Trials and Blessings

Today was a day to ponder and to count my blessings.  In the afternoon I received a text from a Sister Long in Alaska.  She was helping Jared return his tablet that is broken.  I thought that he had returned it while he was in Provo but I guess not.  I was feeling so grateful for good members that are willing to take their time and help my son.  While she was texting me I received a cute selfie of her and my cute missionary and his new companion.  Boy did that make my mama heart happy!  Instantly tears of joy flowed from my eyes.  I love seeing my cute son's face.  It just makes me happy.  I love how the Gospel united us all no matter where in the world we are.  We are One Big Happy Family!  I love that and love being a part of it.  I know this Church is the True Church.  I love all the love and support we all give each other.  It's such an awesome feeling.

Larry and I were headed to his shop to get the receipt for the tablet when Justin called and told us that Scott's house was on fire.  We had plans of going to a wedding reception and being early but that never happened.  We stood outside Scott's house and watched it burn.  The firefighters were on top of it but there was so much damage.  Larry and I stood there and cried.  Scott had just finished remodeling his house a year or so ago and to know it was gone was heartbreaking.  We are just so relieved that Scott and his family were not at home.  (they were being protected)

Scott and his family were enjoying a movie together and I'm really glad that they didn't answer their phone.  There wasn't anything anyone could do and at least they enjoyed some family time together before all this.

I had plenty of time to think and ponder tonight.  It was really hot and so I went and sat in my car with the air conditioning on.  The thought came to me that God allows things to happen.  I know He could have prevented this but He allowed it.  I also know that He knew it was going to happen and made sure the family wasn't home.  He does guide us to safety and always blesses us with the strength to get through our trials.  Erin had just backed up their computer a week earlier....I don't think that was a coincident.  There were other tender mercies and I witnessed so much love and support from their neighbors and family.  Things like this bring people together.  Things like this help bring us closer to our Heavenly Father and Savior as we lean on them for support and comfort.  No matter what the trial there are always so many valuable lessons to be learned.  One big one is that God knows and loves us.  He blesses us through others and that's a good feeling.

I loved visiting with Scott and Erin later and admire their positive attitudes.  The girls were awesome too.  Good things will come from this, I just know.  God Bless Scott, Erin, Mallory, Hayley and Brittney.  This cute little family will remain in our prayers while they rebuild their home.  We sure love them all.

Paid for Being Me

 

After enjoying a fun lunch I needed to go to SLC to get an axle for Larry.  I meant to take his truck to lunch so I could just leave from there but I forgot.  I had to drive home and get his truck and so I asked Kimleighel to go with me.  The traffic was crazy on the other side of the freeways, those heading North.  It was thick and slow for a long ways.  I was glad we were heading South and I prayed that all the congestion would be gone when we headed back that way.  For the most part it was a lot better but it was still kind of slow.  It took us three hours which was a little longer than I had planned on it taking but not much.  We were still home in time for Kimleighel to have her Movie Night with her friends.

Larry and I went to dinner.  I really have a hard time eating again after going out but I like leftovers so I don't mind.  Plus, I'm not going to turn down a date with my Honey.  We went to Olive Garden and it was yummy.  I ate a little salad and lasagna bites that are meant to be an appetizer.  That was good enough for me.  We got to sit in a corner and we were glad because it was a busy place and we liked being out of the way.  A young couple from out our way were getting seated and they hadn't seen us and so Larry threw his cloth napkin at the cute wife.  It was funny.  We shared our thoughts about their cute family with them when we were leaving.  I think it's good to let others know the goodness you see in them.  Sharing kindness makes the giver and receiver feel good so it's a win, win situation. 

Our driveway was full of cars when we got home.  Sixteen people had come to Kimi's movie night.  I was happy to see so many support her.  I guess we had some guests here until 3:00 am.  I didn't hear them.  Everyone was suppose to bring treats to share but we didn't see any.  Larry decided to run to the store and get some Pop and chips and I made some popcorn.  I also brought the cookies over to the bar so they were available.  I think the kids appreciated the treats because a lot got eaten.  I know Kimleighel did too.  I want to give Kimi credit for cleaning up so great.  No dishes were in the sink this morning and the bar was cleared.  She put everything away and there weren't any signs of having a group of friends over at all.  I hope she does it again.  I love having kids in our home!

Hooper Honey's Celebrating Kellie

Woo Hoo...I love celebrating birthdays!  I love this fun group that I call the Hooper Honey's.  They crack me up and I might need to add how funny they are.  The Funny Hooper Honey's.  No lie, we laugh every time we get together.  Sometimes we are very serious too but we usually find something to laugh at.  These gals are clever and funny and it's so much fun sharing our lives with each other. Everyone's lives right now are pretty good.  Not too many worries which is a nice thing.

I thought it was awesome how we all kind of matched today.  Usually I'm the odd gal out with bright pink on.  I think I will ask everyone to wear red, white and blue for my celebration!

We went to Burch Creek Mercantile on Washington Blvd.  It's a quaint little sandwich shop.  It's a place that brings back childhood memories.  It's really cute and the food is yummy too.  I like that it's not so crowded and you can actually visit and enjoy each other.

We chatted for a few hours before we all had to leave.  It was a very wonderful and fun lunch!  I love these Funny Hooper Honey's!

The Bailey's Cabin

Today our Daughters of Pioneers Group went up to Robin and Durks cabin at Bear Lake.  These women are so much fun.  The drive both ways went fast because there was so much chatting.  I did a lot of listening.  I learned a lot but can't remember it now. haha  The water is so high this year.  I couldn't quite get over how close it is compared to a few years ago.  It was so pretty just sitting at the table and looking out the window.  I had the best view from the cabin.  It was a little chilly outside and so I stayed in.  We had taco salad for lunch and it was yummy.  Then some of us shared a treat that was suppose to remind us of our childhood.  I told them all about Honey Comb and how we would always get it when my grandma Bessie came to visit.  I love it because of that memory.  I didn't go get any and so I shared some banana cookies I made.  I am pretty sure my yummy banana cookies will be remembered by my kids and grands.

We played a little game where we showed one of our scars and told a few stories about how we got it.  We made up two stories and one was real.  It was fun listening to everyone tell their stories.  I was pretty good at knowing the true story but will admit I was wrong a few times.  We have a few good story tellers in this group.  I fooled a few ladies too so I might be one of them.  Most of the stories were true but not the reason for the scare.  It was fun and we laughed a lot.

Kim Vaughn shared some stories that he has wrote with us.  It was fun listening to him.  His stories were of his life and so they were interesting and great.  It was a really fun day.

cuties at my house/blood drive

I love summers.  Summers mean more grands more often.  I just think it's fun having these cute faces in my home.  I love them so much.  Today Kevin brought the older girls to play.  Sweet Jordyn wore out and feel asleep on the floor.  The twins went to daycare...they get to go there once a week in the summer.  Trichelle brought her fun boys over awhile later for Kimi to watch. Oh how they all make my heart happy.  I love everything about them.

While they were there today I made cookies.  I really thought the girls would want to help me but they didn't today.  Kamryn wanted to color some pictures for the book I'm doing and Jordyn just wanted to watch her princess movies.  I know Kamryn likes to bake but not today.  I don't bake like I use to and truthfully it's because things don't get eaten as quickly with everyone gone.  Since Jared left I am really noticing a difference.  I am throwing more food out that isn't getting eaten (even pasta salad) and the ding dongs I buy are still in the drawer when I want one.  Jared ate more than I thought.  I miss my boy but wouldn't want him here right now.  I know he needs to be on a mission and I'm thrilled that he is.

One of Larry's responsibilities as a High Councilman is the Stake Blood Drive.  So that means that I get to help out too.  I go over and unlock the building and then I sign people in.  I'm pretty much there the whole day.  I like visiting with people though and so the time usually goes pretty fast.  Today it got a little slow around 3:30.  We still had people there but people weren't coming like they should have been.  I decided that I would donate since it was slow.  The only good thing about donating is that I met Mataya.  She's a darling girl.  We talked and of course my mommy brain went right to Jaydan.  We talked about the two of them getting together and she is so sweet so said she would be happy to go out with him.  I hope he asks her soon.  I know they talked that night but a date wasn't set.

My blood didn't flow like it usually does.  I wasn't able to fill the bag and so my blood will only be used for testing.  I just don't think the needle was in the vein right.  It hurt and was too close to the tendon.  Janet Foster made my day though.  She told me that she had looked over at me while she was donating and was admiring how young and youthful I looked.  Man, a compliment can sure add a heap of happiness to your heart quickly.   I had to give her a hug.  Those kind words were needed, which makes me think we always need them. I'm going to be better at sharing kind words with others.

A few hours after I donated I got kind of sick.  I was holding my cute Jack while Kelsi donated and I got feeling a little shaky.  I told Larry that I was going home and would be back if I felt better.  I never went back.  I chilled and fevered the rest of the night.

Jared Made it to Alaska

Yesterday morning a received a "surprise" call from Jared.  I was so excited.  It was so great hearing his voice.  He was just getting ready to board his flight to Alaska.  He sounded great. He shared a little secret with me.  He told me that he really didn't like his first two weeks in the mission.  I would have been surprised if he would have.  Missions are a big change.  I knew that studying everyday and having someone around you 24/7 might not be his favorite.  He told me that it was all good though.  I realized that my brain is so focused on seeing the good that I was able to read his letters as if he were enjoying everything thoroughly. I told him that too...I guess if he wants me to know he isn't happy, he is going to have to spell it out for me because everything I read between the lines is great.

He mentioned that when he arrived in Alaska that things were very different but that he would get use to it.  I reminded him how the other boys must have felt when they arrived in their missions not being able to understand a word of what was being said.  I hope Elder Ropelato will practice focusing on the good and manifesting great things.  I reminded him to be the very best companion that he could be and if he did he would enjoy his companions.

I'm so excited for Jared's journey.  It's going to be amazing.  He is going to be amazing.  This kid is so humble and kind and is going to be a blessing to everyone who gets to know him.  I'm so blessed to be his momma.  Man....he's a handsome guy!

Celebrating Kellie

Kellie had a birthday last week!  Woot Woot!  We had planned on going to lunch the day before her birthday but things didn't work out and so we had to reschedule. (I've had to reschedule a lot this year with my friends...weird)  We decided to go to Even Steven's.  It's a quaint little place in Ogden and is pretty good.  It was great just visiting with Kellie.  I really enjoy one on one time.  I'm so grateful that this sweet friend came into my life and that make time to visit every now and then.  Kellie is pure sweetness.  She is really wonderful about taking care of others.  She's a terrific mom and grandma.  She always puts everyone's feelings before her own.  She so concerned for the well being of others.  Her heart is tender and caring.  I'm so glad this girl was born and that our paths crossed and that we have each other now and forever.  Kellie's a saint that is for sure.  (she would laugh at that and probably deny it...but she really is)

I admire Kellie and try to follow her good example.  Kellie is also very funny.  She has a great sense of humor and we can be serious and then funny and it works.  Life is pretty darn good because I am surrounded by some of the best people born!