Try #2.....Success!

Today Denise and I were on the same track and we met up for lunch to celebrate her birthday.  It was so fun visiting with her.  I enjoy this friend of mine so much.  She is so amazing and has such strong faith.  I'm so glad that when I moved to Roy all those years ago (around 30) that Denise was sent to me to be my visiting teacher.  I think we would have been friends any way but that started it.  We have shared a lot over the years and have made some great memories together.

You might think that at our age life would be easier and our trials would be less but that simply isn't true.  However our experience makes it easier to get through the challenges that come to us.  I admire Denise in so many ways.  I'm glad that we still take time at least twice a year to get together.  I enjoy my visits with Denise.

While we were visiting I noticed a few gal's from my ward come in.  It wasn't long and I got a text from Cindy telling me she could see me.  I was thinking of texting her just moments before I got her text. (she's younger & faster)  I was happy to see these young mom's getting out and enjoying each other.  I really think that my lunches with my friends over the years has been a blessing in my life.  Once a week I would meet Mallory for lunch.  Sometimes I took kids but often I had them watched so I could just have some girl time.  Girl time is so wonderful and refreshes the soul!

Sleep Over with the Grands

I love Sundays.....especially every other Sunday when ALL the kids and grands come over.  I love having the family together and Sundays it happens!  Last night everyone was here and our house was "buzzing".  There are always a few conversations going on at the same time.  I quite enjoy the buzz....if this happened every day it wouldn't be as enjoyable but since it doesn't I love it.  I love my family!  I love that we are close and care about each other.  I love that my grands love coming to our house and that they all love each other and really get along so well.

I love that my grands can write notes now....we get them once in awhile and they always make me smile.  I received a note from Ivy last night asking if she could please spend the night...then at the bottom she wrote: "I haven't asked my mom yet."  I couldn't help but laugh and share it with the others.  Why not?  Why not let all the grands sleep over?  It's spring break so there wasn't school....so we said "Yes"!  Boy, that shot a burst of energy into the grands.  They were so excited they were bouncing up and down.

So the parents wouldn't have to come back down Jaydan was kind enough to find shirts for them to wear.  Jaydan also brought down blankets and Jared and I had a few extra pillows.  We were set! Since it was already kind of late when the others left the grands got ready for bed right away.  They brushed their teeth and went potty and then we went in to watch a movie.  Before the movie though we said prayers.  That's right....prayers!  Every grand likes to say their own prayer and so I let them.  It's one of my favorite parts of sleep overs.  I love hearing these sweet little ones pray to Heavenly Father.  They are all so cute in the way they express themselves.  Oh they make this heart of mine sMiLe! ☺

We watched Ice Age 3 and when it was over they all went to sleep really fast.  Sleep overs are getting easier.  I love each of these little's so much.....I can't even comprehend loving them more.

Most of them prefer pancakes for breakfast when they sleep over and so I made pancakes.  It's such a joy to wake up to these cute faces.  Oh the Joys of Grands!!!

General Women's Conference

Many daughters of God all over the world, eight years old and up, gathered tonight for a General Women's Conference.  It was an awesome meeting.

Me and my girls went to our Stake Center to listen to the words prepared for us.  Our wonderful Stake Leaders decked the halls of our building with beautiful decor and filled many rooms with sweet treats that we were able to enjoy before the meeting.  It was like heaven on earth...especially the rooms filled with treats.  Kimi and I checked out at least four of the different rooms to see if there were treats we wanted more....I found an eclair that over ruled my mint brownie that was on my plate.  I put the mint brownie on another tray and so it was the only mint brownie in the room for a minute or so.  Trichelle, Ivy and Natalie all came moments later to join us.  It was so wonderful having them there with me....I was especially proud that Ivy was able to come...she's getting so big.

I love feeling the Spirit of God and it was felt at this meeting.  So many amazing talks and music. Having my girls with me increased the spirit and I was filled with Joy!

A few things that were said tonight were:
"We are daughters in His Kingdom"  "Strength in Unity" "Here I am, Send Me"  "Covenant Keepers"

"We as Women can be particularly hard on ourselves"  "Relax and Rejoice in our Divine Differences"

"We should not only Love Each Other More, but Love Each Other Better."

"We need to STOP beating ourselves up because we are not perfect.  The root of the word "perfect" came from Greek origins and means "complete".  Be Ye therefore "Complete" has a totally different meaning."

From Elaine Dalton at a previous meeting:

As daughters of God we are each unique and different in our circumstances and experiences.  And yet our part matters---because WE matter.  Our daily contributions of nurturing, teaching, and caring for others may seem mundane, diminished, difficult, and demeaning at times, and yet as we remember that first line in the Young Women theme....."We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us"....it will make all the difference in our relationships and our responses.

City Creek with some Cute Chicks

Pam and I have been trying to get together for a long time....like 10 months.  We finally got a day set on the calendar about a month or so ago.  Pam talked Debbie, Julie and Lisa into joining us.  I asked Jodi if she would like to join us too.  It worked out for everyone but Julie...she had some problems with her home that needed immediate attention....we missed her.

We met at City Creek which is about 1/2 way for us.  I thought it would be fun to do something for others while we were together.  I had come across some cute jar toppers and decided to fill the jar with "s'more love".  I used teddy grahams, mini marshmallows, and m&m's.  They turned out pretty cute. I gave one to everyone to keep and then an extra one to give away.  I realize this is going out of our comfort zone but still thought it was a good idea.  I found some cute (or funny) chick head bands for us all.  That way whoever received "s'more love" from us could say some cute chick, or some crazy chick gave it to them.  I said a little prayer that we would know who needed "s'more love" today.  I trust the Lord guided us.

Right away Pam ran into a returned missionary.  A young man who returned just last night from the Dominican Republic and who also is from Jodi's ward.  When I first was giving everyone their jars a lady and some kids walked through the door.  The thought crossed my mind that maybe someone in the group needed one.  I didn't think more of it other than we didn't have enough for all of them.  While Pam was giving her's to the returned missionary I notice a young gal looking at some books.  I felt like she was the one I was suppose to give my jar to.  I did and she lit right up.  I love the picture of her because it shows her excitement.  I got chills while I talked to her for just a second and told her God loved her. (I kind of got a little teary.....again while typing this)  Jodi found her recipient as we were walking.  When Jodi handed the lady "s'more love" the lady told her: "You don't know how much I needed this today."   Lisa found her's when she decided to step out of Sephora for just a minute.  Her gal just happened to look just like her sister who has passed away.  She talked to the gal and said there were so many similarities and common connections between them. (cool beans)  I'm not sure who Debbie gave her's too unless it was when she was talking to Michelle King and the other Anchor Lady getting their autographs and Pam grabbed a jar and took it over to them.  That jar of "s'more love" was either Debbie's or the one Pam was taking to Julie.  I also gave one to one of the ladies helping us in Sephora. Someone had complimented this gal and she thanked them and said she really needed that today....that's when I felt like if she needed a compliment she probably also needed "s'more love".  My second jar was actually the one Julie would have given if she would have made it.  I still had my own jar in my purse and when I was leaving the Blue Lemon after lunch I noticed a gal eating alone.  I had actually walked past her and remembered my experience from yesterday of just sitting alone and I looked in my purse and got my jar out and went back in and gave it to her.  It sure was a simple thing but it made me feel so warm inside.  Little acts of kindness make a difference.  They make a difference to the recipient and the giver.  Service & Kindness are Magical like that!!!

We had a great time playing in Sephora.  It was Debbie's idea to go in and instead of just looking around Debbie asked to try a few things. (neck cream, and hair stuff, and even some make up)  I loved how outgoing Debbie was.  Pam and Lisa both said she is usually not like that.  She wore her Chick headband the whole time and even asked for autographs. What a fun chick she is....what fun chicks we all are!  Jodi and I tried out some sprays that lifted our hair and nourished it.  It was really fun just playing around in there.  I want to go back some time and have my make up done.

The day went quickly....like always when you are having fun.  I had to laugh again after getting our parking tickets validated at Sephora only to find out we only got $1.00 off!  So NOT a good deal!  I called Pam to see how they reacted when they found out it was only for $1.00 and she made me laugh some more.  They couldn't find her car when they left and walked around clicking her keys trying to find it.  That is so funny and reminded me of the few times I have also had that experience.

I enjoyed visiting with Jodi on our drive....visiting with friends is always so wonderful!  I was relieved that Jodi's car was still where she left it and that is didn't have a boot locked on it.  The restaurant had a sign in the back saying you could get towed or booted up at your expense if you weren't a customer.  I wrote a note that Jodi left in her window...it might not have even been seen....but was there just in case.

Oops....Sometimes my Brain is Off Track

So here I am....alone....at Applebee's.....wondering why?  I had it on my calendar that I was taking Denise to lunch today for her birthday.  I get a table and wait....and wait.....and wait.  Where is Denise?  after about 10 minutes I call her home phone (I left her a message)...this is not like her to be late.  No answer...good that must mean she is on her way....so I wait a little longer....then a little longer.  I am confused and wonder what happened?  I hope Denise is okay and that something hasn't happened to her suddenly.

I enjoy watching the storm outside my window as I wait.  I saw a black streak surrounded by blue sky and clouds...then suddenly the sky turned to gray and then black.  The restaurant darkened quickly.  My cute waitress kept checking on me.....we had big plans for Denise.  My waitress about jumped out of her skin when the sky burst with a BOOM....I couldn't help but laugh!  I couldn't help but laugh at this whole situation.  Something was wrong and I wasn't sure exactly what?

I finally ordered take out and went home.  A while later Denise called.  Whew....she was okay!  So what happened?  It was me....in my head we had confirmed our lunch date.  Denise even had it on her calendar.  Problem is I had mentioned that I might invite Tammy G to join us since it was her birthday.  That thought never crossed my mind again after talking to Denise.  So......really.... we had never set a place or time for our lunch.  Hmmmm.....I thought Applebee's at 12:30 ☺ not exactly sure why I thought that.  None the less.....it's funny!  I sat alone and waited for someone to join me....I'm so glad there wasn't a rose sitting on my table!

Celebrating Lorraine

Lorraine and Tammy (Garner) share the same birthday...and so today we celebrated Lorraine.  I thought we'd better get this one planned early so that more of our little group would be able to make it.  Even though this luncheon was planned almost a month ago we still missed a few of the gals.

We had a great time!  Lorraine is such a good sport and even bought the rest of us dessert.  None of us really wanted anything but I guess she didn't want to eat her birthday dessert alone and so she told us that Lance was buying. haha...I hope Lance likes surprises!

Kelli brought me and Lorraine some "poo pourri" which made us laugh.  Lorraine had heard of it but I hadn't.  Lorraine also acted like she was going to  spray some on her and Tammy told her that was a great idea just in case someone pooped on her!  Tammy brought chocolate....mmmm.  I brought the Party Girl hat.

We laughed and had a great time and enjoyed a good lunch and then we loved and supported one another.  Some times it's important to share our hard times with our friends so we can get it off our chest and breathe just a little easier.  Friends appreciate being needed and don't mind sharing hard times as well as the good times.  Today was great.  I always leave my friends filling uplifted.  I sure love them all!

This morning I took Kimi and her friend to a Morning Side.  It was so good.  A little gal that goes to Fremont High has a disease that has made her blind and is slowly killing her brain.  The parents spoke to the kids (the church was filled) about their daughter and all that they have learned through this trial.  It was so uplifting and wonderful and the spirit was so strong.  I came home and looked for the quote I wanted to post for the day.  This is the one I chose: "There is a blessing hidden in every trial in life, but you have to be willing to open your heart to see them." ♥  I also came across this one that I also thought was some good advice.  "If you CAN solve your problem, then what is the NEED of worrying?  If you CANNOT solve it, then what is the USE of worrying?" Both have a great message.  I know during hard times it's easier to know what to do than to actually do it.  I think we just need to remember to hang on and not give up....have faith that God is with us and will help us through.

A Week of Celebrating

Today I took Tammy to lunch for her birthday~which is Thursday.  This week is full of birthday celebrating and so I made plans early with my friends.  I love celebrating birthdays.  It's just so fun to be where we are and see where we've been and to look forward to what's coming.  Life is so interesting...the learning process is remarkable...the rewards for enduring and living are awesome!

I love being this far in life.  I love having friends that have been part of my journey.  I love Tammy and all the moments we have shared.  We have had so much fun together over the years.  We have been each others sounding boards and support...because life isn't always easy and we need friends who listen, encourage, and love us unconditionally.  Tammy and I have that kind of friendship.

I'm excited too see what's in store for my friend.  Her path is different from mine and I can't wait to see where it leads her.  I think there are great things waiting for her.

Kimleighel is 18!

Holy Cow I can't believe Kimleighel is 18 years old.  She was so excited for this birthday.  She was so happy and bubbly.  The excitement wasn't because we had big plans....it's just because she's so grown up.  (she has big plans)  We did take her to dinner on Saturday and she chose LaFerrovia.  Sunday morning she opened gifts.  She's been liking Duck Dynasty lately so she got a few Duck Dynasty things..including the 4th season.  She was happy and smiled all day!

I am thankful for this feisty, beautiful, fun daughter of mine.  She makes me smile.  I have enjoyed the journey to this point.  We have learned so much along the way.  From the beginning of her life we knew there would be moments of frustration....she has different challenges that are hard because others don't understand and are unkind.  Kimleighel's confidence is growing which makes things better.  This girl is talented...just saying!

I'm proud of Kimleighel and her efforts to improve herself.  She has a strong spirit and is sensitive to the "Spirit".  She has had some pretty cool experiences that most people don't.  I'm thankful for that because those experiences out weigh the hard things.

I appreciate the talks we have.  Kimleighel shares a lot of her feelings and concerns with me.  I know she.. like most... still keeps plenty to herself but the things we share and talk about are awesome and make me happy as a mom.  Kimi has been referring to herself as my "baby girl" which makes me smile.  I prayed for this child and I'm so thankful she was sent to me.  Kimleighel truly is a blessing!

A Day with Larry

It's always nice when Larry has a day off and we do things together.  I like it when we do.  Today we did!  We went to the Temple in the afternoon.  I love going to the Temple....just being there is so relaxing and peaceful.  After going to the Temple we decided to stop by Elder Wards house to see him since he just got home from his mission in England.  We stayed longer than we planned because Trevor just had the best spirit about him and we didn't want to leave.  It was plain that Trevor served a wonderful mission and grew from it....literally...I think he's taller.  His faith and testimony grew and I believe his smile did too.  The kid is cute and couldn't stop smiling.  (Elder Mead was the same way)  I took it all in.  I couldn't help but remember each time one of my son's returned...the memories are wonderful.  I had to wipe my eyes a few times during our visit.  I'm really glad we stopped over because it was awesome.

We decided to go out for a late lunch early dinner.  We wanted to try somewhere new and ended up at a pizza, pasta, salad bar in Clinton.  It's a buffet type of place.  It was good but would be better if we went at a busier time of day so the pizza would be fresher.  The pasta and salads were good though so no complaints.  We will go there again.

I love spending time with my hubby.  We have a lot of fun together.  I must say the guy makes me laugh and scream and then laugh some more.  He has been scaring me lately (role's have been reversed) and it cracks me up after I jump and scream.  The worst is when he puts on his scary mask....I hate the mask.  I have considered putting it on and scaring him with it but I'm afraid he might knock me down....because I was thinking of scaring him while he's in bed...just waking up to it!  I know I deserve the scaring since I scared him almost everyday for 2-3 years.  I might start again since he is doing it to me.  I had stopped because I was afraid of causing him to have a heart attack. (true)

Life is good...especially when you don't take it too serious.  When you can find reason's to laugh and help others too also.  When we spend it with the ones we love.  When we do the things Heavenly Father wants us to do!

Hmmmmm

Yesterday when I got home from exercising I had the thought "we can do hard things".  I googled it and got this image to post on face book.  (I like posting a thought a day)  Anyway I didn't think much about this other than it is so true.  We Can Do Hard Things....and we Do!  Each one of us gets our own hard things and we do them....that's life.

Well sometime in the after noon I got a phone call from Tonya.  She asked me if I remembered Diane Hall.  I really couldn't and Tonya said "she remembers you".  While we talked I pulled up pictures from Ed week from 3 years ago.  There was Diane with Tonya and I did remember her a bit.  Then Tonya told me about a message  Diane had just sent to Tonya.  Diane wanted to know if Tonya thought I would speak at their Relief Society meeting in April.  All I could do was laugh.  Ummm....I don't speak in front of groups.  I'm really not good at writing talks...but I said I would.  How could I say no?  This was just a little too weird....I went and listened to Jodi speak and then I post this....I think it will be good for me...hard but good!

We Choose

I invited myself to go with Jodi to Bountiful where she would be speaking to the RS sisters from the ward she lived in 20 years ago.  I have learned that sometimes if you want to do something you have to speak up. ☺  I love spending time with Jodi and so I asked.  Jodi accepted my invite and so I went with her.

It was fun meeting some of the ladies that she knew...they all love Jodi.  They had a dinner first and then Jodi spoke.  This girl is amazing.  Her talk was about choices.  We get to choose how we are going to respond to what life gives us.  And we all know that life gives us plenty....and it's not all good...but from it all we learn and get to choose how we react.

Jodi spoke of her son Tyson who they got to enjoy for 17 wonderful years.  She told how Tyson never complained about his trials with his health...never!  Tyson lived life to it's fullest and enjoyed it as much as possible.  Jodi and her family also had to decide how they would react to this trial.  Jodi chose to live a Happy life and to be Grateful for All the Good in it!  Jodi keeps a Gratitude Journal which helps her focus and find things to be grateful for every single day.  I have also wrote down things I am grateful for at times in my life and it's amazing what a positive impact that alone can make.  Jodi made a comment about how Gratitude is  almost "magical".  I believe that is true....being grateful and smiling can change a bad day or moment into a good day.  Those two things are "magical"....I know because I have chosen to focus on them and my life is good and I am happy.

I love that Jodi and I are so much alike.  It's fun!  Before we left tonight Jodi called Dick's Bakery in Bountiful and had them save her lots of doughnuts.  The girl loves sweets like I love sweets! (I'm pretty sure I eat more & I know I exercise less) However she knows a lot more places to get the best treats.  She was sweet and sent me with a container of doughnuts.....they are yummy!

I love that that Jodi and I can share our most personal feelings with each other.  We can be silly and crazy but we can also be serious and compassionate.  I'm so glad our paths crossed when they did!

For Eden and Emery!!

A few of Tonya's grands being silly and cute with Braxton!  I love you funny girls!

More "Play"ing

Before everyone had even left the Bridal Shower I had to leave so I could go to the Play.  I love going to the play and tonight we saw Big River.  I never know what play we are going to because it really doesn't matter to me.  Plus...the surprise is always nice. ☻

We went to Blue Lemmon first for dinner.  That's also part of the fun...we always eat out first.  I had a yummy salad.  It was Cari's birthday the day before and so I took party hats for everyone.  I'm a goon..I know!  It was fun watching people smile though as they came in the door.

I loved this play.  It's about Huck Finn and his friend Jim.  There was lot's of music.  There were two key boards on the stage and other instruments were also played throughout the production.  (a violin, clarinet, guitar, and percussion box)  I loved all the music...it just made the play so much better.  Huck and Jim had great voices....especially Jim. Oh My!!!

The play was in the days that the blacks were slaves.  Huck was helping Jim run away so he could work and buy back his wife and children that had also been sold. (breaks my heart)  At one point of the play there was something mentioned about the "white folk" and Karleigh leaned over to Natalie and said: "now let's not be prejudice".  Natalie shared that with Barbie a little while later. That's kind of funny because people back then were very prejudice against the blacks.....I guess some still are.  I loved that Karleigh was standing up for the whites. ☺

Fun time "Play"ing!

Showering Kelsi with Love

It was time for us girls to Shower Cute Kelsi with Lots of Love!  Tonya told me that her and her girls would have the shower but instead of letting them do it all we agreed that they could help.  I don't mind having it at my house since everyone knows where we live and by having it here no one else needs to stress about cleaning for it.  

I had gone to a shower a few weeks ago and the table was set up so cute I asked if I could borrow the material.  Better than just borrowing the material my friend Tammy T. came and helped me set it up.  I think it looked great. 

My girls helped a lot.  I love having older kids...it sure makes things like this so much easier!  Natalie made the invites and had lots of horns, and glittered some sticks that made it look really cute.  Trichelle had a cute glittery deer plague and some shiny white horns she hung pearls from and gold book ends we used to accent the food table!  All the girls (mine & Tonya's) helped with the food.  I think it turned out pretty wonderful.  I sure do appreciate my girls and Tonya and her girls. 

I also really appreciate everyone that was able to make it to the shower.  I know Saturdays are busy and we all have so much going on.  I felt loved and loved introducing Kelsi to my great friends that are like family to me.  Most have been my friends for most of my life.  Each have loved and supported me and my family!  I love them all!  Larry & I have great families who are always there for us too!

 It was fun showering Kelsi with gifts.  She got a variety of things that will help her and Braxton start their life together.  Kelsi and Braxton are going to start their married life by living in the cute little white house at the corner...I'm excited to have them so close.  These two are so cute together!

 I always love including the kids in our celebrations.  My grands quickly made themselves comfortable in the living room.  They carried out the doll house and a bunch of dolls and had fun together.  I love watching them enjoy each other.  They were cute watching Kelsi open her gifts.  They were close to her being excited for her as she opened each gift....they all love Kelsi!

 We all love Kelsi.  She is such a good girl.  She loves Braxton and I think they will both enjoy spoiling each other.  I'm so happy to have Kelsi join our family and claim her as mine! ♥

My Ride for a Few Days

A month ago I got rear ended and it's finally time for my car to be fixed.  While it was in the shop I got to drive this nice Chrysler 200.  It was awesome!

I just want to say that working with Farmers Insurance was my pleasure.  The agents were so nice to me.  I had our friend, Dennis Kendrick bid my car and take pictures for the insurance company.  He did such a good job that the insurance company didn't send anyone to come and look at my car. They said that they could tell what needed fixed by the photo's.

I got a call from Steve, the agent handling my case, when I landed in Baltimore.  He called me "Dawn Marie" when he spoke to me and told me that it never happens.... for the insurance company to  bid higher than the shop fixing it but it happened and Farmers would just send me the check for their bid which was a couple hundred dollars higher than Dennis's bid.  The check actually beat me home.

Dennis actually ended up fixing my car quicker than he expected and so charged us less than his original bid. So....that little inconvenience was well worth it.  I got to drive a nice car around for a few days and came out money ahead.  I also liked hearing "Dawn Marie" again and so I added Marie to my name on Face Book.

WooHoo Lorell!

Lorell is 100 today!  I bet she would have never dreamed such a day.  In fact I asked her in Church if she ever thought she'd be celebrating her 100th birthday and she just laughed.  I think it's great that her family celebrates her birthday every year with the community.  I bet they're thinking....this could be her last.  Of course that is true for each of us....this could be our last....so celebrate....make each year memorable....enjoy the days we have!

I admire Lorell.  She is still sharp as a tack and lives by herself.  She does need a walker to get around but that's all....she is amazing.  I bet we will be celebrating a few more birthdays with her!

I think it's cool that Lorell is so healthy and doing great and was able to celebrate 100 birthdays...however I really hope I don't have that same opportunity.  But....if I do I will celebrate and blow my party horn and wear my party hat and laugh at all my wrinkles!

Kathy Jo

It's been awhile since I have seen this girl and so we decided to go to lunch.  It was fun catching up with Kathy.  Her holidays were put on hold while she waited for her new grand to enter this world.  Her daughter started showing signs of labor months early and Kathy was just waiting to go when she was needed.  I believe the baby actually waited until her due date or close anyway.  Kathy has missed a few of our girl outings so I wanted to at least get her out for a little bit.  I would have tried to plan a get together with the other gals too but with so many schedules that is difficult sometimes...this was quick and easy.  I just want to say that Kathy makes me smile....after receiving a "scatter sunshine" bag she has been making up some and giving them out to others that she feels needs them.  I love it!

I can't believe how busy life is these days and how fast time really does go by.  In ways I am glad but in others I'm not.  I enjoy all that is happening but I'm one that wishes or would like to be involved in more.  By that I mean with my family and friends.  I enjoy having fun with the ones I love but have realized that it's impossible to spend the time I would like with everyone.  I guess if I gave up some friendships it could happen but I am not willing to do that.  I love all my friends and I'm just glad for the time when I do get to be with them.  Lunch is an excuse....a yummy excuse...but really it's about the visit.  My mom and her neighbors use to have a "Pepsi" visit where they would sit and visit at their own house while they enjoyed a drink.  Funny how times change. ☺

I'm thankful for "lunch dates" and friends and family and life and time!

Pay it Forward

For several years I have been involved in a silly little game called "Pay it Forward".  It all started when I responded to a post similar to this:  "To start this year off I'm participating in this Pay-It-Forward initiative: The first 5 people who comment on this status with "I'm in" will receive a surprise from me at some point in this calendar year-anything from a book, a ticket, a visit, something homegrown or made, a postcard, anything!  There will be no warning and it will happen when the mood comes over me and I find something that I believe would suit you and make you happy.  These 5 people must make the same offer on their FB status so we can form a web of connection and kindness.  Here's to a more enjoyable, more friendly and love-filled year!"

I was excited and posted right away after my first comment (actually after each comment for the first 2 years) and made gifts and got them right out to the ones who commented on my post.  It was fun making gifts for  others.   Funny thing is I never received a gift until this past December. (I received homemade toffee)  It was the first time in 3 years that I actually got a gift for responding.  A few months later I received a cute bag of thank you cards from the very first person I saw do this.  She said she had it ready but never got around to sending it....but finally did.  It made me smile and was a pleasant surprise.  I hope when my recipients receive the gifts I make for them they are equally surprised and happy.

This year after receiving the Toffee I reposted.  Twelve people responded and so I decided that I would just make a gift for everyone. I knew it couldn't be expensive since I was doing 12 and I also knew I wanted to include a positive quote since I love quotes.  This is what I came up with.  I have made half of them and started delivering them today.  I will work on the rest at my convenience. (wink)  Since I have delivered these gifts I have been watching to see if the receivers are going to post and offer their Pay it Forward...so far no one has.  I'm not giving up on anyone and do have my eyes watching.  (maybe I will remind them since that's the whole point of receiving....to Pay it Forward)

Happy Birthday Kelsi Lou

This cute girl celebrated a big birthday today.  She is no longer a teenager! ☺  WooHoo Kelsi!

I love this girl and I love that she loves my son.  I think they are very well matched.  Kelsi isn't crazy like Braxton but she doesn't mind that he is and goes along with him.  Kelsi is sweet, kind, quiet and delightful.  I like her smile that makes her eyes disappear.  I like that Kelsi is a natural beauty and doesn't need all the pampering that some girls just expect these days. (I've been lucky that none of the gals my sons have chosen have been that way...my boys probably knew they could't afford that kind of gal)  I prefer the kind of gals my boys have chosen.  They are easy going and wonderful....all of them.

I'm excited to have Kelsi join our family.  Braxton waited for her longer than he wanted but I think he would agree that she is worth the wait. (of course he would)   I'm excited to get to know this gal better...I'm excited that she wants to spend eternity with my son.  I'm excited that Braxton  was patient and didn't make this decision in his life until he "knew".  I'm excited for the life ahead of these two....it's going to be fun!

Macie Marie's Blessing Day

What a great day to be blessed.  Sweet little Macie was blessed by her daddy today.  It wasn't fast Sunday but it was the day her mommy wanted to have her blessed which Justin said was a good enough reason to do it.  It was awesome to see the circle crowded with worry Priesthood holders. (Macie's Daddy, Grandpa's, Great Grandpa's and Uncles)  The spirit was strong and I know the words that came from Justin's mouth were inspired.  It was a beautiful blessing for a beautiful girl.

I'm so glad that a lady in their ward knows shorthand and writes down the blessings so that the family can have it.  All blessings are special and wonderful but this one was a little different and absolutely wonderful.  I'm so thankful for the Priesthood and that the guys in my family are worthy to hold it and able to give blessings in God's name.  The Priesthood is a wonderful gift.

 I was thankful for our extended family that came to support and celebrate this day with us. (Tonya & Mark, Scott, Erin and their girls, and Brent~those are Justin's Aunts and Uncles)  I love how supportive our families always are....we are truly blessed

The blanket Macie is wrapped in has a wonderful story behind it too.  I won't go into details but the lady that made it didn't even know Macie and was inspired to give it to her. (she was even offered $100 for it but refused to sell it)  A gift from God...a tender mercy!  It was comforting to Macie today and probably will be in the future as well.  God knows us and is very aware of who we are and what we need.  He puts people in our lives to bless us for Him.  Isn't that so unselfish of Him.  He could bless us Himself but lets others be the source or the instrument for the blessings.  That way we grow from it and so does the person who He worked through.  Since we learned that Macie was going to need a little extra help people have gone above and beyond to help Justin and Natalie.  Having this "angel" truly is a blessing.

Macie is such a sweet little one.  She doesn't fuss much.  She can be comforted by wrapping a blanket around her and holding her.   Justin and Natalie have told us that Macie will just lay awake at night and look around.  I know that she see through the veil and is receiving comfort from those that my eyes don't see.  Our family is so grateful for this little one and the things that we have learned already in the short time she has been in our family.  So So Thankful for Macie and all Little's!

Rewards!

There are times when we actually get to see and be a part of the results of some good works and caring.  This happened today for Larry.  Derek was in the Young Men's while Larry served as Bishop.  He had his challenges and Larry worked with him. Larry always loved this kid and never gave up on him.  I know that Derek could feel the love Larry has for him.  Over this last year I could see the change in this great kid....his light was shining again.  Derek and his cute girl friend of seven years were finally at the point in their lives that they wanted to unite their love in marriage.  They were able to go to the Temple today and do that.  They chose the Manti Temple for their Sealing.  It's where Derek's parents and brother were married.  It's a lovely Temple!  It was a wonderful day.

Karleen and Ken Turner drove down with us which was a nice thing.  It was fun visiting with them for those hours of driving.  We left a little earlier so we could stop and get something to eat before going into the temple. We really only had enough time to stop at a convenience store though and so we chose a Maverick in Ephraim.  As I was selecting a parfait I heard my name.  In my mind I was thinking who would know me here?  I turned around to see Kathy Orrock's cute niece, Suzie standing there with her two darling kids.  Suzie looked so happy and great.  Being a mommy suits her.  We visited for just a few minutes before I had to leave.  Seeing Suzie made me smile, having her recognize me made my day!

Today for the Sealing we needed to wear our white clothes.  I haven't seen that done for years but it was neat to have everyone in white while Derek and McKel were sealed together.  I loved observing the parents of these two kids....a huge "pay day" for them all.  It's such a blessing to have your kids choose to go to the Temple and make those covenants with Heavenly Father and each other.  I love being a part of these cherished moments.

It was a long day but a wonderful one.  I'm so happy for Derek and Mckel and their families!  This is what life is about...being with our loved ones in the Temple of the Lord.

(I didn't carry my camera today so all the pictures were found on the internet)

Macie's Birth and Blessing Announcement

I love this sweet baby!

Aunt Norma

                                                 

Larry's Aunt Norma passed away last week.  She had been sick for some time.  I heard from mom that she was witty and kind to the end.  In the last week she kept asking where Donna is?  (that's Larry's mom and her older sister)  I think that is such a compliment to mom....Norma loved her sister.  I know they talked just about every day.  

I loved Norma.  When I think of Norma I think of her kind smile.  She was always interested in how we were doing.  She was funny in her own way.  Her ex-Bishop said that when he asked if she was treating her family good she would reply that she didn't listen to her husband but she was working on it. ☺  That's how she was....quiet but witty, caring, happy, kind.  

I'm thankful for Norma.  She has left a good impression on my heart! ♥  I'm thankful to know that Families are Forever and that we will see each other again.  I'm happy for her because I know she is in a better place.