Kevin's Birthday

Hey Hey it's Kevin's Birthday Today!  My son is 25 and I sit and think about all the fun times I have enjoyed with this kid.  I love remembering the time he said his best friend was ...... ME!!!  He had the silliest expressions and has always made me laugh.  Kevin has been an easy and enjoyable kid. (all my kids have been enjoyable...some easier than others)  Oh my I love being Kevin's mom!  I love all the memories and good times we have shared.  I love watching him be a husband and daddy.  He's good at both!  I love his determination to get his school done as quick as he can.  I love watching his dreams unfold!  I love MY son!

Mom's Surgery

Today my Mom went in to get her knee repaired after falling last week and dislocating it.  Since she has hurt herself I have had the task of helping her bathe.  I will say it hasn't been so bad but it's because we make "light" of it.  My sister has been spending the nights and helping her get up to go to the bathroom.  She's with mom and dad as much as she can be.  So I thought helping out with baths was something I could do.  My sister wanted to see how I helped her and so one day she came in and while rinsing mom I said: "Now we hose her down".  Hahaha we all laughed and have used the term since.  We refer to the whole bath now as time to "hose" down mom.  My mom told Trichelle that for a nickel she could watch.  Holy Moly we have a good time.

I have enjoyed this time with my sister and parents.  We have had some good visits.  I have seen the love between my parents that I have prayed for my whole life.....it's there....they really do love each other.  My mom has complimented me and hasn't put me or anyone down.  I cherish that!  She loves me too!  I learned yesterday after mom's surgery that my dad use to be the class clown and was out spoken.  I have never known that....the dad I know has always been quiet and submissive.  My dad had a brain hemorrhage in High School and he changed from it.  I didn't know that either.  So I take after my mom and my dad!!!  They were both silly too! (mom still is)

My mom went in to have her knee repaired but ended up getting a full knee replacement.  The Doctor had spent hours (4) reviewing her tests and decided that a replacement might be the better things to do.  People have been praying for my mom and I believe the Doctors decision was an answer to all the prayers.  Dad, Susan and I all felt this was the best decision also.  Mom's knee will be stronger and the recovery should be easier for mom to be a bit more independent.  The surgery went well and mom woke up happy.  She was making me laugh each time someone new came in to help her.  She would question them as to why they were there.  The Aid she had when I left was extremely cute.  He came in with a smile and mom asked him why he was smiling. He said he was happy to see her and was there to take care of her.   I told her to be glad that she didn't get a grumpy nurse or aid.  I felt she was in good hands at the point and that's when I took my dad home.

kayaking....

Larry decided that it would be fun to take the kids kayaking.  We bought three kayaks awhile back and haven't used them.  They have been used by Braxton and the Winters but not by us.  When Jaydan heard about it he wanted to go too.  Originally Larry was going to take the kids while I was at my card class. Larry decided to wait for Jaydan to get off work.  We needed another kayak and so I went and got a youth one before my class that wasn't too expensive.  By the time they left I was home from my class and so Larry suggested I go with them and read....since we wouldn't have enough kayaks for me too.  I decided spending the time with the family even if it was in the car would be nice and it was.

The Dam was so smooth and pretty.  The family had the kayaks off the trailer and in the water in no time!

 I sat in the truck and took pictures.  It's so quiet up in the mountains that I could hear them talking.  At one point I heard Jaydan yell Jared's name.  I guess Jaydan was going to attack Jared and was warning him.  I enjoyed watching others come and go too.

It was beautiful up there.  I was able to read through my next lesson for RS and also a few stories in a book I got for my birthday.

 Before I knew it the family was coming back.  I could tell by their noise that they had had a good time.

They continued having fun before getting out of the water.  Jaydan made sure Jared and Kimi each tipped over just one more time.  Gotta love big brothers!

Larry said it was a really nice ride and wants to go again.  I think we might be getting another youth kayak.

 It was a fun time for everyone.  We stopped at "Chris's" after and ate.  What a fun night with the family!

Parents, Teresa and Temple

I went to my mom's on Friday to sit with her.  My mom fell last week and dislocated her knee and is having a hard time getting around.  My sister has been staying with her as much as possible and I have been going up when I can.  Today I went up and helped her bath and get cleaned up.  After spending about 4 hours with her and my dad I met Teresa for lunch.  I have to say that visiting with my mom and dad has been great.  I see the love they have for each other and it makes me happy.

Teresa and I met at Roosters for some fish taco's.  This time visiting with Teresa was a lot easier.  We had a great visit.  Time flies....oh and speaking of flies......we sat outside and the flies were loving Teresa.  They were constantly on her hair.  I am surprised there isn't one in the picture with us.  It was nice spending time with Teresa.  I am thankful for my new friend!

As soon as I got home Larry and I headed off to the Temple only to find that it was closed.  There are so many close to us that we just kept heading South and went to the Jordan River Temple.  I love the Temples and so does Larry.  I am so thankful that I can attend the Temple.  I am so thankful to be a Latter Day Saint.
We aren't perfect but we keep moving forward and doing our best and that in itself feels good!

Bowling....

I look forward to bowling every week.  Not because of bowling really but seeing and interacting with some really fun ladies!  I have made some really good friends and I just feel loved as silly as that might sound. I get "hugs" every single week from a few of the ladies.....I love hugs!  I missed last week and I had a handful of ladies come up to me and tell me that they missed me. :)  Taryn and I mesh well and love seeing each other every week.  We always hug each other and cheer each other on.  We like to get loud and drive others crazy.  Some people think you should be quiet and serious at bowling....NOT me or Taryn.  We Woo Hoo Hoo & Holler and have a good time!  We cheer for everyone!   I seriously think most people love the happiness and cheer we add to their Thursdays!  I see them smile! :)

Today I was surprised to see my cute grand, Kamryn at bowling.  I was walking past a pole and thought I saw her and when I got to the other side of the pole where I could see her again we both lit up!  At first we both had the questionable look on our face wondering if we were seeing right.  She ran to me and jumped into my arms! Ohhhh......I LOVE my Grands!  I asked permission to go show her off.  I am so proud of each of my grands....they all light up my life so much!

31 years goes fast!

Today we celebrate the birthday of Trichelle Marie......Oh I love her!  I am so thankful to be Trichelle's mom and friend.  Trichelle is so much fun and absolutely beautiful inside and out!  I know I've said it before but it was her that made my childhood dreams come true.  I always wanted to be a mommy and was thrilled when Trichelle was born.  She was the cutest baby and I was so proud to be her mommy. (still am!)  I have always felt that way about her and her siblings.  I couldn't have picked any cuter or greater kids.

Trichelle has always been smart and sensitive, and kind, and honest, and loving, and respectful, and fun, and funny, and a hard worker.  It's hard to believe that she is 31.  I still picture her as my little girl. (Heck I still picture myself as my parents little girl)  I cherish the years that we have together and look forward to many, many more!!!

Wicked!!!

Last year, the first weekend in Sept, I received a text from Heather Anderson asking me if I wanted tickets to Wicked for August of 2012.  I was in Bear Lake at the time with some High School friends.  We all jumped on the idea and ordered our tickets.  I was soooooo excited!  I have wanted to see Wicked for a few years but just couldn't afford the price of the tickets.  These prices were much better and super good seats.  I decided that my girls would love going with me and so I decided that for their birthdays this would be their gift.  Natalie got her ticket in January and had to wait.  Trichelle's birthday is actually today and so we got to go a day early for hers and Julie got her present a month early. (her birthday is in Sept)  I would have got a ticket for Kimleighel also but it was her 16th birthday and she wanted a big party and I wouldn't let her have both. (I'm mean like that)

So really I had three tickets and when Julie joined our family I debated on what to do.  I know that Julie would have totally understood that we had the tickets before she was in the family and she wouldn't have felt bad for not being included.  But, I would feel bad and so I had finally decided that I would send the girls and wait for another opportunity to go.  Some how I was talking to Heather about it and she said that she would check and see if she could get me another ticket....her mom also wanted another one.  I was elated that she was able to get another ticket for the same night. (I know I was being blessed for being unselfish.....I totally believe it)  I even got to sit by Barbie which was a complete surprise and I nice one!  We had great seats and the play was very enjoyable!  It's at the top of my Favorite Plays ever!

My friend Davaleen went and this was her summary that she put on Face Book:

"The play "Wicked " was awesome, it's the back story of the Wizard of Oz and how Glenda the good witch and the wicked witch of the west were college roommates and best friends.How they came to Oz and who the scarecrow. Tin man and lion really were and how they became that way. And what really happened when the witch "supposedly " melted. The play was hilarious and joyful and very touching."

Since Kimi didn't come I think if I get the chance at some tickets again I will take her.  Kimi would love it too.  It was a FUN night with the girls!

I'm really glad that Heather thought of me when she was able to get tickets.  So nice of her to share her in with others.

The Kids are Back in School

WooHoo for School!  Kimi is in tenth grade this year and Jared is in eighth.  I'm not going to lie.....I like it!  Kimi couldn't sleep and was up bright and early.  She is a little more nervous than excited.  I was laying in bed and felt a little poke on my shoulder.  I turned over and it was Jared with a big smile saying "get up and exercise".  Kimi put him up to it....funny kids!  Seriously this day reminded me of what Christmas should be like.  I have never seen Kimi and Jared up so early without being woke up. (not even for Christmas)

I love these two and I'm excited for another school year to come and go.  At this point in my life I am counting the years down of when I won't have kids in school........5 more years! (I keep telling myself.....I can do this ..... I can endure)  I hope that Kimleighel and Jared will work hard and have fun.  I hope that they will make good memories and friendships.  I hope they enjoy this time of their lives!

*(Jared grew a lot this summer!!! He went to the Doctor for his scout physical two weeks before I went for my yearly and we measured the same .... 5 ft 4 in ....but by the time I went he was taller.  I have noticed the last few weeks he has grown even more.  He's taller than me and Kimi and maybe even Jaydan.  So there you go.....my baby is growing up and isn't much of a little boy any more.....puberty has hit!)

Last Lunch of Summer

The kids have wanted to go to Wendy's all summer and so today I took them. (maybe I have put it off)  Kimi has wanted the Frosty's.  I think those Frosty's keep people coming back. Where else do you "dip" everything from your meal in ice cream? I was still full from breakfast but did enjoy treating my kids and watching them enjoy themselves just a little bit longer. (school starts tomorrow)  I was glad Jaydan was around so that he could come too.  Speaking of Jaydan.....Jaydan is going to Massage School and today I got a text asking me if I wanted a "Foot Message".  Heck YES!!!  I loved it!   Oh my.... I am going to love having Jaydan practice on me.  I think even Larry will enjoy being practiced on.  Jaydan has wanted to go into Massage for years and is following his dream.  I am so proud of him.  I am proud of each one of my kids.  I feel so very blessed to have the family that I do. I love them all!

Back to School....

Some of the ladies that I live by got together for Breakfast to celebrate Back to School.  I will admit that this year I'm not as excited for school to start.  This summer hasn't been very stressful or messy or bad at all.  I would love a little more time off with the kids.  I know the kids are a little excited for school to start.  As they prepare to go my mind goes back in time and I remember how I was excited to go back.....to meet to people....and learn new things....and have fun.  I loved school and have happy memories of it!

I hope my kids have happy memories of their summers and also of their years in school.  What a glorious time in their lives.  What a glorious time in my life....... I love having a bit of peace and quiet.  I love that the house stays clean for a few hours.  I love that I can do what I want for a few hours.  I do love that my kids have the opportunity and privilege of going to school and getting an education.  

I'm thankful for other mom's that I can share my experiences with.  I love that no matter how close in age any of us are we all experience the same kind of things and feelings.  Today I feel blessed!

 

Cook Out with the Marks

We love the Mark Family and tonight we had them over for a BBQ.  Braxton was actually the one that initiated us all getting together.  I think he is trying to fellowship Cassie and Austin.   I don't really care why he thought of it.  I'm just glad that we were able to get together.  The Marks are a wonderful family!  They are a close family and do so much together and care about each other so much.  They are a great example of how families should treat each other.

I love how loving Austin is.  He came in and walked over and gave me a hug right off the bat.  This is a kid that I seldom see but who is so thoughtful and kind.  When he left he again came and gave me a hug and walked over to Larry to also tell him good bye.  I remember watching Austin and Dakota as they grew up they always hugged  their family.....they just always have.  I love each one of these great people and the rest of their little families.  I'm thankful for Braxton for thinking to have them all over.  I am thankful that they were all willing to come.  Oh.....I love the Marks!

Brigham City Temple

Kevin got tickets to the Brigham City Temple Open House.  He had enough that we were also able to go and take Kimi and Jared and Gramps with us.  I am really glad we did.  Kimi was very attentive and observant and had a few questions.  It's nice that they are able to see what's inside beyond the Baptismal Font.  The "spirit" was very strong.  I felt it even while we were waiting in the parking lot for the bus.  Larry mentioned that he felt it on the way to the Temple.  Temples are so awesome and really do draw us closer to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

I loved the pictures inside this temple.  They had pictures of women with baskets of fruit like peaches and apples.  There were also pictures of fields and even barns.  They were so particular for this area.  I thought it was so neat.  I am really glad that we took the time and went with our kids.  I am very thankful that Kevin took the time to get tickets and got extra.  I love the Temples and I'm so grateful that I am able to go into them all!

Bear Lake....

We went to Bear Lake again with the Cooke's and the Mile's.  It was so much fun!  Oh my we laugh a lot and talk a lot and just have a lot of fun!

 Thursday the wind was blowing and so the water was rough.  I was nervous about driving the boat once we put it in the water so I told Kerry to take over.  Laughing started immediately at that point.  Kerry wasn't use to our boat or it's motor and "Jerked" us back and forth quite a bit.  I will give him credit though for NOT hitting the dock....or the scuba diver that was by a dock.  I think he made the others boats nervous too with all the jerking but he managed and got the job done!  (I am thankful he took over since I can only imagine what I might have done with the wind and crowded space)  The water wasn't much good for anything but Tubing or the Water Wienie.....we chose the Water Wienie.  I was a little nervous that I wouldn't be able to give the guys a "good" ride.  Not a problem with the wind blowing.....I got them off the wienie easy.  I guess Kerry kept yelling "she's going to kill us".  YAY!!!!  They had fun!

Us girls had fun too just watching our guys "POP" all over the place! It was a fun day out on the water even though it was a bit rough.

We drew to see who got what room.  The rooms were in one baggie and the couples names were in another baggie.  I got to draw and I drew the Master Bedroom first.  Then I drew which couple would get it and I drew us.  Larry and I were both excited about that draw.  (Last years bed wasn't comfortable at all)  Then I drew the upstairs room and the Cooke's.  That meant that the Miles got the downstairs.  I guess the only disadvantage to the basement is the spiders. (yikes!)  I didn't see one upstairs but Crystal kept seeing them downstairs.  If we do this again I think Larry and I will volunteer for the downstairs. (it should be our turn)

The mornings were beautiful and Crystal was able to capture it with my camera.  I was glad I left the camera on the counter.  The ones up early saw Moose and Deer walking around outside.  I saw a deer but enjoyed laying in bed a bit longer.

On Friday the guys got up and went golfing.....they had so much fun they scheduled another T-time for later in the day.  The water and air temp were perfect.  I have never seen Bear Lake so nice.  The water was smooth all day.

I think Larry must have thought that it would be cold because he chose to wear the dry suit.  It's a bugger to get that thing on and after using it Larry decided it was time to throw it away.

I loved watching Larry ski and enjoy himself.  We usually just watch the kids have fun which is enjoyable to us also...but playing was also very fun!

We were even able to convince Kellie to get out on the water wienie.  Kellie doesn't know how to swim very good and so big amounts of water make her nervous.  I was proud of her and we had a great time.

After Kellie had her fill Crystal and I went for a few rides.  It was fun being bounced around and even thrown off.  I liked that there was only two of us.  That way when you flew off you were less likely to hit.  Oh and speaking of hitting.....when the guys were riding and they flew off....Brad ended up under Kerry and Kerry ended up pushing Brad under the water even more in the process of trying to get to the surface himself.  Funny and scary both.  I had that happen once and it's scary not knowing when you will surface to get some air again.  The good thing is we all survived and no one was hurt.

After another round of golf we all went to the Club for dinner.  It was nice sitting outside and the meal was good. There was a live band and it was fun watching them set up.  We even stayed and listened to a few songs before heading back to the cabin to play games.

It was a nice, relaxing, fun weekend.  We all get along really well and are so comfortable with each other we can totally be ourselves.  Oh what fun memories me made!