Sundays are Fun

I love Sundays!  I love having dinner with the family.  It seems it doesn't happen that much during the week and Sundays we have a set time and more of the family comes!  I love it!  Every other Sunday we have everyone here and it's wonderful.  Justin and Natalie and their cute kids come every Sunday except the last one which they spend with Natalie's family.  So Sundays are now a favorite day of the week for me.  Even gramps comes over every Sunday for dinner!  It's wonderful!

 Braxton always makes it fun for the kids.  He takes them out to see the animals or he brings animals over so they can play with them.  Tonight Braxton brought over the pelts of a raccoon and and fox and my grands loved playing with them.

 The furs are soft and have been treated but watching my little's stuff their arms up the bodies of these "use to be alive" animals kind of gave me the willies. Kimi couldn't stand it at all and didn't want the furs even close to her.  I had to laugh as Mya asked her why?.....was she allergic? haha

Braxton is a character and fun kid.  I enjoy each of my kids and the unique personalities each of them have.  They all add so much to our family.  I am thankful for Sundays and Family!

UEA Get-a-Way

This Weekend all started over a month ago when Kevin & Julie text to see if they could to go to St George and stay with Jerry & Darinda.  Larry was suppose to ask Jerry but kept putting it off because Jerry and Darinda were in France and then Hawaii.  Finally I just messaged Jerry anyway and he said it would be fine if Kevin and Julie wanted to come and spend the weekend with them.  They were planning on being their with Dave & Natalie's kids (while Dave & Natalie went to France).  After the okay we added to the group.  Justin and his family decided to go and so did we.  So, instead of an extra party of three they had a dozen of us come.  I had called Darinda to make sure it was okay and she is such a sweet heart and said of course.  I love Jerry and Darinda and their hospitality.  They are so kind and so willing to share with all of us.  There is plenty of room to have us all there.

Their house is so much fun.  It's just so nice and has lot's to do.  The kids watched movies, played video games, played barbies, wizards and relaxed.  Jerry took everyone four wheelin a few times too. He likes to go and has enough four wheelers and gear for everyone.  It's a lot of fun.  I stayed back though both times to stay with Darinda and help her out since some of the little ones didn't want to go. I enjoy visiting with her and so it was nice and we were able to get dinner ready while they were gone. It worked out great.

 Friday Night a group of us went to Natalie's sisters house (she lives in St George) to swim.  It was fun.  I love how little kids usually love swimming no matter the time or conditions...I know my little's will swim whenever possible.  Natalie's sisters family were gone to CA but offered us her pool anyway. It was nice and I enjoyed visiting with Becky (my niece) while everyone swam.   Becky and I discussed how times like this weekend were so nice so that cousins can get to know each other better. My grands and Darinda's really did have a great time.  I loved watching them become friends.

It was a very relaxing weekend.  Larry and I even slept in because we could. (Larry hates sleeping in but does it for me because I enjoy it)  It's nice not having any responsibilities every once in a while. I smiled as I lay in bed listening to the little ones run around and make noise...it was fun not having to be the one making sure they were doing what they should be or getting what they needed.  (I did help when I was up and going)

Jerry & Darinda are building a pool in the back of their house.  It's huge!  It has a place for the little ones to swim and wade.  It has a tree where a rope will hang.  It has a slide.  It has a cave where actually some bats have claimed as home right now and even a mountain lion liked it.  Darinda is going to have the workers close off the section where the bats go. Not sure what they will do about the Mountain Lion. It has fountains and a hot tub.  It will have greenery around it and big vases.  It's going to be pretty cool. (dang cool!)  I told Jerry they weren't chasing us away very well.  I hope they know that our family will be wanting to come again when it's finished. Heck even without the pool my family enjoys going there.  I'm glad that Jerry & Darinda share and make us feel like we really are welcomed.  My pictures of the pool don't do it justice but that's okay...when it's done I will get some better ones!  ☺

Such a Fun UEA Weekend!  

Judy's Birthday

As I was driving up the Canyon today I remembered that it was Judy's Birthday tomorrow.  Tammy and Teresa had wanted to get together for lunch and since it didn't work out for this week I thought maybe we could make dinner work out...and Judy could come too.  Everyone said that they could make it.  I was excited since Larry was taking our kids to the Temple to do Baptism's for the dead and out to eat after. 

Judy and I got to the restaurant a few minutes early and got a table.  Tammy was just a few minutes behind us and we waited for Teresa.  I tried texting her and calling her and couldn't get a hold of her. We were kind of worried.  After waiting half an hour we decided to go ahead and order.  Good thing we didn't wait because Teresa never came. She finally replied and was fine but had forgot.

The three of us had a great visit...we always do.  We talked about spiritual things and got that "feel good" feeling.  We could have talked all night and usually do but it was late and so we finally left.  I am taking Judy a "Scatter Sunshine" bag tomorrow to her on her birthday.  Judy is one of the sweetest gal's I know.  She had always ran a Day Care in her home and is so good with little kids.  She has given  her time to take care of others children.  She is a great influence on the little ones she watches and they are lucky to have her care for them.  I am lucky to have her as my friend!  

Scattering Sunshine Feels So Good

I wanted to see the fall leaves in Sardine Canyon and so Jodi and I decided to get together and have a little fun.  It's a good thing we met up because I was a little late for the leaves. ☺  The ones still on the trees were pretty but I missed the colorful mountain side.  It didn't matter though because being with Jodi made the trip worth it.  Jodi is Fun and Wonderful!  

Jodi surprised me with a "Scatter Sunshine" Sign....similar to the one we saw last week but cuter...because she made it!  I was totally surprised and I can't even describe how it made me feel!!! It is so bright and cheery and perfect.  All the way home I thought of where I wanted to hang it.  I decided to hang it where my fruit picture was.  You can see it walking down the hall into the kitchen.  I like it there so it will be seen many times a day...a good reminder to me and my family and friends to always Scatter Sunshine!  I LOVE IT!

We went to the Crepery and had some yummy crepes!  I have never been there and it was wonderful. Jodi and I had our own savory crepe and then we shared a delicious desert one.  I will need to visit this place again....so yummy!

I loved our visit.  When it's one on one it seems the conversation is more personal.  We shared some things with each other today that just added to our list of similarities.  It felt good  to just talk about any thing we wanted.  It felt good to know that others experience the same sort of things.

This place was a place that welcomed you to stay and visit.  They had couches along both walls and even one in front of these fun hanging chairs.  The workers were even kind enough to take a few pictures of us enjoying our time there and together.

When we left the Crepery we went to a cute Boutique.  I love boutiques and looking at everything.  I seldom buy anything because I have so much stuff and I'm really trying to simplify but it's still fun looking.  While we were there a young girl recognized Jodi and was talking to her.  I learned that this young gal has two kids with the same illness Jodi's son died of. (CF)  The kids were with her and they are so cute.  I wished I had remembered a "Sunshine" bag....I would have gave it to her.  Actually I would have gave it to the lady at the gas station were I left my car since she promised me she wouldn't let it get towed.  I met her first but I really want to give one to this girl.  I will have to ask Jodi if she knows more about her.  Jodi met her in a round about way and so I'm not sure she really knows.

*Lesson learned I'd better be prepared with a few Sunshine Bags...who really knows when I will feel prompted to give one out.

I drove home with Sunshine in my Soul and a cute Sunshine sign in my backseat. ☺

Quick Family Photo's

I decided to only have professional family photo's taken every other year.  For one thing it's costly and the years go by so quickly I don't really get to enjoy them unless they are up for two years.  At least for now that is how it is.  So tonight we quickly went out and took a few ourselves.  

I used a tripod and had gramps push the button to take the picture.  I figured that way they wouldn't be blurry if he moved....they are a little blurry anyway...oh well I still like them!

Witches Night Out....Spooktacular!

Double, Double Toil and Trouble;
 Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble!!!

                                

Witches Night Out at Gardner Village is one of the funnest events ever.  This year I went went Jodi and Patti and we met Davaleen and Chris there.  It was so much fun.  I love seeing all the different varieties of witches and other spooks.  People can be so clever!  Hundreds attend this event because it really is so good.  There's lots of shopping and browsing and plenty of food choices.  There are witches everywhere.  The music is loud and makes you want to dance or at least shake a little and walk with a bounce in your step. 

I love being Glenda the good Witch.  Most people know my name.  The little witches think I'm a Princess and love having their pictures taken with me.  It's a magical feeling for me when I see others eyes light up. I love making others smile!  Quite often as we wondered around I felt a hand on my shoulder or arms around my middle of others wanting to tell me something or get their picture taken with Glenda.  It makes me think....I do have a skeleton in my closet....I'm really a Princess...or maybe just a Good Witch but acting this part brings joy to my heart. (it's who I am) ☺

I love the gals I went with. (and missed the ones that didn't come) I love Jodi's enthusiasm and her passion for purple.  Actually it's her passion for life that I love most. Patti, Dave, and Chris are quiet spectators....supporters of fun!  Speaking of Fun...Jodi and I were discussing how we both are seekers of fun.  We look for it...we make it happen and we realized that because of that we are both very happy and enjoy life.  I'm glad that I am able to share my happiness with my friends and others....I swear the more you share the more you have...it's like impossible to be empty as long as you are sharing.

Tonight was perfect in my opinion.  There were lots of people everywhere but you could move around. My space wasn't crowded.  You could actually see who others were.  I ran into a few witches I knew. Julie's sisters were there and while I was "cackling"  with them another friend who happened to be related to Jens step daughters came by.  Tammy Parker Bell and her friends were also bewitching. Then before we left my friend Shellie and her daughter Hollie saw me.  They said they were just wondering if I would be here or not.  I ran into Hollie and her sister another year when I was leaving.

While browsing through a store Jodi saw the perfect sign for us.  "Old enough to know better, Young enough to do it anyway".  hahaha so fitting!

My favorite costumes tonight were the three fairies from Sleeping Beauty.  They were awesome and delightful.  I absolutely loved how clever and bright and wonderful they were.  I'm so glad I was able to jump in a picture with them.  (I am such a kid a heart...I know!)

I couldn't sleep right away when I got home even though it was late.  My mind kept thinking of this fun night and what I could do next time I went.  I thought it would be fun to bring treats for the little kids next time.  I think I will keep my eye's open for candy necklaces and sucker rings...I think the kids would really love that.  Maybe I will have the "bad" witches help me with that.  That's a joke....one little girl was asking her mom where the "good witch" was...and when she saw me she was so excited but asked her mom why I was with the "bad" witches.  I let her know that most the witches out tonight were "fun" witches not "bad" witches.  So if I had them give out treats the little witches would know that they are "fun" and not "bad". ☺

On the way home we decided to stop for some witches food...."Fun" witches food...which of course means chocolate. Did you know chocolate makes you happy?   It's true...people have researched it...I guess that is another reason I am so happy! (and no waist-ed)  I believe I heard "purring" while these treats were being consumed. MmmmmmYummmm......

Sleep Over with the Grands

Twice a year around Conference we have all the grands spend the night at Gramma's house.  They love it!  I love it! We all love it!  I love how excited each grand is about getting to come to my house to spend time with me, grandpa, Jared, Kimi, Jaydan, Braxton, and of course their cousins.  I have a saying on my wall the says: Grandma's is the place that cousins go to become friends.  I sure hope that my grands will always be friends with each other.  I sure think my grands are about the cutest kids ever!  I love having them over.  Our house gets loud and crazy but it's good.  There is lots of laughing and hugging and snuggling and fun and messes...it's so worth it. 

We had pizza and doughnuts and some of the grands brought more treats to share.  We were all on a sugar high all night. 

These little's play so well together.  They really are friends.  They played school and had every stuffed animal in the house for students. (we have a lot of stuffed animals...I mean Larry has a lot of stuffed animals)  The boys played with the cars and had them lined up in the hall. The girls like wearing my shoes and usually pull them out. When they wanted to move on to other play they were really good about cleaning up first.  All the stuffed animals were brought back to my room to their basket. Parker brought about 6 at one time. My shoes were thrown in my closet (close enough) My grands are really good helpers and clean up fast. Have I mentioned how cute they are?  Dang....they are so cute!

When everything was put back or close to were it came from I got the dress ups out.  I have a few containers full of Halloween Costumes that my kids wore.  The grands love playing dress up.  It's funny for me to watch them. They get on one costume and run around in it for a few minutes and then change.  We had costumes all over the living room floor.  Jaydan was enjoying the grands and playing dress up right along with them.  Jared and Jaydan both played with the grands all night. Braxton came over during the movie for snuggles. ( Kimi was at a friends)  The grands love their uncles and love having them join in the fun.

While we were still playing dress ups we played a few games of Halloween Bingo.  I made this bingo game up years ago...many years ago.  I had candy corn for game markers that were really old and really hard.  I will save them for years to come.  The kids loved playing bingo even though I didn't have prizes and they played it over and over while I folded the dress ups and put them away.  When they were finished with bingo they all changed into their pj's without even being prompted.  I believe little Parker had his on first.

The kids got their sleeping bags, blankets and pillows out how they wanted them and then I put the movie in.  I've learned that my grands don't fall asleep during movies and so I let them continue to eat sweets while they watched the show.  I even let the boys sneak off and play with their cars.  I chose to watch the Wizard of Oz and I think the grands enjoyed it.  When it was over we fixed the sleeping spots again.  The kids went in and brushed their teeth and went potty.  I cleaned up the remaining doughnuts and treats and filled up their water cups.  I turned out the lights except for the hall light. I went around and kissed and hugged each of my cute little's. A little while after our hugs and kisses I noticed Mya sitting up and whispered for her to lay down.  She told me she was saying her prayers. Oops....I forgot to say prayers with everyone.  It made me happy to see that Mya remembered anyway.  It was the little boys that giggled and whispered to each other.  I had to rearrange their blankets a bit and add a little space between them but once we got them situated again it wasn't long and every little of mine was breathing heavily and resting from their night of fun.  I left them and went to my room so that I too could relax from a fun night.

Bright and early Ivy came in and wanted to join grandpa and I in bed.  I let her...she was cold.  She got to snuggle for a half hour or so and then Kamryn and Zaden joined us too.  They weren't interested in snuggling.  They would rather stand on the bed and let themselves plop on it.  They were happy and giggling.  What a great way to start off the day. I told them we needed to let Parker and Mya sleep until at least 8:00 am and so they needed to play quietly.  The went in the piano room and started playing school or house again with the stuffed toys.  I enjoy listening to them play and use their imaginations.  It makes my heart smile as well as my face.  

I promised Pancakes for breakfast.  My grands love pancakes.  They ate and then wanted to watch another movie. Once they agreed on a movie they put it in and I left Jaydan with them so I could run to the store and get groceries for tomorrow's dinner.  

I made it back before any of the kids left.  They were all gone close to noon.  It was the best sleep over so far.  I think these little's are at the perfect age to enjoy each other and help me out too.  Before we know it we will be doing this again.  I am already looking forward to it.  Oh my ... I love these little ones they truly are "grand".