My Angel Friend .... Gina!

My sweet friend Gina passed away after courageously fighting her battle with Cancer.  I always remembered Gina and her beautiful smile but never associated with her until a few years ago.  Gina has been a blessing in my life and so many others.  She shared her journey with everyone on Face Book and the thing I admired was her Faith and Love of our Heavenly Father.  Gina never complained even when she had good reason to.  She ALWAYS praised God and His Name & Will! I admire that so much!

I'm a better person for having Gina as my friend.  She was always complimenting and boosting others up.  I know that Gina was also glad to be my friend.  She let me know over and over.  My heart is sad with the sense of knowing that she is gone from us for a time but it rejoices in the fact that I knew and loved and associated with this beautiful, wonderful lady.  Gina is a beauty inside and out!  

Gina made a difference in many lives.  She was a wonderful example and positive in every way.  If everyone tried being more like Gina they would be more like Jesus.....she really was that good.  I love this lady and the others that I have also become associated with.  Gina and rest of the group have added life and laughter to my life.  God knew we all needed each other and they let me in there group with open arms....I LOVE them all so Much!

Justin & Kamryn have a Birthday!

Justin and Kamryn each have a birthday today.  Having two share the same birthday makes the day double special.  Even though I was out of town I thought of these two cuties all day.  They each make my heart smile.

Justin is such a wonderful son.  (He reminds me a lot of his dad)  Justin is a great dad which I always knew he would be.  He loves his kids and plays with them and includes them in his day.  He loves having them around.  He is also a thoughtful and kind husband.  I am proud of the way he has grown up.  He has always made me smile.  I love that he has a passion for hunting.  He always has and he includes his little family in it.  Natalie has her own gun and each of the kids have their own bows and love shooting them with their dad.  Justin is a hard worker and is dependable.  Larry has always loved having him work at the shop.  He doesn't give up.  In fact he just graduated from Weber State University after plugging along for years while being a husband, dad and worker.  I admire Justin and appreciate him in many ways.  I'm glad he is mine and that I am the one he calls mom!

Cute Kamryn is 5.  She's such a fun addition to our family.  We loved her immediately.  It's fun that her and Justin share birthdays.  These two have always got a long and love seeing who can be the loudest.  This year Kamryn told me that she wanted to have a sleep over with me in the trailer.  She wants to watch Les Miserables and read stories and play on my Ipad.  Easy enough for me.  I suggested we have grandpa come in and join us after the show (since he hates it) and she looked at me and said no we'll watch it twice.  She only wants it to be me and her. No grandpa, no Kimi, and no Jared.  Well.....alrighty then....it will be just the two of us this Friday.  I won't lie.....she totally made my day.  This little one is smart and is already adding numbers.  She loves to eat and will always choose fruits and veggies when she has her choice.  Little Kamryn is a joy!

It's Been a Year!

Justin has a new calling

Justin has been called to be the 2nd Counselor in his Ward Bishopric.  I was leaving for Reno with my friends early in the morning but put it off until after Justin's setting apart.  I am so glad that Julie was very willing to wait for me.  There was no way I was going to miss witnessing my son being ordained to a High Priest.....those kind of things don't happen every day and when they do it's only once.  I also went to his ward so that I could see him being called to that position. It was an awesome experience and I love his Testimony that he shared.  One of the things he said was...if we allow God to guide us and lead us HE will.

Mya was also giving a talk in Primary and so I stayed for that so I could hear her.  I'm not lying when I say I have very cute and smart grands.  Oh my heck they make me smile.  Mya reminds me of a few of my kids when they were little. (each of the grands do)  Tell Mya the talk once or twice and she knows it.  She's such a cutie.  I loved watching as she lift her eyes and looked at me to make sure I was watching her.  What a wonderful, spiritual day!

All our kids were there when Larry ordained Justin to a High Priest....it was awesome!  I love that our family loves and supports each other.  We are truly blessed!

Larry's Games

Some times it's nice that Larry competes in the Senior Games.  Because some times it's nice just to get away.  It's really nice that Jerry & Darinda have a home that they don't mind sharing with us.  We love staying in there home.  This was the first Meet of the Year.  Larry met the goals he had for himself and now will work on improving at the upcoming events.

The weather was great.  I remember last year it was freezing and Jerry even wore his old snowmobiling suit.  This year we had to put on sunscreen. (much better)

Kimi invited Genni to come with us and I need to remember that bringing friends might not be a good idea.  Genni was pleasant as ever but Kimi seems to grow an attitude when her friends are with her and I don't really care for it. (I even gave her mouth a little slap.......stinker)

Larry received a medal in the events he signed up for.  So he did well.  I think one of the funny things about these events is watching Larry & Jerry complete and razz each other.  It makes us all laugh.

I know Larry is glad that Jerry encouraged him years ago to come and compete.  Larry loves it and it keeps him active.

After the events Jerry took Larry and the kids on a four wheelin ride.  I thought it was too hot already and so I didn't want to go.  I knew Darinda wouldn't mind staying back either.  We had a really nice visit while the others were gone.  The time flew and we didn't even end up leaving their home until after 8:00 pm....we got  home around 1:00.  It was a quick but fun get a way!

Graduation

 WooHoo for Kevin and Justin!  They both Graduated today from Weber State!  Kevin walked but Justin decided to work since college has already cost him so much.  I am very proud of my son's for working hard and getting their degree's.

The kids have mostly done it on their own.  We have helped very little and for that I am even prouder and they hopefully are too.  I have awesome kids and I'm very proud of each one of them.  They all work really hard and haven't given up. (the two younger ones think about giving up but hopefully they will look up at their older siblings and hang on)

It was a happy day for us all.  I'm so proud of the love and support we all have for each other.  Even though this month has had it's challenges it has also had many blessings.  Today was a huge blessing!

I'm so thankful for the strength of my kids and their will to press forward!  I hope and pray they will always be blessed for their efforts.  Oh.....I.....Love.....Them!

Yes I Am....

I can't help but puff my chest out just a little today with all that my kids have and are accomplishing.  Justin and Kevin each graduate today. WooHoo!!!  They have worked so hard and I am just really proud of them.  Trichelle continues on her path to graduation and since she shares with me more than the boys I know how much she has loved all the things she has learned on her journey.  I love having her share her love of learning with me....makes me smile.  Jaydan is just about done with his schooling in Massage Therapy and has loved it.  He gets such good grades because of his interest in what he is doing.  I love having me share his success with me.  These are some of the rewards of being a mom.  Kimleighel and Jared are both at a hard time in life......adolescence....but they are pushing through and are great kids.

I love being a mom and I love watching my kids succeed.  These 7 people that call me mom make my heart smile.....HUGE!  I love them all so much and they have each made my dreams come true.
(maybe a few nightmares too.....reality!)

It's Real

Boy...the things I keep learning!  The learning and experiences never seem to end and I suppose that is good.  I think everyone gets to experience some form of depression at least a few times in their life.  I know I have and at one time after all my kids were here I realized I couldn't beat it on my own.  I had to get some help from the Doctor.  At the time I just thought I had the "baby blues" and maybe so but it was a huge case of it.  I knew I needed help when I head thumped my kid with my head....went right in and called the Doc. (mom's shouldn't be head thumping their kids....it's just not right)  Actually at that time I was on some meds but had quit using them and realized I wasn't ready to be off them quite yet.

I know my kids have struggled at times in their lives too and could see it when they were.  Problem is that sometimes we as people do just think that we need to just "buck up" and get over whatever is getting us down.  Depression is real and I'm so thankful that our family has gotten through ours for the most part.  However, we or at least I have had my eyes opened at how serious depression can be and how it needs to be addressed and handled when you notice it.  I had to be kicked in the gut to notice the severity of it with Jared.  I'm thankful for that "kick"....much better than what could have happened.

I am thankful for a friend that made me a list of things to do and even people to contact.  Even though not everything panned out on the list it got me going and led me to the help we have needed.  This is what has happened so far:
*We got Jared on some vitamins right away. (the friend that made the list gave us some vitamins to get us started)  I don't really agree with Medication since I feel like a lot of the time meds just mask the outer problem.  I would rather go more natural and heal the "core" of the problem and I like what we have done. (will tell in a minute)
*We informed each of our kids about what was happening so that we can all be more sensitive, loving and caring.
*I've talked to Jared over and over about how we all have problems.  He is not alone but in his mind he believes he is the only one that makes mistakes. I have even shared some of my weaknesses with him so that he will realize none of us are perfect and we all make mistakes.  I also have stressed that life is a big test and we will always make mistakes but because of those mistakes we grow and can handle what will come next.  Even though things are frustrating and hard we need them to become better.
*I talked to the school and got a support team going for Jared.  I messaged his teachers a few times asking them to encourage Jared and to just acknowledge his presence.
*I called and talked to a nurse that gave me numbers and places to go for help. (was on my list given to me by my friend)
*I called counseling places and was ready to give up on that until I talked to some of my friends.  Places are so worried about how you are going to pay for treatment and since our insurance stinks and the places I talked to don't even take our insurance they didn't want to help me.  But after talking with my friends I knew I needed to call Social Services and do whatever I had to do to get Jared in to talk with a counselor.  We got in quick and Jared looks forward to going again.
*I am taking Jared to a chiropractor that does "energy" work.  I remembered about him because of different things said and meeting with others.  Dr. Gauruder muscle tests Jared to see if we are giving him the right things.  The "spirit" knows what the body needs. (subconsciousness)  With this doctor many areas are addressed and worked on.  I know many might think this way is Hocus Pocus   but it "feels" right to me.  I love watching as the body and spirit heal....I can see it happen.  After the first visit even I felt better.....like a heavy load had been lifted from me....I felt happier.  The next visit was more with emotions and broke my heart just a little but I was glad that those things can be addressed and healed.  It's a process and will take more visits and more time and money but I feel blessed to be going here.
*I am able to get Jared in for professional testing so that he can get a 504 that will help him succeed the rest of his school years.  I'm actually looking forward to the test since I just thought Jared had ADD but had no idea he really had something wrong with his memory.  There might be more that we aren't aware of and if not at least we will know what my son needs.
*I talked to his Church leaders so that they will be more mindful of my son.  This is real and hiding this problem isn't a way to help with it.  I know that most people keep these things "private" because they are embarrassing and for some reason we take them so personal like we must be doing something wrong if we or our family has depression.  I don't say it around Jared but still feel like others that work with him need to know.  That is even why I am putting it here.  It's real and Jared isn't the first to experience it and he won't be the last and I was thankful for a list to help me know how to start.

Forever Friends....no matter where we live

We use to all be neighbors while we were raising our families. (I'm still raising mine but I was even when they were) Now we have all moved but that doesn't matter because we will always be friends no matter where we live.  I moved first to Hooper, then Denise moved to North Ogden and then Lorrilee built a house in Clinton.  It's funny how friendships can and do last forever.  When you bond to some people there is nothing that will change that.  I admire these two beautiful ladies.  They are so strong in my eyes.  They endure many trials and their faith remains strong and great.  I love them with all my heart and I will pray that they will make it through their trials that they each have right now.  Crud it seems like everyone I know has things right now....at least no one can feel picked on.  Or maybe we should all feel picked on? Just kidding we all know we are blessed!

I realize I say it all the time but I am so thankful for my friends.....each and every one of them!

A Day as a Missionary

Our Ward had a pretty cool activity for the 16, 17, and 18 year old young men and young women.  They met at our house at 7:30 am and were instructed about being missionaries.  We had 18 youth show up.  I wasn't planning on attending since I'm not in the Young Women Program anymore but I knew that Braxton was coming to talk to the youth at 9:30 and decided that I wanted to hear him. So I got ready and headed out to the kitchen.  When I reached the bar the "spirit" hit me.  The kids were studying and so it was quiet.  I hadn't heard anything that had previously been said but I knew it was good and true because of how I "felt".  It was awesome and because of that I stayed for the rest of the day listening and watching.

The Bishop and the YW & YM Presidents did a wonderful job in planning this activity.  Actually from the mouth of Bishop Ropelato, the spirit had it all planned out and the leaders just made it happen.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints really is HIS (Jesus's) Church.  He is the one that guides and instructs each ward.  The leaders need to be in tune and prepared for His instruction and when they are....wow....miracles happen!  It's fun to witness and I will say that for me that is the coolest part of Larry's calling for me.

To start things off the kids had breakfast, there was lots of fruit, bagels and cereal.  At the beginning the kids watched a video of being called on a mission.  It's not by chance they get sent where they do.  Bro & Sister Simpson came and talked to the "missionaries" since they were Mission Presidents.  (that's they part I missed)  The kids had a little time to study.  Then Braxton came and taught them how to teach about the plan of salvation.  I was one proud momma as I listened to my son teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I felt the spirit again.  I love feeling the spirit and try to feel it throughout each and every day.

President Malone came and talked about being worth to go to the House of the Lord.  If you are worthy to go to the Temple then you are worthy to go on a mission.  He let the youth know that it is really important to take care of any misdeed before leaving because it's harder taking care of such things after. (on them and their families)  Ronnie spoke about his experiences and some the the things that he learned. He spoke how missionaries will make your life different forever.  As he was saying those things I thought how each of my sons missions helped me to even be better.  I'm sure they have no idea by them serving it also strengthens their families but it does.  I have grown from each of my sons missions.  I felt I needed to step up my life to feel comfortable around them.  It was a good thing.

We all went to Sacrament Meeting and "miraculously" the speakers talks went right along with today's message at our house.  Funny how often that works out.....must be inspiration. (of course it is!)  It happens all the time.  The Speakers in Sacrament Mtg so often talk about the things in the others classes for the day...this Church is lead by inspiration....it's true!

The youth prepared lunch when we got back and were filled and ready for more.  Our friend Wayne Willey who is investigating the church came with his sweet wife to let the youth teach and question him.  It was a great experience.  I loved watching the youth turn to their scriptures and tell scenarios that helped Wayne's questions be answered. We learned later that some of the things said were also answers to some of the others prayers. (so cool)  After Wayne talked with the youth, each youth was assigned a companion and together they went out to teach a family about the restoration.  I know it was kind of scary for the youth but I think it also helped them realize what a mission will really be like.

They met back at our home and then they had a Testimony Meeting.  It was a great day and I am really glad that I decided to come in and listen and observe.  It was the Bishops best day.  He spent a few less hours working today and during that time was edified and helped edify everyone else.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is True!  I'm thankful that I know that.....I thankful that I "feel" that!

Let it go or hit it away!

Sometimes in life we have things thrown at us that we really don't need to catch.  I always thought that I had to catch the things being thrown at me, even the negative, cruel things so I did.  The problem with catching them is that I saved them and I let them hold me down and hurt me.  It's taken me this long to realize I don't have to catch them anymore.  I can even pick up the things that I have held and thrown them away.....I don't need to keep them just because I caught them.

The other day I had someone say some mean things to me and that's when I realized that I didn't have to believe those things.  You know...we all have negative things about us but we all have a lot more positive.  It's best to be around people that focus on the positive and build us up.  (we all know our faults & weaknesses best & don't need others pointing them out...those that do aren't friends)  I realize that my closest friends know my faults but they also know my strengths and I love that they see me for my strengths instead of my weaknesses.  I am a daughter of God and it's what He thinks that matters.  God knows us best and loves us all in spite of our weaknesses and mistakes.  Thank goodness for that.

I am Me and finally that is Enough!

I never get tired of these!

Knock Knock.......

I love going to the door and seeing flowers being delivered to me.  It never gets old and it always makes me smile.  Larry knows it and I guess that is why he keeps sending them to me.  I love how cheerful these flowers are and the vase is even cute!  I hate to say it but I set them down for a second  and they fell off the table and a few stems broke a little. :(  oops!  My hubby is a thoughtful guy more days than not and I need to be reminded every now and then.....flowers are good reminders! Booyah!

sometimes you receive the answer, sometimes you are the answer

I went bowling yesterday and had a great time. (I usually do) The ladies that have me sub for them are always so kind to me and compliment and encourage me.  They are all old enough to be my mom and so it makes me feel good when they say nice things. (they're experienced & know what's important & good)  Being kind is such a simple thing and also so meaningful.

After bowling I went up to Weber High to visit my sister/friend, Tonya.  I could tell as soon as I saw her that her life was being challenged. (I know the Lord sent me) She shared her concerns with me and then I told her about the things going on in my life.  We all have stuff and Tonya and I have stuff at the same time.  Life isn't easy but if we watch and listen we will see the hand of the Lord in our lives.  He is always giving us tender mercies.  Today I received more answers to my stuff but I also know that I was the answer, or had the answer to some of Tonya's stuff.  There were a few things that I said that I know were not my thoughts.  I know God was using my voice to talk to my sweet Tonya.  I love when that happens. It just feels good.

We get knocked down and we get back up......that's life!  When we are up we need to look for opportunities to be Kind to someone else.  Kindness is a two way blessing.  You will not ever go wrong by choosing kindness.  Kindness Matters!

It's a Miracle!!!

Miracles still happen and we have received a few in the last couple days.  Since the other day when I talked to my friends and felt like the "spirit" was guiding them and me I have seen the hand of the Lord making things happen in our behalf.

Yesterday I called LDS Social Services about 11:00 am and talked to the gal about getting Jared in for some counseling.  She knew exactly who she thought Jared should see and said that they had a cancellation and that if it were at all possible Jared could meet with him at 12:00 pm.  We needed to be there about 11:30 to fill out paper work and that was exactly the amount of time I needed to pick Jared up from school and get him there.  It was perfect in every way.  Todd (the counselor) was great.  Todd is a Bishop and has kids Jared's age.  He also has a child that has required special testing for educational needs. (the testing we need to get Jared help in school)  Anyway I know that this didn't happen by coincident, I know it was a miracle and God made it happen.

Earlier in the day I had also made some calls about the testing that Jared needs to get a 504 in school.  I had to leave a message at U of U where students do the testing for a lot lower price.  However, Todd had told me of some other guys that are really good and well known.  I called one of them because I had his number which was given to me by a nurse that has been a huge help to me.  The price is $150 an hour and it would be at least 6 hours total when it was all said and done.  Oh, and we don't have any kind of insurance that will help out because our rates are ridiculous and we can't afford better coverage.  We also have a $5,000 deductible on each person....yeah I love paying for insurance that really doesn't help us out. (boo!)  So we figured it would be around $1,000 to get the tests we need so that the Principal  will even look at giving Jared a 504 to help him succeed. (I'm bugged about that too....I thought there was a "No Child Left Behind" policy but my child is being left behind. (stinks)  Anyway today my call from the U of U was returned and the sweet gal started off by telling me she had some good news and some bad news.  The good news was that they do the testing (by students) for only $175 (Yeah) but the bad news was that they have a list already and Jared wouldn't be able to be seen until January. (we need it before school starts)  After chatting for a bit and telling her what we have done so far and a little about Jared and his situation right now a Miracle Happened.  Instead of giving me others places to call for testing she decided that Jared was in a position to be seen sooner than January.  In fact they start testing in May and she is certain he will be seen in May or at least by June.  MIRACLE!!!!  Did you to the math?  That is at least a savings of $700 and 7 months sooner!!!

I am so glad that I have been guided by the spirit and through others and that I have taken action again and NOT STOPPED!  I am feeling so very blessed.  I can see a  slight change in Jared since we have been addressing his issues.  He is happier and knows that he is not the only one that has challenges.

A bit more about yesterday morning......I took Kimleighel to school because she received a few VERY INAPPROPRIATE texts from one of her guy friends on Sunday.  It is sexual abuse and had her shaking and scared to death to even go to school.  Since he goes to the same school we decided to show the Officer there and also the fact that it is illegal to send that kind of text.  We ended up talking with the Vice Principal and he took down the texts and everything.  I was proud of Kimi for showing us and the rest of the family.  She told the "Bishop" since she had an interview and since it was abuse he had to report it. She also told her Seminary Teacher and so he also reported it.  I am pretty sure Mr. Boy Friend won't be texting Kimleighel any more....and I hope words gets around that she is not someone to mess with! (she tells...Hooray!)

After dealing with Kimi's ordeal I went to the Jr High and was planning on giving the Principal a little piece of my mind.  It ticks me off that she requires a Doctor who doesn't know my kid to give her a note before she will help him.  Who am I?  I am the one that knows my child better than anyone else.  I was also going to ask her opinion about the "No Child Left Behind" policy since the school is failing with my child and likely plenty more.  She had a meeting though and so she left just after I arrived.  It was a good thing and instead I talked to a counselor that has been working with Jared.  I have talked to the counselors a few times and yesterday I spilled my guts.  I told him all the steps I was taking but how I felt about being pressured to do so.  We came up with a game plan and a support team for Jared.  I feel great about it and really do feel like we will be able to help Jared succeed academically and also increase his self esteem.  I want Jared to feel good about himself and consider that much more important than a silly grade.

I feel very blessed in the things that are happening.  I feel stronger for taking the steps that I felt so inadequately taking.  I pushed  past my comfort zone and it feels good as things are falling into place now.  Everything is going to be alright and I will be able to help others that will go through this.  I know this is a common thing and like me others just might not know where to turn for help.  I am so thankful for the help that has been given to me!  This life isn't easy that is for sure!

Braxton's Birthday Dinner

I love taking our kids to dinner for their birthdays.  I always love it when they introduce us to new places.  Tonight Braxton took us to a new Pizza place that has thin pizza's like they make in Italy. (I forgot the name)  It's in Farmington and I know Larry & I will be returning because Larry loved the pizza.....I did too.  I loved visiting with Brax and just admire what a great young man he is.  Braxton is so talented and loves life. Kids grow up so fast.  I have enjoyed the journey with each one of my kids.  I'm so glad that I was the chosen one to be their mommy.

Hey Hey It's Braxton's Birthday

It's Braxton's birthday and I just want to say I love being this kids mommy.  He cracks me up and all the gray hairs that are credited to Braxton are worth it.

I love Braxton's enthusiasm for life.  He is always going, creating, and living.  I am proud of the things he has accomplished this far in his life.  I loved watching him as "Waldo" the Wild Cat the last few years.  It was so fun knowing it was my kid in there making others happy.

I admire that he still plays the piano every once in a while when he is over.  I never thought he would continue on but I'm so glad he has.  I am proud of him for getting help with his finances. (love Natalie for helping him)  I love that he always seems so happy and positive and that he doesn't mind be goofy and not too serious.  He has fun and I like that.  He's always been a spiritual giant and I love and respect him for his wonderful example.  I'm glad he was sent to our family.  He's the perfect middle child!

Theater...Civil War

We went to the play, Civil War,  tonight and it was awesome.  It was sad because war is just sad.  I even cried but at least one time I laughed when Barbie and I looked at each other with the exact same thought about a statement.  Even Cari who was sitting across the isle from us noticed us laugh at that part. (it had something to do with 20 shades of gray.....yes 20....but of course we both thought 50 would have been a better number) There were a few songs that were fun when the blacks were gaining freedom and I was appreciative of them.  But the whole play was just a lot to think about and be grateful for.  We are blessed and I honor and respect all men and women who have fought for this countries freedom. I am glad that the blacks received their freedom as well and I'm glad I didn't live in the era that they were slaves.  I'm not sure I could have accepted that at all.  I am blessed to be part of this group of wonderful women.  We laugh together and share our lives with each other and are supportive of each other with the things we all are going through.  I feel blessed indeed!

Puzzle Pieces

I made up this saying today after meeting a few friends for lunch.  This lunch was decided just a few days ago and I was able to go without knowing it would be an answer to some of my prayers.  I thought I'd only be able to catch the last of the lunch because I was bowling today for a friend.  However since I bowled for another team Wednesday for this same league my scores today didn't count.  We thought about this a few frames into the first game.  So I bowled 2 games just for fun anyway and then went to lunch with these sweet gals.  They all had a piece to my puzzle that I needed.

Kathy was inspired to throw this lunch together and I am always glad when I get to rub shoulders with these dear friends who are in my life....on purpose.  Kathy was inspired & I bet she doesn't know it.

After a great lunch and sending Kathy back to work I felt like I needed to share my concerns about Jared with these sweet friends of mine.  They each had comments that I needed to hear.  I have a plan of action and I'm working on making life more enjoyable for my son but I had crossed off something that at first I thought needed to happen.  I had called and put forth some effort on the topic and since it didn't happen I just thought it wasn't suppose to.  Well....it is suppose to and I now know where to go for the answer and help.

The final thing Davaleen said was don't stop doing what you are doing!  I needed to hear that because that is exactly what happens.  I get going and then I stop because I hit a bump and I'm not sure how to get over it.  It has happened all year......I need to do whatever it takes to get past the bumps and I really needed to hear it.  I came home and wrote down the things I needed and especially DON"T STOP!

In life we all need others to help us get to where we need to be.  No one is here on their own.  I called each of these gals and thanked them again and Jodi told me that it was good for them too and they also needed to hear some of the things said.

I can see the hand of the Lord in this task.  I feel His help along the way.  I pray constantly that I will be able to do all that is needed to help my son succeed and feel happy about life.  I know that I carry a few pieces of Jared's puzzle and I'm trying to make sure I supply the correct ones.

Life is NOT easy however once over the tough things I really do see how important those times are and how I am strengthened  as I get through them.  We need the challenges so that we are stronger for the things that will come to us in the future....It's life....more will come!

Hey Monkey

Kam got to hang out with Great Gramps this morning and then with me later.  She is a little monkey and can go across those bars just like one.  It makes my heart smile to watch my grands develop and learn new things.

Kamryn told me the other day that she loves coming to my house because there is so much to do.  All my grands feel like this and I am glad.  I hope that they will always love coming to our house.

A week ago Kam asked her mom what would happen if everyone died.....everyone that is except for me and Kamryn.  She was fine knowing that I would take care of her.  I kind of thought it was cute that it was me she chose to stay alive with her.  Being a Gramma is seriously indescribable.

Conference Tradition

I love Conference Weekend.  I finally enjoy listening to all of the sessions.  It took me longer than most I am sure but I really even look forward to the Saturday Sessions now....I plan for them. I use to feel to busy to enjoy them but at last I do!

I love sending the boys off for the Priesthood Session.  I love that they can all go and that they go together.  Little things like that mean so much to me.  The Priesthood means so much to me and I am grateful that all my boys have it and honor it.  Such a blessing that is.

I love that we all go to dinner afterwards.  We always see dads with their sons but usually not the whole family.  The Priesthood is for the whole family and so I'm glad we all go rather than split up having a boy's night and girl's night.  The way we do it is perfect for me.

It's a tradition to go the LaFerrovia our families favorite Italian Restaurant.  However we need to remember that calling in our orders is much better.  We talked about it but decided we weren't in a hurry.  While we were there waiting I remembered that last year an employee told me they liked having our order early so when the crowds came they were a step ahead.

I love every bit of time our family has together.  It's always fun and funny.  Much smiling and laughter is shared.

I am thankful that my kids are such good friends with each other.  They love and support each other in a way that parents can't.  I appreciate them all so much for watching out and caring for each other.

Last conference we brought Jessyca Fullmer with us and this conference we brought her brother, Jayden.  We are thinking about bringing the youngest (Sydnee) who is Jared's age next conference.

Life is good.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints makes it better.  The joy and peace I feel when I try my best is wonderful.  Having my family forever is one of the biggest "perks" the Church has. (hope that doesn't sound bad....I'm just glad I get my family forever)