Fun in the Sun!

While Shari and her family were visiting Utah they decided to spend a week at Jerry and Darinda's in St George because that is a fun place to visit!  I have wanted to go down and see the pool now that it is finished and so I asked Darinda if it was okay for me and my two kids to also come.   Darinda is so gracious and kind and was fine with us joining them.  They were able to talk mom into going which made that her first trip down to see Jerry and Darinda's house.  We were able to talk dad into riding down with me and so it was fun having both parents there.  Mom actually left on Wednesday and we got there Tuesday Night so we only got to spend a day with her...but it was enjoyable.  

Darinda planned a day of sight seeing on Wednesday.  We drove up Kolob Canyon and then to Cedar Breaks.  It was a nice drive and very pretty.  I think Darinda enjoys being a tour guide and she is good at it.  We left earlier than we needed to and so we had lots of time before we needed to take mom to the airport.  I kind of wondered why we needed to leave so early in the morning but it got us up and moving.

It amazed me how the scenery could change so much from one side of the mountain to the other.  The temperature was great...not to hot like it was Tuesday Night when we arrived.  It's funny being in a place were the air blows "hot" instead of cool.  It was the warmest Tuesday and Wednesday.  I felt like the weather was perfect while we were there.  We sat outside and visited quite often.

It the late afternoon on Wednesday we went to The Pizza Factory in Cedar City.  It was fun having lunch together and seeing everyone's reaction to the ginormous bread-sticks.  These were the biggest I have ever seen.  We had a great time and laughed when mom mentioned how everyone was talking about "dropping her off".  We had time to spare and even though Shari was planning on taking mom to the airport, Erin said she could and they could even go visit her sister first.  I guess mom was just hearing things like..."I can drop her off" because she mentioned it to us.  We all just laughed and I made a guilty face since I hadn't mentioned it or volunteered to at all.  I was always just planning on taking the kids back to swim.  Erin was the one that ended up taking mom and Darinda to visit her sister and then taking mom to the airport......to "drop her off". ☺  (probably needed to be there....it was hilarious)

On our way down to Jerry and Darinda's we decided to stop and eat first so we wouldn't need to there.  I love how gramps interacts with my kids.  He makes us all laugh and my kids have a really good time with him.  Jared and gramps are such buddies.  I noticed that Cameron and gramps are as well.  It's just fun watching gramps with his grands.  Gramps loves teasing them all!

On August 21, 2013 Anne Marie sent me a friend request on Face Book.  I accepted her  invite after looking at her profile.  She looked safe enough. ☺  After almost a year of seeing her posts and having her like almost everything I post I thought it might be fun to meet her.  I knew she lived in St George and so when I decided to take the kids down I invited Anne to lunch.  I "felt" like I was suppose to and so I just took a big breath and sent her a message.  It's amazing that she was even able to since she is usually gone the 4th of July Weekend and also because she was just getting her son off on a mission the day before. (things work out the way they are suppose to)

We met at Applebee's  and from the very first Hello we felt like friends.  She said I was exactly how she pictured me.  She was taller than I pictured her but beautiful inside and out just like I thought.  We chatted for almost two hours but had to end our visit because she left her grand at home and needed to get back.  I was curious why she had requested me to be her friend and she said it was because she saw one of my posts and liked it and just requested me without thinking about it.  I'm glad she did.  I really like Anne and I feel like our conversation was inspired.  I talked about some personal things and even before I shared with her I told her I didn't know why I was going to tell her.  She said she needed to hear and sure enough she has experienced similar just recently.  We both got tears in our eyes a few times.  God just knows who we need and when and He lets us bless each other.  I totally give Him credit and thank Him for the opportunity to be His voice every once in awhile.  I'm thankful for my new friend Anne....she is truly a sweetheart!

I need to mention a funny thing that happened.  Anne said I had style-that in itself is funny to me!  Style? Me?  I didn't realize it but I was wearing two different earrings....A red one to match my necklace and a blue one that matched my shirt.  Of course that wasn't on purpose....I had no idea until I noticed the blue earring on the dresser with my necklace.  I really thought maybe it had been caught on my necklace since I just put all my jewelry in a bag together.  I thought that until I went to put them back on after swimming and couldn't find the other red earring.  I decided to check my jewelry bag and sure enough it was there.  Oops!  I asked Anne if she had noticed that and she said she did but thought I had done it on purpose....she also said I pulled it off well!  Too Funny!  Funny that I wouldn't notice and funny that she thought I did it intentionally!  Yep....I have style. hahaha

We did a lot of swimming this weekend.  Who could stay out of this wonderful pool?  It's so much fun and so spacious that everyone could be in it and still have plenty of room. Jeff and Becky even had a little blow up island they had it in and it wasn't too much at all.  I loved seeing the kayak and canoe being paddled around...I just thought it looked cool.  I loved seeing and hearing everyone have a good time.  There was so much excitement all the time.  I even came home with a slight tan. ☺  I love seeing cousins interact and enjoy each other.  I love visiting with my extended family...I love them all!

Jerry and Darinda are so kind and gracious to let the family come and enjoy their blessings.  They have worked so hard to get where they are and I think that is why I think it's so cool to see them have all this.  I have seen them at the bottom of the barrel working their way out. (when they have taken chances and failed...they are great examples of getting back up and not giving up) Jerry and Darinda are both so smart and such hard workers.  They are perfect examples to all of us.  They are the "oldest" siblings for a reason.  I admire them both so much and love them to pieces.

I think I have posted pictures of their home before but I did take a few pictures of the entry and some hallways and a peek in the Harry Potter Room.  The house is incredible and so fun.  We had a wonderful time.  We were able to visit with Shari, Duane and their 2 kids.  Scott, Erin and their  3 cute girls.  Jeff, Becky and their 3 fun girls and both of Larry's parents and Jerry and Darinda. So Fun playing in the Sun!

You are at the Insane Asylum...???

Kathy's daughter is moving to Evanston WY and needed Kathy to go watch her kids while she did a "walk through" her house.  Kathy asked a few of us if we wanted to go with her.  Kathy needed a little help since she crashed on her bike and hurt herself...plus it was a good excuse for a girls road trip.  Jodi and I were game and Carla and Robin almost came but had things come up the last minute. :(

Of course we had a good time!  We always have a wonderful time when we get together.  I think the three of us are the "trouble makers" or "fun lovers".  We definitely have a good time!

We are always looking for "photo opportunities" and ways to be silly.  We had some pretty good laughs today...the kind that makes you almost wet your pants.  It started off when I gagged when Jodi was putting her teeth with a sucker on the back into her mouth with the wrapper still on it.  Why that would make me gag is a question I don't quite understand but it did.  I gag watching my kids get impressions of their teeth too. I gag if I bite a little piece of paper to hold for a second, or when I brush my teeth, or when I see something disgusting, or when  I see a picture of chewed up gum or even talk about it, or.......so many things make me gag.  I just have a good gag reflex I guess and when I make the gag noise around others its funny.  Jodi had a few moments today that about made her seat wet.

We took Kathy's grands to a park while their parents did their walk through.  We were at the park for a few hours and had a great time with Kathy's grands.  They are really cute kids and very well behaved and fun.  They kind of liked us too! ☺ (I got sunburned)

We decided after awhile to play on the train too.  Carter was our photographer and I think he did a pretty good job. Chasee was taking pictures after and she took some fun pictures.  I am not as brave or agile as I use to be or even think I am.  Jodi on the other hand....well....she did get on top of the train and got to the seat on the rope jungle thing.  Maybe she is the reason Chasee called us Monkey Grandmas.

I think we had as good of time as the kids did.  I know Chasee didn't want  to see us go.  She liked Jodi and I and gave us big hugs when it was time to go.  I'm glad we were able to go with Kathy and enjoy her grands and I'm really glad her grands enjoyed us too.  So much fun!

Jodi went to post where we were and Google came up with....Wyoming Insane Asylum.  That was another moment of laughing our guts out.  We didn't know they still had a place like that.  It really is called something else....like Wyoming State Hospital.  That sounds better...at least if you have to go there or send someone there.  We decided since we must be close we should go there.  More laughter when a few guys stopped us and asked if we needed help.  We told the first guy why we were there and he seemed a bit amused but the next guy...the director over the place wasn't nearly as amused.  Maybe it was because Jodi and I were wearing glasses with big noses and mustaches....or maybe he thought we were making fun of the place....not sure but we were amused and couldn't stop laughing.  When we were leaving we stopped to get a picture and a lady followed us out and asked again if we needed help?  She ended up taking our picture. ☺  I don't think this place is use to people driving around it...they must have camera's because they knew we were there.

We stopped at a cute craft store and ended up buying a "Happy" Souvenir to remember our fun road trip.

Part of the plan was to stop at Taggarts on our way home and we did stop but that was it because Taggarts is always closed on Mondays! BOO!  We knew there were people in there and was hoping that they would just let us get a cookie or treat...because really that is all we wanted.  A lady did see Jodi and Kathy peeking in and came to the door and told us they were closed and that they had been closed on Monday's for 10 years.  We couldn't convince her to sell us a goodie.

Since we couldn't get a treat at Taggarts we went to Applebee's and shared a Triple Chocolate Meltdown!  That was a perfect way to end a fun day!

I love my friends, and fun outings, and grand babies, and chocolate to start and end my day! ♥

Farewell...and Welcome Back

*Had a very wonderful Sabbath.  Larry and I went to Bruce and Diane's farewell and then when it was over we went to Jayden's Farewell and his sister Jess's Homecoming.  Talk about a day filled with "feeling" the Spirit!  I love feeling the Spirit.

I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the True Church.  It's complete...it's HIS!  The spirit testified that to me again today...strongly.  Missions are so wonderful and a great way to follow and serve our Savior who did everything for us.  Those that serve are truly showing their love for the Savior by doing what they "Know" they need to.  Those that love and support missionaries are also showing their love for our Savior.  Missions are just good for everyone!

weekly tidbits

*I got to sit with Julie Ward for a few hours.  We had a really good visit and the time flew by.  Julie is recovering from Heart Surgery and had a few complications so the RS is staying with her during the days.  It's kind of fun and I was hoping I would be able to again but this week is busy and the times that worked for me were already taken.

*Larry left me a "breakfast bar" by my sink.  The guy knows me well and is so thoughtful!

*I found a quote that fits me to a "T".  I have always enjoyed laughing and hope to die laughing! ☺

*I got to have Kamryn over a few days this week.  It was fun having her.  She is such a cutie and I'm so glad she's ours.  We watched movies, went to the water park, did gymnastics & played games.

*Jared and Cameron have sure enjoyed themselves this week.  They play hard and love being together. Gramps is the Best!  He took the boy cousins (Jared, Cameron and Hunter) fishing at the fish farm. (it cost him lots of $) The boys caught enough for everyone to have dinner..I think they got like 37. Gramps said the boys had a blast. After dinner gramps let Kimleighel paint his fingernail...even requested flowers after the picture.  Fun Guy!  I'm so glad that Shari plans time to come visit...the kids are making fun memories.

*Breakfast with a few neighbors and good friends....Kathy O, Robin B, and Susan H.  I told them we needed a picture a few times and got home without taking one. :(  I made a collage with older pics..except me and Susan.  We ended up going to the movie later.  Robin and Kathy had other things going.  I sure do love these neighbors of mine that are such wonderful friends.

*I had to post this picture that cracks me up.  Those are Jodi's legs that look like she could be related to the "Incredible's"!

*I wanted to post this quote that is just plain true.  It's so important to be around positive people that believe in you.  That doesn't mean those people can't have real or bad days...it just means they try to see and focus on the good.  Some people are so toxic and will suck the happy right out of you if you let them remain in your life. (I know...it's happened to me.  I love them still but I will not allow them to destroy me...I keep a safe distance and feel like that is okay)

*Larry invited me over for lunch on Friday.  He wanted a Big Ben from the Burger Bar.  When I pulled in I saw a really cute face that I just love! ♥  I love Braxton and each one of my cute kids!  Larry and I had a good visit while we ate upstairs in their dirty break room.

*Kamryn and Kevin each had surgery Friday.  Kam got her tonsils out and Kevin had his nose fixed.  I guess when he told me he broke it playing football he really did. (it didn't look broke...oops)  They each did really good and came home after a few hours.  I took them a BIG CARE pkg because I really do CARE!

*To top off Friday I got to watch these cuties!  (my son wanted to take his "hot wife" out~that's what he told me)  My grands are all so wonderful and good and so much fun to have over.  Little Macie is feeling so much better and is full of smiles.  I'm not great at capturing them but she smiles and coo's and laughs and is a joy.  The older grands are pure sweetness.  They love hugs and kisses and give them out freely.  Oh my ♥ bursts with pure love and joy whenever I am around any of my sweet grands.  

*Went to check on Kevin and Kamryn.  Kam is doing wonderful and Kevin is feeling good but he hurts more for sure.  Kam, was playing and even wanting a friend to come play...Kev...not so much!  Love my kids and grands!

Time with Kamryn

I was a lucky duck and got to have Kamryn come and play two days this week.  I seldom get Kam because she goes to day care a few times a week when her parents are working.  However for some reason this week they needed help. (I think cuz Kevin had classes)  I really enjoyed having Kam over.  She is a noisy, crazy little one when there are a lot of people but when there aren't she's mild, and easy.  She was content watching movies, playing barbies and drawing....oh and playing my Ipad. (the grand only get to play with my Ipad when they are by themselves...we don't get it out when they are all here)

We went to the water park the first day with the cousins.  We sure had a great time visiting and playing in the water.  I love seeing the cousins build friendships. (including my kids and their cousins) The next day I got to take Kam to her gymnastics.  It was so much fun watching her bounce and flip.  Kam is so strong and fearless....this little makes me smile.

We went to Arctic Circle for lunch and I promised her ice cream after her tumbling.  (I didn't want her to be sick)  Kevin showed up while she was tumbling and she came over to me and whispered? "who is taking me home?"  I told her that her daddy was and she asked about the ice cream.  I let her know that I had already talked to her daddy about that and she would still get ice cream.  Kevin decided to just go back to Arctic Circle with Kimi and I and we all got a little ice cream.  That was more fun than having it separate anyway. 

 I absolutely love having my grands over to play.  They love coming over which makes it even better.

Water Park Fun

Shari and her kids are visiting from Pennsylvania and while she is here she planned a fun day at the water park with all the cousins that could come.  She thought this way she would be able to visit with more people during her stay.   It was a great day to be at the water park.  A lot of cousins showed up.  At first it was just my kids and grands which was nice so we had our time with Shari.  Then a few hours later Darinda's kids and  Shari's mom showed up.  It was fun seeing everyone and visiting with them.  It is really fun having Shari here for awhile.

Jared and Cameron have a great time together.  Cameron loves hanging with gramps and driving the tractors.  Jared and Cameron took turns pulling each other on the four-wheeler with a rope and and rip stick following.  Those two boys crack me up!  Zaden got to know Cameron at the water park and loves him. Cameron talked Zaden into going down the big slides and watched him in the big swimming pool.  I was impressed how good Cameron is with the little kids.  Taylor gets a long with everyone too and Erin's girls adore her.  It's so enjoyable watching the cousins interact with each other. (Taylor has a gymnastic camp at the U of U the rest of the week)

I love summer and all the fun family time that comes with this fun season. Splish Splash!!!

Happy Birthday TWO You!

The "Hooper Honey's" celebrated Crystal and Kellie's Birth's today.  We missed the gals that couldn't come but had a good time with those that did.  Crystal's birthday was May 3rd but she was going through treatment for her Thyroid Cancer and recovering most of the month.  She is good now and free of cancer. So thankful for that!

We went to Rumbi's and it was my first time going there....it was good.  Spending time and visiting is my favorite.  I love these gals so much.

We all have our own challenges and are able to love and support each other as we go through them.  We are all so very blessed too and acknowledge all the good things in life.  Life is mostly good but there are times it feels like a little rain cloud is over us.  I try to remember that it has to rain before we get the rainbow....which is totally worth waiting for.  We are blessed through our trials always....and become closer to our Savior as we lean on Him to help us.  First the Storm...then the Rainbow!

I just noticed that the Crown's for the Birthday Girls are like Rainbows!  I hadn't noticed while writing this.  I'm thankful for my life experiences.  I am thankful for my friends that have always helped me get through my storms and are there to enjoy the rainbows with me.