Weekly Tidbits

*Monday and Tuesday I actually was able to get some things done at home.  I did pick Ivy up from school Monday but didn't have to leave until 2:00.  Some times it is nice to be home and get things done.

Monday Night we invited Connor over to watch Elf with us.  I might or might not be able to steer a wheel chair.  Getting Connor over the little ridge by his door I thought fast would be good and nearly flung poor Connor out.  The next try I popped a wheelie and that was the correct approach to getting over a ledge.  Connor was really excited to hang out with us.  I spoiled him with his favorite treats. (butterfingers and pop)  We had lots of treats and had fun watching Elf.  (Elf is my favorite...oh wait...Smiling is My Favorite) ☺  I think Connor might invite Jared over to his house so they can hang out and he thinks Kimleighel is "hot".  The kid makes me smile!

Jared got his permit.  I was leaving it up to Larry to help with the last two kids and it wasn't working out too well.  Jared is already 16 and he might be 18 if I wait for Larry.  Larry is a great dad but he isn't in a hurry to have these last two grow up I guess.  (really he doesn't want to pay for their insurance)  There are some perks to being the last and some down falls.....the fall was long enough. The smile on his face made me so happy!  It's funny how a mom can feel the joys and pains of her kids...we are so connected always.

Every year for Thanksgiving the Day Care that my grands go to have a special Thanksgiving Lunch and the parents and grandparents are invited to share it with them. (our's was Wednesday)  It's always yummy and fun to go be with them.  This year Gramps came too but I guess I didn't get a picture with him.  I got to sit with Zaden and watch him eat his rolls.  He ate his, mine and two more after that.  That was all. (Kevin ate the other food for him)  He did get a piece of pumpkin pie and had a little of the whip cream.  The kid makes me laugh.  He's always been picky and will only try something when he is ready.

Baby Jordyn tried mashed potatoes and was so funny.  She doesn't quite open her mouth and kept sticking out her tongue to taste them.  She is such a cute baby.  I love being invited to the grands things....Grands are such a blessing and I am so thankful for each of mine!

Larry and the kids cleaned the yard on Saturday and I cleaned up the Thanksgiving Decorations and got out the Christmas ones.  I didn't get the tree up yet so I'm hoping to get that up on Monday.  I still have some big things under the stairs I need to get out too.  It's okay...I feel good about what I got done.  It's beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.....and I'm Lovin It!

Fun with the Coy Family

Sherwood Hills can be sold but our tradition of getting together with the Coy Family continues. Instead of going out for Breakfast I volunteered to have it at our house.  Breakfast is cheap and easy to make and I like the idea of visiting with each other and it's more likely to happen at my house.  I was right....we did a lot of visiting and the kids did a lot of playing.  (it was even nice outside and so they ran around and played on the playground...aka Ropelato Park)

We had french toast, sausage and breakfast burrito's and Natalie surprised us with yummy cinnamon rolls.  So the breakfast was good too but the company and visiting was better.  I think it's funny how my grands and Tonya's grands take a minute to remember each other from year to year.  We really need to start another tradition in the summer.  I'm thinking around Father's Day.

Tonya reserved her Church and we went there for Nerf Gun Wars!  My family got Nerf Guns a few years ago for Christmas and Tonya liked the idea so much that she got her family Nerf Guns last year.

 We played "Capture the Flag" a few times and went all around the church.  The Missionaries stopped by the church to have a meeting and ended up joining our fun.  It was fun having them.  I saw one Elder slide a few times and thought he might put a hole in his slacks but I think they survived.  We shot each other for a few hours.  I played the first round of Capture the Flag but retired since I can't stop myself from cheating.  If you get hit you are suppose to go to a room until someone free's you.  I would go to the room and free people and forget to stay there.  The rules were that no little's under the age of 8 could get shot except by the other little's under 8.  Well....my grand shot me and without thinking I shot him back....at gun level which was his face.  He didn't cry or act like it hurt him which I was glad about but I figured the only shooting I'd better do was with my camera.  Zaden told his mom after the games that Gramma was a "Cheater Cheater, Pumpkin Eater". ☺

After a few games of Capture the Flag we went into the gym and had another war.  This time if you got shot you were out and the winner was the last guy standing.  I think I could have handled that game a little better but still just shot others with my camera.

We didn't end up bowling this year.  Instead we went to the movies.  In years past we would go to the movie on Saturday on our way home. It was a fun filled day!  I'm so thankful for my family and for the Coy Family.  It was so much fun seeing everyone enjoy themselves.  I love traditions even if they have to be "tweaked" every now and then.

Thanksgiving

I loved Thanksgiving this year!  I wasn't hurried or stressed.  I did part of the preparing on Wednesday which really helped.   In the morning we put the turkey in and made the rolls and left while they rose to visit my mom.  My mom was making deviled eggs so she could take them to Susan's family dinner.  We had a great visit.  I think we were all missing my daddy. (it happens all the time)  We just know my mom will spend the Holiday with Susan's family.  It's been that way for over 20 years.  It works...we all know what to plan on.

Scott and Erin's family joined us this year as well and the sister missionaries.  I'm so glad they did.  Thanksgiving memories for me always include cousins, aunts, and uncles.  A few of my kids were with the other families but we enjoyed those that were here.  The Sister's were fun and we all enjoyed having them here.  I loved seeing Sister Frazier guzzle the soda from the bottle.  (she had never done that before and had always wanted to....it was funny)

I cooked the Turkey in a Roaster Oven and it was delicious.  The meat fell right off the bones.  Everything was wonderful.  Everyone brought a dish or two and so it made it easy on me and it was all yummy!  Scott had said that this was one of the best dinners he could remember.  

The guys enjoyed football, we played games, the kids took care of Jordyn and played games.  Julie took Kimi shopping and they had a good time and weren't really gone too long.  Sister Hansen ate a fourth of the lemon meringue pie...I didn't think she would be able to but she did.  The clean up was fast and simple.  It was a fun and wonderful day!  I'm thankful for this day that we have to celebrate our families and all our many blessings!  We are so Blessed!

Weekly Tidbits

Sunday I got the kids back from their dads.  I sure do like my grands dads.  They are good guys and my grands came back very happy.

Since it was our last night with the grands (on Monday) we took them to get treats for Family Home Evening.  They were so excited and cute we let them get two.  I think Zaden ended up picking three but wouldn't take the mini m&m's when we got because he knew he already had two.  These littles were so much fun to have and we really enjoyed them this last week.  

Tuesday T-J Trailers had their Christmas Party at Maddox.  Really we just go out to eat together and the employee's get a Christmas Card with a little extra $$$.  I think it's nice that they go before Thanksgiving so the employees have a little extra money to do their shopping.  I really like all the employees at T-J Trailers.  They are all good people!

Wednesday started out great.  My visiting teachers came and I had time to do things at home.  The only other thing on my calendar was piano and tending cute Jordyn. (I borrowed the pic since I didn't take one)  Well...I got distracted and forgot piano.  Larry sometimes puts me in the middle of the kids, or at least I feel responsible to make sure they do the things he wants them to do.  I made sure Jared fed the cows right after school.  I let Kimi take my car to work while I stayed home to quiz Jared on driving. (Larry said he was going to every night...I think he might have forgot)  I got a text from Natalie asking if we were coming.  For some reason I get really bugged with myself when I forget things like this...especially since I was planning on it and then forget.  It really bothers me...I have done it with ortho appointments too.  UGH!  I jumped in Larry's truck and took Jared and then we picked up Jordyn.  Larry called and teased me about forgetting and mentioned that maybe I should write it on my calendar by the sink.  I didn't think it was funny and I was still stressed about it.  So, Larry came home with a bad attitude.  I was sure he was mad at me for not thinking his teasing was funny.  Welcome Home!

The night got better because we had cute little Jordyn.  At first she was smiling and then just started crying.  I thought she was still tired since we had woke her up to bring her.  We tried getting her to sleep but that wasn't working and so even though I thought it was a little early to feed her I did anyway.  That was what she wanted.  She was hungry.  She is a cute baby and interacts with everyone.  It was fun having her and snuggling her.  I'm so thankful for my little grands!

***Thursday after bowling Larry wanted to go Christmas Shopping.  What's up with that?  The guy never wants to go shopping. We just went to a few stores and called it good.  I got the wood I need for the grands temple pictures.  We got Kimi and Jaydan each an outfit and Jared a shirt.  He's tall and thin and the store we were at didn't have his size pant.  We got Larry a pair of tennis shoes and that's about it.  I also get Larry to go in Joann's Craft store with me to pick up some beads for SNAP..I am over a craft in a few weeks.

I'm Flexible

Today I planned on getting some presents wrapped and to get things cleaned up a little.  The only think I had planned on doing was meeting Mallory at the Fairgrounds where there is a boutique so I could pay her for a piano we got from her.  Last night Trichelle called to see if I could pick up Ivy  from school at 1:00.  No problem...that would work.

I was just getting ready for the day when Larry called to see if I could take the Sister Missionaries a few Church movies.  They have been sick.  No problem...I grabbed a few movies, a soup mix, some chicken, a brownie mix, some hot chocolate and off I went.   I told them I brought them dinner with their movies but they would have to cook it.

I got a text from a friend asking me to stop by the bowling alley to check on another friend that wasn't doing to good.  Okay...I can do that.  I went up and said "hi" to everyone and got some great hugs and checked on my friend.  She wasn't doing good at all.  I suspect she took a few pills that she shouldn't have and she was really tired.  I asked her how she was feeling and if she was okay.  (My other friend was really worried about her).  She said she was ok and hadn't taken more pills than she normally does for her headaches.  I really wished that I could have stayed around and taken her home.  I think my other friend did because neither of us felt it was safe for the other friend to drive.  I said a few prayers for each of them.

I went home and wrapped a few gifts since that was on my to do list.  I also did a little more laundry.  Ivy called when I was getting ready to go pick her up.  She asked me to pick her up by the Junior High school by the side walk between the two schools.   When she finally got to my car she had a little friend with her that she wanted to come with us so they could play.  I feel bad sometimes that she is split between houses and doesn't get a lot of play time with friends and so I agreed.  The little girls mom works at the Junior High and so we went to ask her if she was okay with it.  She was and so off we went.  I had thought that the girls could stay home while I ran to meet Mal  but Jared stayed after school and so I told them they could just come with me.  I was on my way when Jared text and said he was done at school and ready to be picked up.  Okay...I switched my plans again.  At some point I told Ivy girls need to learn to be flexible.  It's a requirement to be a mom.  She laughed and said we weren't Elastic Girl.  I told her we needed to be because things are always changing from the original plan.  I think it probably happens more with stay at home mom's since we just stay at home (wink)...we can add stuff to our day...we're not that busy! haha

I picked up Jared and was able to meet Mallory and pay her.  I didn't get charged for any of the kids to go inside the boutique which was really nice.  I got a few gifts even and enjoyed the little time we were there. On the way home I was going to stop for gas and TJ called to see if I had Ivy.  I told him yes and I even had Audrey. ☺  He wanted me to bring them home which is kind of on the way.  I told him I was going to stop for gas and asked him to ask Zaden what kind of treat he wanted because I was letting the others pick a treat.  Zaden went into a meltdown.  I wasn't sure why and thought that maybe he wanted to come with us to pick his treat.  I kept passing the gas stations waiting for him to decide.  We ended up stopping and just getting him a treat and I took the girls home.

Today I was able to laugh at the confusion and changes in my plans.  I still got plenty done because I am flexible like that. ☺

We Have Talent!

We had a talent show for our Special Needs Group.   I love how excited they are to share their talents with the others.  I didn't get a picture of everything...one guy builds really cool things with legos.  We had Elvis again with his back up dancers. Kyle loves Elvis.  We also had Johnny Cash.  I get a kick out of these people.  My favorite singer was Levi.  This kid is amazing at the piano and also singing.  He is very talented.  I heard that something happened when Levi was little that changed him.  He's awesome.  

 We had a kid tell a joke.  Jessica  played Jingle Bells on her clarinet.  We had a karate demonstration, and Steve sang Once there was a Snowman while a little guy acted out the motions.  It love seeing the talents and watching the kids participate.

Some talents were displayed.  I had no idea that Lisa could paint so well.  It's  fun learning more and more about each of these people and I constantly do.

Connor wanted me to sit by him and hold his hand.  My heart goes out to Connor with the passing of his mom.  The kid is so full of love!  He kissed me a few times while we watched the talent show.  It took us a few tries to get a picture of us without Connor blinking.  I love this kid and the rest of them.  I am so blessed to have this calling.  I am mingling with the pure in heart every Thursday!

Cousins

It's interesting to me how a funeral of a loved one can cause good things.  My cousin Mike passed away Oct 13 and my cousin Kay called my mom to let her know.  While we were talking to her I told her that my daddy (her uncle) would be joining Mike soon. (he did 3 days later)  Kay told me that she was on Face Book along with some other cousins.  I was able to find Wendy and through her find others including Kay.  Many of my cousins came to my dads funeral...in fact I saw all that are living that week.  Jennifer left before the funeral but stopped by my mom's to visit with us.  It is great reconnecting at this point in our lives.

I made a special group called "Cousins" on Facebook so that we can stay connected and share with each other.  Kristy told me at the funeral that we needed to get together.  I have learned that saying it just isn't enough and so I started the group and threw out a date.

Today a few of us cousins went to lunch.  Starting on the left is Lana, Kristy (Aunt Cleo's daughter), my mom, Linda, Julie, Karen (Aunt Cleo's daughter), me, my sister Susan, and Wendy. (Aunt Venyle's daughter and Mikes sister)  Lana and Linda are sisters and they are Julies cousins.  We are distant cousins and always saw them at the reunions when we had reunions.  It was really wonderful getting together and seeing everyone and being able to visit.  We noticed everyone is shrinking and getting shorter. ☺

Karen noticed that a few of us have similar smiles and chins. Karen also mentioned that she just found out a few years ago that Susan and I aren't twins.  Another cousin, Mindy, who wasn't able to make it mentioned that our Mothers would be so happy.  I hadn't thought about that but when she said it I knew it was true.  My dad and his sisters are all together and I am positive they are happy that we made time to get together and get reacquainted with each other.

I am happy that my mom is still here and was able to come and enjoy her nieces that I know she loves so much.  I have a deep love for families. I am thankful for my cousins and the great ladies they are.  I'm glad we are all pieced together.

(I called my mom's brothers a few years ago and reconnected with them after a very long time...maybe 30+ years....I just think families should know each other)

Weekly Tidbits

We have Ivy and Zaden all week while Trichelle and TJ enjoy Hawaii.  We got to have a few more grands over for a while to play on Monday.  I love when the cousins get to play together.  They love each other and always have such a good time.  I get so much joy and pleasure from their togetherness.  I got to kiss on cute little Jordyn and make her giggle.  All these littles are such good kids.

On Tuesday Ivy goes with her dad and so it was just Zaden and I after school.  We went shopping for his birthday.  I really enjoyed watching him decide on his gifts.  I didn't tell him how much to spend but somehow he knew.  He looked at so many lego's and I'm sure he would have liked a big set but he didn't ask and it wasn't until he got to a spiderman lego car that he decided.  Only then did he say he wished he could have two gifts.  He was under the amount I spend and so I told him he could have two and he was so excited.  We went down another isle and he looked at every thing and when he saw a Batman figurine he grabbed it and was good to go.  I was so proud of him and his choices.  He was so excited to get home and play with them.  I like taking the grands shopping for their birthdays so they can choose what they want.

                                 

We were lucky and had a few more cousins come to play with us on Tuesday.  Justin and Natalie had ward Temple Night and thought they needed to go.  I was more than happy to watch their little one's.  I know Zaden was glad too.  We had so much fun.  My grands like to play in the cold pantry.  I think they are so cute.  I liked watching Macie pull herself all over and play too.  She was cute and put all the small toys around her into the barbie car and then she would get on her hands and knees to see in and take them in and out.  So enjoyable for me to watch her entertain herself.

                                 

Wednesday started out simple.  I only had Zaden to get ready for school after I took Kimi and Jared to the bus stop.  I love the grands in the morning when they are so happy and extra cute. So fun waking up to them. I have enjoyed helping them get ready for the day.  The day got busier as it went on.

We were going to have the missionaries over to teach a friend of ours and so Larry thought it would be a good idea to have treats.  He wanted a cheesecake and so I made one.  I remembered the sisters saying they didn't really care for cheesecake and so I made brownies as well.  I was by myself and so I licked all the beaters by myself.  I later learned that I should have called a few friends over because they would have been happy to help me out. (Wayne got sick and so we had to reschedule)

Part of Larry's calling as a High Councilman is the Blood Drive.  I've helped him make lists and I even went over and helped check in a few people when it started.  I had to leave though to pick up the grands.  Ivy and Zaden both had dance classes tonight and so I would take one and wait an hour and then go pick up that child and drop off the next one.  In between I stopped and got some pizza and took some to Larry.  I let Zaden choose our meals this week since he is a bit picky and I wanted him to eat.  He loved the pizza and even had some for breakfast the next day.  I let him have mac and cheese another day for breakfast.  I did make pancakes and french toast a few days when they wanted it.  It was a busy but fun day.

Instead of bowling on Thursday I went to Connor's moms funeral.  Connor is my buddy and he really wanted me to be there.  I'm glad I was.  I love hearing about those who pass.  There is always so much more than I knew.  Connie (Connors mom) has been sick since I have known her which is probably about 10 years.  She had a happy attitude and joked through all her sickness.  She was a great person.  Connor loves his mom so much and understands where she is and that she will be in his heart always.  My heart went out to sweet Connor when he had a hard time as he helped close the casket for it's last time.  He had asked me to help with that but I told him it wasn't my place but I would be close by.  He got a little angry with his family which made me think about my post a while back about our emotions....how we cover our feelings with different emotions.  Connor was sad and didn't want to cry.  I was proud of him for only letting that emotion last for a minute.  He got to say a few words at the end of the service and he did such a fabulous job.  I know his mom is very proud of him.  I love this sweet friend of mine. ♥

While I was at the graveside freezing I got a text from a friend saying that she had left something for me by my front door.  When I went home I got me some hot chocolate after changing my clothes and I opened the gift. I just let the tears flow.  My daddy is my hero and always has been.  I often wonder about my "dash".  I wonder what I will be remembered for and if I will have done enough.  People are so kind and thoughtful!

I met Mallory for a late lunch.  We always meet at 3:00 at Applebee's. I always enjoy visiting with Mallory.  When we were raising our kids we met every week.  Now it's not as often but when we do it's always very enjoyable.  I love this friend of mine and her wisdom.  She is so awesome and inspires me to be better.  Mallory is so ambitious and does so much all the time.  Right now her and her hubby and a few of her boys are fixing up her mom's house. She does it after working all day. She's amazing in so many ways.  I sure do love her!

 After my lunch date with Mallory I picked up Zaden and we were surprised with this cute greeting when we got home.  We both let out an excited cheer and couldn't wait to get out and walk through it. Larry is full of surprises lately!

I wasn't able to take Connor to SNAP like he had hoped because his dad wanted him to stay home.  I told Connor his family needed him because he is so strong.  He was kind of sad that he wasn't able to go to SNAP to tell his friends about his mom. I was sad for him.  I love going to SNAP.  I love getting big hugs and being told "I like you" inches from my face.  I love seeing how those that come enjoy coming.  I'm so glad that I am blessed to be a part of this amazing group of people.  They make my ♥ smile!

When I got home from SNAP this is what I found.  Zaden loves his grandpa and was getting some snuggle time with him.  This also makes my heart smile and my soul light up.

I went to Breakfast Friday morning with my book club.  No picture because when I called Kathy to see why she was late she had forgot and hurried up without getting fully ready. (she is taking care of grands this week too but in their home so it messed her up)  Last month I read the Message and A Step of Faith.  I had read A Step of Faith before but had thought it was the next book in the series.  It's a good series. (The Walk)  I loved The Message and read it while I was at my parents taking care of my dad.  It was the perfect time to read this book.  The message is simple....Serve Others!  This month I read The Dash that was given to me and will be reading The Giver.  I love reading.  My mind is enlightened when I read and so is my spirit.  I love our book club.  We share much more than plots and characters of books.  We share our lives with each other.  It's a blessing to me to belong to this book club.  I am smarter since we started our book club.  Oh, The Power of a Good Book!

Saturday our Stake had a missionary day for the youth.  I signed up to have missionaries come to our house to teach us.  Oh My Heck....these three cute gals came to my door and two of them signed while the other one introduced themselves.  The "spirit" hit me before I opened the door and I had to hold back my emotions from the start.  I let them in and was just asking them about their day while we waited for Larry and Kimi to join us. (they were dropping off other "Missionaries") I couldn't hold back any longer and started to cry.  I cry when I feel the spirit.  The spirit was so strong.  I testified to these sisters that what they had been taught was true.  I couldn't believe what a strong spirit they brought into our home.  A few of them got teary too.  Larry and Kimi weren't long and I was glad they got there since I was having a hard time controlling my emotions.  The sisters did a wonderful job teaching us about the restoration of the Church.  I'm converted!  One sister shared that she doesn't go to church because she doesn't have anything to wear.  I was instantly reminded of a new skirt and shirt that I had just bought.  (the tags were still on them)  The skirt was a maxi skirt and so even though I am much older it would be great for her.  I gave her the shirt too because it matched.  (I think the shirt might be too large but maybe she can get it to work)  She was thrilled and gave me a big hug.  Kimi was feeling the spirit too and went up and got two dresses to give her.  It was cool! Each of the gals bore their testimony and I was so impressed.  They are awesome! I volunteered to make a dish to help feed the missionaries.  I chose to make Penne Alfredo from Italy. (easy and feeling)  I'm so glad my kids took part in this wonderful activity.  I know their testimonies will be strengthened as mine as been.  I love belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!  It's True and Complete!

I ran to my moms house with Jaydan to try and start his car.  The battery is really dead and we couldn't even jump it and so we visited with my mom and came home.

Angel Baby surrounded by Angels

Today Macie had surgery to repair her soft palate and have another plate put in the roof of her mouth.  I was concerned for her and asked others to please pray for her.  Prayers are so powerful and wonderful.  We know that little Macie Marie is surrounded by Angels and that the prayers in her behalf are heard and answered.  I was a little worried that she would be hungry because her surgery wasn't until after 3:00 pm.  I prayed that she wouldn't be hungry and that everything would go well.  Since Larry had a day off we decided to go to the Hospital and stay with Justin and Natalie.  It was a good decision.  I marveled at cute Macie.  She had her last bottle of formula at 7:00 am and only had a little pedialyte before noon.  This little one was happy and so good while we all waited for her turn.  I know the prayers said for her were being answered.  When it was her turn to go she went with the Anesthesiologist with out any worries.  The stethoscope was a great distraction.

Macie's surgery went really well.  A few doctors came out to report how things went.  Macie also got tubes in her ears and we feel like it was a blessing she got her first ear infection last week.  I'm not sure her ears would have been looked at if not and the tubes will help.  I was very impressed with the Doctor that did the surgery on her palate.  To him it's so simple and easy to do.  He truly is an answer to Justin and Natalie's prayers.  I loved meeting him and know that Macie is in really good hands.  Macie started eating right away and continue eating through the night.  The nurses were amazed at how well she has done.  Her first surgery she only stayed one night and I suspect it will be the same with this one.  Many kids stay a few nights until they can eat without any IV...Macie is doing that.  I know it's the prayers!  I asked Heavenly Father to please bless everyone that has prayed for Macie and our family.  I hope that everyone that has kept us in their prayers will notice a special blessing given to them.

Another neat thing that happened.  TJ trailers gifted Justin and Natalie with some $$$ since our Insurance stinks.  We continue to find out we always have more to pay.  Anyway a few weeks ago Justin had a special experience of following the spirit and giving all he had and because of it he was blessed by the business.  I had a strong impression that the business will be blessed also.  I know we are but I'm going to watch for it.  

I love Heavenly Father and His plan for each of us.  I love how his plan involves each of us and how it is through others we are blessed and through us others are blessed.  Heavenly Father is so kind to let us all be a part of this.  I notice more and more how very involved we really are.  It's so cool!

He Loves Me

Today I got up and got the grands ready for school and took them.  I had a half hour to stop at Hobby Lobby to look for a frame to put a picture in for Connor. (his mom passed on Monday)  I found what I wanted and ended up getting a few things to go with the Temple pictures I am making for the grands for Christmas.  I was a little late getting to Mindy's to pick her up so we could go visiting teaching.  We got back on schedule and had nice visits with our new sisters.  Mindy is now my partner instead of visiting teacher and we go visit Jill and Courtnie.  I needed a change and this seem like a good one.  I had little treat bags and a book mark for them.  We had great visits with both of these gals and we will try to catch Shelley another evening since she works every day.

I was meeting the "Fun Bunch" for lunch and decided to stop by home first to go potty.  There was a note on my door saying that I had missed the delivery guy from a flower shop.  I could either reschedule a time or pick them up.  I decided since I was going to be in town I would just pick them up.  I was shocked when they brought out this huge arrangement of roses.  I bet my mouth was opened a little before I broke into a huge smile.  These were for me.  The gal helping me asked if it was my birthday or anniversary and I just smiled and said no...neither.  I couldn't believe all the roses...4 dozen.  They are so pretty and smell so wonderful.  I was just as surprised when she handed me a cute little bag.  I asked her if that was mine too and she said it was.  Flowers and Chocolate...the hubby loves me!  The card said: "You're the Very Best".  Boy or Boy...I'm not sure what I have done or need to do but this seriously made my day.  I thought again about people that say that flowers from their sweetheart are a waste of money.  Well this gesture of love means so much to me.  I thought about how I would have felt if I had just been given the money.  There is something wonderful about seeing these beautiful flowers and putting my nose in them to smell them that can't be replaced with money.  It's a wonderful way to say I LOVE YOU!  And the chocolate just topped it all off.  I love being loved by my sweet hubby.  I had a crazy thought pass my mind....I wondered if these would be my last flowers.  I don't feel like they will be but I did call Larry and tell him he'd better not die any time soon.  He's wonderful and I apparently he thinks I am too!

Lunch with the Fun Bunch

I love that we meet once a month for lunch.  I love getting together with these wonderful friends.  We met at the Pelican today and even though we had heard bad reviews we went and thought it was good.  I always enjoy myself with this bunch and just feel good when I leave.   

 Today was also Veteran's Day and even though I have always felt very grateful for all those that have served and do serve for our country this year I felt different.  I have more appreciation and gratitude for each and everyone of them and their families.  I wonder if it's because I slowly see our freedoms being taken from us.  Insurance is something we don't get to choose anymore. Everyone is forced to comply with the President and his demands.  It's an awful feeling and makes me so grateful for all the freedoms that have been fought for that I have always enjoyed and taken for granted. We as a Country have been blessed because of our Soldiers and I greatly appreciate them all. Carla's hubby is a Veteran and got to eat for free with others who have served right next to this place.  He came over and took some fun pictures after.

I had to make up another collage because there were a few times we were told to put on our silly faces and this is what we got.  Really?  It makes me laugh and really there is one more pic that belongs in her that I slipped in another collage.  Jodi wasn't ready and had a silly face and for some reason I was laughing as if I knew she was going to get caught with that expression.  This group really is sillier than they look.  I love them and I'm so thankful for each one and the friendships that we have.

A Year Older and Very Wise

Today I took Kathy to lunch for her birthday!  Her birthday is the day after my anniversary so needless to say we always go a little late.  I love this funny girl.  Kathy is always a blast to be around.  I gave her a Sunshine Bag because she sure does add Sunshine and Light to my life.  She always makes me laugh.  We talked about someone kind of hurting her feelings by saying "Well you sure make me feel better about myself".  As funny as that might be it wasn't funny that day to Kathy.  She had been stressed and she felt like it was a put down.  After hearing that we each said it to the other more than once. (if you know Kathy please don't bring this up)

After lunch we went to Gordman's so I could look for some black pants.  They had plenty but I realize I don't enjoy shopping and I guess I wasn't in the mood because after looking for a minute we headed over to the home goods.  I really enjoyed looking at everything over in that department.  I like to imagine and wish in that department.  I wish in the clothing department as well.  (that I was smaller)

I had Fun spending time with my fun friend.  I love this girl and I'm glad she got this friendship going.  Kathy was my RS President when I moved in and I loved having her visit me.  I guess she liked me right off too because we have been friends every since.

 

Weekly Tidbits

 This week I have tried a little harder to do a little more good.  The few things I remember....I went to change my mom's clock and scrub her tub.  When I was almost to my mom's a friend from Hooper called and needed a ride to work since she couldn't find her keys...I turned around and took her to work and then went to my mom's.  I also told my mom I would try to help her sell my dad's car. (sold in 3 hours after I posted it)  I am usually very mindful of other drivers and will slow down or stop to let someone in...I always feel good for doing that.  I made cookies and took them to the people helping with voting. I helped my kids with the grands~that good deed works both ways.  I called a friend who is sad.  I know there are more and I will continue to look for ways to help others.  Life is better when we are looking for ways to help others...everyone is blessed in the process.

Macie had an early doctor appointment so we had the kids spend the night to take a little pressure off Natalie.  I love how excited the little's get when they get to come and play.  They are so darn cute...every single one of them.  We had a good time in the short time we had.  So fun!

After taking Mya to school I went to vote.  I took my cute little bunny with me.  I believe this is the first time Parker has ever put on the bunny costume and I took him out in public.  He was an Alligator and Woody earlier.  I love this funny little guy.  He told me that sometimes he listens to his parents and sometimes he doesn't.....just out of the blue while we were driving.  He makes me laugh.

 I love the view from my kitchen window.  I love it more when there are cows crazing in the field.  I love the country.

 I made cookies since I had a few ripe banana's.  I love making cookies and I love eating them too.  I started limiting myself to only one banana cookie....the last one!  (I'm kidding I eat it and if there's still more of the others I eat more)

Lorraine was helping with the voting and mentioned for me to have Braxton  bring her cookies later.  I took a big plate for  her to share if she wanted.  It would be a long day if you didn't get a few treats right?

Friday I had to run into Costco to pick up some pictures and I decided to stop at Ross to see if they had any fun plates or bowls for the Holidays.  I did find some table clothes and on my way out I ran into Cindy Carty and while I was talking to her Jodi came by.  I was actually thinking of Jodi when I stopped here because she has cute Halloween dishes and I thought I might find some here...or maybe something cute for Thanksgiving.  I was thrilled to run into a few of my friends....especially Jodi! (I also saw my sister in laws mom)

I got to pick Ivy up early from school.  Even though she had just ate an hour before she said she was hungry.  I was really hungry and so we stopped.  Ivy really wasn't that hungry but we had a nice little lunch and visit anyway.  I love this child!

 I was excited to get a text from Barbie asking me if I was doing anything Friday night.  I knew there wasn't anything on the calendar but decided I'd better check with Larry to see what his plans were.  He said it would be fine if I went.  I think he was going with the missionaries.  (his new favorite past time)  Barbie and I went to a Boutique and it was fun.  I use to frequent boutiques more often but have slowed down the last few years.  It was fun and we both ended up filling a little shopping basket.  I got another countdown until Christmas. (I love them and have too many already)  I also bought my married kids a cute place mat where the kids can put a letter to Santa and leave him hot chocolate in a cute Santa mug.  I will give them those at our family party.  I also bought some chips and salsa for Larry to enjoy when I got home.  I love Barbie and I was really glad that she invited me to go with her. We had a good time and talked a lot!  The saying: Friends are good therapist comes to mind. ☺

Saturday we went to dinner with the Winters.  It's so hard finding times when all our schedules match but we did it....Sue lined this up.  Usually we need to go to Hawaii to visit these two.  We joke about that because sometimes it really does seem true.  These two are great friends.  We all get along really well and can talk about anything.  They told us that they are going to get four new grands this next year!  Fun Times!  I'm glad the Winters are our friends...they are some of the best people around.

When we got home from going with Alan and Sue, Trichelle and TJ brought there kids to us.  It was late but still better than trying to get them in the morning.  Trichelle and TJ are going to Hawaii since Larry and I couldn't swing it this time.  I don't feel too bad though because we get these cute grands while they are gone.  Plus, I really like to see my kids take time for themselves every once in a while.  I know they will have a great time.  I know we will have a great time with these cuties.

Braxton took Ivy to her Spanish Ward for their primary program since Mya and Parker had there program at the same time.  We had already gone to Ivy and Zaden's and I figured Braxton might enjoy the Spanish Program a little more than any of us since he understands and served in Mexico.  Mya and Parker did a great job and did their parts so well.  They got to write their own parts and I was impressed.  They each sang really well too.  I was one proud gramma sitting in the audience listening to them.  There is so much pride and happiness when you sit back and look at the one's you love.  I get that with my hubby, kids and grand kids.  I love that feeling....so warm and wonderful! ♥

I have a wonderful, marvelous, happy, fun, spiritual, fantastic, remarkable life!