Mallory's Birthday Lunch

Well Mallory has caught up with Kathy and I.  Today we celebrated her birthday...same place...same time. (Applebee's at 3:00)  We really did think we got a group shout of us but I guess the gal taking our picture didn't push the button hard enough because it wasn't there when I got home...thus the selfie of me. (I wanted to be in the picture too)  I love these two and I love our little lunch tradition of taking each other out a few times for each of our birthdays.  I love visiting and discussing and supporting each other.  It's just great having such wonderful friends.  We mentioned how fast the last 5 years have went!  We are not mid life but a ways past that.  It seems weird that we have lived longer than we are going to live. (reality is crazy sometimes)  We have shared so much of our lives together and it has been good.  Mal and I use to meet for lunch every Monday while we were young moms...that was life saving for me.  It's been fun growing up together.  We've all learned and experienced so much and we are all quite fabulous. (wink/wink...but true) The change in each of us is so good, and for that reason alone...growing older isn't so bad.  The journey through life is easier with wonderful friends and family.  Friends are very good listeners and they understand and can give really good advice.  I love Mallory and Kathy and I cherish their friendship!

Roses

These were left by my door today!  They are Larry's way of saying, "I Love You" and "I'm Sorry"!  I think they are beautiful and I think Larry is truly the Best!

My Thought

So Saturday I thought my battery in my car had died.  I had gone to a few of the grands soccer games and then before heading home I took Ivy to Swigs to get a drink and some cookies.  Ivy had won some free coupons for Swigs and so I was more than happy to take her, since I really like a little treat from there every now and then.  I got back in my car to go and turned the switch and absolutely nothing happened.  No click, no noise, just nothing.  I called Larry and since he wasn't able to leave work I called his dad. (times like this I'm so glad we still have gramps...and I miss my dad more)  Anyway, while he was coming I decided to pop the hood so that others would know why I was saving the spot next to me. While I had the hood open I looked at the battery. One of the knobs had a cover and when I lifted it up I noticed that a cable wasn't all the way down over the battery like it probably should be.  When dad got there he noticed that too and said that might just be the problem...it was!  I didn't need jumped...the cable just needed to be pressed down and tightened.

I got thinking.....Life is like the battery sometimes.  We feel empty and dead inside.  We might even question are purpose in life and think that there isn't any.  I was talking with a family member who thought just that.  I couldn't believe this person felt that way since.  They have so much going for them....is good at so many things.....attracts people like a magnet.....is such a hard worker....the envy of many!  I felt sad for this person and thought "their cable needs tightened".  Satan is good at slowly loosening our cables and making us think we are worthless.  The dude is a jerk!  Look around and start counting your blessings when you start feeling this way.  Plan things in your life if you aren't having fun.  You are the one that makes it fun...it really is up to each of us and not others to do that for us.  It's going to happen....your cable is going to jiggle a bit and you are going to notice it.  Don't quit but rather tighten the cable or ask someone to help you tighten it back on.  Being Grateful and Counting our Blessings energizes our own batteries...serving others gives it a good jump too.  Your choice though....it's always up to us individually with the Help of the Lord (never forget to ask Him for help) to keep our batteries full and charged.

The Diary of Anne Frank

Tonight I went to the Play with my "Playing" friends.  We went to The Blue Lemon before and the place was packed.  Tonight was Women's Conference and there were a lot of gals eating out before the session.  I didn't feel bad for missing because I don't mind watching it on the computer.  Isaac got to join us tonight because he needed to watch a play for his choir class.  He was the only guy in the restaurant that didn't work there.  He's a good sport and such a fun kid.

The play was interesting and well done.  I think it's time for me to get the book again and read it.  I'm sure I read it in High School but probably didn't pay to close of attention to what I was reading because I couldn't remember much.

Much of the fun is all the talking we do on the way down and back.  At some point tonight Natalie told me that she has been thinking about writing me a Thank You.  I guess one time Natalie mentioned how she doesn't like her picture taken because of her eyes and I told her she had "smiley" eyes and they were cute.  That meant a lot to her and she has felt better about her eyes ever since.  I'm glad I was able to brighten her life a little.  By Natalie telling me that I had it also brightened mine.  The drive home we talked about Ghosts and Angels.  We were home before we knew it and I was feeling good.

I came home to a tent set up in my piano room.  Larry and Jared went and bought a big tent for deer hunting and set it up so they would know it went before they got to where they are going hunt.  I wish I would have taken a picture but I think it was too late to think about it.

Book Club

Today we had Book Club!  I always enjoy Book Club even if we don't read that much.  I really enjoy getting together with these ladies.  They are all such good friends and it's so nice to have Loretta back from her mission.  We always seem to have more things going on and so we only get to chat for a few hours.  We do a lot of chatting.  We do spend a few minutes talking about the books we've read and sharing if others want.  I think I had read the most since last time and Susan borrowed one of my books.  A cute little lady stopped at our table and told us of a couple of books that she has read and I ordered one of them before she even left our table.  I was planning on going to Kevin's football game right after but ended up visiting with Suzie for quite awhile in the parking lot.  I did go to the game and got there just before half time and then I decided not to stay very long since it was so hot and I had forgot a chair.  I really wanted to be home and get some dinner ready before Larry got home too.  I sure enjoy all my little groups of friends....they are so much fun!

Food For Thought Friday

Food 4 Thought Friday!

A little feast without the calories!!

Go HERE to JOIN IN!!!

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Breakfast ~ If you could speak face to face with the Savior for a few minutes, what would you ask Him? first thought that came to me was "Am I doing enough...am I good enough....what is Your plan for me?"

Lunch ~ What is the longest line you have ever stood in? not sure what one was the longest but a few long lines I have stood in are.....lines at Lagoon, Disneyland or Disney World.  Waiting to get in to the Rosie O'Donnell show. (I didn't get in)  I did get in to the Jay Leno show once and even though I was the third in line we waited in it all day to get in. (we did get in to that show) I remember standing in a long line in Italy and I think it was to see the Statue of David.  Airport lines are long and so are some lines getting on or off a cruise ship. 

Dinner ~ How do you act or react when you are upset? I either can't stop my mouth or I cry.  I'm one that lets my feelings out most of the time but I am getting better about the volume of my expressions....I usually end in tears at some point.

Midnight Snack ~ What is in your purse right now? (If you don't own a purse, what is in your car glove box?) My purse is small but big enough to carry my phone.  That's why I even have a small purse now is to carry my phone.  I can also find lip gloss, keys, credit cards, air freshener, and a small camera in it.  My glove box has a little bag with my pictures and check book in it and the books that came with my car.

Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?) Take Time for YOU every now and then!  Do something that makes you happy and fills your bucket so that you are able to carry on with everything you need to do.

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Bear Lake with Friends

 

I love girl time and will go with friends as often as I can.  Larry is always good to let me go however I had the feeling that this time he wasn't so thrilled. (maybe just me thinking that)  I'm not sure what's on his mind or plate but I might have an idea....just not sure. (our communication could be so much better...never a strong point for us)  I decided to just have fun and enjoy the positive energy from my friends...my bucket needed a little filling.  Boy did it get full...I came home much happier than when I left.  On the way to the condo we saw this Giant Minion!  I pulled over because  it SHOUTED..Kodak Moment all over it!  Mr. "R" made us smile and laugh.  The farmer came home on his tractor and waved and then got in his truck and waved again at us.  I suspect people stop often to get pictures with this guy.  The sky was beautiful with the sun shining down...so peaceful.  

On the way up we stopped at Fredrico's  to eat.  I love their Ham Salad and it was as yummy as I remember it.  The one collage has a little bit of our story all in one.  We played a lot and even got dumped off a bench...well at least Kathy and I were dumped.  I'm really not sure how Jodi stayed on but she did.  It was hilarious and I seriously laughed so hard my face was hurting.  A moose walked through the playground outside the condo but we missed it and got a picture from a lady.  We were right there but not looking out...darn...we would have loved to see it.  We got lots of photo's and took advantage of every photo opportunity and even got creative on how to hold the phone/camera.  It was so much fun.  Monday night we watched the new Cinderella.  Kimleighel bought it so that we could watch it.  We loved it! We visited a lot.  I'm thankful that I was able to talk about some things bugging me...I'm thankful for the support my friends are to me!

Tuesday morning we got up and decided to go to breakfast.  Jodi needed to get in a run and so she took off for the Restaurant while Kathy and I got ready.  We got there about the same time and just before they stopped serving breakfast.  It was fun seeing the "older" people there...and there were quite a few.  Before we left three older ladies came in just a smiling and I thought "that will be us in a few (20) years.  A gentleman joined them and I doubt that will happen with us...but ...who knows? 

After breakfast we played around with some toys and the gal waiting for something was kind enough to be our photographer.  I think she enjoyed us as much as we did.  (that's what I meant to say) We think we are funny and do enjoy ourselves.  After Jodi showered and cleaned up we walked out to the beach.  That's when we found out we were about an hour late seeing the Moose.  We had a blast taking pictures.  I like our little set up for the camera.  It worked pretty good but a guy that was close by finally walked over and offered to help us out.  We got his picture too but I didn't feel like posting it.

On the way back to the condo we did some swinging....Kathy took those pictures.  It was fun but it was also hot and I was ready to find some shade.  I do not do well in the sun for very long.  Even as a child I'd get sick and weak if I was in the sun for too long.  It drains me and I was feeling it.  I went back to the condo and got me some water and sat outside in the shade.  It was peaceful and nice.  Kathy and Jodi went to find the lady with the picture of the Moose.

 Part of our plan while at Bear Lake was to crochet around burpies.  We were able to get quite a few done.  We listened to the Bee Gee's while we acted like "grannies"...."glamorous grannies".  I was pretty pleased with all we got done.

We decided to go to dinner at Cafe Sabor.  There isn't much open this time of year in Bear Lake.  Because it isn't always busy at this time of year this place didn't have much help.  One guy was doing everything and he was busy.  Of course it didn't matter to us because we weren't in a hurry.  We went back and watched "The Fault in Our Stars" while we continued crocheting.  It was a really good show.  Another fun part about getting away is actually watching a movie.  I seldom take the time at home because there are so many other things I think I should be doing.  After the show Jodi and Kathy kept asking "Siri" funny questions.  We are easily entertained and laughed a lot.  I didn't use my phone much because my provider stinks and I don't get reception in Bear Lake or Hawaii. (yes...I will be changing that)

Those few days went fast.  In fact they went faster than getting ready to leave did. (j/k)  We were sitting around chatting when I thought it would be a good idea to get ready first and then play games or whatever before we needed to leave.  It was 10:00 when I suggested that.  Kathy decided not to shower since it takes her hours to get ready when she does.  (it still took her hours...not sure why)  Jodi and I were cleaning the condo while Kathy got ready and then Kathy came out and cleaned it more....even going over what we had done.  So by the time everything was done it was the time that I wanted to leave. I really thought we would have an hour or so to play games. I knew we were going to make a few stops and I wanted to be home in time to make dinner before Larry got home.  It's a good thing I did because that was the first words out of Kimleighel's mouth..."what's for dinner". (I hate that!)

We took time to look for four leaf clovers and it didn't take long at all for Jodi to find one!  Then we went to the lighthouse for some pictures because Jodi loves lighthouses.  For the ride home we stopped at Chevron to get a raspberry shake to share.  They really do have the best!  Thank goodness we all wanted some water afterwards because that is when Kathy realized that she didn't have her cooler.  It was still sitting on the counter in the condo. haha ☺  Turning around at this point was no big deal at all and I thought it was funny. (good thing our heads are attached)

The drive home was beautiful.  The leaves had changed colors in those two days.  We were ewwing and awwing all the way through the canyon.  It was the perfect ending of our fun get away.  I love, love, love the fall leaves!

We talked about starting an Annual Gratitude Glam-ma Tea Party.  We made plans of dressing up and what to serve.  To get everyone little gloves to wear and to have Gratitude Journals to write down the good things in our lives.  I thought it would be nice to have little cards to write nice things about everyone who comes.   We also talked about how important it is to smile. ☺  Jodi told us a story about a guy who decided to smile at every single person he saw....you just never know who will be affected by it.  One guy had been thinking about taking his life.  He had also prayed and told God that if just one person acknowledged his presence then he wouldn't.  A smile is so magical that is can actually save another person's life.  I'm all for smiling...Smiling really is my Favorite!

My computer was ready to pick up and so I did on the way home.  I was home in time to make dinner which was appreciated I'm sure.  My "bucket" was fuller than when I left and I was feeling good!  It really is important to take time for yourself no matter how you do it.

Another Baby to Love On

Behrenger came to our house today!  Kimleighel is tending for Trichelle and she shared with me.  I love kissing on little ones...they are so sweet and cute and lovable. Babies are wonderful!

A Baby Holding Day

Today I got to enjoy a few of my grands.  I do enjoy watching them play.  I love seeing their little personalities form.  Carla came and hung out with us today and my little girls were cautious of her and kept an eye on her.  They kind of warmed up to her but I thought it was interesting especially with Sadie...she'd let Carla touch her a few times before pulling away but she always pulled away.

I was glad that Kimi  and Jaydan were home today.  They are such big helps.  Kimleighel is so loving and get the babies to sleep when they get tired.  Sadie didn't take long naps today at all.  She had three little half hour naps but that's okay since she is so cute and pretty happy when she is rested.  Macie is a Cookie Monster and talked me into letting her have three cookies today.  She had yogurt but only used it to dip her cookie in after she found out we had cookies.  (she's a girl after me)

My visiting teachers came today which always makes my day brighter.  They love me and compliment me all the time.  Ruth loves Carla now too and told me to be sure to take good care of her.  I always like to give Ruth and Janeen treats when they come and this time I gave them cookies from Swigs that me, Carla and Kathy bought yesterday.

When Natalie came to get Macie, Mya had this hat on.....when pigs fly.  She got it for selling candy bars for a fund raiser.  She's such a cutie!

We finished the evening off by attending the Hooper First Wards High Priest cookout. Larry was made the High Councilman over this ward and he sure does love them!

(I'm hoping I get my computer doing the things I need it to do...and soon!)

Food 4 Thought Friday

Food 4 Thought Friday! 

A little feast without the calories!! 

Feel free to play along for some yummy fun! Go Here to JOIN IN!!!

 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥   

Breakfast ~ What is embarrassing you the most in your life right now? it's actually embarrassing to even admit.... There are times lately that I stand up and take a step and and I "toot"! YIKES!..I'm taking after my mom who took after her mom.  I have never been a gas-ee person and so I am quite embarrassed by this.

Lunch ~ What is something that surprised you this week? I am surprised how much I depend on my computer.  It died Sunday and I have felt lost without it.  I still have connection to social media but I really like my computer.  It's where I blog and upload my pictures and print handouts.  I really miss it!

Dinner ~ What is your favorite bumper sticker?

This has got to be one of the best messages out there!  Too many accidents are being caused because people are distracted because of their phones or other electronic devices while driving!  No message is more important than your life or someone else!

Midnight Snack ~ What do you usually give for wedding gifts? I like giving decorations for homes and usually give a picture of Christ.  I figure you can't have too many pictures of Christ in your home.  Heck, I have at least one picture of Christ in every room including the bath room.

Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)  You can be Happy and Productive even when life throws you a curve ball. 

When you smile your day will be better...it really does happen!  Smiling is Magical!

I made this thought up this week.  I have been trying to encourage someone that I love and is focusing so much on the negative things happening..."her reality".  Negative energy draws more negative energy...positive energy generates more positive energy.  Our thoughts are very powerful and we need to be sure to be pay attention to the good things happening and try to focus on them.  

ex...I was told: "I don't have $$$ to treat myself to ice-cream because I had to pay for a window. Instantly I thought...wow....that's so good that you could pay for the window.  Thinking positive can become a habit...I know because I have made it one of mine.  I too had a big misfortune this week and had to get a new computer but I'm thankful that we could afford it even though our $$$ is tight right now too.

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Lot's Happening

Today started off by going bowling.  The fall or winter season started and so I'm back to paying for my fun on Thursdays.  I enjoy spending those few hours with Carla and the rest of my friends that I have made because of bowling.  I bowled well today but could care less about my scores and so I forgot them.

After bowling I had Carla run with me to get cookies for Special Needs Mutual which started tonight.  Dale, the men's President, wanted Ice Cream Sandwiches but since I was put in charge of getting them I chose to get cookies since they were easier and much less $$$.  The activity tonight turned out great.  It was our first time together since the summer and the Muskrat Springs Ward came and did it for us.  They had 10 tables with different "minute to win it" activities.  We put the participants in groups and they rotated.  It went smoothly and the kids all had a great time.  I think it was a perfect start for this year.  We really appreciate the wards and people that come and participate with the special needs.  I love watching everyone interact...it thrills me.  (Heather Anderson is one of the best people born and this is her second time in organizing their mutual to come...I appreciate her so much for all her efforts...the men's President said the activity was perfect!)

After collecting cookies I talked Carla and Kathy into going with me to DUP (Daughters of Utah Pioneers) with me.  I was talked into joining and didn't want to go alone.  They both decided to join too even though Carla doesn't have any pioneer ancestors and isn't a member of our church.  It doesn't matter and she is still welcomed and can join.  I'm excited that they wanted to because it will make it much more fun for me.  I enjoyed hearing the stories of different pioneers...and the "free lunch" was delicious.  We all even brought some home for our hubbies.  

I picked plums from Kathy's tree so that Larry had something to take to our Ward's Dutch Oven Cook Off....he didn't end up even eating there.  He also took the cookies I brought home from DUP.  ☺

Fun...Fun...Day!

It's Life

Julie's Birthday

I love Julie!  I'm so glad that Kevin and Julie both decided to go the Young Adult cook-out so they could bump into each other.  I'm also very glad that Julie didn't mind letting Kevin know that she was interested and that he did his part in pursuing Julie.  Julie is a wonderful addition to our family.  Each kid has their own specialties and talents.  Some of Julie's are....she's kind, soft spoken, she's organized, thrifty, a planner, determined in what she wants, friendly and easy to get to know and love.  She's a good mom and wife and her family is her first priority.  She is good at involving her family and our family in a lot of their fun. I really think that Julie's best friends are her family and extended family.  She's a keeper!

City Creek

for now this is the only picture I have for this fun day at city creek. still trying to figure out to to upload my pictures to my new computer....so frustrating

On my birthday, Pam had messaged me saying that we needed to meet up again.  I agreed immediately and decided that we had better get it on the calendar or it wouldn't happen.  Pam is so fun and I'm so glad our missionaries encouraged us to be friends...they knew we would love each other and they were right!  Pam brought her cousin Carlene and I brought Jodi and Kathy.  It's too fun of a day not to include others.  Since I brought treats to hand out last time we met Pam decided to bring treats this time.  I really enjoy handing out treats to strangers.  Everyone is caught of guard and not really sure how to react.  The last candy bar I had was hard to give away.  The first two people wouldn't take it and the last one was very skeptical.  I guess I'm not the only one with "trust" issues.

I also think that people aren't use to kindness for no reason...so sad but true.

We had a blast!  We had our own little puppet show in the toy store.  The music was great and so we danced with our puppets that we were playing with.  The gal that worked there helped me find a pony for my cowgirl and then she took our picture....she got a candy bar for being so nice.  I decided instead of bringing headbands or something crazy that I would bring everyone a cute Halloween Decoration.  I had a few extra's in my purse and so before we met up with Pam and Carlene I gave one of the figurines to a young mom that took our picture.  It made her smile and I bet she smiled again when she opened it. (yep..I had them wrapped)

It was a fun day celebrating with my friends while my birthday boy was at school.  I always try to have fun on my kids birthdays..."their" day is equally as important to me.  I'm so thankful for my hubby, kids and friends.  Life would be boring without them.

Jared's 17

Seventeen years ago my oldest child was 17 and I delivered my youngest who is now 17.  This kid makes me smile.  He tells me he loves me every single day multiple times.  He still likes to sit close to me and lay his head on my lap.  He is such a sweetheart!

I'm not sure if I have ever shared how Jared's name came to be so I will now.  When I was expecting Trichelle the boy name we had chosen was Jared Joe.  Of course since we were blessed with a girl we put that name aside.  When number two baby came and was a boy we thought we would name him Jared Joe except there was already a Jared in the little, itty bitty town we lived in (Samaria, ID).  I thought it was weird to have more than one kid named the same name and so we went through all the "J" names that were so popular at the time and decided on Justin.  So Justin Joe is the name of our first son.  The name, Jared, never came up again until it was time to deliver baby number seven.  I was planning on naming this son Landon Larry.  Larry didn't like that name and usually he doesn't say and so I asked him what name would he like?  He thought about it and said: Jared.  I smiled and asked Larry if he remembered that was the name we had first chosen.  He didn't remember that at all and just said he liked it.  Well of course I liked it but now I needed to come up with a middle name to go with it...we used "Joe" with Justin.  That summer before Jared was born we took the family to the Church Historical sites in Nauvoo, Palmyra and Kirkland and so we decided on Joseph.  Joseph is also the name of Larry's grandfather and where Joe came from.  There you go...that's how he got his name.  I had a friend tell me that Jared just wasn't ready to be born when we had first chosen the name and so it had been saved for him.  That just might have happened in a round about way.

Jared chose to go to LaFerrovia for his Birthday dinner.  I enjoyed listening to him chat with us.  I love this baby of mine and I'm so glad that he is still around celebrating birthdays.

Robin's Birthday Lunch

I had errands to run today....one was to take our computer in to see if it could be fixed.  (It can't)  I called Carla to see if she wanted to run with me and she was still in Alpine at her brothers but was coming home to take Robin to lunch since her birthday was yesterday (same as Shari), she invited me to join them.  Robin was really happy and I had a great time.  After lunch we went to Seagull Book because I had just bought an outfit and decided that it cost too much..after taking it back I didn't feel like going anywhere else and so I went home.

We took Kevin and Julie out for their birthdays tonight and they chose Rodizio Grill at the Gateway.  It was fun visiting with them there and back.  The food filled me up and even though I was planning on ordering the chocolate cake to bring home I didn't.  In my opinion that chocolate cake is the best cake anywhere.  

Grandparents Day

This morning I was greeted by two of my cute grands wishing me Happy Grandparents day.  Kam made a cute mug and drew a cute picture.  It was so cute and thoughtful of them.  These little ones of mine make my heart happy.

Tonight our computer quit!  We couldn't turn it on without it turning immediately off...I depend on my computer and I am not thrilled that it isn't working.

Mac'n Cheese Meme

Mac'n Cheese Meme

Can you ever get enough of mac ‘n’ cheese?
 I do love it (especially homemade)  but do know when to stop.
Are you allergic to nuts or diary products?
 no...however dairy sometimes gives me a tummy ache.
Do you think age matters in relationships? for me it does...I think it's weird to see others with partners who could be their parent or child.
Has anyone ever called the cops on you? yes...when I was a young adult a group of us were shooting bottle rockets over the hill of Washington Terrace.  The police came but nothing else happened.
Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night? I always talk to Larry but he is the one that always falls asleep...I must bore him .
What’s the connection between the last person you texted? long time friends.  We met because we lived in the same Ward and I was her visiting teacher....oh how I love her!
Are you in a good mood? Yes....I usually am!
Excited for anything? 
I'm excited for the kids to all come tonight for dinner...and this week is filled with fun!
Do you have a hard time controlling your emotions? I have a hard time controlling my tears caused from my emotions of happiness or sadness.
Do you like your height? sure but I preferred being taller when my short waist was a little bit longer.  (I shrunk two inches five years ago)
How long have you lived in your current home? Twenty three years...we like it here!
Could you go a week without brushing your teeth? absolutely not! yuck...I gag just thinking of that.
Have you ever given any amount of money to the homeless? yes...but not much and the experience was awesome.
Own anything from Bath & Body Works? yes..lots of body wash and lotions that others have given me.
Have you ever had your nails so long that they curved down at the ends?
 No...I would never let them get that long but I also don't need to worry about that because they break by themselves at a certain length.
Have you ever swallowed a bunch of salt water by accident? In the Ocean I have...it's hard not to if you get caught in a wave.
Does it take you over an hour to go to sleep sometimes? Often these days it does take me longer than an hour.
When you get home from school/work do you change into your pjs right away? No but I would love to.  There is always much more going on that requires me to be dressed.
Have you ever stayed up all night and the whole next day without any sleep? Yes and it gives me a headache.
Has anyone ever told you that you have pretty feet? actually they have referred to as cute. 
What is the temperature currently in the town you live in? 80's during the days...the nights are nice and cool.
 Do you ever actually drink milk alone? We always drank milk when I was growing up with our meals and even with our first kids were little.  For some reason it's water now.  I do have a son that drinks milk alone at every meal.

Saturdays....Busy....Fun

 Saturday's are fun and can be busy.  Right now Parker and Kamryn are playing soccer.  Kamryn plays at 9:00 every week and Parker plays at 11:00. (actually he practices from 11:00-11:30 but he likes me to watch him practice..his games are at 11:30)  It's been fun watching the kids...I can already see improvement.  Today Kam scored 3 goals and both of my grands teams won.

While I was at Parker's game I got a text from Kathy asking me if I was coming to the Blackfoot Fair.  I was going to try to go but had so many other things that I didn't feel like giving up.  Her text triggered my memory of Cassie's shower.  I had Cassie's gift but had kind of forgot that her shower was today.  After the soccer games I went home and her gift wrapped and then I went to the shower. It was a family shower and I recognize most of the people since I usually do get invited to the family showers....and Yes that makes me feel good!  I love the Mark family!  I loved when Cassie introduced me with a big smile on her face as a very good, long time friend!  I'm so happy for Cassie!  I'm thankful for the Mark family...one of the best and closest families I know!

I left the shower so I could go watch Kamryn do a Triathlon.  Her Uncle Rick and his friends put this together for the kids.  They started by swimming in the Dunkley pool.  They had to swim a few laps and it was different for each age group.  Kam is a fast swimmer and was the first out of the pool in her group.

Then they had to dress and get on their bikes.  Kamryn was a bit hesitant and unsure where she was to go.  She got going in the right direction and really started moving when she felt confident in where she was to go.  Lynette (her other grandma) and I followed in my car so that Lynette could video Kam.

The last part was running which is Kamryn's least favorite.  She did a great job though.  She didn't slow down except when she passed the parents but she was encouraged to keep going and she did.  Kamryn acted a little shy today which is something I don't see a lot.  Even in the group picture she was standing just a bit away from all the other kids-that just happen to all be cousins.

I'm proud of Kamryn for trying everything and doing her best at it.  She has many talents and abilities and I like that she is exposed to them early so she can choose the ones that fit her best.

***Later we took a little "Care Package" to Justin's family...oh how they are loved! ♥

Little Acts of Kindness make a Difference

The last week I have been getting some nice texts from some of my friends....let me just say that they make me smile and they are greatly appreciated!  I think Julie must have set a goal or something because she is sending me a nice text every single day.  They are nice and loaded with compliments and expressions of love!  I have prayed over and over that they aren't tender mercies....I hope Julie is healthy and fine and still has many years here to be enjoyed.

Then yesterday while I was visiting with my nieces (Alexi and Shay) I was sharing with them how Larry had been prompted to call their dad before he was made Bishop.  Larry knew that he was suppose to tell Mark that he was proud of him for staying active in the Church and raising his family in the Church when he hadn't been.  He was suppose to compliment Mark for all his goodness.  Larry knew that before he knew Mark was going to be a Bishop.  It HIT me....Heavenly Father was using Larry as His mouthpiece!  Even though Larry thought those same exact things, those thoughts came from Heavenly Father through the Holy Ghost who "prompted" him!  Heavenly Father does that but often we don't recognize it.  I started reading the texts Julie sent me as if Heavenly Father were saying those things because I truly feel like Julie was Prompted to text me and say the things she did.  She is really good at listening and following her promptings.

I love how truly involved Heavenly Father is in our lives.  I hope and pray that I will know what He needs me to say and do for His children!  I know there are times when I am following the "spirit" and doing those things that I am prompted to do but I also know that I am probably missing way to many.  I guess that is something that I will work on being better at....listening to and recognizing the promptings I get and to follow through with them.  I really do what to be an instrument for Heavenly Father.

Lunch with My Girls

September 11....a Day we will Always Remember...the day the Twin Towers came Down.

No matter what I am doing on this day I always think back to 2001 when our Nation was attacked by terrorists...when I watched planes fly right through the Twin Towers.  My stomach always hurts and I shed a few tears but we carry on.  I got to carry on with a few of my grands. (Jordyn was a few days ago) I got to play with Macie and Parker while Natalie went to her doctor appointment.  She returned with sad news....there is no heart beat.  My heart goes out to Natalie and her family.  We all get our hopes up and before every child there has been at least one miscarriage and sometimes two.  I told Natalie that she might get to the other side and be overwhelmed with all her children that might be there waiting for her. (I don't know if that happens or not...but I think it might)  Natalie was pretty good and had been prepared in a way for this day. I was the one crying as I held her two little ones on my lap looking at them through new eyes....what miracles they truly are.

Today I got to take all my girls to lunch.  I love these gals.  They are all such wonderful examples to me.  I really do learn so much from each of them.  They are so much better than I was at their ages which is what I have always prayed for.  They are so beautiful...inside and out!  I am thankful that we had an opportunity to all be together and enjoy each others company.  Since Julie's birthday is next Wednesday..we had them sing to her.  I really enjoy the little ones that get to join us...it's their time now.  Each little one has such a cute personality...I love them all so much!  Life is Good!