Cup Cakes Wars

We had cupcake wars for our activity tonight at Special Needs.  Really it was more of a decorating competition.  It was simple and the girls seemed to enjoy themselves.  Many of the gals finished quickly and so we had each gal show their creation to the others and we all clapped for them.  This would be fun with a smaller group and to use decorating bags.

Virginia asked me if I had brought wet wipes?  Well..No I didn't think we would need them.  However Rachel loved this activity so much and was eating all the left over frosting and anything else she could get her cute stubby hands on.  Her cupcake was gone so fast and even when Virginia was trying to get her to go wash her hands she was scooping any little crumb left on her plate.  She was hilarious and I'm glad she loved our activity.  Most of the cupcakes were similar since most of the treats were being used on all the cupcakes.  Amy only used chocolate chips on hers and Vonna made a sun.  I thought those two were the most unique.

I was laughing after the activity to myself.  I am such a simpleton...go with the flow kind of gal and didn't even think about having anything else planned to go with this activity in case we had more time, which is why we had everyone show their cupcake to the others..that took time.   Wanda was a much more organized President than I....bless her heart!

Tonight was our last class activity.  We will now focus on the production that will be presented on May 6 & 7.  The next weeks after that will be our testimony meeting and closing social.  I wouldn't mind serving one more year.  I really want to take the girls to the Heber Valley Girls camp and we almost have a date for that the summer of 2017.  After that I would be okay with being released but I wouldn't complain if I was asked to serve longer.  Serving the Special Needs is very rewarding.

I Cherish These Times

Every day is a gift and I cherish each day with my family and friends.  We never know when our time is up or when we will get another chance.  Robin got another chance...we almost lost her a few weeks ago but here she was today with her beautiful smile and funny sense of humor.  I'm glad we go to lunch often and take the time to "nourish" our friendships. (I didn't put that on purpose but it's fitting)  I had to work a little harder to get Robin's approval of me joining in their fun but I think I succeeded a year or so ago. Today before we left Robin was the one that initiated a hug.  We're all glad that she is here with us.  I couldn't bare the thought of losing her.  My heart is filled with gratitude for her and each of my friends.

These gals grew up together making fun memories along their journey.  They continue to make fun memories and they have been kind enough to let me add to them and be apart of the ones happening now.  I love making memories with these ladies.  They really are a fun bunch. (my nickname for them)

Woo Hoo Kelsi is 22

Our Cute Kelsi has a birthday today!  I'm glad that Kelsi joined our family.  I really admire the faith that Kelsi has.  She was inspired to come home from her mission and marry Braxton.  She didn't question and was assertive and now she's ours.  Her and Braxton felt inspired to start their little family immediately and so they did.  They wanted to wait to have another little one but again they feel like they are suppose to and so they are willing to do what the Lord has planned for them.  I love the faith Kelsi displays.  One day we were talking about the little twin and her complications and Kelsi said with confidence "everything will be okay."  Faith is one of Kelsi's gifts.  She is also soft spoken, kind, caring, smart and beautiful (inside and out)  I love this sweet girl and the example she is to me.  I love her for loving my son.  I love her for bringing cute Sadie into this world.  I love her for being her!

Jared's Homework

The day that Jared did his Eagle Scout Blood Drive he was checked out of school early and missed his cooking class.  His teacher told him to make cinnamon rolls at home and take pictures so she knows he did it.    He also had to cut carrots a few different ways.  Larry and I made sure we had everything so he could do it Sunday.  I was hoping he would do it for dinner but he was tired I guess and didn't do any of it until everyone had gone home.  It was getting kind of late but he did it.  I instructed him and everything turned out great.

When he was putting the cinnamon and sugars on the dough he was being careful and doing a good job as far as making a mess goes.  Larry came over and mentioned how careful he was being compared to what Larry would be doing and that's when his motions increase and we had cinnamon flying beyond the dough.  I told Larry we didn't need his help and showed Jared that he could get a lot on the dough without it getting all over.  I let him know that he was the one cleaning up after and so it would be good not to get it everywhere.  He did better after that.  I am proud of Jared for getting it done even though he needed prodded.

Watching some Cuties

Justin and Natalie needed some time alone and so they decided to go to Jackson Hole for the weekend.  We told them that we would love to have the kids come play with us while they were gone.  Their little family has been sick for the last month and it has been exhausting for them all and they all needed a break.  The kids are always excited to come play at  our house.  I hope that they always will be.  We got them after school on Thursday and had a great time with them.  I got to see Sadie and Behr before I went bowling Thursday which is always a delight.  Larry said he would watch them Thursday while I went to SNAP but he ended up reffing a few Church Basketball games.  Thank goodness for Kimleighel because Jared had young men's and was also gone.  Kimleighel got the kids bathed and in bed. Yeah for Kimi!

Friday Larry and I had planned on going to a wedding at the Peyson Temple.  I felt like we really needed to go and support the groom and his family.  Larry was the Bishop when Zac was a priest and deciding to go on a mission.  Larry made a positive impact on Zac and a big differnce in his life.  I am also Linda's (Zac's mom) visiting teacher right now and I just felt like we needed to be there.  I had made arrangements for Gramps to drive the kids to school and Kimleighel was willing to watch the kids.  Late Thursday night I felt like I needed to stay home.  I think part of it was because the kids are still needing medicines and I'm pretty sure the rest of why I felt that way was the "spirit" telling me.  Kimleighel was okay with it especially since she was able to sleep in a little.

Justin called me when I was getting ready to take Parker to school.  The school had tried calling me but it was when I didn't have my phone right by me and I missed the calls.  Mya wasn't feeling good and I needed to pick her up.  It worked out that I was able to pick her up when I dropped Parker off.  On the way to the school I had the thought that maybe Mya just needed to go potty.  When I picked her up I asked her if she had gone to the bathroom yet and she said that she hadn't.  I really think that's why her tummy hurt because she acted fine the rest of the day.

When it was time to go pick Parker up from school, Jared called and wanted me to run to Fremont so I could sign a permission slip for him to get a physical since a doctor was there for the track team.  He also needed $5.  The timing wasn't good at all but Kimleighel volunteered to go to Fremont for Jared.  She could sign the paper and take him the $5.  I had to laugh a little and kept thinking how glad I was that I had stayed home.  I was suppose to.

The kids are so cute and it's fun snuggling with them throughout the day.  I love their cute personalities and hearing Macie say "No Way".  She is really speaking well now.

The weather is nice and so our playground was happy to have the kids running around and playing on it.  The kids will play out there for hours.  I love our playground almost as much as the kids do.  That is the one thing I would miss if we ever moved.

Saturday the kids did the things they were suppose to do. (they each have in a list in their suitcase to mark off.)  Then they got dressed and went outside again to enjoy this nice weather we are having.  Larry was out doing some yard work and I was in doing the laundry.  I always try to clean the grands clothes while they stay with us so mommy doesn't have a ton of laundry when when they go home.  It's funny that three little ones really do make a difference in the laundry loads.  I read a quote the other day that said something to the effect that we will miss doing the laundry when the kids are gone...I know for a fact that is not true!  I miss my kids but I'm glad I don't have the laundry like I use to.

We took the grands to McD's for lunch.  They were excited to go. I am glad that grandpa suggested it.  I had told Mya earlier that we would probably just have ramen noodles which they really like.  I couldn't help but add the picture of Larry sleeping to our pictures.  That is usually what he does when the kids come to play.  I remind him and actually the grands do now too, that is why they refer to our house as "gramma's house". Grandpa Larry is fun when he decides to interact.  He let Mya and Parker go feed the cows with him when we came home from having lunch.  Kimleighel took Mya and Parker for a nice walk after that while Macie had a nap. It was a great day.

We really enjoyed the kids.  They are so cute and fun to have over.  I don't mind the messes while they are here.  I try to relax and let them be little and have fun making memories.  I know they were excited when Justin and Natalie came but I really think they wouldn't have minded staying a few more days.  Earlier I had mentioned to Macie that her mommy and daddy would be home soon and she said "No, gramma's house."  She likes staying with us and that thrills my soul.  Natalie told me that when they were putting her to bed tonight she told them she wanted to come back to my house.  How cute is that?  I'll tell you.....it's Stinkin Cute!  I sure love these little people!

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 ~ Post the last picture you took on your phone.

Macie girl is loaded with personality!  I took a lot of pictures of the grands the last few days.

Lunch ~ What needs fixing in your life right now?  My hands...they are still driving me crazy with because they itch and peel.  

Dinner ~ Who has been on your mind this week and why? My kids.  There is always something going on with them and they are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Midnight Snack ~ Did you set any New Year's Resolutions?  If so, how are you doing with them? I'm not one that makes New Year's Resolutions.  I just want to be a little better each year and so I just try really hard to follow the promptings I get from the Holy Ghost.  For years I have made a conscious effort to be happier and make fun happen.

Recipe for the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for the week?) Slow Down and Enjoy the Journey!  Everything doesn't have to be perfect to be enjoyable.

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First Aid Tips

For our Special Needs Activity tonight we had a speaker come and talk to the girls about first aid.  I think the gal did a good job and the girls seemed to like it.

During it I was talking to our Production Specialist about the production and parts and shirt sizes for the girls.  These girls are happy to announce and tell us they are a 2x or 3x ... no shame at all which I thought was really cool.  It is what it is and that's that.

Some how we got talking about our ages and Channel was teasing me and said I looked like I was 88.  I hope that when I am 88 if I make it that long I look like I do now.  Lizz had my back and said I looked more like 35.  Ahhh.....these girls.....they make me smile and laugh out loud!