Wonderful Wednesday

I got early and headed to the Temple with my cute friends.  I drove and was a little to prompt.  I had to wait.  Kathy made a mistake and set her alarm for pm and woke up from the texts we kept sending her.  By the time I made it to Pat's she was standing in her driveway ready.  We got there when we usually do and was happily greeted by the sealers.  They act like they really love us...I bet they do since I have grown to love each of them.  I just love being in the Temple.

I met Jodi for lunch because she said she had extra zucchini's and was willing to share some with me.  Not only did she bring me zucchini but a basket 'full' of veggies and even some cantaloupe.  Boy what a harvest they get and share with others.  The basket full of goodness made me smile.  Jodi makes me smile.  I love chatting and I think we could for days without stopping.  Okay maybe we would take a chocolate break.  I just can't say it enough...I am so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.  We did visit for a few hours before deciding we'd better do other things.  I love this fabulous friend of mine!

I was headed home and decided to stop by the Library to see if Tammy G was in her "office." (she refers to the library as her office...it's so bright and perfect)  Tammy has been on my mind and I was pleasantly surprised to see her sitting at a computer.  I think I surprised her when I pulled up the chair next to her.  Tammy was busy but was okay with stopping and taking a break.  We went to Fiiz and got drinks.  I got a "butter beer" and oh my, you could not drink those every day.  They are super sweet.  I think they are butterscotch and cream.  Tammy and I sat at the park and visited for a quite some time.  I met Jodi at 11:00 and left Tammy close to 5:00.  I love my time with my friends and today was a good day for that.   I made it home in time to make stuffed burger bundles for dinner.  I even managed to get a few loads of laundry done.  

Kevin is 29

WooHoo it's Kevin's birthday.  I remember when he was a baby, holding him and thinking I might not have him for long. I'm glad that thought was just a thought so I would appreciate every moment with him and the rest of my kids.  When I think back on Kevin's childhood I can't help but smile.  This kid came up with the funniest sayings.  He reminded me to buy deodorant that was ph balanced for a women. ☺  He asked if we could buy some magic so we could make the snowman come to life. ☺ He referred to me as 'master mom' or 'your majesty'. ☺ He had an accident at Burger King with our baby sitter and proudly announced that he had "dropped a wog" on the step. ☺ Kevin loved watching educational channels and could remember the things he heard and watched.  Kevin was mellow and if he was watching tv and I wanted to leave for 20 minutes I knew when I got home he would still be watching tv. (when he was like 4 or 5)  Kevin has always been responsible and kind.  Kevin has a tender heart and he is a child that didn't need firm discipline.  Just letting him know you weren't pleased was enough.  He has grown into a fine man.  Kevin is one of the best daddy's. (I think all my boys are)  Kevin has loved and accepted Kamryn from the very start and she really is 'his' child.  He loves his other three too and is a very involved daddy.  He is smart and has dedicated his career to teaching others.  I am thankful for him and all teachers for their love of learning and wanting to help others.  They don't get paid enough but I am sure their rewards are wonderful.  Man I love My Son!

I Love Sundays

I love going to Church every week and partaking of the sacrament and renewing my covenants. I love the music and singing.  I love listening to speakers and teachers as they share the things they have prepared because I feel the spirit.  I love being pulled aside and asked to help in the library.  I loved finding pictures and making copies for people.  I love walking in the hall with wonderful people and even being complimented as I pass.  I love being in Relief Society with great women and being referred to as the Poster Child for Smiling.  I love having another friend share an experience of someone sharing something with her because the spirit told her to and when my friend asked why the lady said because her friend told her to. My friend asked who her friend was because she thought she was going to say "me" but instead the lady said "I've never been asked that before but it is Jesus."  Oh YES I love Sundays and going to Church and being filled to overflowing. God is Great and speaks to us through others!  I love My Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and I'm grateful to Them for everything!

Soon, my family will fill my home with laughter and love.  We will eat together and visit and nourish our bodies and souls.  Oh how I love Sundays!

Behr's First Birthday Party

Our family celebrated Behr's first birthday party and it was so fun. Behr seemed to love the attention and all the business going on.  The decorations were awesome.  The BIG sign in front of the house was cool and would blink from saying....Caution Caution Caution to Happy Birthday to Caution Behr turned one.  Funny thing, when I tried taking a picture the sign looked normal to me put through the camera it was blinking and I couldn't get all the words.  But believe me it was cute!  The big signs were awesome and I loved all the cars and trucks.  Pretty Darn Cute!

I know Behr's outfit was chosen to go with the theme of his party.  Black and Yellow like Caution Tape.  They had a bounce house that kept all the little ones busy and having fun.  Trichelle and TJ's yard is so big and nice. They took out a little pond and a bunch of bamboo and it opened it right up.  It's really nice and big now.

Trichelle and TJ cooked hamburgers and hot-dogs.  Trichelle said they were keeping it simple which I think is perfect and how it should be.  She was going to make a pasta salad but since everyone except my mom likes my pasta salad I told her I would make the salad.  I tried to trick my mom by using penne noodles instead of twirly ones.  I added zucchini, 1/2 yellow pepper and carrots to change it up but other than that it was the exact same.  My mom didn't mention anything but Jared and Ivy did.  They like my original salad best! Behr loved having everyone sing to him.  He is so darling and grins so cute and wrinkles his little nose as he smiles.  TJ helped him destroy his cake but he enjoyed licking his fingers. In fact, TJ and Zaden had a little cake fight and both ended up with cake on their faces. ☺ Behr acted like he liked every single present.  I had such a good time watching him open each one.  Our gift went right with the theme by surprise.  We gave him a big truck that had a slide on the back so a car could ride down and came out the front of the truck.  Everything was cute.  Sadie was sitting on my lap watching Behr open his presents.  Behr opened something Sadie really liked and she got down and took the present and said it was hers.  It made me laugh out loud!

It was such a fun celebration for such a cute little guy!  I love my family!

Fun With Debbie

Today Debbie and I had a great time together. We had planned on going out in July for our birthdays but had to postpone until today.  I picked her up at 10:30 so we could go play.  We walked around Quilted Bear since we seldom do that anymore.  We each got a few things.  It's fun looking at all the cute things and it's really nice knowing we don't have room for them anymore.

We went to lunch at Long Horn since it was right by the Mall and we could just walk.  We talked about some really spiritual things.  We both got teary eyed a few times.  I'm sure we visited for a few hours before deciding to go to Dillards to do a little shopping.  I wanted to look for some shirts for Larry and Jared for family pictures and maybe get the crazy dress I had seen when Larry and I went there.  I found some shirts for the guys and instead of the funky dress I had seen on Saturday I got one like it but with different colors.  Debbie said she liked the one better and actually so did I.  Debbie found a cute sweater to go with it.  I had fun shopping with Debbie because she enjoys shopping and is good at finding things.  When we went to check out we came across some women's skirts.  Debbie got three or four and I got one.  My entire purchase....3 men's shirts, 1 dress, 1 sweater and 1 skirt was around $80.  I think that is pretty darn good.

We were having so much fun and so we decided to go to Down East in Layton.  We both found a few more items that we took home with us.  While we were at Down East we sat on a big chair and visited some more.  We could go on and on.  It was a very fun and rewarding day.  I sure love my dear friend Debbie.

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!!! 

 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
"WORK"ING IT OUT 

Breakfast ~ List the paid jobs you have had in your life so far. I think my very first job was working at a cherry cannery on an assembly line.  Well before that I had babysitting jobs that I loved.  I have worked at a Day Care, Cross Western Wear, Maddox Drive Inn (car-hop), Weber County School District going through phish files.  Since I've been married I have sold many items through home parties.  I sold crystal, Lunds Lites Candles and accessories (my favorite), rubber stamps, Mary Kay, Jafra and books. I've babysat kids for friends. I worked for the trailer business and pin-striped the trailers.  I would clean travel trailers that would come in to the shop as well.

Lunch ~ What job was your favorite? I loved selling Lunds Lite's.  I was good at it and it was a fun company to work for.  They had great, reachable incentives that I usually earned.  My picture even ended up in the back of one of the catalogs one season. What was your least favorite? working on an assembly line is my least favorite.  I get motion sickness.  I can't work at any cannery on the line.

Dinner ~ What is your dream job? I actually have my dream job...being a mom and gramma is the best job ever!  The pay is pure love!

Midnight Snack ~ What kind of work do you love to do and what kind of work do you absolutely hate? I like jobs that involve people.  I think I am a pretty good sales person if I believe in the product.  My biggest problem though with sales is that I like giving everyone my discount and so I give away my profits.

I probably wouldn't love an outside job in the hot weather or one I have to stand a lot...I'd get sick.

Recipe for the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for the week?) Don't Worry Be Happy! There is so much to worry about in life but does worrying help anything? No....it does not!  Take big breaths and focus on the good things happening.

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Darn Bull

Larry has been trying to get our bull back to our side of the fence but hasn't had success.  Our bull got our cows pregnant and then decided to visit the cows on the other side of the fence.   I guess he likes it there because Larry can't convince him to come back.  Larry pulled the fence way down and has been putting feed on our side and the bull will come and stand there but won't jump over.  Larry hurt his knee on Sunday trying to scare the bull back but instead of being scared the bull turned on Larry and scared him and caused him to hurt his knee.  Larry actually got behind the bull again which I didn't think was very smart since his knee is just barely feeling better.  Needless to say the bull is still in the other pasture chasing around the cows over there and our cows on our side chasing Larry's truck when he drives in with hay in the back.  The sunset was pretty tonight....it usually is.

Dinner with Trichelle and TJ

Tonight we took Trichelle and TJ to dinner to celebrate their Birthdays!  They chose Outback Steak House.  It was really yummy.  I loved watching these two tonight and I was able to capture the love they have for each other. We talked a lot about Italy.  They want to go to Italy and invited Larry and I to go with them.  We talked about all the places that they'd be interested in seeing.  All the talk got me excited.  I have always been intrigued by Italy and absolutely love it.  I know Larry would really want to go back when the LDS Temple is completed but that might still be a few years and so I think we should go with these two and then again.  We wouldn't go until next October but then we could start saving again. The Temple completion date just got moved back to 2018 and who knows if that is accurate.  Larry made a comment that it might take as long to build as the Salt Lake City temple.  The Italians aren't in a hurry for anything, which isn't such a bad thing.

We enjoyed Trichelle and TJ and probably owe them another dinner since last year we didn't take them out because Behr arrived the day before Trichelle's birthday.  We also talked about the celebrations or things TJ has done for Trichelle's birthday and had to laugh.  Her day may have started out with her best of interest but usually ended up on a golf course.  TJ laughed how it was funny that his golf clubs just 'happened' to be in the trunk every time.  We talked a little about future celebrations and Trichelle mentioned that she would like to do something big for her 50th but then realized that is would be Behr's 16th...she got 'trumped' again.  I told her to just be sure to plan ahead and celebrate anyway even if it's not directly on the birth day.  I love these two!

I Love Celebrating

I never get tired of celebrating or being celebrated.  Today Crystal took me to breakfast for my birthday after I got home from the Temple.  We went to Wafflelove.  I ordered a banana pie waffle.  It was yummy.  It had chocolate syrup on it and topped with lots of banana's and cream.  I loved visiting with Crystal.  Crystal is such a sweetie.  She has such a good heart and is one of the kindest people I know.  She's a wonderful friend....a friend that is like family. (Crystal refers to me as tiny...petite) Crystal shared a few tender moments of her cute son and how he has encouraged her like she has him.  She also shared a cute story that her son shared with her about prayer.  Rock and his friends had a situation where they felt they could use some extra help and they decided to pray.  Their prayer was answered very quickly and I know those boys will remember that.  I thought it was cool that Rock went right home and was excited to share his experience with his parents.  I also think it's cool that Heavenly Father answers simple prayer that help us realized that He is there and will also answer our bigger prayers.

After eating our waffles we decided to go to Swigg and get a Mango and Cream Mountain Dew.  It was pretty yummy.  I would have loved to spend more time with Crystal but had to get home so I could pick up Mya and Parker and take them to Trichelle's to play with their cousins.  Natalie's car overheated and was smokin after she took the kids to school.  I got to visit with Trichelle again and loved it.  Ivy is going through some changes and wasn't her happy self when she got home from school even though Mya was there to play with her.  I felt bad for her and Mya.  Mya had been so excited to play and Ivy's negative/blah attitude was absorbed...it was sad.

Birthday Lunch for Trichelle

It's not to often these days that I get to celebrate my kids on their birthdays since they work and have other responsibilities.  However, Trichelle had time to go to lunch today since it was the first day of school for her kids and she isn't working.  WooHoo...I love celebrating my kids!  I love thinking back over the years of their life.  I really enjoyed having my kids and I making memories with them.  I love being a mom to adult children and watching them teach their kids.  I must have of done a few things right because my kids are pretty awesome.  I enjoyed our time together today.  We celebrated by getting sushi at Delicious. Behr is such a good eater and loved the edamame...I think all of Trichelle's kids like it.  I enjoyed visiting with Trichelle and having her tell me about the things she has learned from attending Limitless.(a cool conference on believing in yourself and breaking through things that are limiting you)  Believing in yourself is huge and limitless helps people do that.  I love seeing the light get brighter as my kids have attended.  I love Trichelle and I'm thankful that she is mine...she's a keeper. (just like the rest)

First and Last

Yeah for Firsts and Yeah for Lasts!  Today is the First Day of Jared's Last Year of School! I'm  excited that we are almost through with public schooling.  It's an exciting time but it has also been kind of stressful.  I have learned with this child that some kids don't have a place in the system...they are too smart for some classes and so they are thrown into another which is above them.  There is nothing available for an average kid.  I think the majority of kids are average but there isn't anything offered to them.  It's not very good on their self esteem. I remember Jerry, Larry's oldest brother saying that the kids who got C's ran and owned companies and the kids that got A's worked for them.  I have learned that the grade doesn't define a child.  There is more to being smart than being book smart and testing well.  Jared is a smart kid and I hope that he realizes it and does his best because he is going to do amazing things in life.  I hope Jared has fun and makes some lasting memories and enjoys this final year of school.  I love this kid and I'm proud of his efforts and goodness.  Jared was up bright and early and ready to go.  I don't think it was because he is excited to go to school but I do think it is because he is eager to get this year over with. I sure think he's cute!

I do need to add that I appreciate the teachers and staff at the schools.  Teachers do so much and I think they have one of the most important jobs out there.  I know they are underpaid and can only do so much in the system.  It's the teachers that have taught my kids and have patience with them so that they have learned.  I wish teachers were given more credit for their efforts.  In my opinion they should be getting higher wages than our athletes...they are the ones making a difference.  I realize if the schools had more funding then there wouldn't be the problem that I have mentioned. Bless the Teachers for their efforts...they do make a difference.

I snagged my kids pictures of my grands going to school.  I really do enjoy the first day of school pictures even though I am glad I won't be taking anymore.  I love seeing the smiles and excitement on the kids faces.  I love seeing them in their new clothes and shoes.  I love looking back at previous pictures and seeing the growth and change in them. What a fun time of year! I love their enthusiasm.

Trichelle's Birthday

I love this daughter of mine!  I love that she is the one who made me a mom.  I love all that I have learned from her.  She is a beautiful, brilliant daughter.  We've always expected so much from Trichelle.....I think we push the first ones so much.  Trichelle is smart and learning is something she loves and is very good at.  It seems like things come easy for her.  Trichelle is kind and thoughtful of others.  Trichelle is respectful!  Trichelle is such a blessing to our family.  I have always been so thankful for this sweet daughter of mine.  I'm proud to be her mommy and love her with all my heart! Happy Thirty-Fifth Birthday Dear Daughter of Mine! You Are Beautiful!

Back to School Night

I love not having to worry about attending Back to School Night with my kids.  However, I do like volunteering to help out at Hooper Elementary's Back to School Night.  I love seeing my cute grands and I enjoy seeing other people that I don't usually bump into.  Tonight I saw Jennifer and so we took a selfie and sent it to our friend Ann.  We both miss Ann and seldom see her but we love her and Ann responded right away that she loved us both.  I also had a guy ask me if I was Dawn Ropelato.  He grew up by us in Roy when we first moved there.  It was cool that he remembered me because he has grew up and changed from the kid I knew.  I love all the excitement that goes in and out of the room I get to help in.  Most of the kids are excited to start another year...most of the parents are too.

Breakfast with the Birthday Boy

Trichelle has a tradition of taking her kids to breakfast on their birthdays.  She invited us to join them today and so we did.  Behrenger was so funny when his food came.  He wasn't using his hands and just kept going for his food with his mouth, like a little puppy.  He tried eating like that for quite awhile and then decided to use his hands but went back to attacking it with his mouth.  He is so cute.

I was glad that we were invited to be part of this birthday tradition.  It's fun being with our kids and included in their lives and traditions.  Happy Birthday Behrenger!

Behrenger is One

This cute boy is one today!  What a sweetie this little guy is.  Behr is so much fun and has the cutest expressions.  When he smiles he wrinkles his nose.  He likes to shake his head "yes" when you ask him anything.  He is the first of my kids or grands to walk before their first birthday.  Behr likes to climb and play with anything he shouldn't.  We have to barricade my house when he comes over.  We block the hallway, put benches in front of the tv cabinet, and make sure all the outlets have covers or have something in their way.  He does like toys especially if someone else is playing with them.  He's a tease already.  Behrenger is a joy and a great blessing to his little family and our big family.  This little guy is truly loved.

Temple with my Hubby

Larry suggested we go to the Temple since he hasn't been for awhile.  I felt like I needed it too since I have been watching my cute grands the last few weeks and haven't gone.  It was a nice day and there were lots of weddings.  It's so nice seeing our temple busy with weddings.  It was great  spending a little time in the temple and especially with my hubby.  We went to lunch after at Longhorn Steakhouse.  Larry then suggested we go get me a dress.  Actually it started by him saying he wanted a tie...he was surprising me. I asked him why he wanted to get me a dress and to go shopping since he doesn't like going shopping at all. He told me that he thought I got cheated on my birthday.  I reassured him I did not feel cheated at all.  I got to spend time with my kids without stressing how to pay for it and that is what I wanted.  I asked him if he feels cheated on his birthday since I don't have the $$$ to get him much.  He said he didn't and so I wonder why he would think that I needed more.  (oh well)  We looked all through Dillards and I wasn't crazy about any of the dresses there.  I did try on one funky dress that was bright and had lots of colors.  I liked the feel of the material but not sure about how crazy it was.  I suggested we go to Seagull Book and I found a cute polka dot dress.  I really like polka dots and stripes right now.

We went home and changed but then we left again.  Larry really wanted a day off and knew that if he stayed home he would end up working or someone would need him.  We went to Farmington to give Alan and Sue some money for Hawaii.  We barely caught them before they left for a ward party.  It was enjoyable just driving around and taking our time.  It ended up being a very relaxing day.

A Week of Grands

I've seen all my cute grands this week and its been great!  I have enjoyed getting up and going to Kevin and Julie's to watch their kids.  I think they have liked waking up to me too!  The twins were cooing and smiling a lot this week.  Oh my what a blessing they are.

Trichelle's kids came and stayed a few days with us.  It's fun having them over.  I still thought it would be best if I went to Kevin's instead of him waking his kids to bring them to my house.  Kimi stayed with Trichelle's boys and I took Ivy with me because I knew her and Kamryn would have a good time. They did have a good time and even put make up all over each others faces.  They are crazy!  These girls have great imaginations and play so cute.

 

Larry called and wanted to meet for lunch and so Ivy and I met him at KFC.  He only has 1/2 hour and so it was fast.  It was nice meeting him and having Ivy with us. 

Jared had a day off work and the kids loved having him around.  Behrenger was loving on him and I just happened to see it and get a few pics.   The grands all love Kimleighel and Jared so much because my kids give them so much attention.  It's fun watching.

Natalie needed to go have some blood drawn and so she brought her cuties down to play.  I was glad that we got to have them too.  Even Sadie got to come on Thursday and so all the grands were here this week.  It seriously was a grand week!

 I love watching my grands and seeing them interact with each other. They are all so loving and kind.  They all get along really well.  I love their hugs and kisses and snuggles on my lap.  I love having them reach for me so I can hold them even for a minute.  Oh my word they make this gramma's heart smile. Each one of my cuties is such a wonderful blessing.  I'm glad that I am able to have them come and play.  I see little hand prints on the windows and a few glass doors and they make me smile.  I'm not in a hurry to clean them off like when my kids were small.  Funny how one's perspective changes.

Oh these little ones bring me so much joy and happiness.  I am so blessed and so grateful!

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!!!

 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

THE PRESENT 

Breakfast ~ What was your day like today? I got up when I heard Behrenger...about 6:30.  I played with him for an hour before going in where Zaden was.  We played and watched movies throughout the day.  I didn't have anything else planned today and so it was all about the kids.  I did some laundry and made sure all the kids clothes were clean to send home with them.  I bathed Behr and made sure Zaden did as well.  Natalie brought her cuties over around 11:00 and so I fixed them some lunch and spent time with them as well. I had to run to the pharmacy and get Larry and my meds and while I was out I treated myself to a Fiiz drink.  (I love the peaches and cream)  We cleaned everything up before Larry got home.  Larry and I went to a few of our neighbors for a progressive dinner. 

Lunch ~ Is there something you really want right now but can't have?  Explain. I wish my torso was longer and that I would quit shrinking.  But of course that is life and I can't change it but oh I would really like a longer torso. 

Dinner ~ What do you wish you could control right now? I really want Kimleighel to get a job and she has been trying and just when I think she is going to get a break....she doesn't.  It makes me sad and angry at the same time.  Kimi is smart and so capable of so much.  I also would really like Natalie to be blessed with another healthy baby.  I know their family desires that also and it breaks my heart that she keeps miscarrying.

Midnight Snack ~ If you could eliminate one of your current concerns/worries/stresses, what would it be? Kimi would have a job!

Recipe for the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for the week?) Trust in God and His Plan and Timing! I have been reminded of this a few times this week.  Just because things don't make sense to us, everything for a reason and God knows best.  

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Progressive Dinner

Our ward had a progressive dinner tonight and it was pretty great.   My group consisted of my neighbors and the Wards that just live on the next street.  We met at the Bailey's for salad.  Everyone brought something to add to the salad and we enjoyed our salads outside in the back yard.  It was fun hearing Fonzie chat away.  Fonzie and Teri aren't members but are really nice and this is really the first time I have been around Fonz and he's a talker.  A group of us went to breakfast with Teri a year or so ago and so I did know her.  Their cute daughter, Amanda got baptized a few years ago and so I knew her best because we were involved with her more.  After tonight I think our neighbors need to get together more often.

After our salad we went to Mike and Shirley's and had a yummy chicken dinner. I could tell Shirley was a little stressed but I thought everything turned out really nice.  Larry and I mentioned that had any of this been at our house we would have served the food on paper plates and plastic table cloths.  We are all about easy.  We couldn't volunteer to have it at our house though because we still had grands there when we left.

After our yummy dinner and wonderful conversations, everyone met at the Boerstra's for dessert.  It was fun seeing so many familiar faces of good neighbors and friends that don't attend church.  I really liked this activity and feel like it was a great way to get to know your neighbors better.

Celebrating Marriage

There was a Love Your Spouse challenge on Facebook that encouraged the celebration of love and marriage.  I was challenged a few times before I accepted the challenge.  I had a good time going through folders of pictures and remembering some fun times.  I was suppose to post of picture of Larry and I each day for a week.  I was also suppose to challenge 2 others each day to do the same but I have a hard time with that.  I worry that someone might feel bad if I don't choose them.  I don't like excluding anyone so I just waited until the last day and put the challenge out there for everyone if they wanted

The first day I posted this picture of Larry and I on our wedding day.  We hardly knew each other but took the plunge anyway and trusted that life would be good.  It's been quite the adventure and pretty darn wonderful!

The second day I shared a picture of us boating because Larry is always making fun happen.  Larry works hard and plays hard  He's a pretty fun guy!

The third day I chose to share us at the Tuacahn. Larry is so nice that even though he doesn't really enjoy the Theatre, he knows that I do and so every now and then he plans a get away for me!

The fourth day I shared a picture of us doing what Larry likes.  He loves sports and we have enjoyed going to many Baseball Games together.  We use to have Jazz tickets too.  I like going to Baseball games and our last trip to Detroit was a dream come to for Larry.  Larry has like Detroit since he was a child.

The fifth day was of us in Hawaii.  Larry loves to travel and we have gone many places together.  I really enjoy following this guy around.  I'm glad that he has dreams and makes them happen.  My life is much more fun because of him.

 For the sixth day I kept it light and funny.  I said that Larry encourages me to do my best and be myself and I encourage him to be a minion.  Over the years Larry has been a good sport and dressed up on Halloween.  I think he secretly likes to but would never want to admit it.

 The last day was of us on a cruise.  I really do enjoy cruising through this life with this wonderful guy of mine.  He is such a blessing and has treated me well.  I love him most and I'm glad that we took the plunge.  Marriage to Larry was my best decision ever!

I had a few more pictures that I came across that didn't get posted so I will share them here.  I love the mountains....they're so peaceful.

I like this picture because we both look so happy and like we are having a good time.  I don't think we capture this near enough!

 I love Disneyland and so we go there once in awhile.  We even go without the kids or grands sometimes and have a fun time being a kid again.

It doesn't matter how old or young we are or where we go, being together is our favorite!  I love making memories with Larry.

After looking at our pictures I want to dig a little deeper and find more memories of us.  I'm glad we took pictures and I now I wish we would have taken more.

Flowers for Mom

Carla has a good heart and volunteered to help my mom buy and plant flowers in her back yard.  My mom called Carla a few weeks ago and told her that she was ready to go.  Carla called me and I told her that she volunteered and so my mom hadn't called me.☺ Carla didn't want to go without me and so today we went.  I might or might not have been thrilled about it.  This is not my thing and I have no idea what I am doing and so I just went along with everything Carla suggested.  My mom and Carla were excited about the project and we bought a bunch of perennials that liked the shade and took them back to my moms and planted them.  My mom brought a chair out for me and her so we could watch Carla do her thing.  I didn't feel right about sitting and watching and so when Carla had the plants situated to where she liked them I did my best at planting them.  My first two plants had to be replanted since I didn't have them deep enough.  I had the dirt pulled up around them and it wasn't smooth with the ground and so Carla had me do them again.  I couldn't help but laugh out loud because I really thought I had planted them properly.  I did better on the next ones but I can't say I didn't have to plant a few others over. ☺  There's a reason why we don't have flowers in our yard....I pulled out the perennials that we paid to have planted.  I had no idea that they were suppose to be cut and not pulled. Like I said...this is not my thing.  It only took us a few hours and my moms yard looked much better.  I'm excited to watch the flowers grow now.  It should be pretty.  My mom talked about having my sister and my families over now to enjoy it.  I think my dad is happy with the changes. He loved a nice yard.

Grands

I realize I don't blog every time I watch my grands and I often forget to even take their pictures when I have them.  But these twins are growing and it's fun to capture their growth behind the lens.  They are starting to hold their heads up and are awake more often now.  They smile when they are talked to and are so cute.  Kamryn is such a big help.  She can help with the twins or Jordyn. Today she got Jordyn lunch and would have got her breakfast if Jordy would have let her.  Kam made her own oatmeal for breakfast and is just very independent.  She likes having me come over to watch them and today she even woke up early so that we could watch Angry Birds together.  What a cutie!  Kam likes to craft and made a few cute things for her parents today.  Kimi likes to come over and help and today we needed her and appreciated her coming.  I sure have enjoyed being able to help Kevin and Julie out these last few weeks.  I cherish my time with my grands!

Happy Birthday to Rich and I

Kevin and Julie took Larry, Me, Rich and Lynette to dinner for Rich and I's birthdays.  I like that they do this.  I enjoy visiting with the Dunkley's and our kids.  Our waitress brought Rich and I a cute and yummy dessert to share and the manager came out and gave us each a gift certificate. Julie and Kevin are so thoughtful and kind to do this for us all.  Our birthday's kind of fall together.  Rich and I are about 4 days apart and Lynette and Larry's are very close too.  I forgot to get a picture of us all.  We always go to Sizzler.  I like this Birthday Tradition!  

Special Needs Girls Camp

Well Girl's Camp was awesome and a huge Success!  Everyone was fine with having a few day camps at Barbie's and some even think this is how we should have camp every year for now on.  Everyone still came and had a great time.

Our camp director Stephanie Wray planned so many fun and wonderful activities.  There was no way the girls were going to get bored.  She had things for them to do all the time.  We only had one small squabble and I noticed a few cool things.  Krystal had made a comment that she didn't want to hear Christmas music that Nicki was playing.  Nicki got all offended and threw her phone in her purse and let out feelings from long ago.  I was trying to play it all down and have the girls drop it.  Nicki wouldn't and neither would Krystal.  Ann Marie who is Krystal's friend actually stood up for Nicki and told Krystal to leave if she didn't like the music. Usually girls will gang up and stick together and gossip about someone if something like this happens, but these girls do what is right.  The commotion caused a chain reaction and some of the girls started crying.  Seriously some of these girls souls can't handle quarreling.  One gal in a wheel chair reached across the table to a gal that was crying and said hold my hands.  She was comforting her.  That's what this group of girls do...they encourage, love, support, and comfort each other.  It didn't take long for everything to settle down.  I noticed a little later that Krystal was apologizing to Nicki.  I thought that was a wonderful act of kindness.  Everything was settled and all bad feelings were erased.  What a great example my friends are.  There was one other incident where one of the gals couldn't find the restroom and wet herself and was crying.  The girls around her didn't make fun of her but comforted her and told her not to worry things like that happens sometimes.  What examples!

I have the best counselors and I appreciate them so much.  Barbie (my first counselor) volunteered her home so we wouldn't have to cancel camp. She helped me with the food too and is so great with the girls. Virginia knows who needs help and when and is always serving someone.  I can count on her for anything.  Carla just wanted to help if we could use her and of course we could. Carla helped a lot with the food since Barbie and I took that on with our hubs. She covered for me since I felt like I needed to be with the girls as well.  Dyan, my second counselor was at a family reunion and wasn't able to come but is a great counselor.  Mona Ruth (called momma Ruth by Jess) is always helping the gals too.  I seriously am so blessed.

Our camp was based around Dr. Seuss.  We talked about the Moral's to many of his stories.  There are so many good lessons that can be learned from Dr. Seuss.

The guys, Larry, Scott and Roger helped with the  dinners both nights. Larry thought it would be funny to put fake frogs in the spaghetti since we saw a live one the night before when we were leaving and some of the girls got a little freaked out.  He's crazy like that!

The weather was nice and the trees in Barbie's yard were a blessing.  We went to the Steogers on Friday night to have a campfire.  The Steogers are so gracious and kind.  We used eight of their nice tables and even a cooler of theirs as well.

Besides being bumped from the cabin, the band that Stephanie had coming decided to cancel just two days before our camp.  We thought a movie outside would be fun and it would have if it would have worked.  For some reason it didn't and so Stephanie ended up reading the story instead. (one about Horton the Elephant)  NO one complained and Virginia said it best in her testimony.  For having so many things so wrong, everything sure turned out just right.  It was a perfect camp in my opinion.  I love this group of gals and leaders.  They have strong testimonies and the love overflows from each of them.  They make my soul happy.

***On Sunday the Special needs group came and did our Sacrament Meeting.  My heart was so full of love for each of them.  I was excited to share my friends with my ward.  Everyone did such an awesome job.  Holy Cow...this group of Young Men and Women are my favorite!  I'm so glad that I believe in God and allow Him to guide me through this life!