Spreading a Little Sunshine!

This friend has been on my mind for quiet some time.  I've been wanting to go and visit with her.  So much is going on in her life and her sweeties that is challenging.  Denise shared a little with me in a sweet card and I heard a little more from another friend.  I just haven't taken the time to get to her and when I have planned a time to go I had interruptions and haven't made it.  I'm hoping that the reason for those delays is because now is the right time.  I took a Scatter Sunshine bag with me today when I went to Alexi's mission report.  I was really hoping Denise would be there so I could give it to her and to my pleasant surprise she was.  I literally got tears in my eyes when I looked behind me a few rows and saw her and her hubby.  I gave her the bag today but still plan on going and sitting and visiting so she can tell me all that has been going on for the last year or so.  In the meantime I hope the little quotes and treats remind her that I love and care about her.

I love Denise so much!  From the time I moved to Roy (!984) she has been my friend.  She started out as my visiting teacher and from that we bonded and continue to be great friends.  Denise is sweet and kind and very loving.  She is a terrific mom and grandma and her family has always came first.  She has always had some strange health challenges that she mostly just laughs at even though they are very painful and challenging.  Denise manages to smile through her trials and enjoy the good things in her life. Denise is and always has been a wonderful example to me!  I ♥ her!

a "Grand" Week

                                 

Well this week was FUN and EXHAUSTING!  We had grands the entire week...I'm not complaining...I loved it!  It's just funny how exhausting it is when it's not the constant. ☺  Ivy and Zaden came on Monday all day.  They love coming and have a wonderful time.  They really like it if Kimleighel and Jared are home.  They were home since it was Martin Luther King's Day and No School anywhere.  Monday Night Lynette (Jordyn's other grandma) brought us Jordyn.  We were all excited to have this little one with us for a week.  She is so dang cute and good.  When I laid her down the first night I couldn't believe that she just snuggled in her blanket and went to sleep.  Not a peep out of her and she sleeps 12 hours at night.  Jordyn is six months old and so I think that is quite wonderful. She did that every night!  She wakes up talking and smiling.  What a joy she was to have!  She only cries when she is hungry or tired.  

Tuesday Ivy came back and spent the day with Jordyn and I.  Ivy didn't have school and so we played.  We started off by going to the Doctor so I could get my Thyroid medicine filled.  I really do not like going to the Doctor especially just to get a prescription filled...such a waste of time and money.  But I need it and so I went. My Doctor is cute though and so that makes it better than if he wasn't.  When I started going to him when I called to get a doctor the receptionist asked me who I wanted and I just told her to give me a cute one....that she did.    

Later Ivy decided to fix herself a tuna sandwich which I'm all for letting them do it themselves. (I have learned it's good for them)  I laughed though as she brought the bowl and bread in by the TV and continued to make it right there on the floor.  I reminded her that we keep the food at the table and she told me she was just making it not eating it.  That is something I will never quite figure out.....our TV can be seen from the kitchen table and our bar but the food still gets carried over to the couch.  Oh well....I just don't fight it like I use to.  It happens regardless so instead of nagging I just go with the flow. (most of the time...I still do plenty of reminding)

Wednesday I got right up and took care of Jordyn and then left her with Kimleighel so I could go to the Temple.  I got home in time for my visiting teachers to come.  I was wondering why they were late and then Ruth knocked on my door.  She had been waiting for Janean but she must have forgot because she wasn't home and didn't come home in the fifteen minutes that Ruth waited.  After visiting with Ruth, I took Kimleighel and Jordyn to my mom's to visit.  It was fun seeing her and I believe she enjoyed our visit.
                                 

I am very thankful for my kids at home and the help they are with the littles.  I'm not sure why but taking care of my grands all day kills my back.  I've always had a bad back and really need to find some exercises to strengthen it.  In the evenings the family really helped out.  On Wednesday Larry took me and his dad to the movie, Taken 3 which was really good.  I love going to the movies with Larry every now and then.  Thursday I had SNAP and while I gone Larry dressed Jordyn up in his Lion gear and sent a picture to Kevin.  Jordyn had worn in her Dolphin shirt all day but Larry didn't even know that because I had her in her jammies by the time he got home.  When Kevin got the picture he told Larry that was child abuse. ☺  Jordyn didn't seem to mind.  Thursday I had also taken Jordyn to the Day Care so I could go bowling.  Julie and Kevin pay regardless if she is there or not and told me to take her if I had something.  Since Jordyn was at Day Care, Carla and I decided to go to Farmington Station and do a little shopping.  I was looking for something for Natalie since her birthday is at the end of the Month.  I did find her a few Valentine Decorations at the last store we visited.  My back was really sore on Thursday.  I even noticed it while bowling but after shopping I was feeling pretty miserable.  I try to push it but have found out that when I push too much and let my back get to the point of miserable it actually makes me sick.  Darn Back....I found myself a few times this week saying I have a dumb back.  Immediately the thought comes "it's not dumb....it still allows me to walk and for that I am grateful".  I had SNAP Thursday and a Ward came and played Bingo with all our participants. 

When I had gone to bed with my back hurting I have noticed how much back muscle it takes to turn and move.  I'm grateful my back doesn't hurt all the time and usually feels much better in the morning.

                                     

Friday Lynette came back to get Jordyn and brought Kamryn with her.  I was so happy to see that little one.  I really missed her this week since she was the only grand I hadn't had.  She was staying with her Aunt Jen since Jen runs the Day Care that Kam and Jordyn go to.  Kam goes there before and after school and they drive her to school.  I loved seeing Kams bright, shiny face.  She gave me a few big hugs but couldn't wait to go wake up her sister.  While they were here and before Jordyn was even in her car seat Justin brought his kids.  Mya was so excited to see Kamryn too even though it was for just a minute.  Right after Justin and Natalie left a few packages came in the mail.  Larry was home because he had the day off and he was really excited for me to open the package.  He told me he decided not to send me flowers this month and thought that this gift might last a little longer than the flowers.  Holy Chocolate....5 lb Chocolate bar and big 7 oz Kiss!  Yes I believe it will last longer than the flowers...if I'm not careful my muffin top might hang on to it longer than either of us would want. We broke a few pieces off for the kids a few times and then I put it away up in my closet. ☺It was packed with ice to keep it from melting.  I don't think that was necessary for this time of year.  The chocolate was really creamy tasting....Mmmmmmm!

Mya, Parker and Macie are a delight as well as the others.  They play hard and are so fun to watch.  Mya and Parker enjoyed the nice weather we are having. They played out on Friday and Saturday.  Each day they visited Gramps to say Hi and snag a few treats.  I love having Gramps next door and so do the kids.  Mya enjoyed her comfy pj's all day Saturday.  I asked her to change a few times but she didn't want to and so I didn't care.  Macie likes me best....she just does!

My niece, Lexi got home from her mission on Wednesday and so Larry and I went over to say Hi late Friday Night.  Kimi and Jared took care of the grands and as always did a great job.  Macie was asleep when we got home and slept well into the morning.  I love good sleepers. ☺  Kevin stopped over with the girls and a few of their cute cousins on Saturday and Mya and Parker enjoyed them.  We all did...it's just fun having these cute spirits in our home.

I have a few more grand "kids" that make me laugh every now and then.  Braxton and Kelsi's goats are so cute and very playful at times.  I love seeing them on their little house that Braxton built for them and stopped to take a picture one of the days.  Tyler jumped right off but didn't shy away. Instead he ran around and jumped all over everything.  Dale was busy head bumping the brush Braxton has on a post for him. I love passing these cute "kids" every time I come and go. They really are so cute!

Nerd Alert Meme

1. Favorite childhood book? Dr. Seuss Books...I really liked them all but remember One Fish, Two Fish right off.

2. What are you reading right now? The Elizabeth Smart Story.  I really enjoy reading autobiography's now. 
3. What books do you have on request at the library? I don't get books from the Library but share with my book club.  I'd like to read another Nicolas Sparks book.  

4. Bad book habit? hmmmm...maybe laying down while reading?  I'm not sure I really have one.

5. What do you currently have checked out at the library? I have Kathy Orrocks...The First Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom

6. Do you have an e-reader? Yes but prefer a real book 

7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once? I prefer one but have been know to have several going at a time.  I guess I always have another going if you count scripture reading as well.

8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? No but they have since joining a Book Club.

9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far)?  I can only remember one book that was terrible and it was years ago.  I ended up throwing it in the trash so no one else would read it.

10. Favorite book you've read this year? Journey to the Veil was really good.  Left to Tell though is one of my very favorite.

11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone? I guess never.  I use to only read mystery or love stories but as I have been introduced to other books I have enjoyed them.  I have found that my comfort zone has only been expanded.

12. What is your reading comfort zone? I like reading books I know others have read and that they like.  I wouldn't read a book with bad language or any that were naughty. 

13. Can you read on the bus? I could read while traveling unless the roads are too bumpy.

14. Favorite place to read? In my front room where the window is uncovered and lets the light shine in.  It's also a room that is away from the tv room.

15. What is your policy on book lending?  please return it.

16. Do you ever dog-ear books? If it's my book but since I have been sharing books over the years I seldom dog-ear books but use a book mark.

17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books? not so much but I have highlighted a few books.

18. Not even with text books? no

19. A book you didn't expect to like but did? Coming Out of the Ice by Victor...something

20. What makes you love a book? When it keeps me wanting to go back to see what is next.  I like books that teach me about others as well.
Questions from HERE

Another Pie Party

Larry had another pie party for a few more widows.  This time they lived in the first ward which is the ward Larry is over right now as a High Councilman.  I think the Sisters enjoy these little gatherings because Larry always gets each of their favorite pie to share.  (Triple Berry for Sister Frazier and Lemon Meringue for Sister Hansen)  Again, Larry asked the older sisters to share stories of their favorite Prophets.  I have enjoyed listening to their memories.  I really like older people!  It's fun to think about all the prophets and how they have influenced our lives.  Each one has added their own special thing to building up the Kingdom of God.  I am very thankful for all the prophets.  I am very thankful for this church...The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ makes me Happy!

Exciting News

The news is out and so now I can post it on here....Trichelle and TJ are giving me another grandchild!  Everyone is very excited!  I was thrilled when Trichelle came and told Larry and I.  TJ didn't know yet but she needed a blessing because she was pretty sick. (TJ was out of town)  One of my first thoughts was: "Babies are Such Blessings".  Babies bring such a strong, wonderful spirit with them even while they are developing.  Good things happen because of babies!  Our family was excited too...we love babies and our littles!

Trichelle wanted Justin to know first since he read about her expecting Zaden on her Blog. ☺ She was having a hard time trying to get with Justin and so she found this little announcement on the internet and went with it.  I added the (NOT) because this baby isn't a "Whoops".  TJ and Trichelle wanted another little one and it is on it's way! Hooray!  I love how gitty and happy TJ is and how caring and kind he is to Trichelle. In fact,  TJ's sister guessed they were expecting because of the change in TJ. ☺  I feel bad for Trichelle...it's not fun being sick 24-7.  I am excited for her to welcome another little one however.  Trichelle is such a kind mom and enjoys her kids....Heck we all do!

I laugh how we went from having five for so long to almost having nine.  The last four are all about 6 months from the other..so in a year and a half's time four more little's will have joined our fabulous family.  I'm loving all the excitement and love a new little one adds!  I LOVE my Family!♥

Weekly Tidbits

This Week was filled with Fun and also a few extra things.

I have been trying to attend the Temple once a week and on Wednesday I was going to go and then go pick Ivy up from School. In the morning I was working on my blog book for 2014 and the time got away from me (but I'm done except changing the page colors) and I didn't have time to make it to a session and get Ivy.  I thought that's okay I can still go Friday...which I did make happen before lunch with my book club.  I knew when I went into the chapel that I might not make the 10:00 session which I really needed to make.  I was right the sister came up to me and told me that starting with me those behind me and myself would be in the 10:30 session.  I knew that wouldn't work for me and told her that I would go do something else then but she told me she would fit me in.  It worked out good and actually there were still a few empty seats.  (we had 1 1/2  rows of women on the men side)  I want to go do what I can for those on the other side of the veil because I know they are helping us on this side and I also would like Heavenly Father to help me and figure I'd better help Him.  I love the feeling in the Temple and all the Happy Faces that I see and pass.  I feel our Saviors Love!

Once in awhile I get a really nice message or text from a friend that really makes my day.  I received one this week that brought me to tears. My friend built me up and said the nicest things.  She totally focused on my strengths and I know she knows my imperfections and weakness's but didn't mention any of them.  The thought came to me again...."I wish we could see ourselves the way others do... or even better if we could see ourselves the way the Savior does."  When times like this happen it always makes me want to live up to all the nice things.  It helps me to try harder and be better.  So Thank YOU my friends that do this for me!

From Jodi: "What an incredible example you are to me and so many! I wish I could be  more like you in every way!!!!!! I will never come even close, but at least I have something to keep reaching towards!  I seriously do not get how you get so much done and EVERYTHING you do is GOOD and SERVICE! You truly are one amazing women!  When you die someday there won't be enough room for everyone that wants to come and pay their respects!!!! Thanks for being my friend!"
From Kim: "I'm proud of YOU running a business and being a mom and grandma.  Thee most important job women can have.  Something that colleges can never offer a degree in."

My bowling league is so good to me and for me.  I know there isn't a week that goes by that I don't feel loved from the other ladies.  Every week I hear a nice compliment and get sweet hugs.  Being around good people brings out the good in me. ☺

Even though the week starts on Sunday I am putting it here at the end of my week.  I had a cool experience that I want to remember.  I was sitting in Sacrament Meeting and I had thought "I don't want to go to my Sunday School class today...I think I will go to Debbie Widdisons." I don't know who she teaches with but that was my thought.  Later in the meeting the "Spirit" told me to go to Debbie Widdisons class today.  I knew it was the spirit telling me and I smiled at the recognition.  Larry was attending Sacrament with our family but had already gone to two other meetings and wasn't planning on staying for the rest of our block.  However, he turned to me and asked me if I wanted him to go to Sunday School with me.  I told him no because I was going to go to Debbie's class.  He laughed and said okay.  When the meeting was over I walked out of the Chapel and looked in Debbie's class.  It was empty but I saw Debbie walking down the hall towards the RS room and drinking fountain.  She stopped at the fountain and I was right behind her when she finished her drink.  I told her that I was planning on going to her class today and she got a big smile.  She told me that the other teacher wasn't coming and that she was going to ask me if I would join her today.  She told me I was the most "spiritual, in-tune" person she knew.  I just laughed.  I knew there was a reason I needed to go to her class.  Another wonderful part is that the lesson was on ........ The Holy Ghost!  We shared my little experience with the cute 15 year olds and Debbie said again "Dawn is the most spiritual, in-tune" person she knew.  One of the gals let out a chuckle which made me chuckle.  I told her that silly (or crazy) and spiritual do mesh...it's possible and really does happen.  Now I didn't share this to pat myself on the back.  I shared because the Spirit talks to us more than we know and the older we get the easier it is to recognize.  The Holy Ghost is a great friend that loves each of us more than we can comprehend.

Shop On The Corner Meme

What kind of job did your mom have when you were growing up? My mom ironed for others as well as cleaned other people's homes.

 Have you ever known anyone that’s been on tv, including you? I have actually been on a few times.  Once in high school for the march of dimes with the band, and when Jared got lost in 2011 Larry, me and Jared were all on the news.  I met Jay Leno before the Tonight Show and got my picture taken with him but that wasn't aired.

 What was the most interesting animal you have seen in the wild? I love all animals in the wild.  Deer, Moose, Elk, Bears etc.  

 What holiday do you enjoy the most? I like and enjoy all Holidays.  I like the "feeling" inside me at Easter and Christmas time best.  I love dressing up and seeing others dressed up for Halloween.  I enjoy all the parties and family dinners for all the Holidays.  I don't think I really have one I enjoy more than others.

 What was the first video game you ever played? I think it was pac man.

 What is the one thing you own, that if it got lost, you would be bummed? My wedding ring.  I seldom take it off and would be really bummed.  I don't want to ever replace it.  I enjoy having the same ring that I was married with.

 Do you have a favorite breakfast item? Seriously...I like chocolate for breakfast.  I don't usually eat a big breakfast though...I know I should but don't.  Growing up I liked cinnamon toast and cream of wheat but not together.  I like waffles and french toast and really other breakfast foods but prefer them for dinner.

 What do you find yourself buying all the time? I guess Chocolate.  I don't like being with it.

 When was the last time you got a real letter in the mail? I received a thank you card about a month ago from a friend.  As far as a letter though.....hmmmmm

 Do you have a most prized piece of jewelry? my wedding ring!

 Do you own any board games? we own a few but I prefer card games.

 What chore seems the most daunting right now? cleaning the bathrooms.  The floors never seem to stay clean.

 Were you born in the state you live in? Yes...I was born and live in Utah

 Have you ever lived in a house that has been broken into? No but I know that the house I grew up in had someone try to break in before.

 What is your favorite cheese? cream cheese.  I also like mozzarella and cheddar. 

 Who do you know that watches the most sports? The answer use to be my hubby but he has mellowed over the years.  Now it would be my mother in law.  Her and Clark are always watching TV and sports.
Question from HERE