Sleepover Tuesday

This summer Trichelle's kids get to sleep over on Tuesdays so I can take them to kids club.  They love sleeping over and we love having them.  However, we do not like having Ivy crawl in bed with us at 3:00 am....she's a wiggly girl!

Tonight it was extra fun because instead of Jared going to Natalie's for piano lessons she came here.  I love seeing the grands enjoy each other and become better friends.

Larry decided to watch The Sound of Music with them and Mya liked it so much we let her stay until it was over.  We needed to take her home because everyone had things early the next day.  Grands add so much love to life!

4th of July

Last week Larry invited the kids to go boating for the 4th and Trichelle replied right away that her family was in.  I talked Natalie into going with us on Thursday.  The girls went and bought beach toys, food and everything they needed.  Larry came home Friday and said he had been watching the weather report and wasn't sure if it was going to be good.  I wouldn't have even looked at the weather since we have been enjoying such good weather lately.  I wonder if he just felt like stuff needed to be done at home?  Anyway we went and talked to the girls and decided not to go.  (I'm not going to lie I was pretty bummed and I knew the grands and kids were too)

Julie and Kevin were with their little family in Wyoming with Julie's dad.  I think more of her family was there with them.  So they were celebrating together.

Justin and Braxton had gone to the Wind Rivers with their Uncle Scott for a few days and had a great time.

Jaydan was being paid to be spiderman at the Plain City Celebration.  So our family was all over and not together.  

I had many thoughts chasing around my head all day and had to keep reminding myself that nothing was going to change as far as this day and it was okay.  The decision had been made.  I took advantage of being home and went and got some things I needed for girls camp and even picked out a few Willow Angels for Davaleen's kids.  So the day wasn't wasted.  Larry had Kimi and Jared working in the yard and got a few hours of work out of them.  (I think they might hate summer holidays because it seems yard work always is part of them)

Natalie and her kids ended up playing in their backyard all day and having a blast.  Justin got home in time to go with Natalie's family to the Fire Works...Kimi and Jared also joined them.

Trichelle's family went to Little America and had a good time together too.  We teach the kids...no jumping on beds expect Hotel's! ☺  When I got the picture of them jumping on the bed it made me smile. 

I'm glad it ended up being a good day for everyone.  I'm really glad that we are going to all go boating in a few weeks and that the beach toys will be played with on a beach and that everyone will be together.

Tender Mercies

Some times things happen at just the right time.  Yesterday  Carla came over because friends need each other. While we  were visiting and discussing our feelings about Davaleen and some things that we have learned from knowing her there was a knock at my door. It was Kellie with a darling jar of "hugs" for me.  I really appreciate HER Hug.  Hugs mean so much to me and I needed it! I really appreciate my good friends.  Carla was getting ready to leave and her hubby called and said that she had received a letter from Davaleen. Dodododo....Wow!  I thought I might also get one since Carla and I had gone in on a baby gift for Davaleen's granddaughter and I did but it came the next day.  I think many received Thank You's from Davaleen after hearing of her passing.  In a way it was like a tender mercy.  It meant so much!

Jodi text me Wednesday night to see if I could get together with her today.  I was going to watch my grands but she suggested meeting for breakfast and so that worked out perfect.  I invited a few others to join us and Kathy was able to.  It was nice visiting with the "sista's" and expressing our feelings for Davaleen.  I am so thankful for these ladies and they love they show to me! 

Davaleen meant so much to us.  Davaleen had once shared a story about this group saving her life.  She was at a really hard time and these ladies took her in and made her feel loved and included.  A friend of Dave's had told her that there was NO Way she would be welcomed into this group but she was with open arms.  I'm so glad we all grow up and the past is simply that...the past.  It doesn't matter what club we were in or who was a cheerleader and who wasn't...there comes a time in life we are all equal and those things don't matter.  I don't know why they do when we are young but I suppose it's all part of growing up and learning.  

I remember Davaleen telling me about the first time she met me.  I "popped" in on a class at Kathy's that she had invited me to. I knew these ladies would be there and I was super nervous.  I hadn't really interacted with any of them but knew who most of them where.  I was on the drill team with Lisa but that was all the interaction there had been. Oh except that I had recently asked Jodi to speak at our Young Women's and she had and we had met and talked there.  I pretended to be confident as I knocked and opened the door and walked into where they were crafting.  I smiled while my heart beat like a drum.  I looked around and recognized many of the faces smiling back but there were a few that I didn't recognize and Davaleen was one of them. (Carla was another)  Dave told me that she was wondering who this (me) gal thought she was but how she quickly opened up her heart and let me in.  I was scared to death that day but I'm so glad I took a big breathe and just pretended that I wasn't.  I love every single gal I have interacted with at Kathy's craft classes.  We have become "sista's".

I got home to my grands cute faces and lots of hugs.  Parker ran down the hall and attacked me with a very big hug.  I was in the bathroom when Macie got to me and I could hear her whining a little as Kimi held her and told her I would be right out.  Her smile and hug was magical.  It made my heart feel warm and wonderful.  Mya always gives me great hugs and those hugs are just what I needed today.  Just having my grands around was comforting.  I love them all so much.  I love that they enjoy coming to our house. I think it's because I let them do pretty much what they want.  Macie has found the sucker drawer and loves getting out suckers for everyone.  She is really good about keeping the wrappers all in one pile. ☺  She makes me laugh.  Today I did have to finally take the drawer out and put it up so she couldn't get any more suckers. She didn't seem to mind and liked the cubby where the drawer had been and even put her cookie there.  I enjoyed having them over and enjoyed a nice visit with Natalie when she came to pick the kids up.

I needed to go pick up my car from being serviced and stopped by Carla's to see her new hot tub.  Her and Robin were relaxing in it and had been for hours.  I think I would have preferred it cooler since it's so hot outside.  While I was visiting with them for just a minute both Kimi and Jared called me to see if I wanted to go to Jurassic World with them and Jaydan.  I knew Jaydan had invited them to go but now they were inviting me because Larry was hauling hay and suggested that they did.  I didn't really care to go to that show but decided that I'd better just go since.....you never know what tomorrow will bring.  It was fun going with them.  Jaydan is a kind son and brother and paid for us all and wouldn't let us pay him.  I bought the drinks and so it was about even for us...Kimi and Jared got off good.

I'm glad I have wonderful people surrounding me.  I need others in my life and enjoy being part of theirs.  I am thankful to Heavenly Father for all the tender mercies he gives us each day.  I know he loves us all so much and has a plan for each of us.  I'm thankful for these hard times only because they make me examine and evaluate my life.  I feel like I get a little push forward to do a little better.

Kindness Matters

Last night President Tenney stopped by and visited our family.  That the only time in my entire life that someone from the Stake Presidency has ever taken the time to visit our family...it was nice.  He shared a Mormon Message with us about two boys finding some boots and a jacket of a farmer who was working in his field.  The younger boy thought it would be funny to hide the farmers boots and then hide to watch his reaction.  The older boy looked at the boots and jacket which were both really worn.  He told the younger boy that from the looks of the boots the farmer was probably poor and instead of hiding the boots maybe they should leave a silver dollar in each boot.  That's what they did and then they went to hide to watch the farmers reaction.  As the farmer put on each boot and found a silver dollar in each he was puzzled and stood up and looked around trying to figure out where the money had come from.  He knelt where he was and said a prayer out loud to Heavenly Father.  He told how his wife was sick and there wasn't any food for his children.  He thanked the Lord for blessing him.  The boys heard the prayer and had tears running down their faces because they felt so good.

Being kind to others does make us feel good.  President Tenney encouraged each of us to find "our silver dollars" and to share them with others.  He complimented us for doing kind things already but asked us to dig a little deeper because he was certain there are more "silver dollars" we haven't discovered yet.  I totally agree with him.  There is always more that we can do to help others.  We could smile more, or acknowledge others as we pass.  We could compliment others. (we think nice things but we could share those thoughts more)  We could write a note to someone or do a kind deed.  It is up to each of us to discover our "silver dollars".  They will be different from each others and I think it's important not to compare.  Just do the things we are inspired to do.

I had these thoughts this morning and posted them on Face Book:

"Everyone has purpose and every life is important.  I think at times we all think we wouldn't be missed but believe me that is NOT true!  Every single person makes a difference to many!

It's so important to be kind and treat each other as if it were our last day or their last day because it just might be!

Last night a visitor came to our house and encouraged our family to look for ways and even pray for ways to reach out and be kind to others.  Everyone is blessed through kindness....kindness is magical!  Our acts of kindness will be different because we are different but each act of kindness will matter!"

Davaleen....A True Angel!

Oh my word...my heart is hurting.  Some phone calls make you drop to your knees and turn your stomach inside out...that happened today.  My dear, sweet friend Davaleen died last night of a heart attack.  She had told us that her doctor was concerned for her health but she couldn't afford the tests that he wanted her to get. (bless health insurance and obama care...they really don't seem to care)  I LOVE this friend of mine.  I posted that Davaleen was Kind...Davaleen was Smart...and Davaleen was IMPORTANT...and she truly was all of those things.  Davaleen had a heart of gold!  She cared about everyone and maybe she cared so much that there just wasn't room anymore because it was her heart that finally gave up.  Davaleen never gave up....she had some real trials but laughed her way through them.  She wouldn't give up...it wasn't in her to do so.  Davaleen will be one of the BEST Angels to those of us left here...she will continue to watch out for us, I just know that!

Davaleen believed in me.  She had me on a pedestal and even though I don't understand why it made me feel good that she thought so much of me. I always felt her love for me by the little things she said or the expression on her face.  She even referred to me a time or two as her Angel here on Earth.  We (the sista's) all knew we could count on Davaleen for anything.  Davaleen loved to have fun and would go to work late or even call in sick so that we could all be together.  That meant so much to me. She was funny and had a quick wit.  She was just fun to be around.  She even talked me into being in her 48 Hour Film Festival movie.  I will admit that was a lot of fun.

Davaleen was so thoughtful.  When Jared got lost in 2011 Davaleen got up early in the morning and drove out here to our Church to be part of the Prayer Group. I was told that there were a few "old" ladies handing out water to everyone but no one knew who they were.  It was Davaleen!  I didn't even know her that well then but she was there as were some of the other gals from this fun group.  Davaleen also made a poster and decorated our garage a little and left Jared a note and a figurine when we came home.    That's how she was....she was person who did things.  She also made Gina that fun blanket when Gina was close to leaving us.  Davaleen truly was kind!

Davaleen caught the bouquet at Kevin and Julie's Wedding. She was so supportive and fun.  We always laughed together.  We could share our woes with our sista's too and still leave feeling uplifted and happy.  What the Fun Bunch has is so good.  Sisterhood that loves and supports each other.

In May our last planned lunch together was for Davaleen.  She was having some struggles and needed our support.  We even called the lunch "Davaleen's Day".  We wanted her to know it was about her because we loved her.  I look at the pictures of the last time I saw Dave and love how Happy she looks. I think she glows!  I have always thought Davaleen was Beautiful...inside and out!

Even though my heart is hurting and I can't quite believe that my dear friend is gone, I am so happy for all the time we spent together.  I am so happy that Davaleen liked having her picture taken. I'm really glad that we have so many fun memories documented through our pictures.  I will cherish the memories forever!  I LOVE this friend of mine!  I said it with Buffey and again with Davaleen...I wonder if she knew how much she was loved and how much she meant to so many?

Each and everyone of us are important!  Our lives matter!  This World isn't quite the same when we lose someone....they really do leave a emptiness that can't ever be filled.

Recipes

Stuffing Meatloaf
1pkg Stove Top Stuffing mix, dry
1 cup warm water
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 pkg onion soup mix

Preheat oven to 350.  Spray inside of bundt pan with cooking spray.  You can also cook in a cake pan if you want to just make a ring.
Place warm water, onion soupd mix and dry stuffing mix in a bowl.  Mix well.  Let sit for 5 minutes to allow bread time to absorb water.  Add eggs and ground beef.  Mix well. Place evenly in the bundt pan to put in cake pan and form into a ring.

Bake for 1 hour or until the center is no longer pink.
Remove from pan and let set for a few minutes before cutting.  You could put mashed potatoes in the middle of the ring and put brown gravy over it all.

Chocolate Sheet Cake
In a large bowl add: 2 cup flour, and 2 cup sugar
In a pan melt: 2 sticks of butter or margarine, 1 cup water, and 4 TBL Cocoa...bring to a boil.
pour into the flour/sugar mixture and mix well.
Add: 2 eggs, 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk), 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla and 1/4 tsp salt.  Beat until smooth

Pour into a well greased cookie sheet and Bake at 400 for 20 minutes.

Frosting
Melt: 1 stick butter or margarine, 4 TBL cocoa, 5 TBL buttermilk (or milk)
Bring to a smooth boil and remove from heat.
Add: about 5 cups of powdered sugar and mix well. (you could add nuts to the frosting)
Spread warm frosting on cake.

Kellie's Birthday Lunch

I absolutely adore Kellie!  I'm so glad to have her as a friend.  She is so kind and thoughtful!  She's fun to hang out with.  Today we went to lunch and since neither of us needed to hurry back home for any thing we did a little shopping. First though we ate a Zuppa's.....a favorite of mine.  It was delicious as always!

After lunch we went to Ultra because my straightening iron quit working and I really depend on it.  We were lucky because the Chi Straighteners were on sale.  I also need some new "clippers" not "buzzers". (I call things the wrong thing sometimes)  They had a pair that was on sale and seemed to be heavy duty and so I bought them.  I also decided to get some more lip gloss since I was scraping the bottle of the one I had.  I was really glad that Jennika (my friend) was working because she was a big help with everything.  She showed me two different colors of lip gloss and I took both of them. I'm easy to please.  Even though Kellie doesn't use a straightener she decided to get one too and try it out.

Next we hit TJ Max and Kellie found a cute shirt.  I told Kellie that I hope before I die I will be able to walk into a store and choose a size small shirt and know that it will fit me.  I don't like the style of shirts this year and haven't gotten any ones.  I keep looking but don't find a thing and so I continue to wear my old ones that I like.

Then we went to See's Candy for a free sample.  I seriously didn't know they gave out free samples and if I did know I have been good to forget.  Kellie bought us each another piece of chocolate.  They were yummy!

We ended our day by going to the Quilted Bear.  I don't visit that store as much as I use to since I haven't changed much in my home or need much because it's pretty full.  I have been in the mood to add more color to my family room and even looked a month or so ago when I first decided I wanted more color.  I found a few cute signs.  I came home and put them up and I like the color they add but they need more to go with them because they're not quite right yet.  I think I will add a few pillows for some color as well.  It will take some time because I can't afford it all right now.  (oh how I wish I could)

I had a really good time today with Kellie.  I think we need to do that more often. I enjoyed visiting with Kellie and I'm glad that she confided in me some of the things that are happening in her life.  There is something about being able to share your true feelings with your friends that makes the friendship stronger.  I'm glad we are that kind of friends. (secretly Kellie and I are hoping that are kids will date soon and maybe even like each other)