Sleep Over with the Grands

I love Sundays.....especially every other Sunday when ALL the kids and grands come over.  I love having the family together and Sundays it happens!  Last night everyone was here and our house was "buzzing".  There are always a few conversations going on at the same time.  I quite enjoy the buzz....if this happened every day it wouldn't be as enjoyable but since it doesn't I love it.  I love my family!  I love that we are close and care about each other.  I love that my grands love coming to our house and that they all love each other and really get along so well.

I love that my grands can write notes now....we get them once in awhile and they always make me smile.  I received a note from Ivy last night asking if she could please spend the night...then at the bottom she wrote: "I haven't asked my mom yet."  I couldn't help but laugh and share it with the others.  Why not?  Why not let all the grands sleep over?  It's spring break so there wasn't school....so we said "Yes"!  Boy, that shot a burst of energy into the grands.  They were so excited they were bouncing up and down.

So the parents wouldn't have to come back down Jaydan was kind enough to find shirts for them to wear.  Jaydan also brought down blankets and Jared and I had a few extra pillows.  We were set! Since it was already kind of late when the others left the grands got ready for bed right away.  They brushed their teeth and went potty and then we went in to watch a movie.  Before the movie though we said prayers.  That's right....prayers!  Every grand likes to say their own prayer and so I let them.  It's one of my favorite parts of sleep overs.  I love hearing these sweet little ones pray to Heavenly Father.  They are all so cute in the way they express themselves.  Oh they make this heart of mine sMiLe! ☺

We watched Ice Age 3 and when it was over they all went to sleep really fast.  Sleep overs are getting easier.  I love each of these little's so much.....I can't even comprehend loving them more.

Most of them prefer pancakes for breakfast when they sleep over and so I made pancakes.  It's such a joy to wake up to these cute faces.  Oh the Joys of Grands!!!

General Women's Conference

Many daughters of God all over the world, eight years old and up, gathered tonight for a General Women's Conference.  It was an awesome meeting.

Me and my girls went to our Stake Center to listen to the words prepared for us.  Our wonderful Stake Leaders decked the halls of our building with beautiful decor and filled many rooms with sweet treats that we were able to enjoy before the meeting.  It was like heaven on earth...especially the rooms filled with treats.  Kimi and I checked out at least four of the different rooms to see if there were treats we wanted more....I found an eclair that over ruled my mint brownie that was on my plate.  I put the mint brownie on another tray and so it was the only mint brownie in the room for a minute or so.  Trichelle, Ivy and Natalie all came moments later to join us.  It was so wonderful having them there with me....I was especially proud that Ivy was able to come...she's getting so big.

I love feeling the Spirit of God and it was felt at this meeting.  So many amazing talks and music. Having my girls with me increased the spirit and I was filled with Joy!

A few things that were said tonight were:
"We are daughters in His Kingdom"  "Strength in Unity" "Here I am, Send Me"  "Covenant Keepers"

"We as Women can be particularly hard on ourselves"  "Relax and Rejoice in our Divine Differences"

"We should not only Love Each Other More, but Love Each Other Better."

"We need to STOP beating ourselves up because we are not perfect.  The root of the word "perfect" came from Greek origins and means "complete".  Be Ye therefore "Complete" has a totally different meaning."

From Elaine Dalton at a previous meeting:

As daughters of God we are each unique and different in our circumstances and experiences.  And yet our part matters---because WE matter.  Our daily contributions of nurturing, teaching, and caring for others may seem mundane, diminished, difficult, and demeaning at times, and yet as we remember that first line in the Young Women theme....."We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us"....it will make all the difference in our relationships and our responses.

City Creek with some Cute Chicks

Pam and I have been trying to get together for a long time....like 10 months.  We finally got a day set on the calendar about a month or so ago.  Pam talked Debbie, Julie and Lisa into joining us.  I asked Jodi if she would like to join us too.  It worked out for everyone but Julie...she had some problems with her home that needed immediate attention....we missed her.

We met at City Creek which is about 1/2 way for us.  I thought it would be fun to do something for others while we were together.  I had come across some cute jar toppers and decided to fill the jar with "s'more love".  I used teddy grahams, mini marshmallows, and m&m's.  They turned out pretty cute. I gave one to everyone to keep and then an extra one to give away.  I realize this is going out of our comfort zone but still thought it was a good idea.  I found some cute (or funny) chick head bands for us all.  That way whoever received "s'more love" from us could say some cute chick, or some crazy chick gave it to them.  I said a little prayer that we would know who needed "s'more love" today.  I trust the Lord guided us.

Right away Pam ran into a returned missionary.  A young man who returned just last night from the Dominican Republic and who also is from Jodi's ward.  When I first was giving everyone their jars a lady and some kids walked through the door.  The thought crossed my mind that maybe someone in the group needed one.  I didn't think more of it other than we didn't have enough for all of them.  While Pam was giving her's to the returned missionary I notice a young gal looking at some books.  I felt like she was the one I was suppose to give my jar to.  I did and she lit right up.  I love the picture of her because it shows her excitement.  I got chills while I talked to her for just a second and told her God loved her. (I kind of got a little teary.....again while typing this)  Jodi found her recipient as we were walking.  When Jodi handed the lady "s'more love" the lady told her: "You don't know how much I needed this today."   Lisa found her's when she decided to step out of Sephora for just a minute.  Her gal just happened to look just like her sister who has passed away.  She talked to the gal and said there were so many similarities and common connections between them. (cool beans)  I'm not sure who Debbie gave her's too unless it was when she was talking to Michelle King and the other Anchor Lady getting their autographs and Pam grabbed a jar and took it over to them.  That jar of "s'more love" was either Debbie's or the one Pam was taking to Julie.  I also gave one to one of the ladies helping us in Sephora. Someone had complimented this gal and she thanked them and said she really needed that today....that's when I felt like if she needed a compliment she probably also needed "s'more love".  My second jar was actually the one Julie would have given if she would have made it.  I still had my own jar in my purse and when I was leaving the Blue Lemon after lunch I noticed a gal eating alone.  I had actually walked past her and remembered my experience from yesterday of just sitting alone and I looked in my purse and got my jar out and went back in and gave it to her.  It sure was a simple thing but it made me feel so warm inside.  Little acts of kindness make a difference.  They make a difference to the recipient and the giver.  Service & Kindness are Magical like that!!!

We had a great time playing in Sephora.  It was Debbie's idea to go in and instead of just looking around Debbie asked to try a few things. (neck cream, and hair stuff, and even some make up)  I loved how outgoing Debbie was.  Pam and Lisa both said she is usually not like that.  She wore her Chick headband the whole time and even asked for autographs. What a fun chick she is....what fun chicks we all are!  Jodi and I tried out some sprays that lifted our hair and nourished it.  It was really fun just playing around in there.  I want to go back some time and have my make up done.

The day went quickly....like always when you are having fun.  I had to laugh again after getting our parking tickets validated at Sephora only to find out we only got $1.00 off!  So NOT a good deal!  I called Pam to see how they reacted when they found out it was only for $1.00 and she made me laugh some more.  They couldn't find her car when they left and walked around clicking her keys trying to find it.  That is so funny and reminded me of the few times I have also had that experience.

I enjoyed visiting with Jodi on our drive....visiting with friends is always so wonderful!  I was relieved that Jodi's car was still where she left it and that is didn't have a boot locked on it.  The restaurant had a sign in the back saying you could get towed or booted up at your expense if you weren't a customer.  I wrote a note that Jodi left in her window...it might not have even been seen....but was there just in case.

Oops....Sometimes my Brain is Off Track

So here I am....alone....at Applebee's.....wondering why?  I had it on my calendar that I was taking Denise to lunch today for her birthday.  I get a table and wait....and wait.....and wait.  Where is Denise?  after about 10 minutes I call her home phone (I left her a message)...this is not like her to be late.  No answer...good that must mean she is on her way....so I wait a little longer....then a little longer.  I am confused and wonder what happened?  I hope Denise is okay and that something hasn't happened to her suddenly.

I enjoy watching the storm outside my window as I wait.  I saw a black streak surrounded by blue sky and clouds...then suddenly the sky turned to gray and then black.  The restaurant darkened quickly.  My cute waitress kept checking on me.....we had big plans for Denise.  My waitress about jumped out of her skin when the sky burst with a BOOM....I couldn't help but laugh!  I couldn't help but laugh at this whole situation.  Something was wrong and I wasn't sure exactly what?

I finally ordered take out and went home.  A while later Denise called.  Whew....she was okay!  So what happened?  It was me....in my head we had confirmed our lunch date.  Denise even had it on her calendar.  Problem is I had mentioned that I might invite Tammy G to join us since it was her birthday.  That thought never crossed my mind again after talking to Denise.  So......really.... we had never set a place or time for our lunch.  Hmmmm.....I thought Applebee's at 12:30 ☺ not exactly sure why I thought that.  None the less.....it's funny!  I sat alone and waited for someone to join me....I'm so glad there wasn't a rose sitting on my table!

Celebrating Lorraine

Lorraine and Tammy (Garner) share the same birthday...and so today we celebrated Lorraine.  I thought we'd better get this one planned early so that more of our little group would be able to make it.  Even though this luncheon was planned almost a month ago we still missed a few of the gals.

We had a great time!  Lorraine is such a good sport and even bought the rest of us dessert.  None of us really wanted anything but I guess she didn't want to eat her birthday dessert alone and so she told us that Lance was buying. haha...I hope Lance likes surprises!

Kelli brought me and Lorraine some "poo pourri" which made us laugh.  Lorraine had heard of it but I hadn't.  Lorraine also acted like she was going to  spray some on her and Tammy told her that was a great idea just in case someone pooped on her!  Tammy brought chocolate....mmmm.  I brought the Party Girl hat.

We laughed and had a great time and enjoyed a good lunch and then we loved and supported one another.  Some times it's important to share our hard times with our friends so we can get it off our chest and breathe just a little easier.  Friends appreciate being needed and don't mind sharing hard times as well as the good times.  Today was great.  I always leave my friends filling uplifted.  I sure love them all!

This morning I took Kimi and her friend to a Morning Side.  It was so good.  A little gal that goes to Fremont High has a disease that has made her blind and is slowly killing her brain.  The parents spoke to the kids (the church was filled) about their daughter and all that they have learned through this trial.  It was so uplifting and wonderful and the spirit was so strong.  I came home and looked for the quote I wanted to post for the day.  This is the one I chose: "There is a blessing hidden in every trial in life, but you have to be willing to open your heart to see them." ♥  I also came across this one that I also thought was some good advice.  "If you CAN solve your problem, then what is the NEED of worrying?  If you CANNOT solve it, then what is the USE of worrying?" Both have a great message.  I know during hard times it's easier to know what to do than to actually do it.  I think we just need to remember to hang on and not give up....have faith that God is with us and will help us through.

A Week of Celebrating

Today I took Tammy to lunch for her birthday~which is Thursday.  This week is full of birthday celebrating and so I made plans early with my friends.  I love celebrating birthdays.  It's just so fun to be where we are and see where we've been and to look forward to what's coming.  Life is so interesting...the learning process is remarkable...the rewards for enduring and living are awesome!

I love being this far in life.  I love having friends that have been part of my journey.  I love Tammy and all the moments we have shared.  We have had so much fun together over the years.  We have been each others sounding boards and support...because life isn't always easy and we need friends who listen, encourage, and love us unconditionally.  Tammy and I have that kind of friendship.

I'm excited too see what's in store for my friend.  Her path is different from mine and I can't wait to see where it leads her.  I think there are great things waiting for her.

Kimleighel is 18!

Holy Cow I can't believe Kimleighel is 18 years old.  She was so excited for this birthday.  She was so happy and bubbly.  The excitement wasn't because we had big plans....it's just because she's so grown up.  (she has big plans)  We did take her to dinner on Saturday and she chose LaFerrovia.  Sunday morning she opened gifts.  She's been liking Duck Dynasty lately so she got a few Duck Dynasty things..including the 4th season.  She was happy and smiled all day!

I am thankful for this feisty, beautiful, fun daughter of mine.  She makes me smile.  I have enjoyed the journey to this point.  We have learned so much along the way.  From the beginning of her life we knew there would be moments of frustration....she has different challenges that are hard because others don't understand and are unkind.  Kimleighel's confidence is growing which makes things better.  This girl is talented...just saying!

I'm proud of Kimleighel and her efforts to improve herself.  She has a strong spirit and is sensitive to the "Spirit".  She has had some pretty cool experiences that most people don't.  I'm thankful for that because those experiences out weigh the hard things.

I appreciate the talks we have.  Kimleighel shares a lot of her feelings and concerns with me.  I know she.. like most... still keeps plenty to herself but the things we share and talk about are awesome and make me happy as a mom.  Kimi has been referring to herself as my "baby girl" which makes me smile.  I prayed for this child and I'm so thankful she was sent to me.  Kimleighel truly is a blessing!