Sandy

Sandy was Larry's accountant for 30 years and over the years they became such good friends.  A few years ago Sandy started showing signs of Dementia and then she had a fall and experienced a few strokes.  I didn't see Sandy often but when I saw her strapped to a wheel chair it broke my heart.  Sandy was too smart and classy to be in that situation.  (those were my thoughts) 

Sandy passed away on Justin's birthday, April 30...the same day my friend Gina passed away a few years ago.  It's hard losing someone.  I wasn't around Sandy a lot over the years but she made an impact on me the times I was.  Even when Sandy was in the nursing home and her mind was all over, Sandy would find something to compliment me about.  She was so kind, smart, talented, and wonderful.

I loved watching Larry visit his friend.  Larry was able to go on the journey's with Sandy as her mind switched around.  He just went with her flow and would talk to her in her moment.  I loved seeing them joke with each other even when the times were hard.  Larry was amazing with Sandy.  Sandy loved Larry (and our family) and expressed that over the years.  She knew she could always count on Larry....and she could!  Larry was the one the family called when Sandy went to the Hospital a few weeks ago with phenomena.  Larry went to the Hospital a few times a day to be with Sandy....every day she was there.  He had the privilege of being with her along with her family for her last breath in this life.  I'm glad that Larry had that opportunity and was there to show his love and support to Sandy, Jim, Kristen and Keri.  I know they all appreciate Larry and consider him family.  They had chosen to take Sandy off her oxygen and let her go and Larry was invited to be with them. (I was attending Women's Conference~the perfect place for me to be at that time)

Larry spoke at Sandy's Service as a friend and did such a wonderful job.  It's hard knowing what to say and what others might need to hear and he was right on.  I'm glad that Sandy has graduated from this life.  She is in a better place, whole and healthy.  It won't be long before Jim follows her since he is battling cancer...it will win but he is hoping for a few more years.  These two have blessed our lives in many ways....so very thankful for the people that cross our paths!

Early Birds...

Jared has started drivers education at the school.  It starts at 6:00 am and so we have to get up earlier to make it there.  Have I mentioned how mixed up I think drivers ed is these days?  It's one of my pet peeves.  You might not want to read anymore.  It is required to have a learners permit before you can sign up for drivers education.  Drivers Education is where you learn all the things you need to know to pass the test to get a permit...or so I thought.  Now...the kids have to study on their own and with their parents so they can pass the test to get their permit.  Then you get to pay to have them go learn the things they just did because it is required that everyone take the course before you can take the driving test to get your license.  It is also required that the child drive with a parent for 6 months before getting a license.  So it makes me wonder why in the heck do they even need to take drivers education anymore...why not just let the parent teach them like they are already doing.  Oh well, sometimes things don't make sense but we are required to do them anyway...it's life.

***I went to a parents meeting with Jared a few days after this post.  It helped me to understand the logic behind this new way of doing drivers ed.  The extra time and parent involvement is to protect the kids and have them more prepared to be on the roads.  The drivers ed course educates the kids and shows them the "Reality" of important do's and don'ts.  My attitude was adjusted! ☺

I decided that since I was up I might as well go to the Temple.  I got up early and showered and the plan was to drop off Jared and then go directly to the Temple.  While we were going to the school it occurred to me that I didn't kiss my hubby goodbye.  I'm not use to leaving first in the mornings and so it isn't a habit for me like it is him.  I debated with myself....should I go home or just stop by his work after the Temple?  Since it was early and the first session wasn't until 7:00, I decided to buzz home first and give him a kiss and then go.  I think Larry was a little surprised that I came back just to kiss him goodbye!

I love our Temple and appreciate it so much since the remodel.  I probably took it for granted before but after having to drive a little further for a few years I am very grateful for it now.  We are so  blessed to have a Temple so close....in fact, we are so blessed to have so many Temples so close to us.  As I was leaving the Temple this morning I felt that same satisfaction I would coming home from the gym.  Even though it's not easy getting there it's so worth it.  I just felt so good about going and helping someone get their endowment.  In my mind I thought: "I can do this....I can take time to go to the Temple and help those on the other side of the veil."  I need to do it more and even allow a little more time in the Temple.  I know the work that goes on inside those beautiful walls is much more important than the things I let occupy my time.  I know that going to the Temple often is what I'm suppose to do....it's my season for it!

More Cute Grands

Tonight Kevin and Julie swapped me kids.  I took Kamryn and Jordyn and they took Kimi and Jared.  Every once in awhile the dentist Julie works for will rent a movie theater when a new movie comes out.  Tonight the Avengers was the Movie they went and saw.  Julie gets free tickets and so it was a fun night for my kids.  I love that Julie and Kevin always seem to include extended family in their fun.  They are really good at that.

I loved that we got to watch the girls.  We don't get these two that often and so it's fun when we do.  Jordyn loves Kamryn so much.  It's obvious that Kam is really good to her.  I'm so glad they have each other.  I'm so glad they are ours.  We watched movies tonight, ate popcorn and cereal and played beyond being tired. (Larry was the only one that got a nap)

The girls were tired when Kevin and Julie came to pick them up.  Heck....we all were. ☺  Life is great and it's best with so many cuties surrounding us.  Oh how I love them all!

Happy Cinco De Mayo...Happy Birthday Crystal

Crystal has the same birthday as Parker (May 3) and today The Hooper Honey's celebrated her.  She loves the cabbage salad at Melina's and so that is where we went....quite fitting for the day since it is Cinco De Mayo!

Today it seemed that there is a lot of good going on in everyone's life. Of course there always is but some months are harder than others.  We're all at a pretty good place right now. Crystal and Lorraine are both getting their daughters ready to serve missions.  In fact the girls speak on the same day but leave a week apart.  How exciting for them and the families!  Tammy's daughter in law is going to go through the Temple soon so that is very exciting.  Kellie's kids are doing good and their houses are selling so quick that Kellie might just be sharing her house with a few families soon. (that might not be as exciting as it might be overwhelming)  I love sharing our lives with each other...the good times and the hard times!

I love this group of ladies and I love when March comes because that means we start celebrating each others birthday's monthly.  There isn't a birthday with this group in April but Lorraine's is the end of March and so it's not noticeable.  These ladies are sweet, kind and funny!  I love spending time with them!  I love our Monthly Celebrations.  Kellie is next!

Monday = Funday

Each Monday I get to pick these two up from school and take them home to play for awhile.  I love getting to do that because I miss them since I usually only see them every other Sunday.  That is the hard thing about the grands going to school.  I just don't see them as often.  I get to pick Ivy up on Wednesdays' and every other Friday as well.  I enjoy our time together.  The kids are usually ready for a treat when I pick them up and so when Ivy suggests a Slurpee I stop and get them one.

I love hearing about the things they learn in school. It's just fun listening to them and watching them grow and learn.  They amaze me all the time.  I so lucky to have my grands so close that I am able to help with them.

I think at times my kids are afraid to ask me for help.  I think they worry about taking advantage of me.  In a way that's good but it also makes me feel kind of bad.  I want them to ask and if I'm not able to help I will tell them.  However, if I am able to help out I want to...I usually try to work things out so I can help them.  I always think of Larry's dad and how he was so good to help me out with Jared.  He would tell me that he wasn't busy when I would call and I know the guy always had something but he would adjust his schedule to help me.  There were only a few times that he wasn't able to help when I asked.  I want to be like that.  I also remember asking one of the grandma's for help and she told me that she wasn't sure because she might be running in to town.  I don't want to be like that...I want to help my kids.  Besides helping my kids I really do love having the grands over.  I wouldn't want to be responsible everyday like I have been in the past because that seemed to take the fun out of it.  Plus, I have enjoyed being able to go do what I want.  However, I usually only spend a few hours away when I do go and play.  I'm flexible...at least when it comes to my time.

Parker Joe

This cute little man is 5 years old!  I sure do love this little grand of mine.  He is so cute, fun, creative, playful, loving and a bit mischievous.  Parker loves lego's and creates some pretty cool thing. He loves Bat Man and Ninja Turtles.  He also loves stuffed toys and will cuddle with them.  He loves playing outside and climbing and being a boy.  He loves shooting his bow and arrows and is really good at it.  He is a toughie with a sweet, kind heart.  What a joy it is to have Mr. Parker in our family!  He makes my heart light up!

I'm Back

I'm back to my crazy, fun, wonderful life!  When I got home from Women's Conference I was welcomed by Parker and Macie who were coming to spend the night so their parents could clean the temple. (Mya was at Kam's)  Natalie was just putting Macie down but she heard my voice and perked right up. I know I have a loud voice...I need to work on lowering it.  Macie didn't want to go back to bed and so she stayed up for awhile until I went to get Mya from Kamryn's birthday party.  I enjoy having the grands spend the night because they like it so much.  They are just so cute.

I need to practice making different pancakes but I think these turned out pretty cute.  The grands love pancakes whenever they sleep over.  I'm okay with that...they're easy to make, and now even fun to make.  We have fun at gramma's house. 

Today is Braxton and Kelsi's Anniversary and so they wanted to spend the day together.  Kimi watched Sadie for them.  I am going to brag a little.  My kids are so good with babies and the little's...I am pleased with the wonderful kindness and care they show to their nieces and nephews.  It was fun having Sadie come play today too. She's such a cute baby.

Before Kimi took Sadie home to go to bed, Kevin brought Kamryn over to spend the night for her birthday.  He brought Jordyn with them and so we got to enjoy her for awhile as well. Each one of my cute grands is absolutely perfect.  I love just watching them....truly little blessings.  (Really HUGE Blessings)  I took Kamryn shopping and she chose a book (ever after year book), paper and markers.  I love that they get to choose and get what they like.  It's fun for me.  By the time Kamryn went to bed her little eyes were red.  I  think all the birthday celebrating has wore her out.  She had a sleepover the night before with her friends and cousins.

We are going to do some more celebrating tomorrow but for Parkers Birthday.  It is his birthday tomorrow and so Natalie is bringing dinner...chicken on a stick and homemade mac and cheese...Parker's request.  I love celebrating birthdays....life is a celebration!

*A friend of mine text me the other day saying how blessed I was for having so many kids that all live so close.  She is right....I know I am blessed!  I thank Heavenly Father daily for my cute blessings!