Teach the Children

Mona Ruth was over the activity tonight and so I helped her out.  She told me that she wanted to tell the story "Teach the Children".  I found the story and sent it to her.  She also mentioned that she wanted to make an ornament or something.  I got to thinking and checking the internet for any ideas.  I know now after three years of serving with Mona Ruth that she needs a little help.  I ended up coming up with a cute idea.  We could have the girls cut their trees and I would print and cut the symbols that went along with the story.  It turned out to be perfect.  Thank goodness Carla suggested her and I cut the stars out before.  I was going to let the girls cut the stars out too but Carla was inspired to have them done.

I really was glad that Carla came with me tonight.  My first counselor was suppose to conduct but wasn't going to be there and so it would fall back on me.  I only thought about that a few hours before and since my secretary was also missing I had to do what she usually does.  Virginia (secretary) usually has the theme up and a little theme by the microphone for the one helping to read.  I forgot to get that one and ended up taking the big one down and holding it so everyone could see it as well as my helper which happened to be my buddy, Ryan.  I kind of felt like a chicken with my head cut off.  I was late for prayer meeting because of construction and trains....but it all worked out...they waited for me.

We had a meeting afterwards since I finally have two counselors.  I wanted to make sure we all knew what was going on and what assignments we have coming up. (Virginia and Dyan both came for the meeting even though they weren't able to make it to our activity...I was so glad)

It was a good night and as Carla was backing up I ran out so that her and I would also have a picture together since we spent the entire day together.  (bowling, moms, home, and snap)

I really appreciate Carla for helping me out so much today.  Having Carla with me made a good day even better.

***I came home to cute Mya and Parker who stayed awake so they could see me and give me hugs and kisses.  Oh my crud I sure love being a gramma.

Daddy's Birthday

It's my daddy's birthday and so I called my mom a few days ago to see when we could celebrate with his favorite pie.  She told me that she hadn't thought much about it but she would be home around noon.  I made a yummy Rocky Road pie and took it up.  Carla came with me and my mom had called my sister and we all enjoyed some pie in honor of my daddy.  I played the cute video of him singing two years ago when he was still healthy.  A few tears surfaced but for me they were happy ones.  I  miss my daddy so much but I am so glad that he is healthy and happy.  I am so thankful for all the wonderful memories that we created.  The memories are such blessings.  Being at my moms with her and my sister and good friend was also a nice blessing.  While I was there I got a text from my cute niece, Kaylie that just had a baby. She said they were missing me.  The last baby she had I went with Tonya and helped them out.  I would have went this time except my own grands needed me while Macie had surgery to repair her hard palate.  It felt nice to be thought of though and I appreciated the text.

Behrenger

Kimleighel gets to see this cute baby every day and sometimes she brings him home for me to enjoy, or she invites me over.  I think this little one is so dang cute.  He love his Aunt Kimleighel aka as "The Nanny".  Kimi takes really good care of Behr and he is one happy little guy.  I'm thankful that she makes sure I get to see him.  Crazy how busy life can be with things not near as important as the littles.

Thailand for Thanksgiving

A few of my kids went to Thailand for Thanksgiving.  (Jaydan, Julie and Kevin)  They met Paul and Stacie Hancock there. (Julie's brothers also went)  Paul and Stacie moved there and were teaching math and english.  (Stacie went to Thailand on her mission and knows the language)  Paul and Stacie were their tour guides and these kids had a blast.  They rode on Elephants, pet Tigers and Monkeys and had a blast. They created some fun memories.  I kind of adore them.  We have always been told that Kevin and Jaydan look very similar but when I saw this picture of the two of them I thought "yep...they were cut out with the same cookie cutter."

Susan's Birthday

Today a few of my cute neighbors went to breakfast to celebrate Susan's birth.  Her birthday is really tomorrow but we got her early.  It is fun having such good neighbors and friends.  These ladies all inspire me and teach me so much.  Susan was so happy and I know we made her day....she made ours as well.  We went to breakfast because she needed to go to the Temple.  She works there on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  In fact the first time I went to the Temple after it reopened when I walked out of the Celestial Room there was Susan. That was such a happy surprise...seeing her. I know she is there when Larry and I go but we never see her.  She has been training a lot of sisters and so our paths don't cross.

I noticed when I printed this picture that I didn't button my sweater right.  I wonder if the others noticed or not.  Maybe they even thought I had done it on purpose for a different look.  It is a different look but it wasn't on purpose.  That makes me remember back to when I first met Anne Marie in St George a few years ago.  I had wore a red ear ring and a blue ear ring when I met her.  I realized it when I went back to Jerry and Darinda's and text Anne Marie to see if she had noticed that. She said that she had but thought it was my style. haha  So this new way of buttoning my sweaters is also "style".  I pulled it off. (teeeheee)

Christmas Card and Letter

Merry Christmas Family and Friends
I love this time of year and one of the reasons is that we think of those that mean so much to us .  YOU are important to us.  Even though we may not see each other or interact much during the year you make a positive difference to our family.  Thanks for that!
This year has been filled with blessings.  Have you ever noticed that when you focus on your blessings you notice so much more good that often we take for granted?  (it's a good habit to get in to)
We have two new members in our family.  Little Sadie Lou was born to Braxton and Kelsi in February, and Behrenger Scott was born the day before Trichelle's birthday...Best Gifts Ever!!! These two are so loved and add to our happiness.  
One of our favorite traditions is having each grand over for a sleepover for their birthday.  Oh my heck...they light up our world.  Another one is taking our kids out to dinner to celebrate their birthdays. Any time that we have together with our kids and grands is such a blessing and we love it.
We've vacationed a little which is always good for the soul and relationships. (cruise, Hawaii, concert) Our family rented a house at Bear Lake this summer and had a blast.  I cherish our little vacations since they are so hard to make happen with so many schedules.  Making lasting memories is so worth it!
Everyone has been healthy and blessed.  Little Macie has done well with her surgeries and always recovers so much quicker than the doctors expect....she's a miracle of prayers being answered. (thanks for your prayers in her behalf)
God loves us all so much and is so aware of us and what's going on in our lives.  HE loves hearing from us and if we need something we have to ask.  (I understand that so much better now being a parent of older kids...)
Every day has so much happiness in it.  We all have so much to be thankful for.  Happiness and blessings are there if we just pay attention.  I like that wrinkles don't hurt...a little way to find the good in things that might not be a favorite.
I Love Love Love the Christmas Season.  I have had to adjust over the years to make it enjoyable .  Sometimes I have had added to what I do, and sometimes I have simplified. It seems we do that often in life huh? (adjust our flexibility)  Anyway I hope that You Enjoy this Season and Count All the Blessings in Your Life...Especially the Ultimate Gift...our Savior!
Merry Christmas to Your Family from Ours! Larry, Dawn and Family

Fun Weekend

I found out through Suzie that Tashina was speaking this Sunday.  I think Julie must have forgot about letting me know which I totally understand with all a mom has on her mind.  Suzie is in the same ward as Julie's dad and he mentioned it to her.  Suzie, Larry and I were at the Stake Offices getting our recommends signed when the conversation came up.  Larry didn't really want to go because we would have to hurry home after the meeting and so he suggested Suzie and I go together.  I'm so glad it worked out that way because the drive went fast and I don't see enough of Suzie these days.

We stayed in St George and went to the Live Nativity at the Tuachan on Saturday.  Anne Marie met us and went with us.  It was cold but really nice.  I liked starting this Wonderful Season with the Nativity.  I was happy that Anne Marie was able to meet us.  I met her from face book.  She sent me a friend request years ago and I accepted after checking out her page first.  She seemed like a good person. ☺  I am glad I accepted her request because she is a wonderful person and now a good friend of mine.  It was a delight spending a few hours with her.  I was a little embarrassed that she bought us all dinner at the Crepery afterwards.  She wanted to though and I tried to think how I would feel if the roles were reversed and so I accepted her generosity.

 

Julie's church didn't start until 1:00 which was really nice so that we didn't have to hurry. We got there in plenty of time.  We were even delayed by the "Spaghetti Bowl" which we really tried to avoid but didn't end up doing.  Julie saw us come in the door and came over with tears in her eyes.  She said she doesn't usually cry (which she doesn't) but seeing us made her.  I was so Happy that we Surprised her! I love surprises!

I love the Nelson family...every single one of them.  I know that they are fond of me as well because they are so good at showing it.  Kinndeli was so bubbly and cute and came over to us right off.  She even suggested selfies when we went to their house.  She is a beauty inside and out.  I think Tashina must have hugged me 3 or 4 times.  She kept saying: "come here...I need another hug".  Moving away from Hooper was a good thing for the Nelsons.  I know they were guided and led to Vegas.  It has been good for all of them.  They have been such leaders and blessings to so many and they have been extremely blessed.  I seriously love them all so much.

It was nice just visiting with them without feeling like we had to hurry and leave.  It was also nice just going back to St George when we did leave.  We missed all the congested traffic.  Coming and going we were blessed with good driving conditions.

I always feel so enlightened after being around Julie.  She is such an inspiration to me.  Spending those few days with Suzie was also inspiring.  I really am blessed with wonderful friends.

I put up my Christmas decorations on Friday before we left and as I do I think of so many friends.  I love having decorations that remind me of my friends.  I asked Larry if any of the decorations meant anything to him and of course they didn't.  I started pointing out who they were from and told him that is why I keep them.  It's kind of the same thing during the year...I have things around my house that remind me of my friends.  Julie had things around her house that I gave her and she keeps them for the same reason.  I laughed when I saw the paper eyes I made years ago when I went to visit her, sticking to her bedroom door.  It made me feel good.

On our way home we stopped by Darinda and Jerry's home to show Suzie.  (Darinda said I could any time) When we turned to go to their home we saw a group of Cowboys moving horses. It was fun watching them.  The drive home was good and I took pictures of all the temples and text them to Larry so that he would know where we were.  We are so blessed to have temples guiding us home.

I really enjoyed this weekend.  I'm glad that Kimleighel came with us.  She is fun to have around.  She had a great time too and I don't think she would mind moving to Vegas with the Nelson family...Logan might be a huge reason.  (I think arranged marriages would be good now that I am on the other side of the arrangements)