I love being "Aunt Dawn"

First I just want to say that I love the title "Aunt Dawn".  Until I was an aunt I was just Dawn and I really like having Aunt in front of my name.....it makes me feel so good!

I  was blessed to be able to go with Tonya to Kalie's for 10 days to help her little family while she had her baby son Markus.  Months ago I was just trying to get out of going to Trek.  I really can't stand the hot weather and my body doesn't function well in the heat.....I get sick, I just do!  I had a few different thoughts of where to run away to go through my mind but I kept thinking about Tonya.  When I called her she told me that she was going to Colorado to help Kalie and told me that it would be great if I came too.  It turned out even better than expected because Tonya had surgery and was still recovering.  She really needed my help and so now I am claiming that it was "inspiration" to call her.  (I don't care what others think....I think it was) So on Wednesday, June 27 Tonya and Braylie came and picked me up and we headed to Colorado.  The drive wasn't bad for me and Tonya because we talked the whole way. Braylie listened and asked me if I was going to talk the whole way home too and I told her I probably would.  She said that she learned that I don't like to run and especially don't want to pay to run and that I like chocolate.  (she remembered the important things)

The kids went to a summer bible class the first few days we got and so we had a little free time during that time to check out some little stores.  I kind of like antique stores now a days.  I recognize so many things that bring back childhood memories.  (I guess that means I might be becoming antique myself)

Antique shops make for some pretty fun photo's....we took advantage of that.  It was so much fun!

I seriously loved the pink flamingo's.  I have never seen metal ones like this before and I will admit I kind of liked them.  I especially liked seeing Kalie strangle and climb on the big one.  So funny to me!  That's a great thing about being 50+.... things are just funny to me and I don't mind admitting it!

We went over to a chocolate store and it too was full of old things, mostly old cash registers.  Have I ever mentioned that I love chocolate? I do, I love chocolate.  I realized how much I love chocolate on this trip.  I had chocolate every day!  I will credit my happiness on chocolate....it makes me happy!

The summer bible class was fun for the kids.  They did crafts and sang and I think that kids really enjoyed it. Braylie wasn't so sure though the first day.  People in different churches pray differently and so we were able to talk to the kids about that.  We joked about all the prayers said though while they were there each day.  They prayed at the beginning of every rotation....maybe that's a little too much....maybe not but it was different.  Tonya and I talked a little about the differences of the way we pray and concluded that we pray with much more reverence and respect.  However, I don't really think God cares how we pray, He just likes us to.  No way is better than the other, just different.

I helped Tonya make a few freezer meals for Kalie and her family.  Kalie was very prepared already though and had a bunch of freezer meals made already.  It was a nice sight to see her freezer full. (like packed full)  It was a lot of fun working together with Tonya.  It wasn't like work at all and quite enjoyable.

I know we made Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken and Stuffing casserole, and Beef Enchilada's.  I was also able to help out with a few of the dinners we ate.  I'm glad I had just made a few good one's before I left so I could think of some.  I realized and am accepting the fact that I really can cook and it's even good.  I haven't ever let myself believe that before and I'm not quite sure why but I will give myself credit for it from now on. I can cook good!

Tonya and I both brought crafts and things for the girls to do.  I brought little gift bags for the girls.  They had activity books, a pen, some suckers, and some awesome finger lights in them.  The girls loved everything!  It was so much fun for me to get to know Tonya's grands better.  They are all so cute and fun.  I loved spending time with them.

One day we went to the Library and then for some Ice Cream.  I love little shops like this one.  I would love to have my kitchen decorated like a soda shop some day.  I picture it with glass jars full of different candies everywhere.  It's simply a "fantasy" of mine.

Cedaredge has deer everywhere.  Tonya and I loved it and Kalie laughed at us and called us "tourists".  I pulled my camera out every time.  I didn't post all the pics just the bucks that I saw outside her kitchen window.  There were actually four bucks that day but I only got a picture with two of them.  Tonya saw them there a few days later.  I think it's cool.

Tonya and I each took our I Pads and the girls loved them.  Heck, I loved them.  I didn't have reception for my cell phone and was very glad I could at least get on FB and wish my FB friends Happy Birthday and stay up on what was going on with everyone.  I love technology and how we can stay connected with others because of it.  So much nicer than old fashion hand written letters!  We were able to bribe the girls with the I Pads.  They loved playing on them and Tonya and I downloaded a bunch more games on them for the girls to play.  I am glad we both thought to bring them.....they were nice to have around.

Kalie started showing signs of the baby being born the last few days of June.  She really wanted to hold off until July and was actually scheduled to have a C-Section on July 2.  On July 1 however she felt like she needed to call the Doctor and he told her to just go in and they would deliver her that day.  It was exciting as she got ready to go and soon baby Markus was born.  Everything went well and both Kalie and baby were good.  Tonya and I took the girls the next day to meet him.

The girls were so excited to have a new baby brother.  Madi was excited to be a "big sister".  Tonya took the girls to the store first and let them each pick out an outfit for their new brother and cousin.  Tonya is such a wonderful Grandma.

Brad just makes me laugh.  I really, really like this guy.  Brad is such a good daddy and husband.  You can really tell by his actions that he adores his little family.  He is very involved with them all.  He is so funny and put on his hospital suit so we could all be entertained.  That kind of a suit was new to all of us and made us all laugh.  We laughed even before he acted like a monkey! (which by the way he does a little too well)

It was fun being able to watch this little family welcome another member to it.  I loved just watching it all and taking pictures.  I love babies!  I love the love they bring out in us!  They are so pure and wonderful!

As I mentioned at the beginning we did crafts and activities with the girls.  I taught them how to make some cool cards by using shaving cream.  They turned out really cute.  Tonya brought visors for them to color and some coloring books.  She also bought them bubble wands and we made Sun Catchers.  We stayed busy that is for sure.

Mark flew in on Wednesday and it was nice getting out and picking him up. (during our outs I had service and loved feeling my pocket vibrate letting me know a text was coming through....I love knowing someone is thinking of me)  The girls were so excited to see there Papa.  He was a good sport and took them to a Museum on Thursday.  On Friday we took them swimming and they all loved that.  They are all little fishies and love to swim.  It was fun watching them.  Man.....I love little kids!

The time went so fast and before I knew it Brad's mom and sister were there and it was time for us to come home.  It was a wonderful experience for me.  Brad and Kalie are such great parents and I learned a few things from them that I want to change so I will be a better parent too.  I loved my time with Tonya and all the talk time we had.  It was wonderful.  I love that I was really needed and that I did help this little family.  I loved getting to know these cute little girls better.  They own a bigger part of my heart now.  They made my heart and mouth smile a lot.  I loved meeting little Markus.  He is such a cute, sweet baby.

God is wonderful and blesses us so much!  I am glad that I was guided to where I needed to be.  I am glad that Heavenly Father has blessed me with such a wonderful family and wonderful friends.  I am glad that I am me! (it feels so good to say that!)

While I was away I got this text from Cindy P.  that made me smile and made my day:  "Missed your smile at church today! Hope you are having fun....and being good!"

Fiddlen Around

When Larry and I got home from Manti I met up with my Bonneville friends for dinner and a play.  We went to dinner at the Olive Garden.  Hmmmm 2 times 3 days.  I tried something different and very good.  It was pieces of lasagna deep friend with a tiny bit of sauce drizzled on it.  Not too feeling....in fact just right. 

I love the mints that they give you after.  Of course I love the mints....they are also chocolate.  I ate a few!

These ladies are so much fun to hang out with.  You just can't help but be happy when you're with them.  We had a new comer tonight.....Chris.  Chris grew up very close to me and I remembered her face as soon as she walked in.  I think she likes us now and will be joining more often.

When we went outside a guy was laying on the lay relaxing.  I told Jodi to go lay by him and she didn't even hesitate.  Jodi dares doing anything.  We were laying but the guy had no idea we were taking his picture or that Jodi was laying by him.  I caught his wife in the background.  She was laughing and we all had a great laugh when he did open his eyes.  Dang....I think we're funny!

Then we went to the Terrace Playhouse to watch Fiddler on the Roof.  I haven't been to a play there for a few years and it was fun.

Linda Love was in the play and that is the reason we even thought of going.  She did a great job and you could tell she was having fun.  We were having fun too.  Well....I'm not sure that all the ladies liked it but I did.  I was just struggling with trying not to sneeze.  I either have a cold or allergies and was having a hard time trying to control my sinuses. That was new for me.  I am seldom sick or have any issues.  I don't even think about my symptoms until I am around others then I notice. 

We always have a great time and tonight was no different.  So fun being with the gals laughing and enjoying each others friendship.

 After the play I had a message from Larry to give him a call.  I learned that Braxton was in the field with some girls and one of the girls fell while trying to zip line.  Larry thought she was okay but wasn't so sure about Braxton.  Davaleen went with me to the hospital to check on them.  Everyone was fine.  Kylie (I think) had a fat lip and skinned chin.  Her toe was dislocated but they had put that back.  Other than that she was fine. Braxton and the other girl were doing well knowing the Kylie was fine.  Thank goodness!!! Braxton said it was time to take down Kamp Kaboom!  I am proud of him for making that decision.  Kamp Kaboom was  a wonderful place for the kids to hang out.  There are a lot of great memories relating to Kamp Kaboom.  I agree though that it needs to come down.  We were lucky tonight and we don't ever want anyone hurt again.  I sure am blessed with awesome kids!  I love them all so much and I'm so proud of each of them.

I love the Temples

Larry and I were invited to the Manti Temple for Ambre and Russ's marriage.  We were also invited to the family dinner the night before.  We weren't able to leave work early enough for the dinner and so we just went out by ourselves on the way down.  It was nice just getting away for a minute with Larry.  We met up with the family at the Motel we were all staying at.  I love the Monson family!  They are just a great family that we have become pretty close to.

The sealing was awesome.  Elder Pinegar was the Sealer and was so sweet and a little bit funny.  Ambre and Russ were darling and all a glow.  The spirit was very strong.  I loved being in the Manti Temple.  It is just so darn cool.  The details and workmanship are awesome.  I loved taking it all in.  I just love being in the Temples.  I always feel so loved when I am there.  I know the Temples are the House of God....I can always feel HIM!  One of the things I hope never to forget about the sealing was right before Elder Pinegar started the ceremony he looked at Ambre and Russ and mouthed: "I love you so very much."  It was so sincere and so very sweet!

 I am so glad that we were able to be with the Monson's on this special day.  So very cool to have another daughter marry in the Temple of the Lord.  I can only imagine how they were feeling having their three daughters in the Temple with them today.  Life is so Good!  God is so Good!  I am so Happy!

Another Day of Fun in the SUN

"50" is FuN!!!

Today Kellie turned 50!  I was lucky and got to celebrate with her and some other fun ladies!  For everyone that may not know......50 isn't old, it's FuN!!!

For me it took 50 years to finally believe in myself and to accept myself.  It shouldn't take that long but I don't mind because it made 50 fabulous!!!  I look at my friends that are 50 and marvel at their youth.  I just cannot picture my mom or her friends playing and having so much fun.  (my mom is fun however)

Tammy Parker Bell took Kellie shopping and arranged for the rest of us ladies to meet at the Olive Garden for lunch.  I think Kellie was surprised.....or kind of anyway!  We did a lot of laughing. (I love to laugh)

The ladies that came were Carrie Craft, Kellie Cooke, Crystal Miles, Lanette Hawkes ,

Tammy Parker Bell, Me and Lorraine Mead!  I was just thrilled to be included!  So happy for all my friends!

My New Years Resolution was to make more fun happen and I planned on using the Wiggle Cars.  Today was the first time for such fun and fun it was!  I even brought a few props or disguises to add to the fun.

We went to a parking lot that wasn't very busy and had ourselves some fun!  There was a slight slant that made it really fun.  It's hard going back up hill though and so we had to get off and walk back up.  Did I mention that we laughed.......we laughed a lot!

 It was a blast celebrating being 50!  When I got home I received a text asking if by chance I was riding Wiggle Cars over by RC Willey in Riverdale.  "Ummmmmm.......ya I was there!"  I know the people that drove by got a good laugh for the day.  We even had a lady ask what in the heck we were riding and where to get them.

  

Keri and Madi brought Megan to Crystal and decided to hang with us for while.  I don't think they are one bit scared of growing old.  I love these two young ladies.  They always make me feel so special and loved!

It really is fun being 50!  We are still young at heart and able to enjoy life a little bit more.  There isn't so much to worry about or at least we have learned that worrying doesn't change things. (actually there's more we could worry about we just usually choose not to and trust in the Lord more)

Kellie did "Crash and Burn" and she did just what everyone should do when they crash and burn.  She got up and kept on going!  She even laughed it off!  I love Kellie!  I have always loved Kellie from the first time I met her.  I am glad that we have finally found the time to enjoy each other.  Life is wonderful and "50" if FuN!

Fun in the Sun......alone

I was surprised when we pulled up to Darinda's house and we were the only ones there for swim day.  I was running a little behind and expected the pool to be busy.  Hunter broke his finger at a baseball camp and so Natalie and her kids wouldn't be coming.  In fact Darinda needed go watch Natalie's kids so that Natalie could take Hunter to the doctor.  She said that the others wouldn't be coming either and so we could just swim and enjoy the pool by ourselves.

It was nice and relaxing.  The scenery is so nice and beautiful.  The pool was warm and there was a little breeze.  At one point I was sitting out in the sun and could look over at Pine View and hear the people playing there.  It was a great day.

The kids loved having the pool to themselves.  They floated all around.  Jumped off the diving board.  Dove for eye goggles. Went down the slide a few times and laughed a lot.

We played for hours and I think they would have stayed even longer if we wouldn't have promised to pick up Zaden to come stay with us for the night.  Ivy left for Mexico today and so one of Trichelle's friend invited her to a soccer game to help ease the pain of having her baby leave for 7 weeks.  Zaden was excited to come and play at Gramma's.

We won't be visiting the pools for the next couple weeks and so we thought we had better this week.  A few more days and we will be back at Randee's.  I am so glad that the family shares with us.  My kids love the pool!  I do too and did as a kid also.  I always had a summer pass to the Terrace Pool. (no longer there ...but glad it was while I was growing up)  So much fun in the sun!!!

Sisters by Choice!

I love this girl!  Tonya and I chose each other to be sisters.  We have been friends since we were really little. We've played dolls together, raised kids together and continue to love spending time together.  

I took Tonya to lunch today for her birthday.  Her birthday was a month ago and this is the soonest we could go.  We went to Rainbow Gardens which is always a great place to eat and visit.  We beat the crowd today.  Only two other ladies were there when we got there but there was a crowd when we left.  It was yummy as always.

We had a little fun in the shops afterwards.  We got a little crazy.  I wonder if our kids are embarrassed?  I would have been but there will come a time when the kids will realize this is healthy and good.  We really are young at heart!  We were taking pictures when Tonya noticed a sign that said pictures weren't allowed.  Actually after seeing the first sign we noticed them every where.  We talked to the lady working there and she said she would leave so we could have our fun. And.....we did have some fun!

It's surprising how being a little crazy can brighten the day!  Who knew a pair of wacky glasses or silly hat could be so fun?  We laughed and thought we were so funny!  I still think we are funny!

When we were through exploring one shop we headed over to the other shop.  I didn't notice any signs saying we couldn't take pictures so we just continued to have our fun.  Dang it's fun making memories with my sister/friend.  I like growing old with her.

From toddlers, to teenagers, to young brides, to "fat momma's", to where we are now.  I am thankful for the journey with Tonya.  We have always been there for each other.  We support and encourage each other.  We celebrate the good times.  We cry together through the hard times.  We laugh when it's over and rejoice for the experiences.  We are sister by choice and I love my sister!