Cupcakes with the Grands!

A few years ago I started a new tradition with my grands.  I have them all over and together we make cupcakes.  I let them help with everything.  So everyone gets included better we now make two different batches of cupcakes.  It works out great.  Everyone gets to add ingredients, mix and prepare pans. While waiting for their turn they played together which is a big part of the fun!  I receive such joy watching my grands take turns and help each other with this little task.  Joy to my ♥! 

They all enjoy licking the beaters and I let them! I even had to get an extra one out to dip in the batter so there was enough.  This year the first group, Kamryn, Parker, and Zadan all got into licking the bowl.  It totally made me laugh out loud....and I had to get a few pictures!

Instead of just having a bunch of decorations like the past years I thought it would be fun to make a few cute cupcakes that I have seen.  We made Cookie Monster and some Minions.  The kids make enough to take home for their families.  Each member of their family got one of each.  I thought they turned out cute and the kids had a blast making them and playing with one another.  I like including Ivy's step brother Alan too.  I invited him a few years back and he had such a good time I will invite him every year.

I had completely forgot about taking pictures with me and the grands until after the cupcakes were done and so while they were playing together we got together for a few pictures.  These little ones make my heart smile!  They seriously crack me up and make me laugh out loud some more!

 They are each so cute and expressive.  They love making silly faces and I love the silly face pictures!

Ummmmm....being a Gramma is such a wonderful thing!  Spending time with my little's is one of my favorite things to do!  I sure do love them! They brighten my life!

Complete Happiness

Have you ever noticed that some days are easier to be happy than others?  Right now...today....I can't even imagine being Happier!  I feel so blessed.  Being happy doesn't mean that life is perfect by any means.  Just the other day I was feeling stress and anxiety over a few things that I had no control over. I didn't have control over others choices or decisions but I did allow their choices to affect me to the point of feeling sick and anxious.  It wasn't a big deal (the thing causing me stress) .... I just put too much thought into something that couldn't be changed.  Even feeling that way for a few hours that day I still feel the Happiness in my life.  There are so many good things going on....there are always so many good things going on and I am at a point in my life that it is easier for me to see the good over the not so good.  Having this ability truly brings me Happiness!  A good reason to be glad for the numbers on our Birthday Cards...each year brings experience and insight that can be gained no other way!


I remember a just few months ago that I was completely unsettled in my life.  I was struggling pretty hard with who I was and what "I" wanted.  Maybe....actually I believe that hard time has helped me get to this point in my life.  All things for a reason....we grow from our trials.

 I choose Happy!!!

It's My Birthday!

I love birthdays!   I love my birthday!  I have always loved celebrating birthdays and I just feel so special when it's mine.  I love that I get to start celebrating early and continue celebrating even after my birth day.  It's just so much fun!

This morning I woke up to many birthday greetings on the internet and through text and they continued through out the entire day.  Larry and the kids sang to me while I was still in bed and I couldn't help but laugh. Singing together always brings a smile to my lips and laughter follows. (we might not be the best singers)  Church was great and more wishes there.  A smile was stuck to my face all day.  (I usually try to smile but today I didn't have to think about it)

We had corn on the counter from gramps to go with our dinner and it had been strategically placed all over the counter.  Thank goodness Braxton clued me in that it might say something because since I am shorter I didn't notice the message right off.   It was a little "corny" but was cool enough for me to grab the camera so I would always remember it.  I love that my kids are creative!

I love that my sis and I have Birthdays back to back.  We celebrate together and I'm pretty sure we wouldn't all get together is they weren't.  My mom and dad do most everything but the last few years we have held the party here.  It's a lot easier for us to have everyone over and we fit better.  I think it helps mom and dad out a little.  They say it does.  I really appreciate my parents for working so hard to celebrate Susan and my birthdays!  It's a fun time for me being together with everyone.

The day was long and it was fun and when we went to bed I couldn't sleep.  I got wondering if there was caffeine in the pop I had even though I purposely tried choosing a drink without it. I stayed in bed for about three hours and couldn't handle it any longer.  I got out of bed at 1:00 am and finished off my birthday cake that I remembered was just sitting on the counter without being wrapped. (I found out my pop didn't have caffeine so not sure why I couldn't sleep...maybe just like a little kid still on a high)

I can't help but laugh because some times I wonder why I can't lose weight. hahaha  Oh well....I look pretty good for my age and having seven kids right? (I started being told that about ten years ago...cracks me up but I accept it)

Cherry Hills...The Greatest Fun Spot You'll Ever Know

We just spent a fun week at Cherry Hills.  I had never been before and it was a lot of fun.  The camping spots were tight....reminded me of sardines, squished in a can.  It wasn't noisy though and so if you didn't look around it was fine.  Scott and Erin and their cute girls also camped with us.  It was so much fun being around them.  I know Kimleighel and Jared had a great time playing with their cousins.

On July 24th Trichelle and Justin and their cute families came and spent the day at the water park with us.  I really enjoyed the park and thought it was really fun. I really enjoyed having my family there too.  I want to go again sometime.  Everyone had fun together and it was just nice being together.  Kevin and Julie and Kam were visiting Julie's dad in Wyoming and Jaydan was studying so we didn't see them.  Braxton did show up for a tiny bit and it was nice having him there for a little while.

I am thankful for my family.  I am thankful for Holidays and Family time.  I am thankful that we are blessed and can do some extra things.  I am thankful for relaxing times.  Looking around makes me realize how blessed we are!  So thankful for Everything! (family, freedom, religion, friends, fun, food, etc....the list goes on and on)

I kind of forgot.....

Dang! I almost forgot....NO, I DID forget that today I had a lunch date with my mom, sister and Linda. (I remembered all month until this weekend....then....well then....I forgot)

My mom decided a while back that it would be fun to start a new tradition.  I love traditions and so I was in.  She decided that on her friend's birthday we would go to lunch at Chili's like her and Sevim use to do and have baby back ribs....just like when they went.  Mom also thought it would be good for Linda to have us with her on her mom's birthday.  I think it's a fine tradition.....and just a week before Susan and my birthdays.  So we celebrated Sevim's birthday and mine and Susan's....3 birds with 1 stone! ha ha (my mom's still a Stone)

Thank goodness Susan called and reminded me....after I was already late. By the time I got there our lunch was just minutes away from being brought to us so it worked out great!  I'm so glad they called .... I would have felt terrible if I would have missed it. We had so much fun reminiscing about Sevim.  Sevim was a classy, little Turkish lady.  She was a great friend to my mom...and my mom was her best friend!

We had such a great time that we decided to go in February too since Linda and my mom have birthdays that month.  I told mom we should start that tradition now while she was still alive.  Fun Times!

Pedi's

One of my favorite things to do is to get a pedicure.  I love having my feet pampered.  I really love going where they take time and don't hurry.  That didn't happen today but I knew it wouldn't.  The place close to me likes to hurry for some reason....I'd tip them more if they let me stay a little longer.  I didn't have a lot of extra time today though and so that is why Kathy O and I decided to go close.

It's fun going with friends and Kathy and I have gone together a few times.  Some how are timing got off....I think she goes more often than I do.  I would like to have a pedicure every week but can't afford it so I wait 4-6 weeks.....by then I am so ready!

I decided to break out of my norm today and change it up on the color. (I usually pick pink or mauve) I let Ivy pick out a blue for me and I think she did a great job.  Ivy came with me since she spent the night and the kids went to piano. She was entertained with my iPad while sitting in the chair by me. We bought drinks first and I brought each of us one of my favorite candy bars....Crunchie by Cadbury....the honeycomb candy bar. We were set and enjoyed ourselves while being pampered!

I'm glad people are willing to be paid to rub feet and massage legs and make those toe nails shine!  I love feeling spoiled!  I also love the massage chairs....that's part of the enjoyment too!  Mmmmmm!!!

Guys and Dolls

I love going to the plays and I am really glad that this group of ladies invited me to join their group.  It has been so fun getting to know them all better.  Barbie told her sister that they invited me because I was fun and believe me so are all of them.  I'm happy that I add to their fun.

I love the whole experience.....riding together, eating together and laughing together.  It's just a lot of fun.

I enjoyed the play tonight.  It was "Guys and Dolls" and was fun and upbeat.....a bit of a difference from "Urine Town".  I was glad Barbie leaned over and asked me if I wanted to do this again with them next year.  "Heck YES"  I love girls night outs.....they are just fun!

Barbie and I had the same color combo going on tonight and so I figured we should get a picture. Things like that "call" out to me. ha ha ha

A Tree for Gina

In memory of Gina....our little group of friends planted a tree for her.  It was a fun and awesome experience.  These women are such a blessing.  In fact, Rex told Karie that the timing for Gina to be united with them again was perfect and a blessing in her last years of life.  I believe being together with friends and family is a blessing and makes living and passing easier.  It's nice hearing that we were a blessing to Gina because she was such a blessing to each of us.  Each and every friend is missed when they can't be with us.  We are all important.....that's the truth!

My favorite part of the whole tree experience was when it was planted and the dirt (mud) was put back into the hole and the ribbons were tied on it with each of our names and we held hands forming a circle around the tree and Rex (Gina's Hubby) offered a prayer to God.  We all had tears in our eyes....it was so sweet.  He blessed that the tree would provide shade for those that came to it.  If only those that will come to this tree in years to come knew why it is here.....they would feel a little more than the comfort of being shaded....might even happen without knowing.  It was truly a spiritual experience.  No doubt sweet Gina was there to witness this and I believe she brought some friends with her.  One of the pictures has a bunch of "angels" in it!  They really are so close!

I loved that Mr. Talbot (Gina's daddy) was also there.  He is such a remarkable man and I have grown to really love him.  It must be so hard to have a child go first.  He's so sweet.

Afterwards we went to breakfast at Kneaders.  I always say it isn't about the food but maybe it's a little about the food since that is what seems to keep us together just a little bit longer.  I love these ladies and will help plant a tree for each and every one as they to pass.  I'm certain I will be the last standing because I am so willing to go.

I notice my blessings, I really do and each and every friend is right there under my family.  Life is better because of each of them.

the Celebrations Begin

I love celebrating Birthdays with my friends!  This month it is mine we are celebrating!  This month has been busy with our camping trips but this week a few of my friends took me to lunch.  Each luncheon date was really fun and meant a lot to me.  I appreciate my friends, Crystal, Cathy and Kellie for taking time to spend with me.  I love spending time with my friends and it is fun celebrating each of our births.

One of the nice things about getting to go to lunch with friends is sharing thoughts and feelings and laughing and bonding.  Each of my friends are great examples to me and I always want to be better because of them.  When it's my turn to be celebrated I am reminded of how truly blessed I am.  I have the best friends!  I am happy that another Birthday is approaching and for all I have learned and experienced to this point!

Last night Zaden spent the night with us and I was in the other room and heard: "gramma come here"
I went into the front room where Zaden was playing and he jumped up from behind the couch and shouted: "Happy Birthday" then he went over to the cups he had stacked and told me that he had built a castle for my birthday because I was a Princess.  He said it over and over and was so cute!  Totally made my night.  I sure do love my grands and so glad that they love this gramma!

I Thought This

Lately I have been thinking about grudges....because I have had some lately.  I heard of a gal saying something that wasn't true about me and it made me kind of mad...especially at her.  I didn't even know her but have since met her and when I did meet her I wanted to turn my head and puke.  Then I got thinking.....that kind of behavior is not like me and I don't want it to be.  So I decided to let it go and be me regardless of what others want to say or believe.  I even had a few thoughts for quotes and ended up with this one.

Mmmmmm......I LOVE COOKIES

I can say NO to donuts, cakes, pie, and even ice cream but I have a hard time saying NO to cookies!  I love cookies....especially homemade cookies right out of the oven.  Every once in awhile I'm forced to make cookies...that's right forced.  Our family loves banana's and why we ever have any left long enough to really ripen amazes me.  However, every now and then it happens and so I make cookies...banana chocolate chip cookies.  I usually make a batch or two without chips for those that prefer no chips (crazies)  but rest get chips....plenty of chips.

Today I decided that I should limit myself to one cookie.  I scraped the bowl and plopped the remaining dough on the cookie sheet and even spread it out a bit.  Nine minutes later my one and only cookie was done! Yummmm....I added a few more chips since it didn't look like there was enough.  Now that is my kind of cookie and the perfect size.  It kind of makes me feel better knowing I only had one.

Truth is I ate one normal cookie (before mine was done) and only had one bite from mine.  I think my cookie might just last me a day or two or three.

Being around others makes me happy!

Today was such a great day.  My morning started off with a young gal from another country stopping by to sell me some educational books.  I didn't want the books because even though we mean well I just know we wouldn't use them.  Google is great and doesn't cost anything and doesn't take up space on a shelf or counter.  I always feel kind of bad saying no but it has gotten easier.  I sent the cute gal off with a giant Symphony Chocolate Bar.  At least doing that made me feel a little better.  

Then I went visiting teaching which I just love.  I love visiting with the sisters in our ward and really love the sisters I go to (always do)  When I was through visiting Rae and Cathy I decided to stop and visit a few friends that have had surgery and take them a little treat. (I also took Rae and Cathy a little treat)  I visited with Shirley (Stokes) first and really enjoyed sitting in her back yard enjoying the breeze and just visiting.  I know it's not fun for Shirley to be laid up but it's kind of nice for me to know that she is and that I can stop by anytime and I won't be interfering with things.  I love Shirley and our visits.

Next I went to Judy"s (Nauta) and visited with her.  The nice thing about real friends is you can say whatever you want and feel and know that it is okay.  I can express my feelings and I know that these friends don't mind and can also do the same with me.  I felt so good about my day and had some thoughts that came to my mind that I know where from Heavenly Father.  I love how that happens as you open up and discuss things.  Man I was feeling great....so happy!

The weather wasn't great today but we had planned on going boating and taking the Anderson Family and so we went anyway in spite of the weather and had a great time.  It was so wonderful having them all together.  The wind blew and the boat rocked and Larry didn't even have to try to make the water weenie roll over because the wind and waves took care of that very easily.  The wind and waves also kind of made me dizzy and a little light headed.  We stayed for almost 2 hours and then decided to get off the water since it was starting to rain and the sky continued to get dark.  I love the Anderson's and I'm really glad we got a little time together with them all.  This little family has become an extension of our family...we love and care about them so much!

Then to top off a wonderful day we received a nice card from Tonya and Lexi!  Dang! Life is Good!  

we did it for Kimleighel....

Since Kimleighel's friend (Trevor) couldn't go boating with us Saturday because of the weather & his work, we took the boat out again today.  Thank goodness Kevin is a good sport and sacrificed his time to help us out. It was a great day.  I wish I could take the boat out during the day more often.  There aren't many people out and the water is so nice. (if only I was brave enough) hahaha

Everyone wake-boarded (except me) and Kamryn was pulled on the knee board and then we tubed. The time flies when the weather is nice and we didn't have time to do any thing else other than swim a little. The kids always enjoy just jumping in the water and swimming.  In fact, boating is how each of my kids have learned to swim.  We play in the water a lot so they aren't afraid and when they feel like it they quit using life jackets or floaties to swim and they just swim.  It's a wonderful perk to having a boat.

I have enjoyed our week of boating.....it's so fun!

Making Memories...

Willard Bay was the place we called home for a week.  I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it as much as I did.  The reason I wasn't sure is because I knew Larry was going to work everyday and I wasn't sure when the older kids & grands were coming.  It turned out wonderful!

Every day someone came up which we really looked forward to.  We boated during the day a few times when some of the big boys came that could take care of the boat.  I use to do it all back when my kids were little but we have changed boats a few times since then and I am not as confident about it these days.  It got me thinking though and I think I could if I really wanted to.  We had a blast all week.  Even the nights weren't bad as far as weather and sleeping went.  Almost every night we had a grand or two spend the night...sometimes even their parents did.  On Wednesday Night we had the most people since Trichelle and her friend, Krissie and their kids all spent the night.  The trailer was packed but I think it was comfortable. (there were 10 of us)  It was fun having them.  There were a few times Krissie asked me if I was ok.  I was and I think I must have just been thinking and remembering when Trichelle and Krissie were teenagers.  I also think I was wondering how we were all going to fit but knew we would make it work.

I really enjoyed this week and hope that we made some fun memories for the kids and grands as well. I loved spending time with each and everyone of my kids and grands and hubby.  I loved playing games with them and taking pictures of them.  I loved not having to cook or be anywhere but there with the ones that came.  I loved seeing the Orrocks out boating with their family.  I loved seeing the mountains all around us and the beautiful sky and sunsets.  (I'm sure the sunrise was nice too but I didn't see any because I enjoyed staying in bed just relaxing)

I enjoyed having to come home a few mornings too.  It was a nice little break each day and I was able to get a little laundry done which would make the clean up easier.  (I had a Doctor apt Wed and was a sub for bowling on Thurs)

 I love looking back at the pictures because they make me smile as I remember all the fun that we had.  Larry and I talked about how that was a pretty inexpensive vacation.....a stay-cation of sorts.  I would think that this might become a tradition.  No one had to miss work and was still able to enjoy some boating and family togetherness.

I believe I would even look forward to doing this again because it turned out to be so fun.  I drank a lot of pop and ate more hot dogs than normal and enjoyed some traditional boating goodies.  I didn't get up and ready like normal because I didn't have things to do or places to go.  I wore my swimming suit a lot and enjoyed playing in the water a few times. I got high centered climbing through a window because the lock on the door broke and I even had bruises on my legs showing that I "inched" my way in.  I enjoyed cleaning the trailer up because it is small enough to be done quickly.  I also was able to just read a book....a wonderful book in fact. "Heaven is Here" by Stephanie Nielsen...a memoir of her life.  A story of attitude and faith and love!

It is times like this that I am thankful for my life.  Life is mostly what you make it and with the help of my family mine is really fun and wonderful.  I am so blessed.....we all are!

A Hoorah with the Coy's

Tonya and I wanted to get our families together one more time before Alexi left for her mission and so I volunteered to have a dinner at my house.  I figured my kids and their families would be coming anyway so why not Tonya and hers.  It was fun as always.  I love the Coy Family and I love how well we all get along.  Everyone from both sides mingle and enjoy each other.  There is no segregation which is really nice.  Even the grands all play with each other.

I love each and every person that belongs to this family.  They are such wonderful people with big hearts.  They love us all as much as we love them.  They all make my life better.....truly they do.  I love watching our kids that have grown up and now have children of their own.  Tonya, Mark, Larry & I have raised some good kids.  They are good parents and have good partners.  My heart beams while I watch and visit with them.  The grands are all really great little people too....they are all kind and respectful and loving.  It's cool to see the good passed down and become even better.

Time flies when you are having fun and tonight it surely did.  Before we even realized it was after 9:00 pm and we needed to leave to get back into Willard before the gate closed which is at 10:00 pm.  I would have rather stayed and visited with this cute family but that didn't happen.

I will be forever grateful to Heavenly Father for blessing me with Tonya as my friend at such a very young age.  What a blessing she has always been to me.....a dear friend who has become family in every way.

I LOVE all the Coy's, Mocks, Lindsay's, and Shaffer's!

Willard Bay for a Week.....

After Ivy and Hayley's baptism's we went out to Willard Bay to camp for a week.  However we planned on coming home for Church and then returning after a get together with the Coy's.  Our first night was nice and relaxing.  We stayed at the South Marina because the North is still closed because of an oil spill.  The North Camping is much nicer but this worked....we were camping.  I'm really glad that there are places that are close so that we are able to enjoy our new trailer and our boat.  It seems like life gets too crazy to be able to take off otherwise.  This was fun and it was nice just being with the kids in a small, confined area!  I believe it is times like this that families bond and get close.  It's a good thing to do every now and then....just get away together in a small area where you play and talk more than on regular days.  Oh and take your camera....so you can capture some of those memories!

Ivy's Baptism

What an exciting, wonderful day!  Little Miss Ivy was baptized and confirmed a member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!  It was such a great day.  Ivy wore her mommy's dress.  (not sure if Trichelle was baptized or confirmed in it but one or the other she was and it was Trichelle's)  Ivy has longer legs than her mommy so she wore leggins but it was cool that she was able to wear the same dress as her mom.  (Kamryn also wore this dress while being sealed to her parents on their wedding day)

I love baptisms because the Spirit of Christ is always at them.  It is one of my favorite things....going to baptisms.  In fact, after Ivy's we went to my niece Hayley's who is only a few days older than Ivy.

Ivy was baptized in her Spanish Ward and so a lot of it was in Spanish.  It doesn't matter that I don't understand the words....the Spirit is the same!  I gave the talk about Baptism and Confirmation and Jared gave the closing prayer and so that was all in English. (wink)  Daniel was also considerate of our family and baptized and confirmed her in English as well.  The Spirit was so strong.  Ivy is a wonderful girl and has a wonderful family.  She's a very blessed little one and we are all blessed to have her in our lives.

I felt bad that we needed to hurry afterwards and wasn't able to visit with Daniel's family much but we felt it was important to make it to Hayley's as well.  I'm glad that my kids stayed and supported Trichelle and Ivy....that made me very happy.  I love my family and the love and support we all have for each other.  Today my heart was extremely happy!

Birthday Dinner for me and Rich

Julie and Kevin like to treat their parents to dinner for our birthdays.  We celebrate twice a year.  Larry and Lynette's birthdays are close and Rick and mine are.  So tonight we went out for Rich and mine.  Kamryn sang to us before we left.  Kam is such a tease that she ended her Grandpa Dunkleys song  by singing Happy Birthday to Gramma Dawn instead of him.  Silly girl!

Larry and I appreciate Kevin and Julie and Kamryn for this kindness.  It's fun going out to dinner with them and Julie's parents.  It's so enjoyable sharing birthdays and friendships!  We have great kids!

celebrating the 4th....

Today we worked....we pulled weeds.....we sweat our guts out.....we accomplished a lot....and then we rested.....and after we rested......we played!

We went up to the Dunkley's and the kids swam and had a blast in the pool.  Larry & I watched since we were cleaned up and feeling fine. It was fun watching ...especially the volley ball games.  Dunkley's against the Ropelato's....each won a game and I'm not sure who won the final game....doesn't matter it was fun!

We had a cook out which was delicious and then we visited and watched fireworks.  The Dunkley's had a box of fireworks and lit them in their driveway and behind their's there were a few other families celebrating with the big fireworks that lit up the sky.  It was fun seeing them all.  It was a great day and really fun spending the evening with the Dunkley's.  I sure do love the families that my kids have married in to.  They are all pretty great!