Easter Egg Hunt

I love family traditions....I love our family Easter Egg Hunt tradition.  We had ours a week later which was kind of nice because we bought the treats for the eggs on clearance.  We also got a few baskets for each of the grands since they were on sale.  We kept our dinner simple.  We had hamburgers and everyone brought something to go with them.  I like simple.  We invited Debbie and Paul to join us and Roger.  (Carla is out of town visiting her daughter and grand)  It was fun having them join us.  I hope the noise didn't bother them...when we get together we are noisy.  We ate first so the kids would eat. ☺  I felt bad for Parker...he didn't feel good and slept through most of the fun.  I was impressed that Kimleighel decided that she would find eggs for Parker and not herself.  She even gave him all of the $$$ that she found.  What a kind Aunt!

We always let the grands hunt first. This year their eggs were in the play ground.  I have such a good time running around after the grands trying to get their pictures.  I just think they are so dang cute!  When they were done hunting everyone gets to hunt for the rest of the eggs around the house and yard.  It makes me smile watching my big kids still hunt for eggs.  We actually had $$$ in the eggs this year.  I think that is what keeps them coming back....however, we don't always have $$$ in the eggs.  It's always a surprise!  So the kids hunt just in case.  It was a fun year and I think everyone found a little cash.

We hid baskets in the house for the grands.  For the most part they were thrilled with their finds. (Ivy might be getting too big for these little baskets...but I think she's too young to not be included)

The boys baskets were hid in the washer and dryer and neither could find them even looking inside.  They didn't think to move the clothes. haha Larry had to help them out.

We ended the day with rides in this cute train our neighbors let us borrow.  They even painted them on Saturday so they would be extra cute.  The kids loved riding around!  I think the big kids had as much fun pulling them around as the little's did.  I have always wanted to have something like this and after seeing how much fun the grands had I might just need to learn to make them.  Our neighbors got them for FREE from KSL.  I'm glad that they were willing to share with our family.  I hope they enjoyed the treats we gave them as much as we enjoyed their train.

The Sizzle Meme

The Sizzle Says Meme

Go HERE to Play

1. If money were no object, what would you be doing with your life? I would be looking for opportunities to share it with those in need.  I would love to secretly make people Smile! ☺

2. Money is just that - an object, so why aren’t you doing it? Maybe I am without even knowing it.  However, if I had money I would share it and I'm just not able to much at this time.

3. What’s better: horses or cows? Horses...at least when it comes to fun and entertainment.  They are gorgeous and strong animals and fun to be around and ride.  But, if we are talking about eating...then cows.  I try not to like our cows too much or get too attached to them because we do end of eating a few of them.  We had a cow that we bottle fed and loved and had to sell it because we couldn't be ones to slaughter it.

4. What do you think the secret to happiness is? Smiling and Gratitude!  Focusing on the good things and smiling will change your life to pure happiness.

5. When was the last time you had a dream that you either remember well or did not want to awake from? Can you share a bit? Last night I had a dream where we owned this really big house.  It had a very weird layout but was still really cool.  It was huge and I kept finding there was more to it.  While my friend and I were exploring it I had three friends from High School walk in.  One of them was Eve (a friend who recently passed away).  I wondered how it was possible for her to be there because I knew that she had passed away.  I often dream of big houses.  I use to dream that I could fly....actually it was more like swimming in the sky.  

6. When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Always and Forever I always wanted to just be a mom!  That dream came true.  I have seven wonderful, fun kids.  I love being a mom and now I love being a gramma.

7. Complete this statement: Love is… an expression that you share with or about something that is bigger and better than anything else.

8. Can you tell a good story? I think I can.  I am a very detail kind of person....maybe a little too much at times.  I like to be expressive and make others laugh.

9. Can you remember your last daydream? What was it about? I think I must have too many thoughts in my head to allow a daydream to happen.

10. If you were to thank someone today, who would you thank? My Savior was my first thought.  I don't think any amount of thanks that I could offer would ever be enough.

11. If you could be anyone's mojo, whose would you want to be, and why? Actually I have no idea.  I think I could be Ellen D.'s.  I think we are both witty and kind and so she wouldn't be any different and either would I.  (For those you do not know what mojo is, it's personal magnetism; charm.) 

It's What's Important

Merrill's Funeral was today and it was a really nice service and celebration of his life.  Merrill was such a wonderful man.  I know he sure meant a lot to my hubby.  Merrill influences everyone for the good.  I loved hearing about his last day here.  He knew it was his time and he was able to visit with his family...which is large.  The nurses at the hospital told Debbie that they had never seen anything like this before.  They loved that so many people were there to spend time with Merrill for his last day here on Earth.  Merrill had fun with his kids and tricked them a few times that he had passed.  He would open his eyes with a smile saying "I got the laugh last".  He talked to all his grands and they sat around his bed and they all sang together with Merrill.  I just think it was the perfect "last" day for Merrill.  He was a man that loved everyone and you felt it.  I always knew he loved and cared about me.  He made me and Larry feel like family.  A fun memory I have is when Merrill and Martha Mae came home from their mission.  We owned an old School Bus at the time and we drove the entire family down to pick them up.  It was so much fun having everyone together.  I love the women that Merrill spent his life with.  President Malone mentioned he had good taste in women and I agree.  Both Martha Mae and Beth are sweet, kind women.  I sat in the room with Martha Mae after she passed...it was a very surreal moment for me.  Beth immediately loved us because Merrill did.  I hope that I will be one that is able to express my love to others through my expressions and touch.  I love Merrill and his family....he is leaving a legacy of good.

After attending Merrill's funeral Larry wanted to go to the Temple. (he thought since we were dressed for it we might as well)  I told him I would love to but I needed a power nap. (I was up and down a few times with the grands during the night)  I was ready to go in less than half an hour.  I loved being at the Temple today.  I saw so many familiar faces of people that I absolutely love.  It added to the experience of the Temple.

Larry ran into Kellie and Kerry and we went to a quick dinner with them.  We went to Kneaders since it was fast and we both had other commitments.  I was really glad we ran into the Cooke's.  We love them and don't get together enough.  I love being surrounded by such awesome people.  I am truly blessed to live where I do.

We ended our day by attending the Reception of David Robinson.  It was quite a full day but a very good day.

Sleep Over at Gramma's (and grandpa's)

This weekend was the weekend I invited the grands to spend the night.  We usually have them over on Conference Weekend but changed it since Trichelle's littles were with their dads.  I liked this better because they had lots of time to play together.  I went and picked up Ivy first.  I actually forgot that Ivy got out early and was just planning on getting her at 3:00 until she called me asking me where I was.  I had text her earlier to tell her to hurry out which I am glad I did so when I wasn't there instead of waiting she called me.  I was getting pizza for tonight and so I was close to the freeway...I'm so glad and she didn't have to wait long.  There were lots of other kids still waiting to get picked up.  After we got her we picked up Zaden.  She squeals when he see's me which melts my heart.  On the way to my house Zaden was talking about how the other grands only love me but how he loves grandpa too.  They way he said it cracked me up....in fact, that he even said it all cracks me up.  Zaden refers to Grandpa Larry as a Gorilla. haha and every night when he reads a book that has the Gorilla's in it he refers to the big gorilla as grandpa and the little one as himself.  So funny and cute.  I let him know that the others love grandpa too.  I can't help but laugh.  Larry made things straight when he said our prayer before bed.  He told Heavenly Father he was glad the kids could come to Grandpa's house and totally left me out.  He's usually the one being left out and Ivy told him why.  As grandpa sat at the table visiting Trichelle while I did things with the grands Ivy pointed that out.  I guess if he wants to be included more he should participate with us more. 

I had a few fun things planned for the kids to do.  We put a bar of Ivory Soap in the microwave and watched it puff up like a cloud.  The kids tried molding it after put didn't really care of that.  They did think it was cool watching it grow.  It reminded me of marshmallows.

I had a bunch of hard boiled eggs ready for them to decorate and dye.  They were all very into it and we had a great time doing it.  We had a few get dropped but I told the kids not to worry they would just look prettier when they got peeled.

 I have been wanting to share my large chocolate bar with them so that I could take their pictures.  Tonight we did that.  Then we broke off pieces and I let them have it for their bed time snack.  I found out that a chocolate bar that big could also be used to hurt others.  I turned around with it and accidentally hit Mya with it.  I could tell it hurt her but she was brave and shook it off.  This chocolate is so fresh and good....

Another thing I had planned was to let the kids make monsters.  We used droppers to drop paint on their papers and then they folded their papers and smoothed out the paint.  They were so excited to open the papers and see their creations.  So excited in fact we had to get out more paper. 

They finished them on Saturday morning after letting the paint dry.  They all enjoyed are little activities and had a blast doing them all.  I had one more ready but didn't have time to do it...so we will save it for another day.

 I thought I'd try to be creative with their pancakes.  I usually just make Mickey Mouse because I can pour the batter into circles.  Today I used a little container and drew on the griddle.  The kids thought I was pretty cool and so that's all that matters.  They liked their designer pancakes.

The little's are so fun and they get away with standing on the bar when we have sleep overs.  Jordyn got to stay too because her other grandma got sick and Kevin and Julie had a late date.  She is such a good baby that I didn't mind.  I felt bad that she didn't feel good though. (she has a cough)  We decided when Parker was little that once the kids were big enough to want to stay that they could.

I hope the grands enjoy being together and making fun memories at "gramma's" (and grandpa's). ☺ We sure enjoy having them.  I look forward to many, many more sleep overs.  I sure do love these cute little ones I get to call mine! ♥

(notice that everyone was awake and playing but Zaden kept sleeping.  The poor kid even got stepped on a few times before getting up)

My Friend Karen

Karen messaged me the other day and wanted to get together some time.  I told her I was bowling for Carla on Friday and so she said she would come and visit me there.  Karen was really sweet and loving which was nice because for months she has been a grump. (which I told her)  I know losing her mom was hard and I think maybe her medications were changed.  She was so happy today and I was glad to visit with her.  I'm a little ashamed to admit but I'm going to anyway...I was a little embarrassed that Karen kept holding my hand.  I felt dumb and I would let it go and she would find my hand to hold again.  Then a few times she laid her head on my shoulder.  I'm glad it bothered me enough to cause me to think and correct myself.  I should not be embarrassed how others choose to express their love.  I do love Karen and I care about her.  We are very different and sometimes I laugh and even share our differences with others because it's funny to me.  For instance....Karen will come over to me and say she needs a hug.  I am more than glad to give her a hug but the problem is she doesn't hug me back.  I feel stupid being the only hugger and have even told her she needs to hug back.  We laugh about it together but it's happened a few times after as well.  Karen is a sweet person and I'm glad we are friends. (even if I feel stupid holding her hand) I shared this picture with Karen and she told me that it would always be a treasure to her.  What a sweetheart! ♥

Food 4 Thought Friday

Food 4 Thought Friday!

A little feast without the calories!!

Feel free to play along for some yummy fun! Go HERE to JOIN IN!!!

Food 4 Thought Friday ~ This week's questions: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ 
   
Breakfast ~ Where does your mind wander when there is nothing pressing on it? It seems like there is always something pressing....so much to always do, when to do it, what needs done first.  However when I am away and away from everything pressing I always find that my thoughts are of my kids and grands.  I've noticed that recently but it has always been true.  They are who I think of when the distractions are gone.
Lunch ~  What is one of the hardest things you do each day? Deciding what needs to get done and what can wait.  I really have a hard time in the middle of the day because I get tired and require a power nap but seldom get one so pushing through until the tired wears off is also hard.
 
Dinner ~ When did you last feel fear? Why? The most fear I have every felt is when Jared was lost. (2011) I have never experienced anything like that before.  I was trying so hard to have faith in God and His will but also feared that His will wasn't what I wanted. I knew how much I really was fearing...when I heard the strange noise escape me when I saw him again.

Midnight Snack ~ Was there something you felt inspired to do this week and did it?  Didn't do it? What were the results?  I felt inspired to go visit Paul and Debbie after Paul's dad passed away.  They were happy that we came to visit them and express our love to them and their dad.  I also felt inspired to invite Roger over for dinner since Carla is away...I invited Paul and Debbie too.  (I hope they won't mind all the noise)

Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)  Trust Yourself!  I tell my kids that often and this week it hit me that I need to remind myself of that every now and then too.  I have been bugged about my other calling and have prayed my guts out and asked for forgiveness for murmuring and being so unsettled about it.  I prayed that I could just be at peace with it and let it go.  I even went to the Temple and prayed some more.  The  answer came that I was unsettled because it isn't right at this time.  It could be but since I am serving in the Special Needs and the Stake Presidency had told me to be released from my ward callings that is what I am suppose to do.  I knew that when I receive the call but felt guilty when the Bishopric member said I wasn't busy on Sundays, plus the fact we our told never to turn down a calling.  Immediately after accepting the call I knew it was wrong of me to do.  I had flash backs of other times that the call wasn't right at the time and how quickly those callings were changed.  I also thought that if my friend asked me to sub I would do it without hesitation and so I will serve for the time until a new teacher is called....but I just thought....Trust Yourself and Your Feelings....especially when we are trying very hard to be guided by the Holy Ghost and let our Savior guide us.  It's not a bad thing and I believe that's what gets us confused some times...but after coming to the realization that I need to be released from this calling soon gave me peace....exactly what I was praying for.

SNAP

The Muskrat Springs Ward came and played with our girls tonight.  I was thrilled when Heather text me asking if they could come and spent time and do an activity with the Special Needs group.  We were able to come up with a date since we never got a production specialist and we wouldn't be doing a play this year.  When I responded I told her that maybe a "Minute to Win It" activity would be fun.  She told me that they were doing that for their Young Women and so it would be perfect.  I just have to say that I know that I was inspired to suggest that....it was very clear to me and I was surprised that thought came so quickly until Heather responded.  I love how Heavenly Father guides us...so much more than we recognize I'm sure.

I love sharing the group I get to serve with others.  You can't help but feel their love.  I love watching the other groups that come to help interact with them.  Some people are nervous and others just shine.  It is such a blessing. The Special Needs are Special for a reason...they are this way to bless the rest of us.  I would never have guessed that I would love this calling so much but Heavenly Father did!