You are at the Insane Asylum...???

Kathy's daughter is moving to Evanston WY and needed Kathy to go watch her kids while she did a "walk through" her house.  Kathy asked a few of us if we wanted to go with her.  Kathy needed a little help since she crashed on her bike and hurt herself...plus it was a good excuse for a girls road trip.  Jodi and I were game and Carla and Robin almost came but had things come up the last minute. :(

Of course we had a good time!  We always have a wonderful time when we get together.  I think the three of us are the "trouble makers" or "fun lovers".  We definitely have a good time!

We are always looking for "photo opportunities" and ways to be silly.  We had some pretty good laughs today...the kind that makes you almost wet your pants.  It started off when I gagged when Jodi was putting her teeth with a sucker on the back into her mouth with the wrapper still on it.  Why that would make me gag is a question I don't quite understand but it did.  I gag watching my kids get impressions of their teeth too. I gag if I bite a little piece of paper to hold for a second, or when I brush my teeth, or when I see something disgusting, or when  I see a picture of chewed up gum or even talk about it, or.......so many things make me gag.  I just have a good gag reflex I guess and when I make the gag noise around others its funny.  Jodi had a few moments today that about made her seat wet.

We took Kathy's grands to a park while their parents did their walk through.  We were at the park for a few hours and had a great time with Kathy's grands.  They are really cute kids and very well behaved and fun.  They kind of liked us too! ☺ (I got sunburned)

We decided after awhile to play on the train too.  Carter was our photographer and I think he did a pretty good job. Chasee was taking pictures after and she took some fun pictures.  I am not as brave or agile as I use to be or even think I am.  Jodi on the other hand....well....she did get on top of the train and got to the seat on the rope jungle thing.  Maybe she is the reason Chasee called us Monkey Grandmas.

I think we had as good of time as the kids did.  I know Chasee didn't want  to see us go.  She liked Jodi and I and gave us big hugs when it was time to go.  I'm glad we were able to go with Kathy and enjoy her grands and I'm really glad her grands enjoyed us too.  So much fun!

Jodi went to post where we were and Google came up with....Wyoming Insane Asylum.  That was another moment of laughing our guts out.  We didn't know they still had a place like that.  It really is called something else....like Wyoming State Hospital.  That sounds better...at least if you have to go there or send someone there.  We decided since we must be close we should go there.  More laughter when a few guys stopped us and asked if we needed help.  We told the first guy why we were there and he seemed a bit amused but the next guy...the director over the place wasn't nearly as amused.  Maybe it was because Jodi and I were wearing glasses with big noses and mustaches....or maybe he thought we were making fun of the place....not sure but we were amused and couldn't stop laughing.  When we were leaving we stopped to get a picture and a lady followed us out and asked again if we needed help?  She ended up taking our picture. ☺  I don't think this place is use to people driving around it...they must have camera's because they knew we were there.

We stopped at a cute craft store and ended up buying a "Happy" Souvenir to remember our fun road trip.

Part of the plan was to stop at Taggarts on our way home and we did stop but that was it because Taggarts is always closed on Mondays! BOO!  We knew there were people in there and was hoping that they would just let us get a cookie or treat...because really that is all we wanted.  A lady did see Jodi and Kathy peeking in and came to the door and told us they were closed and that they had been closed on Monday's for 10 years.  We couldn't convince her to sell us a goodie.

Since we couldn't get a treat at Taggarts we went to Applebee's and shared a Triple Chocolate Meltdown!  That was a perfect way to end a fun day!

I love my friends, and fun outings, and grand babies, and chocolate to start and end my day! ♥

Farewell...and Welcome Back

*Had a very wonderful Sabbath.  Larry and I went to Bruce and Diane's farewell and then when it was over we went to Jayden's Farewell and his sister Jess's Homecoming.  Talk about a day filled with "feeling" the Spirit!  I love feeling the Spirit.

I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the True Church.  It's complete...it's HIS!  The spirit testified that to me again today...strongly.  Missions are so wonderful and a great way to follow and serve our Savior who did everything for us.  Those that serve are truly showing their love for the Savior by doing what they "Know" they need to.  Those that love and support missionaries are also showing their love for our Savior.  Missions are just good for everyone!

weekly tidbits

*I got to sit with Julie Ward for a few hours.  We had a really good visit and the time flew by.  Julie is recovering from Heart Surgery and had a few complications so the RS is staying with her during the days.  It's kind of fun and I was hoping I would be able to again but this week is busy and the times that worked for me were already taken.

*Larry left me a "breakfast bar" by my sink.  The guy knows me well and is so thoughtful!

*I found a quote that fits me to a "T".  I have always enjoyed laughing and hope to die laughing! ☺

*I got to have Kamryn over a few days this week.  It was fun having her.  She is such a cutie and I'm so glad she's ours.  We watched movies, went to the water park, did gymnastics & played games.

*Jared and Cameron have sure enjoyed themselves this week.  They play hard and love being together. Gramps is the Best!  He took the boy cousins (Jared, Cameron and Hunter) fishing at the fish farm. (it cost him lots of $) The boys caught enough for everyone to have dinner..I think they got like 37. Gramps said the boys had a blast. After dinner gramps let Kimleighel paint his fingernail...even requested flowers after the picture.  Fun Guy!  I'm so glad that Shari plans time to come visit...the kids are making fun memories.

*Breakfast with a few neighbors and good friends....Kathy O, Robin B, and Susan H.  I told them we needed a picture a few times and got home without taking one. :(  I made a collage with older pics..except me and Susan.  We ended up going to the movie later.  Robin and Kathy had other things going.  I sure do love these neighbors of mine that are such wonderful friends.

*I had to post this picture that cracks me up.  Those are Jodi's legs that look like she could be related to the "Incredible's"!

*I wanted to post this quote that is just plain true.  It's so important to be around positive people that believe in you.  That doesn't mean those people can't have real or bad days...it just means they try to see and focus on the good.  Some people are so toxic and will suck the happy right out of you if you let them remain in your life. (I know...it's happened to me.  I love them still but I will not allow them to destroy me...I keep a safe distance and feel like that is okay)

*Larry invited me over for lunch on Friday.  He wanted a Big Ben from the Burger Bar.  When I pulled in I saw a really cute face that I just love! ♥  I love Braxton and each one of my cute kids!  Larry and I had a good visit while we ate upstairs in their dirty break room.

*Kamryn and Kevin each had surgery Friday.  Kam got her tonsils out and Kevin had his nose fixed.  I guess when he told me he broke it playing football he really did. (it didn't look broke...oops)  They each did really good and came home after a few hours.  I took them a BIG CARE pkg because I really do CARE!

*To top off Friday I got to watch these cuties!  (my son wanted to take his "hot wife" out~that's what he told me)  My grands are all so wonderful and good and so much fun to have over.  Little Macie is feeling so much better and is full of smiles.  I'm not great at capturing them but she smiles and coo's and laughs and is a joy.  The older grands are pure sweetness.  They love hugs and kisses and give them out freely.  Oh my ♥ bursts with pure love and joy whenever I am around any of my sweet grands.  

*Went to check on Kevin and Kamryn.  Kam is doing wonderful and Kevin is feeling good but he hurts more for sure.  Kam, was playing and even wanting a friend to come play...Kev...not so much!  Love my kids and grands!

Time with Kamryn

I was a lucky duck and got to have Kamryn come and play two days this week.  I seldom get Kam because she goes to day care a few times a week when her parents are working.  However for some reason this week they needed help. (I think cuz Kevin had classes)  I really enjoyed having Kam over.  She is a noisy, crazy little one when there are a lot of people but when there aren't she's mild, and easy.  She was content watching movies, playing barbies and drawing....oh and playing my Ipad. (the grand only get to play with my Ipad when they are by themselves...we don't get it out when they are all here)

We went to the water park the first day with the cousins.  We sure had a great time visiting and playing in the water.  I love seeing the cousins build friendships. (including my kids and their cousins) The next day I got to take Kam to her gymnastics.  It was so much fun watching her bounce and flip.  Kam is so strong and fearless....this little makes me smile.

We went to Arctic Circle for lunch and I promised her ice cream after her tumbling.  (I didn't want her to be sick)  Kevin showed up while she was tumbling and she came over to me and whispered? "who is taking me home?"  I told her that her daddy was and she asked about the ice cream.  I let her know that I had already talked to her daddy about that and she would still get ice cream.  Kevin decided to just go back to Arctic Circle with Kimi and I and we all got a little ice cream.  That was more fun than having it separate anyway. 

 I absolutely love having my grands over to play.  They love coming over which makes it even better.

Water Park Fun

Shari and her kids are visiting from Pennsylvania and while she is here she planned a fun day at the water park with all the cousins that could come.  She thought this way she would be able to visit with more people during her stay.   It was a great day to be at the water park.  A lot of cousins showed up.  At first it was just my kids and grands which was nice so we had our time with Shari.  Then a few hours later Darinda's kids and  Shari's mom showed up.  It was fun seeing everyone and visiting with them.  It is really fun having Shari here for awhile.

Jared and Cameron have a great time together.  Cameron loves hanging with gramps and driving the tractors.  Jared and Cameron took turns pulling each other on the four-wheeler with a rope and and rip stick following.  Those two boys crack me up!  Zaden got to know Cameron at the water park and loves him. Cameron talked Zaden into going down the big slides and watched him in the big swimming pool.  I was impressed how good Cameron is with the little kids.  Taylor gets a long with everyone too and Erin's girls adore her.  It's so enjoyable watching the cousins interact with each other. (Taylor has a gymnastic camp at the U of U the rest of the week)

I love summer and all the fun family time that comes with this fun season. Splish Splash!!!

Happy Birthday TWO You!

The "Hooper Honey's" celebrated Crystal and Kellie's Birth's today.  We missed the gals that couldn't come but had a good time with those that did.  Crystal's birthday was May 3rd but she was going through treatment for her Thyroid Cancer and recovering most of the month.  She is good now and free of cancer. So thankful for that!

We went to Rumbi's and it was my first time going there....it was good.  Spending time and visiting is my favorite.  I love these gals so much.

We all have our own challenges and are able to love and support each other as we go through them.  We are all so very blessed too and acknowledge all the good things in life.  Life is mostly good but there are times it feels like a little rain cloud is over us.  I try to remember that it has to rain before we get the rainbow....which is totally worth waiting for.  We are blessed through our trials always....and become closer to our Savior as we lean on Him to help us.  First the Storm...then the Rainbow!

I just noticed that the Crown's for the Birthday Girls are like Rainbows!  I hadn't noticed while writing this.  I'm thankful for my life experiences.  I am thankful for my friends that have always helped me get through my storms and are there to enjoy the rainbows with me.

Showering Julie and Jordyn Jo

We had a Baby Shower for Julie and Jordyn today.  I went to her mom's earlier today while they were also showering her with gifts for Jordyn.  Might as well do two showers the same day. Julie said she liked it because then she only had to get ready once. (Kamryn couldn't believe Kevin was't coming to his daughters shower)  I am really excited to meet little Jordyn...so fun having grand babies.  

Julie invited me and her mom to be there when Jordyn makes her entrance into this world and I am really excited.  I have never watched a birth before and I am looking forward to it.  Life is such a miracle!

I am thankful for my friends and their support to me and my kids. They truly have my back.  This weekend was a busy weekend and many were not able to make it...I understand...but will say I was disappointed that I didn't hear from my mom or sister.  I have no idea where they were.  Oh well....life goes on. (I appreciate the calls or texts that let me know they wouldn't make it...that's thoughtful)

Julie is set and ready to welcome Miss Jordyn into this world.  She has everything she needs.  Julie is such a sweetie that she deserves to be spoiled and showered with love.  I am so excited for Kevin to get another little girl....he is such a good daddy.

Weekly Tidbits

*The boys took Larry and Gramps to dinner for Father's Day and so Kelsi, Kimi, and I went out too.  It was fun listening to Kimi.  Larry and I watched a movie with the kids after.  The kids enjoy us hanging out with them and staying up together.  They even talked us into playing the Wii the next night.  (I am not good at Mario Cart)

*Went with Larry to a little luncheon to send off Bruce and Diane Jardine on their mission. (Mission Presidents in California...can't remember the mission) I was hurrying because the kids took my car to seminary and forgot to hurry home. I was stopped by two trains and ended up asking the two cars behind me to back up so I could go around since the train stopped.  Good thing I went around because the train then started going the other way.  I reminded myself to laugh about it since there was nothing I could do to make the situation better.

*took the kids to see Heaven is for Real. We all loved it. Kimi talked a lot about it after and was feeling the spirit very strongly.  Heaven is for Real and Jesus loves us! Life goes on after this life!

*Larry was called to the High Council.....he is going to miss his primary class.  He loved teaching the eleven year olds.

*I have been subbing this summer for the Summer Bowling League. This week was crazy....my first game was a 144 which is just under my average which is 150. I was happy with that but my 2nd game was the worst I have bowled that I can remember. My first ball I would get 8 ... No kidding....I bet I got 8 on my first ball at least 7 out of 10 frames. Then my 2nd ball would get very close to the remaining pins but would miss or maybe hit one. I couldn't mark and didn't until the 10th frame when I finally picked up the 10 pin....that gave me one more ball and I threw a STRIKE! I ended with a 94! Wow....just Wow! It's not fun to sub when you bowl like a skunk. (Stinky) The last game was much better. I marked most frames and ended with a 187 ..... Almost double my 2nd game! I'm glad I ended good....much more fun!

*Larry mowed "I LOVE DAWN" in the lawn.  I heard him moving because I was in the front room reading.  I just thought he was mowing around the edges because  I didn't think he could have mowed the back yet.  I didn't think anything of it until I stood up and saw that the middle of the yard was mowed in spots...that's when I saw my name.  When I went outside to talk Larry I could see the rest.  Ahhh....How Do You Say I LOVE YOU?

*Got to play with the grands while Natalie went to the Dentist.  When Natalie came back I loved it when Mya said: "that wasn't long enough"  I love having my cute grands come and play.

*Tonya came and visited while I was cleaning for Julie's shower since she wouldn't be able to make it to the shower.  (her family had a family reunion that day)

Wanna Play?

I didn't have much on the calendar this week and so I text Jodi to see if she wanted to play. ☺  She's a gal after my heart and was willing to come play today.  Jodi wanted me to invite her the next time I went for a pedicure so we decided to do that today.  I normally don't get pedicures that often but thought what the heck...my heals are dry and could really use a good scrubbing.  Holy Cow...talk about a good scrubbing...the lady giving me mine was strong and not gentle.  She actually kind of hurt me when she was rubbing my legs and feet.  I was close to saying something but just toughed it out.  I didn't have a bruise after but checked because I thought I might.  Jodi's gal was a little quick with the snippers and hurt Jodi.  Usually these gals are very good  maybe they were trying too hard....yes that's it.....too hard!

Jodi and I tried to squeeze in so much talk in the time we had which wasn't enough.  She told me about her RS and how she had to give a little presentation on service.  She chose to focus on service through words.  I love that idea....saying nice things isn't a big deal but totally makes a big difference to the person it is said to.  She told me a funny story how an older lady would not say anything to a gal she was suppose to quickly compliment...awkward....Jodi finally had to help her out.  (oops....that wasn't suppose to happen).

So much was said and shared and some things hit me later after they had time to sink in.  We talked a little about the spirit preparing us like I wrote about earlier and Jodi referred to them as "pop quizzes".  I like that term....we are tested but it doesn't count...meaning it doesn't necessarily happen....which again I am grateful for.

Ahhhh...so much to be grateful for.  So thankful for this girl and all that we are able to share at this time of our lives.  If we lived closer we could be dangerous....we might get a lot done...or nothing at all.  I might run...no I couldn't picture that....well I could picture it....I actually think I enjoy running but when I try it I realize I don't anymore.  I'm glad we are close enough....I'm glad we get together when we can.

It's Birthday Time Again

I know I say it all the time but I am thankful for Birthdays and the chance I get to celebrate them with my friends.  Kellie is having a birthday at the end of this week and it gives us the opportunity to go out and talk.  I think we get to busy to make it happen much more through the year.  So I am thankful for our birthdays.  For Birthdays we Make get together's Happen!

I love our time together.  I love that Kellie and I can open up and be completely honest with each other.  I love that Kellie trusts me enough to share her feelings and thoughts with me.  She knows I understand and would never judge.  Heck...I think I always feel the exact same way. (I trust her completely)   I love that Kellie and I are dear friends now.  We have had a lot in common over the years but this is our time....so thankful for that!  This girl is such a blessing.  She is much too hard on herself in my opinion...if only we could see ourselves through each others eyes or better yet our Saviors.  We wouldn't doubt our own goodness.

Kellie loves me.  She expressed her love for me today and my eyes filled with tears because I know she does.  I hope my friend "knows" that I love her too.   I am thankful she was brave enough to express her feelings.  I am so thankful for kindred spirits who understand each others souls and hearts.  I love that Kellie loves me for who I am and how I am....we should all love that way! ♥

Father's Day

Today we honor our Fathers.  I am especially thankful for our Heavenly Father.  He loves us more than we can even imagine.  He helps us more than we realize and He wants us back more than we want to make it back.  I liked how Elder Kopischke claimed that our Heavenly Mother would be with us petitioning with our Father for each of us....as will Jesus.  Saying it like that might make Heavenly Father sound hard and judgmental however I don't believe He is at all....I totally believe He is kind, loving and very forgiving.  It just helps us realize that we are loved by our Heavenly family so much. 

I love the father's that have influenced my life.  I love my dear, sweet dad.  It's the only picture we got today and I guess it's ok because the two most important dads in my life are in it.  I'm thankful for Larry's dad who taught him to work hard.  I love the daddies of my grands who love their little ones.  I mostly love Larry for being the daddy to our children.  He is a wonderful dad that has taught them to work hard so they can play hard.  He is such a good provider and so unselfish.  He lives for his family and works hard for each of us.  He is a kind, loving, funny dad.  The kids know that they can ask their dad for anything and he will help them out.  He has become better over the years as we all do and is almost flawless....I truly mean that.  I am glad that together we have a wonderful family and that we haven't ruined any of our kids too much.  We are very blessed and we know it!

THANK YOU HEAVENLY FATHER!!!

The Church is Growing here in Hooper

Historical Moment.....Our Stake was split today.  We had 13 wards in our Stake which is a lot for a Stake President to handle.  This day has been anticipated for many years.  It was really neat seeing it happen.  We remain in the original Hooper UT Stake.  A new Hooper UT Pioneer Trails Stake was formed.  It is east of us.

It was interesting how the people in the original stake were released and then called again to serve in the new stake. (those with stake callings)  The new stake got all their Presidencies called which left the original stake with some empty spots.

I love knowing that this is truly the Church of Jesus Christ and that He is the one at the head.  It is by revelation that the leaders are called.  I know that to be true.  A few interviews and Presidents are called.  I know that one of President's (President Jones...our President) knew he would be the next president on Friday because he told us that he had gone to the Temple and even knew who his counselors would be.  One of the counselors was out of town and so he was interviewed over the phone using "face time".  (you can't run or hide from the Lord...He knows where you are and what you are doing always.....not saying President Tenney was running or hiding)

President Allred (New President of the new stake) told a really good story that answered a prayer of mine.  He told of how he was asked to interpret a wedding sealing of a Japanese gal.  He felt very unprepared but accepted the challenge.  Before the sealing he was praying that he would be able to do what he had been asked to do.  When it came time for the sealing the Sealer gave the card with the sealing in Japanese to the parents that needed it and President Allred didn't have to do it.  He felt like he had let the Lord down because he wasn't prepared.  When he went home he went to his room and prayed...the answer came to his mind...."you could have done it if you would have needed to...you can do anything with my help"...or something very close to that.  Anyway....We can do anything that the Lord asks of us if we are prepared...and even if we are not if we have faith that He will help us.

I have been thinking and praying a lot lately.  Things happen sometimes that just don't make sense.  I honestly think the "spirit" is telling me things and then they don't happen.  Thank Goodness they don't because they would hurt me and be really hard to accept...however....because of the prompting....I am able to really do some soul searching.  Would I be willing to do the Lords Will? Would I stay strong?  Would I still remain happy?  I have thought and thought and have answered those questions in my mind.  I think I would be able to do the Lords will because I believe in Him.  If it is His will He would carry me through.  I believe strongly that the more we accept God's Will and do the things we are prompted to do the more God will lead us...and we will let Him because we recognize His will and help.
I truly believe that God speaks to us through the scriptures and others.  If we open up the scriptures and read it's as if he is talking directly to us. Often I pray and a friend will say exactly what I was praying about...they answer my prayer without even knowing it.  Some times I think He prepares us for something and then doesn't require us to actually follow through simply because we would be willing to.  Example.....Larry and I were willing and prepared to lose our Jared....we both surrendered to the Lords Will....then for some reason we didn't have to.  Thank Goodness!  I think that kind of thing happens a lot in life.  Being prepared is a wonderful thing...maybe that's why it's the Boy Scout Motto. ☺

Following the promptings of the Lord isn't always easy.  It scares us even especially if it involves others which it usually does.  For some reason (I know why) I am to share my testimony often.  It makes me uncomfortable because I think others judge me or talk about me in a negative way..then I remember if I want the Lord to bless me and answer my prayers I have to be willing to act on His promptings and sharing my testimony is a prompting I recognize. I think Heavenly Father is a funny guy and likes to play games...I said "I won't bare my testimony" and He say's "You wanna bet?"  He wins more than me these days and I am glad because I know I am blessed for doing it.  It's between me and Him...and I think He laughs!

I love Heavenly Father and Mother.  I know they love us more than we will ever be able to comprehend in this life.  I love Jesus Christ and the gift he has given us to live again with them all.  I love His example of service and love.  I love that no matter how badly He was treated He continued to do the Lords will by moving forward.  He never sought revenge but continued doing good and being himself.  I respect and admire Joseph Smith so much for having the courage to restore this gospel.  He wasn't liked by all either but did what he knew was required of him....he followed the promptings of the Lord.  I love and honor the Prophets of today.  I love their kind spirits and how they teach with love and kindness.  I want to be like them all....line upon line....step by step....slowly it happens.

Weekly Tidbits

*Kimleighel and Jared started cross country this week.  I love that it gets them up and going.  I know it will be so good for them in so many ways.  They also started summer seminary that is once a week.  That too will be so good for them.  Good things happening this summer.

* Kimleighel went to girls camp this week.

*Jared twisted his ankle at cross country and can't walk very good so his running is put on hold.

*I baked more cookies again.  Kelsi and Braxton have an open house this week in Jerome and MaryLou liked my cookies,  so I am baking. Barbie came to help me one day. (I baked Monday and Wednesday) I enjoyed our talk time and was able to give her lots of cookies because I had enough already for the open house. Proud to say I only tried a few (seriously like 3) normal cookies....I refrained from making my usual big one.

*took dinner to a neighbor. Kathy Orrock helped me out.  I made chicken roll ups, mashed potatoes and gravy.  Kathy brought a salad and dessert.

*my friend, Susan got home from her mission and for some reason I was so giddy and excited.  I went over twice to visit her. (once I went with Larry)

*I took Jared and gramps to lunch to Tony's Burger.  It was Gramps birthday on the 10th and I thought he might enjoy lunch with us...I think he did.

*My good friend Sue stopped by just to visit!  That doesn't happen often and it was so nice seeing her and visiting.  I wish we did that more often.

*Kelsi and I went to Homemaking together.  It was on Visiting Teaching.  I have a strong testimony of visiting teaching.  I maybe should have went with Larry to the Temple so that I could talk to him and keep him awake.  He called me to tell me he was okay after jerking his head and waking up on his drive to the temple.  I'm just very thankful for the "Angels Among Us".

*I find all kinds of excuses to get to Girls Camps.  I decided that I would pick Kimi up on Thursday and bring her home so that we wouldn't be stressed leaving for Jerome on Friday.  I ended up going up in the afternoon which put me there in time for skits.  I love seeing how creative the girls can be.  I stayed until late so that we didn't miss Testimony Meeting.  I love sitting around a fire, watching the flames flicker and jump and hear young girls Bare Testimony of Jesus Christ and His Church.  I also love that around this setting often times someone will take more than one turn.  That happened a few times but was really sweet.....the girls were feeling the spirit.  I was proud of my shy girl for speaking up and baring her Testimony.

*We had Book Club and went to Breakfast.  I saw Bruce (a long time friend) and said Hi to him.  He ended up buying our breakfast.  What a nice guy!  I love my book club but didn't bring home a book to read.  I need a book to read...I miss reading real books.  I like my Kindle but I really like books where you turn pages and can see how far into the book you are and how much you still get to read.  I enjoy sharing my books and others but it's hard with the electronic books. I love my book club...it's so wonderful having Susan back with us again.