Sleepover

Every Conference we have a sleepover with the grands.  It all started when we would go out to dinner after the Priesthood Session on Saturday night and the grands would ask if they could sleep over.  We let them but since it was so late already they really just came home with us and went to bed.  A few years ago I decided to have them over on a Friday when they all could come so they could enjoy each other longer.  It's a lot more fun having more time together.  I told the kids they could come at 4:00.  I was sure I would be home from book club by then and they could have 5 hours to play before having to go to bed.  They all got to my house before I did.....I think they were excited.  It was a nice weekend and so they had a great time playing together.

This was Macie and Jordyn's first time joining the big kids.  We decided that once the grands were old enough to realize they were missing out then they were old enough to join us.  It was fun having the two little girls but I will say that they don't understand what it means to be rewarded for going to sleep quickly. ☺

Before I forgot we took a few pictures together.  All the grands were much more interested in playing so we hurried and then they were off.

The older girls like playing house and school.  They all really enjoyed the big boxes we had from our new chairs and made homes out of them.  It's fun for me to watch them be creative and use their imaginations.  The boys had a box of their own and had a good time poking, cutting, taping and decorating it. They also enjoyed playing the Wii until Parker lost his remote into the TV.  He was playing baseball and his "bat" flew right out of his hand and into the TV.  I was standing right behind him and saw the whole thing and couldn't figure out where the broken glass was that I heard.  It turned out the the glass was broken inside the TV, behind the screen.  Oopsie!  I reassured Parker that it was an accident and no one was in trouble.  It was nice having the TV off the rest of the night 

actually. 

I decided that we would have breakfast for dinner and just have cereal in the morning.  I cooked a bunch of bacon and sliced some oranges and got a bowl of peaches ready while Kimleighel made everyone Captain America Waffles. Kimi is so cute to help out.  The kids all enjoyed their breakfast/dinner!  I enjoyed having the mess on Friday instead of Saturday.  On Saturday's I like to get everything back to order.

My grands like to create and they look forward to me having something for them to do.  I was pretty sure I had lunch sacks in the pantry and so I had them make puppets.  We had paper, pens, crayons, scissors, punches, and glue sticks scattered all over the table and the kids got creative.  They had a really good time and made some really cute puppets.

They were all really good to help clean everything up afterwards.  With everyone helping the mess was cleaned up quickly.  Man, it's nice having older grands that help.

Everyone got ready for bed and then we had a few puppet shows.  They made me laugh.  The girls cut holes in their puppets so they could eat bacon and they all did.  It was pretty clever and funny.  The boys fought with their puppets. ☺  So funny the difference between boys and girls.

I wanted to have the grands in bed by 9:00 since Kamryn had a early soccer game.  We did well and I believe everyone was actually asleep by 9:30.  I reward the kids with books if they go to sleep good.  I have so many books from my kids and this is a fun way to get rid of them.  Kamryn asked me what happened if they didn't go to bed good which made me laugh and caught me off guard.  I just told her she wouldn't get a book.  All the older kids settled right down and were still and quiet.  The two little girls were wiggly.  Macie had her feet up on the couch and Jordy kept situating her babies.  I decided to rub Macie's back to help her settle down and after about 10 minutes she was asleep.  Jordy had been laying down but got back up and so I went over to rub her back and seriously within a minute she was also asleep.  The only one still moving was Mya, who just couldn't get comfortable.  She moved to the couch and I rubbed her back for her.  By the time everyone was asleep Larry got home.

Larry went to the Temple with a friend who was taking out his endowments so he could be sealed to his sweetie. (more on another post)
 
In the morning they all got to choose a book.  They find some good books that I forgot we had.  The one that cracked me up was Macie's.  She chose a Goosebumps book and didn't even consider a cute picture book when we tried a few times to change her mind. haha (she's 2)

I love our Conference Sleepover Tradition.  The kids have so much fun and we are making some fun memories.  I'm so addicted to these little ones.  I always feel a tiny bit of quilt for not letting all the babies stay but remind myself that their time will come and they do get to sleep over at other times.

I enjoy my fun bunch of grands.  They seriously make my heart smile and about burst from all the love it holds for each of them.

Wise Gals Book Club

Susan hosted Book Club this month at her house.  I love her house and it was very relaxing to sit and talk about life and books.  Susan prepared a yummy lunch for us all.  She made homemade pot pies and a yummy salad. (I'm craving more salad.  It was just a green salad but the dressing was so delicious)  We had yogurt parfaits for dessert.  It was all so nice and good!

I actually read three books this month...Why is God Laughing, Searched the World Over for Elie, and one about a guy who ran away with his brother to escape the polygamy life. (forgot the name)  I enjoyed all these books.  Why is God Laughing made me really think about who I am and why we do the things we do.  It helped me realize that we just need to discover ourselves and who God meant for us to be.  We need to try to escape the "molding" we get from the world.  The Searched the World Over for Elie written by the daughter of my mom's friend and is her story of finding her son in the Dominican of Republic of Congo.  It's about her adoption process and the challenges and blessings that she faced.  I really enjoyed it.  The last book is of a young man remembering how he felt when he attended church as a child and wanting that in his life instead of the one he was in.  His dad had chose to take more wives and to leave his original family to have more families.  His mother remained loyal to her husband and worked hard to earn money to give him even though he only stopped by once a month to collect the money.  She moved her kids around to avoid problems that seemed to always find them.  I was proud of David for his courage to do what he knew was right. I enjoyed listening to the other reports and ended up bringing home Mutant Down Under again.  I  really like that book.

Shanna shared some spiritual things with us that gave me chills.  I love that we can share so much with each other.  We missed Kathy again this month.  The hours flew by and soon it was time for me to go home to greet my grands.  (they all beat me there)

Food 4 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 are some books that have influenced you greatly?  How? Left to Tell.  I am amazed at the faith of Immaculee and her trust in the Lord while she hid in a little bathroom with many other women so she wouldn't be killed.  Gifted Hands.  Ben Carson's story impresses me.  His mother was wise in having her boys read before playing.  The power of reading is wonderful.  Mutant Down Under.  I like this book because it talks about a people that live simple. They don't have the distractions of the world but are very spiritually in tune with the earth and God. Believing Christ.  I love the simple lessons that teach Big principles.  I love the scriptures and many more books about people and their challenges and lives.  I learn so much and always  feel so blessed when I read about others.

Lunch ~ It's Saturday morning. What's the first thing you do when you wake up? Go potty and take my synthroid and get a drink of water.  Then I make my bed and shower and usually get on the computer or head off to a grands soccer game.

Dinner ~ What are your top five favorite smells? Babies, bread cooking, Popcorn, fresh laundry, cloves.

Midnight Snack ~ If a movie was being made of your life and you could choose the actor/actress to play you, who would you choose and why? I think Sandra Bullock.  She is so talented she could pull me off quite well. ☺

Recipe for the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for the week) If you want something to happen, then make it happen! 

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kids over and snap

Kimi decided that she would rather have the kids spend the night at our house than to wake up early to go tend them.  They all liked that idea a lot.  It's always fun having them over.  Kimi takes such good care of them.

I like any time that the grands come over.  They grow up so fast and it's nice when I get to see them a few times a week which doesn't happen all the time.

I went bowling and then after bowling I went and got Larry's truck so that I could go pick up a few chairs to add to our family room.   I like the new chairs. They are colorful and comfy and are just right for our room.

The kids enjoyed playing in the boxes.  It's funny how a big box can be so much fun.  We ended with 3 big boxes because Jared got him a rocking chair for his room.

I was planning on driving to SNAP and picking Barbie and her girls up to go with me.  I had text Barbie and let her know that was my plan.  I was surprised when I was helping Trichelle get the kids in the car and saw Barbie drive in.  She did have Karleigh and Ayzlee with her which was great and I told her that I could still drive but instead I ended up going with them.  (good thing)

We got a little further in our production and everyone is catching on really good.  I can't help but smile and laugh every now and then while I watch them.  These people love dancing and singing.  It's so much fun to be a part of this.

I was planning on taking Nicki home since I always do but I had a few more kids tell me they needed a ride home.  There is no way I could have helped them out if I would have drove my car like I was planning on.  It's a good thing I didn't read Barbie's text all the way through when I replied "Yes" when she asked if I wanted her to drive.  I seriously thought she asked if I would have room for her two extra's.  Any way I think it was meant to be to have Barbie drive so we could taxi a few more kids home.  Sadie didn't have a ride until 10:00 which is so strange that they just expected someone else to take her home without checking before they dropped her off. It worked out though and everyone got home safely.

Want to Get Lunch

Kimleighel is only tending the kids a few days a week now because Trichelle is going to work from home the other days....or that is the plan for now.  Anyway she was bored and we decided that we would go get some lunch.

Earlier Kimleighel had messaged her friend Derek to see what his plans were for the day since he didn't have school.  She was even brave enough to put that she had the day off too. (she added "ha ha")  I was nervous for his response and I was really hoping he would respond.  I hadn't met Derek but hear a lot about him.  We knew he was planning on exercising and was really hoping that was why he hadn't responded to Kimi.  We decided to go to lunch anyway instead of waiting for his reply.  About the time we both felt full, Derek replied to Kimi...."want to get some lunch".  We laughed and Kimleighel replied with "sure.".  When he asked how much time she needed to get ready she said 15 minutes since that's how long it would take us to get home. ☺

Derek picked Kimleighel up on time and they went to Zuppa's and Kimi ordered soup/sandwich and was able to eat the soup but then fessed up why she couldn't eat the sandwich.  I'm  glad that her "bravery" paid off and I really hope that Derek will take her out again.  I did meet him when he picked Kimi up and he seems like a really nice guy.  Fun times and hard times squished together!

Library Day

I went to the Dentist with Jared this morning and was planning on going back this afternoon for my appointment but when we got there, Nate told me that he could fix my tooth right then because someone had just cancelled and he wasn't busy.  Woo Hoo...lucky me!  He can get me done faster because I don't like having Novocaine.  Novocaine makes me weak and sick so I just have my teeth fixed without anything.  I wonder why people do get numbed...the shot hurts worse than anything I have experienced.  Anyway....I was glad I didn't have to go back and was done.

 It's spring break this week for our kids and Kimi brought the grands over for breakfast.  I told them about the new Library and suggested we go there.  I mentioned that we might learn new things because there was so much to do at the Library.  Zaden quickly said "it's spring break, we don't need to learn."  Funny Kid!  We went  to the Library anyway and Ivy taught me how to move my files from my computer to an online site so I can work on Jared's book any where.  She's a smartie.  These kids amaze me.  They know so much and it's just their norm.  I love our new Library!

I copied this cute picture of Behreneger from Trichelle's instagram.  He is growing up so fast and is so stinking handsome!

Larry sent me roses....no reason, other than he loves me so much!  I love him so much too!  I believe we have each other wrapped around our finger.

Conference

I love Conference Weekend!  I am thrilled that Kimleighel was excited to listen to all the sessions with me.  She was so anxious to hear the words of our leaders.  So fun seeing our kids grow up and turning out good in spite of our errors.  I loved all the talks and felt like there were a few that mentioned being truly converted....having our faith challenged so that we know for sure why we are doing what we do and why.  I know that wasn't any of the topics but heard it a few times.  I think that we all need to be truly converted at some point or challenged so we absolutely know we have made the right choice in being members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Mine happened a few years ago and I'm glad it did. I also noticed a lot was said about the Temple...it's the place to be! I love listening to all the speakers and feeling the spirit and being prompted of what I need to do to better my life.

I love that my boys go to the Priesthood Session together and that some of my grands and their mommy's come to visit me during that time.  Natalie and her kids came this year and we played a few games and Natalie and I visited.  I love visiting with my girls.  Friday night I had that pleasure with Kelsi.  I learn a lot from these cute young mothers and they enrich my life and strengthen my testimony.

It's a tradition that we go to LaFerrovia with the entire family after the Priesthood session on Saturday.  I call in our order and so we don't have to wait and it helps the restaurant since they get a few big groups.  We missed Ivy and Zaden since they were enjoying their daddy's.

I always enjoy seeing my kids and grands visit and enjoy each other.  The grands usually end up under the table playing.  Kamryn brought her pizza making toys and they gathered there after they ate.  Some ice water had got spilled on Larry's lap when Jordyn was handed to him across the table and before long I felt cold on my leg and noticed that the grands were putting ice on me.  I was holding Behr and didn't notice right away.  The grands thought that was so funny....I did too!

(I love and sustain these men)

I loved listening to our cute Prophet, President Monson first thing this Sunday morning.  I was 3 when he was called to be an apostle and I have many memories of him speaking to us at conferences.  I have always loved listening to him.  He's a great man and wonderful speaker.  He talked about Choices today.  Every choice we make should lead us closer to our Heavenly Father. He truly is a Prophet of God.

Elder Holland finished the conference expressing his love for all of us along with the other disciples.  He is a powerful speaker and his talk was the perfect one to end this conference. "Keep loving, keep trying, keep trusting, keep believing, keep going.  Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow and forever."

We are so blessed to have a Prophet and Apostles guiding and directing us.  I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I'm a better person because of it!

from the Priesthood Session ☺