Sunshine

Today I am feeling very blessed and sweet memories of kindness are flooding my mind.

The other day when I was with Lorrilee celebrating her birthday and our friendship she told me that when I came through her door I was like "Sunshine" filling her room.  That reminded me that my mom had said something similar when I visited her while she was in rehab.  My mom has told me many times before that I was a breath of "Sunshine".  My friends from school (the younger ones) asked me if I had a middle name....or should they just call me "Sunshine".  I want to express how having that said about me makes me feel.  It makes me feel like I am doing something right.  It makes me feel loved and wanted.  It makes me feel special.  It makes me cry just a little with tears of joy.

I received a text from Karie Kennedy speaking for my cute younger friends from HS saying "You have blessed our lives....your happy spirit is contagious..."

Another friend send me this..."You like to compare yourself to others.....want to be enough....but you are much more....don't compare.....there is none.....You are More!"

Then I get comments on FB about how my "Light" is spread to many.....many more than I will ever know.  All this kindness makes my heart burst with happiness.  I love being seen this way!  Even TJ was talking to Trichelle and their friends saying how he appreciated me for accepting them the way they are and not criticizing or judging them.

I was at my friends house last night with Kimi, Jared and Larry.  My friend has been sick and has had a lot of challenges and needed a blessing.  I volunteered my sweet hubby.  While we were there Kimi said: "I am so cute....look how cute I am".  She had just performed her Orchestra Concert and was feeling great about herself.  My friend and I laughed and wished that we too could be so confident and happy with ourselves.  I wonder why we don't see ourselves as others do?  Teresa and I talked about it for a minute.  Others see the good in us....our "Sunshine" and focus on that.  They know the weakness is there also but that's not where their eyes look.....the eyes see and focus on the good.  We, however know the weakness oh so well and that is where our own eyes seem to look and stay.  Why is it so hard to accept our goodness and our own "Sunshine"?   I wonder if somewhere along in life we are told we shouldn't....that if we do we our prideful.....or vain.....or wrong.  I wish that didn't happen.  Because of others love and kindness I am getting a glimpse at who I really am....through the eyes of others.....and my eyes are actually seeing it too.  I like what I see....I like how it makes me feel....I know that I am loved.....that I am special.....that I "Shine"....that I am more....much more than I have given myself credit for.

I believe we are all very similar and that this experience isn't unique just to me.  We are all special....and wonderful....and awesome......and enough.....and cute.....and loved!  Loved by our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ....loved by our family and friends.  What more could we ask for?

Zaden

I get to see this little guy on most Thursdays.  He goes to the day care in the morning and I usually get to pick him up for a little bit since Trichelle has a night class on Thursdays.  I say usually because there are weeks that TJ get's there before me to pick him up.  I think TJ enjoys this little one about as much as us.  Last quarter Zaden and I enjoyed spending our Mondays together and I will will just say I enjoy the time I get with the grands.

It's so fun watching their little personalities develop.  I love listening to them express themselves.  I just love everything about these little ones.  They are all so amazing and wonderful!

Have I ever mentioned that I love being a Gramma. (wink)

Kathy .....

Kathy and I planned a whole day together.  We decided to go get pedicures, try on wigs, and have lunch and maybe squeeze in a movie.  We were a little early for our pedicures and so went and got a drink and treat to enjoy while we got pampered.  I love getting pedicures.  I love the massage chairs.....oh I really love the massage chairs.  I love having my feet rubbed & fiddled with....it tickles but I love it!  However today the lady kind of hurt me with her little scissors.  She was digging a little deeper than I think necessary. I even made a face that Kathy picked right up on....It hurt....

After our pedicures we went out into the cold with our flip flops so our nails could dry before putting socks on them.  For some reason they didn't dry very well and both of our socks stuck to our polish.  So are nicely pedicures toes don't really look so nice.  I can't help but notice the bruise still on my leg.  I slipped off of Kathy's porch 3 weeks ago and still have a bruise and a little bump.  It's almost better though and so that is good.

The wig shop was closed when we got there.  It's closed every Monday....now we know!  We just thought it would be fun to try on wigs and Kathy is even thinking of getting one to wear.  Her daughter in law's mom wears a wig and always gets compliments on her darling hair so Kathy thinks it might be nice to have one.  If I got a wig it would just be for fun.....you know dress up parties and girl time.

Since the wig shop was closed I dragged Kathy with me to the Monument Place so I could get the Monument I won many months ago.  I'm kind of excited to get the big rock actually.  They are engraving the saying: "Out of the DREARINESS, into it's CHEERINESS, come we in WEARINESS, HOME!"  It will be in our courtyard just outside our front door.  Trichelle suggested this saying and I really liked it.

We were both starving after ordering the monument and so we went to Zuppa's.  I love Zuppa's !  It was yummy as usual.

Since we were by the Dress Barn we went in a did a little shopping.  We each only spent like $11 because we had some coupons.  Kathy did better than me though because she was able to get earrings and a shirt and I just got a shirt.  It was a fun day with my friend.  I love goofing off with my friends and I am very thankful for this time in my life where I am able to.  I am a blessed girl and I know it!

Mya and Parker

I look forward to seeing Mya and Parker every Sunday.  I love that they usually come on Sundays to have dinner with us.  These two little's make my  heart smile.  I also love it when I get to watch them so their parents can have time together.  They are good kids and very sweet and funny.

Parker loves Larry's stuffed animals and usually runs right in our room to pick out a few to play with.  He usually picks the big dog and the elephant.  I think he likes how soft they are and he likes to lay on them.  Lately he has been climbing in the basket with them and hiding.  Today he was in there hiding for at least a half an hour.  He makes me laugh.  Parker now wears Big Boy undies. We are all very proud of him for being so Big!

All the grands are so completely different and so darn enjoyable.  I marvel at how smart they all are and how stinkin cute they all are.  I think I have some of the cutest grands made.

I love being a gramma ..... it's just the coolest thing ever!

A Day with Kamryn

Today Kamryn and I got to play together.  It was fun having her over and I know she enjoyed our time together also.  We watched some movies together.  Kamryn wanted to watch Pirates of the Carribean ....the one with the Mermaids.  We also watched Enchanted. (I picked that one)  I let her decide what she wanted to do and that was it.  She also played with my IPad.....the grands sure like playing on it.

I enjoy looking at my little grands.  I marvel at how perfect they are.  I love just watching them.  My heart delights in having my grands around.

In between movies we took a break and took Grandpa some lunch.  We were a little early for his lunch but he took it when we got there anyway.  The shop has been slow and we really hope that changes.

It was a fun and enjoyable day with Kam.  On the way home from the shop I asked her if she wanted to stop at the store or Trichelle's and she didn't want to.  It kind of made me feel good.....she just wanted to spend time with her Grandma Dawn.  Grands really do fill a space in your heart that you never knew was empty!  I LOVE my Grands!

It's not about hitting the pins.....

I really enjoy bowling but it's all about the friendships and the sweet ladies I have become friends with over the years.  I like it when I hit the pins of course and love winning at least half of our games but the real reason I like to go bowling is the ladies.  This is the team that got me started a few years back. Debbie asked me to sub for Cheryl while she had surgery.  I have bowled ever since and made a bunch of fun friends.

I get hugs each week from a few of the ladies...and I really look forward to their hugs.  I cheer and hoot and howler and love it when I hear the other ladies follow my example.  It makes me smile.  Who knew that rolling a ball down a lane could be so fun?  Oh wait.....that isn't what makes it fun!

I'm glad for the days I bowl....I'm glad for the wonderful ladies I get to spend time with a few days a week.  I feel loved on these days!

Kimi doing what she loves!

Time with Ivy....not enough

Ivy didn't have school like the other kids.....that happens once in awhile since she attends a Charter School.  Trichelle asked if Ivy could come hang out with me....I liked the idea....I like it a lot!  I had some fun plans...including Sushi for lunch.  Things didn't quite work out as planned though because for some reason Daniel didn't have to work all day and he wanted her when he got of which was like 10:00 am.  I was bummed and so was Ivy.  We snuggled in the morning when she came for only a bit and then we decided to go to Breakfast.

It was fun taking my oldest grand to breakfast....we had a good time.

Ivy chose a cute breakfast....however she does love pancakes and these ones even had chocolate chips in them and one blueberry.  Ivy doesn't like blueberries and I was impressed she even noticed it.  I ate it for her.

I didn't think she would have room for dessert but she did.  She ordered Cheese Cake and had no problem eating it.  She's growing and so is her appetite.  I enjoyed the few hours we had together.

We hurried home and started a movie but Daniel came soon after it was started.  Ivy moaned and groaned a little and I let Daniel know he jipped us out of our time today.  I love having my grands over to play.....having grands is delightful and I love being a gramma!

Lorrilee

I have missed my friend and finally had a wonderful visit with Lorrilee today.  I met Lorrilee many years ago when her brother married my sister.  I liked her the moment I met her.  Then years later Larry and I moved our 2 little kids into Lorrilee's ward and that's when I really became friends with her.  So we have been friends for a long time.  I love Lorrilee and admire her so much.  Lorrilee and her hubby just returned from their mission in New Zealand.  I visited with her briefly a few months ago when they returned but that's all.  Since she has returned she found out she had Breast Cancer and has had a few surgeries....the last being a mastectomy just Friday.  Lorr is amazing and has such a wonderful attitude....no wonder she is doing so great.  We were even able to go to lunch and celebrate her birthday which was Thursday, Valentines Day.  We spent many hours together today and I know it meant a lot to Lorr as well as myself.

Lorrilee made me feel good while we were just visiting when she said that when I came in the door it was like having "Sunshine" enter the room.  Ohhhhhhhh.....I had to get up right then and give my dear friend a big hug.  What a wonderful compliment that means so much to this girl. (my school friends have nicknamed me "sunshine" too and I like it!)  Having that said to me makes we want to try even harder to be happy!!!

I loved spending the day with Lorrilee and visiting and sharing our testimonies with each other and laughing and simply enjoying each others company.  I sure love my sweet friend!

Tanna......my friend!

I was so excited to go to church today and see Tanna sitting in front of the bench I sit in.  She was even saving my place for me.  Oh......I love Tanna!  Tanna is gorgeous and funny and simply wonderful.  I loved seeing her purple streaks in her hair....her sign of rebellion as a Bishops Wife. (haha...a girl after my heart)  Tanna and Eric and their family are friends that are like family.  We just love each other and support each other even if we don't see each other often enough.

I was excited to also have Kellie and Kerry come sit with me.  It's funny how people bond even more when they experience similar things.  Kellie is also a Bishop's wife and has been my sounding block a few times when I was struggling with things related to being a Bishop's wife.  I love Kellie so much too and I'm glad that finally we are friends that hang out and interact more with each other.  Our kids were friends and maybe we should have been closer earlier but when I think about it now I'm just glad it finally happened.  I will always cherish the friendship of these wonderful ladies.

Fun Girl Day!!!

Today was a very fun day for me.  It was diffidently a girls day.  I went to Robin's daughters baby shower and enjoyed seeing my wonderful friends there.  It was also fun meeting Robin's daughter, Jamiee, since I haven't ever met her in person.  I love my friends and their families and feel very blessed to be included in their friendship.  What a blessing they all are to me!

Since our get together didn't work out a few weeks ago we took advantage of this day to let Gina know how dear she is to all of us. Gina waited until the showering of Jamiee was complete before peeking at her gifts.  Davaleen had a blanket with lots of our pictures on it and Kathy made a cute sign for Gina.  Both gifts were from all of us.  Gina is fighting Cancer and not giving up.  She continues to have more cancer grow in her and she just continues to fight it with whatever treatment the Doctors are willing to do.  Gina is amazing and completely beautiful inside and out.  She has such a positive attitude and belief in God that is shares with everyone.  I love her so much and admire her like in every way.  All these women love and accept me for who I am and they all inspire me to be better.

That shower was from 12:00-2:00 and then I had a Bridal Shower for Kyle's finance, Shelby from 2:00-4:00.   It was fun seeing some extended family and visiting with them.  I love my extended family.  I know Tami's family on her side really well too and love them all as well and it was fun seeing them also.  I really like the newest Shelby.  She started talking to me and wasn't shy and I will say that meant a lot to me and immediately stole a part of my heart.  She is such a cutie and I'm glad that Kyle found her.  I love Kyle....he's always had a special place in my heart.

I was able to go home for a few minutes and say Hello to my family and then I was off again to meet some High School buddies for dinner.  We threw this dinner together since Nanette came into town.  I haven't seen Nanette since High School and so it was nice seeing her.  She hasn't changed much as far as looks but of course experienced lots like we all have.  I also learned that her brother Don was my neighbor for years.  Funny how that came out and I had never thought that Don Amidan might be Nanette Amidan's brother.  It's always interesting to me the thinks I learn as life goes on. 

I love reuniting with friends and acquaintances from years ago.  It's just so fun seeing where everyone is in life and how they have dealt with their "stuff".  It's nice to know that friends are forever!

Jaydan ......my Valentine

Jaydan cracks me up!!!  Last year whenever he wished someone a Happy Birthday he would say: "Happy Escape from Your Mothers Womb Day".  Seeing that over and over I decided to make my own Birthday Greeting to Him.  I found his new born picture and added his wish to it!  I thought I was pretty clever and I think he liked it too.  I love this kid!

I remember Jaydan being as blue and the hospital scrubs when he was born.  His oxygen was being cut off since his cord was in a square knot and wrapped around his neck twice.  I was really glad that I had been induced since I wasn't planning on it at all.  My doctor was going out of town and gave me the choice.  I didn't decide right away but I am very glad I did decide to be induced.  I honestly don't think Jaydan would have made it "out alive" if I would have waited.  I was glad I had monitors on me so the nurse could tell that little Jaydan wasn't getting Oxygen.  The doctor came quickly when they noticed and Jaydan was delivered quickly and he was safe.  He was blue but pinked up pretty quick once they got him some Oxygen.  Jaydan was the perfect kid to have for a 5th child.  He was easy and I could and did take him everywhere with me.  He has always been a joy to have around!  I have always thought Jaydan was a "sweetheart" and being born on Valentines Day has been appropriate!

I am so thankful for the memories that I have of my children's birthdays.  I am thankful for their lives and the joy and happiness they have brought into mine!  I love being each one of my kids mom!!!

Jaydan's Birthday Dinner

True to tradition we took Jaydan out to dinner for his birthday.  We decided to get a few pictures before since it's everyone's favorite thing to do.....

Jaydan had to work and go to school on his birthday (so fun growing up) and so we went out the day after to celebrate this kid.  Jaydan is such a happy kid it's fun being around him.  He chose to go to Tepanyaki's this year and so that's where we went.  We waited for awhile but I enjoy watching people and so that's what I did....the Restaurant had a TV with a college basketball game on and so that's what the guys watched.  It was a nice evening with Jaydan.  I love having this individual time with each of our kids.  If I knew we were going to do this we might have spread the birthdays out a little better....Oh heck ignorance is bliss a lot of the time and we make it work out.

I bet I've never mentioned that Tepanyaki's makes me sick just about every time I go there.  I love it but no matter what I order my tummy hurts after eating it. (thank goodness for gas stations with restrooms)

Be Mine....Valentine

Larry sent me Flowers today so I could enjoy them for Valentines.  I love the Flowers and was really excited when the knock came at the door and Kimi said: "Mom you got flowers".  I know many women don't like flowers since they die & cost so much.....they would rather have chocolate or $$$.....but I really like getting flowers!  I saw many Valentine gifts of chocolate and I can honestly say I don't miss getting chocolate.  (I think it's because I always have it anyway....I don't usually buy myself flowers) I love the guy that sent them to me!!!  Larry just makes me smile!  I love his attention and he will forever be my Valentine!!!

Girls Bowling Day

Today was the Girls Bowling Day.  It's a memorial for a lady that some people do every year.  My girls and I have been attending for about four years now.  It's a fun thing to do together.....it's a funny thing to do together. We laugh a lot and mostly at each other....some things aren't funny to everyone which makes it even funnier to me.  The thing that wasn't funny today lasted until the first game ended then it was over and we all enjoyed ourselves again. teehee   The turn out for this is really good...the bowling alley gets packed.  Everyone gets a ticket that is drawn so everyone gets a prize and then we all get a good lunch too.   So it's fun to attend.

I like all the things I mentioned but I love being with my girls the most.  I love my girls and love having each one of them in the family.  Each one teaches me so much and it's fun being all of them together. I love watching them interact and enjoy each other too.  I have to share a little something because I think it's cute......Kimi doesn't really like bowling and hasn't really enjoyed this little tradition and even missed last year.  She'd rather sleep in and I don't blame her but this year she decided that since she was really "my child" she wanted to be in the picture.  It has bothered her when I have had pictures with her sis in laws since I didn't give birth to them.  I'm glad something bothered her enough that she wanted to join us.  Oh and speaking of Kimi...the girl won 3rd place in her division this year.  She won the first year she bowled too.  Kimi bowled awesome today and beat us all.  I hope that she will remember that and join us again next year.  I prefer having us all together!  I love these cuties...they are absolutely wonderful in so many ways!

My Eternal Companion

I love this man!  The man who has made my dreams come true....from being a mom to swimming with the Dolphins.  Larry has spoiled me throughout our life together.  If I really wanted something I usually got it...even when I didn't think we could afford it. (good thing I knew our limits and haven't wanted a lot)  Larry is a great man.  I love sitting back and looking at who he really is.  He's a man of strength and wisdom.  He's honest with his fellow men.  He's kind and caring and sensitive.  He's loving and shows his love to everyone.....others feel it!  He's a good business man.  He treats others fairly.  He's a good leader.  He's smart and has a great memory....it use to be that all his business facts and numbers were in his head only...thank goodness they are on paper and recorded now.  He's a man of God.  He loves the Lord and follows Him.  I really love that about Larry.  He's always been that way but has gotten stronger since becoming a Bishop and having to rely on the Lord to lead the Ward.

Mine and Larry's Spirits match up wonderfully.  We have the same goals and desires for the Eternities. We both want our family together for ever and we both want to be with Heavenly Father again in the Highest Kingdom....we need each other to get there.  Larry is a wonderful Eternal Companion and I'm glad that we were both in the same Courtship and Marriage Class so we could meet.  Life has been good to me and Larry is one of the Biggest Blessings in my life!  I LOVE LARRY!

A FEW STRIKES

Old Friends.....Forever Friends

Tammy has been my friend for a really long time.  We have been there for each other through good times and hard times.  Moving hasn't changed our friendship....moving shouldn't change a friendship.  I love spending time with Tammy.  We discuss a lot and laugh and cry together.  I think we are so good for each other.  I trust Tammy and can tell her anything and I know she won't judge me in any way....I know she feels the same about me and that is nice.  We are both learning lots right now and trying really hard to follow God's Will.  One nice thing about Tammy is there is never a time that we don't talk about God.  He is such a BIG part of both of our lives and we each rely on HIM constantly.  I like expressing my feelings of the ONE that is most important. Tammy and I just "get" each other.  Our spirits are very similar and that is probably why we are such great friends.

Tammy has been experiencing some hard stuff in her life but we know that the hard times are necessary and push us to be stronger for what's a head of us.  This life isn't about being still....even if we try to be we will be challenged so we can grow.....it's just how life is.  I can see how my struggles and challenges have been good for me.  At the time I experience them I would wish them away but when I get through them I am always so grateful and feel stronger.  I'm glad I am where I am right now.  The journey has been good.  I have a wonderful life.

On my drive home from Tammy's I thanked Heavenly Father for all my wonderful blessings and my wonderful life.  I know I have been so blessed in every area of life.  I have more than enough and I am thankful for God's love and goodness.  I am thankful that I am realizing and being able to accept my "gifts" that I have been given.....it's humbling being shown my gifts but it's hard for me to feel worthy of them and accept them as being real and mine.  Oh I love Heavenly Father....I love Heavenly Father for blessing me with the best family and friends!

Lincoln

Today Susan, Kathy and I went to the afternoon showing of "Lincoln".  I must say it was a great show and taught me a lot.  While I was in school I didn't care for History at all....I thought it was boring and worthless.  I realize now how dumb I was.  It does matter....it matters a lot....I really like it now.  There was only one other person in the Theater with us....I love afternoon shows.  Kathy asked me if I wanted her to buy my ticket so I could get it for the Senior Discount....I liked that idea but didn't have change to give her the right amount of money so I ended up buying a drink so I'd have a smaller bill.  The drink cost as much as my ticket so I would have been further ahead had I paid for my own ticket at the price they would have charged me.  I laughed at how silly that was.....the drink was $5....I could have bought a lot of pop for that much from the store. (plus I'm not a big pop drinker in the first place)  Since I bought it and it cost so much I felt like I needed to drink it.  I tried and even had to leave the show once and still threw half of it away.  I'm so glad I had Kathy save me a buck or two.....(said sarcastically)

On the way home we had to stop and show Kathy this awesome Ice Sculpture in a nearby neighborhood.  It's pretty darn awesome in my opinion.  Some people are so talented and creative!

It was another fun day.  I love hanging with my friends and having a good time. Susan, Kathy and I have so many fun memories traveling together and hanging out.  We laugh a lot as we talk about the past and the funny things we have done.  I love these wonderful ladies....I love making memories!

What Do You Think?

Recently I was told that I think too Much.....which of course that got me "thinking".

I do "think" a lot.....thank goodness.  I can only imagine what my life would be like if I didn't "think" too much.  I would live recklessly more likely. (at times I "think" I do anyway)  I "think" thinking is a good thing.  I "think" I should be grateful that I "think" too much.  My "thinking" goes deep and might possibly "think" things that aren't true....I may "think" things into other things.  I "think" things sometimes that make me hurt or worry me.  My "thinking" has also kept me out of trouble since I do "think" about what might follow...the consequences you know. I don't "think" thinking is a choice...I "think" it just happens....at different levels of course and I guess I am a deep "think"er.  I remember sending my friend a message saying: "Don't believe everything you think".  I "think" that is good advice since everything we "think" isn't always the way everything really is.  Got you "thinking" huh?

I "think" I am glad for a mind that "thinks".  I "think" my mind has been enlightened and broadened because of all my "thinking"...at least that's a good way to "think" about it.  I "think" thinking is an okay thing to do and we should all do a little more "thinking".  I "think" it's a good thing even....but I also "think" it's good advice to not always believe everything one "thinks".  SO  what do you "think"?

I "think" I am glad that I was told I "think" too much.  I "think" I am glad that I do "think" too much.  That's what I "think".......at least I "think" it is. ☺

Lend Me a Tenor....quack quack quack ☺

 I get to go to the Plays at the Hale Theater in Orem with these fun ladies.  Tonight we went to see "Lend Me a Tenor".  First we went out to dinner which is always enjoyable to me.  I love going out with others and these ladies are fun!  I'm excited to be part of their group this year.

"Lend Me a Tenor" was a cute and funny play and so was the gal three chairs away from Barbie.  The gal laughed like a duck and it was loud and everyone in the theater could hear her.  It was the strangest laugh I have ever heard.  When I heard it I froze and watched the reaction of the people I sat by and also everyone in the room.  No one could quite believe what they had just heard....we all questioned if that was for real?  I don't think we even noticed what was going on with the play because we were so distracted. Quack Quack Quack!!!  Everyone was talking about the Quacking at intermission.....I think the quacking is what we will all remember about this play.  It really was hilarious! 

Before the play and quacking, Barbie showed me the names on the chairs and said that her Aunt had bought one for her group.  We decided that we would look for it after the play.....then I looked on the left arm rest of my chair and there it was....Kind of Cool if you ask me!!! A chair dedicated to Barbie and her friends! (and I'm part of it now) Awesome!!!

We got a picture of us pointing at the chair afterwards and guess who I asked to take the picture?  Nope....not the quacking girl but her date!  I think when he was taking our picture she might have quacked again or maybe Cari just thought about the quacking because the laughter started again and some pants were almost........(you know)

It was certainly a very fun night....I wasn't even tired when I got home because I was still laughing and doing a little quacking myself! hahaha.....quack quack quack!!!!