Little Miss Macie is 1

Boy that year went fast!  I love this little angel baby.  She lights up a room and is simply wonderful.  Macie Marie is such a sweetie pie.  She is very happy and is usually smiling these days.  She gets around fast and is pulling herself up to everything.  She got her first two bottom teeth and just went off the bottle. (I think she would still like to have her bottle but does okay with a sippy cup)  Her nick name is Roo..or Roo Roo.  She's so little and petite and everything she does is cute.  She is learning so much and doing so much and her little personality is coming out.  Macie is such a blessing to our family and hers.  I love this darling little grand of mine!  She makes my heart happy!

TJ is a year older

I like this guy...I like this guy a lot!  TJ is a very giving guy that has taken great care of my daughter and her kids.  He jokes around and has a good time.  He works hard and plays hard.  TJ makes us laugh and is fun to be around.  When I first met TJ he told Trichelle that he had me at Hello.  I can say that wasn't true.  I was leery for quite awhile.  I had seen my daughters heart broke a few times and I wasn't ready to give this guy a chance.  But...now I can honestly say He's a Keeper!  When times are tough he hasn't ran and hasn't let Trichelle run either.  I like that!  He has many wonderful qualities and has a tender, loving heart.  TJ is a good man and I'm glad he is part of our family!

Holding a Grudge

This week I've thought a lot about holding a grudge.  I think we all do it at times because we are human.  I think grudges are a form of protecting ourselves.  We were probably hurt by someone's actions or voice in the first place and that is how the grudge starts.  Then we hold on and while we hold on we miss out.

I haven't seen my mom's brothers since I was in high school.  I know very little about them and it's because my mom was hurt years ago and withdrew from them.  Both brothers live in California and so withdrawing from them was easy to do.

Years ago I found them on the internet and gave them a call.  I had a reason to call.  I borrowed my mom's genealogy years ago and apparently lost it.  (I hope my mom finds it at her house...or if it's at my house I hope I find it)  Anyway that was my excuse to call them.  I was hoping they had some genealogy but they didn't. Since then I have sent them Christmas cards and wedding invites so that they kind of know what's going on here.  There is something inside of me that wants to know them better. (at least my mom's oldest brother...he's the one I remember most)

I talked to Uncle Morris after my dad passed and so he's been on my mind.  A week before Christmas Larry acted on a whim and booked a cruise for us.  It's a short 3 day cruise but it's a get away and that's what he needs.  The ship is leaving from a port in CA and whenever we go to CA I think of my uncles.  We are driving to CA since it was so quick and it would have cost too much for airplane tickets.  Anyway I asked Larry to see if they lived anywhere close to where we were going.  Surprisingly Uncle Morris is in the right direction.  I called Aunt Gail and told her of our plans and asked her if there was any chance that we could meet them somewhere for breakfast so that we could visit a bit before we boarded the ship.  I was thrilled that they were so willing to meet us.  They actually had something Tuesday morning but said they would change it so they could meet us.  Originally I was suppose to ask them what city was close to them that we could meet but as we were talking I mentioned that I had heard Larry say something about Barstow.  Immediately Aunt Gail said they could meet us in Bartow which was right on our path. (it's 100 miles from them) I'm excited and Aunt Gail and Uncle Morris said they are too.

Anyway I thought the reason I don't know them is because of a grudge that was formed by my mom because she got hurt over something.  It made me think about the grudge I held against my mom for years and how my kids missed out on getting to know her better because of it. I was trying to protect my kids from being hurt like I had been. (I might have hurt them more by holding them back) Then I got thinking that over all the years there have only been a handful of hurtful, mean things said and done and all the rest of the times good things.  Yet, I remembered and held on to the negative as many of us do.  Grudges aren't good for anyone....forgiveness would be so much better.

In fairness though to everyone we do what we need to do to survive.  When people hurt us we stay away to avoid being hurt more.  When friends betray us or hurt us we change friends.  With family it's different....we will always be connected.

So....if you are holding a grudge do what you can to dissolve it before it takes away years from your life.  Be Happy.  Be Forgiving. Be Kind.  Be Loving. Be Bigger than Big! ☺

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.

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!