The Big "6~0" for Kathy O

Kathy turned 60 today and that is worth celebrating!  We talked about having her meet me at Ben Lomond Lanes and then driving together.  But....Kathy is 60 and went to the old, rundown, not there anymore Hill Top Lanes.  Thank goodness for cell phones.  I couldn't stop laughing from that point on!  The girl just cracks me up....together we are quite the pair!  We mostly laugh and have fun but we did get in a little serious conversation that had my eyes watering!  Kathy is a great listener and a wonderful friend.  I love her so much!

We talked about going somewhere close and when I mentioned the Greenery...Kathy immediately mentioned Las Vegas.  I guess the Greenery isn't as close as most places but it is so fun to go shopping after and the food is great!  They brought Kathy a slice of chocolate cake and she wasn't quite sure she wanted to share.....but she did. ☺

I love looking around Rainbow Gardens but usually gasp when I look at the tags.  Good stuff but a little more expensive than I can afford.  They are starting to get Christmas out which I always love seeing....I love how cute Christmas stuff can be!  I love how cute we can be with Christmas stuff on us. ;)

The shop across the hall is a fun shop to visit also.  I know they have a sign somewhere in that store that says no pictures but I purposely did not look at anything I had to read.  My camera didn't flash either so we got away with taking a few pictures.

Kathy is so stinkin cute and talented. She's just plain fun!  I am so glad to have Kathy as my friend. I love spending time with Kathy and we always make fun memories.  They are easier to remember with pictures.  We continually laugh about our time together.....past and present!

I think the picture of us in our sparkly hats looks like Kathy is singing to herself.  Maybe she was....I look like I ...........never mind!

After our fun time together I went and voted!  The ladies helping me made sure I got a sticker!  Who's idea was it to spend money on silly stickers?  I think they are so dumb!  But, I voted so that is good and I got a picture of my sticker so everyone would know that I voted!

32nd Anniversary

Well I am happy to say that we made it another year!  This past year kind of just happened....we survived!   I wouldn't say it was our worst year but it wasn't our best.  There were so many distractions that kept us busy and just surviving.  It was on this day last year that the Roger's had their accident....that's hard on a family. (their's and ours)  I know it is truly harder on their's they lost DJ.  It breaks my heart and it breaks Larry's.  Larry has dedicated a lot of his time to both families....Dave & Wendy's and Brittney's.  It's his job, it's what he's needed to do.  I get that but I'm not going to lie.....I felt his absence! The stress of work, Bishop and life has overwhelmed us all.  I've missed my hubby!

For our anniversary this year it worked out well that we were able to go to Hawaii with the Winters & Brinkerhoff's.  I love getting away with Larry because we can focus on each other and fall deeper in love.  That didn't happen this trip.  Larry was stressed and he didn't show up until late Friday...or even Saturday, the day we left. (his body was there of course but he wasn't)  I have a hard time seeing my hubby stressed and worried and unable to share with me.  The stress eventually creeps over to me and overwhelms me too. (I hate that!)  I have endured this calling of his and hopefully will be able to endure it to the end.  I don't think I could say yes to a calling like this again. (I can't handle it.....I respect all those women who do, even more so now.....I didn't ever want to be one and it has been a challenge for me to say the least)

I'm thankful for Larry....he's a great guy!  He's a terrific Bishop and truly is a better person since his calling.  There really is plenty of good happening.....it's just the timing! (stress rules! Dangit!)

Today since it is our anniversary we have decided to take Zaden to a movie (wreck it ralph) and then go to another movie (taken 2) after taking Zaden back home and then to dinner.  I like our time together....movies are a good place to go since we seldom do and you have to turn your phone off! :)  Cheers to another Year.....looking forward to the ones we have left!

Pity Party

Once in awhile an invitation for a "Pity Party" shows up at our door and we let it in. (we must all be too kind to turn it away)  I don't think we even realize that we accepted the invitation until we are in the middle of the party.  I have learned that if you have the party by yourself it lasts longer and grows into even more pity. (not very fun at all)  So my advice is to invite a friend or two that you trust to your party.  You will know which friends you can invite.....Share with them some of the pity you are feeling and amazingly you will feel better and with their help you can wrap the party up and call it a good learning experience.  As much as I enjoy Parties...I really don't enjoy my Pity Parties.....so limit them.....also be grateful for them.  It is because of the Pity Party we learn more about ourselves and grow closer to our Savior.  He is one that should be invited to the Party....He's the best at wrapping them up...and the fastest!

From my last "pity party" I learned that I am the happiest while serving others.  When I am busy thinking of others I am not thinking of myself.  Sometimes when we think too much about ourselves we think of the things we are missing or the negatives things. STOP THAT! (I just said that to myself)  So....I am glad I had my "pity party" and I am thankful for the friends that listened to me and encouraged me and loved me unconditionally while it was happening.....especially Christ!

My Smart Book Club

For our November Book Club we go out to lunch and then to the Book Store.  I decided to "livin" up our time together.  Not that it isn't always fun anyway getting with these ladies....it is.  I just felt like being silly....I like silly. (I'm not sure Shanna likes silly but she went along with us anyway)  I love my Book Club.  I have learned so much from these very smart and educated ladies.  I have been exposed to so many wonderful books and I really enjoy reading. (we missed Suzie & Loretta today)

I have traveled to different parts of the world and experienced many different cultures and have even traveled to and from time in my readings.  Oh the places and experiences you can have while reading a book. I enjoy a variety of books now since our book club.....I believe I am even smarter. (of course I am....look at me!)

Reading is great and lunches are too but without all my friends, I'm not sure what I'd do. (that just came to me ...so funny)

I bought a few new books today.  Taryn, my cute friend from bowling recommended "Infidel" to me and so I got that.  After buying it I thought.... that was dumb.....I'd much rather buy used books on line.....I don't think I was wearing my "smart" glasses when I made that decision.

I also bought Ellen Degeneres book...."Seriously....I'm Kidding".  I read the back and that sold me.  Here is what it says on the back cover: "Oh, hi. I'm so glad you decided to turn the book over.  As you probably know, this is normally where authors put nice quotes from fancy people praising their book. I'm a little uncomfortable with that.  If feels like a gimmick to get people to buy it and I don't believe in cheap tricks like that.  Besides, I know you're way too smart and beautiful to fall for that kind of stuff.

Actually, I think you're so wonderful I thought I would use this space to praise you.  Yes, that's right.  You.  Here are some of the nice things I have to say about you:
"That is a beautiful blouse you're wearing.  It goes so nicely with this book."
"I love the way you're holding this book.  It's like you were born to buy it and hold it forever."
"(GASP)" as I notice your beauty for the first time.
"You're my favorite reader.  Ever, of all time.  Shhh....... don't tell the other readers." "

So IT worked.....I bought the book!  Just to make sure things are clear.....Kathy did NOT buy the "naked" book.  It was just for that special Kodak moment is all. (it really is special right?)

Za Baby

Zaden is Four years old today!  Yesterday morning Jared mentioned that Zaden's birthday was tomorrow and Kimleighel was shocked that Jared would remember and even mention it.  (the kid forgets about Christmas)  I was a bit shocked myself that Jared would remember.  Then he went on to say how time is going so fast and how he couldn't believe Zaden was really turning four.  I just thought it was funny.  I love experiencing life with my kids.

Zaden is a cutie and such a blessing as each of the grands are.  We sure do love him and I love having him come to play on Mondays.  We have a good time together and laugh a lot.  Zaden is a great kid.  Trichelle said Zaden woke up saying he wished for lots of toys and his daddy.  His birthday wishes will come true today!

I LOVE my grands!

(I borrowed the picture Trichelle took of him opening his presents)

Halloween 2012

I think dressing up and Halloween is fun.  I love seeing the costumes of others and the fun people have on Halloween. I love seeing my family get dressed up and have fun.  This year we didn't have any wonderful ideas for dressing up and Larry was glad.  I had bought some Mardi Gras masks for our family to wear but if you will notice there isn't a single picture of us in the masks.......because no one wanted to wear even a mask. (no wonder I have more fun than my hubby....he's a party pooper and I followed his lead this year)  In fact TJ came dressed up and was giving me a hard time...then he said you always dress like a "witch"... I corrected him.....this year the first letter could be changed and it would describe me a bit better.  I wasn't in a good mood for the Trunk or Treat.  In fact I was plain ticked off.  I can't believe that the Bishop doesn't get a say in what time it should start since it was at our house and he is the Bishop.  Larry doesn't even close shop until 5:30 and doesn't get home until 6:00 (been like that forever) but for some dumb reason the Trunk or Treat was scheduled to start at 5:30.  It started early by the way.....they prayed at 5:15.  Funny that on Sunday people have a hard time of getting to church early or on time but for a Trunk or Treat we are able to start early.  I had an attitude and it showed so I even left for a bit and gave myself a time out.  It was what it was and my being mad wasn't going to change anything but me. (I still struggled)

Kimi played with my glassed but only inside.....we were all party poopers this year. (me, Larry, Kimi & Jared) The grands dressed up and were absolutely darling. (I love all their costumes)  I just have the cutest grands and can't help but smile and laugh around them.  They truly make my heart smile even when I am having a bad attitude moment.

I went to Kamryn's preschool for the Halloween Parade and Trick or Treating.  Julie took Mya and Parker too and it was fun going around with them.  They Parade and Trick or Treat around the Nursing Home and the people there love it.  I thought it was great for everyone.  Children are so sweet and brighten everyone's lives.  I think it is good for the little ones to see how happy they are able to make the older people....I'm not really sure they noticed that much though since they were really more interested in the candy they were collecting.

TJ and Trichelle even dressed up.  However I do know that Halloween is one of Trichelle's favorite Holidays (pretty sure it IS her favorite) and so she usually does dress up.  I was proud of TJ for dressing up too.  I loved Ivy and Zaden's costumes.....so stinkin cute!

Once my grands got to the Trunk or Treat I was able to smile and let go of my frustration better.   I love my grands. They truly are a wonderful blessing in my life.

Towards the end of the evening I had a scary face come up behind me and scare me to death.  After screaming, running and hiding behind Larry I looked again to see who it was and it was Brenda.  I had thought she had a mask on when I got scared but she just had some really good make up.  She had messaged me earlier that she had scared Shirley at Rocky and so I expected scary.  She got me good!

When Mya decided that she had enough of wearing her wig Grandpa decided to wear it.  He reminds me of one of the singers from the "Monkeys".  I think he looks funny with hair but it was good for a laugh!

October came and went so stinkin fast.  It was fun and now it's over.....sometimes I wish there was a slow down button for life. (even my youngest kids are noticing how fast time goes)

Spooktacular Party on Halloween Eve

Cute Lisa invited all us "sista's" over for a Pot Luck Dinner and Scary Movie Night!  It was a blast....I love getting together with my "sista's".  Lisa's house is awesome!  She does everything so cute....she's one talented gal!

The Pot Luck was very colorful and yummy....at least the things I tried.  I didn't try everything which I am proud to say.  I am finding some control in my life. It was a nice variety.

Lisa had a little gift for each of us.....glasses with mustaches!  So funny & cute!  I had thought about bringing headbands or masks or something since it wasn't a dress up party (even though I did dress up)  but decided not to since it was at Lisa's and she was in charge.  I'm glad I decided the way I did......Lisa did good! (my glasses glow in the dark)

I can't help but think that my mom didn't have this much fun at this age.  I am having a blast and love hanging with my friends.  In fact as I was leaving tonight I told Larry to have a good time. (he had YM/YW and meetings) His response was: "you have way more fun than me".  I know I do and wondered if that was a problem for him.  The difference is I choose to have fun!  I make my days fun and I am loving life.  I think so often we get stuck in a rut and just exist.....doing our daily routines and not really enjoying where we are.  I know that I have lived that way and even though I was happy to a point I wasn't really happy....I was just doing and being what and who I needed to.  This point in my life is my favorite......but in all honesty I can say each step of the way to get here was my favorite at the time.  I'm just glad I reached this point.  I certainly "feel" younger than my age or my face.

We watched "The Lady in Black" and it was scary.  I don't really like being scared but watching a scary movie with a bunch of "sista's" makes it more fun than scary.  We jumped and we screamed and we laughed....it was fun.  My first scare found my hands upright, together in a praying position....hahaha (doing what comes naturally)  

This group of ladies enjoy being crazy.....we all enjoy making memories and catching them with the camera. I think it is so much fun.  I get told that I have more fun than anyone.  Now I'm not sure that is true but I do have fun and it is fun documenting it with pictures.

I know I say it every time I write about my friends but I always learn to much from each of them and my life is simply better because of my friends.  I am finally at a  point in my life that I realize I am important to others also.....I like knowing that and finally believing it.  A simple but lovely "gift" from God!

 Halloween is fun and celebrating with my friends is priceless!  I sure do LOVE them all!