Cute Grands

My cute grands are selling candy bars and so I of course wanted to support them.  This is how they came in today.  How funny and cute is that?  I love their cute faces.  I love their enthusiasm.  Oh how they make this gramma smile from the inside out.  Mya made me a cute picture and remembered to bring it today.  I loved the blue petal on the flower that said "you are bluetful".  She told me she wasn't sure how to spell beautiful and so decided since it was on the blue petal that would work.  Clever Girl!  I love it!

My grands sure know how to make me smile.  I love each and everyone of them.  I love their cute art work and the creations they make especially for me.   I'm so very blessed!

Temple

It's fun watching the Temple grounds change.  People work hard to make sure they are always nice.  Last week they were planting bulbs and this week they were planting poppies over the bulbs.  I'm amazed at all the time spent to keep the grounds beautiful.  Last week and today we had Pat's cute granddaughter join us.  She took her endowments our last Tuesday for her mission and wanted to come with her grandma the very next day.  It was a joy having her join us both weeks.  She will be a great missionary.  I loved seeing how pleased and excited Pat was to have her with us.  It was awesome. 

Today we didn't bring any brothers and so we were blessed to have 5 Sealers today.  Two of the Sealers put on their Temple Robes and helped at the Alter.  There are usually other men that help with sealings but not today.  It was an honor and privilege to have all 5 Sealers with us.  I was thinking about all the people we join in the hour we are there and it's a lot.  Our time is well spent.  The Sealers really like our group too and always say how we brighten their day and how they look forward to us coming.  It sure makes me feel good.  I love going to the Temple! 

Priesthood

I'm thankful for the Priesthood.  I'm really thankful that I have a hubby and sons that are worthy to hold it and use it.  Tonight Larry and I decided that we'd better get some extra help before we go off vacationing since we are both coughing.  Larry text Jaydan to see if he was able to come and to bring a brother with him.  It made me proud to have them come and give their parents blessings.  The other two would have also came if we had asked.  We are honored to have the kids we do.  All my prayers over the years have been answered.  We have good kids and they are all friends.  I prayed they would turn out in spite of me and so far they all have.  Prayer if Powerful!

Celebrating Mal

I was so lucky today that I also got to take Mallory to lunch right on her birthday.  Kathy was watching her grands and couldn't make it and so we are meeting again on Wednesday. I really cherish Mal.  I love are good talks.  I love how deep and honest we can be with each other.  We can and do share whatever we want.  I know I can trust Mal with anything and I also know that she always has great advice.  I look forward to celebrating many more birthday together.  It takes a long time to grown old friends and Mal is one of them.  It has nothing to do with age...only years.

I was the Lucky Duck

Today we only had three players but we still had a great time.  We played a few rounds of 5 Crowns and I was the Lucky Duck and won both times.  Carla made us a yummy lunch and Julie shared her roll recipe with us.  This day is so much more than a day reserved for playing games.  It's really a day reserved for friendship.

On our way to Carla's, Julie noticed four deer off the road.  I stopped and turned around for a picture.  Hooper has a lot of deer roaming around and eating the nice gardens that people have planted.  They don't bother us and so I like seeing them.

Sunday Fun

I love Sundays.  I love having the grown up kids and grands come over.  I really like it when we take the time to play games together.  That doesn't happen often because the little ones usually need to get home so they can go to bed.  Tonight Braxton brought Speak Out.  I couldn't help but smile and laugh out loud.  I have been looking at this game on the internet and watching for it to be available so I could order it.  Braxton and Jaydan both own it and so I'm not going to buy it.  It's funny.  The mouth guards are hilarious and make it really hard to pronounce the phrases.  I like how the mouth guards expose the teeth and how nice everyone's looked.  Those braces were worth it. ☺

We were missing Trichelle and Justin's families tonight but we sure enjoyed those that came.  I seriously love my family.

Tonight Sadie came in and ran to me all excited.  Those are the simple joys of life.  Jordyn made sure she got some lap time with me.  I love these little ones and how their cuteness overflows.  The twins are smiling a lot now...they are so cute!  Kamryn is always game for fun and loves playing with the adults.  My kids amaze me at how cool they are and I feel blessed to be their mom and the other mother to their spouses.  I love them all!  We are a very blessed family and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank Heavenly Father for my wonderful family.

Homecoming

Jared is such a good kid.  I think he's so cute and one of the kindest people born.  He is also very responsible.  Jared took Ashley to Homecoming and not once did he ask Larry or I for help to pay for any of it.  He went out and bought him some new slacks, bow tie and suspenders, and even shoes.  He paid for everything which really impresses me.  I know it had to have cost him a couple hundred $$$ and he never hinted or complained or asked for help.  The only time he did ask for help was when he forgot his dance ticket.  He had left it in his back pack and asked me to bring it to him while they were at dinner.  I was half way there when Jared called Kimi and told her he also needed a change of clothes for after the dance.  We turned around and got those things for him.  Ok...so as far a responsible he is but he might be a little forgetful.

I was kind of glad he forgot his ticket so I was able to see their dates.  I love seeing kids dressed up and having fun.  Ashley looked cute and so did everyone else.  I figured I might have embarrassed Jared a little by having him let me take a picture of him and his cute date...but that was the only consequence.  I'm glad Jared is making some fun memories from attending school.

Kimi made dinner

Kimleighel asked me if she could make dinner tonight.  Of course I accepted her offer. I get tired of making dinner.  She knew exactly what she wanted to make and so we went to the store for chicken and asparagus.  One of my special needs friends brought us yummy peaches and so Kimi used them to complete her meal.  It was so nice having Kimi prepare dinner.  It was delicious!

Celebrating Kari

Kari had her birthday almost a month ago and we finally got together today to celebrate it.  Kari decided to go to GriDeli's .  I got ready and headed there.  I should have got there right on time but for some reason I drove right past it.  As I was driving I kept thinking "this is further than I thought".  When I could almost see Smith and Edwards I realized GriDeli's wasn't further than I thought but I was!  Holy Moly!  I ended up getting there last and about 10 minutes late.  I'm not sure how I missed it.  It's a busy place!

We had a really nice visit today.  I like it when we share the real things in our life.  We all have stuff but I think there are so many times that we keep the things that make us grow bottled up.  For some reason we don't feel like it's right to share with others. I think sharing is good because it let's you know you are not alone.  Everyone has stuff!  We visited for hours before Kellie had to leave and then we visited for another hour.  Also, I think when you really share your feelings with your friends it strengthens the friendships.  I have a deeper love for the friends that share things and I suppose that is because I know them better. I adore these friends and I am glad that we were finally able to celebrate beautiful Kari!

Food 4 Thought Friday

Food 4 Thought Friday! 

A little feast without the calories!! 

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

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Breakfast ~ What is your life quote? Happiness is a Choice...YOURS!

Lunch ~ What is your favorite thing to do on a date? I love going out to dinner and just talking. (and not cooking)  I also love going on drives especially in the fall.

Dinner ~ What do you eat for dinner most frequently? We eat a lot of pasta and chicken.

Midnight Snack ~ If your life were a newspaper what would the top story be this week? Busy Gramma Is Forced to Slow Down! This week I came down with a cold and a cough.  Coughing gags me and I often end up throwing up without warning.  It's embarrassing and gross. 

Recipe for the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for the week?) Be Grateful!  This week a hurricane passed through Washington Terrace where I grew up.  It was awful but no one was really hurt.  It made me think of all the prayers said that day...."that we will be safe."  Heavenly Father hears our prayers and even the things we repeat every day.  I am also grateful for the good health I usually enjoy.  When I get sick it shocks me and makes me realize how blessed I truly am.

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Quite the Storm

I was admiring the dark clouds out west and knew they would reach us soon.  I was in my room when the  shooting started....I mean huge hail started pounding the windows and popping up and down in the grass.  It was a sight to see.  It was powerful.  It came fast and hard.  It only lasted a few minutes here but made it's point!  I guess just east of us, in Riverdale, they were also treated with a tornado. A friend of mine had her windshield break and saw another guys shatter. We have had the strangest weather the last few years.  The power is out all over Ogden...we got lucky this time, our's stayed on.

The cows can move quick.  I watched as they ran across the field over to where they get fed.  I felt bad for them.  I bet all that Hail scared them.  I can't imagine how it would feel to be hit with those hard balls of ice being forced down so hard. (ouch)  I"m glad it passed quickly

Just after we were hit a tornado went through Riverdale and Washington Terrace. (just east of us)  It spun with a vengeance. It ripped off roofs, lifted up vehicles and uprooted trees and retaining walls.  The power lines fell and thousands were without power.  It broke windows in homes and cars...it was mean.  My mom was lucky.  She ended up with someone's shed in her backyard and lots of broken branches but nothing broke and she was able to stay home.  Her neighbor two doors east and across the street was evacuated.  Donna (neighbor) lives on a corner and her retaining wall was tore out and the police didn't feel like it would be safe for Donna to stay.  Trees were uprooted and laying all over these two little cities.  Crazy weather....I kept thinking "we're not in Kansas anymore".

Debbie's Birthday

Debbie turned 60 yesterday and so our team celebrated her today at bowling.  I made a cake and brought a card and party hat for her.  Carla brought balloons and a candle to add to some lotion that Shirley was bringing.  It was fun!  Debbie is fun!  Debbie does a lot at bowling.  If anyone has a question or a problem they go to Debbie.  I'm not certain why that is?  Debbie is the secretary but pretty much does it all.  Sometimes we laugh at all she has to do.  The President and Vice President don't seem to have responsibilities.  Debbie is smart and works hard.  She is happy and kind and everyone likes her.  I'm so glad that we lived in the same ward for many years while we raised a few kids together.  Debbie has taught me a lot over the years and I really admire her.  It's been fun having her in my life all this time.  It's because of Debbie that I started bowling eleven years ago.  She ran into me at a wedding reception and asked me to sub for her friend.  I've been bowling ever since.  I love seeing and being around Debbie ever week.  She's pretty wonderful!

My View

I love living in the country and looking out our windows.  It's so pretty and peaceful.  The cows get to come graze in the hay field now and so they are like in our back yard.  Before I had to strain to see them way out in the field.  It is such a peaceful sight and feeling.  I love looking out my kitchen window.  I'm glad our poplar trees had to be removed a few years back...I love the view.  I love having a little space that we call ours.  I love that we have been able to raise our family here.  The country is a great place to raise kids.  Kids learn to work hard and play hard.  There is plenty of room to explore without getting into too much trouble.  My kids have hunted in our fields.  (pheasant, geese, turtles) Braxton and his friends built a few forts and one is still out there.  They spent so much time in the field and had lots of friends over.  They called it Kamp Kaboom!  They had lots of fires and liked to blow up Sobe bottles filled with gas.  They were away from everything and so it was pretty harmless.  They were all lucky and blessed not to get hurt.  One gal did get hurt on a zip line that the boys built and immediately Braxton took it down.  It was after his mission and it scared Brax enough to get rid of it.

The sports court entertained  the kids as well.  We often had kids out there playing basketball, dodge ball and tennis.  They could play all night with the huge lights.  Now a few of Larry's friends come and use the sports court to practice jumping.  (I think high jumping)  Fun Memories living in our little space.

Temple

I was super excited to go to the Temple today.  It has been closed for a few weeks for cleaning and I had grands those weeks so I didn't make it to another temple.  I miss it when I don't go once a week.  I believe I might just be addicted!  A very good thing to be addicted to!  I love watching the grounds change and by going once a week we often see workers making those changes happen.  Today they were planting bulbs.  It's  a lot of work to keep the temple grounds looking so nice.  I always enjoy watching the workers to see what they do, it fascinates me!

No big story to share.  No unusual names.  There was a name that got changed from Bugg to Bigg.  I bet that person was tired of being "bugged" about his name.  I did feel the spirit.  I believe I even noticed my dad there today for a minute or so.  I did feel him close.  Oh...it's such a good feeling to be in the temple doing the Lord's work.  I love the Temples!

Another Grandson

 Woo Hoo ... Braxton and Kelsi are having a boy.  Sadie is getting a little brother.  We will have 5 grandsons by March!  His name is Jack Braxton and we love him so much already.  What little miracles these babes are!  To announce the gender of the baby Braxton and Kelsi filled a balloon with powdered paint and attached it to a board.  Braxton shot the balloon with an arrow and poofffff.....blue powder appeared.  I'm excited but would have been just as excited if the powder would have been pink.  Every baby is a blessing and it really doesn't matter what gender they are.  I did feel that our family needed a few more boys though and we are getting them.  Woo Hoo!  OH My Word....I love getting grands!

Celebrating Robin

Today the Sista's went to lunch to celebrate Robin!  It was such a fun day and I'm so thankful that Robin is around to celebrate.  Her health hasn't been to great the last few years and her heart attack gave us all a big scare.  Robin is hilarious!  She is so sarcastic and always has us laughing out loud.  She's a beautiful soul...inside and out!  I feel so blessed to know her to be able to spend time with her.  I really like her and all my sista's.  These sista's like and appreciate me too. (much more than my birth sister)  These gals enrich my life and fill it with so much happiness and fun!  What a blessing they are to me.  A new gal came today that I hadn't met before.  Her name is Ranae and she is Leann (Burch)Whitely's sister in law.  She is really nice and it was enjoyable talking with her.  We have some people that we both love in common.

After a wonderful lunch we went to Fundaze and bought some pirate stuff so we could dress up and get some free donuts at Krispy Kreme.  We waited in line for an hour and it was warm outside.  It was fun though being with each other.  When we got our donuts the line was at least 3X as long...poor people.  My family enjoyed my sacrifice and their donuts.

After waiting for the donuts we went to Sew and Save because Carla and Robin needed to pick up their quilt square kits.  The kits weren't ready which is dumb.  If you belong to a group and have paid then I think they should have your name on your quilt if you are not able to pick it up on the day assigned.  Needless to say we waited again for their kits to be cut.  Robin was not a happy camper.

I got home just in time to greet Larry and Jared as they pulled in right behind me.  Fun Day!

Game Day

It's been forever since I have been able to attend our Monday game day.  I watched kids all of August and have had other things as well as being sick.  I'm glad I was able to attend today.  I love these gals and have such a good time with them all. Debbie is the Queen of Games.  She knows a lot.  I have played a lot over the years but forget how to play them.  That is why I am explaining them on here.  Hopefully it will help me remember!

Today we played Nertz!  I thought it was just like solitaire with the exception being you got to play on everyone's cards.  That was not the case.  It was similar but different.  Nertz is a fast paced game.  You need to keep your eyes moving all the time, playing as many cards as possible.  It was fun and Debbie was our winner!  In the picture she has a chicken on her shoulder with Lorrilee and they each have a Lucky Duck..that's how I remember who won.  Nertz was too much for Lorrilee today and so we pulled out 5 Crowns.  Lorr won that!  We had a good time.

I signed Debbie's book for her and Lorrilee bought one.  I love that Debbie got emotional while reading it.  I hoped that our feelings would be expressed and I guess if it brings someone to tears it was a success. (not that you have to cry...I'm just glad it touched her soul)

Cookout at Mom's

Since my mom has got her back yard spiffed up a little she wanted everyone to come and enjoy it with her. It does look nice.  My mom made spareribs and everyone else brought a pot luck dish to share.  It was a nice meal and it was fun seeing everyone together.  The little kids had a good time playing with each other.  They ran all over the back yard...mostly chasing Jared.  Liam asked me to play Freeze tag with them and so I did for a minute.

I bounced around from chair to chair to mingle with everyone.  It's funny we all sit in our own families and I guess that is because that is where we are comfortable.  My sister came an hour late and was a little upset that there still wasn't much food.  There was plenty though and even left overs it just didn't look like it.  Larry teased my sis by taking her plate when she wasn't looking and she did not think it was funny. I think Susan must have been having a bad day because usually she just rolls with the punches.

Most of our family made it.  Kevin was sick when he came to get the kids and decided  not to come.  I didn't blame him.  I could tell he wasn't feeling well and I knew that him and Julie were probably tired from the drive home.  Braxton and Sadie showed up with the backhoe (he's so funny).  They had just got home from the cabin and they left Kelsi home so she could shower and relax a bit.  I laughed out loud when I saw the backhoe pull down the street.  The streets are not very big where my mom lives. ☺

Susan's girls came but Will and Ryker didn't make it.  Hillary lives in Texas and so her cute family didn't make it either but they were thought about.  I hope my mom will do this again some time.  I like seeing her great grands get to know each other better!

Friday through Sunday

We were waiting for Zaden's dad to pick him up when Kevin dropped off his kids.  Kevin had planned a surprise birthday get away for Julie and asked me like 6 months ago if I could watch his kids.  Kevin took Julie to Jackson Hole where they slept in a Tepee and had dinner in a covered wagon.  I'm sure it was just nice for them to get away together.

It was fun having their kids while they were gone.  These little ones are so good and enjoyable.  Kam had a pj day on Saturday after her soccer game.  I just let her!  The twins were easy and have such a good schedule.  The first morning they woke up right on time about 5:30 am.  They sleep through the night which is nice. (the 2nd night Briggs woke up around 3:30.  I got up with him and snuggled and loved him)  The big girls went to sleep perfectly both nights and in the morning we had pancakes.  My grands like me to make them pancakes. Jordyn was just mellow as could be and enjoyed playing and hanging out. I left the room a mess and just let them play.  They are such sweet kids.

Larry took Kamryn to the store to get treats when he got home on Friday.  They came home with a few bags.  Kam thought it was awesome!  Saturday morning Kam came in my room just as I was making my bed, we decided to get back in bed and hang out there for a bit.  Larry decided to bring us breakfast in bed which was a few candy bars.  Later he got the girls a bowl of candy bars so we could send a picture to their parents.  Larry's funny!  He also put a gorilla between the twins...I don't know why.

It was fun snuggling these cute grands.  We all enjoyed having them spend some time with us.  Kimleighel and Jared are so wonderful and always willing to help.  Larry was really involved this weekend too.  I love babies!  I love toddlers!  I love all kids!

The twins, especially Briggs have been known to puke their bottles back up.  Their formula's have been changed and after the first few hours we didn't have issues...that is until Saturday when I ran home after Kamryn's soccer game to help feed the twins before Parkers game.  I had Brynlie and I could tell she probably needed a burp.  I put her up to my shoulder and she immediately released a huge burp but her meal followed.  I was covered in puke. Brynlie looked at me and gave me a big smile and then started cooing at me.  What a cutie even if she did soak me in stink.  I changed and washed the vomit from my hair and hustled up to Parker's soccer game.  That was our only spit up incident.  Thank Goodness!

Jordyn was ready for her mommy and daddy to come home.  She sat on my lap a lot on Sunday and just needed some extra loves.  It was a pleasure having so many grands this week.  It always is!

Wednesday through Friday

Trichelle is involved in Limitless a lot now and so we get her cuties more often.  We had them this week from Wednesday to Friday.  Ivy not as much since her time is shared with her dad.  We had a great time and I enjoy having the little's at my house. (they all sleep really good too)  They are all pretty easy and are good at entertaining themselves.  However, they do prefer me or Kimleighel in the same room with them which means I accomplish nothing while they are here.  That's the good part about being a grandma...it doesn't matter so much.  I am able to just spend time with them and feel grateful I can help out.

Macie gets to come on Friday mornings.  Her mom is helping with Parker and Mya's classes and so Macie gets to come play with me.  She's a cutie and it's fun having her.  Macie and Behr are cute together. I adore our little ones....they each add so much happiness to our family. They each add so much happiness to me.

Julie's Birthday

Our sweet Julie turned 30 today.  Julie is definitely a keeper.  Julie is easy going and so kind.  She is smart and a goal setter.  Julie plans things way in advance and has helped me to be better at committing to things and getting them on the calendar.  Julie is adventurous and  likes to stay busy. On her days off she will take her kids to the zoo or lagoon or thanksgiving point.  For Christmas their family always gets passes to one of these places so they can spent time together enjoying each other.  Julie is good at organizing and has a real gift for it.  She's the one that headed the cleaning of my hall closet one year for mother's day.  Julie works hard and loves her job.  She is a dental hygienist and works three times a week.  Julie is very supportive of Kevin.  I know she didn't love sports when they got married but she takes their kids to all of Kevin's games.  She even dresses them in their colors to show her support.  Julie is also very thoughtful.  She is always sending a text thanking us for supporting them.  I'm so glad that she was interested in our Kevin and put the moves on him and that he continued to pursue her.  I love this girl.  Our family has been very blessed to gain such awesome kids.

Birthday Dinner

As I write about my cute son, every now and then I have to pause to wipe my tears away.  We are just so blessed!  Jared loves seafood and I think for the last three years we have ended up at the Red Lobster to celebrate his birthday.  He likes the captains feast (I think) because it has a variety of fish.  He was hesitant this year to go there because he realizes that it is kind of expensive.  I reassured him that it is fine on his birthday.  I love our one on one time with our kids for their birthdays.  I love just looking at them and seeing how well they have grown up.  I love thinking back over the years and remembering their little journey to now.  Being a mom has been my greatest desire and blessing.  It's all I ever wanted and I have enjoyed the kids that were sent to us.  I love every stage of their progress.  Some stages are harder and cause anxiety but even those stages are worth it when they make it through.  Oh my word....I love my family!  I'm thankful for every single birthday we get to celebrate!

Breakfast with the Birthday Boy

This will be our last birthday celebration with Jared for a few years.  When I realized that I got a gut ache.  I really wanted to make his day a little more special.  We decided to go to breakfast since the afternoon was packed with things and he should probably stay in school.  We got up early and headed to Village Inn.  He did open his birthday present before we left our house.  We got him some nice binoculars for hunting.  I think he might like those better than the luggage I was considering.  I think it's going to be hard to sent this boy our on a mission.  The first was hard and I think my last will be.  The others were hard to but I was good at focusing on the positive and good since they overlapped each other.  I want to cherish the time we have left and for the first time in years I will say that I am glad we have one more year of school.  I pray that my son will believe in himself.  That he will be kind to himself and realize we all make mistakes and no one is perfect.  I hope he knows how much he is loved and cherished by our family.  I wish he could see himself through my eyes and better yet our Savior's.  Jared is a Great Kid!

Jared is 18

This cute son of mine turned 18 years old today!  I find it hard to believe that my baby is that old but let me just say it's been a pleasure watching him grow up.  He was a fighter as a baby and needed to have a strong will to survive.  He has always been so cute and when he was little even men spoke of his cuteness.  As a toddler he cracked us up.  I remember him egging on one of his brothers saying..."you want a piece of me?"  then when they came towards him he rolled right under their feet.  He had quite the imagination.  He would start his stories with "Remember When?"  He had stories of owning dogs and changing Justin's diaper...which he realized wasn't true and corrected himself.  Gramps could always get him started and Jared would go on and on remembering things through his imagination.   As he grew he became more sensitive and tender hearted.  He doesn't like to be corrected and kind of thinks he needs to know how to do everything on his own.  If someone tries to critique him he feels bad about himself.  I feel sad about that.

Jared is a hard worker and Larry loves having him close by to help him.  I think Jared enjoys working with his dad.  Jared is the best uncle ever!  Little kids love him and he is just super fun and loving.  Jared is affectionate and still likes hugs.  He often lays his head on our shoulders to express his love.  He trusts me and tells me things or asks me things that he isn't sure about.  I love that!  Jared is just so kind.  I'm so glad he is ours and that God knew we needed this little guy. (no so little anymore)  Jared is truly a blessing to our entire family!

Kimi's New Do

After growing her hair out for years, Kimleighel decided to chop it all off.  Kimleighel is a girl who knows what she wants no matter how extreme it is.  I think Kimi looks good with any hair style and I love that she tries new kinds.  I'm kind of excited that we won't have long black hairs all over the house for awhile...just mine now. ☺  I love this cute, sassy look on Kimleighel...it fits her to a tee!

Visiting Teaching

I have such a testimony of visiting teaching.  I love it and I know that through visiting teaching miracles can happen.  Right now I have such wonderful visiting teachers...Ruth Dawson and Jeanenne Murdock.  Jeanenne is moving and so I'm not sure what will happen.  I really hope that Ruth will be able to still come to me.  I love them and I feel the love they have for me.  They are such wonderful examples. (I can't believe I didn't get a picture of them when they last visited me)

I am blessed to be able to go to Crystal and Linda.  I love these two ladies so much.  I have a hard time keeping our visits to half an hour.  Actually with Linda they haven't been less than an hour.  It just seems there is so much so say and share.  These two are also such wonderful examples to me.  I learn so much from them and I always feel the spirit as we visit.  I love getting to know others better and through visiting teaching that is accomplished.  I continue to love and care about the sisters that I have visited over the years.  I have been truly blessed.

Larry and I have assignments together to visit the Mark family...another favorite of mine.  The Marks aren't active but they are the best example of how families should love and support each other.  They are so close to one another and are absolutely wonderful.  We also get to visit a single mom that just recently moved into the ward.  Erin has walls up but allows us to break through them just a little.  Her little daughter is the cutest and we love interacting with them.

I'm a fan of visiting teaching.  It's powerful and important.  When the Marks lost their little preemie they knew to call us for the help they needed.  Visiting Teaching Blesses Others!

Family Pictures

Today we did family pictures before dinner.  We take our pictures on a Sunday that everyone comes.  I'm not going to lie....I get a little stressed.  This year I wrote down the pictures that I wanted.  I checked them off as we went.  It gets crazy and the kids get restless and before we are through I can't think and have no idea what I want.  I still didn't get all the pictures that I had hoped for and have another plan for next year.  (I think I will ask the married kids to be responsible for taking their kids pictures even if they have to take turns with our camera)

We got a few pictures with our original family.  When the kids first stared getting married I didn't like this idea but have changed my mind about it.  I like having a picture of just us.  One of the gals said that we should get one of just those that have married in...☺I seriously love them like they were born into our family.

We only took a few of us all together.  I think it's because we took these last and everyone was done.  Next year I think we will take the ones of all of us first and then split into families and take a few families at a time using a few camera's.

Gramps was watching and so we had him step in and join us.  He is the one that started all this!

Our hug pictures make me laugh because we don't care who's looking or what faces are being pulled.

Larry and I feel so blessed to have each other and to have been blessed with each of our kids.  We love the ones that marry ours and adore the little's that join their individual families!

 Trichelle's family....

 Justin's family....

 Kevin's family......

 Braxton's family....

our three not married......

Larry and I and our cute grands.....

We took hundreds of pictures and not one of them turned out perfect but each one brought a smile to my face.  We had a lot of closed eyes, a few grumpy faces, some tears, heads turned, upside down and a few with the wrong couple and even missing teeth. ☺

All in all.....they were perfect!  I love my crazy, fun family! I'm thankful that they show their love to me by dressing up and taking the time to have our pictures together.