Celebrating Birthdays

Crystals Birthday is the same as Parkers and we celebrated this morning.  We went to Jeremiahs for some breakfast.  We each got the stuffed french toast.  It was good but we each only ate about half of what they gave us.  I enjoyed our visit.  I have always liked Crystal and I'm so thankful we are such good friends.  She's another friend that I consider family.  Maybe it's because we share nieces and nephews. (Tami and Brent's kids)  Maybe it's because my brother and sister in law are her brother and sister in law too.  Maybe it's because she is just one of those people that mean the world to me.  I do know that I love this girl and I'm so thankful to have her in my life.  She adds so much happiness to my life.

 Parker got to come to our house after school so we could celebrate him.  Kimi and I took him to Toys R Us to find a birthday gift.  I love watching the kids admire everything and then to finally choose.  Parker was pretty quick in deciding and he chose some Boxing Robots.  We had fun playing them when we got home.  He was the blue one and it was easiest to "pop" his head off.  He told me that when he took them home to play he was going to be red because he noticed the blue ones head came off easier. (smart kid)  I enjoy our time with each grand on their birthday...it's so much fun.

I asked Parker what he would like for dinner.  I meant what he would like me to make but he said we could go where Kimi and I took him last year.  We had gone to AppleBee's last year.  I told Larry that Parker wanted to go out for dinner or have me make Quesadilla's.  We went out to dinner! ☺  We went to the Olive Garden though since we had a few gift certificates.  Parker loved it and at everything including the birthday dessert they brought him.  It was fun taking Parker out.

When we got home he went and checked the cows with Larry and Jared.  They found a dead calf. (darn it)  Parker was great about getting bathed and ready for bed.  I heard him tell grandpa Larry "Sorry you have to sleep by yourself tonight.  Gramma is sleeping with me." ☺  Parker and I slept in the front room on the new air mattress I bought.  I love the new mattress.  It makes sleeping in the other room much nicer.

Parker went bowling with me.  It was the last day and I knew Parker would be good.  I didn't realize Kimi would be home with the babies and so I gave Parker the choice to go with me or stay with Kimi.  He chose to go with me even though he knew he was only going to watch.  He was so good and it was fun for me to show him off.

We got awards today at bowling.  Our team took last place but we still got some money.  The first teams for each half of the season also took last during the other season...kind of interesting.  I got a prize for having High Scratch Series.  (that happened a few weeks ago...the one I blogged about)  It was a fun day and we finished in time for me to take Parker to school.

Temple on Tuesday this Week

I went to the Temple on Tuesday instead of Wednesday this week.  I did initiatory and one of the sisters told me that I was very pretty. Boy that little act of kindness sure made my day! Sometimes I don't feel pretty at all.  I've been in one of those slumps lately where I don't feel good about my outward appearance so it was really nice to hear.

I went to the Boy Scout office after the Temple because we needed more paper work before Jared can have a Board of Review.  I know if you follow my blog you might be thinking..."I thought Jared got his Eagle Scout already."  Jared has finished everything but needs more papers filled out and signed.  I don't really understand since everything is recorded already.  Oh well I got the paper and did my best to fill it out so Jared can go get the signatures he needs so he can give it to another leader so he can have is Board of Review and be done! (I've never visited the Scout Office so much)  When I was leaving the Scout office a lady behind one of the desks by the front doors took the time to compliment me.  I guess I really needed kind words today.  My heart was lifted and lighter and feeling happy because of the kind words said to me today.

I went to my mom's and cleaned her bathroom.  Mom wasn't home yet and so I waited for her.  I'm glad I waited because she wanted to go to lunch.  We went to Zuppa's and had a yummy salad and sandwich.  My mom liked my sandals I was wearing and so we went and got her a pair for Mother's Day.  I love my mom.  I appreciate all that she has done and still does for our family.  My mom is a hard worker and is quite caring.

Trichelle and the boys stopped by for a while after school and I really enjoyed visiting with them.  Just having them in the same room as me is a really nice thing.

Me and Kimleighel went up to see Parker on his birthday because he was really excited about everything when I called him earlier.  He got a few basketball hoops.  He is pretty talented and reminds me of his dad.  He was dribbling the ball without paying attention and loved shooting it.  Basketball hoops are so good for kids.  It keeps them busy.  I loved having a hoop on our house when I was growing up. I went out often just to shoot some baskets.  Natalie made a really cute cake.  (she always makes cute cakes)  Parker was thrilled with it.

There is so much JOY that comes from being a gramma.  It's a wonderful feeling to have your kids grow up and have their own kids.  It's fun seeing that all the time and effort we spend raising our kids is worth it.  I adore my cute family!

Parker is 6

This cute little guy is 6 today!  Parker Joe lights up my world.  He likes me and he will often come whisper in my ear that I am his favorite.  He might do that to everyone but it sure makes me feel good anyway.  Parker is such a cute and fun boy.  He likes doing all kind of things.  He is good at creating and building with lego's.  He likes being outside and can entertain himself for a long time.  He loves stuffed animals and asked grandpa for his blue bunny when grandpa dies. (haha)  Parker is clever and smart.  On Sunday him and Larry were playing battleship and Larry was saying some things he thought would trick Parker but Parker caught on.  He is good at keeping secrets.  When we stopped by the night before Easter, Parker watched us from his bedroom window as we made bunny prints and left surprise on the pork. He didn't tell his sisters. Parker is artistic and creative.  He's pretty good at everything.  He reminds me a lot of his dad when he was little.  There is mischief in this child which you can see just by looking at him.  He melts my heart.  What a joy Parker boy is...we all love him so much.

Game Day

Another Fun Monday!  The same group of gals showed up again today and we had a good time.  I really had a fun time because I was a winner today.  The other weeks I was not the winner and probably was the biggest loser but not today.  The others were razzing me and trying to gang up on me.  They could razz me but there was nothing they couldn't do about the cards I was drawing or got.  I had to take a picture of the score sheet because it was so unusual.  I don't know it I have ever seen anyone get this low of a score. (14)  I was the Lucky Duck today in Five Crowns and also Tenzie.  Lorrilee won at Burn the House Down.  She was the first to build a house with six children.

We really do have fun together and I like starting my week off playing games with my friends.  A few of us went to lunch after at the Olive Garden.  Kathy popped in just as everyone was leaving so we visited with her for a few minutes.  She didn't want to come to lunch with us since her daughter is home for the summer and they needed to go do some things.  I was glad that she stopped by even though she didn't come to play.  (she has an exercise class at that time that she likes...I guess she likes it better than our game day ☺)

Kamryn's Baptism

What a special day today.  Kamryn turned eight and was able to be baptized on her birthday.  Kamryn's cousin Brexton who turned eight on Sunday was baptized today as well.  These two are such good friends and it was cool that they got to baptized together.  Brexton was a gentleman and let Kamryn be baptized and confirmed before him.  I bet that made Kamryn feel extra special since Brexton is usually the first.

The spirit was strong as it always is at baptisms.  When Kevin baptized Kamryn he did it in Spanish.  It was so awesome and made me cry.  I would have cried anyway.  It was a glorious day.  Kamryn was bubbling with excitement and happiness and was running around afterwards.  She just couldn't contain herself....she's so cute.

They had a nice luncheon afterwards.  Their were lots of people there to support these two cuties.  The Dunkley, Ropelato and White families were all there as well as some ward members and the Bishops of both these children. (Kam's other grand parents were there as well)  I hope Kamryn and Brexton realize how much they are loved because they truly are.

I love Baptism's!  I know that being Baptized is the Right Thing To Do!  We are being like Jesus and Following Him when we are.  The Gospel has been restored!  Joseph Smith was the instrument in which it was.  We have Prophets today that speak to God and run His church.  We're so lucky to get the Gift of the Holy Ghost to be with us when we are baptized.  He loves us and cares about us and He will never leave us....it is us who might walk away from Him but He never leaves us.  His love for us is as unconditional as Jesus and Heavenly Father's is.  Life is Best when we Follow Jesus!

Justin and Kamryn

These two loves of my life share the same birthday.  I think it's great!  When Kamryn joined our family I believe it was Justin that she bonded with first.  Kamryn was so loud and Justin would be louder than her.  Kamryn liked Justin and his teasing.  I'm so glad that they are both ours.

 Justin has always been a mini Larry, a "Chip off the Old Block".  When he was just a little guy his mannerisms were exactly like his dads.  Justin's personality is also very much like Larry's.  He's a kind soul and tries so hard to do what's right all the time.  Justin is witty and fun and others are drawn to him.  Justin is a hard worker.  He has worked at TJ's since he was sixteen.  He is Larry's ticket to retirement. ☺ Justin is smart and kind.  I'm so proud of him.  He's a wonderful big brother and cares about everyone.  Justin is so thoughtful and would give the shirt off his back if someone needed it.  In fact, the Christmas before he went on his mission he gave all his gifts to a few of Trichelle's friends who didn't get a Christmas.  His example rubbed off on Kevin and Kevin also gave up some of his gifts. Justin is a fantastic daddy and husband.  He has always been an obedient son.  I remember so well the day I met him.  My heart was changed.  We had a daughter and a son and life was complete.  I sure do love my oldest son.

This little cutie stole my heart the first time I met her.  I am so glad that she is ours.  Kamryn is so sweet and loving.  She is smart and is good at everything she tries.  Kam tries a lot of different things.  She dances, does gymnastics, plays soccer is good at art, likes to read and I am sure I heard her say she wants to play football.  She's taking after her dad and she makes everyone proud.  Kamryn has been teased since she was born and is a good sport.  She is such a blessing to all of us. Kamryn likes her time with me and that makes my heart so happy. Kamryn is a beautiful little girl and I love her to pieces!

We Went Collecting

So sometimes when people rent Trailers from TJ Trailers they don't bring them back.  I don't know what they are thinking but Larry gets tired of it.  So, Larry decided to drive to SLC and find one that has been gone since November.  Jared and I went with him.  It was scary!  The little neighborhood just off of main and around 17 was small.  The houses were super close together and the roads were smaller than those in the Terrace where I grew up.  The first road we turned down got me scared.  There was a car in the middle of the road and one off the side.  The guys were not talking nice to each other and soon one guy was pulling another one from his car and hitting him.  We kept going but Jared was watching.  We came to a corner and there were two cars stopped even though there wasn't a stop sign...it all made me nervous!

The guy that had our Trailer was nice and polite.  He told us the trailer was in the back of his house which meant we had to go down the road behind his house.  There was no way Larry could turn around and so he backed up all the way down the street. He did as well as "Mater".  Larry asked the guy if he could come up with some $$$ for the use of the trailer and the guy was able to.  So everything worked out good.

We decided to stop and get some dinner at the Spaghetti Factory.  It was yummy as always.  It wasn't a typical Friday night but it was good.

I had this yummy dessert earlier this week with Kimleighel and even though it use to be my favorite it isn't anymore.  It is too rich and made me sick.  That's actually a nice thing.  I will cherish the memories. ☺

 Since it's cold and rainy I justify spending the day wrapped in a warm blanket and a book.

This tree makes me smile every time I drive by it.  I love the beautiful blossoms.