Sleep Over with the Older Grands

Twice a year, usually around Conference Weekend we have all the older grands spend the night.  We were in Palmyra this year and so it was put off.  Ivy reminded me a few weeks ago that we hadn't had it yet.  I told her that maybe we should wait until Jared left and girls camp was over.  Her and one of the other girls both said "No, we want to have it before Jared leaves."  The grands love Jared and Kimleighel and so it happened tonight.  It worked out good since we have Trichelle's kids this week anyway while her and TJ are in Peru.

These sleepovers are really fun for the most part.  I say that only because there are moments when I roll my eyes and wonder if they are worth it.  I forget that attitudes happen and everyone doesn't always get along until those things show up.  The good thing though is the few little mishaps never last long.   We all have fun and I really think the fun times will be remembered.

Our house was smoking in the morning when I let the older girls make their design pancakes.  Years ago I did them but now the older girls enjoy making them. We just opened a few windows. ☺  I really do enjoy these get togethers even though they aren't quite as perfect as I imagine. ☺   I love my darling grands and I will do things together as long as they want to.

Jared's Farewell

I've been busy getting Jared ready to leave.  I marked all his shirts, garments and socks with blue nail polish. (it stays on)  I stenciled his luggage so it will be easy for him to know which of the black suitcases is his.  I think he's about ready.

Today he spoke in Church.  I think he did a really good job.  Jared is just a sweet, humble kid.  He wasn't stressed or really concerned about his talk once it came together.  He peeked at his notes a few times to make sure he mentioned what he wanted but he mostly spoke from his heart.  I was proud of him.  As I listened to him speak I felt such peace and I really believe he is going to have a wonderful experience on his mission.  He wants this and is ready.

I wasn't sure who would be able to come and support him since it was memorial weekend and so many people go out of town but there were quite a few of our friends and family there.  Not everyone came to our house afterwards but that's okay. There were still quite a few that did and there was plenty of food.  I had a lot of friends bring over food. (I have such great friends)  Our house was still full of love and support for us and Jared.  The only time I got tears was when I looked around the Chapel and saw so many people that are so important to us.  I feel so blessed and I know that I am.

I love seeing everyone socialize and mingle as we celebrate Jared.  I bounced around the room trying to make sure that I talked to everyone.

Today was such a fun day.  I love these wonderful times together with family and great friends celebrating the new Chapters of our lives.

our outfits said "kodak moment"

"Play"ing Blue Eyed Betty

I really love going to the plays with Barbie, Heather, Natalie and Carla.  We have such a good time.  Tonight Carla made reservations for us at Market Street Grill since her daughter was working.  I was still full from eating at chicken sandwich with Parker and so I only ordered a salad.  Jessica (Carla's daughter) took care of mine and Carla's bill for us.  I didn't expect that but Jessica is a sweetheart.  She gave the others a discount.  

Tonight the Play was about a Pig....a blue eyed pig.  I was really hoping that the internet would have a picture of our pig but it didn't so I will have to describe her.  Our pig was a bigger gal dressed in a little girls pink dress.  Her hair was in curly pig tails.  She had lots of eyelashes so when she fluttered her eyes it was noticeable.  She had pink polka dot boots on.  Around her waist was a ribbon and in the back she had a curly tail.  She rode a pink tricycle around the stage and when she was excited she chimed her bell.  When she "tooted" her horn...well that's when she "tooted". (Heather sent me a picture of our pig...isn't she cute?)  It was so hilarious to watch her.  I just laughed and laughed. Who'd want that part?  Did others say: "You are so perfect for that cute pig part".  The gal played it so well and I'm not sure how the other actors were able to hold a straight face when Betty, the blue-eyed pig, fluttered her lashes or rubbed her cute head on them.  The pig was suppose to be eaten for a big celebration but as you probably guessed...Betty was saved and not eaten.

After, when we like to get a group picture the only person in the room was an older gentleman.  I asked him if he would take our picture and he said he would.  I knew when he was holding my phone the wrong way that he had no idea what he was doing.  This also cracked me up.  I had to reset my phone a few times but as you can see the setting was still changed to black and white. ☺  I think the guys kept touching the screen by mistake.  Carla and I noticed while he was taking our picture that his finger was over the lens. ☺  We did get a few good ones but everything about tonight made me laugh out loud.  The guys asked if they were okay and I when I looked I bust up laughing again.  There was a picture of his finger, part of my hair, and quite a few with his finger blocking most of our faces.  The first ones he took were the best.  I really did appreciate the guy and seriously he just made the night better.

We got in the car and before we left I started laughing so hard again that I had to get out because I was gagging.  The funniest noise was coming from me as I laughed and gagged at the same time, which made me laugh and gag some more.

The laughing continued when I got home.  I expected everyone to be asleep but when I walked in my room Larry was posing and immediately I dropped to my knees laughing.  Oh my word, today was such a fun day.  I love to Laugh!

Surprise...Kevin is 60

I love the Taylors!  The cute Taylor kids had a surprise party for Kevin tonight.  They had everything set up in their back yard.  It was cute and very casual.  It was fun visiting with the Taylor family.  Kim and I went to the same ward growing up and so we have always been friends. Kim was even in my wedding line.

I remember when we met Kevin and his fun group of friends.  We loved going dancing and hanging out with them.  Kevin has always been a happy and nice man.  I thought Kim was a lucky girl when the two of them got together.  Together they have the cutest family.  Each one of their kids are awesome and they are a very close family.  This family does everything together.  They look out for each other.  They are such wonderful examples of how families should be.  Larry and I love being around them.

When we had our trailer we would go camping with them.  That's where we met their friends. Everyone likes going camping with the Taylors.  Kim and Kevin would arrange everything and the rest of us just showed up.  We still showed up a few times after selling our trailer.  I'm so happy that we are friends with this family and that friends are forever too.

A Muddy Mess

Larry had to climb 15 feet into the drain pipe to cut some roots that had found their way in to it.  It was quite the day for him.

Parker's Birthday Sleepover

Today was Parker's Birthday Sleepover.  This month has been so crazy that it took us 3 weeks to get a day.  I invited Zaden to come play too since it was the last day of school and I was having Parker over early.  These two are quite funny together and they make me laugh. Parker wanted to go shopping right away but I was afraid it might hurt Zaden's feelings and so I wanted to wait.  Parker was sad and so my plan of having a fun time after school wasn't working so well.  Zaden was ready to go home because the boys weren't playing.  Then we all talked and Zaden said he wouldn't feel bad going shopping with Parker as long as he got a treat.  (we forgot to get a treat) 

Parker knew what he wanted before we even went shopping.  He wanted a nerf gun and the only thing that changed was the actual gun that he got.  I loved following the boys and loved watching them look around.  Parker was actually dancing in the aisles.  We were fast and out of there in no time that's why we forgot the treat.  We stopped at Little Caesars after because Parker wanted that pizza for dinner.  Zaden wanted his own bag of crazy bread and so he got it.

When we got home the boys had a little bit of time to play before I needed to take Zaden home.  It ended up being fun for them.

It really is so much fun having the kids over for their birthdays.  I love our one on one time and we had plenty of it with Parker.  I enjoy sleeping with them for their birthdays and watching movies before bed.  It's always fun to see what movie will be chosen.  Parker chose Turbo.  I sure love these kids and I'm glad that they enjoy coming to our house.  I really can't believe this cute boy is 7.

I let Parker stay and play for most of the day.  We went to Burger King for lunch because I also like to treat them by taking them out.  Parker is such a fun, cute boy.  I love him to pieces.

A Pay Day Kind of Day

Ivy text and called me last night to tell me that she would be graduating from Elementary and they had an awards assemble in the morning.  I had planned on going to the Temple but of course I went to Ivy's school instead.  The only other thing I had planned on doing for sure was to get my window welded before the rock chip spread.  (good thing that's all there was)  The program started at 9:00 and lasted until 10:30.  Cute little Behr did really well even though he was way over his nap time.  I looked over at him and Trichelle and he was having the best time hiding in between her legs.  She would grab his head with her legs and he thought that was the funniest thing ever.  It was funny.  

I love that Trichelle and Daniel get along so well and that he felt comfortable to come sit between Trichelle and I.  Ivy got award for: N.O.V.A graduation, being a 6th grade officer, physical fitness, citizenship, honor roll-all quarters, and the Presidents Academic Excellence award.  It was nice seeing that she is applying herself and working hard.  I'm proud of Ivy Marie.

After the Awards Assembly the sixth grade had a talent show.  Ivy invited me to stay but asked her parents to both leave.  How could I not after that?  I was impressed by the talent of the kids and even more impressed with their confidence.  It was awesome to see.   An hour into the talent show we had to take a break for lunch.  Ivy asked me if I would take her and her friend out.  Her friend got permission from her dad and so I did.  We didn't have long and so we went and got a drink from Fiiz and a pizza from Little Caesar.  We got back just in time.  Ivy didn't perform until about 1:00 or just after.  So, I was at her school the whole day.  They had to end even though not all the kids got to share their talents because it was short day and the time was up. (they get to share on Friday)  Ivy and her friend sang a song and even though Ivy wasn't please with how they did I thought it was great.  She was upset that her friend didn't sing a few parts (because she forgot the words) but it didn't matter because they were singing along with the artist and so it wasn't noticeable at all. They did a good job.

I did go get my window fixed after. ☺

Tonight Jared went through the Ogden Temple for himself.  What a thrilling and rewarding time of life.  My heart was filled with so much gratitude.  All my boys were there tonight with their cute wives.  Mallory, Kathy and their hubbies came.  Jeff, Becky and Jackie were there too.  Grandma Ruthie and our Home Teachers (the Sparks) came to support Jared as well.  Then as the room was filling up my cute niece, Stacey entered the room.  My heart about burst seeing all the love and support Jared had from our family and friends.  (Tonya got sick and couldn't come and felt so bad and Mark had Bishop responsibilities)

During the session I did feel a few loved ones from the other side of the veil.  I know there were probably more than I know but it was cool to know of the ones I did.  It was a glorious night.  I look forward to the day that Kimleighel goes through.  She had talked about going through with Jared but didn't want to take away from him.  I guess she just isn't ready quite yet.  It would have been cool but it still will be when she makes that decision.

We went for Ice Cream afterwards.  Farr's Ice Cream Parlor is blessed by Temple goers.  We saw the cute Moffit family and were able to enjoy a short visit with them. Their oldest daughter is Jared's age and they grew up together.  Bailey is also going on mission in September to Riverside, California.  She was in the preschool picture with Jared that I posted the other day.