday Inn Express and headed to the Old Stadium site to watch Charles Jacob Gardner receive his Bachelor degree!! It was a long ordeal but nevertheless it was awesome!! We are so proud of C.J. and his accomplishments and his committment to being a great individual and provider for his family!! We had also met up with Chris, SueEllen, Alisha and Lauren at the stadium and after the ceremony, we loaded up and headed to the church ramada for some bbq pork sandwiches (thanks Trevor and Heather, yum yum), some bbq beans (delish Ber), chips, brownies and cookies (again, Ber, fabulous)!!! When we pulled in we had the Deer family there and I do mean the four-legged ones!!! The kids played until they and the adults were tired so off to hotels we did go!!!

The next morning we headed to Muir Heights and helped Ber pack and clean and cart stuff over to their soon-to-be new place. C.J. in the meantime checked residents out and when we left for Safford we had the Sonoma packed, the Dodge packed and pulling Ber's little packed car (with a car hauler)!!! We got home and unpacked vehiles and ate supper, of course there was mean game of Farkle happenin' then off to bed!!! Sunday we had to say good-bye to the Rowells and Rex which is always the pits when the fun is over!! Now we are able to have C.J. and Amber here for the summer while C.J. takes a chemistry class from EAC so to say the least we are "stoked"!

Can I say I am one very lucky Mimi to have the MOST awesomest family eternity can ever provide and there are many more wonderful achievements comin" down the pike!!

Mother's Day Monday ....

Okay, so I am the most blessed mother on earth! I came home yesterday (Monday) from work to find a light neon green package sitting on the island. The tag said "To Mom with love your kids", I opened it and there in a box was a Barnes and Noble Nook ~~~~ like WAHOO!!! So do I have the most wonderful, awesome children EVER ~~ YOU BET!!!!!!!! I look forward to reading the delightful books and open my mind and heart to worlds beyond!!
Thank you Heather, Trevor, Tifani, Brian, Shawna, Benji, Rex, C.J. and Amber for making this a most awesomest Mother's Day!!!
(Thank you Verg for my camera)
Love to you all!!!!!!!!!

Easter with the Bryans .....

Theron and Sydney~Easter


How wonderful to share the Easter season with our family in Washington!! Theron and Sydney are growing up so fast and it is so wonderful to have the chance to share in some of their activities! Even though we aren't there, Shawna is so good about posting the activities and goings-on of her family so even though we are a few miles apart, we are still part of the action. So lovin the time to be able to go and see them and this time Papa will be there. This year Easter fell on Rex's birthday, April 24th!! So that was an even special reason to celebrate!!

Reflecting

I have been down with my annual "cold" since last Thursday and I have been "reflecting" on how much I love this group of little people. My life has been pretty much in the mine-set of becoming a grandmother which my mother told me would definitely happen IF I became a mother myself. Okay, sounded great to me! It took the better part of my teenage years holding on to the man whom I wanted to share my eternity with and believe you me when I say holding on I MEAN holding on!!! To this union came five of the most incredible people who have been an inspiration and example to me!!! Then one by one they left my security and roof and began their own journey!!! As they found their eternal companions, my grandmother~clock started ticking and before long, these precious, yes~perfect, amazing little humans entered the Gardner family!! I know my Heavenly Father lives and loves me because as I watch these awesome grandchildren grow and come into their own I feel His presence daily!! Now I must admit I wish they were all a two minute drive away but their parents are so wonderful in keeping Papa and I a part of their activities and lives.

Cody Hayden ~ our hunter

Wyatt Floyd ~ our lover of life

Kaely Sue ~ our dance entrepreneur

Cambry Christi ~ our barrel racer

Doyle Brian ~ our tool man

Brynlee Dawn ~ our sweet baby

Theron Vergene ~ our lover of sports

Sydney Lillian ~ our princess

How can people not know of a divine presence when there are treasures in this world such as these. I want Chet, Delores, David, Christi, Bruce, Sandra, Chris and Sue Ellen to know how much I love and appreciate the upbringing of their children in some way, shape or form to become the most incredible spouses to our children. Yup, this Mimi IS extremely grateful for this journey and I look forward to whatever comes our way because I know we will endure anything when we endure together!!! FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!!!!!

My Introduction to Washington

Theron and Mimi hangin' out
The Bryans, Tifani, Brynlee and Mimi

Absolutely love this area!!!!


The girls enjoying Leavenworth

There are times when keeping a secret from a family member seems to be sneeky, conniving, underhanded and so horrid to do~~~NOT!!! Such was the case when I joined Tifani and Brylee for a trip to Wenatchee to visit the Bryans and by the expressions and emotions at the airport it worked!!! Being with Benji, Shawna, Theron and Sydney was an event to remember!! I have always wanted to visit the Northwest and the time of season was perfect!! The colors of Fall, the apple harvests, the outdoor markets, the old town feel of Wenatchee, Cashmere and the awesome Bulgarian themed town of Leavenworth. I have returned with a mission in mind~to get a vacation retreat in Cashmere. I must admit, having the Bryans move to Washington is a bit extreme to get me to the Great Northwest but hey it worked! Thank you so much Benji, Shawna, Theron, Sydney, Tifani and Brynlee for a most awesome adventure for Mimi!!!!

October 2010~~Incredible!!!!

The Floyd and Madele Gardner Family Reunion ...

Here is picture of the decade!!!! Yup, this is what Mom and Papa Floyd started low those many years ago and what an incredible bunch we are!!! We have decided to have our F&MG Fam Reunion every two years, so in 2012, this awesome bunch of people (with at least one more for the picture, thanks Gentry and Kristie)will be here in Arizona some where and hopefully longer!! To add to the fam picture is Rex, Ben, Crystal and her family and Sienna!!!! I love this bunch and I am so grateful for all they do for me!!!
WE ARE FAMILY~~~~~I GOT ALL MY FAMILY AND ME~~~~~(sing it Pointer Sisters!!!!!)

The Rowell men .........

Yep, Heather, you hit the nail on the head by saying I use your photogenic talents on my blog!!!! How else am I going to get pictures for my book if I don't use our
girls' abilities!!! I love this picture of Trevor, Cody and Wyatt, it is so typical of the boys and their love of playing around!!! Take more pictures of your new cement driveway and garden and post them!! Also keep up with the blogging!!!! Love you guys!!!!!!!!!

The Graduates !!!

We are so proud of the graduates in the Bryan family!!! Dr. Ben Bryan and Theron Bryan!!! They have both worked extremely hard and we are elated it has paid off!!
We love the Bryan men!!!

These are the best of times ............

When the final weekend of the Gila Valley Temple open house was here, Shawna, Theron and Sydney made the trip to go through it!! The cousins had a wonderful time together as is evident by this precious picture!!!! We are extremely grateful for a Temple and an awesome eternal family!

OMGosh!!!!!!

Can't you just kiss the cheeks off of these two precious faces!! Tifani got to go to Heather's this past weekend and the sisters had a ball!!! I am most grateful for the bond our children have with each other, they are each other's cheerleaders and Vergene and I can't ask for anything better!!! Whatever we did to have these five awesome people along with their incredible spouses and precious children we are so blessed and want them all to know they have made two people eternally happy! To Infinity and Beyond!!!!!!!!!!!

Spring Break 2010 .....

The week started with our sweet Cluff grandchildren coming to spend the break with Papa and Mimi!!!! On Thursday, K-Sue, Camalious, Bubba D and Mimi headed to Mesa for our "end-of-Spring-Break Week" follies!!
We met up with Mom and lo and behold here comes Shamoms, T-ron and Syddiddy!! We got settled in the Brogan's gorgeous home (complete with three flights of stairs) and we headed to Chili's then back to the complex and 2 1/2 hours of swimming!! Tifani came by to head the swim and then the Bryans headed to Laveen and the Cluffs and Mimi headed to bed!! The kids were so tired they said they might not watch all the movie and sure enough one by one they kissed me good-night and headed for bed!! NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE THE DAY!!!!
The next day (Friday) we met Nanna and gang at the Phoenix Zoo!! Had a blast as you can only think what Shawna didn't come up with Tifani did and the kids and I walked a few feet ahead of them (not that we were embarrassed)!!!!! We went back to the hospital and waited for Brian to arrive and then we all headed to the Cheesecake Factory!! Brian and Tifani took us home and headed to the hospital to do some "nesting" and the kids and I went to bed.
Saturday the kids went swimming for a couple of hours while Brian, Tifani and Brynlee were discharged and headed for Safford. After the swim we cleaned up Aunt Melissa and Uncle Chris' apartment, packed up and went in locating a Hobby Lobby. The kids were so good as we shopped and headed for Jack in the Box!!! The Renaissance Festival is in full swing and it took us an hour to go 9 1/2 miles!! Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!! The rest of the trip was great and we arrived home to Mom, Dad and our premie miracle!!!!
This Spring Break was one of the best I have ever had. No painting, no weeding, no cleaning out closets or the garage, but one spent with 5 of 7 most wonderful, awesome people!!
Thank you Papa for holding down the fort, I love you so much!! Thanks to C.J. and Amber for coming and hanging out with us this weekend!! Thank you to Kaely, Cambry and Doyle for putting up with Mimi the WHOLE WEEK !!! Thank you to Heavenly Father for loving me so much as to let me be a part of this awesome family!!!

Our sweet girls ......

I have to believe this is a playback of 33 years ago!!!! I can imagine myself looking into the eyes of our precious premie and here is our precious premie looking into the eyes of her precious premie!!!!! I love this picture of Tifani Dawn and Brynlee Dawn!!! A phone call today announced Brynlee is at her birth weight. She is going to be weened from her bubble so she is progressing tremendously!! Again those eyes are going to fulfill quite alot in Heavenly Father's work!!! She is born into an awesome family and her support group will be there to help whenever they are needed!!!! Her parents, sisters and brother, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and great grandparents will be her greatest strengths. I, for one, am so grateful to our Heavenly Father for giving us this very special bundle!!!!

Here she is ......

Brian, Tifani and Brynlee

The plan of our Heavenly Father is a greater testimony to me when tiny miracles entered our lives. Here is our newest "tiny" miracle, Brynlee Dawn Cluff! Her journey began on February 21st when her family was on an outing to Mesa. Her mother had a doctor's appt. on the 19th and was told she had high blood pressure but not to worry since she had toxemia. A trip to see the Broadway musical "Mary Poppins" and a movie and some shopping brought the Cluff family home on Sunday (28th). We got a phone call from Tifani asking if she could come over and use her dad's blood pressure cuff since she wasn't feeling quite right. The result: 164/108!! A call to Sue McNamara (a PA in our ward) ended with us taking her to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center to the OB dept. and them keeping her over-night. The next morning came with a severe storm and a decision to have Tif flown to Banner Gateway and Dr. Huish. A learjet was called from Sky Harbor since all helicopters were grounded and ambulances were backed up and would take to long since Mesa was a 2 1/2 hr trip. So off flew Tif from Safford Airport and 27 mins, yes, you read right, 27 mins later she landed at Sky Harbor and an ambulance waiting to transport her to Mesa Banner Gateway and Dr. Huish! Tests were taken and a high risk pregnancy specialist, Dr. Miller, was called in and decided she now had preclampsia. Tif was placed in an isolation room on the OB floor and the week began. Now with this going on we had lost Uncle Jay and his funeral was on 24th (Verg's 1st anniversary of his heart attack). Family came from all over and Vergene was asked to give the life story. It went really well and family got to see Tifani which helped her stay positive. On Friday the 26th I get a call from Stacey Harmon (Brian's cousin) saying she had been dilating and was at a good 4 so I called Brian and we left for Mesa. We arrived at 1:30 am and in Tif's room was her support group: Shawna, Melissa, Chris (Melissa's husband)and Stacey. It was 7 weeks early and things were progressing and Dr. Huish arrived and told Tif her body was done since the lab work came back with high blood pressure and low platelet count, so our Brylee began her earthly mission with Dr. Huish breaking Tif's water. After about 6 contractions Tif looked at me and said she was having A LOT of pressure and dilated to a 6 Krista (Tif's nurse) checked and Brynlee was coming fast. Dr. Huish came in and started to get dress and was hurried by Krista announcing the "head is here". Tif was moved to her back and after her legs were placed in the stirrups and gush of blood and Brynlee came "shooting out". The cameras were rolling and we had a 3lbs. 13ozs 17 inches long "miracle" born at 3:53 am on February 27, 2010! I must say it was a flashback for me when almost 33 years ago, Tif came into the world a "tiny miracle" herself. 3lbs. 14ozs. 17 inches long! The Lord knows our hearts and He prepares the way for us to grow and learn and find strength in His example. So with our tiny miracle here we are sure the road will be filled with highs and lows but we have each other and our love for this restored gospel. I thank my Savior each day for the strength to keep going and for this incredible family unit.
Families can be forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The best things in life are ............

From left to right:Doyle, Kaely, Wyatt
Second row: Cambry, Cody, Theron
Third row: Sydney

Okay, so have you ever seen a grander bunch of chilens in your life!! We have so much fun when they are all together and Papa and Mimi's house is the happenin' place to be!! The ocassion for this little get-together was Cambry's 8th birthday and baptism and Cody's 9th birthday!!! I have told these precious ones they are NOT allowed to grow while they are at Mimi's house so I've decided they need to come see us alot more so the "growing-up" will "slow down" a bit. Yah right, WHATEVER!!!!! Papa and Mimi love the grandchildren with all our hearts!!!!!