Last Day of 2012

Larry decided to take us out for Breakfast on this last day of 2012.  We decided to invite the kids that are home. Kind of forgot to invite Braxton (he lives at Gramps...next door) and I noticed that in all these pictures Braxton wasn't in any of them. However we did see him a lot today and he spent the whole day with us.(except breakfast)  He was sledding and making a snow fort (with some cute girls) and was a little late for bowling but he was enjoyed by our family most of the day!

I'm not a big breakfast person and was sick for  a few hours after eating put it was still fun to take the kids our and spend some time with them and each other.  It's funny to me how cookies in the morning don't make me sick but a regular breakfast does.

At 4:30 The Jones Family and our Family met at the bowling alley in Morgan.  We rented it for 2 hours and had a great time.  We fill the place up these days.  It's so fun seeing everyone grow up.  The Jones Family got three new grand babies since last year and we got Kamryn.

I love our tradition of bowling with the families and then playing games after and of course eating.

A long time ago......a very long time ago.....just the adults went out to celebrate the New Year coming in. It was fun but I am so glad we started including the kids.....I like that better.  I think the kids like it too because all our kids show up with their families.

This year we got the lanes a little earlier than normal...there was a mistake....but we preferred it and even scheduled for the earlier time for next year already.  Having the earlier time allows the kids to celebrate with us and then go with their friends if they want.

We went over to Dave & Vicky's this year afterwards and had yummy taco's.  Vicky always goes all out.  Our younger kids mentioned that going to the houses after is the funnest.  I think because I interact more with the Jones kids.  It is fun...I like it....I like it a lot!

Bridgette taught us how to play "Farkel" and we had a great time laughing and playing that.  Dave won....I think Dave wins a lot.  It was a wonderful last day of 2012.

My New Years Resolution last year was to "make fun happen" and I was able to do that.  I know many people might have thought I was crazy (including Larry) but many also wanted to join in on our fun and be our friends.  Larry even told me once that I have way more fun than him....he's right I do!  He's way more spiritual than me though because he works at that.  I still feel like I am spiritual....I just might not have the knowledge he has acquired and I'm okay with that.

I cheered a lot of people on.....gave a lot of "woot~woots" and made others smile.  I know I was a good influence...happiness always is!  Having that goal was good for me.....it was a hard year in some ways but because I was making "fun" happen I enjoyed all days.  Now don't get me wrong...there were moments in some days that weren't wonderful but that didn't last the whole day....I didn't let them.

The good things that happened this year is Julie and Kamryn changed their names to Ropelato.  We love having them in the family. No one got lost.  Trichelle and TJ and the kids moved a lot closer...right in Hooper.  I made new friends. (never have enough in my opinion)  Our family has enjoyed good health. We got Jaydan home and so for the first time in over 6 years our family is together. (I love that)

Everyone still enjoys being together.  We went boating and to dinners.  We carried on Family Traditions.  We laughed a lot ..... we are so blessed!

2012 Flew by for me and even my younger kids felt the speed of this past year.  It was a great year and we are all alive and smiling so what more could we ask for?  (NOTHING)

Woot~Woot for 2012!!!

Focus!!!

My mind has been enlightened again and the answer has been there the whole time.  It's hard at times to be a "Spiritual Being" living here as "Human Beings".  We forget what we already know and have to be reminded again.  It happens .... in fact, it happens all the time and will continue to happen all the time so I am not going to let it get me down.  The reason I have been riding the "Crazy Train" is because I was FOCUSING on the things that confused me.  I was focusing on the things I feel I am lacking.  I have been focusing on the things that hurt me.  I have been focusing on the wrong things! DUH!!!

Don't get me wrong.  I have noticed the blessings, and the good things and even taken time to Thank Heavenly Father for them but then I went right back to focusing on the wrong things.  I think that is why my mind has been so confused.  I noticed and acknowledged the good but let my focus drift.  This morning before church my mind was enlightened with knowledge and it was reconfirmed again at church today.  (funny how that happens so often)  My focus needs to stay on the good things....sure I am going to notice the negative stuff and the things that cause me pain but I do not need to leave my focus there.  My focus needs to be on the Good Things happening, the Blessings.  It's funny because I even write down my blessings each day (or most days) and so I do notice them but they haven't been the things consuming and occupying my brain......They will be though.  My FOCUS has now made a turn....no longer will I Focus on the things that make me sad, or confused, or miserable....instead I will Focus on the things that bring be happiness, the things that make me smile, and things that help me feel the Spirit and HIS love.

I am a normal human being and so I know I am not the only one that goes through this.  This is life and I am learning.  I am learning the same things over and over again...and I suspect that is just life too.  I can accept that.  I am blessed.  I know that I am loved.  I can be happy right now....no matter the circumstances that surround me.  I need to remember where to FOCUS!!!

Mascot Night

Braxton got our family ticktes to Weber States Game tonight.  It was Mascot Night and so we decided it would be fun to go.  It was fun to go.....Waldo makes me smile!  The game wasn't even close and I only know that because I looked up at the score every now and them.  I was watching the Mascot's....not the game.

It was fun going with a bunch of our kids.  They are so funny to watch and listen to.  I simply love them!

 It was fun watching the Mascot's interact with all the fans.  Totally made my heart smile! Of all the Mascots....Waldo was the absolute best.....and that is the truth.....not just bias.

The Half Time was a game between the Mascots.  Kind of funny to watch since some of them have a problem lifting their arms and all are limited on seeing.  Waldo's team won but I felt like they had the advantage since they seemed to be able to move the best. (Waldo, Torch and one of the Dancers)

Oggie the Raptor did okay with his moves.....he was even able to do a back flip.  Pretty impressive for a Raptor.  Waldo made a pass with a few back handsprings and a back flip of his own....he is just so cool!

 It was a fun night and I am glad we were able to go and support our Weber Wild Cat!

Crazy

I believe I have boarded the crazy train.  It happens every so often in life....at least with me. As things & circumstance change we need to be flexible and adjust our lives to fit them right?  Well....I'm having a bit of trouble adjusting....maybe because I'm not sure why I need to.  Or maybe because things are changing directions or seem like they are rolling back.  For some reason I find myself confused.  I am confused at times of who I am which really doesn't make sense in even saying that since I feel like I have been shown parts of who I really am over the last several years....maybe more parts are being exposed.  (I have liked what I have learned about myself and part of my purpose) I am not really sure what's happening.....that is why I am confused.  If you are reading this I am probably confusing you...so feel free to stop reading because I am pretty sure I am going to continue to ramble. (ramble like the cars on a train)

There are parts of my past that I gave up that are surfacing.  For instance I have always loved to dance...there is just a part of me that is moved when I see performers dancing.  I gave up dancing when I met Larry.  He doesn't like to and has no rhythm and so I gave it up.  Oh I still dance around the house and around my kids and grands but .....  If you are still reading this and are still confused then stop and go on to another blog.  I don't understand why these things surfacing even matter to me....why I even care.  I have been fine without them in my life....I have learned to enjoy new things.  Isn't that what life is about? (adjusting, compromising, experiencing new things, being flexible) So I wonder......why am I so unsettled?  I know what my heart desires and I know the things I can do but I am not in control of making it all happen.  

I believe that is why I love going to the Temple at this time in my life.  Love it more than I ever have before.  I feel peace, unconditional love, acceptance, complete joy.  Not all my questions are answered while I am in the Temple and really I am still confused but while I am there I do feel peace.  So I guess that is where I turn for peace at this time in my life....and while I am there I am off the Crazy Train for awhile.  It feels good but I find myself right back on it when I come out.

I have been blessed with friends who listen, who let me vent and express myself and give me the best advice they can. (one particular that I am very thankful at this time)  I am thankful for God......I feel closer to HIM than ever before.  Maybe that's why the Crazy Train comes by and I jump on every now and then....I need to be reminded that God is always there for me and with me even when I am confused and don't understand.

If you are still reading....you must be crazy too! ;)

the one I adore turned 54

Larry had a Birthday shout Hooray!  I'm glad we are here to celebrate another birthday for my hubby....I'm glad he is here to celebrate another birthday.  I don't think 54 is old....unless you're a baby...then it's old.  We are over the hill for sure but instead of climbing now we get to roll.  (maybe Larry isn't over his hill~I think he's still climbing but I am diffidently  rolling)  I had a good time today for Larry's birthday.  I went bowling and did well....Larry went to work.  I texted friends and family and reminded them all that it was Larry's birthday.  I am pretty sure he appreciates me for that.  He received a few cards from people and a lot of razzing....(that's what I was hoping for)  "Bishop Larry" sent every single person in our ward  a birthday card this year on their birthday. (so much time)  I thought he needed some recognition.  He liked it....I know he did!

His mom brought him over a cake when he got home as well as a Sweet 16 Birthday Card.  She's tired of him reminding her that she forgot his 16th birthday so today, 38 years later he received a birthday cake and card for his 16th & 54th birthdays!  I thought it was cute of her to do that for him.

Cole and Suzie also have a birthday today and so we celebrate together.  Larry told me tonight he doesn't enjoy this little tradition. (I think that is his stress talking....but who knows?  this might be their last birthday dinner together)  We went to Kobe's which in my opinion isn't the best place to go with 6 people.  It's loud and everyone is separated so we all couldn't visit together.  It worked out and it was fun enough. (it wasn't my birthday haha)

Jaydan surprised Larry and I with tickets to Les Miserables for the 9:35 show.  I laugh because Larry hated the play....really hated the play.  I thought the show would be better for him.....it wasn't.  He said there was too much singing....it was all singing.  (hahaha) I loved it however and was happy I was able to go.  So not sure Larry enjoyed his Special Day but I sure did!

Lovin the Snow

Christmas

Sometimes Christmas Day is a let down to me.  I enjoy it but it's like the end to the best time of year and that makes me sad.  Getting ready for Christmas is the best part to me.  I prepare a lot.  I stay busy thinking of others and that just feels good.  I send out over 100 cards.  That's a priority to me because it's the only time of year I contact some of my favorite people.  I make gifts, I order gifts, I make a list of the recipients and what I have for them...the list has over 40 people on it.  I think I have even cut back.  I try to make it memorable and good for my kids and grands.  This year was easier since our gift to our family is a family trip to Disneyland.  However, I still felt like there needed to be something under the tree for them to open.

I had Natalie help me make Disney Shirts for the kids....from Braxton on down.  They turned out cute.  Then the kids each got a pair of pants and a shirt and their traditional box of cereal.  Why cereal you might ask?  With such a large family we could not afford for each of the kids to get much and so I started wrapping a box of cereal for each one of them.  They don't have to share and they get their favorite.  They still love their boxes of cereal.....the grands like it too!

Some friends bring us gifts and we put them under the tree for the kids to open.  Each child gets to open a few more presents that way.  And if they have been good Santa might leave something under the tree as well.
This year Santa left "just dance 4" for the wii in one of the Choo choo trains cars.  I had to point it out and when I did Kimi's face lit up!  She was hoping for that or a Cello.....(the Cello may comes years from now)

I love my kids and how understanding they are.  If they are sad or feel cheated I usually don't hear too much about it.  Sometimes I do and it makes me sad but we are blessed and they are reminded.

In each of their stockings they received a paper with Mickey Mouse announcing our Gift and all the info needed.  I wanted it printed so everyone would know all the details and wouldn't have to ask me over and over.

We enjoyed Christmas music from Kimleighel which I never get tired of.  I love hearing her play on the piano....she is good!

This year we didn't have set plans on what we were going to do after opening the gifts.  No missionary to work around and that was nice.  I love having everyone home again.  We ended up getting ready around noon to visit our married kids and see what the grands got.  Just before I really wanted a 5 minute nap....I was tired and I know that if I can just sneak in a little nap it makes a huge difference in my patience the rest of the day.  Larry was getting a little nap in the piano room and I went and laid on the bed. (I like it better than the couch or floor)  My big boys thought it would be funny to throw stuffed animals at me....and it was funny but I didn't get my nap. (I bet later that night they wish I would have got my nap....more on that coming)

It was fun seeing the excitement of each of my sweet little grands.  Geeze I have such cute little ones.  I love them all so much!  We went to my mom's around 4:00 and to my pleasant surprise Susan and her family were there too.  My mom and dad made some spareribs and chose the time to stop over.  I'm glad we were all there at the same time.  The house was full but I liked it.  It doesn't happen often that we are all together and I cherish the times we are.

My mom and dad are very generous and make Christmas fun.  Growing up it was more conservative like ours is but now it's pretty big.  My mom works on Christmas all year.  She gets the kids books and puzzles from the school when they place orders. The kids love it!  This year she gave the older kids from Jared up money.  This year was a good year to do that since they will need spending money in Disneyland.  This year they gave us more $ than they ever have.  Dad usually gives us $100 to get food storage with.  He use to buy the food but decided to simplify and have us do it to eliminate so much carrying.  When I opened their gift I couldn't help but cry.  This year has been stressful in many ways and our finances was included in that stress. The gift was greatly appreciated and came to us at the perfect time.  (you might be wondering why we chose Disneyland then if we couldn't afford it....I thought after going last year with just Larry and I it would be fun and that's when the plans were made.  The kids are paying for their passes and lunches and anything extra...and we will take from our savings to pay for the rest)

I am thankful for my parents and Larry's parents and the love they show to us.  They are great people....all of them.

I enjoyed visiting with my sis and her kids and grands.  I just love family and miss those that aren't around.  We always have a good time. (or at least I do)

We are packed like sardines in my mom and dad's house but I love it.  The kitchen and front room are full with us all there at once but it works out as memories are made.

We even got to talk to Bennett when he called.  I love my brothers too and can't wait for them to come for a visit again.  I think it's going to be soon. WooHoo!!!

It was pretty much a perfect day.  Relaxing and nice until right before bed......here comes the rest of the story. (not getting a nap) Justin and Kevin's families came down after visiting with my parents and we gave them their few gifts and were just visiting and enjoying each other.  The mess was starting to get on my nerves....I was trying hard not to let it.  Kimi was leaning on me and in my personal space and kissing me more than necessary and I was hot and starting to lose it.  Kimi and Jared were messing around and I had Jared hand me a stocking before it got ripped.  I guess when I asked him it was obvious I was tired and getting irritable because Natalie and Larry had a look on their faces that told me they could tell.  I tried letting that snap be back to calmness but guess what?  I didn't get a nap and it didn't work...I did okay until one of the kids left their paper with all the info on the floor and said it wasn't theirs.  Without thinking at all I reacted with the words "my hell" flying out of my mouth while I picked up the paper and threw it away.  Those that heard went quiet and only their eyes dared move.  I felt terrible and thought about leaving and crying but chose to stand there in awkwardness with the others.  That's how our Perfect Christmas Day ended............dang it!

It didn't end there for me.  I forgot how caffeine affects me when consumed after noon...( I drank a Mt Dew at my mom's)  I couldn't sleep and the guilt consumed me.  I laid there listening to Larry sleep as tears rolled down my face and into my ears.