Alexi's "See YOU Later"

Alexi is getting ready to leave for her mission to Reno, Nevada.  Today she spoke in church with another young man who is also leaving. (for Mexico)  Since the Prophet changed the ages the missionary work has boomed.  The age change had nothing to do with Alexi choosing to serve....the "Spirit" did that!  She had been praying and she heard the answer to her prayers.  Alexi is going to be a wonderful missionary.  She already converted a room mate of hers.  She knows what is important in life and knows that God is in charge if we let him be.  

I always look forward to times like this.  I love getting together with Tonya and her family.  I love them all so much.  They are my family that I chose for myself.  Tonya and I decided that many years ago when we were still growing up.

I was thrilled that most of my kids could make it.  Justin and Kevin and their families had other commitments in their own Wards...and that's okay.  We know they love and support Alexi regardless if they could be there today or not.

I love just watching everyone play together and interact.  It's so fun seeing the little ones enjoy each other as well as the older kids.  It makes my heart happy just watching.  It was a terrific day....hot but wonderful.

Larry had to leave so that he could take care of some of our Ward Business but he came back and enjoyed Tonya and Marks family.  I was hoping he would and that's why I just hung around myself.

I can't look at any of Tonya's kids without thinking back to the times we have shared while they were young and just growing up.  I remember when Alexi was born and we went to Arizona for her blessing.  She was crying so hard and Tonya was frustrated with everything and so I took Alexi and cuddled her and she calmed right down.  I will always cherish that memory...it is the first one I have of Alexi.  I have enjoyed watching the Coys kids grown up about as much as  I have enjoyed watching my own kids grow up.  They are all such wonderful people!

Today little Madi kept finding me and would come over for a hug.  She remembers when I came to help last year when her little brother was born.  I loved each time that she came over to me and gave me a hug.  I loving little kids and their Christ-like love....so unconditional!  They are true blessings!  Today was one of my favorite kinds of days!

oops!

I had Justin and Natalie's car since they had our truck and Larry took my Rogue.  (like musical cars)  Anyway since I had been driving it for a few days I figured that I had better put some gas in it and leave it like I got it.  I went to the gas station and noticed a little lever on the drivers door with a picture of the gas tank.  I figured it opened the door to the gas tank so I could fill it.  I pushed or pulled the little lever and heard a click as I walked around to open the gas door.  There wasn't a lock on it so I started thinking it must have been locking the doors....which even though I left the driver door open when I walked around I did hear it close just enough to catch it.  I checked the doors on the passenger side since that's the side I was on and my suspicions were correct....I was locked out of the car....the keys were in the car along with my purse.  I did have my phone however and so I called Natalie to see what the code on their door was.  They bought the car used and didn't know the code.  Justin told Natalie he had hid a key under the car, by the spare tire and muffler on the frame.  I really didn't want to crawl under the car and I was really hoping there might be a guy around.  I went into the little station and there were only girls.  So I went to the bathroom so if I did have to crawl under I wouldn't.....(you know)

There still wasn't anyone around that could help me so I crawled under the car, laid on the greasy cement and started looking around for the key.  It was pretty cool under there....pipes going this way...a spare tire hanging there...greasy things everywhere.

As soon as I was under the car four cars pulled in.  I'm wondering why they couldn't have come just a minute before?  So there I am feeling like the wicked witch....but instead of my feet sticking out from under a house they were sticking out from under a car.  I was feeling a bit embarrassed and didn't really want to crawl out but I could tell a truck next to me was nervous about running my legs over and so I got out.  I couldn't find the key!

I crawled out and knew the guy in the truck and so we talked and he was going to take me home so I could wait for Justin to come find his key.  While he gassed up an older guy came over and was talking to us.  He asked if there was a spare key and I told him....my son said there was.  I told him where and all he did was stick his head (not his body) under the rear bumper and immediately he said: "it's right here".  Well hooray and cheers to the old man!  I was able to get the car open and go home!

It was suggested that our family start a "Goofy Award". It is times likes this that one would be qualified to earn it.  I think that is a great idea.  Be proud of those "Goofy" moments and remember them to share with the family at the end of the year!  I think we might just have to add this idea to our family traditions!

Sleep Over with the Grands!!!

Since I have Mya & Parker for a few nights I decided it would be fun to have all the grands over together for one of those nights.  It's been awhile since we have had them all and I thought that they would like it.  They were all pretty excited.  They love each other and enjoy playing together and I hope that will continue on forever.  I would love to see my grands grow up and be close friends.

I loved prayer time.  After we got ready for bed and just before I let them watch a movie we said our prayers.  Ivy volunteered to say the prayer for everyone but when she finished they each wanted their own turn.  So, they each said their own prayer.  The big sisters helped their little brothers.  What an awesome experience for this gramma.  My grands believe in their Heavenly Father and they know how to talk to him.  I also had to giggle when Ivy prayed that gramma wouldn't get frustrated.  What special times and memories.  I sure do love these little ones!

They went to sleep really well when the movie got over. They woke up happy and cheerful and full of smiles and loves.  Sometimes it's hard for them to all be together.  There are times that sharing isn't something they want to do and so they might pout a little and maybe even say something unkind.  We had a little talk about treating others the way we would like to be treated and to remember that cousins will always be around and so we should treat each other best.  My little one's listened and we didn't have another problem the rest of the time.  They are such smarties!

We played outside for awhile and it's true.....it's summer!  It's so hot!  After a bit the girls decided to go inside and get drinks and never came back out to play.  The boys are die hards and could care less about the heat.  They rode bikes and gramps had Jared bring over the battery operated 4 wheeler for them.  These two boys don't mind sharing and are really good at it.

I wanted a picture with each of my favorite "little's" and they each obliged happily except for Zaden who had to think about it.....today he wasn't so sure....or at least at the moment he wasn't.  The girls all helped take pictures.  They liked that and had to make sure they each took the same amount of pictures as the other even if it meant taking a picture of the lawn. (silly girls)

Each one of these little ones means so much to me.  I love them all so much and admire their individuality and uniqueness. They are each completely wonderful!

I treasure the time I have with them.  I hope that I will always want to create times for us all to be together.  I hope these little's will always want to come and hang out at their gramma's and pappa's.  They are such a joy!

Mya told me that she really wanted to go to Arctic Circle while she was staying with us and so I thought we should go today since everyone was together.  They had the funnest time....you could "hear" how much fun they were having.  Ivy and a few of them left at one time to get an ice cream and the place quieted right down.  I just laughed because that meant it was my little ones making all the noise. haha

It's so much fun being a gramma!  I love my grands and they love me.....life is good! CHEESE!!!

Hooray for Birthdays!

I love celebrating birthdays with my friends.  Of course I don't with all my friends but every now and then it happens with some.  I was able to celebrate Kellie's birthday with her today.  I love Kellie and her sweetness.  Kellie is genuine and pure and very caring in every way.  Kellie always strives for perfection which makes me want to also.  I'm so grateful that Kellie is my friend and that our time to be close is now.  I have always loved Kellie....but now we have time to really share with each other and  get to know each other better.  Life is good especially when we are surrounded by great people.

My Sweet Grands!

the Drive Inn

Trichelle invited everyone to go to the Drive Inn.  Oh my heck...it's been so long and it was fun.  It's just fun getting with the family.  Braxton didn't get the invite in time to make it so we missed him.  While we were getting things set up I heard my name.  Right next to Trichelle was some friends from High School. (we remembered each other because of Face Book)  It was so fun see Darrel & Jody in real life.

We had hours to visit with each other before the movie started.  I enjoyed that part....sitting & relaxing enjoying my family is one of my favorite things.  I love watching my grands run around in the jammies making friends and playing together.  The have such cute imaginations.

I know I say it all the time but I adore my family.  I love my hubby and appreciate all that he does for our family....he works so hard so we can play together.  Wow...I love him!  I am so proud of each of my kids and love introducing them to other people....they are all so wonderful and I'm so happy to be their mom.  That goes for the ones that marry into our family as well.  I love each of them so much too.  And then there's the grands.......these little people make me smile from the inside out!  Each one is so individual and wonderful.  I love them all so much and the great thing is that they love me back!

Another late night to finish off the weekend.  I'm exhausted but it was all really fun and worthwhile!

Relay for Life....in Honor of Gina!

My friends and I made a team in honor of Gina to help earn money to fight Cancer.  Our team theme was: "Flushing Cancer Down the Drain or Toilet".  We called ourselves: "Gina's sistas with blistas!  We were able to raise about  $1,500 for this great cause.  It was a riot planning and preparing everything and wore me out if you want to know the truth.

The plan was to have someone on the track all night long but I'm not sure that happened but we did get in a lot of laps together and had a great time doing it.  Everyone was suppose to wear plungers on their heads since that is what we had all decided at our planning meeting.  I think only me, Shelley, Jodi and Linda were the only ones who did. Linda did however wear four at one time.....silly cancer survivor.  So I pretty much wasted money on buying the plungers and paint so everyone had one.  We saved them all though and plan on doing this kind of thing again using the same theme.

I was concerned about getting tired and wearing out but that didn't happen really until Saturday when I went home.  I'm pretty sure the large Mt. Dew helped!  Most of us did stay awake all night chatting...it was fun.

We were suppose to have ways to earn money while we were there and so we sold toilet papering kits and also charged to have your picture taken on the purple potty.  We could have done better letting people know what we were doing.  We didn't earn much with either of those ideas.  It's alright though because we still brought in lots.

The Event had lots going on all night and was really fun.  There were lots of people supporting this cause.  I was thrilled to see Gina's family show up.  Her dad, hubby, daughter, grand and best friend all came out.  It was nice giving them all hugs and expressing our love to them again.  I was impressed that Gina's sweet daddy remembered who I was.  He knew it was me who lost her son in the mountains.  How special to be remembered when there are so many of us.  I love Gina's sweet family and pray that they will be blessed continually.

What a blessing life is and the people that surround us and even just bump shoulders with us every now and then.

I know that those that pass on are very very close.  If we are still and quiet ourselves we will feel them and might even be instructed by them.  I know Gina was with us this night....laughing right along with us and maybe even adding "poo" to Jodi's FB page. (someone did)

Hay Hay Hay....Great Day!

A BIG bale of hay in the middle of our little road made me smile and giggle!  I love the country and the carefree feeling out here.

Since Larry and the kids went to Youth Conference I decided to have a girls day.....like all day!  I met Mallory & Bonnie for lunch. I ate light because I was meeting Judy, Teresa, and Tammy for dinner in just a few hours.  Which happened except Tammy didn't make it because her daughter was in a car accident at the same time.  Daughter was fine and Tammy came to my house after everything was taken care of....10:00 pm.  I enjoyed visiting with all my friends today.  I marvel how the Lord answers our prayers and really does care about each of us individually.  I witnessed a few prayers being answered today.  I love my friends!  I love my Heavenly Father and I know that He loves each of us!!!
My day lingered into the next but it was wonderful!

I love these two!

Never in my life have I requested someone to be my visiting teacher.  I have always enjoyed who was assigned and sent to me BUT a few months ago I felt that I really needed a visiting teacher that I could really talk with.  I really don't know why but I did.  I requested Mindy and even told her and I was lucky enough to have that request granted.  I appreciate the time Mindy and Kenz spend just visiting with me and discussing life and the lessons in the Ensign.  I know I take more of their time than the other people they visit and I hope they will continue to come in spite of my "chatterbox".  I love these two and feel their love for me.  They are always so sweet and bring me some kind of chocolate. (I try to treat them as well)  This month they brought me enough chocolate to get me through the summer.

Visiting Teaching is one of the blessing of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I have made lasting friendships because of it.  It's nice to really make friends with someone so that if you ever really do need to call someone you have a friend that you can.  I have a testimony of visiting teaching and know that it's a blessing from God.  Women need women to love and support each other.  Through visiting teaching we can serve and bless each other.  These two are a blessing to me!

I NEVER get tired of receiving Flowers!

I hadn't been home long from my meeting with my friends when there was a knock at the door.  I was the one who opened the door and to my surprise there were flowers for me.  I can't help but smile every time Larry sends me flowers.  I love getting flowers and I really love that he has started sending sending me different kinds of flowers.  For many years Larry would only send me roses, which I loved, but I know how expensive they are and I know an arrangement with a variety of flowers are probably less and they are just as appreciated and lovely.  I signed for these with a big smile on my face and even told the delivery guy "this is why I keep him".  Larry is a "keeper" and flowers make up for stupid things said. (although I don't think Larry even realizes he said something stupid the night before)

I know that I am a lucky girl!  One of the ways Larry shows his love for me is by sending me flowers.      He really does love me and shows it all the time.  I love him right back!

Getting Ready

Today a group of us met to plan what we are doing this Friday for "Relay of Life".  We got a team together in honor of our Beautiful Friend Gina, who passed away of Cancer.  Relay for Life is an event to earn money to help Fight Against Cancer. Someone on your team needs to be "moving" on the track all night.  This event sound really fun!

We have an assigned area that we will decorate using our Purple Toilet and the theme: FLUSH CANCER DOWN THE TOILET!  Our area "might" have a some toilet paper around it and a few plungers! (wink)  We will be selling toilet paper kits so others can toilet paper surrounding camp area's.  We will also sell tickets for toilet paper removal.  

We want to "use" our toilet so we are going to be taking pictures of others "using" it too. We will have a few trees behind it with holes for faces so more than one can be in the picture.  I think we have some good ideas and hopefully we will be able to earn more $$$ to help Fight Against Cancer!

I know this is going to be a blast and I'm excited to be a part of such a great cause because Cancer really does need to be Flushed Down the Toilet! (cancer stinks and it's crappy)

I am Thankful for Fathers!

I am so Thankful for the Fathers in my life.  I am so thankful for my sweet dad.  My dad has always been so soft spoken and gentle.  I'm so glad that Larry and I both still have our parents.  I appreciate this fact more all the time.

I am thankful for Larry's dad too.  He is such a hard worker and helps us out whenever we need.  He's fun and the best neighbor possible.  I loving having him close so my kids can interact with him more too.  He's just a great guy!  I am really thankful for the Father of my children!  I love Larry Joe!  Larry is such a great man.  He's fun, hard working, kind, thoughtful, caring, spiritual and the list could go on and on.  He is a great dad and all the kids love him so much.  He works hard so that our family can play together.  I think that is the secret to a happy family....playing together.  I don't think it really takes a lot of money either...just time.

I am thankful for my boys that are such good daddy's.  I am thankful for TJ, Daniel and Joe too who take care of my other grands.  These guys all do a great job and I appreciate their love for the little ones they are responsible for.  The world needs a whole lot more of these kind of guys!

Reminiscing about the Good 'Ol Days

I was so excited to find Lynn Halpin Skeen on Face Book,  I have good memories of growing up with Lynn.  She moved into Washington Terrace when we were in the fourth grade. (I think that is what she told me)  We decided to go to lunch and we invited Mindy Peterson Stowers to join us.  Mindy and Lynn actually played together much more since they lived closer to each other.  It's funny how close the houses we grew up in really are but for some reason it seemed further. I didn't leave my street very much...I don't think most kids did.

We caught up fast and spent 4 hours together just talking and sharing.  It's funny how friendships that were strong when you are little are still bound as you get older.  I love these two and admire them for all they have done and experienced.  It was so much fun for me to reminisce about the good 'ol days.  It was fun hearing the events that have happened in between.  I'm so thankful for technology and that we are able to reconnect with people that have meant so much to us...Life is Good!

After meeting these two  I ran home and went to our Stake Conference.  It was so good.  Elder Gay was the presiding Priesthood leader and he was awesome.  He told so many inspiring stories.  I really want to have the Faith I need to Follow our Savior and allow Him to guide my life.  Life doesn't come without trials....but we will be blessed as we trust in God and allow him to guide us.

Special Needs Girl Camp

I love girls camp!  I think it's fun!  This year I got to go with the Special Needs Girls.  We had a great time.  We did a few crafts....tie dyed shirts, made vinyl picture frames that said: "Stand Ye in Holy Places".  We made prayer rugs, and we used shaving cream to make the cover for the girls scrap books.

We played a lot.  We hiked a little.  We shot Mylar balloons with Nerf guns which was a huge hit!  We played bingo a few times because some of the girls really liked that. We even got a ride in Rita's Smart Car. (which is bigger on the inside than you would think)

And it's girls camp so we ate.....we ate a lot!  There was more than enough food and treats.  It's funny how we worry about having enough and end up having an abundance instead.

We learned and sang camp songs and laughed a lot while doing so.  "Oh Fluffy Sheep...so wonderful. Oh fluffy sheep so wonderful...they are white and they are fluffy....oh fluffy sheep so wonderful!"  Heidi went around "baa-ing" at me.  I think she liked my singing. hahaha I love camp songs!

The girls showered at night and had hot showers.  I showered in the morning and had freezing cold. Brrrr...  The Missionary said they never have problems with the showers...well....we had problems.  On Saturday I needed to wash my hair because I was meeting some friends after camp and I needed to be ready so I washed it in the kitchen sinks...that water was hot there because again...it was freezing cold in the bathrooms.

We had a devotional and Rita spoke to the girls around the fire.  It was great about being like Christ.  Forgiving others and just doing our best.  It was really good.  Then we had a testimony meeting and the Spirit was so strong.  These are some "special" girls that know about God.  They know that they are special and that they will be whole again.  They know that God loves them.  They are filled with love and express it to each other and us leaders.  These girls are kind and forgiving and so loving.  I enjoyed spending a few days with them.  I'm so happy that God knows me best and that He told me 38 years ago I would be working with this wonderful group of ladies.  I love my calling.....I love these girls!