Tuesday with Larry

I really like my afternoon dates with Larry.  I really like going to the Temple except I have a really hard time staying awake in the middle of the afternoon.  I just hope the person I am going through for is paying attention.  We usually stop and get something to eat after and today we stopped at LaFerrovia.  We were headed to Long Horn Steak House because we have a gift card and very quickly Larry changed his mind and pulled into LaFerrovia instead.  I was glad because that is really what I wanted.  We got a meal to bring home for the kids.  Part of the reason for that is so Larry could take my leftovers to work....they would have been eaten otherwise.

When we got home Braxton and Kelsi were there because Sadie had a little Christmas Concert.  I went with them to support cute little Sadie.  There were so many people there supporting their little ones that we got to stand in the back.  Sadie was cute and Braxton was funny as he commented that his baby was the only one not doing the actions. (middle with pink hat and binkie)  I was glad that I was able to go and I was also glad that it was short and sweet.

Not long after I got home from Sadie's Concert, Natalie brought her cuties to hang out.  They  make me laugh and I love them to pieces.  Natalie and Justin had some shopping to do and it was fun having the grands over.  We watched the Lorax since they brought it.  It was a cute movie.  Macie is doing so much more these days.  I think it's fun to watch babies learn because it happens right before your eyes.  Macie clicks her tongue now and can suck through a straw because her mouth is fixed and she can.  She showed me her mouth and I asked her if it felt good and she said Yes.  She is talking more too.  She is putting a few words together and she speaks pretty clearly.  I just marvel at the new things she is doing each time I see her.  The first few years are amazing with all these kids learn.  I know the learning continues but it's not quite as obvious unless you are asking the kids questions or they are asking the question to you.  Actually Parker surprised me with a few big words tonight..I've forgotten them now but I was impressed when he said them.

Such a fun day!  Down Time is Nice!

The Coys

I love that at this time of year we make time to visit and get together with those we love.  Since Mark was made Bishop we haven't  made that time until tonight.  We met at Warren's Craft Burger on 24th Street.  We have had a few people tell us how wonderful these burgers are and so we decided to try it out.  It was a good choice because it wasn't loud and the food really was very yummy.  We all enjoyed our visit.

Mark is adjusting to his new calling and Tonya is trying to as well.  It's a hard time but they are doing well and will be blessed.  One thing I learned while experiencing the challenges of having a hubby as the Bishop is that your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ improves and grows a ton.  I didn't feel like I could share everything with Larry when he was Bishop because he had so much on his plate and I hated adding to it so I shared with Heavenly Father.  I prayed harder than I ever had.  Satan worked on me which only made me turn to Heavenly Father more.  So all in all the challenges were good and very worth it because I know my Father in Heaven better.  I have to laugh because Satan thought he was winning when he tormented me but really he just strengthened me and got me closer to Christ and Heavenly Father.

Mark and Tonya are wonderful and it's been fun watching them get to where they are today.  They are both such leaders.  They are wise and caring and so much fun.  They are such a blessing to their ward and families.  They would do anything for anyone and are always serving others...especially their family.  They have a great family and our family adores them all.  I sure do love The Coys and I'm so thankful for them in my life and my families lives.  They are truly blessings to us all!

The Sunday Before Christmas

I loved today!  I love the Sunday before Christmas and Easter Sunday best!  I love focusing more on Christ and feeling His Spirit so Strongly.  For our Sacrament Meeting we had three youth speak and the choir singing in between.  The primary children started off the Christmas program by singing and I always feel the spirit when the sweet little ones sing.  Jared was the last of the youth speakers and I was kind of worried that his talk wouldn't be long enough but he took the time he was asked to take and did a fabulous job.  I was so proud of him and many people complimented him for doing so well.  (my baby is growing up)  Sunday School and Relief Society were both wonderful as well.  The messages and spirit were awesome and I was filled with happiness and joy.  (a few tears snuck out even because I was so filled)

Last week when we took the Taylors their Christmas gift they invited us all to dinner.  Justin and Kevin's families had other things and couldn't make it but the rest of us did.  I love Kim, Kevin and their cute family.  I'm so glad and happy that we are spending more time together throughout the year.  They are so down to earth and fun.  Everyone gets along so well and we all enjoy each other.  It was fun spending the evening with them.

We played a few rounds of a fun "name/game" that kept us thinking and laughing.  I'm thankful for friends that are always friends no matter how many years come and go with lots of space in between those years.  Kim and Kevin have a wonderful family...they're all awesome!

Ran All Day...

The only things I planned on doing today was going to the Pharmacy and Zaden's game.  Larry called to see if I could run and deposit a check that was sitting at home.  I decided I would leave a little early..I'm really not sure why I thought that.  I left at 9:30 and was happy to see that the pharmacy was opened.  I really needed my synthroid because I only had enough pills for Sunday and Larry needed his too.  Then I went to the Credit Union and this is where my thinking was off.  Now I had about an hour before Zaden's game but didn't want to drive home.  I decided I would run into Dilly Dally's for some gift bags.  Well to my pleasant surprise Trichelle, TJ and the kids pulled in right behind me.  They were getting a few gifts before Zaden's game.  The kids wanted to go with me and so I took them to mail and letter and then we went to Z's game.  The doors were locked and so we got to sit in the car and wait.  I love these two goofs and it thrills me that they love me and always want to go with me or have me go with them when I am around.  My heart about bursts with joy!

Zaden actually had two games today. One at 11:00 and one at 1:00.  In between the games the kids went with their parents to the store and I went and filled my car up and got a little sandwich.  We met back at the gym and watched another game.  I'm impressed how much the kids have improved since their first game.  They learn pretty quick and even their abilities are so much better.  It was fun for me to watch.

Trichelle had some errands to run and so we let TJ take the boys home and we ran the errands.  I knew Larry was going to watch the BYU/UTES game anyway and wouldn't be missing me.  We hurried and did the shopping that needed done and then we went to Lucky China.  It was a fun day being with Trichelle and the kids

Merry Christmas Twinsee

Today Jodi and I met to enjoy a little one on one time!  Since Jodi always come my way I decided that I would go to her.  We met at Maddox and shared a yummy lunch.  Sharing is the way to go...it's the perfect amount.  I was filled but not stuffed.  We visited for quite some time.  The time seems to fly when we get talking...and talking we did.

This year we are both happier...not that we weren't happy last year....there was just a lot of changes and things happening last year.  I remember last year us pouring out our souls to each other...sharing so many feelings and concerns. This year it seems that we are content where we are.  We shared everyday life things. I especially loved hearing that Jodi doesn't feel like she needs to talk to her kids every day or week either...because that's how I am too.   I'm so thankful for Jodi and her example to me.  The girl accomplishes a ton and keeps on going.  She's one of those Wonder Women. (I wonder how she does it all)  I'm very thankful for our friendship and that we can share with each other and understand where the other is coming from.  Jodi is a wonderful Blessing to Me!

It's fun to exchange gifts.  Jodi had a chocolate theme for me this year.  Everything was darling and most of it involved chocolate.  I loved the cute mug that said You're My Favorite and the perfect little book with sayings all over it.  I think I will have to write about things that make me laugh out loud or make me happy.  All the gifts made me smile. ☺  I didn't have a theme this year but chocolate would have been appropriate for Jodi as well.  I gave her an Angel of Happiness that said Free to sing, laugh, dance and create!  Jodi is at a point in her life that she is free to do all those things if she wants.  She kind of hit the empty nest stage since her last son went on his mission.  Instead of being so sad I think it's important to focus on the good things that can now happen.  (Jodi is constantly doing good so is adjusting to this new stage pretty good.)  I also found a sign that said Cupcakes Make Me Happy and thought of Jodi.  I did of course need to give her some Chocolate too so she also got a large Hershey bar.  So fun!

We decided to take advantage of a cute photo opportunity at a Floral Shop in town.  The sun was shining in Jodi's eyes but we still had fun.  Two gals + camera = corny pictures that make us laugh out loud!  We don't care what others think so much these days and will be silly if we want to.

Oh how I love the Holiday Season and all the Fun things that are a part of it!  I drove the back roads home because I wasn't in a hurry  and wanted to savor the afternoon.  I am blessed beyond blessed!

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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HOLIDAY MEMORIES 

Breakfast ~ What is the best gift you ever received at Christmas? I have received many wonderful gifts and catch myself with teary eyes many times over the years.  One year Larry surprised me with a trip to Disneyland.  One year I woke up to money flying all around my room.  Larry had put money on the fan blades and when he turned the light on the money flew everywhere. (I love money and like to save (hoard) it!) Last year Larry surprised me with an IPhone and I cried because I was okay with my slide phone but secretly really wanted an IPhone.  Those are the ones that came right to my mind but I am sure if I really gave it some thought there would be more.
Lunch ~ Do you have a special Christmas memory from when you were a child? The year Santa came to our door.  I remember I was so excited to see him and that he was at our house.  I loved Santa and everything about him.  I also remember a Christmas when I asked Santa for black cowboy boots and blue jeans.  I got gold jeans and brown cowboy boots and was sad only because my neighbor across the street got the back boots and blue jeans.
Dinner ~ What is the best gift you have ever given at Christmas? I use to make dozens of gifts every year for friends and neighbors and I think those were good because they were a part of me.  I cherish the gifts my friends have made for me and when I look at my decorations I see my friends. One year Trichelle  came home on Christmas Eve and told Larry and I that her friend and his brother weren't having a Christmas.  It was too late to get anything from the store because they were closed.  We talked to our kids and Justin was more that willing to give up some of his gifts. (Justin has always been so giving) That year we had really done more for our kids than normal.  (I don't think that was a coincident) Anyway we opened our gifts on Christmas morning and the Justin said the boys could have his big gifts...the spirit of Christmas rubbed off on Kevin and he too gave up some of his gifts.  We wrapped the items back up and when those boys came over we gave them a nice Christmas.  Two years ago when little Macie was going to be born we had decided that the money we would spend on Christmas would instead go to Macie.  IT was one of My Favorite Christmas's.
Midnight Snack ~ Which Christmas has special meaning to you and why? I guess those ones I just talked about in the previous question. Oh and that same year we did that for Macie we had a few guests from Mexico staying with us.  We were able to come up with a few gifts for them to open too....not much but they were so appreciative.  I don't think I knew they would be here over Christmas and I don't think Braxton did either.  We were prepared enough though with some extra things....God knows!
Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?) Give More to Others!  The more you give the happier you will be.  I just read that happy people give gifts to others and when I read it I just smiled because I love giving gifts to others and I'm pretty darn happy! 

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Special Needs Christmas Party

Tonight we had our Christmas Party for the Special Needs.  The Tremonton 10th ward came and had a little carnival for us.  The participants decorated snowflakes, had fun with a bean bag toss, tried throwing ping pong balls in cups (Jason Owens was excellent at it), fished, and had stories read to them.  Oh, and every few minutes they were told to stand on a paper on the floor that had a number on it and they drew numbers for cupcakes.  It looked like everyone had a wonderful time.

It's easy to please these wonderful people.  They love and appreciate everything for the most part.  Sometimes a few of them might come across as grumpy but I know they really like it. I think Larry enjoyed a few of the kids tonight...or at least a few of the kids enjoyed Larry.

Before it ended we had our Jolly Ol Friend come and make a visit.  I love taking pictures of everyone so that I can hear what their wishes are.  Some of the wishes tonight were: to spend a fun day with my brother and sister, for my mom and dad to feel good, a candy cane, a Minnie Mouse stuffed toy, anything, a cd player, it doesn't matter, a girl friend, a vacation to Hawaii which was truly the only extravagant thing asked for.  I love their innocence and excitement.  There is a reason these people are called Special!  They make my heart smile!

I took pictures of everyone but only posted the ones of my girls.  I will print them all and give them to the participants in the new year. 

Ho Ho Ho......Merry Christmas!