One of My Favorites

I always enjoyed this guys humor and spunk.  Today he ended his life.  I feel sad that he suffered and felt like that was the answer but I know that he is in a wonderful place where sickness doesn't exist.  Death isn't a bad thing.  I am reading Heaven is for Real and the little boy's dad was trying to scare him from running in the road by showing him a bunny that got hit.  It didn't share Colton at all because he knows how wonderful Heaven is.....I feel like Colton.

my spirit broke today

I posted this quote today after reading many good quotes from our leaders.  I know there is so much more good in each of us than there is bad and I really want to be remembered for my good.  The part about "especially of those you say you love" did catch my eye in fact I wasn't sure that part needed to be there.  It needed to be there and it needed to be there for me.

Hours after I posted this my soul was crushed by a smart attitude and so much disrespect.  It's a rule at our house to do your chores before the next day....always has been.  However the chores don't get done every day like they should.  When I say things to my kids they act put out....we really don't ask much.  Last night I specifically asked my daughter to make sure the kitchen was cleaned up before morning.  I really do not like a mess in the morning.  This morning while I was getting ready for church I went in to get me a glass of water and the kitchen was a mess.  I called out to my daughter and before I said anything more than her name she started in on me with a nasty attitude.  An attitude that makes my older kids cringe and look at me with a big WHY???  I went to her to talk to her and she let me have it about how she was going to clean it when she wanted...she rolled her eyes and even shut the door on me.  The last look I saw on her face was one of triumph....she know's she hurts me.  I usually mask my feelings with anger but today I didn't....I broke.  I went to the bathroom and cried and prayed.  I really wanted to feel God's arms around me but I didn't.  I felt alone and kept remembering this quote I had posted earlier.

I thought about my daughters qualities...about the things I heard when she received her Patriarchal Blessing.  I thought about all the time I have spent trying to build her and better her.  All the times I have defended her...all the times I put her above the other children.  There is no one in this life that has loved her more or done more for her than me.  I love this child.  My heart hurts for her because of her challenges but I also rejoice with the gifts she has been given.  I try to help her recognize those gifts and share with her the things I have learned.  I don't think she realizes how much I really do have her back.  This child is smart, observant, independent, talented (especially music and dance), sensitive to the spirit, loving, strong willed, determined, a wonderful friend, forgiving, caring, and loves God.  There really is so much good....that might be the reason it is so shocking when a negative shouts loudest.

I have heard it said that your biggest challenges are either from the one you married or the one's you gave birth to.  It's about true....and I know it works both ways....I know I must be a challenge too...I have plenty of faults.  I know the mothers of my grands are experiencing challenges with their little girls already and want to nip it in the bud right now and I understand why.  I'm not sure how we got to this point.  We have let a lot slide by for different reasons. We will talk again about some consequences if this happens more.  I think I will let her decide what should be done when she is rude and disrespectful to her parents. (it's not just me)  I know there must be lessons to learn.  I love this child unconditionally but today I truly did not like her actions towards me at all. (I think today I was caught so off guard....it's morning...why?)  Parenting is hard at times especially when you are parenting a child with a really strong spirit.

I know I bug the crud out of my daughter as well.  I'm sure she wishes I did a lot of things differently.  I have to remember we are all doing our best...and sometimes our best is not very good.

The Temple is the House of God

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Temple!  I have missed the Ogden Temple while it has been remodeled.  I really didn't think my visits to the Temple would slow down since the Logan and Bountiful are still close and we even have the Brigham City Temple now too.  Sadly....I haven't attended as often as I thought I would.  I realize how spoiled we are.  We live by so many Temples and if I have to drive a half hour I hesitate on going.....spoiled!

I loved going to the Temple today with my family....or at least most of them.  Justin got to help at the Temple and he took his family through earlier.  He told us some really cool things about the temple that he learned while he was serving there.  Example...the carpet wasn't printed but cut by hand, the ceiling was hand painted by women, the marble has a certain number of pieces.....I thought the Temple was beautiful!  I can't wait to wander the halls again and run in there first thing in the morning after the family is gone to work and school.

I felt the spirit many times throughout our tour.  I felt it immediately when we first started off with a little video about Temples and why we have them.  The spirit continued as we walked around.  I loved how Kimleighel expressed her feelings about the temple.  She told me that she feels so safe there.  I agree....I feel safe and loved in the Temple.  I remember a time when I was afraid at home and wasn't sure of some of the things happening there....we had some "visitors".  I felt like most of our visitors were good but I also think we had a few that weren't.  I was confused about their presence.  I prayed a lot and found myself yearning to be in the Temple where I would be safe.  Another time I remember being really confused and really being tested....the Temple is the place I turned to for peace.  The Temple is where I have gone to feel unconditional love and acceptance.  The Temple is very important to me.  The covenants I have made there are serious to me and I love the little things I continue to learn by going to the Temple.  I know I only get a small part of all that is really there but it's okay for now because I am blessed for the things that I do know.  I am so thankful for Temples and that I am worthy to go the any Temple any time....such a blessing!

I'm thankful for my family.  I love that they love the Temple too.  The Temple is a place for families.  I love that worthy people ages 12 and up can attend whenever they want.  I just think that's the coolest thing ever.  I remember getting to go to the Temple only a few times as a youth.  The youth today can go any time and are even involved in finding the names of people to take with them. (to do the work for them)

"I love to see the Temple.  I'm going there someday, to feel the Holy Spirit, to listen and to pray.  For the Temple is a house of God, a place of love and beauty.  I'll prepare myself while I am young; this is my sacred duty.  I love to see the Temple.  I'll go inside someday.  I'll covenant with my Father; I'll promise to obey.  For the Temple is a Holy Place where we are sealed together.  As a child of God, I've learned this truth; A Family is Forever."

The rest of my week...or Weekly Tidbits

***Shannon and Jacob blessed their little Reese on Sunday.  We were invited to go and so we did.  It was a beautiful blessing and a wonderful time with family.  Jace and Keri blessed their cute Kyren too. I love my nieces and nephews and I'm so happy for them.  It's fun seeing them become parents.

 ***On Monday I went over to Larry's before I went to meet Jodi.  I was walking out and Cindee spoke to me.  I went back in and she asked me if I was going to lunch today.  I told her I was and that I sometimes feel a little guilty for being able to play so much these days.  She was so awesome and told me that it was important for me to play and spend time with others....that it was a good thing.  I felt a huge relief after hearing that.  I think Cindee was speaking for Heavenly Father today.  I have been concerned and needed to hear that.  I know that this time is just a "window" in life.  I know that it won't be open forever and I need to enjoy this time while I have it.  I don't need to feel guilty...I have worked hard over the years and still do and the things I do are good.  Thank YOU Cindee for stopping me and telling me those things!

***Wednesday I went to lunch and the play with Susan and Kathy.  I love that when Susan talks about doing something she gets right on it and does it.  She had heard that Mary Poppins was playing at the Hale Theater and was really good.  She asked Kathy and I if we were interested in going.  Of course we were....we love our fun memories together and were eager to make more.  Make more we did!  Holy Cow it rained just about the time we reached the Theater...it was actually hailing and was really hard to see.  We were stopping for lunch first and need umbrella's so we didn't get soaked.  I looked around Kathy's vehicle and could only find a few garbage sacks.  Actually Susan got a grocery bag to cover her head and me and Kathy shared the garbage sack.  She said I was hogging it...☺  (that only makes the memory better right?)  We had a great time and laughed and reminisced while we enjoyed a yummy lunch.

The play was superb!  I loved it!  It was fun and bright and upbeat.  The acting was all really good.  I loved the children...they were so cute.  I couldn't help but keep a close eye on Bert...he was played by one of Heather's favorite guys....David Smith.  He is really good!  I loved all the songs and music.  I just loved it all!  I am so glad that Susan planned this and made it happen.  I am really glad that I was invited.  I love making memories with Susan and Kathy.  Always a lot of fun!

***Thursday I met Tammy and Teresa for lunch to celebrate my birthday. We met at Maddox since it was close to where I was.  I love these cute friends.  Tammy seriously makes me laugh and brings out the witty side of me.  (many do)  We laugh a lot when we are together.  Teresa is more reserved and just observes and snorts when she laughs.  She's so dang cute!  We have to pry information from her...she's not near as open or talkative as Tammy and I.  We always have great conversation.  It's fun but also spiritual.  We share a lot with each other.  I love being able to talk about spiritual things as well as fun things.  It sure was fun....I appreciate my friends that enjoy celebrating with me.

***I enjoyed a little more celebrating on Friday.  The "Hooper Honey's" got together to celebrate mine and Kari's birthdays.  We are exactly one month apart.  We both thought we were so much older than the other and really it's me that is just a month older than Kari.  It was fun celebrating together.  With our group we could celebrate every month starting with May but it's kind of hard picking a day that works for everyone and so this year we have doubled up on celebrating.  It's fun either way and I really  enjoyed sharing this day with Kari.

These ladies are wonderful and so kind.  I'm not sure how I got so lucky to be included in their group but I am very thankful that I am.  I love how everyone adds so much to each others lives.  I love how we are all so different but also so similar.  I love how we are all so caring and thoughtful of each other. It's so nice to have others praying for you and there for you as needed....we all have our times when we need that.  I really do feel the love of these wonderful friends.  They build me up and help me to be better.  Life is so much better with wonderful friends!

***after attending the Temple Open House Larry and I went to the Toomer's house and made Root Beer Floats.  Lawson and Sydney had an open house there since their reception was far away.  It turned out nice and Larry and I were happy to be of help.  I'm so glad Mallory asked me to help since she is always helping me when I need it.  It's nice to be able to help back.  

***after the open house we ran over to Vicky Jones to say Hi.  Little Tately answered the door and I asked her if she remembered us.  She looked at us for a minute and then lit up and ran to me and jumped in my arms.  What a cutie.  Vicky wasn't home so we visited with cute Bridgette for a few minutes.  Tately couldn't get enough of Larry and kept calling him grandpa...she didn't want to let him go.  It made us both tear up a little.  We passed Vicky when we left and turned around and went back so we could give her a hug.  I love Vicky...she is pretty amazing.  We only stayed for a minute because Vicky was busy getting ready for her dinner group to show up for a pool party.

Camping at Willard....

We went camping out at Willard this week.  We were excited that the North side was open this year because the North side has trees.  We didn't register the boat this year because the water was low and we had a lot of medical bills so instead we took our kayaks to play with.  We got to the camp ground and was a little disappointed because they didn't have hook-ups for our trailer.  We thought that there would be since the South Marina had hook-ups.  We got over it pretty quick and enjoyed that we were  so close to the water.  I had a really good view from my bed.  It was easy to take the kayaks to the water and so it turned out great.  We did find out that the campground just barely south of where we camped do have hook-ups and so next year we will probably go there.

I like camping at Willard because it's still close enough that Larry can go to work since he used all his vacation days being sick with his kidney stone and having surgery on his ankle.  It's also nice to be close so the other members of our family can come and go too.  Most of our kids came and visited at least once while we were there.  Kevin and his family came a few times.  Trichelle had to work and so she didn't make it.  We enjoyed the visits from our kids.  I took advantage of being so close so that I could leave for lunch a few times.  It's nice having older kids that I can leave.

 I really like the closeness we have while camping.  Life is simple for a few days.  Me and the kids sleep in or at least lay in bed for awhile and only get dressed when we feel like it.  We eat simple food so preparation and clean up are easy.  We play lots of games together.  We talk and listen to each other more than when we are home.  I read Heaven is Real to Kimleighel and Jared and they loved listening to me read to them.  (I need to finish the book with them now that we are home.  We kayaked together and one night when Braxton and Kelsi came up Braxton and Jared caught fish with their bare hands.  Braxton is always adventurous and is really good at making memories.  We enjoyed the grands and loved seeing their cute faces.

Almost every night it stormed.  It really stormed!  The trailer shook and it felt and sounded like it was going to blow over.  We really felt sorry for those with tents. It rained hard just about every night.  I was glad though in a way because it cooled things off.  We were so close to the other people camping that we could smell their fires and heard their songs around the campfires.  It didn't annoy me (it did others...some even called the camp hosts to tattle) I just smiled and enjoyed the happiness that others they were having with their families.

Getting away and not having to do anything for a few days is really nice.  I really enjoyed being with my kids and hubby.  I enjoyed living simple for a few days.

Twin/Sista's....Celebrating our Birthdays

It was a crazy busy day but Jodi and I managed to make time to celebrate our birthdays together.  Jodi and I are twins separated at birth.  I'm not sure why that separation happened but we found each other.  I was born first...just 1 year and 6 days before Jodi.  We continue to discover our similarities and it's so fun when we do.  I'm so thankful for technology because that is how Jodi and I reunited.  We knew of each other but didn't really know each other until a few years ago.  The years since have been fun and fabulous!  I love this girl....of course I do...she's my twin.

I went to Brigham after running to the store and getting things ready for camping.  Jodi had tons on her list of things to do today too so I am glad it worked out that we were able to meet for a bit.

We exchanged gifts and of course each one included chocolate.  Jodi's gift to me was all about chocolate and I loved it.  It's not in the picture but there was also "honeycomb" candy in my gift.  That's a common love we both have.  I got Jodi a cute little plague of two sister's or twins or friends...all apply to us. ☺

If we would have had more time I would have liked to have gotten chocolate bars and ice cream sandwiches and gone to a park and share them with others.  It will have to be something we do another time.  A new tradition for us...another thing we both love...traditions!

I had to take another picture of my cute bank Jodi gave me for collecting money for chocolate.  It's about the cutest bank ever.  It say's: Chocolate Fund...Save the Earth it's the only planet with chocolate!

Such a fun luncheon with my cute twin/sista!  I love this girl!

The Rest of the Week

Thursday I got home from girls camp and immediately stepped back into my role at home....doing laundry and cleaning up....I even cut gramps hair before I unpacked.  Later I went with Larry to the First Ward's Cookout.  I think a few people were surprised we showed up but we always thought it was cool when our High Councilman participated in our things...so we went.  I left after just a bit so that I could go to Mallory's daughter in laws Bridal Shower.   It was a busy day and I was tired when bed time came.  (I contribute my tiredness to mopping the whole lodge that we stayed in with the special needs.  The lodge is huge and the mop was tiny)

Friday Mallory took me to lunch for my birthday. (Kathy couldn't join us this time)  We had a great conversation.  I found myself wiping at tears a few times.  It's so awesome the one on one time with friends when you can really share some special times.  I felt the "spirit" more than once during our visit.  Mal gave me a few books to read in my spare time. (chuckle chuckle)  She also gave me a melted chocolate bar....she forgot and left it in her car all day. I gave Mal a chocolate bar that wasn't melted. (haha)  I love Mallory and the friendship we share.  She truly is a friend for life and beyond. I love sharing our special moments with each other.  Mal is pretty awesome and I'm glad we met early in life.  She has been such a blessing to me throughout my life.

I took Jared to see my brothers before Terry leaves.  They took Jared to the store with them and had him do some handy work.  They kept him so busy that they didn't have time to play a card game Jared took up.  My mom cooked her yummy pork chops and invited Jared to eat with them.  I visited with them while they ate and then brought Jared home so I could cook dinner. (my mom's was better..however I did prepare chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans...so I still did good)

Saturday I got up early and went to Mallory's sons sealing.  Lawson and Sydney were sealed in the Bountiful Temple.  I sat with Mal where her mom would have sat if she was still here.  I know she was there and I wonder.....was I sitting on her lap or was she sitting on mine?  I love and adore Mal's cute family!  Kathy sat by me in place of Glen's mom, Beverly.  (that's what friends do right?) Mal and Glen are wonderful parents and have terrific kids.  I'm so happy that I am included in their special events...and that they are included in ours.  The Toomers are Friends that we call Family!

More Friends of ours that are like family are the Sessions and Anderson's.  I was privileged to see Luke baptized and confirmed.  Luke and I share birthdays which is pretty cool since I love this cute kid to pieces.   Heather asked me if I would give the opening prayer at Luke's baptism and I felt so honored.  I was camping when I got the text and I got all teary.  I was a little worried about the times since the baptism was an hour earlier with the Stake dividing than originally planned.  Everything worked out perfect though. I left the Temple right after the Sealing and was able to get to the Baptism on time.  I love baptisms....I always feel the spirit at baptisms.....always!!!  It was such an awesome morning and afternoon.  I couldn't help but feel so blessed.  I was very aware of the Love our Savior and Heavenly Father have for each of us.

When I first walked into the church for Luke's baptism I heard about a terrible accident that had happened a few hours earlier.  There had been a head on collision in the Logan canyon involving Bishop Wilson and and few of his scouts who were returning from a scout trip. (Bishop Wilson was our Bishop before we were split from his ward when Larry was called....he was also our home teacher for years and our family just really loves him)  For some reason Bishop Wilson and the two boys with him were ok....we are so thankful.  Bishop Wilson suffered a broken femur.  The young man in the other car didn't make it.  From what I heard he was leaving for an LDS Mission in a few weeks.  My heart goes out to the young man's family.  We never know what might change our lives or when.  Life really is Fragile and prayers really are answered!  (I know the scouts prayed for safety driving home and they were protected)

Larry and I ran over to the Hooper Park to enjoy the mission report of Rick and Sharon Miles.  They had a few TV's going with pictures from their mission and they had a bunch of things displayed.  It was fun sharing their excitement and love that they have for their mission. 

I got to finish my day off by going to the play with my cute friends Barbie and Heather and their cute friends and family.  I have to laugh because Barbie's sister warned Cari and Barbie about taking Hannah.  Tami (Barbie's sister) said the play was to Raw!  I laughed thinking maybe she meant rah rah ah ha ha ha ☺  It was a good play and nothing inappropriate....I looked at Barbie when it was over and said I thought her sister was a little "off".  We got a lot of good laughs out it!  I don't think it ruined Hannah...and none of us needed to repent.  I love this group and it's so fun spending time with them.  They are all incredible women who are strong, and talented, and smart and very caring.  I'm glad I ended up in their "Play" group.