Sunday

The Have You Ever Meme


1) Have you ever gotten lost in a maze? I did get lost in a corn maze as an adult and avoid them now.

2) Have you ever been attacked by a wild animal? Not by a wild animal but I was chased by a cow once when I was young...it really scared me.  My family was laughing however I did not think it was funny.  I guess every freckle on my face was scared too because they were standing out and very noticeable.

3) Have you ever ridden a camel? I am not sure.  I have seen others ride a camel and want to say that I have as well but really I don't think I have.  I should remember that right?

4) Have you ever pet a rat? No way!

5) Have you ever been a member of a gym?  A few times.  When I was young, before I was married I loved going to the gym.  After being married and having my children I joined a few times.  The last time I joined...last year....I realized I don't like it any more.

6) Have you ever been in a helicopter? Yes and even though I thought it was scary it was awesome too.  Being up in the air and able to see everything was so worth it.  We were in Kauai when we flew in one.

7) Have you ever cheated at a test? I don't like to admit this but yes.  I remember cheating in junior high school.
8) Have you ever ridden a tractor? yes...living in the country and owning a few...it happens!

9) Have you ever passed wind/gas in an embarrassing situation? anytime I pass gas around others it's embarrassing.
10) Have you ever played the bongos? No

11) Have you ever handled a snake? Yes...we've had a few in our house before and I got to get them out.  I was called over by my nephews once to get a snake out of their house as well.  It's not my favorite thing to do.

12) Have you ever assembled furniture by yourself? Yes...I remember assembling a crib.  I am sure I have a few more things as well.  If it needs done and I am by myself I will do it...or at least do my best.

13) Have you ever been scuba diving? not scuba diving but I have snuba dived.  Instead of carrying my own tank I was connected to a tank that floated on a raft.

14) Have you ever had a disastrous interview? I'm not sure it was disastrous since I got the job but I remember my interview for Cross Western wear.  I was so nervous and fidgety.  I'm not really sure I was even hired until I just showed up and started working there because my friend worked there.  The owner went with it though and paid me and let me continue to show up.

15) Have you ever sold your services? I have been paid for baby sitting many times over the years. I have also sold things I have tole painted.

16) Have you ever raised money for charity? Yes...I helped raise money for my friend that had cancer.

17) Have you ever won a giant sized cuddly toy from a fair? No but my hubby has won them for us.

18) Have you ever milked a cow? No...I have only watched others milk cows..or machines.

19) Have you ever used the phrase "back in my time" to someone younger than you? Doesn't everyone over 30?

20) Have you ever invented a fairly unique meal or drink? I'm not that adventurous of a cook.  I usually need to follow a recipe.

Weekly Tidbits..........

*Tuesday I stayed in the house all day.  In fact I stayed in my pj's and robe all day because it was cold and very windy out side.  I got a lot done on my blog book.  When Larry got home he told me that Kevin and Julie had invited over to play games with them.  I got cleaned up so we could go.  We decided that we had better try to do the things our kids invite us to do with them or they might quit inviting us.  It was really fun playing games.  Julie's parents came too and so did Julie's brothers, one of her sisters and her nephew.  It was a fun night.  Larry and I left before everyone else because we were tired. (Larry had got up early)  We played Telestrations first and had some good laughs.  I learned I cannot draw very good any more.  It's easy in my mind but doesn't transfer to the board very well at all.  However, we still had quite a few rounds that our card came back with the beginning thing...so we did okay.  We left during Bang.  It's also a fun game once you get into it.

*Thursday I put away most of the Christmas Decorations.  I left the Tree up because I love looking at the lights.  I really thought about leaving all my decorations up this year so I could be reminded of Christmas and Christ and the wonderful "feeling" I get when I do.  I thought of maybe putting my regular decorations up for one month just to switch things up.  I caved though because we are having a baby shower here for Kelsi and it just seemed strange to put pink balloons with all the Christmas things.  Some day though I just might do this....when I care even less about what others think and do.
*Friday I went bowling and then to my mom's to clean her bathroom.  I am really glad that she lets me do this act of service for her.  I stayed there and got the invites addressed and ready to mail.  My mom and sister helped me do that.  We had a great time visiting with each other.  I came home and was glad that Ivy and Zaden got to stay longer.  They spent the night and I was planning on them staying all day until TJ surprised everyone by getting home from St George on Thursday night.  He was planning on picking the kids up Friday afternoon but his grandma passed away and he wasn't feeling very up to it.  He had spent a week at his mom's helping with his grandparents and from what I heard I didn't think that his grandma would pass so quickly.  He was told that she was going to pass and so him and a few others went down.  When he got there though she was walking around and talking.  She was having problems but I think he thought it would still be a while.  I feel sad for him.  It's never easy losing a loved one.
*Saturday I ran errands and got what I needed for the shower...except for the food...I will have to go out early Saturday before the shower. I had my car serviced too which ended up costing a little more than usual. Larry and I attended the Temple when I got home.  When we got home from the Temple we took the tree down.  The kids had removed all their ornaments and so it was silly to leave it up anymore.  I was glad for the help my family gave me this year putting the decorations up and taking them down.  Bringing the totes in and out again kill my back..I'm glad my kids don't mind helping.
*Sunday was fast and testimony meeting and again I found myself going up to the pulpit to share mine.  When the spirit hits me I have a hard time breathing and my throat feels thick and my palms sweat. All those things go away when I share my testimony so I do it pretty quick instead of sitting and suffering.  I know I'm suppose to share my testimony...I think we all should more.  We love the gospel and our Savior but for some reason don't want to talk about it.  Jared and Braxton also shared their testimonies today and I was reminded again what wonderful kids I have. (I really never forget) The kids and grands all came for dinner.  We moved the time up to 5:00 and it's a little harder having things ready by then.  Larry was home before me and remembered to put the dinner in the oven so this week it worked out.  I need to plan the meals so that I can have most of it ready before Church.  Natalie suggested that everyone start helping with Sunday dinner but I don't think I want them to have to worry about that yet.  The time is getting close that we will do that but for now I want to still try to do it.  I will just keep things simple.

Thursday

Another Year to Live and Enjoy!

This Year I'm going to "LOOK UP"!  I plan on Focusing on the "Good Things", Working through and learning from the "Hard Things".  I'm going to BE Happy and Kind to Others!  I'm going to CELEBRATE LIFE!





New Years Eve

 I Love Our New Years Eve Tradition!

 I love going bowling with our cute family and the Jones cute family.  It's so fun to see how much Vicky's grands have grown.  They are all so cute.  It's so fun spending time with this wonderful family.  Dave's presence is deeply missed.  I can only imagine how hard it is for the Jones family.  Our family misses Dave like crazy.  I'm sure Dave was with us but oh how we all miss him!  Dave made everyone feel so loved and so important....a quality I'm gonna work on.
It's fun to see our kids with their own kids.  I love watching Vicky's kids as parents.  They are all wonderful parents...I also love watching my kids with their own kids.  We have great families.
After bowling we went to Vicky's for dinner.  She served Fajita's.  Wonderful as always.  We played Tenzie with dice and had a good time.  Instead of playing more games we visited.  I enjoyed visiting and the kids enjoyed playing.  The house didn't seem full or crowded.  It was comfortable and nice.  It was a wonderful way to spend the last day of 2014.
Vicky had some cool lanterns that we sent up into the sky to celebrate the New Year and say Good Bye to 2014.  The neighbors were lighting fireworks and we quietly did our thing.  It was nice!

Vicky acted like she needed to.... she keeps going and tries to be happy but we could tell she was having a hard time. Before we even left our home Larry felt impressed that Vicky needed a blessing.  He put it off until after we celebrated the New Year.  Then we all gathered together and all the boys with the Priesthood laid their hands on her head and Larry gave her a blessing.  I felt like the blessing was Dave's way of letting Vicky and her family know that he was close by.  That he was very aware of each of them and doing what he could from the other side.  One thing that was said was how Dave's love for Vicky was far beyond what he had ever felt while living on this earth.  We all had tears rolling down our cheeks as we sniffed and wiped our tears away.  Not the usual cheering and noise that happens on most of the New Years....humbling and spiritual instead.  I liked it!

Monday

Birthday Dinner for Larry and Lynette

Twice a year Kevin and Julie take us all out for our Birthdays.  Lynette and Larry's birthdays are just a few weeks apart and Rich and mine are too.  It's so nice of them to do and they told me it's because we are always doing for them and as a thank-you that wanted to take us out.  I know that this is a sacrifice for them and they save to do it.  It's such a kind thing to do and we really appreciate Kevin and Julie for doing this.  We love visiting with Lynette and Rich too and have become great friends with them and their family.  I have felt this way about all the families my kids have married into.  I love them all.

Sunday

Larry's Birthday

It's this wonderful guys birthday.  I am so thankful for him and the wonderful life he has given to me and our children.  I posted this picture on Facebook and it got around 150 likes and many comments wishing my sweetie a Happy Birthday!  The wishes made him smile ☺
I love how we celebrate Larry's birthday day. A few years back he decided that instead of going out with a few friends who share the same birthday as him he would rather have a nice dinner at home with his family.  I love that we do this.  It's so much more personal and we get to focus on him and all be together.

Larry had Jared drive him to Granato's on Saturday to get some funky pasta, bread, oils,cheese, vinegar's, sauces and drinks.  He came home all smiles and excited to make everyone dinner the next day.  I know....I know....I should have been making the dinner and would have but he really wanted to, so I let him.  It was yummy and wonderful.  
 It was a bonus to have all the kids over since this week was an off week for a few of the kids.  We ate a little later so that Trichelle could pick up her darlings and come too.  I love having everyone together and they do too.
 Larry even invited the Sister Missionaries to join us. (I was not surprised...he'd adopt them if he could)  After everyone was filled up we went into the other room for our Family Home Evening.  The little ones always love having FHE together.  Larry had text everyone (except me) to be prepared to tell of a way that Jesus has affected their life or a quality that Jesus has.  Everyone was very prepared and added to the conversation.  We all shared different things and it was really good.  He had the Sisters bare their testimonies and it was cute to see the grands get cozy in front of them to pay close attention.  It was a great night and I know that Larry enjoyed HIS day!
I invited the grands to spend the night since we don't get the chance too often.  We were going to have Trichelle's kids on Monday anyway since she had to work and TJ is in St. George.  Larry agreed that it would be okay.  Justin ended up going home and getting his kids their things because they are kind of attached to a few things.  He stopped at Trichelle's and got Ivy and Zaden's things too.  It's nice that we live so close so we can do that if needed.  Kam wore a shirt of Jaydan's and was fine with that.  The kids have so much fun together and love spending as much time together as possible.  The grands are pretty easy to have over now.  They can all dress themselves and brush their own teeth and understand instructions.  I really enjoy this time.  It snowed while they were sleeping and was beautiful outside in the morning.
I adore these precious souls!

Saturday

Weekly Tidbits

*Monday Larry had the widows from our ward and the sister missionaries over.  I had my camera out and ready and then before I knew it some of the ladies left without getting a group picture.  My visiting teachers Ruth and Janean came and Susan H and Sharon B also came.  The ones in the picture are Lorell and Bette who got a ride from us.  Sister Hansen didn't come today because she had just found out that her cousin had been killed and she wasn't feeling up to it.  That's why there are three sisters. Sister Frazier didn't want to miss and so she invited the Sisters from the other Stake.  The sister in front (Sister Calder) is leaving next week to go home and Trichelle thought that Jaydan should meet her.  She is coming back to BYU for school...I think they should meet too.  The sister standing up is  her companion.  They are going to spend Christmas with Trichelle and TJ since Trichelle's kids will be gone and they will all be a little lonely.  I'm glad they were able to come with Sister Frazier.  They all have great spirits and it was fun hearing a little about them.  We also talked about our Prophets and some things we like about each of them.  Larry bought 4 pies and Bette brought one too so we ate pie...as much as we wanted.  It was a fun little gathering. The widows are so appreciative and absolutely love Larry...I'm pretty sure they like me too.
*Tuesday I was up early so I could go to the temple.  I was thinking that I might not go but then I knew I would feel guilty and so I got up and went.  I have decided that this year along with my having fun and making fun happen...I would attend the temple more often and help those on the other side.  I know I am being watched over by many of them and now is a good time for me to help them.  I got thinking about Marathons that are so popular right now.  I'm going to plan a few marathons of my own by going to the Temple and doing a few ordinances and spending more than just a few hours there.  I know that wasn't my thought....it's inspiration.  A few times this coming year I will be at the Temple all day.  I'm excited to do that.  I'm glad that thought came to me!  I love the Temple!
*Friday the kids and I went to the Movies with Kevin and Julie and some of her family....Larry stayed home and cleaned. (the guy truly makes me wonder what's up)  He even had me stop and get another vacuum and then he used it! ☺
*Saturday Larry got up and continued to clean.  He got us all involved and his truck is full of garbage and the extra room upstairs is clean again. Yahoo!
*We were suppose to go to dinner with Kevin, Julie and her parents but Rich didn't feel good and so Larry and I went out anyway.  Larry chose Red Robin.  It was nice getting away with him.