The One's I LOVE the Most!!!

When I first started making "Sunshine" Bags I really did think I should give them to my family first since I love them most.  I didn't feel like the time was right though and felt impressed to give to them to others. (not going to lie....I felt a bit guilty about that)  About a week or so ago I knew the time was right.  I planned on giving them out the next Sunday we would all be together which is today.  The interesting thing is that some things have happened that have made me realize the perfect time is now.

God knew this little gift of love and sunshine would be needed and appreciate more now!  I love my family and I hope that they realize that God loves them Most!  That He is very aware of each of us and will guide us through our trials and struggles.  He has our back, knows our hearts, over looks are errors, loves us unconditionally! We our His!

Good Deeding...

We are surrounded by good people.  There have been a few times lately that we have needed assistance from someone else.  A while back Brian Buck came over and helped clean up our computer and upgrade my ipad for me because I wasn't able to when I tried.  We knew Brian would be able to help us out.  To Brian it was no big deal at all.  We talked about how each of us have different talents and are able to help in one way or another.  I was glad that Brian knew what he was doing and that he didn't mind sharing his talents with us.  He wouldn't accept any $$$ so I sent him home with Chocolate and made another treat for him and his family and took it to them the next day.

Last week a friend of mine gave me a picture frame to put our family picture in.  She told me it was because I was always helping others. (funny I don't feel like I help others)

Today our good neighbor Durk is replacing our Hot Water Heater.  I noticed the carpet by the front door was wet the other day and then Larry noticed it the night after.  (glad he finally noticed cuz he didn't react when I had told him...he's tired)  Yesterday I mentioned it to Robin on our walk not even thinking that Durk's specialty is exactly this kind of thing. (I was just saying)  Durk came over to check things out and noticed it was the hot water heater. He immediately called the Plumbing Store and got things ordered. Bright and early this morning he came over and started doing what he needed to replace it.  He knew Larry had to work but did it anyway having Jared and Jaydan help him.  Durk is a patient man and had the boys do a few things so they could learn.  I appreciate my good neighbors for teaching my kids. (Robin has taught a few of my kids to tie their shoes and other things) So how's that?  Durk took care of everything and installed a new Hot Water Heater for us.  I'm not sure how we will repay him and Robin....they don't eat treats. (my specialty) Hopefully they will need something from Larry's shop and he can repay them.

Durk had a big smile on his face after going to pick up everything he needed.  He said he got revenge on Braxton and charged everything to his account.  Larry doesn't want to tell Braxton until he see's his bill. ☺

Good deeds are a wonderful thing.  They affect the person serving as much as the one recieving. Because of the good deeds shown to us I want to look for ways to help others...a pay it forward kind of thing.  I am so thankful for my neighbors for helping us out!!!

We are on board.....choo choo

I had a meeting with the counselor at the Jr High today along with Jared's teachers and the VP.  I was a little emotional before going in for different reasons and so tears were just barely under the surface and didn't take long to spill out.  I was impressed with Mary, the counselor, for stepping right in and having my back and taking over.  When I talked to Mary a week ago I didn't cry.

We have a plan for Jared.  We may not need to use the plan but we have it if needed.  All the teachers expressed how well Jared is doing this year.  He is participating in class and asking questions and getting help when he needs it.  I am thrilled to hear that and I'm not surprised since we have really tried everything we know to help heal this cute boy from the inside.  His grades aren't wonderful still but I don't care so much about the grade....I care about how he feels about himself.  He's aware of his issues and knows that he needs to accept how he is and just do his best.  One of Jared's biggest problems was being too hard on himself.  He saw his weaknesses much bigger than they were.

I want Jared to be challenged in school but I don't want him pushed over the edge.  We talked about overwhelming him and we don't want that to happen.  If Jared gets overwhelmed he shuts down and doesn't even try.  At this point the only things the teachers will probably do for Jared is acknowledge him and make sure he does understand what he is expected to do and that he understands how to do it. I know that seems like nothing but I saw Jared's grade change from an F to a B because I emailed the teachers last year and one of them responded by letting Jared know he wanted to help him.  Everyone likes to be acknowledged.  Some of us make it obvious and others don't.  Jared doesn't and so I think he gets looked over.

The teachers asked if I was okay with Jared receiving a  "C" and I told them yes. (heck at this point I am okay with any grade that will pass him)  I'm not sure what they thought about that but like I said earlier a grade is just a letter.....my kid is much, much more than that.  I know Jared's desire to do well has increased....his whole countenance and attitude are better this year.  I also know that Jared will do well in life.  He is smarter than the report card shows.  He is a harder worker than those teachers will ever realize.  School is his challenge but we are on board and have the teachers and staff behind us....choo choo!

SNAP (Special Needs Activity Program)

It was my turn to teach again.  It's been a long time and I know the ladies (they don't like being called kids) now and have a better feel of what I can do and should do.  The leaders want the lessons to have more involvement since this is activity night.  I agree and had thought that very thing.  I taught about Nephi and his brothers getting the brass plates from Laban.  I had a few of the girls help me out and they loved it.  They wore a sign saying who they were and I narrated and they kind of acted it out. Then we played a game of concentration that had pictures of the things we had talked about that went with the story.  They really loved this and were pretty good at it.  I had to laugh at Joann though as she cracked her knuckles and stretched her neck before she would choose her cards. (She's the one modeling King Laban's crown...she loved the crown...I should have given it to her but didn't know that she had kissed it 3 times before giving it back to me.  I was told that later)

I only had 30 minutes for my lesson but could have taken 45-60 very easily.  I had handouts and journals for the girls to glue their handouts in that I brought back home to do.  If we would have had time I was going to have them right down a few ideas of how the lesson applies to each of us.  I wrote the ideas down on the board so they could copy them but.......(I'm an accordion and I adjusted~something one of the leader told us to be the other night at a meeting)

It was fun and it turned out good.  I have ideas for my next lesson.  I figure I will tell a story and then we will play a game of some sort reinforcing what was taught. I will also include treats of some kind, and try to remember some sugar free...the girls like treats like I like treats.  The gal's are so cute and love helping. Jaydee the gal in the purple shirt loved being Nephi and was so excited about it that she wanted to take her name tag home to show her mom.

What a great calling for me to be around these special needs ladies.  I asked one of the gals what her favorite vacation was and she said it was our girls camp.  How cute is that?  I love these gals and before I am released I want them all to know it and feel it.  They make me smile from the inside out!

I LOVE BEING A GRANDMA!!!

There isn't anything that brings more joy to my soul than my little's.  I adore their little faces and wonderful, sweet spirits.  Each one is so unique and absolutely adorable.  I love that I get to have them over to play every now and then.  

I've enjoyed a few of them these last few days and what a joy they are.  I love their smiles, their voices, their expressions, their laughter, their silliness, their hugs....everything about them.  It's so fun seeing a little one through a grandma's eyes.  I like that my eyes have matured to this point...what a blessing.

When I look at my grands I see complete perfectness.  That doesn't mean they are perfect but all the good radiates and that is what I see.  Every little thing about them is cute...even when the parents don't recognize it that way.  Grands are so easy to love and they love you right back.

I was thinking of our new unborn little one yesterday and my thoughts were: she is beautiful...I love her already so much without even meeting her.  What a blessing she is....she's another little miracle joining our family. I can't wait to meet her and hold her in my arms. (sniff, sniff)

I love watching my wonderful kids be parents...they are super...so much better than I was and I think I was pretty good.  I'm glad they are better..that also makes my heart smile! ☺

I am so glad for grands and the opportunity to have a second chance at getting it right or at least a whole lot better.  What a blessing to be a grandma, what a blessing the grands are!  I'm a better person because of Ivy, Mya, Kamryn, Zaden and Parker.  It's funny how much a little child can change you and make you better...they bring out the good in people.  I'm so thankful for my litte's...I love them all so much!

I LOVE BEING A GRANDMA!!!

It's Been Awhile

It's been awhile since I have seen these two ladies and it was really fun getting together with them and visiting for a bit.

I've talked to Heather but haven't seen her for about 3 years and I've missed her. Heather has moved back after living in Jackson Hole and then St. George. It's been a rough year for her but she presses on with a smile on her face. I admire Heather and all that she does. She is ambitious and gets what ever she goes after. She is working at Weber State now and is even teaching a class. She amazes me with all she has done and continues to do. I love this friend of mine. An hour just wasn't enough time so I'm glad she is close and hopefully we will get together more often.

I met Janet for breakfast which was a great way to start a day. I haven't seen Janet for over 20 years and was really excited to meet her. I ordered the Breakfast of Champions! (no wonder I don't have a waist...besides being really short waisted this kind of eating doesn't help...I know that but it's what I like) Life is to be Enjoyed right? Breakfast should be too! (I'm not a big breakfast eater anyway and so this works and it didn't make me sick)

I use to work for Janet when I worked at the Day Care before I was married. That's how we met. I always liked Janet and thought she was nice. She told me that she always liked me too because I also spoke my mind. I needed to be reminded because I don't really think that is one of my traits at all. She told me that I had figured out what the Day Care was bringing in from each child and wondered why we the workers couldn't get more money? Wow....that is really not me but it made me feel good that I actually did that. She had showed me everything they had to pay out with that money and I guess I was okay after that. Janet was a fun boss. I remember going boating with her and her family when I was engaged. I also remember tending her 5 kids for a weekend not long after Larry and I got married. So many good memories.

Janet is doing good. She is a family therapist which makes me smile. I know that she would be really good. Janet is sensitive and kind and smart. After meeting today we decided we needed to more often. It's so fun reconnecting with my past and being able to keep relationships going and making new memories. I love technology and how it's added happiness to my life.

A Little R & R

A few weeks ago Larry decided that he needed a break from work and everything.  He doesn't take many breaks in the summer time and he needed one.  Some how he came up with the idea of traveling by train to Colorado. (AM TRACK) He booked it and we were really looking forward to just "chillin" on the train and enjoying a relaxing weekend together.  Well Colorado was flooded with rain and it washed out some of the tracks.  If we would have followed through with our plans we would have had to transfer to a bus. We decided we didn't want to do that and thought driving would just be better.  We had already bought some Baseball Tickets to a few games and since we already had the tickets be decided we would still go.

The drive to Colorado was boring!  We went through Wyoming and there is nothing to look at so Larry closed his eyes and didn't look.  He didn't keep them closed for very long but thought he was so funny. He was guided by the washboards on the shoulder that let you know you are going off the road.  It did add to the drive for a few minutes.

We listened to the Old Testament on CD (that's when I closed my eyes), some conference talks, and a few other talks on CD and some music I had brought.  So really it wasn't all that bad.  It was nice just to be getting away!

I was excited to see the City.  I was excited to get out of the car soon and stretch.  I was excited to be with my hubby for a few days and just do nothing.  I like not having responsibilities or worrying about anything every once in awhile.  We found our Hotel and checked in and got comfy.  We just ate at the little restaurant in the Hotel and then went up and watched a movie.  Larry and I never take time to watch movies at home and so this was a treat.  I can't remember the name of the movie but it was kind of dumb and we both laughed when it got over at how disappointing it was.    

It was during the movie I had a question of mine answered.  I have wondered if the comforters on the bed ever got cleaned or if they were just covered with clean coverings.  Our bed was a little damp down at the bottom of the bed and it was because the comforter was still damp from being cleaned. We didn't let it get to us and didn't make the hotel bring up new bedding...we were both fine to let it continue to dry.  We are both easy going like that...I know most people would demand dry bedding.  It dried! 

We slept in...no one to wake up....no one to get off to school...no one to meet....it was nice. (our kids did great taking care of themselves) I was proud of Larry.  Larry usually can't sleep in and usually wakes up and gets up and going....he relaxed and I was glad.  We watched another movie but this one I remember because it was good.  It was Parental Guidance....very cute show and a good start to a fun day.  After the movie got over we went to the Baseball Field.  Larry and I both enjoy Baseball.

I remember as a little girl watching the Dodgers on the lap of my daddy or one of his buddies.  My grandma Bessie loved the game too and so of course I was going to.  Back then I knew all the names of the players on the Dodgers team....that was the only time I knew the names of so many Baseball Players.  I just enjoy the game now but don't get into it like I use to or like others do.  It's just fun every now and then to watch a game on a big field.

                                  

Part of the enjoyment is getting a foot long hot dog....you know...baseball food!  Larry had plans of having a few but we didn't....one was enough.  This game was against the Rockies and the St Louis Cardinals. There were a bunch of Cardinal Fans here....the stadium had a bunch of red all around it.

We had great seats.  We were 10 rows up from first base.  The game started off with the best play ever.  The Rockies First baseman Helton faked a throw to the pitcher and tagged the guy on first base out.  It was so funny!  I loved how stunned the other player was....he couldn't believe it.  He had made it back to the base at least 3 times and even this time he made it back.  He just stepped off the base to wipe his hands and that's when Helton tagged him.  Sweet way to end a career. (Helton is retiring) It was awesome.  The game was good and lasted over 5 hours.  I think it went for 15 innings.

We had two 7th inning stretches.  One of the things I like about Baseball is someone has to win, there are no ties!  

It was a nice day and we didn't have any other plans and so Larry and I enjoyed the long game and even decided to walk back to the hotel instead of calling for the hotel shuttle.  It took us about an hour or just a little longer to get back but wasn't bad.  I say that now...at the time I was a little nervous.  I wasn't sure how safe we were during our walk....turned out we were just fine.  We found a little place by the Hotel that sold Calzones and so we stopped and ate there.  They were good!

We ordered another movie "Snitch" and was enjoying it when it just stopped.  It was to the end where everything gets wrapped up and we were left hanging.  The front desk said we could order it again with no charge if we wanted to finish it.  It was late and we knew we wouldn't be able to stay awake for the ending so we will just have to be content with our ideas of how it ended. haha

Friday we had all day to do whatever we wanted and so we decided to go to the Aquarium.  From the brochures we were sure we could spend hours there.  The brochure was a bit deceiving but we did enjoy the aquarium and our time there.  There were lots of different kinds of fish to see.  I even learned a little from a group of young (elementary) kids.  They were looking at sea horses and saying they were males (not sure how they could tell but they knew). They also pointed out the little specks in the water which were the babies and called "fries".  If I ever knew that I had forgotten...so there you go I learned something from a child. 

When we first walked in to the museum a lady was there to take our picture.  After taking our picture she asked me if I had been a Cheerleader or Model.  I looked at her with that questioning look and she told me she asked because I had a great smile!  Well Thank You kind girl!  I need to compliment others more....that seriously made my day!  Makes me want to smile all the time.  Actually I have been complimented by my smile over the years and consider it one of my best qualities. No matter....hearing it again did something wonderful to me. ☺

We enjoyed a nice lunch at the restaurant there.  We sat facing a big glass window where the fish swam back and forth and around.  It was nice.  There were even a few Mermaids swimming around for a short time.  It was a pretty great place.  A fun way to spend our afternoon.

That night (Friday) the game was against the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Just before the game I decided to go to the restroom.  Larry reassured me I had plenty of time before the game started.  He also wanted an ice cream so I left.  When I got back the score was already 2.  The Diamondbacks first batters up had scored....what the heck?  

We were sitting just off of home base and a few sections up. Our seats weren't bad but the perspective on the balls hit were confusing.  It was hard to tell how far the ball was going.  Larry ended up watching the players, I never figured that out.  The Rockies got ahead soon into the game and stayed that way.  So this game wasn't as exciting but it was still good and we had a good time.  We took the shuttle back after this game. I didn't want to walk in the dark.

As always the days go by too fast.  Our little get away was about over.  We would have stayed longer. Going home we decided to drive through Vail which was a much better drive.  The mountains were pretty and the drive was nice.  I only dozed off during the Old Testament CD and only for a short time. (the voice is to soft and calming)  Larry and I had such a wonderful time....so glad he needed some R&R.

Did you know that there are Oscar Mayer Wiener vehicles?  Well we drove right by one on I 15 and so I grabbed my iPad and got a picture of it.  Right away I started singing the "Weenie Man" song that I learned at a girls camp.

♪♫•*♥Weenie, Weenie, Weenie, Weenie.♥*•♫♪
♪♫•*♥Weenie, Weenie, Weenie, Weenie.♥*•♫♪

♪♫•*♥I know a Weenie Man, he owns a Weenie Stand
He sells most everything from Hot Dogs on down.♥*•♫♪
♪♫•*♥Some day I'll change his life, I'll be his weenie wife
Hot Dog I love that Weenie Man!♥*•♫♪

Goofing Off....Again

Kathy was having a bag party tonight and even though I don't need any more bags I went to support Kathy. (if that's supporting~going with no intention of buying)  Kathy cracks me up.  Kathy is a smart gal but a little scatter-brained at times.  She seriously makes me laugh out loud.  Did she really text Connie after 11:30 pm the night before reminding her about the party?  Connie replied after receiving the text and Kathy replied again at that late hour.  Kathy couldn't remember texting that late. There's more....there's always more! I just laugh and smile...and love the girl!

Connie made my day as we were walking in together.  She asked how I was and told me that she thinks of me almost every day and wonders how I am doing.  How nice is that?  Connie delivers mail to my son Kevin and so I know that is what triggers her mind but still it's nice of her and it made me feel good.  I met Connie at one of Kathy's card classes.

 We listened to the spill on the bags and then we got silly.  Not everyone got silly but a few of us did.  Kathy pulled out a few masks that her grand kids made and a few others she had.  We set up the camera and......well we did our thing.....we made memories.

It's fun making memories and being silly.  It makes every situation a bit more fun when the camera comes out.  What a bunch of Goofs!

Life is to be Enjoyed....not just Endured!!!                                                          September 17, 2013

Just Look Up

It was late start for Jared today and so I asked him to walk with me this morning since Robin was gone.  It was a beautiful morning.  The air was crisp and nice....it felt like fall.  Walking back home down our street the sky was beautiful.  If we would have been looking down at the road we would have missed it.  It took my breath away and I was so glad I had my phone with me so I could get a picture of it.  It made me think how important it is in life to LOOK UP!  There is so much we might be missing if we keep our focus on the ground.  Looking up can offer us hope and peace.

Life is beautiful and good when we focus on the good things around us.  Some times we miss the beauty because we are looking down.  Our focus gets stuck on the things that are hard and stress us out.  Those kind of things will always be but there is so much more that we miss and all we need to do is look up....pay attention.  Acknowledge the good and watch what happens.....we notice more good. It seems like more good things are happening but really it's our focus...the good has always been there. So when you are feeling down and discouraged....LOOK UP!

It's Julie's Birthday

I love the girls my son's have chosen for wives.  I love Julie and I'm so glad that Kevin and her finally crossed paths.  Funny how they grew up so close to each other yet didn't know of each other until the right time.  We love having Julie in our family.  She fits in nicely.  In fact, her whole family fits great with ours.  (Natalie's does too)  I love that we all get along with each other and that joining our kids enlarges both families by not just one but many.

Julie is a happy gal.  She is a great mommy to Kamryn.  She loves her family and ours and is always planning things and inviting everyone.  Julie is a doer....she loves to schedule way ahead and plans her life far in advance.  She treats Kevin good and that means the most to me.  I don't know how I would act if my kids weren't treated well by their partners.  Glad I don't have to worry about that. We are thankful for Julie and the happiness she brings into Kevin's life and ours!

Jared is 15

My baby is 15 and towers me!  Man, Jared grew a lot this past year.  He's tall & skinny, his voice is low, he has a little acne a he even has a few long whiskers on his chin.  These things are normal but affect me a little differently since this guy is my baby.  He still gives me hugs every single day though and lays his head on my shoulder and tells me I'm beautiful and that he loves me!  I hope that never changes....because I love it!

It's fun for me to look back over the pictures and see the changes in Jared.  Along with seeing the changes I think of all the things that he has learned along his journey to 15.  Jared is a smart kid, and he is kind, and sensitive, and strong, and a hard worker, and funny, and polite and respectful.  So many wonderful qualities that will get him far in life.  I'm so glad that Jared was sent to us.  I'm so glad that his life as been spared a few times.  I wonder why that is?  Probably for me.  I was telling Jared about his "birth" day and the weeks that followed.  Jared had the choice whether to stay here on Earth or return to Heaven....he chose here.  We pleaded with Heavenly Father for him to stay.  We blessed him with the Priesthood to stay and get better. When he struggles  I feel guilty.  I think how selfish it was for us to keep him here.  I guess that is our natural instinct though...we fight for life.  We loved him at birth when we had no idea who he really was.  We have a better idea now and I'm so glad he chose to stay and bless our family with his wonderful spirit!  Jared is a special kid! (they all are!)  Man, I love this handsome young man!  Happy Birthday Son!

another play....The Curious Savage

After going to Kamryn's soccer game and taking Jared shopping for his birthday I went to the play with Heather.  She's a sweetie and picked me up. I love visiting with Heather and being around her....she's so much better than she knows!  (probably true for us all) Heather is one of my hero's!

We stopped for dinner at a place that has really good peach shakes.  Oh my heck they were so good!  I didn't think I would be able to finish mine but found it wasn't a problem.  I love peaches and things made from peaches.  At restaurants I like getting peach flavored water. Peaches are the best thing about summer...or one of the best things.

Right before we left for the play I decided to grab a "Scatter Sunshine" bag.  I felt like Barbie needed to receive it today.  Barbie is always doing for others.  She is a good mom and grandma and puts in a lot of time in those two callings.  She is a good sister and has been there for her sister while she is going through rough times with her health.  Barbie just keeps going and doing.  I admire her and just wanted her to know that she is pretty awesome and scatter's lots of sunshine and hopefully my little gift will fill her bucket that she is always giving from.  I love these ladies....all awesome and wonderful!

The play was great.  It made me laugh over and over.  I loved the gal named "fairy".  Her character cracked me up. I loved her expressions and stupid jokes....seriously funny to me.  The whole play was terrific and all the characters were pretty great.  Mrs. Savage was outstanding.  Wow!  She was clever, funny, and thoughtful.  Most of the play was humorous but by the end everyone was wiping tears from their eyes and sniffing a little. I told the gals it was so hot my eyes were sweating. ☺ It was a "make you feel good" kind of play.  The ending was about love and caring for others. I loved this play.

I think it's amazing how fast we make it home....we talk so much it doesn't feel like an hour and a half.
Such good times.  I look forward to hanging with these ladies every month or so!  Again....I am so blessed!

More Birthday Celebrations!

Today is Friday the 13th and it has been wonderful!!!  I went to Maddox with my sista friends and it just happened to be Robin's birthday.  On the way to Maddox I learned that the house we lived in before we moved to Hooper belonged to Robin's in-laws, Byran and Arlene Combe.  I don't know why I never connected or asked if she knew the Combe's but I'm glad that I know now.  I have heard Robin speak so highly of her sweet mother in law,  Arlene without knowing who she was talking about.  I remember Arlene being an "Angel" lady.  She was so sweet! (she just passed away a few weeks ago) 

As always we had a great time at lunch.  I went for the fresh peach pie and ordered that first with a bowl of clam chowder.  It was yummy but I had to finish it when I got home....even that was a bit too much.  Our waitress received the "Scatter Sunshine" bag I had brought.  We thought she was a little overwhelmed and could use it.  She was extremely happy to be the recipient.  It's kind of nice scattering sunshine to others....it makes me extremely happy!  I love these ladies....always a blast hanging out with!  One of the things I like is that they invite me and I don't have to initiate the outing....that is so nice!  I always feel so loved. I hope that each of them do as well! 

Larry and I took Jared to dinner tonight to celebrate his birth since his birthday is on Sunday.  Today worked out best.  I marvel at this kid and how much he has grown and changed this last year. The kid is tall and keeps growing and he has whiskers! ☺ Jared is such a loving boy.  He hugs me everyday a few times and tells me he loves me and that I am beautiful. He is a great kid to end on.....such a joy!  I love his smile, his raspy voice, his hugs, his laugh, his chatter...pretty much every little thing about him!  Glad you belong to us Jared Ropelato.....what a blessing you are!

The Missionaries Came & Taught Us!

We had a great opportunity tonight to have the Missionaries come and teach our family.  They were showing us how they teach so that we will want to refer them to our friends and neighbors.  The Spirit was strong and the message was great.  These two Elders did a great job and I wouldn't have a problem at all referring them.  I like the way they teach these days.  Their message isn't memorized but given by the Spirit.

I was glad our family had this opportunity.  It was also neat to watch at how my kids reacted and their responses.  I love listening to Braxton.  I can tell that he was an awesome missionary by the things he says and they way he says them.  That is true with the others boys too however they weren't here tonight and Braxton was.  I appreciate the missionaries stopping by our house and sharing their spirit and the gospel with us.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is True!!! I'm so thankful for the "good feeling" (the Holy Ghost) for letting me know that!  We are extremely blessed!

Celebrating a Few of My Kids!

I love celebrating my kids birthdays!  I love thinking about them on their birthdays.  I have such great memories of each one of my kids....they are each my favorite.  This weekend we celebrated with Trichelle and TJ and Kevin and Julie.  We take each of our kids out for dinner on or around their birthday.  It's a special time to visit and spoil each child individually....that is until they get married and then we celebrate their spouse with them.

On Friday we took Trichelle and TJ out and had a great time with them.  I love the individual time and always look forward to it.  I marvel at my kids and how wonderful they are.  They teach me so much and I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey with them.  The difficult times were few and well worth going through. (I need to remember that right now with Kimi & Jared...it will be worth it...it will be worth it)

Saturday we enjoyed being at the Temple with Whitney Winter and her great family to witness her marriage in the SLC Temple.  What a day of reward for the Winter's.  We have always loved each of their kids and love seeing them grow and succeed.  Not many were invited to witness the sealing and so we felt very blessed to be there.  Larry was a witness which was really special.  Whitney has always loved Larry.  When she was a toddler and Alan was the Bishop, little Whitney would find Larry and come sit on his lap. ☺  Larry had the privileged of being Whitney's Bishop when she had some struggles.  Those times are priceless.  It was so much fun celebrating with them.  We even went to the Wedding luncheon which was a little too good....and we ate a little too much.  Needless to say we weren't very hungry when we took Kevin and Julie out for their birthdays that evening.

I thought I would be able to fake being full and at least eat a salad and some soup.  Nope....I couldn't even eat my salad. The luncheon filled me beyond full and I didn't have any desire to eat anything else. It didn't really matter though.  Kevin and Julie enjoyed their meals and we had a great time visiting with them.  Kevin and Julie had realized that Saturday was exactly in the middle of both their birthdays and so it was the perfect day to celebrate them.  They told us that the papers are being started for Kevin to adopt Kamryn.  We are so happy about that.  Kamryn is Kevin's and should legally have his last name.

Larry found a few cute little wood plague's with perfect sayings for these birthday kids.  Trichelle's said: Mom is a title just above Queen, and Kevin's said: We interrupt this marriage to bring you the Football Season.  I thought it was cute that Larry saw those plagues and thought of the kids...it doesn't happen all the time.          9/9/13                                                                          

I Am Who I Am

Last night I was talking to a friend.  Some how the conversation turned so that I was admitting to
being rebellious.  I'm really not rebellious it's just that "I am who I am".  I was told when Larry was made Bishop that people would be watching me and expect more.  That's not fair!  Because of that awareness I purposely started drinking drinks with caffeine.  I guess I thought if I put it right out there for others to see that I am just a normal person they wouldn't feel like they needed to look deeper for my weaknesses.  I think it worked.  I believe I have been accepted for just being me.  The reason I wanted to write about this is because everyday I do try to be better.  I am always trying to improve who I am and my actions but it is not because I am a Bishop's wife, or my parents child, or my children's mom.....it is because I am a daughter of God! (all the other reasons help and do influence my choices too)  My life is between me and the Lord and it is what he thinks about me that matters.  He knew why I chose caffeine and he accepted and loved me anyway.  He also looked past the caffeine but instead of looking for my weaknesses He saw my strengths and showed them to me so I could strengthen them even more.  I am a better person than I was five years ago. Each of us should be because we are all children of God!

I have learned a lot about who I am.  I am a daughter of Heavenly Father who loves me.  I am a mother to seven wonderful children who also love me.  I am the wife to a great man who strengthens me and loves me.  I am a true friend and I care about everyone.  I am human and will always make mistakes and have weaknesses.....that's reality!

Scattering Sunshine

Recently I thought about making little treat bags to "scatter sunshine".  I put a cute quotes on a few treats and put them in a bag.  My thought is to give these to others while I am out and about with my friends.  I made one up today and took it to Carla.  So Carla is the first to receive a "Scatter Sunshine" treat bag.  I made it simple...no ribbons or frills....I want it to be simple so that hopefully it will get copied in some form or another.

I decided to take one to Carla because I am not able to make the baby shower for her cute daughter, Sara.  I feel bad.  I missed Sara's wedding too because it was on my birthday last year and I spent the evening with my family.  I didn't want to miss Sara this time or just drop off a gift.  I messaged Carla last night to make sure they would be home today.  It was fun visiting with Carla and her darling girls. They were decorating for the shower and so I was able to see how cute it will be.  I would like to be there but we will be at Whitney's Wedding which is wonderful and great and where we need to be.

I'm excited for Sara to be a mommy.  I'm excited for Carla to be a grandma.  I'm excited to make more "Scatter Sunshine" bags!

SNAP

The summer is over and the kids are back in school and special needs mutual has started a gain.  I have missed these gals and I was excited to see them again last night.  I love seeing their smiling faces and even their grumpy faces.  We get to see both.  I think they were excited to start again.  It seems like we had a few more than when we stopped.

Our first activity was getting to know that leaders better. It was quick and fun and I think the girls enjoyed it.  I enjoyed getting to know the leaders better.  What a blessing it is for me to serve in this wonderful calling.  I feel the spirit serving these cute gals.  I know we are all children of our Heavenly Father and I know He loves each and every one of us.

Book Club

Our Book Club is changing.  Suzie had to go to work and Susan went on a mission.  Loretta and her hubby have also been called to serve a mission and so soon we will be down to three of us for a year or so.  We also decided that eating out was less stressful and cheaper than preparing a lunch for everyone so our book club will be mobile for now on.  I like that idea....I always worried when it was my turn to host.  However hosting was good for me since every time I got compliments on the meals I prepared and I now claim that I can cook.

I checked out a few good books from the others to read.  I like having the opportunity to read books that others have already read.  I decide from their "book reports" if I want to read it or not.  I love our book club and the women I get to share my thoughts with about the books I read.  I'm smarter from being in this club.

Sista's

Davaleen needed some moral support today and so she planned a lunch at the Olive Garden.  I was glad I was able to make it.  Everyone that came today were also the one's that came when I needed moral support concerning Jared.  That day Kathy planned the lunch but I was that one that ended up needing the advice and support of my "sista's".  Very quickly before I left, I made Davaleen an "I Care Package" with some chocolate.  I think chocolate makes every day better and brighter and she needed it.

I also snuck a Violet Crumble (like a Crunch bar but a bit bigger) in Jodi's purse.  Me and Jodi love them and I had just got an order and felt like sharing.  I usually share my treats with others....if I like something and it makes me happy I feel it just might make someone else happy as well.  It makes me happy to share my "special treats".

I enjoy these ladies and I'm so glad they are part of my life....they enrich it so much!  I'm always "filled" while with them. It's nice to be around others that fill your bucket instead of draining it.  Mine is overflowing.....I can't remember the last time it was drained!  I'm blessed....heck we all are!