Happy 90th Ruth

I love this young, enthusiastic, charming, funny, witty, smart, spiritual, loving friend of mine!  The list of adjectives could go on and on...Ruth is simply amazing.  I want to be like Ruth when I grow up which means I'd better start walking.  Ruth walks three miles every day and I've heard if she doesn't have anything to say then she sings.  Ruth is a good person.  Today in Sunday School the teacher made the comment that we all sin throughout the day and need to continually pray for forgiveness.  That bothered Ruth because she doesn't sin.  I am working on being like that.  I don't sin big but I do find myself asking forgiveness every now and then.  My constant prayers are more about "thanking" Heavenly Father for tender mercies.  Things that I notice and realize His hand was a part of it.  So instead praying constantly for forgiveness I pray constantly to thank my Heavenly Father. Hmmm....sounds a lot like Ruth!

Ruth had a big celebration at her house tonight!  There were lots of people coming and going and I know Ruth must feel the Love everyone has for her.  She is such a great example to everyone and we are blessed to know this wonderful lady.  Ruth is a Favorite of Mine!

Blessed Sunday

I love Sundays!  I love going to Church and feeling the Spirit.  I love partaking the sacrament and renewing my covenants with my Heavenly Father and starting fresh.  I love learning more about the scriptures.  I especially love that my kids come home on Sunday for dinner.  I love having my little grands run in to give me a hug.  I love that a few of the little ones love me to pick them up and hold them.  I love seeing my kids interact with each other and their cute families.  Tonight Natalie brought a plate of cookies with a cute note on it.  "If I'm going to get Fat, so are You!"  I thought it was cute and in my head I was thinking..."wow, she must of had a lot of left over cookies from the Bridal Shower she threw for her niece."  Justin had to help me out and say that Natalie's fat would be different from ours.  Immediately tears came to my eyes.  We have all been praying for another little one for their family.  Natalie changed doctors and had found out why she was miscarrying and having a hard time getting pregnant.  Those issues have been taken care of and now another miracle is happening.  I'm so excited and our next few grands will be a few weeks apart from each other.  Nat is due a few weeks after Kelsi!  Oh Happy Happy Day!  (March)  I made sure to hold the twins today since I didn't on my birthday.  I love how sweet and pure babies are.  I really love that our family keeps being blessed with littles.  I like what Larry and I started!

The Winters

We have been trying to get together with the Winters for a few months now.  Our schedules just haven't worked out until tonight.  A while back Sue text me and said that they felt like going to dinner with us at the Blue Dolphin in Kauai.  We decided that we would love to go and the timing worked out for us.  I was kind of shocked but so excited because we love vacationing with Alan and Sue.  Alan and Sue picked us up at our house even though they are now living in Centerville.  They thought driving down memory lane would be kind of fun.  We enjoyed a nice dinner at LaFerrovia and then they took us to their new house to show us where they were now living.  It's a very cute house...I love it!  Who'd of thought that our dear friends would leave Hooper?  Not I but they are happy and doing great.  I even think I could once we decide to downsize.

I can't remember talking much about Hawaii or coordinating anything.  I know we did decide to just roll with the flow and not really plan anything until we got there.  Oh, and I remember hearing that the condo we got has the worst view...no biggie...I think we had that room once before and it really doesn't matter.  Like Alan or Sue said..."the worst view in Hawaii beats the best view in Utah."  I'm excited!

Boating with the Sells

We took Shari's family out boating today.  Shari's funny and instead of asking Larry right off if we had time to take them boating she asked if they could rent our boat and have dad take them.  We laughed at that.  Dad had never been in our boat until today...not that we hadn't tried to get him out, he just would never go.  I guess having his cute daughter and her family pressure him was what he needed.  We had a really good time.

The weather has been hot and so the water is nice and you don't get cold after being in the water.  I didn't get in today since Larry and I were going out with friends later and Larry only plans on the time he needs to get ready.  I made him aware of that fact today but I still didn't get in.  I wanted everyone to have as much time as possible.  I don't mind though, I enjoy taking pictures and watching everyone else enjoy themselves.  My days of skiing have passed, my back can't take it.

The cousins had some good bonding time today.  They really did have a great time jumping off the tower, riding on the water weenie, wake boarding and knee boarding.  I think Jared might have got jipped today but he seemed okay with it.  Larry kept telling our kids that we should let their cousins have the time and we would take them out again later.  I told Larry that maybe it's fun showing off for cousins more than for parents.  I know for sure that Jared didn't get to wake board.  We had him jump in and pulled him up a few times to show Cameron how but as far as getting a ride...that didn't happen.  It all worked out though and I know that The Sell's had a good time.  Cameron likes trying everything.  Heck, Shari even got out there and rode the weenie and the whole family tried the knee board.

I watched dad and could tell that he was enjoying himself.  He laughed and smiled a lot...seriously we all did. I really enjoy boating with our family and including others when we can.

If we wouldn't have had more plans for tonight we would have stayed out longer.  I'm glad Shari wanted to take her family boating and that we were able to take them.  Good Time..Happy Memories!

Lunch With Teresa

I couldn't help but share all the selfies we took of us today.  Teresa was not happy with them and as I looked over them I laughed because we had such a hard time trying to get a good picture of us.  Why are we so critical of ourselves?  I think we listen to the whisperings of Satan too much.  I think Teresa is so beautiful!  We went to Even Steven's again because we kind of really like it. It was so yummy.

Teresa is such a caring person and would give her last dollar to a stranger if she felt like they needed it.  As we talked today I made a promise to Teresa that I hope was inspired. I promised her that she would always have enough since she always was giving and taking care of others.  Right now she is helping her grandson who tried taking his life last weekend.  The only way he survived was because of divine intervention...I am pretty sure he realizes it.  Teresa talked to him very openly and was gracious enough to give him a fresh start.  She took care of his debt that was stressing him out.  It wasn't huge but for a 20 year old it was overwhelming.

I love this friend of mine that I met only four years ago through face book.  She is such a blessing and a wonderful example to me.  I believe our friendship happened with the help of "angels".  We were meant to be friends.  Teresa noticed through face book memories that we also went to lunch last year on this same day.  I guess this day belongs to Teresa.  Oh how I love and adore her!

***Teresa gave me a bag of delicious chocolates!  She had quite a variety and when I stopped by Larry's shop on my way home I shared with everyone including some customers.  I like sharing...it makes me happy!  (I need to keep sharing since my chocolate stash in over flowing)

***I went with Larry tonight to return a tractor to Kevin's house and take back a trailer to the shop.  While we were talking Larry told me that he had mentioned to one of his employees that I was the happiest person he knew.  Having him say that made me extremely happy and it pushes me to keep it up.  I would love being remembered for being a happy person.  ☺

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!!! 

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Breakfast ~ What are three staples you always have in your fridge?  Milk, cheese, and tortillas (I could also add eggs) Pantry? Pasta, soups, canned veggies.

Lunch ~ What is one dinner you remember most from you childhood and why? My mom's fried chicken and fried pork chops.  Both of these dishes were so yummy.  My mom was a great cook.  She breaded her chicken with a homemade flour mixture and her pork chops were breaded with cracker crumbs. (I realize I don't stop at one)

Dinner ~ What is one thing you like to know about someone else? I like knowing about their families and I like knowing if they are honest or not. (see I did it again)

Midnight Snack ~ What was the best and worst thing of your week? The best thing was I turned 56! I love celebrating my birthday! I'm glad I'm where I'm at in life.  The worst thing was being so sick.....I don't like being sick and don't have much patience of being slowed down because of it. Another bad thing (oops did it again) is I received a phone call from the guy that is over camp Liberty asking me where I was.  I told him eating with my hubby for my birthday.  He said we were suppose to be at camp this weekend.  I am 100% positive he got it wrong...I would have remembered if I was suppose to be camping on my birthday.  I know without question we scheduled for August 11-13.  We scheduled before the boys and they were able to get the first part of the week.  I guess a Youth Conference group bumped us and now we don't have anywhere to go.  I did my best to just accept that news and roll with the huge punch to the gut.  We will be having a few day camps now instead so that we can still enjoy everything our wonderful camp director has planned for us.

Recipe for the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for the week?) Eat Chocolate!  If you don't have any come over and I will hook you up!  Chocolate is good for the soul and makes you happy...or at least it does to me!

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It's My Birthday....My Mom told me I was "26"

Phone message from my mom: "Good Morning Dawn Marie Stone Ropelato. Today is your 26 birthday....26th birthday.....nope.....not 26 it's 56" ☺ I'm not going to lie I laughed out loud and gave the angels a high five.  Then my mom said she was going to sing me a song but she just said the words instead of singing them and actually forgot the words...she seriously made me laugh. ☺  Oh I love my mom and that was a fun way to start off my 56th Birthday.

Actually my birthday started off in the morning while I was in bed.  Larry got Kimleighel and Jared up and they came down and sang to me.  Larry and Jared had each got me a card and Larry had sent me flowers and got a cake the night before.  The cake was kind of funny too.  Larry had called and ordered it and he asked for different colored roses around the cake.  He was disappointed when he picked it up and almost traded it for one on the shelf.  His story made me laugh.

Debbie Peterson went to Ed Week in Idaho and asked me sub for her at bowling.  I decided that would be fun to do on my birthday, surrounded by beautiful, fun women and so I did.  Shirley had surprised me with balloons, a birthday centerpiece, party hats and a gift.  Carla made brownies with chocolate frosting for everyone.  They were so yummy.  I took the biggest piece and it lasted the whole time I was bowling.  Since I am born on National Milk Chocolate Day (I know, perfect day for me to be born) I took all the other teams Hershey bars with a little note on it.  I like sharing chocolate with others as much as I like enjoying it myself.  I really had a great time and felt so loved when everyone sang to me.  It sounded like a medley but really wasn't...that too made me laugh out loud! 

Carla and I stopped by my mom's before picking Robin up for lunch.  Carla enjoys my mom and I know it's because she misses hers so much.  Carla is so sweet and my mom adores her.  My brother and his girlfriend Carrie came back while we were there and Bennett gave me sweet card a little $$$.  He's so thoughtful and kind and I'm so glad he is back in our lives.  I love everything about my cute brother.  He's fixing my moms backyard up and it's looking so wonderful...he's a good guy.

Robin and Carla took me to the Greenery for lunch.  I love going there and these two gals make it really fun.  Carla spoiled me with a few nice gifts.  She told me she got me things I would like and a few things she liked.  The things she liked are the picture frame like she has and the cheese grater.  The things I would like are the bag with "make your soul happy" printed on it and a bracelet that says "positive mind, positive vibes, positive life."    I loved everything.  Robin paid for our lunches.  I love these two gals and I'm glad that we ended up being such good friends.  I'm not even sure how things fell into place the way they have but it's fun.

When I got home Kimi had a cute gift waiting for me.  Mountain Dew and two Almond Joys.  I have been craving Almond Joys lately and she just knew.  I appreciate Kimleighel so much.  Kimleighel always has my back.  If I am tending the grands and have something like "going to lunch" or "being sick" she is happy to take over.  Kimi is one who compliments me on a daily basis and is very affectionate. She makes me smile. ☺

Larry took me to dinner but I really wasn't very hungry and so chose to go to Applebees.  I knew I could have something light and Larry could fill up.  I ended up ordering a meal that Larry could enjoy for lunch the next day.  I ate the shrimp off the chicken and had a bit of chicken and a bite of the potatoes and called it good.  That's one thing about me going out so much....Larry likes my left overs.

We invited all the kids over for ice cream and cake.  I got lucky and Natalie brought the left over, homemade ice cream she had from giving her niece a bridal shower the night before.  Everyone had a good time and some even stayed until after 10:00 playing games.  Kamryn, Mya and Parker all made me cards that I will put in my memory book.  I think the parents have given up on making memory pages but I'm still hoping that I will get more over the years...because I love them. (I found 3 from Julie in my emails..woot woot)  Trichelle's family brought me a bag of some of my favorite candy bars and Natalie's family had the same idea.  They brought me a cute tote full of candy bars and different types of yummy chocolate.  I have enough chocolate to last until my next birthday.  I love the note on the tote, it say's "We Love You more than You Love Chocolate and that's a whole lot of Love."  I couldn't help but smile.  Kevin and Julie always take us out to dinner for our birthdays and we will be doing that in a few weeks. It works out that her parents birthdays are very close to ours.

I played games with the kids for a while and then I tried to reply to the birthday greeting sent to me on face book.  Every message made me smile.  I wasn't able to respond to everyone that night since it was so late.  I realized I didn't even hold the twins tonight but I did soak in there cuteness by looking at them.  I enjoyed listening to Natalie and Julie talk while the others were at the table playing games.  I love that my kids all get along so well.  I did hold my cute little girls a few times.  Jordyn loved being held tonight and a few times Macie wanted to be as well.  A few times I had them both in my arms at the same time.  It's funny when I pick one up the others cries until I am able to lift her up as well.  If Sadie would have been there (she was feverish and stayed home and we missed her and her cute mommy) I would have the three little girls in my arms again.  I think they might compete a little. ☺  I love them all and I'm glad they enjoy having me hold them.  I hope they always feel the love I have for each one of them.

So turning another year older wasn't so bad. In fact, I enjoy each new year.  I'm thankful for all of my blessings: my health, good neighbors and friends, my faith, my "gifts" which I am finally recognizing, my extended family and mostly  my wonderful family.  I am one very blessed Birthday Girl and I am constantly thanking Heavenly Father....He really does love me which means He really does love you too!

(A few of this sweet greeting was sent to me today!) 

I want to save this greeting from cute Tammy G since she took a little more time with it than I ever do.

"Happy, Happy Birthday my beautiful friend!

Dawn I hope you realize what a bright light you are and how your heart shines out and truly touches so many!  Take some time today and celebrate YOU and all of your awesomeness!!!!!  I am grateful to have you in my life, and blessed to call you my dear friend!  I hope you have the best Birthday ever....and an amazing year to come!  Mwahhhhh!!!!!!!"

***Larry asked me if I had heard from everyone that I had expected to and I replied "no."  My sister didn't contact me at all today.  One of her daughters and both of her son-in-laws did but not her. :( 

Lunch with Kellie

Kellie took me to Farr's on Washington Blvd today for lunch.  We knew it wouldn't be a busy place and I like that so we can visit better.  It's a cute little store.  I love old fashion soda places and this was like that.  We each had a sandwich and for an extra $1 you could get a "scoop" of ice cream.  There scoop is more like four scoops.  Both Kellie and I got Turkey sandwiches and pralines and cream/german chocolate ice cream.  It was so yummy and very feeling.  We had fun looking around after at the old fashion candies we use to enjoy and even the old toys.  There were boutique items on the other side of the store.  I really enjoyed everything about this place.  Kellie has good ideas. ☺

I love the one on one visits with my friends.  It's a time you can open up your heart and be completely honest.  I am so inspired by my dear friends and I always learn so much from them.  I know that Heavenly Father speaks to me on my one on one visits.  I hope I am used for Him to speak to my friends at these times as well.  Kellie is such a sweetie.  She doesn't have an unkind bone in her body even though she has been told otherwise.  I hope she doesn't believe it.  Kellie was so excited about the gift she gave me.  She said she came across it in January and had to get it for me.  I am just as excited about it.  It's a necklace that say "friends are the sunshine of life",  I LOVE it!  Having a little reminder around my neck is good. ☺  She also gave me chocolate....not sure others know or not but I really love chocolate. ☺ ha ha  A few hours flew right by and we needed to get home so Kellie could go visit teaching.  I had such a great time and said another prayer of "thanks" when she dropped me off.  I'm seriously the luckiest girl alive!

Trichelle got home from her little vacation tonight and the kids were happy to see her.  Actually they were happy but very content to just stay if they could have.  Behr improved on his "toddling" skills while she was away.  He likes walking and is getting more confident every day.  He cracks us up the way he stands up when he is in the middle of the floor.  He gets on one knee and just lifts himself without using his hands at all.  He's a strong little guys!   We enjoyed having Trichelle's Kids Over for the last few days.  They are easy and so enjoyable...just like all the others.  Ivy and Zaden love electronics and trade off playing on them.  I just have to add that Behr sleeps really good and I even had Kimleighel wake him up at 9:30 on Tuesday when I wasn't feeling good.

Doctor

I woke up this morning feeling yucky again.  My head was spinning and I was weak and lifeless.  I will say it now .... I am so thankful for my good health that I enjoy 99% of the time.  I can't handle being sick.  I don't feel like I have time to be sick. I have too much on the calendar and in my mind that I want or need to do and I actually feel guilty for being sick.  I was suppose to meet Tonya today and we were going to go to lunch for my birthday.  I tried taking a decongestant and even some pain reliever but it didn't do any good.  I ended up texting Tonya and cancelling our "date" and then I called the Doctor.  I was able to see a different doctor than the one I prefer just about any time of the day and so I gave myself a few hours so I could get ready.  I was so weak and dizzy I knew it would take me forever to even try to be presentable.  Just about the time I was almost ready, Tonya came.  I had a feeling she was going to come but wasn't sure why?  I dragged myself in to the family room to talk to her for a bit.  She had brought me a gift and also brought dinner for my family.  I had Trichelle's kids too and there was no way I was fixing anything.  She brought Lasagna, Salad and French bread, my family really appreciated it and so did I.  What a sweetie Tonya is.

Larry's dad drove me to the doc...he's nice like that!  When I was called back I answered all the questions while my head hung back and I sagged in the chair.  I was miserable and even though the thought of smiling and acting like I was fine did cross my mind I couldn't gear myself up to do it.  I told the assistant that she got to see everyone at their worst and we laughed about it.  My ears are congested but since I didn't have an infection she blew me off about them.  I knew they weren't infected but I do have congestion...I know!  The doc was sure it was my blood pressure that was messing me up.  She was pretty sure I had had a bug that is going around that made my tummy hurt a few days ago.  My blood pressure was high even though I have been taking medicine for it.  She told me to go home and take another pill and then get a different prescription that was double my dose.  She thought it was strange that once I was put on medicine to bring my blood pressure down I was never checked to see if the dose was right.  I also thought that was strange.  I went home and took the pill and started feeling better pretty quickly.  I'm amazed at our bodies and how they let us know when something is off.  I was feeling much, much better by bed time.  I was saying prayers of "thanks".  It's my birthday week and being sick was NOT part of my plans.

Lunch Date

I woke up feeling like myself today.  I was so happy about that after feeling cruddy for a few days.  When Larry came home from camping we decided that we would take his cousin's offer up and join them for lunch.  Wendy is my age and often meets Larry's mom and Uncle and their spouses for lunch. (Wendy's mom, Aunt Norma passed a few years back)  Wendy reminds me a lot of her mom and I enjoy visiting with her.  We went to Jeremiah's and had a nice lunch. Wendy's daughter in law and a few grands joined us along with Gary, Tanna, (Larry's Aunt and Uncle) and Clark. I sat by Clark so Larry could visit with Wendy better.  I guess what Clark tries to say and sometimes I just laugh out loud when I can't understand him.  I'm pretty sure he knows he is hard to understand. ☺  It was an enjoyable get together and I am glad that Wendy loves us enough to invite us.

24th of July Weekend

We went camping with the Taylors this weekend.  I wasn't that excited about camping in a tent after being spoiled with a trailer the last few years.  Larry bought a nice tent but somehow it just doesn't compare.  We were right next to the camp potty which was a good thing since Kimi and I needed to get up twice in the night.  It's been so hot at home but the mountains were cool and Larry and I were able to snuggle for the first time in months.  The night got cold and I am so glad that Kimi had enough blankets that she didn't need the sleeping bag that she took.  We took one also but were sleeping on it so we didn't sweat from the air mattress. It was comfortable after covering us with the sleeping bag.

Saturday morning we kept an eye on an area across the road because there was some movement there.  A few hours later we saw what was making the noise.  It was a moose and 2 babies.  It was cool watching them eat and care less that they had an audience.  They even walked really close to some of our group as they crossed the road and moved on.  I didn't take any pictures and Jared was able to get this one.  The second calf was a bit behind the others but there were two.

We came home Saturday night since the twins were being blessed on Sunday.  I hadn't felt good at all on Saturday and still wasn't feeling good on Sunday.  I was dizzy and my stomach hurt. I went to the blessing but didn't go to the luncheon.  I didn't go back up camping with the family.  I stayed home close to a bathroom and stayed in bed all day.  I am thankful that I seldom get sick because when I do it kicks my fanny and makes me feel guilty.  I'm not sure why I feel guilty other than there is always so much that I need to do or at least that I think I need to do.  I did manage to do the laundry even though my head was spinning.  The day in bed was good for me.  I am feeling much better this morning.  I got up and made the bed and folded all the laundry I had washed yesterday.  I hope whatever I had has ran it's course.  I do not like being slowed down....I have things to do and places to go. ☺

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 ~ If you could choose an age to remain forever, which age would you choose? I feel like my spirit is 28 but I would love to remain at 50.  I would get compliments at 50 like: "Wow you look really good for having 7 kids and being 50"....that didn't happen before 50 ☺  I also like that at 50 I finally didn't care so much what people thought about me, it was easier just being me.  I chose to create more fun in my life and others.  I have been much happier because of my choices at 50 and I am closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  I have been able to "find" me again.  Being Half a Hundred is my favorite! ♥

Lunch ~ What do you enjoy doing to relieve stress? I'm not sure about the enjoying part of the question but to relieve stress I eat.  I hate that about me but it's what I do.  The problem with being a stress eater is you are never satisfied.  I also talk about the things stressing me.  That seems to be a much better way to relieve stress....just get it out.  Sometimes I just cry but that also releases it so it's okay.  Eating just pushes it down and so I don't recommend it...

Dinner ~ If you could buy any car right now, what would you buy? My last two cars have been exactly what I wanted.  The VW Beatle was just the right car for me until I was getting grands in and out of it all the time and needed to upgrade to a four door.  I really liked the Nissan Murano until I saw the Rogue which is very similar.  Larry surprised me with the Beatle years ago for my birthday and the Rogue while I was at girls camp a few years back. So for now I am content with what I have. ☺

Midnight Snack ~ What date on your calendar are you looking forward to?  Oh my, there is always so much that I look forward to.  This week I have a few lunch dates with friends, my birthday and boating with Shari's family.  Next week more birthday fun, a play and boating at Bear Lake.  I look forward to going to Hawaii in February as well as getting another grand that month. What date are you dreading? finding a day in the next week or so to go grocery shopping for girls camp. I really don't like being in charge of the food but I am this year and I am dreading it even though I know I will end up saying "that wasn't a big deal at all."

Recipe for the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for the week?) Take Time to Rest and Don't Beat Yourself Up About It! 

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Cupcakes With My Grands

I love my little Cupcake Tradition with my cute grands.  It's fun having them all over to make cupcakes and play.  I didn't think this through too well and only realized it when we had a minute of pure chaos and tears. (I had tears but they didn't fall)  I had them all over at 11:00....that's a huge red flag right?  The little grands would most likely be tired by then....I forget those details.  I remember that they need to eat but I seriously forget about needing naps.  I must remember to have our cupcake making day later next year...like around 2:00 after lunch and naps.

My grands love coming and when I was having a hard time finding a day that we all could meet I was ready to give up and verbally said so and Ivy said "No".  I'm glad she said "No" and I'm glad that I listened because I would have been really sad.  Besides the minute of chaos and tears we all had a really good time.  The cousins love playing together.  They get along pretty well.  The 2 year olds and younger might challenge each other and compete a little but for the most part they are learning to play together nicely.

The younger group including the boys made our first batch of cupcakes.  I was planning on including the babes but figured they were just fine in their seats at the bar.  I let them decorate cupcakes.  I peaked in the oven because I could smell burning and even though I didn't notice anything burning my little peak inside stopped the cupcakes from rising like they should. (oops)

The big girls pretty much were on their own.  I just wanted to take pictures while they did their thing.  Some were more cooperative with me taking their pictures than others.  I reminded them that they might feel bad in years to come if they aren't in the pictures.  When I acted like I didn't care (I did care) I was given permission to take pictures. ☺ Silly, crazy, kids!

I was super glad that Kimleighel didn't go to Limitless as planned because I really needed her help.  Ivy was a huge help too and helped Sadie be more involved. I liked that Kelsi and Trichelle came early to pick up their kids so that they could be involved in the fun. I had a few ideas for the cupcakes but let the kids do whatever they wanted.  I think they had fun.  My counter looked like they had fun. ☺  I really had fun too even though during that "special minute" I admitted it wasn't very fun.

I love my sweet grands and love having them over to make memories and bond with each other better.  They are all so different and all so stinking cute.  Each little is my favorite in some way or another.  They are all such great kids.  They are kind and respectable.  They are happy and funny and I am so glad I am lucky enough to be one of their gramma's.

Kelsi took a few pictures of me and the grands and these were the best we got.  It kind of describe the day a little. ☺

***I was sick the following day and I think I was coming down with something on Thursday and that is why I almost cried along with the others that were crying.  My head must be congested which makes me dizzy and nausea.  I was feeling better though in the afternoon.

Wednesday

I forgot to set an alarm today and woke up when I normally meet the others to go to the Temple.  I hadn't heard if anyone else was going and so I hurried and got ready in record time....like 10 minutes record time.  I don't even know how I could do that but I did and I was on time at the Temple and got there about the same time that Pat and Jeff did.  It was just the three of us for awhile until some other people joined us.  I was glad I made it because I always feel the spirit and I love that!  Today a name that stood out to me was "Thankful".  I think about how it would sound to call your child Thankful when you were upset with them.  The thought makes me smile.  One sealing was of a Indian Chief with a very long name that was seriously about 8 syllables long.

I came home and sprayed a few weeds, cut gramps hair and then went visiting teaching.  All of that before even changing.  I promised Kimleighel that I would go to the Library with her and after a 2 hour visit that I promised would be fast we went.  Well almost right after...I did jump in the shower first.  I hate starting the day off without a shower even if I had one right before bed.  That's why I don't like camping in tents and why I have refused to go on Trek.  I need a shower first thing!

Kimi made brownies and so we each got a beater!  I don't think you're ever too old to lick the beater.☺

Look What Came

The book I wrote about Jared's adventure and the "ripples" came today!  I love it and I'm very pleased with how it turned out.  The only thing I'm not happy with is the cost.  It's too high priced.  I need to see if I can get the price down somehow.  If I can't get this company to come down I will have to figure out how to make pdf files and go another route.  This is so close to happening!  Woo Hoo!

Birthday Breakfast

A few years ago these cute neighbors of mine starting celebrating our birthdays with each other.  It's a lot of fun visiting with these ladies.  I admire them all so much and feel very blessed to have them for friends.  I learn new things from them all the time.  We always have the best conversations and can visit for hours.  Susan, Robin and Kathy are all very sweet and kind.  They are all very talented too.  God knew I needed their wonderful examples in my life and placed us all on the same road for many years.  Susan has moved now but our friendships are solid and distance doesn't matter.

They spoiled me!  Robin brought me beautiful flowers not even knowing that daisies are my favorite.  Kathy always makes me laugh out loud with the cards she chooses and today even a hilarious book. (I'm still a Hot Babe but not it comes in Flashes)  I just opened the book and these are the two jokes that showed up and are okay to share: "Love is all fun and games until someone loses an eye or gets pregnant."  Never go to your high school reunion pregnant or they will think that is all you have done since your graduated." haha  We laughed at a few of the jokes that I shared.  Robin reminded me that I needed to talk softer while sharing those jokes.  I know....I talk loud. ☺  Susan's gift reminded me of Minnie Mouse and inside was a cute Minnie mouse bag with treats in it.  My friends are the nicest!

Braxton's Family Time for Boating

Today was hot and windy and the day we had scheduled to take Braxton and his cute family boating. The water was rough but the water was warm and so was the breeze.  The boat rocked a lot and I'm not sure Sadie was lovin it.  She got use to it but enjoyed being held.  We tubed again today which was the best choice because of the wind.  Braxton was actually able to get the tube to fly and also to flip...the wind helped him with that.

  

I invited Carla and Roger to join us since I knew we had plenty of room today.  They had a good time.  I also invited Robin since she was hanging out with us today.  She was really excited and said she had a good time even though she ended up with a super bad migraine.  I think it's because she hadn't slept and because of the bumping water.  She didn't complain though.

The boys and the tower always make for some really good pictures.  The combo also makes for some really fun times.  They love jumping and diving off the tower.  I'm glad because that is one expensive tower. ☺

The sky was beautiful and we even saw a rainbow.  The weather actually got better as the night wore on.

Kelsi wanted me to ride the tube with her and because I like her so much I did.  Since I was going, Carla decided to go too.  It was fun!  After seeing these pictures I'm not sure I will wear any low cut swimsuits again...holy cleavage.  I prefer my suits that go up to my neck.

I asked Larry if he has fun since I forget to ask him if he would like a turn on the tube.  He assured me that he enjoys himself.  I think it's enjoyable watching our kids enjoy themselves.  I know I sure like it.

Woo Hoo it's time to Celebrate

I like celebrating my birthdays with my friends.  The Fun has Begun!

Lunch For My Birthday

Carla scheduled a lunch with our fun friends for my birthday.  I chose to go to Red Robin because I really like their BBQ Chicken Wraps.  The girls came prepared with headbands and cake and Kathy came later with Ribbons.  Red Robin had balloons so it was a Party!  We had a blast!

 

We got funny looks from a few people around us and I'm not sure why? haha  It might be because 50+ year olds are wearing headbands and smiling with blue frosting stuck to their teeth.  Or, maybe it's because cake was pushed in my face and I had frosting around my mouth.  Or, maybe it's because we act silly and do all of the above.  No matter the reason we have fun and fun is good.  I really think being silly makes getting older worth it.  I like being with friends that are okay with being silly...I certainly can't act this way around everyone but I sure have a good time when I can.

We always take time for photo opportunities and these moments make for some fun memories.  I love making memories with my friends and I'm really blessed to have so many wonderful friends.

Game Day

I was so happy to see Robin join us today for game day.  It's been awhile since I have seen this silly girl and I was missing her.  We missed Lorrilee and Julie today but heck it's summer right?

Debbie taught us another new game.  It had something to do with the number 7.  Everyone got 5 cards and then there was a discard pile. The idea was to get rid of your cards until you only had 7 points in your hand.  If you had doubles you could throw away 2 cards at the same time, that went for runs and groups too.  You had to decide which card you were going to discard before you drew from the pile or the deck and you had to draw every play unless you called the game by having 7 or less points in your hand.  If you called the game and someone had less points than you then that person got 0 points and you would get 30..otherwise you got 0 points and everyone else got the face value of their cards. (Tens, Jacks, Queens and Kings were worth 10 and Ace was 1)

It was really fun and Debbie was the Lucky Duck for the day!  We played Canadian Salad too and Debbie also won that.  I really enjoy our game days and the time goes by so fast.  I think it's a good thing we started.

Sleep Over With Jordy

Jordyn got to sleep over for her birthday!  She was excited and didn't mind having her family go home without her.  She played for awhile and then we turned a movie on for her.  She helped me play cards with the family and then it was time to finish the movie and go to bed.  Jordy went to sleep really easy and woke up with a smile.  She's such a sweetie and it was really fun having her over.  I really enjoy the one on one with the grands.  I'm not sure how life could be better!

Jordyn's Birthday Party

Julie loves to party!  She goes all out for her kids birthdays and other special occasions and they are fun! This year Jordyn's birthday was a Western Birthday.  Jordyn had cute chaps and boots, and Kamryn had new boots too.  The twins were dressed in their Wyoming shirts that had horses on them.  There were a lot of fun activities for the kids and everyone had a great time.  They served hot dogs and watermelon for dinner.

 Jail that was fun for pictures.

The yard toys were a hit.  The kids all made ponies out of Styrofoam noodles.  Macie had a good time riding her Styrofoam pony around  

 They had pony rides and wagon rides behind a four wheeler.  It was so much fun for everyone.

I'm glad I got to sit and hold my grands and just watch.  I like watching.  I loved doing fun things for my kids and I love seeing my kids do fun things for their kids.  Kevin made the cake again this year but I didn't get a picture of it or really see it for that matter.  I have some pretty great kids.