Davaleen's Day

We had a special luncheon for Davaleen since she felt cheated when we went to the Mother's luncheon in Brigham City and wasn't able to talk like she had hoped for.  Carla let us go to her house since it is always ready for quests.  It was going to be at Kathy's because of her knee but she is doing great and she had kids visiting.  Then I was going to have it at mine but remembered that my kids were out of school and so Carla said we could have it at her house.  Carla's house is always clean and very peaceful.  She likes having people over and it doesn't stress her out at all.  The only problem is Carla also wants to prepare everything when it's at her house.  I just don't think that's fair to her so I took bread sticks anyway.  Jodi was hoping to come but just couldn't swing it this time.  We all missed her!

Davaleen just listened to us all talk and then I turned our attention to her.  She was able to share with us some things going on in her life and some of her concerns.  We were able to show are support to her by listening and letting her know that she isn't alone.  We all have challenges in our lives but sometimes I think others forget that or don't realize that because they only see the good.  Seeing the good is wonderful but it's important to realize there is always more than we know and really we are all in the same boat.  This life is about trials and getting through them and seeing that we are blessed much more than we are tried.

Schools Out! Woot~Woot!

I love the summer with my kids.  I have always loved summer vacation and I really enjoy not having to worry about school and homework.  I will admit this year was pretty good and my kids did well.  Kimleighel ended with all A's on her final report card.  Jared's grades were all good too...not all A's but still good.  I'm proud of their efforts and their accomplishments.  I have been counting down the years left of school and I only have two more and I'm super excited about it.  I've been doing this for a long time and I'm ready to be done.

I am sure that I will help with the grands but it will be different and not so stressful.  I'm not sure what our plans are for this summer and it might just be a lot of work for Kimi and Jared.  I know Kimi will be working 40 hours a week and I bet Jared will be going to work with Larry.  The good thing is that I won't be driving to Fremont every day.  Instead I will be driving to Ogden to take Trichelle's kids to their summer camp.  It starts after 8:00 am and so that will be better.  I hope we will be able to do some fun things together.  Maybe go to a few movies, bowling and boating.  I don't have to plan as much for summers with older kids but still enjoy doing things together.  Oh how I love Summer! Yippee!

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 ~ Post a picture of the current wallpaper on your phone.

Lunch ~ Who do you aspire most to be like? I'm trying to be like Jesus. ☺ There are so many people around me that are good examples to me or that inspire me to be more like HIM!
Dinner ~ What do you think the secret to happiness is? SMILING! ☺ A smile changes the way you feel and think.  When you smile you will feel happy and when you feel happy you recognize your blessings and are grateful.  When you are happy and grateful for the blessing you have you then reach out to others and help them but I believe it all starts with SMILING! ☻
Midnight Snack ~ Name three things you would like to change about yourself right now.  1- It's sad but I have never been happy with my weight or image.  Even when I was small I always thought I needed to be smaller...I am content at this point but still have that desire.  I guess I probably always will. (dumb world and people that have weight such an issue...or maybe it's just me) 2- I wish I cared less about stuff and feeling like I had to keep everything.  I wish I could simplify by getting rid of things. 3- I wish I was better at knowing how to help others and just doing it.
Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)  Go With the Flow! Things aren't always the way we plan but we just need to learn to go with whatever comes our way.  We need to be flexible if we don't want to be stressed.....Just Breathe and Go with the Flow!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ 

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!