third times a charm

Finally Kimleighel has her drivers license.  Now just to be clear it was not totally her fault it has taken her so long to get it.  Larry and I both need to take credit for the delay.  Kimleighel took drivers ed when she turned 16 and was ready to get her permit and drive.  I guess we weren't ready since we didn't encourage or take her...oh wait I was totally encouraging and wanted her to take the test while everything was fresh in her mind.  Larry said she needed to study more....I wonder if all those months was what he meant.  To credit Larry, he was the one that took her in for her test and the guy over the DMV gave Kimleighel her test verbally so she could understand the questions.  So she got her permit and it was clipped in my visor for over a year (well over)....we did have to go update it a few times.

I encouraged her to practice driving so she would be ready for her road test.  I guess she wasn't in a hurry because she declined many opportunities. (I didn't quite get that)  My anxiety level increased quite a bit.  I'm not a very good passenger these days especially with new drivers.  I asked the family to help and I think a few of the kids took Kimleighel out driving once or twice and that's all because Kimi didn't like being told how to improve and she wasn't nice to those trying to help her. (bless her heart ♥) So....time kept passing and my anxiety kept rising.

I turned her over to Larry and told him I helped the first five and so he could help the last two.  He didn't quite help the way I wanted and it stressed me out.  Finally on July 26th we scheduled her for her road test. I think it was me that scheduled her even though I turned it over....I guess I was getting to the point that enough is enough.  (I know Larry just didn't want to pay insurance and that is why he kept delaying things...I get that but didn't think it was fair)  Kimi was feeling confident when she went out to test...nervous but good.  Her tears told me right away she hadn't passed.  Her first words out of her mouth were: "mom, I wrecked your car."  I was calm and more concerned for Kimi and asked if anyone was hurt and was happy to hear that no one else was involved...just someone's mailbox.  The instructor had told Kimi to make a U-turn (a worry of hers) in a residential area.  Kimi knew she should stop and back up but thought she must be able to make the turn if she was told to do it right there.  She scraped my bumper on a brick mailbox.  I'm really wondering what the heck the instructor was doing....shouldn't she have told Kimi to STOP?  She only told her to stop after scraping up the bumper and failed her.  The instructor didn't talk to me at all when they came back but had another lady who wasn't there come and explain things to me. (weird)   The more I thought about it the more ticked I was.  I don't care about my car....I'm leaving the scratch....give's my car character and reminds me that people are more important than things.

After that I wasn't in a hurry to go again.  I really wasn't feeling a lot of trust for those at the DMV. Larry worked with Kimi a lot after a few months of delaying again.  This time the instructor was great and complimented Kimi on everything...however, Kimleighel failed to yield at one intersection.  In fairness to Kimi some of the signs are hard to see and they are in unusual spots.  I told Kimi to look at every intersection always....sign or not....it's just better to know if there are other cars coming and what they are doing...just in case they aren't paying attention or miss seeing a sign.  So, once again she went for her road test...we requested the nice instructor and guess what? She passed!!! She was awesome and now has her long awaited licence.  I think I am the happiest!!! Now we get to work with Jared because he is old enough now too.  (this is about as fun as potty training...not my favorite)

"Senior Moments"

So Kim asked me and Jodi if it was time to go to lunch again?  She suggested we meet in Brigham City at Idle Isle this time on a Monday since she doesn't have school until later in the evening.  I suggested we go today since last Monday I was in Puerto Rico.  We were all excited and it was a go. I know I had talked to Jodi about it and so I didn't even think to remind her but when she wasn't there by ten after twelve Kim and I began to wonder if she had forgot.  I text and called her and didn't get a response until almost 12:30...I could tell she didn't remember so I called her.  She was in Ogden but coming home very soon to get her son to work.  Kim and I laughed so hard because we have both forgot things too.  We were still visiting when Jodi got there and we enjoyed ourselves a bit more. I saw a few people I know....a few ladies from bowling and Larry's Aunt and cousin.  I thought that was a little funny and I bet they were just as surprised to see me.  It was so enjoyable meeting Kim and Jodi.  I love this time in my life and so glad that I have been blessed with friends to occupy my time.  It is lots more fun than cleaning and more rewarding.  It's fun having more birthdays....

I can't believe how fast the time always seems to go when we get together. I can't believe how blurry my pictures always seem to be.  Either my camera doesn't focus quick enough or the person taking it moves....I did buy a cheap camera and might need to go get a nicer one soon...blurry pictures bug me just a bit....so does flying time. (wink)

I ran home and got Kimi to take to Larry's so that he could take her driving.  He was showing kindness to me by taking her.  Kimi was in a mood though and Larry is now done with her.  I just hope she passes her driving test tomorrow....I want this to be over.  Larry hasn't wanted her to get her license so he wouldn't have to add her to the Insurance.  I have thought that she should get it since she took the class almost two years ago and driving on a permit. I guess she hasn't needed to drive so it's worked out.  However if she drove she could get a job. (keep her busy)  Jared is now right there too and is old enough to get a permit.  It's times like this I'm sure being the last of seven stinks....because the parents aren't in any hurry...and we even pull the reins and hold them back.  (a little bit of a pet peeve for me)

While Larry and Kimi were driving I stopped by Justin's to see the new baby and the others.  I was holding Macie and got to feed her and burp her. (she is doing so good) When she was full she was just looking around.  Mya looked over and said "Grandma, Macie is looking at you".  I said: "ya, I think she is looking at my scarf"...Mya: "or your cute face".  I'm glad my grands think I am cute...that about makes my heart explode with pure joy!

Good Morning

I'm always glad when I get a text or call that it's time to get together again.  Karie was feeling the need and got a breakfast scheduled.  Saturday works best for those that work.  Today it was just the three of us....Me, Karie and Davaleen.  As long as there are two I am good. ☺  I think you can get a little more personal when there are less people.  It seems the conversation is more vague when the group is larger. (I like either kind of group)  So today we shared some good stuff with each other.  We talked about our bodies and how remarkable they are.  Isn't it interesting that when there is something off with our body it let's us know?  We might not be able to think happy, or we may have a pain, or we get tired, or our weight changes.  Our body let's us know though because it likes to be balanced and perfectly united.

We talked about Dave's art class and her experiences there.  I loved watching Dave's expression's as she talked about her experiences....so funny!  We laughed and had a great time.

We talked about my blogging and leaving my story for my family.  Karie had a wonderful idea about leaving something with our voice for our loved ones.  She told of her own experience with her dad in his last years and how he was unable to talk and they missed hearing his voice.  I think I will record a message about my blog book for the year and put the CD right with my book.  I love the idea of having our voices recorded. Our voices are such a huge trait of ours.  I remember a gal hearing my voice in a store a few years back and recognized it from when we were young.  So a wonderful idea it is.

I gave Karie a "Sunshine" bag.  The thought came to me as I was leaving so I felt that I was prompted.  Karie is one amazing gal.  She has an incurable cancer and deals with that daily and with such a great attitude.  Karie is so kind and caring and smart.  Karie scatters her sunshine to me and I appreciate it so much and she really has made my life brighter.  God Bless Karie!

I love getting together with my friends.  They brighten and enlighten my life.  My days are always happier when I get to interact with my friends.  My friends bring out the good in me!

Kiss & Tell

I love going to the Plays and I am so glad that Barbie and her girls take me with them.  We go to the Hale Theater in Orem.  Barbie and her girls have been going for years and they love this theater...I do too.  It's small and cozy and always have good performances.  The drive goes by quickly with all our chatter which is also part of the fun.

Tonight the play was so fun.  Maybe it was a bit better because I was sitting by 15 year old Carleigh who was loving it too.  She was into the little romances going on and anticipated the "kisses".   The actors were all so good.  I do not know how they can keep a straight face when funny things are happening and being said.  I guess that's why I'm not in the plays...I couldn't do it.

I have enjoyed getting to know Barbie and her girls better.  I have known them for many years but haven't spent a lot of time with them until the last few years.  It's funny how friendships develop when they are most needed and appreciated.  Such fun times!

Oh the places you can go.....

We had Book Club today and it was fun.  I actually read a few books this month that I was able to share and report on.  I read the story of Elizabeth Smart.  I liked how open she was with sharing her story.  I admired her faith in the Lord and her strong spirit.  I am so glad that she survived and was blessed with a strong spirit that wouldn't allow her abductors one more day of her life.  I also read A Walk of Faith by Richard Paul Evans.  It's a story that has been continued from previous books and has another one following.  I don't like reading books that need to be continued especially if the book isn't published yet....the suspense kills me.  I look forward to reading the next book and can't wait until May when it is released.  I read a good book by Kim Krey (a gal I use to teach in Church) It's called Jade's Cowboy Crush.  It's a well written romance with a bit of suspense.  Jade witnessed a murder and is put in the Witness Protection Program to keep her and her son safe. Jade falls for the darling cowboy that is protecting her.  It's fun reading books when you know the author.  I am so proud of Kim.

There are a few books I want to read this month that Suzie talked about. They are by Immacule Ilibagiza  that wrote Left  to Tell. I really enjoy reading and love the things that I have learned over the years. I like reading a variety of books. The mind is a wonderful thing and our imaginations are a gift. Books enhance both!

Want to Play?

I love when Tammy sends me a text asking me if I want to play.  It always makes me smile.  She sent me a text while I was sitting in the Atlanta Airport the day before.  I text her "YES" I want to play and that I could tomorrow (which is today) after I went bowling and got my mammogram.  It was fun...it always is.  I love visiting with this girl.  We understand each other and have grown so close over the years as we have shared our lives and souls with one another.  It's so nice having friends like this.  Our lives are different but it doesn't matter.  We cheer and support each other in our own direction.  I learn so much from Tammy.  She is a great gal that has so much to offer others.  She already helps so many with the gifts she has been blessed with.

Today we went to Harmon's to get a salad.  You get to build your own and Tammy said they were really good and inexpensive.  We both just laughed when the cashier told me mine would be $17+.  I guess I made a heavy salad... haha!  I will be much more conservative if we go there ever again.

I love our play dates.  I know that we will still be making them for many years to come.  Life is so refreshing!

Peurto Rico

This Trip sponsored and paid for by STAGG.  This was suppose to be a trip for Larry and I.  Larry even added an extra day but instead of that being an extra day together it ended up being another day apart.  Because of Larry's surgery he was not able to make the show.  Jaydan got to go in Larry's place.  Jaydan was so excited and we had a great time.  When we were switching the tickets Jaydan got upgraded to first class and so from SLC to Atlanta he flew in the comfy seats.  I was happy for Jaydan.  Jaydan is the fifth child and has been so easy going that he hasn't got a lot of extra attention. He never demanded it...he just went with the flow.  I use to take the kid with me every where when he was little.  I even took him with me when me and some neighbors took golf lessons.  He wouldn't run around or get into things.  He just stayed by me and played.  Jaydan is a great kid.

We enjoyed ourselves for a few days before the Stagg Show started.  We chilled by the beach, ate on the beach, ordered room service one night, watched a few movies, and relaxed!  Jaydan likes relaxing and so that's what we did.  I wasn't complaining....it's what I wanted to do too.  Oh and just after midnight on January 13 (Mya's birthday) we experienced an Earth Quake. (it registered at 6.5)  It woke Jaydan up with a curious look on his face.  It didn't last long but shook us and rattled the door pretty good.  I was a little surprised but wasn't really freaked out.  It was something exciting to add to our adventure.

Jaydan attended classes on Monday and I went over and joined him for lunch.  He went to more classes and I went back to the Hotel and worked on my SNAP lesson.  We went back to the convention center that evening for dinner which was more like appetizers.  It filled us up though.  Most the people were there for the Rum.  Puerto Ric has good Rum I guess....as much I love Rum extract and Rum flavoring I wasn't tempted with this kind of Rum.  On Tuesday we went to the show and placed the order for TJ Trailers.  I like going around the different booths and seeing the different things.  I placed an order but it wasn't for TJ's it was for us. (toys for the grands) A guy that sells equalizer hitches wanted a few things from the booth I ordered from and so I put his order with mine. It's probably good I don't go every year.

I had a great time with my son.  I sure do love and appreciate each one of my kids.  They are truly my favorite people.  I love every single phase of their life. (junior high isn't as lovable but for the most part I enjoyed those years too)  I love seeing the people they grow into....they are good people, and fun, and clever, and funny, and smart, and kind, and simply wonderful.  I'm glad Jaydan and I were able to share this time together.  Jaydan razzed Larry about having to stay home with the kids and was so glad it wasn't him at home this time.