Closing Social

I can't believe how fast this year has gone by.  We had our closing social for SNAP tonight so we can ready for the camps that will be here soon. (July)  I was called last week to be the Young Women's President (or President of the girls)  I knew it was coming but still felt a little anxiety.  Part of the anxiety was from the responsibility of being the President.  I prefer being a counselor and not being the one over something.  Another part of the anxiety came from thinking that after a year I could be released from the SNAP program and I am not ready for that yet.  I shouldn't worry about that I know since I have no control over it.  I just love serving in this wonderful program and I know it's where I am suppose to be right now.  I do believe that Christ is in charge though and so when I am suppose to be released I will feel okay with it.

 I love how easy to please the Special Needs participants are.  They appreciate everything we do for them.  I appreciate them!  I had a ward from Hooper volunteer to help us out with our Carnival.  The women leaders were going to do the games and booths but when The Park Ward mentioned that they would like to do something with the SNAP group I suggested they do the games.  They were willing and did a fabulous job.  We had some Booths set up for them so it "Looked" more like a carnival.  The weather forced us to do it all inside but it turned out great.  The cultural hall in the Church that we meet at is HUGE.  The Park Ward brought decorations as well as the games and it was so fun.  The participants enjoyed themselves so much.  I loved that I was able to go around and visit with the people and take pictures.  The young women who were helping seemed to be enjoying themselves as well.  It really turned out perfect and so fun.

The guys were in charge of the cook out and food and there was plenty.  We had so many come and enjoy the night with us.  I thought we might have set up too many tables but they filled up.  (we had 12 big tables)

When I was talking to RaAnn the Young Women President of the Park Ward she mentioned how lucky I was to enjoy these people every week.  I totally agree!  They have such wonderful spirits and are so full of love.  One of the gals that likes to give me a hard time and who I think can be annoying told me she loved me.  I was busy cutting the cakes and she came over and softly said it.  I told her that I heard her and she pretended that I was crazy.  It meant a lot to me and reminded me that I should express my love for others better....because it feels good to hear those three little words...I love you!

The camp director came tonight and we discussed camp a little.  I'm excited and I know it will be so much fun.  Our theme is based on the Wizard of Oz and "No Place Like Home".  Wanda, Virginia and I volunteered to each give a little talk each day.  Wanda is going to talk on Courage, Virginia on Knowledge and Me on Kindness.  I have Wizard of Oz Costumes and so we are going to do a photo booth.  My mind if busy thinking of how we can make that cute...only because Wanda suggested we actually make a booth.  I was thinking back drop...and maybe it still will just be a back drop but it will be a cute one.  The leaders all need to bring extra games and things for the gals to do.  These gals don't care for free time like the Young Women in other wards do. So....we will have plenty of activities for them.

Because I have been called to serve as the President my mind is already thinking of things or people to help us next year.  I hope to get others involved in our program.  I think other wards are blessed as well by rubbing shoulders with these sweet people.

Count Your Blessings

There is so much in our life to be thankful for~yet, so often our focus is on our hardship and trials.  By taking time each week to focus on our blessings I know we will notice a positive change in our lives.  Even in our trials there are blessing....we need to look for them.

 One blessing I am grateful for today. This week has been seriously crazy and busy and I am grateful for that.  I enjoy the quiet times but don't think I would so much if the normal wasn't filled so full. 
An experience I have had that was a blessing to me. When I had Kimleighel my sweet neighbor, Robin came and cleaned all my windows (even in the garage).  I was uncomfortable having her to do since I was visiting with friends while she did and felt completely guilty.  But, it was a blessing and taught me that service like that means a lot and isn't forgotten.
One Gospel Principle that is a blessing to me.  Being Honest is a big deal to me.  I can't believe how many people in this world are dishonest.
Something I have done to bless another.  This week I put my nose in my brothers business but felt like I was suppose to and I really think by doing so I helped him realize that Satan was trying to stop good things from happening.  I took my friend to the hospital to get her stitches out....I was so happy to help her!
Who was a blessing to me this week? Actually those I helped were a blessing to me this week.  It feels so good to help others.  I am reminded that "in as much as ye do it to the least of these my brothern, ye have done it unto me".  Service blesses the giver as much or more than the receiver.

Tammy G and Me

My cute friend Tammy was in a serious accident a few weeks ago.  She's really blessed to be alive and in good condition.  Tammy fell asleep and ran into a telephone pole so hard she knocked the pole over.  She was blessed and only hurt her knee.  It was her back knee that didn't bend very good and there it was bent like a normal knee.  She did have to have surgery on it and believes that her accident might fix her knee.  That's the only thing that was wrong with her and her car was totaled.  She had prayed that her angels would help her to get home safe and they did.  Yes, she got hurt but she was safe and the hurt might actually be a blessing if she ends up with more movement in that knee.  Tammy and I believe in Angels!  I was so happy that Tammy asked me to take her to the doctor to get her stitches out.  I was glad she knew she could ask and that I would help her.  I planned to spend the whole day with Tammy because you never know how fast those doctors are.  Her doctor was so fast and we were done and out of there in half an hour....or less.

Since I had planned on spending the day with her until I needed to pick up Ivy we decided to go to Maddox for lunch.  Tammy treated me and said that this was also for my Birthday since she will be leaving, probably on my birthday, to go to France for 3 months.  It works for me!  I am great with stretching my birthday celebrations into other months.  Before you know it I will just be celebrating all year.  teehee

I love Tammy and I am so glad it wasn't her time to go!  I love the time we spend together and for the things we share with each other.  Tammy is truly one of my very dearest friends.  I am excited for her to go to France and write like she has dreamed of doing.  She has so much to share with others.  Her time has come!

Fun During Piano Lessons

I'm not sure that piano lessons in the evening are working out too well. I only say that because my cute grands like staying up with me instead of going to bed.  It makes me feel good but it might make the mornings harder.  I love these cuties and I'm so glad that they love this gramma too!

Graduation of Kimleighel

Hip Hip Hooray It's Graduation Day!

What an exciting day as we watched Kimleighel graduate from High School.  Kimleighel has worked hard and has proven that she can do hard things.  Kimleighel enjoyed school even though it was harder for her than most.  We learned early that Kimleighel is Dyslexic and has a harder time comprehending the typical way of teaching.  Kimleighel is a problem solver and has a strong will to do things good and because of those qualities she will succeed in life.  Kimleighel has always been very observant.  Early in her life (like around 5 years) she noticed the other kids were getting their ABC's and wondered why it was hard for her.  It made her mad that she wasn't getting them. She even asked me if she was dumb....I laughed and told her that she wasn't dumb at all and that she was very smart because if she were dumb she wouldn't have even noticed that there was a difference.  At that time Kimleighel could cross the monkey bars going forward and backward and I pointed out to her that the other kids couldn't.  We talked a lot over the years about how the brain works different for each of us.  How we all have strengths in different areas.  I don't think it's that easy to accept while you're going to school and so much focus in on a grade or percentage.  Kimleighel was shunned by other kids because she was in resource and that is just hard...all because she learned different.  But....in spite of those challenges she kept smiling and pushed her way through and we are very proud of her and her accomplishments.  Kimleighel is a beautiful young lady, inside and out...and one smart cookie!

As the Principle spoke I was reminded of the unfairness sometimes that the kids face.  The Principle had students stand who were on the honor rolls, or lettered in sports, or were involved in clubs and there sat my beautiful daughter with a few others for all to see.  Now I'm sure that the others there were noticing their students whether they were standing or not but it broke my heart that Kimleighel wasn't able to stand  because she didn't "meet" the credentials being spoken of.  It didn't matter that she has worked hard and has gotten very frustrated because she struggles with reading a sentence and understanding it which is required in every single class.  I don't take reading for granted but I think many do.  Kimleighel didn't ask for much help over the years even though she could have...she just continued to do her best by herself.  The principle didn't ask for those kids to stand.  Kimleighel was fine with not standing....it bothered me more.  Because of this challenge and getting to experience what this side feels like I appreciate all for giving their best whether it allows them to stand or not.  They weren't sitting because they were lazy or didn't try....some of us are just wired different.

I'm grateful for the love and support our kids and family get from others.  I thought it was cool that Kevin brought his girls and Julie hurried after work to be there for Kimleighel.  I appreciate Gramps for always being there for us.  We understand and don't expect everyone to come but when they do it's appreciated.  Trichelle's family met us for dinner afterwards and that was also very nice of them.  I know it meant a lot to Kimleighel.  It's wonderful having another graduate! (only one to go ☺yes at this point I am counting down)

People ask, what now for Kimleighel?  Kimleighel is going to continue to work at Freedom Elementary.  She has also already lined up Cello lessons and will be starting them very soon.  Her goal is to play in a Symphony or Local Orchestra.  I am excited for her to take Cello lessons because she has done well without taking any.  She "gets" the Cello and music and will blossom quickly.  I'm so Proud of Kimleighel!

Book Club

It's so hard to get our book club together but we did it today before Kimi's graduation.  We talked about a few books and a few of the books that I brought were borrowed by the others.  I didn't bring home a new book but I bought a few books recently that I am excited to read.  I just think right now that it's hard to find time to even read.  I think that's true for the others as well because no one is reading too much right now.  I'm glad that even though we aren't all busy reading that we still get together.  This group and our friendship means a lot to me.  I learn so much from each of my friends and I'm thankful to be a part of this group.

I have spent a lot of time on making a few books lately.  I made a picture book of our family's activities for 2014.  It's just pictures but took quite a bit of time. I really like it and now I want to go back and make one for 2013 and the previous years. I need to start my blog book since I am making a part 1 and a part 2 for this year.  The first half of the year is almost over and I need to put my blog into a book.  I love the books that I have made and I hope that others will like and appreciate them as well.

Seminary Graduation

I'm so proud of Kimleighel and all her accomplishments.  In truth Kimleighel wasn't excited about attending Seminary Graduation.  She always gets nervous to the point of getting sick when all eyes might possibly be on her.  We didn't give her a choice and so she was there.    I think she was glad she went after it was over.  The guy saying everyone's name said her's a little different (I think it was something like Kimi-leighel) and it made her smile and laugh a little, so when she walked up to get her certificate she had the cutest smile of any of the kids.  Kimleighel is a beauty inside and out.  I wish she had more confidence and I believe some day she will.  I am proud of Kimleighel for attending Seminary for four years.  She has loved it and has had many wonderful, spiritual experiences there.

I'm glad that a few moms wanted a picture of everyone from our ward because I was helping with the treats and had forgot to even bring a camera. We have a great bunch of kids but I'm partial to mine....