Celebrating Each of Us

Jodi and my birthday are five days apart and so we like to celebrate between them.  Today we did that and it was so much fun.  I am born on National Milk Chocolate Day and Jodi is born on National Ice Cream Sandwich day and so last year I thought it would be fun to give those treats out to others when we were celebrating us.  We got a dozen of each and went to the Riverdale Splash pad.  We thought the mom's and dad's there could probably use a treat.  I think everyone was thrilled with their treats.  I saw faces light up and that made me happy. ☺ I didn't notice Sam from SNAP until we were already approaching her to give her a treat.  I even got her in the picture of the splash pad or at least her back. I think we took the perfect amount and look forward to doing it for years to come.  It was fun giving to treats to strangers because they just don't expect it.  I know that some thought we were selling them and we had to let them know it was a gift from us.  Pretty fun...Great "National" days to be born on!

We went to Applebee's even though I had gone there yesterday.  I just ordered something different. ☺ Jodi and I really are so much a like.  She has the exact shirt I was wearing today and had it out to wear but for some reason didn't.  There have been many times that we were meeting and at the last minute I changed only to find out that I would have worn the same colors as Jodi.  It happens a lot and I just think that's funny.  Even our gifts to each other were similar this year.  We each brought the other chocolate and a figurine.  I love the cute whimsical  "Glinda" figurine Jodi gave me...it makes me smile.  It's so stinkin cute!  I got her a willow figurine with purple flowers that said something about her bringing me Joy...it's true, she does.  The time flew!  We talked about a lot of different things today..shared so much. Oh how I love Jodi!

More Celebrating

My plan today was to take the kids to kids club and then go to the Temple again and finish up the name I had.  Just before I left Teresa message me to see if she could take me to lunch for my birthday.  I was meeting Mallory and Kathy but that wasn't until 3:00 so I said yes.  We met at Pizzeria and I got a small single serve pizza.  I was only going to eat half of it but ended up eating it all.  I was hungry.  Teresa has lost 20 lbs since the last time I saw her which was her birthday a few months ago.  She always looks good and is just beautiful.  We had a very nice visit. The time flew by and I needed to leave to meet Mal and Kathy.  I'm really glad I took a big breath and acted brave and asked Teresa to lunch a few years ago...she has become a dear friend of mine. (we met on facebook because we both went to Bonneville)

I pulled into Applebee's exactly on time and right behind Kathy.  Mallory was right behind us.  We were sat at "our" table...the table in the southeast corner.  It seems we always get seated there and when we aren't it feels weird.  I always sit on the south seat and Mallory and Kathy sit across from me...we are creatures of habit.  Today instead of sitting at the table and getting a picture we stood up and had Sam...(a friend of Mal's that works there) take it for us.  I requested the middle since it's my birthday and noticed that  we are standing from youngest to oldest.  I also notice that I am now the same height as Mallory but remember being as tall as Kathy most of my life.  I adore these two ladies.  We have shared so much over the years and continue to do so.  I can count on these two for anything.  They make me a better person.  Today Mallory reminded me to just be nice and do the right thing regardless of how others treat me.  It's nice that friends can do that for each other.

In earlier years Mallory's son Scooter would join us for lunch because his birthday is the day after mine (today)...those are fun memories!

Suzie stopped by to wish me a Happy Birthday and bring me a treat!  I love this friend so much.  She is so good at expressing her appreciation and love to me and kept thanking me for lots of things.  Suzie is another friend that I consider family.  We might not see each other often but I can always count on her and we've had each others back for many years.  We are both very thankful that we had kids together so we always stayed connected. I sure love Suzie! :)

It's My Birthday

My friend asked me the other day how old I was turning this birthday...52, 53? When I told her 55 she commented on how it felt like I had just celebrated my 50th.  I feel the same way!  I feel like I just finished celebrating turning 50 and now it's been five years!  Those five years have flown by.  I have had so much fun and life has been good.

I've learned that if you want to have a good day, you are the one that has to make sure that it is.  We can't wait for others to do it for us or just hope things happen.  If we want it, it's up to us to make sure we get it.  So today I came up with a plan of action to guarantee a wonderful day. 

My birthday started off being sang to by my family.  Singing isn't our thing and always make me smile or laugh out loud.  Larry and the kids gave me a card with $$$....it's what I asked for but more. I really do get spoiled on MY day!

I went to the Temple and did initiatory because I still had one family name that hadn't been done.  I saw a few familiar faces while I was there.  Meg Johnson was waiting when I got there and then MeChel Musgrave came and we visited quietly while we waited for our turn.  I knew today was going to be wonderful...being at the Temple is the best place to be anytime.  I usually see Mindy's mom and I did again today and I got a nice big hug from her.  I love seeing her at the Temple and usually do because she works there the days I like to go.

All throughout the day my phone "beeped" with Birthday Wishes...they all made me smile..especially the ones that said something about Chocolate because I was born on National Milk Chocolate Day you know?  I think it's very appropriate and have always loved chocolate.  After going to the Temple I took my mom some roses and thanked her for my life. My parents took great care of their little family and I appreciate them for providing, protecting and loving me.

Last month when we were celebrating Kellie's birthday we planned to spend the day together on mine. Kellie said unless I got a better offer....she is such a silly girl!  I don't think Kellie realizes how much I love and adore her...she's the best! Kellie gave me a book and some chocolate because she knows I love them both.  The chocolate didn't last long.  I'm excited to read the book and I plan on taking it with us next week on our little vacation. We went shopping and were looking for new valances for my kitchen and family room. I'm trying to brighten the rooms up a bit.  Kellie has a talent for finding things.  I had seen a blanket the day before that I had decided I wanted to get and I couldn't find it but Kellie did...it was hanging behind some things.  She was the one that noticed some cute curtains that were the color I wanted for my valances.  I told her that I also wanted a little jar for some treats and of all the jars she could have picked it was the perfect one.  I hadn't told her who I wanted it for and it was perfect.  While we were shopping  I even bought some cute shoes because again Kellie saw them first and was getting her some for track.  I like shopping with people that are good at shopping and Kellie is one of those people.  We'd got what we needed or wanted ☺ and so we went to Zuppa's for lunch.  Today was one of the first times I remember eating there without getting a tummy cramp...I love the place but usually cramp a little after eating.  I had such a great time with Kellie.  She is so fun and absolutely wonderful!

Afterwards I went to get a pedicure.  My heels were hurting and I was over due.  I called my friend Kathy since she had messaged me a few times today asking if I had plans for even a snack. ☺  She was with her sister when I called and I know she felt bad because she was trying to get a time we could do something together.  I was just going with the flow though and wouldn't have been able to say an exact time earlier in the day when she asked.  I don't mind going by myself though. I got there at a perfect time.  There weren't many people and Tony wasn't doing nails and so he gave me my pedicure.  Tony speaks English and is thorough. He took so much time on my heels to get them smooth and he was gentle while doing it.  He also noticed my rash on my leg and put medicated cream on it while he massaged my legs.  I didn't tell him it was my birthday but he was treating me as if he knew.  I think I will take him some chocolate next time I go and let him know.  I did tip him more than I had planned on tipping because today was my BEST pedi ever! 

Since we aren't gong to do a BBQ for my sister and I anymore for our birthdays, I decided instead of having Larry take me out I would rather have our kids over and serve spaghetti like I had on my birthdays growing up.  I guess the BBQ was my dad's thing....Oh how I miss him!  Larry started having the family over on his birthday a few years ago and kept telling everyone I was copying him...I guess I am but the BBQ was our get together before.  I love having my family together...they really are my favorite!  We had a good time.  A few of the kids even made a memory page for me.  I love the memory pages but I'm pretty sure my kids don't like doing them because I don't get them from everyone. I love seeing the memories they have...they do make me smile.

Today really was my best birthday ever!  I'm alive and healthy and blessed to be surrounded my the best people.  Face book was flooded with sweet birthday greetings...all of which made me smile just a little bigger!

Tonya and I

While I was in Bear Lake, Tonya text me to see when we could go to lunch to celebrate my birthday.  We chose today and went to Cafe Rio.  I had been wanting their Pulled Pork Salad.  We got a table away from the other tables so we were able to have a good conversation and it was quiet.  (Cafe Rio isn't known for quiet)  I wish mine and Tonya's schedules matched up better so we could spend more time together.  It's interesting how time and schedules change life.  I'm grateful when we do make the time to see each other.  Tonya has always been my life-saver.  She's always there for me.  A week or so ago the spirit had told her to call me...she put it off until the third time thinking she should call me.  When she did I was shopping for new decorations to brighten my family room and broke down right there in the store.  It was shortly after Davaleen's passing and even though I was fine I think Heavenly Father wanted me to know that He was there and well aware of my feelings.  Tonya's call was from Heavenly Father....I'm so glad that we get to be his voice sometimes.

I love my friend so much.  She has truly been my big sister...always there for me.  She builds me up.  She listens to my concerns.  She laughs at my craziness.  She loves me unconditionally.  She helps me with anything and everything....Tonya is a Blessing to Me!

Oh...and the girl knows me well!  I pulled that pretty paper from the sack and there was a bag of Honeycomb candy!  I laughed and said "You've been to Park City huh?"  She smiled and laughed too.  Oh and the jar....how cute is that?  I just added that blue to my family room.  Guess what was in it?  More Honeycomb!  JACKPOT!!!  One bag to share and one to hide for me. ☺

I love celebrating my birthday because I get to see my bestest of friends or at least hear from them all around the same time!

Bear Lake with the Family

A few months ago we decided that we were getting the boat out this year and planning a vacation to Bear Lake with all the kids and grands.  We had a family meeting on a Sunday so that everyone had input and decided on a week in June.  The very next day the date was changed....I think because it worked out better at work.  Larry and three of our boys work together and so sometimes it can be tough to all take off at the same time.  The kids kind of took over and did a superb job!

Julie found the cabin and made all the arrangement for it...including collecting the money from everyone. (the kids pitch in now)  When we opened the door I couldn't help but smile.  It was nice and big and pretty much perfect!  Julie did good!

Natalie took over the meal planning and I was amazed at all the extra's she did.  We had salads and dips and she prepared so much of it at home.  Julie and Natalie did the shopping and Kelsi and Braxton got the treats for the boat.  I am so proud of my kids...they are so awesome!

We played on the beach every day but Saturday and it was obvious that the kids really enjoyed it.  They were in and out of the water all day long.  They built some pretty awesome Sand Castles and just had a ball.

Every day the boat went out and the Big Banana was the "ride". (we always called it the water weenie before but this year the grands were calling it the banana)  The grands loved riding on the banana and even let Larry take them over some bumps.  A few times they fell off but not because Larry was trying to tip them...they just tipped and it was probably because of some the of the older riders tipping them.

Larry's brother Scott told Justin that we could take his wave runners if we wanted and they were a blast.  We had wave runners when our older kids were teenagers but sold them because it got to be work instead of fun. The kids had to ride them after putting them in the water or when we went to load them and sometimes the water was rough and the conditions were yucky and so it took the fun out of it.  The trailer was really long too so that we could get by with just one trailer for the wave runners and the boat. So having wave runners this trip was really enjoyable for everyone.  I didn't drive them because when I went I let the grands do the driving.  They crack me up!

Everyone was so good and got along so well.  Sweet little Macie was sick most of the week though and was fussy and threw up a few times each day.  For not feeling well she did pretty good and her mommy and daddy are the best...they are so patient and caring.

One day we had some people by us that were pretty thoughtless.  They got in a mud fight and threw mud at each other while moving over in our space and near the boat.  There was so much mud on our boat!  I was shocked that people could be so rude and inconsiderate.  We had let them borrow our bucket and their kids were playing over with the grands and using our things.  When we started cleaning up one of the little boys looked right at Parker as he smashed the sand castle they had worked on all day.  Then the other boy took Parker's little mini m&m holder and left.  Parker was sad about the castle and wanted his holder back and Justin had to go with him to get it.  The little boy wasn't going to give it back and his mom didn't really care...she said he found it.  I watched him find it right in the middle of the castle.  Then the lady mentioned the boat and thought it was funny that they had gotten mud all over it.  Justin was polite but let her know that he didn't find it funny at all.  That was the worst thing though so really no biggie.  I think more than anything it just surprised me!

I enjoyed watching my kids parent their sweet little ones.  They all are such caring, fun, and wonderful parents.  Everyone was good with all the kids and often I saw a child in the arms of someone other than their parents.  It made my heart smile! ☺

I didn't have little ones in my arms as often as usual but loved it when I did.  I even gave up "my seat" in the boat for some of the mommy's and babies.  I'm not going to lie...there were times I was lost and wasn't sure where to put myself.  I sat all over the boat this trip.  (I still prefer my seat)

We were all pretty tired every night when we got back but the girls made things better with the yummy meals.  I realized that I didn't even eat chocolate and didn't miss it.  We had plenty to eat!  The kids were so good at preparing and cleaning up.  I helped a little but not like I usually do. That was really nice too....I like having adult children.

This picture is of my kids....oh how I love them all so much!

 I'm a picture addict and got plenty of pictures to help save the wonderful memories.

These are my cute grands.  I think I have some of the cutest little's alive.  They are all so kind and good too.  They make me smile all over the place.

Larry needed to help Vicki with a few things at her cabin and so on Friday we went over to her cabin to make sure of what needed done and then we invited her to join us for dinner.  The dinners we ate were better than anything we could have went out for.  It was fun having Vicki come eat and visit with us.  Our family sure does love her family.

On Saturday while the kids went to Minnetonka Cave, Larry, me, Natalie and Macie went to Vicki's.  Larry got her boiler finished and helped but some stoppers on her washing machine so that hopefully it won't walk all over the floor anymore during the spin cycle.  It took the entire time the kids were gone.  When they came to get us we had them move a few big rocks for Vicki.   Vicki is so nice and doesn't like asking for help so we just did it.  I really enjoy being able to help her when we can.  She would do the same or more for us.

We ended our trip by playing only on the boat and with the wave runners.  We decided not to go to the beach just to make clean up easier.  It was so much fun....such a wonderful vacation together!

I'm really glad my boys were there to help when it came time to load the boat to go home.  There were so many boats in the marina that I had to close my eyes so I wouldn't be nervous...because I was nervous.  I'm glad that Braxton can back a trailer and that Jaydan was with him to help load the boat so Larry could drive the boat.  (I usually drive the boat on the trailer and when there are lots of boats I get a bit freaked out.

We all met at our house after to clean out the boat and have some left overs.  We had enough left over food that we ate together Saturday Night and still had enough for Sunday dinner.  I liked that!

I like being with my family...and cherish every single time we are able to all get together.  With the passing of my friends I am well aware that life is a gift as well as each day.  I'm thankful for every minute our family has with each other.

Zaden's tooth fell out one morning.  Him and Parker were playing at the bar or maybe even having some breakfast and it just fell out.  There wasn't any blood or pain.  We put the tooth in a baggie because we weren't sure the tooth fairy would find us...I was pretty sure he wouldn't since he never seemed to find my kids even at home.

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 ~ Name your top three visited websites. Facebook, Google, my Blog Spot ☺
Lunch ~ What's the last thing you did for the very first time? I went on Vacation with my family and instead of Larry and I doing all the planning the kids did it.  They reserved a cabin, planned meals, bought food and snacks, prepared the meals and cleaned up (I did help a little but they were on it).  It was wonderful...I have such awesome kids! It was so nice!
Dinner ~ If you could only eat one food, and nothing else, for three days in a row, what would it be? It would be pasta...I have always loved it and seriously do not get tired of it!
Midnight Snack ~  Who is your all time favorite teacher and why? A few popped into my head.  Mr. Harvey was my 6th grade Teacher and I loved him.  Mr. May taught band in Jr. High and he taught more than music.  He cared about kids.  Mr Peterson who saved me in High School from failing math.  I have always been good at math but in my Sophomore year I struggled and the teacher I had could care less and told me to "think about it" when I asked her how to do it. (I did not like her at all) then she left and Mr. Peterson took her place and made sure that I understood...to show my appreciation and love for him me and others often toilet papered his house.  He even jumped in our car one time as we were trying to hurry away before getting caught...we didn't even notice until we were laughing and making sure we had everyone.  We did...including Mr. Peterson. ☺
Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?) Count Your Blessings....Name Them One By One!  (we have more blessings than trials but often focus on the trials instead of the blessings)

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Breakfast

Today I decided to take my kids to breakfast at Criddle's Cafe.  Kimi has been wanting another cinnamon roll and so today I took them.  Carla was planning on bringing me to breakfast today for my birthday but ended up having so much fun in Spokane with her daughter and grand that she stayed longer than planned.  I didn't mind and was really glad she was enjoying herself.  But...I still wanted to come and so do my kids.  I had them drive separate because I also invited Tammy to join us.

I haven't seen Tammy since they sold their house and she had been on my mind so much lately.  I was thrilled when I received a text saying I had been on her mind as well.  She is leaving for France on my birthday and will be gone for 3 months.  I was hoping that she could come to breakfast and it worked out that she could.  We had a lot of catching up to do....Tammy's life has been crazy since she moved in with her mom.  I am glad that she could release her frustrations.  I always love chatting with Tammy...she's a sweetie.  I love her bright smile!

While we were visiting I happened to look over at the counter and notice Jodi standing there.  I think she was surprised to me too.  I love running into my friends.  Jodi was getting a few giant cinnamon rolls to share with others.  I love this friend and seeing her today for a few minutes made my day happier.

(I came home and cut off those stupid strings from my shirt...I knew they were dorkie and didn't know whether to leave them untied or not....problem solved!)