Talented Kids

My niece started a photography business about a year ago.  Randee is very talented and I have loved the pictures she has done of my kids and grands. Randee puts a lot of thought into her sessions and the results are fabulous!

Braxton is an adventurous kid and likes to do fun things.  He built this awesome airplane for his cute Sadie.  I think they both love it!  Braxton is talented and likes creating fun! No wonder Sadie is such a happy little girl!

The Circle of Life

As I started this post the thought "Out with the Old...In with the New" popped into my head.  It fits...that's kind of how the day went.

Maxine Muir Van Rensselaer (Grandma Lowe's Sister) was put to rest this morning.  She lived in California along with her two children for many years and so they had her funeral services there and then brought her body to Ogden as her resting spot.  I always admired Maxine and thought she was so classy.  She was happy and wonderful and as I listened to her kids, Francine and Bob speak of her I smiled because we are similar in a few ways.  Maxine had different groups of friends that she liked going to lunch with.  She was a lover of friends and family....they are most important to her.  I liked her white casket and told Larry that I would prefer one just like that.  The graveside service was short and sweet.  Maxine was always concerned about others being hungry and so after the service upon her request everyone went to lunch.  (we left and went to Behr's blessing)

It's always nice seeing extended family and it was that way today.  I really love Larry's relatives and appreciate the little opportunities every now and then to say Hi to them and get a hug.

Behrenger Scott Barrow was blessed today by his Grandpa Ropelato.  It was an honor for Larry to give this cutie a blessing.  It was awesome to see the love and support of both families.  This happened on a Saturday because a lot of TJ's family had to drive far and it just worked out better for them.  It was nice and we had a yummy lunch afterwards at the church too.

Jaydan didn't realize Behr's blessing was on a Saturday and so he missed it. (darn)  The rest of our family was there and my mom came too. (actually Braxton and Kelsi brought her)  It's always a wonderful day when our family is together.

I met more of TJ's family and they are really nice.  It was fun to watch TJ.  He is such a proud daddy.

Later in the day Larry took me to our friends (the Hunters) for a baby shower.  It was fun visiting with the Hunter family.  We use to go with them boating when our kids were little and it was easier to schedule things.  Now we hardly see them but we will forever love them.

Stress...we all get it

My hands are still itching and peeling but not quite as bad as they were months ago but every day I'm reminded that things aren't quite right as I scratch the dickens out of my hands.  I wish I could scratch the stress out of them.  My hands have been this way for over 6 months and so I am getting use to them but it still bugs me.  I thinks it's related to stress.  I had a very vivid thought while I was at Bear Lake with my friends that "things were out of my hands".

I can't control or fix or change a lot of things and I guess some of that stresses me out. I can't make everyone better, or pray hard enough for trials not to come our way, or keep everyone safe, or make sure everyone learns what they are being taught, or control who gets our loved ones attention, or have my kids meet the right people, or make sure that people we love and care about don't delete us from their lives.  I worry like I'm sure we all do.  I tuck those feelings deep down and put on my happy face and think positive and have faith that everything will be okay.  But...those feelings are real and they are there and no matter how hard I try not to be bothered by them...my body knows and lets me know.  The doctor put me on high blood pressure medicine a few weeks ago too and that ticks me off.  I have enjoyed not having to take medicines.  I loved being healthy and always having good check ups. I was happy that I didn't have to depend on taking medicines to keep me healthy.

I'm not sure how to free myself from the stress.  Do we ever really free ourselves from it all?  I don't think it's possible but I am hoping that I will figure out a way to ease what's going on inside me.  I seriously don't think that things are bothering me and I don't feel stressed but my body and especially my hands and blood pressure tell me different.  I'm amazed at our bodies...they are pretty darn smart.

Today I met my cute friend Jodi to go see our friend Robin.  I was close to the hospital and was planning on going and checking on Robin while we were up that way. I was glad that Jodi text to see if I wanted to go with her.  I was watching Behr while Kimleighel got her teeth cleaned and checked and the timing was just about right and so we met.  I loved seeing Jodi hold my cute grand and love on him.  It makes my heart do amazing things.  Carla, Jodi and Mallory all like holding my grands if they're around when I have them.  That makes me happy. ☺  Robin was doing pretty good even though we woke her to visit with her.  I hope that this experience will help her to change some things in her life.  I want her around for a long time!

***Sunday in church I received a few thoughts that I think will help me with my stress.  I am preparing to teach about the Atonement in a few weeks and the atonement is the answer.  I need to trust in the Atonement and give my stress to Christ.  I think a Priesthood Blessing would help too.  It's crazy how I immediately think of having others get them but I'm not so good at asking for one myself.  

In Relief Society our lesson fit right in and I know it is an answer to my problem.  I took a picture of the board so I could remember better.

Recently I had heard we should meditate every day and I did it for a few days and then forgot.  I really think that will help a ton.  I know I also need to ponder and let my feelings be acknowledged and then give them up.  I am always trying to improve my scripture study and I really liked the advice that was brought up today.  *Set a time to read every day.  I know when I write things down I am more apt to do them.  *Start small...even just holding the scriptures..don't make it harder than it should be.  *Find out what works for me. * Reward yourself....I'm thinking about having chocolate while I study the scriptures. *Write down questions I need answers to.  *Use the study guide.  

I do know that we find answers to our problems in the scriptures....truthfully I didn't realize I had such a problem.  It's time to wake up and do something different.  I also think a walk to the corner every day will help clear my mind and refresh my soul.

Thankful this Thursday

While I was at bowling trying to get those pins to fall done, I noticed some messages from "messenger".  I was shocked to open them up and read that Robin had a massive Heart Attack and was in surgery for four hours  to have a stint put in her artery to unclog it!  Scary! I'm glad that she is okay.  Times like this make me realize how fragile life is and how at any minute one of us could be gone.  I really like how loving and supporting the "sista's" are to each other.  I kept reading the love and concern others had for Robin.  I was happy that some went to visit her and I loved reading how Robin had them laughing.  Robin is good at telling stories and her sarcastic side really is hilarious.

After bowling I went to Daughters of Utah Pioneers.  I love learning about the pioneers and being around good women.  Robin Bailey shared a story of one of Durk's ancestors today and it was really quite interesting.  She did a good job.  Those people went through some pretty crazy things like we do.  Marriage has never been easy.  People cheat and are not always good to their spouse.  Life is hard but with God's help it's easier to handle.

I came home and made up a few  "I Care Bags" that I plan on giving out later.  Then for Special Needs we went to Weber States Game.  Oh my heck it was fun...especially listening to the girls cheer.  It was fun to watch a few of the girls who are always helping the others.  We had a few that were going and getting drink for the ones that don't like walking and climbing stairs.  We had one crying because she wanted a drink and soon someone was going to get her one.  Dyan got this all together and had even brought everyone treats.  I work with such wonderful ladies and I love them all.  We saw Wanda on our way out and I really miss her.  She was a super President!

On the way home a few of the gals share their experiences of being suicidal and even trying to take their life because of how hard it is at times.  I am so thankful that they didn't and that they are still with us because they are so great and make my life better.  They are a blessing to many and really the two that shared are so happy right now that I would have never guessed they had felt that way.  I learn so much about these girls every week.  I learned that Emily was married to the cute guy she brought last week.  I'm getting to the point I am starting to ask them all if they are married or have been. ☺

When I got home Larry told me that his dad had been over to visit with us.  His dad has prostrate cancer and because of his age they aren't going to do anything for it.  That makes me sad....I like having dad around and even though I know the time is ticking away for each of us I don't want it to stop.

I'm thankful for each and every day and for those I get to share my days with.  Everyone holds a special place in my heart!  Life Really is a Gift!

Wonderful Wednesday

 I absolutely love starting my day by going to the Temple.  Today I went with Janet and Cindy because the rest of their group couldn't make it.  The workers know me already and they are so kind and nice.  Today we needed Brother Peterson to get his robes on because we didn't have any men with us and you need a man to do sealings.  Thank goodness another guy felt impressed to do sealings today so that he could relive Brother Peterson.  As always it's wonderful listening to the promises and blessings of the ordinances in the Temple.  I feel like I am doing a good thing when I go to the Temple.  I know that it is where I need to be as often as I am able.  (I caught Janet's head in the pic)

My visiting teachers came today and they are such a joy to me.  I love giving them treats and had a few different ones today for them since our visit in January was over the phone.  Ruth and Jeanenne are some of my favorite people ever!

I haven't visited with Lorrilee for about a year and so we went to lunch today.  Lorrilee is a happy and positive gal that is fun to visit with.  I admire her a whole lot and I'm glad we were finally able to catch up and enjoy each others company for a few hours.  I swear Lorrilee doesn't age.  Neither does her cute hubby Ron.  She's 15 years older than me but no one would be able to tell that.  I learn a lot of good things from Lorr.

Ivy invited to me to her 5th grade History event.  All the kids were someone from History and had to do reports on their person and dress up like them.  Ivy was Amelia Earhart...I thought she looked cute.  All the kids introduced themselves and a few gave a brief report about their character.  They all sang songs and it was fun seeing Ivy enjoy singing.  We were the back row but it was fun because we could stand and wave and give thumbs up without anyone else seeing.  Ivy told us about Amelia when we got home and let me just say she knew a lot! Ivy is such a cutie.  I love that both kids wanted me to come over after the program...they love their gramma like their gramma loves them.

I saw my cousin, Kristi at the program.  Kristi's mom and my dad are siblings.  Kristi has twin granddaughters with pretty red hair that go to school with Ivy.  It was fun seeing her and we decided it was time to get together with our other cousins.  Again, because of social media we are connected and can make this happen.

Temple Tuesday

Today I went to the Temple twice.  I got up and met Kathy and Lisa there early so that we could go through a session together and then have our day to do other things.  We met early so that we could make the 9:00 session and even though the traffic was busier than any of us planned we were all plenty early and had time to relax before going to the session.  (we all thought we were going to be late...we really missed Jodi too....she didn't have a car today)  The session was nice as always.  I love listening and learning new things.  It was fun wonderful being there with friends.

We decided to go to Kneaders after for a quick meal.  Lisa and Kathy were both going visiting teaching and needed to get home.  I needed to stop by the store before heading home.  So we chose Kneaders because it is fast.  I really enjoyed seeing Lisa since I haven't for so long.  We tried catching up quickly and I think we skimmed the surface of some of the most recent things happening.

I hadn't been home long before Larry got home.  He showered and we went to the Temple again.  Since I had already done a session and we really only have one more family name to take and because there was a sign at the front desk saying they needed people to help with Sealings we went there.  It was nice and I felt "extra" people in the room a few times.  I love knowing that we are not alone and others are around us more than we know.  My friends dad was the Sealer and so he kept stopping and asking me questions that took me back in time and down memory lane.  I'm not sure how that was for the others in the room but for me it was wonderful.  I love going to the Temple and I love going to the Temple with Larry.

Larry took the kids out for dinner and I met Tonya for dinner.  We needed to talk and see each other since it doesn't happen often enough.  Tonya wasn't feeling well.  I swear the inversion made a lot of people sick and I'm glad it's gone.  I love Tonya.  I love having her be a part of my journey through life.  She always seems to say the right things.  I was thinking how cool it really is that each of us are blessed to be God's instrument when He needs us.  Friends are so refreshing and important in this life and the next!  I have some of the very best!

A Peaceful Day

I got to have Parker and Macie over to play today so that Natalie could go on a Field Trip with Mya.  Poor little Macie has been pretty sick with bronchitis but was happy to come and play.  We watched cartoons and snuggled.  Parker had fun playing on my I Pad...they only get to when they are the only ones here.  It was nice having them over and we just chilled.

Natalie was back when I got back from taking Parker to School.  She stayed and talked while Macie fell asleep in my arms.  Natalie and I had a good chat about balancing life...or at least trying to.  We talked about the struggles we all get and how we are constantly adjusting our lives to handle what we have to.

Life isn't easy that is for sure but it can be pretty wonderful when we focus on what's important and adjust so that the most important things get our attention.

I love Natalie as well as my other "kids in luv".  I think I have a pretty good relationship with them all.  I hope that they will always trust me if they need to talk.  Now, I'm trusting in the power of prayer and the knowledge of doctors to get everyone better!