In Loving Memory

Before coming home Kimleighel and Ivy went with me to put flowers on my daddy's grave.  The cemetery was packed!  We couldn't find where my daddy was.  We were so close but didn't realize he was so close to the road.  He walked all around that area but couldn't find him.  I called my mom and she came to show us where he was.  I often think of my daddy and miss him so much.  I am glad for the pictures and the video I have that keep our memories alive.

We went to the Hooper Cemetery later to put flowers on Tamara's grave and Grandpa and Grandma Lowe's.  Larry always takes the time to trim around the headstones.  I wander around that cemetery a little because I know so many there.  I will go back by myself to wander a little more and take time to reminisce a little.  I love seeing all the beautiful flowers decorate the cemetery's.  During Memorial Weekend you can see the Love for all those that have passed on.  I'm thankful for my legacy and all those that had part in it.  I'm thankful for their lives and I'm excited that we will all meet again.

Moving Day for Braxton and Kelsi

Braxton and Kelsi couldn't deal with their landlord anymore and talked Trichelle into letting them rent her house.  I hope it works out well for everyone.  I know Trichelle would really like to sell it and now she might be able to put it back on the market.  I know that Braxton and Kelsi had once been thinking about buying it and after renting for a few months will know if that is still a possibility.  At least for now they will have space and a nice landlady.

My hopes and dreams in life have always been to have a close family.  I love my family and they are close and very supportive of each other.  All the boys showed up to help move Braxton and Kelsi.  I was planning on helping clean but Trichelle and TJ hired someone to clean their house and so we didn't need to.  I had grands while Kelsi and her mom were cleaning I guess so I didn't help them.  I did help tend little Sadie Lou.  Kimleighel told Kelsi she would watch her but we all helped.  Sadie is a cutie but doesn't get much more than a cat nap at our house.  I thought it was cute that Kevin came with his girls.  He is such a good daddy....all my kids are great parents.  (I'm so happy about that)

They got everything inside the house.  Kelsi had marked the boxes and was there to supervise where to put them.  I hope that unpacking won't be too hard for them.  We might need to have Sadie over again so they can unpack.  I know Bennett and Karie also would love helping with her and they are right there so they just might get the chance.

I'm thankful for the love and support of family.  I am glad that even with all the different personalities we all love being together.  I loved seeing my boys take time to play after unloading the trailers. They were throwing a huge log around the back yard.  Braxton spun and threw it.  Justin launched it forward and Kevin threw it backwards over his head.  I didn't see if anyone else threw it but laughed watching the others.  I am a happy mommy!

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.