Special Needs Girls Camp

Well Girl's Camp was awesome and a huge Success!  Everyone was fine with having a few day camps at Barbie's and some even think this is how we should have camp every year for now on.  Everyone still came and had a great time.

Our camp director Stephanie Wray planned so many fun and wonderful activities.  There was no way the girls were going to get bored.  She had things for them to do all the time.  We only had one small squabble and I noticed a few cool things.  Krystal had made a comment that she didn't want to hear Christmas music that Nicki was playing.  Nicki got all offended and threw her phone in her purse and let out feelings from long ago.  I was trying to play it all down and have the girls drop it.  Nicki wouldn't and neither would Krystal.  Ann Marie who is Krystal's friend actually stood up for Nicki and told Krystal to leave if she didn't like the music. Usually girls will gang up and stick together and gossip about someone if something like this happens, but these girls do what is right.  The commotion caused a chain reaction and some of the girls started crying.  Seriously some of these girls souls can't handle quarreling.  One gal in a wheel chair reached across the table to a gal that was crying and said hold my hands.  She was comforting her.  That's what this group of girls do...they encourage, love, support, and comfort each other.  It didn't take long for everything to settle down.  I noticed a little later that Krystal was apologizing to Nicki.  I thought that was a wonderful act of kindness.  Everything was settled and all bad feelings were erased.  What a great example my friends are.  There was one other incident where one of the gals couldn't find the restroom and wet herself and was crying.  The girls around her didn't make fun of her but comforted her and told her not to worry things like that happens sometimes.  What examples!

I have the best counselors and I appreciate them so much.  Barbie (my first counselor) volunteered her home so we wouldn't have to cancel camp. She helped me with the food too and is so great with the girls. Virginia knows who needs help and when and is always serving someone.  I can count on her for anything.  Carla just wanted to help if we could use her and of course we could. Carla helped a lot with the food since Barbie and I took that on with our hubs. She covered for me since I felt like I needed to be with the girls as well.  Dyan, my second counselor was at a family reunion and wasn't able to come but is a great counselor.  Mona Ruth (called momma Ruth by Jess) is always helping the gals too.  I seriously am so blessed.

Our camp was based around Dr. Seuss.  We talked about the Moral's to many of his stories.  There are so many good lessons that can be learned from Dr. Seuss.

The guys, Larry, Scott and Roger helped with the  dinners both nights. Larry thought it would be funny to put fake frogs in the spaghetti since we saw a live one the night before when we were leaving and some of the girls got a little freaked out.  He's crazy like that!

The weather was nice and the trees in Barbie's yard were a blessing.  We went to the Steogers on Friday night to have a campfire.  The Steogers are so gracious and kind.  We used eight of their nice tables and even a cooler of theirs as well.

Besides being bumped from the cabin, the band that Stephanie had coming decided to cancel just two days before our camp.  We thought a movie outside would be fun and it would have if it would have worked.  For some reason it didn't and so Stephanie ended up reading the story instead. (one about Horton the Elephant)  NO one complained and Virginia said it best in her testimony.  For having so many things so wrong, everything sure turned out just right.  It was a perfect camp in my opinion.  I love this group of gals and leaders.  They have strong testimonies and the love overflows from each of them.  They make my soul happy.

***On Sunday the Special needs group came and did our Sacrament Meeting.  My heart was so full of love for each of them.  I was excited to share my friends with my ward.  Everyone did such an awesome job.  Holy Cow...this group of Young Men and Women are my favorite!  I'm so glad that I believe in God and allow Him to guide me through this life!

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 is something people ask you that you really don't like to answer? really I don't get asked it a lot but I have always hated telling anyone my weight. (even when I was 114 lbs...)

Lunch ~ If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be? my ability to push myself a little harder physically.  When I'm done, I'm done...I wish I had the ability to just do a little more.

Dinner ~ What are three things that give you life? My relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus, My family, and my friends!

Midnight Snack ~ If you were given a free round trip plane ticket to anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?   I'd like to see Holland and France and probably Italy again when the Temple is finished.  I would just like to tour and see the beautiful sights. How about in the USA? I'd go to Alaska again....I think it's beautiful.  Of course I'd say Hawaii but we manage to get there

Recipe for the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for the week?)  Just Go With The Flow.  Stressing over things doesn't change them.

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Another Fun Lunch

This morning I was blessed with a few of my grands.  Behr got to come and play while Ivy and Zaden went to the dentist.  Justin brought his cuties over so he could take Natalie to the doctor.  Natalie had a tubal pregnancy and won't be getting another little one quite yet.  I'm glad that Natalie followed her heart and the promptings she was getting to come home from helping her sister and to go to the doctor.  I'm glad it didn't go any further to the point of bursting.  She will be given a really strong dose of Chemo and hopefully that will clean everything up.  I love Natalie's attitude...her strength is a strength to me.  It was fun having the little's over...I sure do like them!

I met Mal and Kathy again for lunch.  Going out twice for our birthdays is pretty fun.  We went to AppleBee's.  I don't get tired of these two and could sit and talk to them for hours...which is exactly what we do.  We have a lot to talk about. ☺  I love my dear friends and enjoy our visits.  I love their insight and advice.  Today they each shared a time that they lost it and told someone off.  I can't even picture any of these two blowing up and I'm pretty sure it was done nicely.  I kind of laughed trying to even imagine it.  Kathy is so soft spoken and Mallory is so thoughtful and kind and  doesn't just react.  I couldn't help but think of me blowing up a few times over the years....I blow!  (not so much any more)  ahhhhh...I love these two friends of mine!

Jodi and I celebrating Us

Today started out with me trying to run with some friends.  I haven't done anything for years and knew I'd better start doing something before I can't.  I knew it was going to be ugly and it was.  I ran a little and had to stop to catch my breath.  I wanted to quit but my friends were encouraging and kind and so I kept at it.  I ended up running/walking for over two miles.  Larry was impressed that I went that far on my first day.  I was impressed I didn't pass out.  I am doing this to be healthy...I don't care to compete or run long distances.  I just want to be able to breathe and move better.  I'm expecting to be a young "old" lady...it will take some effort.  I told my mom about my running and having a hard time breathing and she immediately told me I was heavy and that is probably why.  I stood up for myself and said "no I'm not" and she looked at me and raised her eyebrows and said "oh yes you are".  Hmmmm....no wonder I have always felt like I was fat.  It has been told to me by my dear mom my whole life.  Well...she is wrong and I'm not going to let her pull me down anymore.  Because of this kind of love and attention I have learned to be kinder and more thoughtful.  I try really hard to be kind to my kids and encourage them and to treat them equal.  I'm pretty sure mom would never say something like that to my sister...I'm the lucky one!  YeeHaw!   I do love my mom and she has a ton of wonderful qualities but today....she gagged me!

**two days later my mom left a sweet message and since I just exposed a bad thing I thought it only right that I expose her kind side. "Hi Dawn, I just wanted to hear her sweet voice this morning because you are so upbeat and just going, going, going.........ended with.......remember I love you and I think you are an amazing women."  So that is how she is more often than not.  Sometimes it's just easier believing the bad things said...I wonder why that is?  You might wonder why I would even mention any of this and it's because we all have things happen to us that are unpleasant or unkind but there is more good things happening and being said.  My life is real and I am real and I don't always respond or react with a happy heart.  Sometimes my heart gets hurt but it always heals!

Before visiting with my mom I was treated like a queen.  Jodi even gave me a card that said: "all I ask is that you treat me no differently than the QUEEN"  I should have shown it to my mom. ☺ Jodi and I like to celebrate our birthdays together since we refer to ourselves as "twinsee".  I was born one year and 5 days before Jodi, and we finally found each other.  It's fun having a friend so similar to yourself.  We totally "get"each other.

We went to Hug Hes.  For our birthdays they gave us cookies the size of our face.  It's a yummy place to go.  Jodi truly spoiled me.  She gave me a few cute necklaces, a crystal Hershey candy dish filled with mint chocolates and another candy jar filled with more chocolate.  I gave Jodi a Rtic Tumbler with her name on it.  I had it filled with different kinds of chocolate.  I think everyone should have one of those cool tumblers.  Ice will last in it all day even in the hot sun.

After lunch we went to the store and bought some chocolate and ice cream sandwiches.  It's the best we can do at this point in our lives.  We went to Beus Pond to share our treats with others.  The reason we choose these treats is because I am born on National Milk Chocolate Day and Jodi is born on National Ice Cream Sandwich day.  It is so fun sharing.  People aren't sure how to respond but today most of them were happy to receive a treat and even wished us a happy birthday.  One guy even gave us movie passes.  Instantly I thought of "Karma"....our good deed came right back to us.  The time flies when we are together.  Jodi's such a fun friend and I like referring to her as my "twinsee".  Thank You Jodi for treating me like a Queen!

When I left Jodi I went to my mom's to clean her bathroom.  I regretted that decision soon after her bathroom was clean.

When Larry got home we had a few good laughs about being thick and heavy and having a hard time getting around.  I couldn't help but be sarcastic about almost anything said.  We laughed but called it quits...enough is enough after all.  Kimi bought pie tonight....did I eat it?  YES....YES I did!

Wake up to Gramma Dawn

Instead of having Kevin bring the kids to my house so early I decided to go to theirs.  Last week he brought them because I thought it would be nicer having them here.  I didn't do anything other than watch the kids and so really it didn't matter if they were here or there.  I thought it would be better if they were able to wake up on their own too and it was.  Kamryn and Jordyn woke up around 9:30 and were happy and darling.  I had the twins fed and dressed by the time they got up.  It was much better watching them at their house.  They have all the swings and things for the twins.  I know it was easier on Kevin too and so I will just go there for the rest of the mornings I get to watch them.  The twins make eye contact and smile at you now....it's so cute.  Kamryn is such a wonderful big sister and is such a help to her siblings.  She really likes helping them all...she reminds me of me when I was younger.  Jordyn loves her twins and Kamryn too.  She is always kissing on the twins and telling me they are her babies and tells me their names.  Jordyn loves her babies dolls and will probably always love babies too.  They all make this gramma's heart smile.  Oh my heck...we are so blessed!

Quiet Sunday

I had a package waiting on the pool table for me when I got up Sunday.  It was a package of Sunshine and Love.  Everything was yellow and I diffidently felt the "love".  My cute friend from Las Vegas sent it to me for my birthday.  Julie is such a sweetie!  She texts me every single day and has done so for a year.  Julie makes my heart smile and her thoughtfulness makes a difference.  I followed her lead and text her every day as well.  It's a great way to start the day.  I'm amazed at what comes to my mind each day as I text her.  I know the majority of the texts are inspired.  It's pretty cool!

It was our families off week and so Sadie had us all to herself.  She's such a cutie and her little personality is shining and developing more and more.  Today for the first time I witnessed a big fit from her.  She was laying on the floor on her back and bucking up and down.  I couldn't help but laugh a little.  Becoming independent and finding boundaries can be frustrating for the littles.  She didn't get her way.  She wanted a creamie all to herself but soon realized that wasn't going to happen and decided sharing was better than nothing.  I love watching the little ones grow and learn.  I love seeing how patient and kind their cute parents are.

Bear Lake

(this was the view coming off the mountain)

We decided to have a family day at Bear Lake.  The only way we can all go anymore is if we can play on the beach and take turns going in the boat.  Larry set the alarm for 5:30 am....I didn't get home until 1:00 am.  We had everything ready and so we just grabbed things and went.  We were able to launch the boat and even park in the lower parking lot.  The water was smooth and beautiful.  Bear Lake is just pretty.  It's so clear that you can see yourself under the water.  Since the water was perfect for skiing, Larry decided to get his ski out and go for it.  The kids thought it was cool that their dad could still ski.  I thought so too.  Larry's a stud!

We had such a good time.  The weather was a little windy at times but for the most part it was great and I'm glad we just went in spite of the the weather forecast.

We beat the kids to the beach and were able to get a great spot.  We even got two picnic tables.  Justin and Braxton's families showed up shortly after and got things set up.  We had a few canopies and big umbrella's to keep things cool.  The canopies didn't last very long with the winds but the umbrella's did for the most part.

I love having a place the kids can play and enjoy themselves.  They love the beach and even the water there is shallow enough for them to walk around in.  The temperature was nice even when the wind decided to do it's thing.

I really enjoy going on the boat and taking pictures of everyone having fun.  For me that is fun.  I had a few little's sit on my lap and that just felt right.  It seems like I have always had a little on my lap and I like it.

We had the tube and water weenie ready to go but only the weenie was used today.  The tube was fun to play on at the beach.  Braxton and Jared both wake boarded today and Jared was able to jump the wake.  His smile showed just how happy he was about that.  I'm glad his brothers were there to see.  Braxton likes to flip and landed on his bum...but never really landing it.  Justin saved his arms for Dave's boat.  When we saw how nice Bear Lake was Larry text his nephew Dave, since they had been thinking about coming.  They have a boat that makes big waves for surfing and my boys wanted to try it.  Dave and his family did make it up and off a few of my boys went for quite awhile.

Since it was Raspberry Days in Bear Lake, Justin thought it would be cool to make Raspberry shakes on the beach.  He brought his generator and Natalie made everyone shakes.  They were yummy.

Kevin and Julie's little family arrived a few hours after the rest of us but stayed a little longer.   Everything worked out great.  Justin's family needed to leave because they were headed to St George for the blessing of Natalie's sisters new twin girls.  They were a few hours later getting out than they had expected.  It's so hard leaving when everyone is having a good time.  Braxton left a while after Justin and that's when a huge wind hit.  Canopy's and umbrella's were flying down the beach.  The people next to us had their nice canopy come our way and thank goodness Kimleighel moved to protect Brynlie.  A pole hit Kimleighel's eye but she was okay and so were the babies.  Brynlie was in a little shad thing and it moved a little too but Julie was right by her and stopped her from blowing away..  It was crazy!  Larry and Kamryn were sitting in the boat with their backs to us and had no idea we just had a crazy wind burst.  We decided to clean everything up and go in the boat.

I did holler at Larry to come help us...we all laughed that he was clueless.  I have a complaint.  I think who ever designed life jackets for babies didn't have a baby.  The poor babies faces get so squished which is why I leave the front unzipped.  Babies don't have necks and so the jackets should be cut down a lot lower.  They are awkward and uncomfortable but we managed.  I still feel like it's important to obey the laws...I'd be sick if something happened and we hadn't been.

We found Dave and his crew and our boys.  Our kids had a blast with them and I am certain at least one is coveting their boat.  It was nice of Dave and Natalie and their cute family to share with us today.  I thought their kids might enjoy riding on the weenie but none of them wanted to, so it was only them that shared today.

I decided that we are going to rent a place for next year again and stay a few days like we did last year.  I just love our family time.

On our way home my cute friend Jodi text me asking about the place we had stayed last year.  She said that her and her hubby and a few of his siblings had been looking at a cabin to buy that they would rent out.  They were about 10 minutes behind us going home.  ☺  If they end up buying one we just might have to try it out.