celebrating the 4th....

Today we worked....we pulled weeds.....we sweat our guts out.....we accomplished a lot....and then we rested.....and after we rested......we played!

We went up to the Dunkley's and the kids swam and had a blast in the pool.  Larry & I watched since we were cleaned up and feeling fine. It was fun watching ...especially the volley ball games.  Dunkley's against the Ropelato's....each won a game and I'm not sure who won the final game....doesn't matter it was fun!

We had a cook out which was delicious and then we visited and watched fireworks.  The Dunkley's had a box of fireworks and lit them in their driveway and behind their's there were a few other families celebrating with the big fireworks that lit up the sky.  It was fun seeing them all.  It was a great day and really fun spending the evening with the Dunkley's.  I sure do love the families that my kids have married in to.  They are all pretty great!

4th of July

Today as a Nation we Celebrate our Independence!  I'm so thankful for this country and all the men and women who have fought for our freedoms so that we can ALL enjoy them.  After visiting a few other countries and reading books about different ones I know that we are truly blessed!  It's something I always took for granted.....I always enjoyed freedom and didn't realize other countries really don't have it.  It is worth fighting for.  We are also blessed with so many luxuries.  It's hard when the power goes out for a few hours....or the water is dirty and we can't use it for a few hours.  Things that one doesn't really think about growing up until you realize all these things are a blessing.  I am Grateful to live in this Country....I am Grateful for all those that serve and have served this Country so we can enjoy the Freedoms that we do.  I pray for this Country and it's leaders now more than ever.  I don't want to ever lose what we have and enjoy.  I Love the United States of America!

Today I lingered in bed a bit longer and was enjoying snuggling with Larry.  For some reason I opened my eyes and couldn't help but scream and throw my elbow back into Larry.  I had "spider-man" in my face!  Jaydan has purchased a few Lycra body suits and enjoys scaring others with them.  Well today he succeeded.....he got me good! hahaha

I laugh every time I get scared from someone in my family since it was me that scared them all for years.  Larry got me the other day too and it's funny to me!  I love my silly family .... they are such a blessing to me!  I love how Patriotic the Spider-man costume is.....so appropriate for this day!

Happy Fourth of July!!!  Hooray for the RED~WHITE~&~BLUE!!!

Time with Kimleighel!

I asked Kimleighel what she wanted to do today.  Jared was going to the Aquatic Center with some friends and so I thought Kimi and I should do something since we seldom have one on one time.  She didn't really answer and so I decided that we should go to the movie.  It was a spur of the moment decision and Kimi barely had time to get dressed.  The show had just started when we got to the theater.  It was packed and I'm sure many eyes were watching us as we climbed the stairs to the back row. (that's where we like to sit even if the theater is empty)  The show was cute and it was fun being with Kimi.

We decided a dessert to top off our time together would be great.  Instead of sharing we each ordered our own along with some pretzel sticks.  We didn't eat it all and I was stuffed and over flowing when we left.  The dessert almost made me sick...which was kind of nice....I seldom get that feeling from too much sugar and I'm actually glad I did.

I love miss Kimi and I'm glad that we had a few hours to ourselves today and had a little fun together.    I love Kimleighel!

Alexi's "See YOU Later"

Alexi is getting ready to leave for her mission to Reno, Nevada.  Today she spoke in church with another young man who is also leaving. (for Mexico)  Since the Prophet changed the ages the missionary work has boomed.  The age change had nothing to do with Alexi choosing to serve....the "Spirit" did that!  She had been praying and she heard the answer to her prayers.  Alexi is going to be a wonderful missionary.  She already converted a room mate of hers.  She knows what is important in life and knows that God is in charge if we let him be.  

I always look forward to times like this.  I love getting together with Tonya and her family.  I love them all so much.  They are my family that I chose for myself.  Tonya and I decided that many years ago when we were still growing up.

I was thrilled that most of my kids could make it.  Justin and Kevin and their families had other commitments in their own Wards...and that's okay.  We know they love and support Alexi regardless if they could be there today or not.

I love just watching everyone play together and interact.  It's so fun seeing the little ones enjoy each other as well as the older kids.  It makes my heart happy just watching.  It was a terrific day....hot but wonderful.

Larry had to leave so that he could take care of some of our Ward Business but he came back and enjoyed Tonya and Marks family.  I was hoping he would and that's why I just hung around myself.

I can't look at any of Tonya's kids without thinking back to the times we have shared while they were young and just growing up.  I remember when Alexi was born and we went to Arizona for her blessing.  She was crying so hard and Tonya was frustrated with everything and so I took Alexi and cuddled her and she calmed right down.  I will always cherish that memory...it is the first one I have of Alexi.  I have enjoyed watching the Coys kids grown up about as much as  I have enjoyed watching my own kids grow up.  They are all such wonderful people!

Today little Madi kept finding me and would come over for a hug.  She remembers when I came to help last year when her little brother was born.  I loved each time that she came over to me and gave me a hug.  I loving little kids and their Christ-like love....so unconditional!  They are true blessings!  Today was one of my favorite kinds of days!

oops!

I had Justin and Natalie's car since they had our truck and Larry took my Rogue.  (like musical cars)  Anyway since I had been driving it for a few days I figured that I had better put some gas in it and leave it like I got it.  I went to the gas station and noticed a little lever on the drivers door with a picture of the gas tank.  I figured it opened the door to the gas tank so I could fill it.  I pushed or pulled the little lever and heard a click as I walked around to open the gas door.  There wasn't a lock on it so I started thinking it must have been locking the doors....which even though I left the driver door open when I walked around I did hear it close just enough to catch it.  I checked the doors on the passenger side since that's the side I was on and my suspicions were correct....I was locked out of the car....the keys were in the car along with my purse.  I did have my phone however and so I called Natalie to see what the code on their door was.  They bought the car used and didn't know the code.  Justin told Natalie he had hid a key under the car, by the spare tire and muffler on the frame.  I really didn't want to crawl under the car and I was really hoping there might be a guy around.  I went into the little station and there were only girls.  So I went to the bathroom so if I did have to crawl under I wouldn't.....(you know)

There still wasn't anyone around that could help me so I crawled under the car, laid on the greasy cement and started looking around for the key.  It was pretty cool under there....pipes going this way...a spare tire hanging there...greasy things everywhere.

As soon as I was under the car four cars pulled in.  I'm wondering why they couldn't have come just a minute before?  So there I am feeling like the wicked witch....but instead of my feet sticking out from under a house they were sticking out from under a car.  I was feeling a bit embarrassed and didn't really want to crawl out but I could tell a truck next to me was nervous about running my legs over and so I got out.  I couldn't find the key!

I crawled out and knew the guy in the truck and so we talked and he was going to take me home so I could wait for Justin to come find his key.  While he gassed up an older guy came over and was talking to us.  He asked if there was a spare key and I told him....my son said there was.  I told him where and all he did was stick his head (not his body) under the rear bumper and immediately he said: "it's right here".  Well hooray and cheers to the old man!  I was able to get the car open and go home!

It was suggested that our family start a "Goofy Award". It is times likes this that one would be qualified to earn it.  I think that is a great idea.  Be proud of those "Goofy" moments and remember them to share with the family at the end of the year!  I think we might just have to add this idea to our family traditions!

Sleep Over with the Grands!!!

Since I have Mya & Parker for a few nights I decided it would be fun to have all the grands over together for one of those nights.  It's been awhile since we have had them all and I thought that they would like it.  They were all pretty excited.  They love each other and enjoy playing together and I hope that will continue on forever.  I would love to see my grands grow up and be close friends.

I loved prayer time.  After we got ready for bed and just before I let them watch a movie we said our prayers.  Ivy volunteered to say the prayer for everyone but when she finished they each wanted their own turn.  So, they each said their own prayer.  The big sisters helped their little brothers.  What an awesome experience for this gramma.  My grands believe in their Heavenly Father and they know how to talk to him.  I also had to giggle when Ivy prayed that gramma wouldn't get frustrated.  What special times and memories.  I sure do love these little ones!

They went to sleep really well when the movie got over. They woke up happy and cheerful and full of smiles and loves.  Sometimes it's hard for them to all be together.  There are times that sharing isn't something they want to do and so they might pout a little and maybe even say something unkind.  We had a little talk about treating others the way we would like to be treated and to remember that cousins will always be around and so we should treat each other best.  My little one's listened and we didn't have another problem the rest of the time.  They are such smarties!

We played outside for awhile and it's true.....it's summer!  It's so hot!  After a bit the girls decided to go inside and get drinks and never came back out to play.  The boys are die hards and could care less about the heat.  They rode bikes and gramps had Jared bring over the battery operated 4 wheeler for them.  These two boys don't mind sharing and are really good at it.

I wanted a picture with each of my favorite "little's" and they each obliged happily except for Zaden who had to think about it.....today he wasn't so sure....or at least at the moment he wasn't.  The girls all helped take pictures.  They liked that and had to make sure they each took the same amount of pictures as the other even if it meant taking a picture of the lawn. (silly girls)

Each one of these little ones means so much to me.  I love them all so much and admire their individuality and uniqueness. They are each completely wonderful!

I treasure the time I have with them.  I hope that I will always want to create times for us all to be together.  I hope these little's will always want to come and hang out at their gramma's and pappa's.  They are such a joy!

Mya told me that she really wanted to go to Arctic Circle while she was staying with us and so I thought we should go today since everyone was together.  They had the funnest time....you could "hear" how much fun they were having.  Ivy and a few of them left at one time to get an ice cream and the place quieted right down.  I just laughed because that meant it was my little ones making all the noise. haha

It's so much fun being a gramma!  I love my grands and they love me.....life is good! CHEESE!!!

Hooray for Birthdays!

I love celebrating birthdays with my friends.  Of course I don't with all my friends but every now and then it happens with some.  I was able to celebrate Kellie's birthday with her today.  I love Kellie and her sweetness.  Kellie is genuine and pure and very caring in every way.  Kellie always strives for perfection which makes me want to also.  I'm so grateful that Kellie is my friend and that our time to be close is now.  I have always loved Kellie....but now we have time to really share with each other and  get to know each other better.  Life is good especially when we are surrounded by great people.