cuties at my house/blood drive

I love summers.  Summers mean more grands more often.  I just think it's fun having these cute faces in my home.  I love them so much.  Today Kevin brought the older girls to play.  Sweet Jordyn wore out and feel asleep on the floor.  The twins went to daycare...they get to go there once a week in the summer.  Trichelle brought her fun boys over awhile later for Kimi to watch. Oh how they all make my heart happy.  I love everything about them.

While they were there today I made cookies.  I really thought the girls would want to help me but they didn't today.  Kamryn wanted to color some pictures for the book I'm doing and Jordyn just wanted to watch her princess movies.  I know Kamryn likes to bake but not today.  I don't bake like I use to and truthfully it's because things don't get eaten as quickly with everyone gone.  Since Jared left I am really noticing a difference.  I am throwing more food out that isn't getting eaten (even pasta salad) and the ding dongs I buy are still in the drawer when I want one.  Jared ate more than I thought.  I miss my boy but wouldn't want him here right now.  I know he needs to be on a mission and I'm thrilled that he is.

One of Larry's responsibilities as a High Councilman is the Stake Blood Drive.  So that means that I get to help out too.  I go over and unlock the building and then I sign people in.  I'm pretty much there the whole day.  I like visiting with people though and so the time usually goes pretty fast.  Today it got a little slow around 3:30.  We still had people there but people weren't coming like they should have been.  I decided that I would donate since it was slow.  The only good thing about donating is that I met Mataya.  She's a darling girl.  We talked and of course my mommy brain went right to Jaydan.  We talked about the two of them getting together and she is so sweet so said she would be happy to go out with him.  I hope he asks her soon.  I know they talked that night but a date wasn't set.

My blood didn't flow like it usually does.  I wasn't able to fill the bag and so my blood will only be used for testing.  I just don't think the needle was in the vein right.  It hurt and was too close to the tendon.  Janet Foster made my day though.  She told me that she had looked over at me while she was donating and was admiring how young and youthful I looked.  Man, a compliment can sure add a heap of happiness to your heart quickly.   I had to give her a hug.  Those kind words were needed, which makes me think we always need them. I'm going to be better at sharing kind words with others.

A few hours after I donated I got kind of sick.  I was holding my cute Jack while Kelsi donated and I got feeling a little shaky.  I told Larry that I was going home and would be back if I felt better.  I never went back.  I chilled and fevered the rest of the night.

Jared Made it to Alaska

Yesterday morning a received a "surprise" call from Jared.  I was so excited.  It was so great hearing his voice.  He was just getting ready to board his flight to Alaska.  He sounded great. He shared a little secret with me.  He told me that he really didn't like his first two weeks in the mission.  I would have been surprised if he would have.  Missions are a big change.  I knew that studying everyday and having someone around you 24/7 might not be his favorite.  He told me that it was all good though.  I realized that my brain is so focused on seeing the good that I was able to read his letters as if he were enjoying everything thoroughly. I told him that too...I guess if he wants me to know he isn't happy, he is going to have to spell it out for me because everything I read between the lines is great.

He mentioned that when he arrived in Alaska that things were very different but that he would get use to it.  I reminded him how the other boys must have felt when they arrived in their missions not being able to understand a word of what was being said.  I hope Elder Ropelato will practice focusing on the good and manifesting great things.  I reminded him to be the very best companion that he could be and if he did he would enjoy his companions.

I'm so excited for Jared's journey.  It's going to be amazing.  He is going to be amazing.  This kid is so humble and kind and is going to be a blessing to everyone who gets to know him.  I'm so blessed to be his momma.  Man....he's a handsome guy!