Celebrating with Jaydan

We had an enjoyable evening with Jaydan John.  Jaydan makes me smile.  He is seriously a happy kid and is usually smiling and making jokes.  He's just fun.  Jaydan chose to go to Red Robin this year.  I like Red Robin.  I told our waiter we were celebrating Jaydan's birthday and so he got a free shake.  Yeah Baby!  We got a stack of onion rings for an appetizer and I even liked them...of course I pulled the onion out and just ate the outside but it was yummy.☺  Jaydan is a fine young man and I really hope he meets his eternal companion sometime soon.  I wonder about her...I am getting excited to meet her.  I really think it's time.  Jaydan has a great attitude though and is a patient guy and will just keep looking until they find each other.  I'm proud of Jaydan and all that he accomplishes.  I don't think it'd be easy to follow four active siblings and he manages his spot in the family quite well.  We are all grateful for this fun, loving kid.  I'm so glad he's mine!

Valentines Day

I'm a gal that likes and enjoys the Holidays.  I love Valentines Day.  I remember loving to choose the perfect Valentine for my friends and enjoyed putting them on their steps and running or putting them in their homemade Valentine box at school.  I remember one year when my dad gave me Mystic Mint Cookies for Valentines Day because I loved them so much. It was fun then and I have always enjoyed this day.  I still like giving out Valentines to my family and friends.  This year I bought the grands the cute little box of chocolates.  I loved getting them as a kid and seriously it was the box I liked more than the candy.  I made up little valentine bags with kisses and hugs for friends and my kids at home.  I got Larry a stuffed bear because he loves stuffed animals and some of his favorite treats.  I made a yummy dinner that included raspberry cheesecake since it's Jaydan's favorite.  Doing these things made me feel so good inside.  I know Larry felt bad because he always sends me flowers and didn't this year because we are headed to California and I wouldn't enjoy them.  I tried to reassure him that it was all good and it seriously was.  He did get me a gift though and I will always appreciate him for taking such good care of me.

When we were in Hawaii we ordered a Bamboo Mattress.  We ordered a Queen because that's what we have and that's the size of our headboard.  However, the last few years I feel like I am smothered in this size bed.  I know it's since menopause but baby it's real!  I need my space.  When we got home from Hawaii I remembered quickly how I really "needed" a King size bed after enjoying one for the last week in Hawaii.  So, Larry got on the phone and called the cute kid in Hawaii and ordered us the King.  I could care less if we ever get a headboard, I am just thrilled I am going to have some space. The whole bed thing ended up being quite hilarious.  Months ago when we went and looked at mattresses I told Justin and Natalie they could have our bed because I didn't want Kimi and Jared fighting over it.  I forgot that though because that was months ago.  When we ordered the new mattress Jaydan was with us and so I told him he could have our bed if he would let Jared have his.  Larry remembered that I had promised it to Justin but didn't say a word.  He told me he was willing to let them just be mad at me. ☺  Jaydan wouldn't have cared and would have been fine with it but the way this all ended worked out good for everyone.  Larry and I both hate returning things and so instead of returning the new mattress when it comes, Larry decided to let Justin make payments on it.  I think we all ended up pretty happy.  Well, Larry might not be quite as happy since our mattress just doubled in price for the time being.☺

Kimleighel, Jared, Larry and I decided to watch a movie together.  We were enjoying it when Braxton called to see if we would come sit with Sadie since Kelsi was having labor pains.  We all went up to their house and finished watching the movie.  Larry ended up bringing the kids home and came back up to get me around 2:00 since the hospital sent Kelsi home because her contractions weren't changing anything.  I was exhausted and so was everyone else.  Little man needs to stay put for another week.

Today was good!  I had lots of love send to me and I did a little of sending some out as well.

I Believe in Angels

Today I went through the car wash with my back window open.....again. ☺  There's a little bit of history about me going through the car wash with my windows open.  I don't open them but Shay, my little angel friend does.  Believe me it's her....I know! It hasn't happened for a few years but today after the place I go to had squirted down my car completely and washed it with their brushes before I even entered, Shay came to my mind.  I believe that when loved ones enter our minds out of the blue it's because they are there with us and we are feeling them.  Anyway the thought of Shay opening my windows before crossed my mind.  I knew my windows were up since my entire car had just been cleaned by the workers.  I even made sure that my elbows and hands were no where close to the controls.  I was actually leaning away from the door.  I was wiping my dash as my car was being pushed through the wash and that's when it hit.....I'm talking about the water.  The back window on the passenger side was completely unrolled.  My car was filling with soap.  I started laughing and hurried and rolled the window up.  I couldn't help but laugh out loud. This girl has always made me laugh and I could hear her laughing with me and pictured her in my mind.  It was hilarious!  I was so glad that this place I get my car cleaned at has towels to dry your car with because I needed a few.  Shay and I had a little moment as my thoughts were completely of her.  It made me happy to think that I was being thought of today.  I guess this was her way of wishing me a Happy Valentines Day.  My car got cleaned completely which it needed.  Oh how I love Shay and the fun girl she is!  I'm so glad she visited me today and that it was the back window she chose to open and not mine! ☺

Jaydan is 26

Boy the time flies!  My cute little valentine turned 26 years old today.  I am so thankful that this boy was born to me.  Jaydan seriously such a sweetheart...Valentines Day is the perfect day for him to be born.  This kid has such a good attitude.  It's rare to see him down. He jokes constantly and is always making everyone laugh.  Jaydan is adventurous and works hard.  He likes to play hard too.  Jaydan is a kind soul and makes Kimleighel and Jared always feel included.  (they adore him)  Jaydan was by far my easiest child to take anywhere.  He didn't get into things or throw fits.  He has always been pretty content.  No wonder there is a five year gap between him and Kimleighel, I was enjoying Jaydan and didn't get baby hungry.  Jaydan is a responsible kid.  He has always been one that expects or demands very little.  I'm so thankful I got started with him or I don't think he would have survived.  God knew our family needed Jaydan!  What a privilege it is to be this kids mom!

Valentines Lunch with a Fun Bunch of Sista's

This Fun Bunch of gals got together for lunch at the Olive Garden and we exchanged Valentines.  I still think it's fun to give out Valentines.  We had a good time talking...mostly about their Boston Trip coming up in April.  Everyone in the picture except me is going to Boston to cheer on Jodi.  I'm so excited for them and I know they are going to have a blast.  We always have a blast when we are together. Jodi has worked so hard to qualify for the Big Race and I think it's awesome as heck that the Sista's came through and are going to support her.  Nothing like a good group of gals to love and support each other.  I'm going to be happy to enjoy this experience through each of them.  I will be thinking of them and cheering for Jodi at home.  Their energy is so fun and even though I chose not to go I felt a part of them.

I have the best of friends.  Whether they are in this picture or another or not any, I am truly blessed.

Grandma Ruthie is 80

My mom turned 80 while we were gone.  I made sure to call her on her birthday and I know she was pleasantly surprised to hear my voice.  I told my kids that if they could go to her house on Saturday we would have our own little celebration with her.  We had just got home a few hours before and so I just bought a cake and some ice cream.  I think my mom is doing really well for her age.  She's got a lot of life in her and is in really good health.  I think she enjoyed our visit and that we took the time to go celebrate her birth with her.  Jordyn sure loved great grandma Ruthie today.  Justin was teasing and said he was going to go sit on grandma's lap and Jordyn would hurry and beat him to it.  She even let grandma Ruthie feed her some cake.  It was so cute and if it didn't do something wonderful to my mom's heart it should have.  I enjoyed having everyone there together.  I kind of like being squished in her little family room that looks exactly the same as when I got married.  I love my mom and think she's a very good-hearted lady.

Kauai

Fun Week For Us!

                                         

One good thing about owning a time-share is that we vacation every year.  Larry and I both know that if we didn't have to pay dues we probably wouldn't schedule a get-a-way every year.  We haven't been sorry for buying it.  I wouldn't suggest it for others simply because it's easy to find good deals for Hawaii and other places on the internet these days.  We just don't think we would have gone like we have if we didn't have it.  Larry and I arrived a few days before our kids so we could have a little alone time. ☺ We stopped by Larry's favorite little fruit stand, Banana Joes right off the bat.  We always do.  We lined a few things up for the kids and bought some groceries and then we relaxed.  Now that our vacation is over, I'm thinking it might have been a good idea to send the kids home and have a few more days of alone time just to rest.  We wore out! We wanted the kids experience as much as they could.  Our deal with them was we would get them Kauai and make sure they got fed but all their fun and extra's would have to paid by them.  Our kids are good at saving and so they all had plenty.

One of my very favorite things to do is watch for whales.  The condo we were at has a balcony right by the ocean and on Saturday the whales were out there.  They were there every day but on Saturday they were close.  These pictures aren't good because I just had my phone but they help me remember.  I enjoy watching the whales until I can't see them anymore. These whales were still close when they left my view but I didn't bother leaving to follow them.  Something about it thrills me inside.

We enjoyed some shaved ice a few times.  I think they are actually more enjoyable when the weather is hot but regardless we had our share.  I usually shared with Larry and when I did get my own I was never able to finish it.  They make them big!

Jaydan wanted to go on a hike that Braxton had told him about.  (Trichelle and TJ actually found it first and told us all about it) So on Monday we hiked!  It's a 3 mile hike through Mahogany Trees.  It's beautiful and leads to a really pretty botanical garden.  The reward is wonderful.  The boys were able to swing off a rope into the pond there which is always fun for boys.  I tried taking pictures but some lady continued to walk directly between us every time.  I loved the hike but wasn't thrilled with my back.  Propping little kids on my right hip has paid a toll on me.  My lower back hurts whenever I stand too long or am on my feet for long.  Needless to say the hike was a little long and my back was screaming.  I had to stop often and try to stretch it but I made it with a few tears.

We went miniature golfing after the hike.  It was fun and Larry was on fire. Last time we golfed there I was the one to beat but not this time.  I was still hurting but hung on.  We had fun.  The course has been thinned out.  You could see the other holes and sometimes that has not been the case.  It's been fun watching this course.  We were there the first year when everything was newly planted to having it lush and beautiful.  It really is a pretty course and pretty fun. 

Another favorite of mine is waking up to beautiful sunrises.  I just lay in bed and watch the sky change colors.  I do jump up to step out onto the deck to take a picture.  I love sunrise and sunsets.  

The first adventure our kids had was to go zip lining. They did the zip and dip and were gone for hours. There are 9-11 zips and then a little hike to a pond where they could jump in or just float around and then have some lunch.  When we went to pick them up it was nice to hear the rest of their group tell us what good kids they are.  I knew the others would enjoy them because they really are so fun.

Kimi really wanted to go Horseback riding and so on Wednesday we jumped on a few horses and off we went.  The ride was through a few fields and it was pretty enjoyable.  My horse was the only one that caused a few problems.  It might have had something to do with me but I'm pretty sure old Blondie just had a mind of his own.

We tied the horses up and went a little twenty minute hike.  Twenty long minutes going straight up or down the mountain.  Holy Crap my legs do not do well and they were shakin like bacon when we finally made it down to the waterfall.  It was a peaceful little place and we enjoyed a yummy little lunch while we rested.  The kids enjoyed the water....oh the joys of being a kid.  I enjoyed being dry.

The waterfall was pretty and I was fine just to enjoy for as long as possible.  I knew that only way back to the horses was up and I wasn't excited for that at all.  We took a different route and it was a lot better.  We did have to cross a river and climb a rock wall but that was at the first and the worst and it wasn't that bad.  My legs reminded me of this little twenty minute hike for three days after.

Since there was still daylight and so much more that one could do we decided to go kayaking.  The ocean was off limits this week because of the undercurrents and so we stayed in the river.  I think the kids really enjoyed it.  Larry was going to go with us but his finger split open riding the horses and so he decided against it.  Before we came to Hawaii, Larry had an accident at work and smashed his finger.  It spit open and his wedding ring had to be cut off.  He had 7 stitches and even though everyone who saw his finger knew it was broke the x-rays showed it was just dislocated.  Let's just say he was still suffering with a lot of pain this week but made sure we all had a good time.

Thursday we headed to the south side of the Island.  We had a dinner cruise planned for everyone but Larry.  At first Larry just didn't care to go and later when he thought he'd like to join us it was too late and there wasn't any openings. We left in the morning and went to a few water falls and other pretty look outs.  It's incredible how pretty the island is and we wanted our kids to see as much as possible. 

The cruise was along the Napali Coast Line which is beautiful and a little rough. My kids stood right up front and were able to see everything.  Everything included whales, dolphins and even a shark.  It was a great ride and the dinner was so yummy.  We were served drinks the entire time as well.  I felt very pampered.  On the way back we slowed down so we could see the sunset which was so incredible.  It was a wonderful and relaxing day.  Larry drove around and visited some shops while we were out.  I don't think he enjoys alone time as much as I do.

 Our last day was spent on the beach on the south side.  The kids wanted to snorkel and of course we wanted them to experience it.  Jaydan has done it a few times and was excited for Jared and Kimi to as well.  There were signs up saying it wasn't safe but with the reef we felt like it would be okay.  I tried keeping my eyes on the kids but heard later that Jaydan had floated past the reef without knowing.  Thank goodness he checked and got himself back.

We  went to Duke's for a late lunch and we were so disappointed.  I didn't like my meal and all and Larry thought his was flavorless.  The Hula Pie was good though.  I think the kids were fine with their meals but we had talked this place up because we have always really liked it but this time  it was just different.  It seemed weird to look out in the water and not see anyone.  Usually their are surfers and paddle boards all over.  The ocean can be crazy and deadly.

We walked around all the shops in that area and spent a lot of time and money in the Cariloha store.  The kids even spent a lot in that store.  Everything is so soft it's hard not to.  We bought a mattress here and it's being shipped to our house.  We've been wanting a new one and since Larry loves this store we just got it. The young kids helping us were from Ogden and Morgan.  We knew a few of the same people.  They were so cute and really fun to chat with.  We had one last shaved ice at Skinny Mikes.  The shaved ice over her is better than what we get at home. The ice is like snow.  We did a little more shopping and then dropped the kids off for their flight.  Larry and I still had to wait a few hours for ours.

I really do not like the flights coming home.  I hate flying through the night.  I didn't sleep mucheven though the seat next to me ended up being empty.  I get a little sick without sleep and so it's not a fun way to end a trip.  But....The trip was fun and so I will focus on that.

ALOHA