Gratitude "Glamma" Tea

Months ago driving home from Bear Lake....Kathy, Jodi and I decided that we should put Kathy's tea sets to good use. Kathy told us her mother left her with many tea sets but Holy Cow there's a ton of them.  Everywhere you look in Kathy's dining room are tea sets.  I asked her why her siblings didn't get any and she told us they all had as many as her.  (her mom was ADDICTED to Tea Sets) We thought it would be wonderful to have a gratitude tea party since Gratitude is so important and focused on so much in November.  We had a marvelous time at our tea party!

 Everyone brought something to share and it turned out fantastic.  We had a nice "spread".  We had orange tea (it might also be called wassail), and some peppermint tea.  I brought everyone white gloves because that just seemed like an important addition to our party.  We talked a lot about gratitude and the things we are thankful for.  We played a little game where you had to say: "I'm thankful or grateful for"...before you could talk and say what you really wanted to.  It was funny but also kind of cute.

We laughed of course.  I am thankful for laughter.  Laughter has always been one of my favorite things to do.  I love being around others that bring out the laughter in me.  I hope that I also bring out the laughter in others.  Laughter just makes you feel so good.  It refreshes the soul.

We each had a paper with our name on it and we passed it around the table and each of us wrote something wonderful to that person.  I cherish the thoughts of others especially when they are directed at me.  It was fun coming home and reading my paper.  I smiled! ☺

Jodi brought everyone Gratitude Journals.  It's so important to write the things that we are grateful for down.  It makes you focus on the good things during the day.  I think it's time for me to start doing it again.  I like that Jodi suggested we be specific when choosing what we are grateful for. For instance, instead of saying I am grateful for my family be specific and put down why.  Someone also suggested that you try to find something different to write each day.  I like that idea since each day is different.

I am grateful for my friends because they enlighten me and make me feel important, and tea parties because I feel classy and special, and gratitude journals to write down everything, and drawings where my name is drawn out and I win the prize.  I am grateful for editing programs that allow me to crop what I don't like and brighten our pictures so that we look younger and less wrinkled.  I truly am grateful that wrinkles don't hurt because they just happen. I'm grateful for grand kids that come to play and  squeal with delight when they see me. I'm thankful for diaper cream to soothe a sore bottom of a little one. I'm grateful for prayers so that I can tell Heavenly Father about my day and ask what He would like me to do. I am grateful for bedtime because I am so tired by the end of the day. I am grateful for snuggling because I feel loved and cherished when I am snuggled.  That's just a few things that I am grateful for tonight.

Gratitude is Magical and by just listing those few things my mind thought of so much more and I feel happy and at peace.  CHEERS TO GRATITUDE, FRIENDS and TEA PARTIES!

Sister Frazier

Tonight Sister Frazier had her testimony meeting for all departing missionaries.  It was a wonderful meeting and the Spirit was so strong.  There were two Sisters going home and five or six Elders.  There were a lot of tears shed because the spirit wasn't being confined.  It was awesome.  I was so glad that Kimleighel and Jared came with us and experienced that.  We haven't got extremely attacked to many missionaries but for the last year and a half this cute Sister has had our hearts.  She first came to our house with Sister Hansen (who left a month ago).  Larry paid a lot of attention to Sister Hansen and directed his questions to her. (she also has our heart)  I made sure that Sister Frazier was included and I always asked her how she was feeling and doing.  I'm pretty sure that's why she likes me so much.

We've enjoyed being involved with the Sisters and having them over.  They really do become part of the family in a way.  We care about their well being.  Sister Frazier came to our house on Easter and I made sure that her and her companion had treats and a stuffed Easter Bunny.  She told me tonight that she named her bunny Dawn and has it with her carry on.  It's impossible to not love someone when they love you so much.  Sister Frazier also made sure to give me a Mother's Day gift and has sent a few really sweet notes in the mail.  I'll be sending her a little something tomorrow.

Our first good-bye was sad because I truly didn't think I would see this girl for a long time.  It wasn't ever too long before we would see her again and so now it's not a good bye but a see you later.  We have had about five see you laters. ☺  They don't make me sad anymore...she will be back.

I love this cute girl.  It's been fun watching her "blossom" in the past 18 months.  She a great kid!

Fun Saturday

Carla and Jody had another boutique they were doing and so I stopped by on my way to my mom's to see them.  I decided to get a few pillows for Larry's mom for Christmas.  They had horses on them and I think she will enjoy and appreciate them.  Carla also gave me the pillow and table runner she said I "earned" for all the time I spent helping her.  I must say that taking those few things put me in the Christmas Spirit.  Heck hearing Christmas Music on the radio does too.  I don't think it's ever too early to start celebrating and preparing for this wonderful time of the year!  As soon as I pulled away from the Church where the Boutique was I thought I should go back and get a cute sign that Jody made.  I didn't need any of it but sometimes it's fun to add to what I have.  I did end up going back to the boutique and buying a few things from each of my friends.  I just felt like helping them out and having a part of them in my home this Christmas Season.  We tried to take a few selfies and the results weren't that good...I need to work on that skill.  We had a lady take a few pictures of us because I like pictures because they help me remember the things I do.

For the last few years Shelli has been buying my mom kits to make Christmas Cards.  Part of the gift is also making the cards.  I am lucky and have been invited to help out.  It's fun to work together and watch those cute cards come together.  It's fun visiting with my mom, sister, and niece.  Kimleighel joined us a little later after she got done tending Sadie, it was fun having her there too.

Susan or Shelli cuts all the paper.  I stamp all the designs.  My mom ties the bows.  Susan and Shelli assemble and ta da....they are done and cute as ever.  I like this little tradition that cute Shelli started!

The cards are so cute and mom is ready to write her message in them.

Book Club

Today was our book club.  That month went fast and I only read a few chapters of one of the books that I borrowed last month.  It didn't matter though because no one even talked about books today.  I didn't see anyone bring any books either so I was glad.  We went to El Matador and the place was packed.  We had to wait to be seated for quite a while.  We even waited until 1:00 to meet which was a good thing because people were starting to leave by then.  We talked a lot about the new ruling made by the church....that children with gay parents can not join until they are of age. (18) I was with Susan and Kathy when I first heard about it (on Kathy's birthday) and at first I couldn't believe what I heard and had questioning thoughts.  I knew not to say too much though without listening to the right source.  I knew that there was good reason behind this.  I knew this was decided out of love which is exactly what it is about.  Love for all families and the protection...NOT exclusion....for the children. Decisions like this really get to some people but I think it's because they listen to the media and don't pray about it to understand why.  I've heard people say that it weeds out the weak...I'm pretty positive Heavenly Father doesn't want to weed out any of His children but times like this can define us.  We have to move one way or the other.

We also shared our opinion and thoughts about things happening in politics.  I enjoy these discussions and the insight I get from listening to others.

I bumped into a friend from school.  Darrel is an adventurous guy.  I saw him at the drive inn a few years ago but see all his adventures on fb.  He travels all the time.  He is a pilot and is always going and picking up little planes. (reposing)  He spent a month in Africa and told me that I could go with them next time since they still had room.  I wouldn't volunteer to go to Africa though...I'm too spoiled and enjoy the conditions I live in.  But I do admire those that do go to help others.

Today our little Macie was scheduled for another surgery.  She was going to have her Uvula repaired because it still had a little split in it.  The appliance in her mouth that helps with the hard palate was lose and needed to be adjusted too.  Kind of simple compared to the previous surgeries.  They gave Macie some medicine so that she was calm and willing to go with the doctors.  The picture shows her ready to go.  Macie is a miracle baby....the prayers being said in her behalf are being answered so clearly.  It's need to see.  The doctor looked at Macie's mouth and decided that instead of doing anything today he was going to wait for three weeks and close the hard palate.  Normally little ones have to wait until they are three or older before the palate is ready but little Macie's has grown and moved and healed so well that she is ready now....a full year early.  Miracle of Miracles!  I'm so thankful for Our Kind, Wise, Loving Heavenly Father...He loves Us and Does Answer Our Prayers.

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:

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Breakfast ~ What was your most embarrassing moment this week? I don't think I got embarrassed this week.  However, one of my most embarrassing moments was when I got a colonoscopy.  I was waking up and not feeling good.  I knew I was going to throw up and sure enough I did.  With all the pressure from throwing up I also passed a "bomb" of gas.  Holy Crud it was loud and I'm sure that everyone in the office heard it.  You're suppose to pass gas before you can leave and when the nurse came into my room she did a good job at holding a straight face as she asked me if I was able to pass gas. I was so embarrassed!
Lunch ~ Did you ever get in trouble at school?  Explain. A few times actually. I remember in elementary going very close to a line that I wasn't to cross and getting in trouble.  I probably had to stand with my arms out.  I remember having to stand with my arms out a lot but with the whole class.  The worst trouble was when my older brother stole lunch tickets when I was in 7th grade.  I was called into the Principle's office and questioned about them.  The Principle didn't believe me and kept asking me about the tickets and where I got them. I kept telling him that my mom gave them to me.  She did, my brother gave them to her and told her that he had bought them with the lunch money. I didn't like the Principle after that because he never apologized for treating me like a liar.  
Dinner ~ Have you ever had a poem or song written about you? Actually I have.  A friend from school wrote a poem about me and compared me to Sandy from the movie Grease. haha  Dedicated to you?  when I was young the song Delta Dawn was referred to me a lot.
Midnight Snack ~Have you ever been frightened for your life? When we went to Israel I was scared the whole time.  There were guards everywhere with machine guns.  Larry kept reminding me that if the BYU Jerusalem center was open that we would be safe. 
Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)  Have a Gratitude Attitude.  When we recognize our blessings we will notice that we have so much more than we usually think.  

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Jodi...Our Speaker

About a month ago I asked Jodi if she would come and talk to the Special Need gals about Gratitude.  We had "life skills" scheduled but there  aren't leaders for that anymore and so we have been coming up with our own.  I kind of like doing it this way. Anyway, Jodi was gracious and said that she would come. I knew that she would do a wonderful job because she always does.  The girls really liked her and a few of them had a comment for everything she said.  I think they felt safe and loved and knew that we would listen to them.  I ended up "shushing" them towards the end so that Jodi could finish....the shush worked on one but not the other. ☺

Carla wanted to come with me when she heard that Jodi was talking.  It was the perfect talk for us all and I think it was spot on for Carla today.  Carla was struggling today and fighting the depression that she gets sometimes in the Winter.  It's gloomy outside and I think that has a lot to do with it.  Heck, I feel tired and don't want to get up either but have too much to do which forces me up.  Carla was good though and came bowling and even went to DUP (daughters of Utah Pioneers) with me. (we're both members now) I taught her to "tap" when we were bowling and I could see her countenance change.  Tapping seems silly and I can't explain how it works but I know it really can help.  Maybe because we tell ourselves that we love and accept ourselves and just by saying those words our mind switch tracks.  It's amazing what our thoughts can do.  It's so important to focus on the positive and find, recognize and be grateful for all the good things around us.  It really is the "secret" to a happier life.  Another "secret" is to Smile....it seriously changes your brain and puts it on  happy mode.

I really appreciate the love and support of my friends.  I'm so grateful that Jodi took time to prepare and teach us about gratitude and for sharing a few "secrets" with us all.  I like those kind of "secrets"...they're worth sharing.

(Jodi you might not like the picture on the bottom since your eyes are closed but it made the collage work better and you remind me of Meg Ryan in it and I think it's cute)

Girls Night Out

I love going out with these ladies.  There was a time that we were all in the same ward and interacted a lot but that was years ago.  Tammy moved and ward boundaries changed and separated me from Judy and Suzie.  Once a year or so we plan a night out and visit all night.  Really....All Night.  The last time I told Larry I would be a few hours and he got a bit ticked off because a few hours was really about five hours.  When he asked me when I would be home tonight I told him that I would be home before he left for work in the morning.  I gave myself plenty of leeway.

We started out at ABC Mandarin and ordered Larry's favorite so he could have my left overs for lunch. (thoughtful huh?)  We went to Village Inn after having to leave ABC so they could close.  We knew that Village Inn stayed open all night. haha It just so happened that it was free pie Wednesday with any order.  We all ordered a drink and got a free slice of any kind of pie we wanted.  Usually they only have certain pies that you can get for free but the guys liked us and let us have whatever we wanted.

Tammy told us lots about her fun Trip to France.  She was there for three months and had a lot of cool experiences.  She shared some miracles with us that were pretty cool. I enjoyed listening to her tell us of her adventures. I'm so glad that she went and didn't worry about things that seem to occupy us so much.  Suzie, Judy and Tammy are all so wonderful and I admire each of them for their strengths.  I cherish these friends and always learn so much.

I got home just after the clock struck twelve which was way earlier than I had told Larry. There's something wonderful about having friends to share your life adventures with.