Birthdays.....Justin and Kamryn

Today my son turns 34!  Geeze....it seems so unreal.  I love this boy.  He's always been such a good kid.  Justin loves to hunt...he always has.  He is a super hard worker.  Larry put a lot of responsibility on him when he was young and so he has just always worked hard.  He's valuable at TJ Trailers.   He is funny.  Justin can make anyone laugh and because of that talent, others are drawn to him.  Justin is kind and cares about others.  Justin loves his cute wife and is good at showing it.  He admires and loves her and it is obvious.  Justin is a fantastic daddy.  He loves being involved with his kids and they all love their daddy.  Justin is a leader.  Our family has always admired Justin and he set a pretty good path for each to follow.  The people that serve with him at church love and respect this son of mine.  He treats others with love and respect.  It's a privilege for me to call him my son.  Justin is a joy to have around.  Man, we love this kid!

Our cute Kamryn is celebrating 9 years today.  Kamryn is such a fun girl.  She is enthusiastic about most things.  She loves to have fun, create and do things for others.  She dances, plays sports and does gymnastics and she enjoys it all.  She's also good at everything.  Kamryn is sweet and the best big sister ever.  She loves her siblings and helps out with them all the time.  Kamryn is smart and does well in school.  She likes to cook and her cool parents let her make things when she wants.  She loves having others over and serving them.  Kam's favorite color is blue.  Kamryn is kind and thoughtful. She is such a sweetie and I can't imagine life without this cutie!  We Love Kamryn!

Celebrating 60 years with Mark

Tonya and her girls planned a big surprise party for Mark since he was turning 60.  Tonya told me that he was kind of disappointed when he turned 50 and nothing was done.  Nothing was done because he told Tonya that he didn't want a party or anything but really he did.  So this big birthday she got on the ball months ago and got things going.  I think the girls made up a memory book for him.  Our family has lots of memories with the Coys.  I have lot's of memories with Tonya and Mark before I had my family.  I remember when Tonya met Mark.  I often was a third wheel and hung out with them. Thinking back over the years makes me smile.  We have done so much laughing together.  We have loved and supported each other.  Our lives are so intertwined and connected and we wouldn't be who we are without the other.  Growing up with Mark and Tonya has been so much fun.

When Mark first came in the room was filled and he had a huge smile on his cute face.  I went over to give him a hug and wish him Happy Birthday and he told me he thought Tonya was bringing him to our house for a party.  Then when she turned he was sure the surprise party was going to be at TJ Trailers (Larry's shop).  But really she was surprising him with a go kart race first before the party.  From what he told me he was surprised about the racing even though he still might have suspected that there was more to come.

They had a really great turnout.  Lots of family and friends.  Mark is truly loved.  Larry and I enjoyed visiting with the Coy Children.  We think the world of each of them and their spouses. Through Tonya and Mark we have made a few friends and it was great seeing them too.  Two of my good friends were also there.  Denise lives in their ward now but we both lived in Roy together and became great friends.  Jeanne was also there.  Jeanne and I met in High School and became the best of friends.  We were even locker partners and went on our Senior Trip together.  She married one of Mark's friends.  Jeanne and Tonya were in my wedding line. So our friendships have lasted a long time.  We also love Mark and Tonya's parents and siblings and enjoyed visiting and seeing them.

I love celebrating Birthdays and making more memories.  I love the friendships I have been blessed with throughout my life.  I am so thankful for Tonya and her family that have become our family.  They are the dearest and sweetest friends ever.  I love that all the Coy kids refer to me as "Aunt Dawn"....how that makes my heart joyous!

Fun...Fun....Fun!!!

A Week of Grands

Trichelle and TJ went to Costa Rica and so I got to have their cuties for a week.  We had a lot of fun and the kids were so good.  My brother is in town and so Thursday when I picked Behr up after bowling I took him to my moms.  He was so cute and warmed up to Bennett pretty quickly.  Behrenger was being so silly and had us all laughing.  I was really glad he didn't hurt himself as he ran around.  It was fun spending a little time at my moms.

 We still had Macie on Friday and we had a good time but I think Macie prefers her Fridays with me by herself.  She kept telling me that Behr was tired and needed to take a nap.  He also kind of pushed Macie a few times but for the most part they enjoy each other.  I just thought it was funny that they didn't really want to share their gramma.

We went to Arctic Circle one day after school and then Kimleighel took the boys to the Park to play some more.  These kids are fun and prefer being outside.  We had Ivy off and on throughout the week.  She stays at her dads on Mondays and Thursdays and so we didn't see her much those days.  Maybe just for a few hours.

The kids entertain themselves pretty well.  They like the ipad, lego's, basketball, cars and little house with people.  I usually had toys all over the front room floor but the kids were also good at helping pick them up every night.  Behr is a climber and even when I moved the chairs away from the Air Hockey table he found a way to still climb on it.  The heater on the wall worked out just fine for him to climb on.  He was pretty careful though when he was on the table but I was also right there watching him.  The boys loved playing on my bed.  They were good to ask for permission.  As I watched them hide under the pillows and run around and act silly I tried to imagine what their thoughts were.  Oh the joys of being a child.

I did a lot of running around picking up kids.  Ivy stays after school often for activities and she also had dance on Wednesday.  We managed everything just fine though.  The kids went to bed good and woke up great.  Behr only had one night that he woke up and wanted to play.  It was Sunday night and I had taken some cough medicine and so I was pretty out of it while he was awake. The rest of the time Behr slept good and went down nicely.  I love when they are easy.

We did a lot of playing and watching movies.  I didn't accomplish much but I did enjoy just having the grands over.  I love their cute faces and listening to them laugh and jabber.  I love seeing Ivy grow up....well kind of....I would prefer her to be little ....but she is a really cute, fun girl who might be taller than me now.

We all went to Church even though Zaden doesn't really like to go to Church.  I let Zaden and Ivy come to class with Jared and I and they were great.  Behr enjoyed the nursery.

We went to Kevin's one night to check on the kids.  We were there when they gave the twins their breathing treatments.  It's quite the ritual and take about 45 minutes.  Kevin and Julie are such good parent.  (I think all my kids are)  Everyone was doing better which is such a relief.

I really enjoyed our week.  I enjoyed the calls from Trichelle and TJ and seeing pictures of them posted on facebook.

Hats Production

We have been practicing for our Production the last month at Special Needs Mutual.  It's about Hats and what's under them.  The songs are great. Everyone has a different hat.  I really like the hats they have for the leaders....so funny.  There are a lot of speaking parts and I hope the audience can follow what is happening.  I can but I've been listening to everyone for weeks.  There isn't any dancing this year.  Everyone just stands and sings the songs and does a little bit of hand motions.  The participants seem to really like it and so it's perfect.  I wasn't going to be there on the Friday performance but after seeing how frustrated our Specialist was with the leaders I decided I will make sure I am there and supporting this both nights.  Carla and I joke that we fit right in.  We don't know all the songs or actions but seriously I don't think it matters.  I did sit on the back row though and had Carla sit on the row in front of me...hahaha ☺  It's going to be fun!  I love this group of Special People!

I love being able to drive with Barbie to and from mutual.  We usually stop for a drink before and food after since she has grands with her that enjoy coming and don't eat dinner first.  I know my time is getting close but if Barbie has her way I'll still be in for another year.  I'm okay with that!

Pampered Chef

Kelsi, my cute daughter in law stared selling Pampered Chef and so I had a party for her.  Hosting parties is not my favorite thing to do these days.  I worry about people coming and them being good.  Kelsi told me that it didn't matter and to not worry.  I kept getting texts from friends that they couldn't come.  A few wanted to order and even out of those that said they wanted to only a few really did.  I did have people show up though and the party was a success.  I'm getting new pans.  The pans I have are from Pampered Chef from way back when and they need to be replaced.  The pans that they sell now though are life time guaranteed and so I will have them forever.

Kelsi had everyone help in different stations.  I liked having everyone be involved. We made a yummy veggie pizza and a scrumptious cookie pizza dessert.  Larry took the grands to dinner and to Braxton's to play.  They had fun too.  It was a fun night and even a fun day.  

I didn't stress at all today getting ready.  I even prepared the sample crafts for girls camp.  It was a great day.

Jared's Announcements

I made Jared's Graduation and Mission Announcements up and got them ordered.  I like doing them myself.  I'm proud of this boy and will be the Happiest Mommy when he graduates...he's close.  Jared's a funny kid, if he isn't interested in something he just doesn't do it.  But, when he is interested in something he talks about it all the time and puts his whole heart into it.  Needless to say English isn't interesting to him. YIKES!  My stress levels are high right now and will be until I see that he is passing.  He does't enjoy reading or writing and so he doesn't. He did so well last quarter that I wasn't even concerned. I have had many talks with this boy about having to do things in life just because.  I mentioned he would be reading a lot on his mission and actually his response gave me peace of mind.  He said "I understand and enjoy the scriptures."  Whew...but come on son....liken English to running and do it even though it's hard. (he loves track)  I can't wait to see his thoughts on School in a few years.

Jared's a good kid.  He has a heart of gold and he really does try to do what is right.  Sometimes he's a little hard on himself and compares himself to his older siblings...their strengths/his weaknesses.  I know Jared will do well in life.  He is smart and a hard worker.  I know he will be an awesome missionary.  He lights up whenever his mission is brought up.  I love this kid!

When Justin was leaving for his mission the photographer had me get a picture with him and so it's became a tradition.  I like to sneak it in their luggage and I have one out on a shelf to look at for the two years too!

Charles (Chuck) L. Ropelato

Larry's Uncle Chuck passed away this week.  He is gramps older brother!  I remember Chuck always smiling and so pleasant.  Him and Louise always supported our kids if they were invited to anything.  I'm happy for him but I know he will be missed because he was truly loved!