Kelsi ♥ Braxton

It's a beautiful day to be married!  Braxton and Kelsi were sealed today in the Bountiful Temple.  I woke up with tears in my eyes.  I am just so grateful for weeks like this.  So much good happening that one can only feel the blessings being poured down from Heaven.  I know we are loved by our Father in Heaven and by His son Jesus Christ.  They are always blessing us....some weeks its very obvious.

There were many that came to join us for the sealing of Braxton and Kelsi.  I'd name them but would probably leave someone out.  The room was filled with love thought that is for sure.  There were a few times I was afraid I was going to snort from trying to hold back my emotions.  I felt the presence of loved ones that have gone on before and even a few of those that haven't came yet.  It was a very awesome day.

I love looking around the room and seeing the faces of those that love us and Braxton and Kelsi so much.  It was so neat seeing our neighbors that have been such a big part of Braxton's life.  Our neighbors have helped raise our kids but Braxton, our social butterfly, spend more time at the Bailey's and Hodson's than the other kids.  I appreciate them for helping us raise such good kids.  Because of Robin my kids know how to tie their shoes.....that's just a tiny thing she taught them.

I'm so thankful for my friends that are like family.  Tonya and Mallory always have my back.....they are always there for me and my family.  It's nice to know that I can always count on them...I sure do love and appreciate them for being so kind and supporting us always.

I loved watching Kelsi and Braxton "glow".  Their spirits shined as they looked at each other and you could see how happy they both were.  I know the "wait" was worth it for Braxton today.  He really wanted to get married when he came home from his mission.  He dated and dated and prayed and prayed.  There were a few gals that I know would have loved to marry Braxton but he didn't feel it.  He wanted to feel it...but it was years before he finally did.  Kelsi is exactly what he has been praying and looking for.  I'm so happy for these two.  I'm so happy to have another darling daughter!

Today was one of my best days!  Today was Braxton & Kelsi's best day, so far!  Today was a day that makes living fun!  So Rewarding!

Braxton and Kelsi's Reception

I like the way the reception worked out.  I liked having it the day before the actually wedding and sealing. It wasn't stressful...if you don't count the parking lot being refinished that morning and afternoon.  And even that didn't really stress us out...concerned us a little but we just went with it.

We met at 12:30 to set up and things came together quickly.  I left about 3:30 since I didn't feel like there was much more that I could do....plus I needed to go get chicken nuggets and french fries so that Kelsi and Braxton would have them at their reception like they wanted.  During the Reception cute little Parker came up on stage and handed Braxton a Silver Platter with the chicken nuggets and french fries.  Kelsi and Braxton laughed and had a few and then continued greeting their guest.

I loved how simple but cute the decorations were.  I was proud of Braxton for making such an awesome backdrop and picture frame holder.  He also made the hanging frame for the funny photo's. Braxton really is a talented kid.  The tables were cute with the burlap and lace and cute pictures of this cute couple.

The Refreshment Table was darling.  Mary Lou had a dream and it turned out very cute.  Simple and Cute and Yummy!  They served all kinds of cookies, taffy, ice cream and watermelon water.  I heard Mary Lou ask Debbie & Paul Widdison (who were so kind to help in the kitchen) which cookies went first.  The ones I made did.  The Banana and Chocolate Chip Cookies.  I made 4 batches of each and so I know there were well over a 100 of each!  ☺  I liked the cookie idea.

Braxton and Kelsi seemed relaxed and happy.  I was impressed how Braxton greeted each guest.  Even those he really didn't know he acknowledged and talked to.  I was so proud of him for making each guest feel welcomed and important....which of course they were or they wouldn't have been invited. The time went pretty quickly but my back was screaming it was too long! (I'll explain at the end)  I loved seeing friends that we don't see that often and those that we do.  I had tears all day because of the love and gratitude I felt.  I am so thankful that Braxton and Kelsi found each other.  Kelsi is a wonderful addition to our family and compliments Braxton to a tee.  It was Kelsi's idea to have "Dale" the goat be at the reception.  When I heard that I knew without a doubt Kelsi was the girl for Braxton.  Kelsi also was fine with driving away in a tractor...YEP....they are perfect for each other.

I thought the little (tall) Photo frame was cute and added some fun to the night.  I got a few pictures of my kids before the Reception started.  My kids make me laugh and I absolutely love being their mom.  I have some of the cutest, silliest grands too...which have this gramma wrapped around their little fingers.  Oh how my ♥ smiles!

I loved getting to know Kelsi's family better.  I really like them and had fun working with them side by side.  Our families are joined now and just got bigger!  No one lost a child...we each gained another family to love and support.

This Love Story just began.....there will be many adventures.....some sad times.....more happy times.....lots of memories.....and a Happily Ever After for Eternity & Beyond.

*I can't stand or do anything for too long before my back starts complaining.  It was really huting by the end of night.  I had just greeted the last guest when I suddenly felt very sick....like I had the flu all of a sudden.  I hurried off the stage and dodged into a room.  Kelsi just happened to be in there (I was hoping for an empty room)  She was ready to leave on the tractor with her cute finance.  I really wanted to see that but instead I laid on the floor praying I would be okay.  I felt crummy for just a few minutes.....I was sweating and trying not to puke.  Whatever hit me left about as quick as it hit.  I bet it wasn't even 10 minutes and I was feeling okay.  I missed them leaving on the tractor but was feeling better.  I didn't help much with the clean up but everything got cleaned up pretty quick with everyone's help.

It was a Fun Night and Wonderful Reception of Family and Friends!

Gina's "Angel"versary

I am so thankful for memories...and pictures to help us remember.  I am so glad that I knew and could call Gina Talbot Smedley my friend.  Gina was a fighter....you have to be if you get cancer!  She was positive and trusted in God.  She Praised God Always!  I loved that about Gina!  She smiled even when she didn't feel like it.  She lived for everyone else!  She lived her life until the very end.

I treasure the day that Jodi and I went to visit her.  She was coherent and able to express her feelings to us.  She knew her time had come that she would be meeting our Savior...she accepted that.  We were able to express our love for each other.  I knew that would probably be the last time I would see my friend alive in this life....that day is precious to me.  I'm so glad that Jodi followed the prompting that she got and invited anyone to join her.  It worked out perfect for me and I believe that was a tender mercy.  God knew I wanted to see Gina before she passed.

I'm so thankful for God and the love He is constantly showing to us.  I am finally at a point in my life that I am able to recognize it and allow Him to guide my life.  I believe He always has but I see it now and it's easier to follow His wishes.  I know that we are guided to others so that God can bless us through them.  Gina blessed so many around the world because she shared her faith and journey.  I know that we all bless  more than we know and I am so thankful for everyone that crosses my path in some way or another.

It's so hard losing our loved ones.  Our hearts and souls ache for them....that's part of this earthly experience.   I think it's the hardest part of life....even believing (or knowing) we will see them again.  It hurts because we love.

Today a few of us gathered at Gina's grave to celebrate her life a little through our thoughts and expressions.  We as friends continue to make memories and live our lives.  We celebrate each other...we support each other....we love each other.  We are the Angels in Life!

Kamryn's Birthday

I am so glad this little one is  in our family.  Little Kamryn is such a joy and smartie pants.  She is so funny and witty and loves to have fun.  For her birthday she told her mom she only wanted to spend the night with gramma in the trailer.  We didn't get the trailer out of storage in time so I promised Kam when we did get it out she could have another sleep over with just me.  We slept in the family room instead and watched George of the Jungle and ate treats.

Jaydan took her to dinner while Larry and I went out.  Then I took her to the store and even though she didn't want a present....she picked one out anyway.  It's so fun to have a little one on one with each of the grands.  I'm glad that Kam wanted to have sleepovers with me because now it is a tradition with each of the grands on their birthdays.

I love this girl.  She is truly a blessing and a huge bonus to our family!  I can't believe she's 6!

Justin's Birthday

I sure do love this son of mine!  Every birthday takes me back to the day they were born.  There are certain memories that stand out.  I remember holding Justin with a different sense of pride and joy than with Trichelle....it wasn't better or worse but it was different.  This boy has always been a good, kind, hard working kid.  He is honest, funny, talented, and sensitive.  Justin always knew when I needed a hug and gave them to me all the time while he was growing up.

Justin is a sweet husband.  He is so good to his beautiful wife.  Justin is a fun and caring daddy.  I always knew Justin would be a great dad because he always loved little kids and was good at taking care of them.  It started when he was 4 and we had Kevin.  Justin could get Kevin out of his crib (Larry let him...I would have got Kevin out and handed him to Justin) and he would gently hold and take care of Kevin.  They would fall asleep with Kevin laying on Justin's tummy.  Justin's kids adore him which means he treats them wonderfully.

Justin is an example to our family.  I think everyone looks up to him and knows they could go to him with any concerns or problems.  I am so thankful for this son....he makes my heart smile....BIG!

We enjoy taking the kids out to celebrate their birthdays.  Justin is conservative to where he chooses to go.  This year we went to Dickey's.  I think Justin wanted to show us the aluminum he bent and helped them with.  It looks nice and YES I am proud of my son and his talents.

Cookies....Mmmmmm

Yesterday and Today I spent a lot of time in the kitchen doing something I enjoy.  I baked cookies....lots and lots of cookies. Yesterday I made a double batch of banana cookies with chocolate chips and a double batch of banana cookies without chocolate chips.  When I was done I went and got a pedicure. ☺ I love my banana chocolate chip cookies and that's why I volunteered to make some for the reception.  MaryLou is doing most the cookies but I figured I would make some too and if we have extra.....good!

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Cream: 1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup shortening, and 2 eggs.
Add: 1 cup mashed banana's, and 1 tsp vanilla and mix
Add: 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 2 tsp baking powder....mix
Add: 2 1/2 cups flour and mix then add 1 cup chocolate chips
Drop on greased baking sheet and bake at 400 for 8-10 minutes (they don't look done but are)

Today I made a double batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies from a Recipe Natalie gave me.  In fact I baked today to help Natalie out because she was going to make these along with her Swig Sugar Cookies.  I have more free time than her and so I decided to make the Chocolate Chip Cookies.

This is her recipe:
Cream: 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup margarine (use margarine not butter)
Add: 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, and 2 TBL milk...mix
Add: 1 tsp cream of tarter, 2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt...mix and add: 3 cups of flour and a cup or so of chocolate chips.
Bake on greased cookie sheet at 325 for 10-12 minutes (these don't look done either but are so soft and good)

After I made these I ran Jared to the Ortho and went and bought a few more ingredients so I could make more cookies.  I used another recipe just for fun.  This recipe didn't flatten as much. I doubled this recipe too.

Chocolate Chip Cookies with lots of Chips
Cream: 1 cup of butter (I used butter), 3/4 cup sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, and 2 eggs
Mix in: 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla, 3 cups flour, and 3 cups chocolate chips (wow...that's three times more than I used in the other recipe....you get a little dough with your chocolate chips...I liked it)
Bake at 375 for 8 minutes

So my freezer is full of ice cream and cookies.  We are ready to party at Braxton and Kelsi's Reception.  I'm so excited for these two and glad that I am able to help out a little.

*note to self* get chicken nuggets and french fries for Kelsi and Braxton so they can have what they wanted to serve at their Reception.  Oh...and don't forget the silver platter! (sometimes mom's aren't worth arguing with....as much as I love cookies I would have served the nuggets and fries)

Mondays are Fundays

On Mondays Natalie comes to our house for piano lessons.  I am sure grateful that she does.  It's so much easier for me.  She picks Mya up from school and then comes over.  I have been picking Ivy and Zaden up from school on Mondays and then I take them to tumbling.  It is fun that the cousins get to play with each other for awhile during piano lessons and before tumbling.  Once in awhile we bring Kamryn home with us too.  The volume in our house about raises the roof but it is happy noise and makes me smile.  I love seeing these little ones interact and make memories together.  I am so glad that they are able to do that at my house.

I love Mondays and seeing my grands.  I love having cars on my floors again and purses and barbies around.  Some weeks I don't even put them away.  My house is a house to play in.  I hope my grands will always want to come and have fun at gramma's house.  Oh how I love these little ones!