Those Special Girls I get to Serve

Tonight a lot of wonderful things happened.  I asked Dyan last week if she would check into seeing if we could get our Girls to the Heber Valley Girls Camp for next year, 2017.  She did not waste time and we are going to that wonderful camp in 2017!  I think right now might be a great time to say that the long wait for my two counselors was worth it.  They are perfect and I could not have asked for anyone better.  I love how Barbie and Dyan have just got right into helping the girls and loving them.  They are very helpful to me and do anything I ask of them.  I couldn't be happier with their service.  Virginia was a continued blessing and I am thankful that she will still be with us for awhile.  Mona Ruth is always very loving and helpful with the gals.  Oh and our cute piano player, Lori is more involved this year and helping us each week.  I really appreciate her for just coming in and joining us. She sees who needs a little help and just does what needs done.  It's a perfect group of ladies to work with.

I feel the spirit guiding and directing me weekly and sometimes I almost feel like I am an outsider looking in and marvel that I am even able to do what I do.  I adore these special needs ladies I get to serve.  I love that they know it too.  I get a few that come up from behind and pat by back or others that make sure I see them. I'm getting lots more hugs lately too. These gals are so loving and they respect me for being their leader at this time.  Jessica D....didn't want to quit hugging me tonight and it's all because I told her that her favorite leader of all time was coming to camp with us again this summer to help cook the food.  Jessica was so happy and I was the one the reaped the reward by her wonderful hugs all night.  I think Heaven must feel like nights like this.

Tonight Dyan had the gals dip caramel pretzel rods and almond joys.  Dyan had everything ready and was very organized.  It went well and the girls all had a great time dipping their yummy treats.  I was very impressed with the evening.  I had to laugh a little when Dyan asked me what our budget was and showed me a bill for almost $100.  These treats were a little costly but hey it's Christmas time and these girls our worth it.  I actually am not sure what our budget is and until I am told more specifically I am not going to worry.  We are usually pretty conservative.  I did make everyone a little Christmas gift too.  A little popcorn covered to look like a snowman with some warm gloves as his hat. The girls were all so excited and very appreciative.  It was such a fun evening and to top it all off Dale got pie for everyone!

Merry Christmas Our Wonderful Friends!

Daughters of Utah Pioneers

Today after bowling we had the Daughter of Utah Pioneers Christmas Luncheon.  Shanna had it at her house and went to a lot of work.  She cooked Turkey, potatoes, rolls and had a yummy salad bar.  I was really glad that Kathy felt good this month and was able to join us.  It was fun having her there with us.  I really enjoy DUP.  I learn a lot about different pioneers and find the stories interesting.

I really enjoy the other ladies that I am getting to know better as well.  It's fun and I'm glad that I finally let Shanna talk me into joining.  My dad's grand grandparents were pioneers and that is why I can be a member.  Carla doesn't have pioneer ancestors and so she can only be an associate....that's what my mom is too.

I didn't get a picture of the cute cupcake pin cushions that Carol Earl made for everyone but they were darling and displayed so cute.

At the end of the lesson we went around the room and shared a Christmas Memory with everyone. It was fun hearing from everyone.  I shared the time that I went to answer the door and Santa jumped in.  When he asked me what I would like I told him a baby doll and he brought me a Pebble's baby. I loved her.  I also mentioned that I Still Believe in Santa.  When my kids got older and questioned me about Santa, I told them they could believe what they wanted but I still believed in Santa and he was as real as they wanted him to be.  Santa is a magical symbol of Christmas.

Carla shared about her Christmas Tree Birthday Cake that she would get each year since her birthday is the 18th.  Even when her mom passed her nieces, daughters and brother would still make sure she got a Christmas Tree Cake.  Sara told Carla to make sure and bring the Tree Pan when she goes to visit next week. I love that!

Kathy shared how in the evening when her kids were young they would hear Santa's bells.  The kids knew that Santa was making his rounds and that they had better go to bed and to sleep.  She also shared that she had to tell her youngest when she was going to a new junior high that Santa was different from her beliefs because she didn't want her to be teased.

I love this time of year!  I love all the wonderful friend and family gatherings.  I love the lights and decorations and all the yummy food.  I love the "feeling" in the air that is an abundance of LOVE!

Sick

I was sick all through the night!  I spent part of the night on the cold bathroom floor because I didn't have the energy to get to my bed, or back if I needed.  I hate being sick and I'm very glad I don't experience it often.  At one point Larry said it was 3:30 am and I responded "good".  I was so glad that I still had a few hours to get better.  I had a big day planned.

I was planning on taking Larry's mom to the Airport so she could go visit Shari.  Carla was going to come with me because I was also going to take her to lunch for her birthday since she will be at her cute daughters on her birthday.  Well when it was closer to that time I knew there was no way I was going to be able to pull myself together.  I was improving but not fast enough.  Trichelle ended up taking Grandma and I rescheduled with Carla.  I washed the sheets and towels to wash away the yucky germs and that wore me out.  I made my bed again and decided that I was just going to have a day at home to rest.  Jaydan and Kimleighel went and got me some sprite and crackers and I rested the entire day.  I did get up after a few hours and put a few ornaments on the tree.  I just hadn't taken the time until today to do so.  I read and napped and after a few hours I was feeling a bit stronger.  I still ached a little and so I took a few pain relievers. I rested a little more and then decided I was done being sick. I showered and got ready to go with Carla to Debbie's Cookie party!

 Carla and I decided to combine our cookies and split the ones we exchanged for. I made banana cookies and Carla made oatmeal chocolate chip.  (my two favorite cookies)  We exchanged for  a bunch of different kinds. Carla gave me more of her oatmeal cookies for my family and they were the first to go.  I think the cookie exchange is a good idea but I prefer not to exchange.  I would rather just go and visit and that is what I have done over the last several years if I have been able to make it at all.  I know Debbie makes plates up for her neighbors but I don't and so the exchange isn't wonderful for me.  Carla is using the cookies for a treat tomorrow for the DUP luncheon.  I enjoyed visiting with Lynn.  Lynn is funny and she is the one who gave up her spot at bowling so Carla could bowl.  Lynn didn't exchange this year.  She just came to visit.  I guess she stayed until 11:00.  Debbie messaged me a thank you for coming and added that I always light up the events that I attend!  That sure made me smile.....like a big smile! ☺

For a day that started out "crappy" it ended pretty sweet!

Not a Typical Tuesday

So this book came out today on ebook.  I was excited to have Jared's story printed in a book.  I knew it had to be fiction so the author could embellish our story.  I send Mr. Benton pages and pages of our experiences and expected those things to be in the fictional part of the story.  For instance...Kevin, Marc, David and Scott spend the night in the mountains looking for Jared the entire night.  Marc got hypothermia and the other three seriously saved his life.  These guys heard bears and had quite the experience.  I thought for sure that would be mentioned in the story but it wasn't.  In fact the fictional part of this book isn't just "loosely" based on the story of Jared....it's nothing like Jared's story.  

Even though it's nothing like Jared's story at all there are lots of good survival tips in the fictional story.  I did like the preface and the kind things Mr. Benton said about Jared.  He praised him for being survival savvy.  At the end of the book is our part....The True Story of Jared.  There were a few mistakes but I thought it was exceptionally written.  Again Mr. Benton praised Jared in his final comments for adjusting after his only mistake.  He left a little message for Jared..."Jared, God must have a special life selected for you with many challenges, so face each one as you did your survival and you'll do fine.  I'm proud of you, young man."

I decided that I will write the story myself.  I know I am no writer but I will put together the things that we know happened and our feelings and experiences.  I don't care to sell it to others but to have it for our family.  I had thought about writing it before but found it to over whelming.  I think I've had enough time to organize it in my mind.  Mr. Benton has been an inspiration to me and I appreciate him for his efforts and all the time he spent on putting this together.

Little Miss Jordy was sick during the night and so she got to come play with me.  She is such a cutie and didn't act sick at all.  I enjoyed having her over.  We went and helped Mallory get started on her book for her kids.  She wants to make a picture book of their Disneyland trip and I was able to get her going.  I enjoyed being able to help her out.  The school gave Kevin a few hours off and so he came home to be with Jordyn.

Larry and I went the Temple.  I really do enjoy going to the Temple each week and out to dinner with Larry.  This week we ate at the Temple.  We had Turkey Divan and it was good.  Larry decided that every other week we'd eat at the Temple.  That works for me....anything works for me when I don't have to cook.

When we got home I was feeling really tired but decided I'd better make some cookies for the Cookie Exchange Debbie Peterson is having at her house tomorrow.  I just wasn't feeling good and was starting to feel really weak and hot.  I turned off the furnace and thought that might help.  I was also trying to make a little gift for the girls at special needs.  I was feeling so drained.  Then my stomach stared rebelling and I was visiting the restroom more often than normal.  I finished the cookies and decided it was time for bed.  The gifts could wait.  I was done for the day.

Not a fun way to end a day!

Elf Party

There is a reason I call this group of friends the Fun Bunch!  We like to have fun and act silly and laugh and have a good time! They really are so much fun!  Today we had our Christmas Party.  We wore pajama's and wore elf hats and made snow flakes and ate cookie dough, fudge, veggies and the Grinch!   It was so much fun.

The food was yummy and a good variety.  Oh I forgot to mention that we also drank Hot Chocolate with Whip Cream on top....yummmmm!

Our snow flakes were cute but when Roger came home he decided to cut a few of his own and they were round and seriously cuter than ours.  Patti had seen some clever ones on the internet and tried to make them but wasn't too successful. It was funny!  We should have sang to Patti for her birthday since it is tomorrow but after wishing her a Happy Birthday when she first came in I didn't think of it again. (I really wish I would have)

This Fun Bunch is all about making memories and taking pictures.  We set the camera, strike a pose, and I count while moving to my spot.  Then we do what we do, which is whatever we want.  Then we take more because we have more ideas and because we are fun!

We watched the movie Elf. We also exchanged gifts.  We each brought something and we put the gifts on the table in a row.  We shook a dice to see who would go first.  The highest number won. We had a roll off between Jodi and Patti a few times.  Jodi ended up winning.  Then she rolled and the number on the dice was the present she took.  We each took and turn until we all had a gift.  I really liked all the gifts but would have chose the one I got if I had been picking.  I got two bowl covers that are pretty cool.  I see them around and think about buying some but hadn't yet.  Now I don't have to.  I think everyone was happy because everything was thoughtful and wonderful.

Since we were Elf's, we thought we should be on a shelf.  Elf on a Shelf is so popular these days. We took turns posing on a stool that looked enough like a shelf after being cropped.  I think we were pretty cute elves.

When I was looking at the pictures I noticed that the one of me on my tummy had a few visitors in them.  I like to believe they are Davaleen and Gina.  There were actually a few more on the ceiling and floor. (maybe Jodi's son and my dad?) Those were the only ones I noticed in all the pictures.  Kathy mentioned that they are usually in my pictures or around me.  I'm not sure about that but I seriously believe that we do have angel's all around us watching over us.  In fact on both sides of the veil.  These gals and all my friends are Angels to me!  They often say or do something that I know is inspired.  I am thankful for all my Angels!

Enjoying Some Cute Grands

Macie went to have her hard palate repaired on Friday and so we got to enjoy Mya and Parker.  They are sure fun to have over.  They crack me up.  Parker is so loving and funny and makes the silliest faces. He is really good at building lego's and playing the wii and computer games. He loves me most and tells me all the time.  Mya is curious about everything.  She touches and plays with the Christmas Decorations.  I hope she is making fun memories.  She picked up the different piles of Christmas Cards that go with gifts to be delivered, replaced the bows on the tree after carefully inspecting them.  She is a sweetie and its fun watching her personality change and develop.  That is a true statement with all the kids.  I enjoy having these cuties.

Macie's surgery went well.  She slept good through the night and was acting like herself in the morning.  The doctor didn't have to repair the uvula like he was planning because it was good. (a few weeks ago he was still planning on repairing it)  I love how prayers for Macie are answered!  She is such a blessing and so is her little trial.  I not only see the fingerprints of God but also His hand!

Food For 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!!! 

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Breakfast ~ What blogs do you regularly visit? Mine...I'm on it all the time. Beacon of Hope,  Pink Polka Dot Creations, and the most current on my side bar.  I like reading the blogs I follow when they update. I use to frequent Six Sisters but now my computer "barks" if I try to visit that site...it thinks it porn. So I can check it when I am on my iPad if  I really want.

Lunch ~ What is your morning ritual? Wake up at 6:15 and read the scriptures with the family and say our family prayers.  I then get on Facebook on my iPad or phone and wish the birthday people a Happy Birthday.  I think of a quote I want to post and do that and scroll through the things posted.  I text a friend, and often text my siblings first thing.  Then I shower so I can be ready for the day. I usually do a load or two of laundry.  I work on my blog and straighten the house if it needs it and then I am usually out the door.

Dinner ~ What is keeping you awake at night right now? Larry! He says he doesn't like to go to bed too early but will fall asleep watching a show and then he bugs me. When he doesn't have a nap first as soon as his head hits the pillow he falls asleep.  His breathing keeps me awake.  He breathes in through his nose and the air "poofs" out his lips.  It's not loud just distracting!  ☺I don't have much on my mind and so that is a good thing.

Midnight Snack ~ What is something you do frequently that your family thinks is odd?  I am constantly checking my chin for whiskers and will try pulling them out instead of waiting for when I could pull them with tweezers.  I like to put things away as I bake and cook.  I don't like having everything out.  I know that Larry thinks I'm odd for putting things away before he is finished with them. (I don't realize he isn't)

Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)  Be Happy and Thankful and Kind to Others!

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