Third generation Eagle Scout

Sunday, the 18th of October our grandson received his Eagle Scout Award. He asked his Grandpa Doug to present it to him which was a proud moment for all of us. Chase, his father, Jerel, and grandfather, Doug are all Eagle Scouts. It was a blessing to be able to attend this special evening for Chase and we are so very proud of him. (Righteous pride, of course)
While we were in Mesa for this happy occasion, we were able to visit all of our children and grandchildren who reside in Arizona. Family is what it's all about and it was joyful to be together.

Janel and Tynan with us!

Us, Owen, Shad, Jodi, Nya

Camille, Jerel, Tanner, Trevor, Chase, and us!

Jordan had gone to bed, so he got his own picture with us the next morning.

Our Lovebug!

One year ago we bade farewell to our precious Lovebug Shannon, gone from mortality, but not gone from our lives. She is in our thoughts every single day. We miss her beyond words to explain. I yearn to hear her voice on the phone, to hold her tight in my arms, to laugh with her, to get her opinion on numerous subjects, to hear the joy in her voice as she made her house a home and loved her husband; to hear her testimony; to watch her serve others; to see her dance in the car. She lived large and I saw her spirit grow through every trial as she submitted to the many challenges that were hers. She became a wonder to all. We are an eternal family linked by eternal priesthood authority and covenants. Our faith in Jesus Christ and the reality of the great plan of happiness keeps us going forward, striving to live lives worthily so that we can be with Shannon in the future. I wish I were a poet or a good writer, so that I could say what I'm feeling inside. It's so deep and sacred I can't speak it.

Thanks to many, many friends and family who surround us with love. That support is amazing to feel and realize and I'm thankful.

To our precious Lovebug we say, "WE LOVE YOU and MISS YOU. WE'RE COMING!

Doug's trip to the Boundary Waters

Camille (Jonathan's sister), Lindy, Steve (Jonathan's dad), Doug, Brodie (our nephew)

Friday, August 13, Doug got into his rental car and headed for Minnesota, stopping to pick up my nephew in Salina, Utah on the way. They drove three days, arriving in Ely, Minnesota Sunday evening where they met up with Lindy and Jonathan, Jonathan's dad and his sister. Monday morning, they headed out on their adventure canoeing the boundary waters for five days, camping out, fishing, getting rained on, eating sometimes yukky food, enjoying beauty everywhere, and just having an overall good time. He returned Sunday night having had a great time. I took care of Ruthie, Lindy and Jonathan's little girl, and so I had a good time, too. I am glad Doug could have this experience and I'm glad he got home safely!

Sometimes they had to portage between lakes!

Lindy & Jonathan, ready to go!

Such beauty!

Brodie & Doug

Cute Daddy & Daughter!

Very Strange!

A week and a half ago when Ruthie was here, I asked her to throw a burnt matchstick into the trash. She darted to the bedroom and when she didn't return right away, I went to check on her. She was standing over the trash can staring intently and so I walked up behind her. This is what I saw! It looked just like that matchstick was hanging in midair! Upon a closer look, there was a web which caught it and held it. I can only imagine what was going through Ruthie's mind when she tossed that in and it stopped; no wonder she was just staring!

Our 16th grandchild!

Our 16th grandchild was born June 25 to Megi and Ty. Atley Jacille weighed 8 lbs. 14 oz. and was 21 inches long. I was able to spend two weeks there in Burley, Idaho helping with the new one and playing with her two big sisters, Mikah and Skyler. It was a special time for me. I love them all so much.

The Jones Family


Mikah & Skyler - 4th of July

Ruthie, Lindy's daughter, Mikah, Atley and I, Skyler

My beautiful daughters!

So lovely!

The few flowers that I grow in my yard aside from fruit and vegetable blossoms bring me great happiness and peace. The yellow lantana remind me of Shannon; she loved the brightness of yellow. The other lantana bush displays orange and yellow blossoms. Snapdragons are always a favorite as they take me back to my childhood when I would gently pinch the blossom so that it looks like it's opening its mouth. Fascinating! (I still like to do it! ) My very favorite flower is the hibiscus. I am in awe as I enjoy its color and form. It's a beautiful Sunday; a beautiful summer day here in Bakersfield.


Soon, a new little granddaughter will arrive in this world to our family. I think of her often and in my mind's eye, I see her preparing to leave her immortal world, excited to come for her earthly experience to be a part of the Jones family. She's got a special Mommy and Daddy who love her already and will teach her all she needs to know to journey in this life. And she's got two big sisters who will just adore her and smother her with love! Not to mention grandparents, aunts, uncles, & cousins galore. It will be wonderful to welcome her here.


I feel blessed and thankful beyond words to describe, that I know the plan of happiness. I am blessed to be sealed eternally to Doug and for the hope we have of an eternal family. I know where our Shannon is and what she's doing. I wish I could actually hear her voice tell me how happy she is and how free she feels; I know it's true! I know that I still must work on this earth to complete my mission before I can go to her. I rejoice in my beautiful children and grandchildren who fill up my days with happiness, even though there are miles between us.


I know I am rambling, but it's how I'm feeling today!

Not too bad!

This was my first target sheet used last night in a gun safety class I took. The small holes are using a 22 revolver and the large holes are using a 357 magnum revolver. I learned a lot and had fun shooting. I did get tired after a few rounds. These old arms and eyes just ain't what they used to be! (Sigh)