Lunch with My Girls

September 11....a Day we will Always Remember...the day the Twin Towers came Down.

No matter what I am doing on this day I always think back to 2001 when our Nation was attacked by terrorists...when I watched planes fly right through the Twin Towers.  My stomach always hurts and I shed a few tears but we carry on.  I got to carry on with a few of my grands. (Jordyn was a few days ago) I got to play with Macie and Parker while Natalie went to her doctor appointment.  She returned with sad news....there is no heart beat.  My heart goes out to Natalie and her family.  We all get our hopes up and before every child there has been at least one miscarriage and sometimes two.  I told Natalie that she might get to the other side and be overwhelmed with all her children that might be there waiting for her. (I don't know if that happens or not...but I think it might)  Natalie was pretty good and had been prepared in a way for this day. I was the one crying as I held her two little ones on my lap looking at them through new eyes....what miracles they truly are.

Today I got to take all my girls to lunch.  I love these gals.  They are all such wonderful examples to me.  I really do learn so much from each of them.  They are so much better than I was at their ages which is what I have always prayed for.  They are so beautiful...inside and out!  I am thankful that we had an opportunity to all be together and enjoy each others company.  Since Julie's birthday is next Wednesday..we had them sing to her.  I really enjoy the little ones that get to join us...it's their time now.  Each little one has such a cute personality...I love them all so much!  Life is Good!

Food 4 Thought Friday!

Food 4 Thought Friday! 

A little feast without the calories!! 

Go HERE to JOIN IN!!! 

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Breakfast ~ If you were invisible where would you go and why? I think I would like to go inside the White House and see what really goes on there.  I don't have a good feeling about that place or the people that live there.

Lunch ~ What kind of celebration would there be on a "St. YOU" day? A Do Unto Others Kind of Day!  I would want lots of colored balloons everywhere for decorations and to give to all the kids because I think balloons are fun and they make me smile.  Everyone would go do something kind for a stranger and report about it so we could all get new ideas on how to serve others. The News Paper would be filled with only the Good Deeds from the Day...no bad news!  There would be chocolate and caramel and lots of water for everyone. Smiling would be required all day. ☺

Dinner ~ If you named your children after your pregnancy cravings, what would they be named? Truthfully I don't remember any cravings but I do remember a few foods that made me gag.  With Trichelle I couldn't stand Rice Krispies cereal.  I lost it once and haven't eaten it since.  When I was expecting Kevin I gagged over Chocolate and Chicken...I know....weird huh? Kevin loves both.  I had to regain my love for Chocolate when he was born.

Midnight Snack ~ Name the top three places you love to be. On Vacation...pretty much anywhere.  I love being in the Temple...I always feel so loved and safe there.  I always love returning to my home...no matter where I've been coming home is always the best feeling.

Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?) Listen and Pay Attention to the Spirit.  Heavenly Father is so much more involved in our lives than we realize!

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SNAP....It's Started Again

Every year...after our summer break.....we start SNAP (Special Needs Activity Program) by having a dance with other Special Needs Groups.  This time the North Ogden group hosted it and it was fun.  They had really good music and lot's of cookies and nacho's.  The participants love the dances.  I love watching them.

I was made the President over the girls and still don't have a first counselor.  We have 9 stakes which means around 55-60 wards and the agent Stake Presidency hasn't been able to get me a counselor.  I think they ask a Stake to come up with the people they need but for some reason a counselor isn't being called or maybe isn't accepting.  Finally they asked me if I had any suggestions.  I wanted to laugh because I'm not sure which stakes are really in our council...but....immediately a name came to my mind and I submitted it.  I know I was suppose to submit that name but the thought came to me that the person does't necessarily need to accept the call.  Some strange events happened and she knew she was going to be called...someone called her to prepare her for the call. (who does that?)  Anyway we chatted and she told me that she trusted my inspiration.  That's when that thought came to me that she didn't have to accept.  I told her not to rely on my inspiration....I was suppose to ask for her....but that doesn't mean she needs to accept.  Maybe she just needed to know that she was asked for...I'm not sure about that part...I just know I did my part and the result doesn't matter to me.  Things will work out and hopefully I will have a first counselor soon.

Labor Day...the Break Between

Trichelle text me while we were at the park and asked if we wouldn't mind if Ivy and Zaden joined us.
They had been "laboring" in their yard and earned a break.  I suggested we take Baby Behr so she could watch her little's enjoy themselves.  We were about ready to head home anyway for a while.  It worked out great.  This cute little came over and we got to snuggle him for a few hours before Trichelle and her kids came back.  They had played the carnival games and came back with their pockets full of little toys.  I could tell they enjoyed themselves.  We enjoyed ourselves too. ☺

 Larry needed to meet a guy at his shop and I had to drive with him so he could bring his truck home. (Kimi wanted to stay with Behr)  We left and Larry forgot his keys and so we had to turn around and ended up being a few minutes behind the guy he was meeting.  While we were gone my cute friend, Kim, came by with a bucket full of treats.

I had just barely missed her.  I felt bad about missing her but the bright bucket of popcorn made me smile.  Then I opened the card and immediately started tearing up...okay...I cried.  Each member of Kim's family had wrote a little thank you to us for taking the boat up to Bear Lake and playing with them this summer.  They each thanked us while we were at Bear Lake but that wasn't enough...they wanted to make sure we knew they appreciated us.  I love the Taylor Family. ♥ I"m so thankful for such wonderful friends!

Labor Day Celebration

Hooper's Labor Day Celebration is called Hooper Tomato Days and this was it's 90th year being celebrated.  There was so much planned for Saturday and Monday. Breakfast and dinner in the park, fireworks, games, items to buy, music, parade, food, talent show, dog races, rodeo's, baby contest, 5 k run, volleyball contest and lots more!  I think the two day celebration is fairly new but it's incredible and lots of fun!  We missed the Saturday celebrations because we were taxing the missionaries  but we thoroughly enjoyed Monday's Celebrations.

 Monday morning started off with a parade.  There were lots of cars, a few school teams-cheerleaders, bands and SBO's.  Tractors lined the streets...very old tractors.  Primaries had floats and I especially liked our with the cute tomatoes.  Families that have been around for a long time had their own floats.  I was told that the Ropelato's are "famous" in Hooper and so some day we might also have our own float. ☺

 There were business's advertising their business, lots of horses and even carriages.  We were at the end of the parade and the Kamryn and the two girls by us still got lots of candy.  The missionaries were even in our parade.  It was fun...I really enjoy parades.

Watching the parade brought back memories of me being in the 24th of July parade when I was small.  I remember riding on a float dressed like a cowgirl and I had a pop gun.  I also remembering marching in many parades wearing hot wool uniforms with the marching band and even marching in the parades with cute uniforms and high white boots when I was on the drill team.  I'm thankful for all my memories.

After the parade we wanted to watch the bed races.  I remember seeing pictures of Jerry (Larry's big brother) racing and back then every team made their beds and even dressed up...some like babies.  This year they used the same bed and different teams raced down the road and were times.  The Criddle girls wanted to do it and turned to Kevin and asked him to be on their team.  He wasn't feeling very good and volunteered Jared.  They had a team in minutes and were the third team to race.  They ended up winning!  I was really impressed with those Criddle girl's who both ran barefoot.  Larry reminded me that he never wore shoes growing up...those country kids have tough feet.

We watched Jaydan play Volleyball in a tournament and they did really well but didn't win.  There are many good teams that competed.  My sweet Jaydan looked so little playing with mostly tall people.  He's quick and hustles and keeps right up with the others...except for spiking...that's a bit harder for him to jump above the net to hit it down.  It was fun watching all the teams and while I watched I also kept my eyes open for my mom who was going to come down for a yummy hamburger.

I spotted her just as she was sitting to eat her hamburger and so I went and visited with her so she wouldn't have to be alone.  I was really glad I saw her with the park being packed with people.  While she was having her hamburger Kamryn and Kevin came over and Kam had a big bag of Kettle Corn and my mom wanted some to take home.  I went with her to get it and while we were waiting for it in the bright sunlight my mom looked at me and told me I needed to shave.  She said I had whiskers  on each side of my mouth and even under my bottom lip.  I just picture those guys with that tuft of hair under their lips....and thought.....is my eyesight really that bad that I don't notice that I am hairy?  I'm sure it was just the light ... however, I did come home and shave!

After a little break we went back to the park and paid to get into the Rodeo just so we could watch Kamryn ride a calf.  She is so stinking cute and brave and strong.  She was the fifth one to ride and ride she did!  That little calf took of with her and she held on until a cowboy grabbed her off.  She was so cute and raised both arms in the air with a big smile on her face!  I was a pretty proud gramma.  The other riders were all boys in her division and they barely made it out the gate before they fell off...including her cousin, Brixton.  Kam ended up winning $120...Woot Woot!  After she rode we came home and grilled our own hamburgers because we didn't want to stand in a long line.

On Saturday Kevin and his friend Jason won the Red Neck Pollo contest.  Kevin (in the orange) was not concerned that his opponent was a girl and whacked her balloons with all he had.  I heard it was quite the event.  Just a little FYI....Jaydan made the sticks for this event years ago for his Eagle project along with a skee-ball game.

Hey Taxi

I got a call Tuesday night from Sister Frazier asking me if it would be possible to drive them back to Logan on Saturday.  Her and Sister Hansen who are now assigned to the Logan, Utah mission, received permission to attend a baptism in Hooper.  They were pretty excited and needed to arrange rides. Sister Hansen thought she had a ride to get them to Hooper but it fell through which was okay since Larry, Kimi and Jared had planned on going to Bear Lake to help our friend and were going to stay over night.  They were able to bring the Sisters to Hooper and then we were all able to take them back to Logan.  It was really nice visiting with these two since we kind of grew attached to them while they were serving in Hooper.  Before we returned them to their companions and Logan we treated them to lunch at Maddox.  Our kids hadn't been there before and so it was a treat to them as well. We got a few peach pies to share and oh my, this time of year you just can't beat Maddox's Peach Pie.

Sister Hansen and Sister Frazier know when they are returning to their families.  Only three weeks for Sister Hansen and just before Thanksgiving for Sister Frazier.  Sister Frazier arrives just six days after her brother who is serving in Idaho.  I know they are excited and they should be.  Larry told Sister Hansen we would go back up for the testimony meeting they have for departing missionaries but after we got home I told him I had said enough good byes...I am good!  I don't think that's the last time I will see either of those girls....I'm pretty sure they will be back to visit.

On our way home I suggested we stop at Tonya and Marks.  Larry said that would be great.  He had been impressed to call Mark the last few days and hadn't so this was perfect.  We got to their home and no one was there but there were cars in the driveway and a light on in the kitchen.  We decided since the weather was nice that we would just sit on their porch for a while...we weren't really waiting for them to come home but rather just enjoying the fresh air and comfy chairs.  Larry actually fell asleep for a few minutes.  Before long Alexi came home and reminded us that Emery had been baptized.  (she told us she was going to be when we helped in the Temple)  Alexi also mentioned that their Bishopric was being changed tomorrow and her dad was acting different.  About that time Mark, Tonya and Bryce all showed up to change and get a few things to take back to Shay's.  When I saw Mark I knew he was going to be the Bishop but we knew not to say anything since they hadn't told their kids.  Larry also knew and congratulated him.  Mark was caught of guard a bit that the Spirit had prompted Larry a few days ago.  Larry really didn't know Mark had been called as Bishop but he knew he was suppose to compliment Mark for being strong in the Church even when he wasn't brought up to be.  I love how the spirit works in our lives...however, often I don't think we recognize or realize it.  We went to Shay's to celebrate with them and it was wonderful seeing Tonya and Mark's kids....we just love them all!  Mark and Tonya are headed for an adventure!  It will be good for them as all callings are.

Sister Act

Tammy called me about a week ago and invited me go to St George with her to see Sister Act at the Tuacahn.  She thought she might have to talk me into it but asking was enough.  I jumped at the chance to go.  She also invited Lorraine and Kellie.  They were both game until some tragic deaths happened and they needed to be here for funerals.  Tammy called me to see if I had a friend that would like to go.  Immediately a few friends popped into my head and I wasn't sure who I should call first...I worry about hurting feelings.  I said a prayer and my mind was going over the reasons I should call one person before another...finally I felt calm and knew I should ask Carla first.  I really didn't think she would because of other commitments she had but she jumped at the opportunity and was committed right when I asked...no thinking about it.  Kellie didn't know she couldn't come until Tuesday night and Tammy wasn't sure what to do.  Tammy called her sister in law and childhood friend, Misti and left her a message.  Tammy also called me and said that maybe I should ask another friend as well but to let them know that she had asked Misti and whoever committed first would get to go.  My friend (Jodi) wasn't sure because of things happening in her life but was going to see if she could work things out.  Misti called Tammy in the morning and was excited to go and so I had to let my friend know that the spot was taken....that was hard because I wasn't sure if she had worked things out and wanted to go or was relived that she didn't have to tell me she couldn't.  Oh Boy...the little worries in life.

                              

I talked Tammy into driving my car so that I could sew around some more burp cloths for Trichelle.  Carla brought a blanket to stitch around too and we sat in the back and got a lot done.  The time flew as we drove to St George.  Sewing and talking with friends was a good distraction on that long road to St. George.  We stopped at Jerry and Darinda's on our way and I gave them a tour of their beautiful home and pool.  Darinda is always so gracious to share and didn't mind us stopping for a minute.  My friends were in awe and loved it.  I'm so proud of Jerry and Darinda for all their hard work and their scarifies that they made over the years to get them where they are.  Their road to success wasn't easy but they are enjoying the rewards now...and they are so kind!  It has been fun watching them get to this point in their lives.

When we got to our Hotel we took a few pictures....we were glad that Kellie and Lorraine could be with us in "spirit".  (Lorraine had asked me to please photo shop her in a few pictures....I don't know how to photo shop but I made sure she was in a few pictures)  I had to include the picture of Carla with her "habit" turned backwards because it made me laugh out loud. ☺ Some times I think we're funny.... but at least being funny is fun.

Before the play we went to eat and we chose the Crepery.  I was the only one who had tried it before and that was in Logan but this place was the same.  It had hanging chairs and origami birds hanging.  However there were lots of ugly pictures hanging on the wall.  I agree with Carla when she said she didn't like the artist they chose to display...big noses and ugly mouths.  I couldn't imagine anyone buying those pictures for their home...seriously weird.

I love being silly and making memories.  I'm so glad that many of my friends feel the same way.  It really is fun!

 A lady that works at the Tuacahn came over and asked if she could take our picture and of course we were happy to let her.  She immediately put it on face book.  We ended up getting a picture with her.  She was so cute and made it clear that we had made her job a little more fun tonight.  We saw many people smile which always makes me smile.

Tammy got us really good seats.  We were right in the middle and not too far from the stage.  (maybe 10 rows back)  Tammy and I wore our "habits" until it got dark and we found out after the play that the performers had thought that real nuns were in the audience.

 We were able to meet "Delores" and the cute little nun after the play and that's when Delores told us that she saw us in her first number and thought WOW...we have nuns in the audience.  She had told the others and they were looking for us.  The little nun said that she finally saw us at the end when we were standing and dancing with everyone else at the very end.  They thought it was great that we had "dressed" up.

We went to bed after midnight...Tammy and Misti much later as they tried catching up.  We woke up and decided to take advantage of the outlet malls.  Our first stop was a store that was a combined TJ Max and Home Goods!  We all bought a bunch of stuff and the car was filling up.  We went to the outlet stores after that and kept adding.  Our last stop was the DI and Misti found a buffet table that she really wanted.  There was no way we could fit it at that moment but since Carla and Tammy wouldn't be driving home with us we were able to take their things to Carla's brothers house.  (Tammy's hubby was going to pick her up and they were going to Vegas for a baptism and a blessing and Carla was staying with her brother for the weekend and Roger will join her)  So after going to Carla's brothers and visiting for a while Misti and I went back to DI and got the buffet table and we headed home.  It was the middle of the day when I always get tired but the drive wasn't that bad. Misti and I talked the whole time.  We had some really great conversation and I felt the "spirit" often as we both shared some insight on things we have learned.  Misti shared a few simple views on things that I wish I would have had her write down for me.  One of the things was of a lady bearing her testimony and saying "this is not the time we are being judged, this is the time we are learning and working on becoming...the life after this is when we will be judged".  My testimony was strengthened on our way home.

We made it home safe and sound around 9:30 pm.  I had to stop in Centerville for gas and at that time I took out my contact and put on Trichelle's old glasses that she gave me.  They help so much and I am glad for them..especially at night.

I had such a wonderful time.  Being with friends that like being silly is fun.  Before I went to bed I posted our pictures and I had a cute gal make this comment...."Dawn....In my next life, I want to be you! You always have the most fun and do the craziest things with your friends....and you have a LOT of friends! No wonder you are happy all the time." ☺  That comment made me smile and was the perfect ending of a few fun days.  I knew I would have sweet dreams!

If you want your life to be fun....make sure it is! (fun and happy don't just happen all the time...most of the time it's up to us to make sure they happen)