Friday the 13th

Love is in the Air!  That's what Valentines Day is all about right?  Our Home Teacher brought us by a yummy treat  last night and he looked so cute carrying it I had to get a picture. ☺  Valentines Day is a day to remember others and show a little extra love to them.  We appreciate the extra love shown to us.

I made my grands and the kids still home a little gift of  love.  I gave away my molds that I was wanting to use but still had my funnel and so I made kisses.  I wish I could put the foil around them better but oh well they still turned out cute and we will deliver them tomorrow.   I know each little  will "Love" our little gift to them.

It's a tradition to take my Mom and Linda to Chili's for their Birthdays.  We only get ribs because that is also a tradition.  It's the only time I ever order ribs but I sure do enjoy them. Susan and I each ordered 1/2 a rack but the Birthday Girl's got the full.  They had enough for dinner.  We ordered a meal for Bennett to go so my mom could enjoy her ribs and Bennett wouldn't be jealous.  

I wasn't going to save the silly pictures and Linda wanted me to delete them but they are part of the fun memory we made today.  They make me smile.  We have a good time together.  I love the one of my mom in the center on the bottom.  The workers brought her and Linda ice cream and sang to them and my mom was thrilled.  She clapped along.  I think she is enjoying being 78...heck you might as well enjoy where you in life!

Carla and Robin came to my house when I got home and we made Valentine Candy Grams.  It was a lot more fun making them together.  I am glad that Carla had the idea and I know that Larry will be thrilled with his.  Robin made her sons each one and she was so funny making up sayings to go with all the Candy bars.  She didn't use all the sayings and we didn't either but I sure laughed.  Robin is funny!  I think they all turned out really cute.  I enjoyed the few hours we spent together making them.  Hooray for Friends!  We used Science Fair boards which worked out great.

Jaydan doesn't like going to dinner on Valentines Day and so we went tonight.  Places were still busy but not as bad as they will be tomorrow.  He chose to go to ABC Mandarin and here it is a few hours later and I am still so full.  I barely made a dent in my meal but it filled me.  Jared was happy to finish my left overs.  (I'm sure going out to lunch was part of the reason I got full so fast)

Braxton and Kelsi went to the hospital hoping to have their baby but they were sent home after a few hours.  I think Kelsi is just so ready to meet little Sadie Lou that it's driving her crazy.  I just figure she's not quite ready yet and we all need to be patient.  The doctor said he would start Kelsi on Sunday is she wants which is only a week early.  I think it might be best just to let nature takes its course.  It all brings back memories of when I went to have my babies.  ☺ Fun Times!

Food 4 Thought Friday

I liked this challenge that my friend Jodi threw out on her blog.  I would not have done it before because the last few years my blog book has reached the maximum pages that it could have.  This year however I decided that instead of stressing about cutting back my posts to use less pages I would just make 2 books a year and divide the year in half.  That way I can add a few more thoughts or pictures if I want and it won't matter.  So here we go...

Food 4 Thought Friday~This week's questions:

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Breakfast What are your weekend plans?  It is Valentines this weekend which also means it's Jaydan's birthday and so we have some celebrating to do.  Jaydan would rather go to dinner for his birthday on and day other than his birthday to avoid the crowds.  I'm not sure where he will choose to go but I know it will be enjoyable spending time with our birthday boy.  It's enjoyable for me to watch that little son of mine put away the food.  He can eat a lot!  I will also be delivering Valentines to my grands.  I am going to make Rice Krispy Treats shaped like bears or hearts or dinosaurs or whatever I decide.  I'm sure there will be a variety.  (added later...I was going to have a variety until I looked for the molds and couldn't find them.  I believe they went to the DI since I hadn't used them for awhile.  I must have been in a cleaning mood.  That's why I hate getting rid of stuff....eventually you will need it and wish that you had it.) So...Rice Krispy Treats shaped like a "kiss" is what my grands will be getting....I didn't get rid of the funnel.

Lunch Where would you go right now if you had no other obligations?  I would go to my mom's and stay all night watching movies with her and eating popcorn.

Dinner What brought you great joy this week?  My family and friends always bring me joy.  I love when my kids come home and look for me.  I love when the grands see me and run to me and give me great big hugs.  Sometimes they even jump and wrap their little legs around me so they aren't touching the floor.  Even the babies get excited to see me and will reach for me.  Another thing that brought me great joy was going to SNAP!  Ryan ran to me and gave me the biggest and tightest hug and looked into my eyes while smiling his big, cheesy smile and said: "I like You".  A few people I haven't seen for years also grabbed me and hugged me.  It took me a minute on a few to remember them.  Connor squealed when he saw me and opened his arms for a hug.  He hugged me so tight it almost hurt. ☺  Being L♥ved brings me Joy and brightens my spirit!

Midnight Snack What is your favorite dessert of all time?  Hands Down....I love Cookies more than any other dessert.  I like all kinds of cookies but the best ones are soft and have chocolate chips that melt in your mouth.  Natalie made some last week that were perfect!  I loved breaking them apart and watching the chocolate spread.  I even like store bought cookies but have to dunk them in milk.  mmmmmm! I ♥ Cookies!  Cookies with Chocolate are always best!  Anything with Chocolate is pretty darn wonderful!

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)  This week I will have to say the we must forgive ourselves for doing dumb, thoughtless acts.  Just because we make mistakes once in awhile those mistakes do NOT define us.  They make us realize we still have to work hard at doing the right thing and that we are going to fall short every now and then.  So be kind to yourself by forgiving yourself.

a Pamper Me Kind of Day

Today I got a little pampered!  I went bowling and my team exchanged valentines.  I think it's fun to exchange Valentines!  Carla had an extra gift for me in her car so that I could be pampered even more.  It was a gift with a peppermint candle, peppermint body wash, peppermint lotion and peppermint "kisses".  Wowzers!  She said she wanted me to be sure to take a nice long bath with all the nice peppermint and be really relaxed and ready for a lot of fun this next week.  I am ready to go and have fun even if it means I will miss the arrival of little Sadie Lou.  Braxton promised me he would send pictures.  Braxton has been so good about keeping informed of Kelsi's progress.  His phone calls are appreciated by this mommy.  After bowling I went and got a pedicure and the gal giving me mine talked me into a manicure too.

When I first was getting seated I made sure my chair was working.  A few of us had a good laugh and the guy there teased me about having a broken chair last time.  All the chairs are new now and so I was able to enjoy a nice massage while I was having my hands and feet pampered.  I got done just in time to grab a few pizza's for dinner and head on over to Dana's to get my hair done.  It was a relaxing kind of day.

Tonight for SNAP the Roy Group sponsored a Valentines Dance.  It was at the Church that I use to go to when I lived in Roy.  It was nice having it so close this week.  The place was packed and everyone had a really good time.  I loved seeing a few more people that I knew.  I got lots of hugs and hand shakes.  These people light up my life.  They are such blessings and make me smile.  Ryan (with me and Virginia) loves to make me laugh.  He came running to me when he saw me and found me a few times to go with him.  I did avoid dancing tonight.  I would rather watch everyone else dance.  I met cute Lisa's boyfriend, James and think they are the cutest little couple ever.  My soul was filled tonight being around my special friends.

Two Kisses are better than One!  I opened both of these this week.  I consumed the one Jodi made pretty quickly....it was so good.  I think she put oreo cookies in the rice krispies...yumm!  The chocolate kiss is harder to consume quickly so I only bit off a little of it...but it satisfied my cravings!

Flowers in February

This winter hasn't been normal.  It hasn't been very cold and the cold that we did get didn't last very long.  It's February and there are flowers blooming around the Temple and people's yards.  It's crazy...I love the tempts but it's still crazy.  Yesterday was pretty busy and so I decided to go to the Temple today.  I love getting up early and going.  There aren't many people first thing in the morning.  Today the session I went to had 11 men and 11 women.  It's nice in a few ways.  The best thing is I get home early and can still do everything I have planned.   I passed Susan at the corner as she was leaving for the Temple and I was coming home.

My visiting teachers came today and they even came early since they knew I would be leaving to meet my friend.  I love my visiting teachers so much.  They are pretty cool, older ladies!  I love visiting with them.  I love that they give me the lesson that they want.  Today they didn't give the one from the Ensign but instead one from a Book about President Monson.  It never matters to me what the lesson is.  We always talk about things that invite the spirit to be with us. I feel blessed!

I met Denise for lunch and Denise treated because she said it was for my last Birthday since we hadn't gone yet.  I didn't care about that....I just wanted to visit with my friend but I do appreciate her kindness.  We visited for quite awhile.  It was nice.  Denise was able to share with me all the crazy things that her and her hubby have been going through.  I really can't remember the number of surgeries but they have each had a few the last 5 months.  Boy have they been challenged.  I'm so glad they are doing better...I love Denise so much!  Denise is so kind.  I feel bad that their ward didn't take better care of them while they were having a hard time.  I feel bad that I didn't take better care of them.  Denise let me know a little of what was happening in the Christmas Card she sent and I didn't act.  After our visit today I have decided and have a plan to serve others better.  I know I keep busy with my life but I am not to busy to help someone. Serving really is my priority but because I play so much I don't think others know that.  Bowling and lunch dates can wait if I am needed.  I need to act and not wait to be asked.  Really most people won't ask for help no matter how close we are.  I have decided that I am going to start calling and chatting with my friends again.  Since texting has become so popular I have chatted less with my friends.  Talking on the telephone keeps you connected even if you aren't able to meet in person as often as you'd like....So....I'm going to work on calling people more often to check on them.  As I left today I called on my Angels to please remind me to do these things.  I need a little "extra" help remembering these days and I am really counting on more help from the other side.  (I'm sure I've always had plenty of extra help but just haven't noticed or paid close attention..I hope I get better at that)

I went to the grocery store after and then decided to just drive to Fremont so I could be there when Jared got through with track.  I text him that I was there and he text me that he was home.  He decided not to stay after today.  Well that plan went well. hahaha.

I'm getting anxious for Sadie to get here.  I'm excited to go with my girl friends next week! ☺

Fun Bunch Lunch

Today the Fun Bunch met for lunch at the Blue Lemon.  I'm so glad that we have a Blue Lemon close to us now.  It's just South of the Temple.  It's such a yummy place.  Everything is so good.  Today we sat in a booth and what a difference that made.  Last time I went we were at a long table and I could tell that I was talking louder than my normal...it wasn't like that today.  It was fun seeing Jody who hasn't made it to lunch for awhile.  What a "Hoot" we are at times.  We exchanged Valentines with each other and that was fun to do too.  Yep at my age it's still fun giving and receiving Valentines. ☺  I always enjoy our visits.  The time always goes so quick before we have to part because of busy schedules.  But we enjoy the time we do have!

With this fun bunch of ladies we always look for "Kodak Moments".  We create them in fact.  We went outside but it was a little chilly and so we ended up "playing" in Deseret Book.  They had lots of fun things to take our picture with.

I ended up using the men's restroom again.  Men's restrooms are seldom busy and this one was extremely clean.  (just a hint if you find yourself waiting for the restroom....just make sure it's the kind with one toilet and a door that locks)  Another Fun Day and Fun Memories Made! ♥
(I used the mens again on Friday when I went Denise to Zuppa's....when you gotta go, YOU GOTTA Go!)

I got to pick this little cutie up from school today since his family was at the Doctor checking on the new baby.  They were hoping to find out if it is a girl or a boy but weren't able to today.  Zaden told me that he wanted a surprise and that's why he didn't want to go to the Doctor with them.  When his mommy told him about the cool play area they have for kids at the Doctor office he told her he wanted to go next time.  I enjoy my cute grands and I'm glad for the moments I get to have them.  I love the little visits we get with their parents when they come to pick the grands up. ☺

I went visiting teaching first thing this morning.  We were planning on going at 10:00 but I got a text from Jill and she was going to the doctor at 9:45 and wondered if we could come at 9:00 instead.  It was 8:15 and we made it.  Both Mindy and I had to shower and I even washed my hair but we got ready quick and made it by 9:00.  Right after I got the text from Jill, Courtnie text me and said that her little sister was sick and she was taking care of her.  We are going to see Courtnie another day. I was going to ask Carla if I could come visit her before we went to lunch but ended up doing things at home and just visited with her on the way to lunch.

Happy Birthday Momma

Today my mom turned 78 and I think she looks great!  She's such an ambitious lady and works hard every day.  Susan and I took her to lunch at the Greenery.  Mom was really wanting a "hedda gobbler"  we all ordered the same thing.  It was fun visiting and spending time together.  I took my mom a Lemon Meringue Pie since I just learned that was her favorite.  I also found a cute shirt for her that she seemed to like.  I had quit buying her clothes because she would give them away.  In fact, she gave a lot of things I gave her away which made buying a gift for her kind of hard.  I would buy her books and write in them or get her a CD or treat.  I have given her jewelry too and honestly have never seen her wear any of it.  Oh well....I love my mom and once I give her a gift it is hers to do with what she wants.

I told my mom about finding a dime in Wendover and thinking of daddy right away. (I found another dime in my coat pocket that same day)  My mom smiled and told me that my dad loved playing the dime machines.  Another little thing I learned about my dad that I didn't know.  It's funny you think you know someone yet realize there is always so much more you could know. I wonder if I  had  known that while we were in Wendover if I wouldn't have played it in the dime machine?  hmmm...I'm not sure!  I thought about saving it and taking it to Las Vegas with me but instead I put it in my bank for chocolate.  My dad also loved chocolate.

Enough about my dad since this is my mom's day!  My mom is wonderful and does a lot of good.  She goes to the Elementary and volunteers there and has for many years.  She helps others and is talented and crafty...still!  She still makes Handcrafted Cards for others.  She crochets blankets for her great grands and others.  She organizes all her stuff .... she has a lot of stuff...but it is organized.  She is a great lady that has worked hard to be where she is.  My mom has so much faith and a Wonderful Testimony of our Savior and Heavenly Father.  I give her credit for teaching me the direction I should go in my life.  I know that we helped make her day a bit more special.  My brother, Bennett just got to my moms and is going to work in SLC for a few months.  I am thrilled that my mom will have company.  I am thrilled that Bennett is here.  I ♥ My Entire Family!

The Rest of the Week

On Wednesday I got up and went to a Visiting Teaching Tune Up our Relief Society was having.  I really thought I'd better go because I am really loving who I go visiting teaching to, who I go with, and who comes to me.  I wanted to make that clear that all is good with me.  The Presidency went to a lot of work.  They had a treat table that looked so cute, and some fun handouts.  They went the extra mile for sure.  I love Relief Society and the sisterhood we share. 

I went home and made cookies since I had some ripe banana's waiting for me.  I shared a lot of these cookies.  I like making a lot so I am able to share.  (I took some to Kathy, Carla, JoAnn, Wendy, Carmen, Crystal, and Gloria) 

The first Wednesday of the Month is the Night our family goes to the Temple together.  We just go with those that can make it.  On Wednesday is was only Jaydan that joined Larry and I.  I was glad that he was able to come this time and since none of us had to hurry home we decided to stop for a little treat afterwards.  Sub Zero Ice Cream was still open and so we went there.  It was "cool"watching them freeze the ice cream right in front of us and it was also very good.  I am so Thankful the Ogden Temple is opened again....I love it!

Thursday I went bowling and something popped in my wrist and then moved to my elbow.  It was really weird.  I kept bowling and even though it hurt I was still able to bowl.  I was over the activity for SNAP this week and I feel good with how it turned out.  I did a little lesson on love and kindness.  I had the gal's all participate by reading a quote about kindness.  After the lesson we moved some tables in so everyone could sit and make a card to give to someone.  We also made some funny little rings using a pipe cleaner and chocolate kiss.  The cards turned out really cute and the gals really seemed to enjoy making them.  I was so glad that Kathy had helped me with them...they all turned out very cute and original.

Friday I went bowling again and my arm still hurt a little.  I was nervous because of my arm and my first frame I only knocked down 3 pins total.  I think I might have made the ladies I was bowling with a little nervous too.  I could tell my arm would be fine and the rest of the time I bowled okay.  I know that was a relief to the team I was subbing for.

After bowling I did a little shopping and then came home to get Jared to take to my mom's.  My mom just got carpet in her basement and needed some help getting the furniture back.  She only let us move the couch in and then Jared and I wiped down all the walls in that room for her.  I also cleaned her tub and sink since she is letting me do that for her.  I left Jared with my mom for a minute while I went to give Gloria VanDenakker a Sunshine Bag and some cookies.  Gloria has been sick off and on since Christmas and I have been worried about her.  I like Gloria and I know that she appreciates and likes me too.  We had a good visit but I needed to leave because Larry had made it home from his little trip to Tulsa Oklahoma. (business)  

I went back to my mom's to get Jared and to tell my mom good bye.  Before we left TJ and Trichelle came over.  My mom had called them and asked for some help and so they came to help.  I don't know why I opened my mouth at all but I did and right away I regretted the things that came out.  I can't stand to see others miss treat my children no matter how old they are and things had been building up inside me and out they came.  I was in the wrong and no amount of sorry's could fix or take away the things I said.  I could see that I hurt TJ and I know that I did Trichelle as well.  I had told TJ that it wouldn't be right at all for him to name their baby after his mom since she wasn't nice to Trichelle...which by the way she really isn't.  However....his mom is a good mom to him and has a lot of good qualities and I know she is doing her best.  I just wish she could see Trichelle for who she really is.  Trichelle is so kind, tender and sensitive and doesn't deserve to have little "digs" thrown at her.  It breaks my heart but so does my behavior.  I don't want my children to worry about sharing their feelings with me.  I can keep confidences and usually do. I am very sorry and regretful that my mouth operated faster than my brain this time.  I feel awful and sick inside.  I feel like I totally acted the very opposite of who I really am and what I believe. I don't want to be remembered for doing stupid things like this and hopefully have felt enough pain from it to learn a valuable lesson.

It is so weird that one act of unkindness could change the entire feeling of doing so much good this week.  I guess it's because we are not made to be unkind and are not comfortable with ourselves when we are.  I asked for forgiveness and prayed for it too.  And at this point the only thing for me to do is begin again.  (another painful lesson learned)

 Saturday Larry and I spent the entire day together.  For Christmas Larry got us tickets to see "America" in concert.  He figured it would also count as my Valentine Gift since it is the week before Valentines.  America was performing in Wendover and so we left early and went to a show in SLC before driving to Wendover.  We went and saw "Unbroken"...a movie based on the true story of Olympian Louis Zampernini.  His Plane crashed in WWII and he spent 47 days in a raft with two fellow crewmen before he was caught by the Japanese navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp.  I'm sure what really happened was much worse that could ever be portrayed in a movie. I cried and thought about all the men and women that have fought for our freedoms.  I can't imagine all that others have gone through for this country.  I am glad that Louis was so strong with such a good heart.  He was able to forgive those that mistreated him and was able to praise and honor our Heavenly Father.  We are so blessed because of the sacrifice of others.

After the movie we drove that long, nothing to look at road to Wendover where we had a nice Mini Suite waiting for us.  Larry was so proud of himself for upgrading to a suite....I was too because it was nice.  We enjoyed a nice dinner and then relaxed a little before heading to the Concert Hall.  We had good seats but I think all the seats would be good in that place.  We were nine rows back where the floor raised and right in the middle.  The concert was really enjoyable.  I thought I might see someone that we knew and I was right.  On the row behind me, April and Shirley from bowling were there with some of their friends.  Shirley's hubby just passed away and I was so glad to see her out with April.  I gave her a big, long hug....my heart goes out to her. I love the friends I have made from bowling....so many nice ladies.  Larry also saw a guy he knew out in the  parking lot of the Hotel we were staying at. ☺ 

It was nice spending the weekend with Larry.  We were able to relax and enjoy ourselves and reminisce about our youth.  America was the first concert Larry ever went to and has always been his favorite band.  I got thinking about the concerts I have been to.  The first one I remember going to was Billy Joel.  I think that might have been the only one I went to before getting married.  Since marriage Larry and I have seen Dolly Parton and America (again).  I took Trichelle and Justin to see the Dixie Chicks and Trichelle took me to Bruno Mars.  I'm not sure if that is all but it might be.  We don't go to many concerts but enjoy them when we do!