I Love going to the Temple

I love going to the Temple!  Tonight was ward Temple Night and it was so nice going with a few cute single ladies in our ward. (Ruth &Smitty)  I loved the drive and the beautiful mountains!  I love this time of year with all the marvelous colors decorating the trees!  Breath taking to say the least!

I wanted to blog about the Temple because it is one of my most favorite places to be.  I feel safe while I am there.  I feel loved.....unconditionally loved.  I sat and thought how God knows us all....every little thought....every little secret.....every little action......every little dream......every little everything and HE LOVES us the MOST!  He sees are strengths and knows are heart and knows are potential.  He helps us through everything.  I am so Thankful for HIM in my life.  I make mistakes and I am fully aware that HE knows and sees all and HE is always there for me!  He knows me and he loves me and that means more to me than anything else possibly could!

I love seeing friends and neighbors in the Temple.  I love looking into others eyes in Temple and seeing love and friendship there.  We are all striving for the same thing and are supportive of others.  I love that!  I love feeling the Spirit in the Temple.  I think it is felt easier there because there are not the distractions like outside the Temple.  I love feeling the Spirit......it is sweeter than anything.  I love the peace and pure happiness I feel while I am in the Temple!  All my blessings are shown to me and I am so thankful!  I am truly blessed!  I am so glad I have the privilege of going to the Temple.  I am so thankful that I am worthy to go.....that I am forgiven of my faults and weaknesses.....that I am good enough to go even though I am far from perfect!

I ♥ Jesus and Heavenly Father and I am so thankful for Them!  I "Feel" their love.....and I love it!

Senior Olympics!!!!

Larry and I left for St George after getting the grands some breakfast.  We decided to listen to the first session of Conference on the Road and hopefully be to Jerry and Darinda's by the afternoon session.  It worked out great.  I really enjoyed listening while we drove.  I am sure we heard more than if we would have been home trying to watch it and the grands.  

We really do enjoy staying with Jerry and Darinda.  It is so relaxing and nice.  Randee and Zoee were there also and so that made it fun.  I went with Darinda Monday morning to take Randee to the Airport and then we headed over to the Senior Games.  I barely missed Larry's Long Jump. :(  Larry came in 4th on that event and 3rd place beat him by a cm.  (very close)  On the way back to the house us girls stopped by an antique store and had a little fun!  We went for some sun glasses but they were out!  So we played!

                                 
                                 

Monday after the games we went 4-wheeling with Jerry and Darinda.  It took us 3 1/2 hours and I think it was like 42 miles.  It was a bumpy ride and I had a hard time seeing with all the dust and the sun.  I got a little nervous a few times....especially when I decided to slow down since I couldn't see and waited for the dust to die down.....I was right by a cliff!  I had no idea there was a cliff and my heart sped up just a bit!  We found out that night that Ralph's (a guy also staying with Jerry & Darinda) 32 year old neighbor had been forced off a cliff in Hawaii and died.  That fact my experience even more scary.  When we got to the end of the trail it was beautiful.  I had sore knees and was glad I wasn't a nursing mother since all I would have been able to offer my child would have been a "milk shake". (a lot of bumps on the ride....but super fun....other than the not being able to see) 

                                 

Someone had a great idea to take our picture on the HUGE rock.  Larry and I went around and started climbing the rock.  I slipped before I made it to the top and scared myself to death. (almost)  I was glad Larry grabbed me and is strong enough to hold me.  I was shaking so bad when I finally made it to the top.  It was kind of funny and plenty of laughing going on but I was seriously scared and shaking.  I had a hard time standing up.  I did though for a picture.  I knew I had to climb back down and that terrified me.  We decided to go down the front this time instead of the back.  If I wouldn't have been so scared it would have been easier but I didn't want to slip again because it was a long way down.  We laughed as a scooted my bum down the rock and stood looking at the 3 ft gap between the big rock and the next one.  I should have been able to step across but didn't have the guts and didn't trust myself.  Larry was so calm and nice as he tried to reassure me that I would be fine.  He kept telling me to trust him.  I did trust him but I didn't trust myself.  I wasn't sure if I would chicken out mid way ..... which wouldn't be good since there was space to fall.  I chose to step on the tree to get closer to the lower rock.  I was grateful it held me and that Larry was able to pull me the rest of the way over.  Once on the lower rock Larry said to turn around and he would lower me down.  It still looked to me to be quite a ways down and I was still scared.  I asked (maybe told) Jerry to come help me by holding my feet and helping to lower me.  He joked and said you want me to hold your bum....I laughed and said I didn't care what he held as long as he helped me down. (I was desperate)  He held my feet and Larry held my hands and they lowered me and I was safely on the ground again.  We continued to laugh even more then.  Darinda had been filming most of it and was almost out of control laughing.  It was nice to laugh that hard together.  I rode back with Darinda in the side by side and we laughed even more.  So being scared was worth it in the long run.

                                 

Wednesday Larry metaled in the standing long jump and the high jump.  He jumped as high as Jerry and got his personal best in both events.  He was thrilled and I was so proud of him. 

Jerry and Darinda left on Tuesday after the games.  Jerry had to coach his grandson's basketball team that night.  Larry and I went to Cedar City and took one of the gals from our ward to dinner.  She is going to school there and wanted to talk to Larry about Conference.  We had a good time with her.  We even drove her back to Jerry & Darinda's to show her our awesome it was.  It was a great way to spend the night.

Wednesday Larry only had the triple long jump.  He again did really well and I think got another PB.

Before the men jumped the women were jumping and I just have to say there are some pretty awesome "old ladies" out there.  I watched a 75 year old set a World Record in the Triple Long Jump.  I was amazed at her strength and the shape she was in.  The only way you could tell she wasn't in her 20's way her skin but even then that wasn't that bad.  I knew her age because they mark the back of their legs.  She was amazing!  I watched her run just before we left and holy moly she can move!  It was fun watching but I still don't have any desire to compete!  I'm not competitive and never have been. But I enjoy watching others compete especially my hubby!

Sleep Over with the Grands!

I love conference weekends.  I love listening to the conference and love how I feel while I listen.  I know the things I hear are true.  I love the leaders of our Church and the guidance they give us!  We are so Blessed!  I love our tradition with the grands on Saturday night.  After the Priesthood Session the whole family goes out to eat....then the grands get to come to our house and spend the night.....all of them together!  I love that the grands are so excited to sleep over!  They make my heart smile! ♥

This year I thought is was funny when Trichelle told Mya that she was excited to sleep over too.  Mya didn't really like that idea and mentioned to her parents that Trichelle wasn't welcomed!  Oh my these kids make us laugh!   They do like me to play their silly games with them too.  So I do!  We were playing a silly game where you had to show your "special trick" and it came my turn to show my "special trick" and since the grands had been doing somersaults I decided I would do that too.  We had pads out and I thought ..... I use to be really good at gymnastics and I can do this.  Well when I rolled my neck "cracked" all the way down.  It hurt!  I'm sure I screamed out a little and the grands thought it was hilarious.....even Parker was laughing pretty hard at his gramma.  It was worth it.....I think!

 We finished playing and got ready for bed since it was so late already.  We chose to watch "Hairspray" and guess what?  The kids watched it all the way to the end.  So very close to midnight we went to sleep.  Jaydan also joined us this year and it was fun.  When everyone was sleeping I left and went to my own bed.  I already had a sore neck and didn't need to make it worse.  I forgot to take pictures until the morning while they were still all sleeping.

They all woke up happy!  I love waking up to grands.....they are just so enjoyable and cute.  We made pancakes since they all like them.  They could have whatever they wanted and a few had some cereal also!

Larry and I left for St George after getting the kids breakfast so my kids got to enjoy the grands after that!  I sure am glad that I am a Gramma......I seriously love it!  (I have such cute little grands!)

this might Shock you!!!

I'm thinking about getting this tattooed on my bottom! Hahaha not really of course but I made this cute little picture after talking with Larry, Braxton, Jaydan and Jessyca Fullmer last night.  Some how in our conversation it was mentioned that I had a tattoo on my bum.  I said "ya of Mickey and Minnie kissing".  Then it got even more graphic saying that I had one on each cheek and when I squeezed my cheeks together they kissed! (it's funny at midnight!) hahaha.......when we went to bed my mind kept going.  Larry was asleep but I couldn't sleep until I got up and made this little saying!  Oh my crud I "crack" myself up sometimes!

What the Crud???

St George Getaway

I love surprises but I'm not going to lie this one kind of scared me just a little.  About a week ago Larry called me and told me that we were going to go to St George and he got us tickets to the Tuachan to see Aladdin and Hairspray. I love this kind of thing but the part that scared me is Larry doesn't.  He doesn't enjoy plays....they're too long in his opinion.  So I was thrilled but nervous at the same time.  I asked Larry why he did this......remember he sent me Roses for my Birthday August 12 too? (not my birthday)  He said he needed a break..... Okay but aren't we going to St George the first of October and to Hawaii the end of October?  Hmmmmmmm.....he even made reservations for our Hawaii vacation next year....November 2013. (strange in my opinion)  Oh well.....I decided to just enjoy our time together even if it did mean that I was missing Kimleighel's first dance!  I did enjoy myself!

We saw Aladdin the first night.  We also saw a few friends that we knew.  Funny thing is we saw the same friends the next night.  Kind of strange since there are so many people.

We stayed at Jerry & Darinda's and that alone would have been relaxing and nice!  To our surprise Jerry  & Darinda were there.  We didn't think they were going to be.  It was so fun spending time with them.  Wayne & Christy also came late Friday and so we were able to spend time with them too.  I loved it!

Saturday morning Jerry wanted to take us on the 4-wheelers.  I enjoyed our ride a lot!  I kept right up with Jerry and even had a mouth of dirt because of it!  In fact, I was pretty much covered in dirt! (so glad they had extra shirts to wear)

We went to a few mines, which by the way are everywhere.  We also went on the river bottom.  Not Darinda's favorite trail but she is a good sport and did it anyway.  It's really bumpy but pretty fun in my opinion.

 There was one time that Jerry and Larry went off looking for a little house and when they found it they wanted us to come up.  Well I couldn't see the trail and so I just went up some rocks and found myself on a big rock......it wasn't the trail.  I had Larry get the bike down because I knew I wouldn't be able to.  I was pretty proud of myself and the guys just laughed!

While we were riding I got thinking how life changes.  For years I was taking care of my kids and was much more serious and careful.  Now that they are older I am able to let the kid in me come out.  I will admit that this time of life is really fun.  If I could go back I wouldn't have been so serious while raising my kids....but maybe that was a good thing since they are pretty good kids!  It is what it is and I'm just enjoying where I'm at.

Riding around kind of wore me out!  I really needed a drink when we got back.  We cleaned up and Larry and I took off for another play.  We both enjoyed Hairspray better.  I think it's because our seats were better....plus I just like Hairspray.

I asked Larry if he was able to relax and enjoy our getaway like he had hoped.  He said we were still too busy.  That's funny because I didn't feel like we were.  However I did just want to watch a movie and we never did.  I thought it was because Football and Golf was being watched.

I was able to read and even have a little nap in the Harry Potter Room.  I explored the whole house and sat on a few of the couches that I normally wouldn't have.  I'm looking forward to returning in a week!  I love my hubby and the time we spend together!

Kimleighel's first Dance

Larry surprised me with a get a way to St George for the Weekend.....only problem with that nice surprise was it was also Kimi's first dance.  We talked to Kimi about us not being there and she was fine as long as Trichelle promised to be there with her.  She wanted Trichelle there even if we would have been.  I think Kimi values her sisters opinion.  Well Trichelle spoiled her.  Kimi's friend, Genni was turning 16 on Saturday and so for her birthday, Genni's mom planned a special day for the girls.  They were picked up from High School in Limo and taken to the Mall.  Trichelle picked Kimi up from the Mall and took her to get her hair cut and colored.  A few days earlier Genni's mom did Kimi's nails for her. (she was being pampered big time)

The Grays let Kimi borrow a dress for the dance and volunteered to do her make up and hair.  Boy was Kimi excited!  When she got home from her day date with Dallin she called the Grays and they had her come over.  Jaydan and Trichelle were awesome and went with Kimi.  Jaydan kept me posted with pictures which made me feel good.  I know Kimi was thrilled to have Jaydan and Trichelle watching out for her all day.  I was too!

 Kimi had Keri, Sabrina and LaVerna all working on her.  I guess she didn't say much but always had a little smile on her cute face.  She was bursting inside though....Kimi bursts!

 Kimi was thrilled with the results and couldn't quit smiling once she was outside with just her siblings.  She was very pleased with the results.  Trichelle called me later and told me how fun it was to be around Kimleighel and see her excitement.

I know that Kimleighel felt like a Princess.....and she should!  She is a Princess and the cool thing is ..... she knows it!

 She felt beautiful and looked beautiful as well!  Wow......Larry and I made some cute kids!

Kimi went with Dallin to the dance.  Dallin and Kimi have been friends since birth.  I think it is great that they still like each other.  Larry kind of gave Dallin the talk on Sunday..... hahaha

I'm glad that Dallin asked Kimleighel to the dance and they had a good time together!  So fun watching the kids grow up!  I'm really thankful for my good friends and kids that were there with Kimi to make her first dance memorable and great!   Life is pretty darn fun and rewarding!