Women's Club

 A few weeks ago Ann asked me if I would speak to her Hooper Women's Club about Jared's book and experience.  I told her that I'd be honored to do so.  I wasn't nervous at all which is quite unlike me.  I think I must be being blessed.  I was asked to take 30-40 minutes and when I noticed the time was up everyone said to keep going.  So, I shared more experiences that happened because Jared took the wrong path first.  Jared's adventure triggered more stories and experiences for many more people.

There really is so much more that happened than just having a lost boy scout.  Testimonies were strengthened, prayers were answered, and miracles happened.  I am grateful that I had the opportunity to share some of those experiences with women that I admire and look up to.

Ann's introduction was so sweet and wonderful.  She sure made me feel like I am doing something right.

Fun Bunch Lunch

 I have more pictures with this group of ladies than any other group.  It's because we look for "kodak moments" or maybe we just create "kodak moments".  The Hooper Honey's don't mind getting pictures either which I think is fun.  I like having all these crazy fun pictures because it helps me remember all the fun we have....and we DO have a lot of fun!

Jodi and I had talked about going to lunch this day but we had forgot to make up an invite and so Jodi just posted a message about it.  We had as good (or better) turn out than we normally get.  We went to the Greenery.

Kathy noticed that it was National Random Act of Kindness Day and so she brought us all a few treats to give away if we wanted to.  I gave mine away as we were leaving the table.  Mandy Allen and Morgan Toomer were there eating and Mandy was excited to see me. (she is special needs and went to camp with us once)  Morgan is Mallory's daughter in luv and was taking her sis to lunch.  I figured they would love a treat.  They were very happy to get a treat. Carla preferred keeping her treats and decided to pay for my lunch as her act of kindness. (what a sweetie)

I didn't realize that it was National Random Acts of Kindness Day but did a random act of kindness on my way to pick up Carla and Kathy.  I noticed a stalled car off the side of the road with the hood up.  I stopped and turned my car around and tried "jumping" the lady but my jump didn't work.  I was glad that I had taken the time to try though especially when I found out what day it was. We should be kind every day though because being kind is being like Jesus. ☺

My battery was charged today by my fun friends.  All my friends make my life brighter and happier.

Temple~Good Morning

Last month at the Daughter of Utah Pioneers club, Lisea Allen invited me to join her and a group of friends who attend the Temple every Wednesday morning to do sealings.  I went last week too and am planning on going every Wednesday.  We are done early enough that it doesn't interfere with the day.  I love going to the Temple and figure I can use all the blessings I can get.  I know those on the other side of the veil are with us and help us and I need to do my part as well.

Sealings are nice because they are a bit more informal and we can chat a little.  I also like that we can move around.  I love hearing the promises and blessings too.  I love feeling the spirit and knowing that there are angels among us.

I'm so glad that Lisea invited me to join her and the others.  My days are just better when I start them at the temple.

Tuesday with Larry

I actually started the day by taking my friend to the doctor. Susan had surgery on her shoulder and needed a ride to the doctor.  I was thrilled that I was able to help her.  Both her girls are in Hawaii and her other kids and siblings had things.  I was glad.  I know it was hard for Susan to ask for help and she kept apologizing to me for taking up my time.  I asked her if she liked helping people and she smiled and I said "Me Too!".  I loved the time we had.  I loved visiting with Susan.  Susan is such a great friend and person.  I'm so glad that today I was able to serve her.  

Larry has been sick with a cough so we didn't think it was a great idea to go to the Temple.  Besides, Larry made us both appointments at the Dentist to have a cleaning.  It's been three years since either of us had one. (oops)  I guess our insurance actually pays for cleanings now and so maybe I won't be such a slacker about going.  I found out why my bottom teeth are turning grey....they have cavities.  I have a bar/retainer behind my bottom teeth which makes it hard to floss and that's where the cavities are.  I'm just glad that my teeth can be fixed and that they really aren't just rotting away.  I have decided that I will ask Nate (our dentist and nephew) to take the bar off.  I think I will go have a plastic retainer made to wear at night instead.  I think it will make a huge difference.

After the dentist we went to Red Lobster because we had a gift card.  It was yummy and it was fun being with my cute hubby.  I only ate part of the coconut shrimp I ordered and so Larry had lunch for the next day.  Now a days I can only eat about half  of my meals which is nice because Larry does love the left overs.  I just think I should be getting thinner since I am consuming less calories...oh well.

Sadie Lou is 1

This little cutie is one and she is so much fun.  I can't believe how fast this year has went.  Little Sadie Lou is such a huge blessing.  She has been a fun baby.  She is so cute!  We absolutely adore this little girl.  She is adventurous or at least she acts like every adventure is fun.  She is easy going and goes along with everything, thank goodness because her daddy involves her in a lot.  She loves her family...and extended families.  She gets excited when she see's us.  I love everything about this little one.

Sadie likes being thrown in the air....really high.  It freaks me out the few times I have watched but she thinks its fun.  She likes food I think more than her bottle.  She loves stuffed animals and is easy to put down to bed if she has an animal to snuggle with.  Sadie smiles a lot and her smile lights up the room.  It is so big and cute!  I'm so thankful for Sadie and I'm glad that I get to see her so often.  I'm really glad I got to watch her the week her parents went to Hawaii...we bonded!

Happy Birthday Little Cutie Pie!

A "Grand" Tea Party

On Christmas all my grands got a tea cup from me so that we could have tea parties. (the boys got cool mugs)  Since there is not school on President's Day we decided it would be the perfect day for our tea party.  Every single little was able to come and we had so much fun! I had the table ready for them when they arrived.  I also had bow ties for the boys and scarfs for the girls to fancy up with.  They all looked so cute!  I have some of the cutest grands ever born!

We served hot chocolate from two of the tea pots and cran/raspberry & sprite from the other.  It was delightful.  Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  I think everyone got filled up and then they were off to play.  (that's the real reason they all like coming over is to play together and build their friendships)  I love watching them all enjoy each other.

When everyone was finished eating and visiting at the table we started a little  craft project.  I wanted the grands to make pictures from their food prints.  I got the foot prints of the littlest ones first.  Jordyn was tired and needed a nap and so I did hers first.  Everyone was so good about getting their foot painted and washed up again after.  I have fun grands!

It took awhile to get everyone's prints done.  Everyone played until it was their turn.  Afterwards I got the brushes out and let them create their masterpieces.  My grands are very talented too!  Macie really got it to everything and is at such a fun age. The Younger grands were pleasant and enjoyed everything going on.

Everyone made two pictures...one to take home and one to leave here.  I want to put them upstairs in the room they play in.  I liked watching them create their pictures and choosing their favorite to take home.  I think every picture turned out cute. (I still need to finish Behr's and Jordy's)

The kids kept playing and enjoying each other.  It was such a fun day!  I'm excited for this new tradition that we started.  I sure adore these little ones so much!  They bring so much joy and happiness into our family!

Being a grand parents is such a blessing!  I love it so much!  I hope my grands will always want to come to our house to make memories!  Dang...They're so Cute!

Talks in Church and Connor

Larry and I had the opportunity to speak in the 3rd ward today.  I told the congregation that I was experiencing a little reverse dejavu.  When Bishop Rhoads was our High Councilman, Bishop Ropelato had him and his wife speak to us.  Bishop Rhoads had forgot but just wanted to hear from me as well since we got to know each other pretty good when he was over our ward.

I was asked to share experiences of how the Temple has blessed our marriage and our family.  Easy peasy huh?  I wasn't stressed or worried and kind of pointed out to Larry while he was studying and preparing his talk how mine was so easy.  I started with the scripture: Alma 34:32 "Behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors." There is no better place to prepare to meet God than in the Temple.  I shared some quotes and then experiences.  Attending the temple made more of a difference in our family than we realized.  I know for certain that I was a much nicer wife and mom when I attended the temple.  The temple just purifies our souls and enlightens are minds and makes us better.  The temple is so important and such a blessing.

I summed up my talk by saying: We go to the Temple to get answers to our prayers.  We go to the Temple to feel safe and loved.  We go to the Temple to have our families for eternity.

Larry spoke on how important it is to prepare ourselves and get to the temple.  He told everyone that if they were here at this meeting then they were almost ready to go to the temple....just a few more tiny steps.  He kept it simple and spoke of Elijah.  I know his talk gave people hope of being able to prepare themselves for the temple. Larry felt inspired to invite a sister from our ward to come listen because she is so close to going to the Temple.  They had a good talk later and she is getting herself ready.

Jared and I returned to church today so that Connor could give us the sacrament.  Connor has the priesthood and is so excited to be able to pass the sacrament.  This is one of those reasons it was important for Connor to be baptized.  Being able to pass the sacrament is such a blessing to Connor and those in his ward.  It was such a blessing to me to have my sweet friend give me the sacrament.  Connor beamed and tried so hard not to smile.  He wanted to be reverent and proper and did a really wonderful job.  We didn't stay for the whole meeting because heck we'd been to church already and was thought it was good that Jared even went back with me.  Connor is a blessing that's for sure.  His cute helper Cort is one heck of a kid too.