Kimleighel's Birthday Dinner

We came home a little early from our camping trip so we could take Kimleighel out for her birthday dinner.  For a year she has been talking about going to LaFerovia, and that's were we went.  Our families favorite place to eat.

I love the one on one we get with our kids on their birthdays.  So much fun focusing on just one child...every now and then.

Kimi is such a pretty thing and getting sweeter all the time.  I love watching her become......her!

Kimi received her Patriarchal Blessing on Valentines and it was so cool hearing about this lovely daughter of ours.  I think it was wonderful seeing how she reacted to the things said.  She's a blessing to our family that is for sure!

we went camping....

Larry bought a 5th wheel trailer and a nice truck to pull it with from our good friends and Larry's accountants, the Swearingens.  Sandy isn't doing well and so Jim decided he didn't need to keep the trailer or truck around.  It was a good deal so Larry decided to get it.  We took it camping this week and had a great time.  It was so nice to get away and just rest.  We read, watched movies, napped, walked outside, played games and just chilled.  (I love that Larry was able to rest....he needs to every once and awhile and seldom gets to...he took 3 naps the first day)

Kevin, Julie and Kamryn came up and visited Monday night for FHE.  It was fun visiting with them.  They could come since we decided to just go out to Willard since it was close and our first time.  We weren't sure what we needed and I didn't want to go far. It was a good decision since the destination wasn't as important as the getting away.  We liked it and will probably go there again.

Kam really wanted to stay over with us but we were going to the Temple with the Young Women in the morning and so we couldn't let her.  She was bummed and really I was too....I can't wait for us to be able to take her and the others.

I got a kick out of Jim.  He was talking to Larry on Monday and showed up on Tuesday with a garbage can of wood, an ax, and a mobile fire-pit.  He thought we needed a fire since we were camping.  I think he just wanted to see us using the trailer and I could tell he was glad.  He was a little emotional when we took it but was happy when he came to visit us while camping.  He had plans of enjoying this with his sweetheart since they had finally both retired.  I feel bad for them.....life isn't always the way we plan.

For that very reason I didn't mind borrowing a little for this.  We can sell it if we need to and we have other assets and so it was easy for me to justify.  By the time we can afford things we might not have the health to enjoy them.  I'm glad we got this because the few days we were gone were good.  I love the togetherness and not having responsibilities. Relaxing is a good thing.  Playing with the kids is also a good thing.  Taking walks in the fresh air is a good thing.  Being away from others is also a good thing every now and then.  It's just a good thing!

We took the kids to the Temple on Tuesday and they did Baptisms for the dead.  They both loved how clean and wonderful they felt.  I loved the spirit that I felt.  The church is true and God is good!

 Jared learned to chop wood.  The kid has a lot of energy and it was fun watching him chop away.

 We all slid down the rails by the stairs.....a lot.  It was fun!

 We stuffed the Easter Eggs for our Family Easter Egg Hunt.  I loved having the help!

We played games.  While we were in Brigham City we stopped at the store and got some things to keep in the trailer.....the kids enjoyed themselves.  I enjoyed myself too and I know Larry did as well.  It was simply enjoyable.

On Wednesday we visited the Golden Spike Museum.  It was pretty interesting and cool.  I didn't even know it was so close.  I think I did but really hadn't given it a thought.  I'm glad that Larry suggested it because it was a nice thing to do.

I'm looking forward to more get a ways.  Life is to be enjoyed and not just endured.  That statement has been brought up a few times lately.  Life is hard and we do have to endure all the yucky stuff but it can also be enjoyed if we make it enjoyable.  It's up to us to make it enjoyable....it is also up to us to endure.

Kimleighe's Birthday

Kimleighel was in California with the Orchestra this year on Tour for her birthday.  She was enjoying turning 17 with her friends and was loving it.  She was in Disneyland for her special day.  I kept texting her and even called and sang to her.  It was a fun day.

This past year has been fun with Kimi.  We have all learned that she is happier when she is texting the boys.  Boys bring out the Happy in Kimi, which makes us all happy.  I am proud of Kimi for all that she has accomplished this last year.  Speaking of accomplishments....she just got her grades and they were mostly A's with a few B's.  Woo Hoo for Kimi....the best ever and some hard classes.  Kimi is really learning to deal with her challenges and has stepped up and beyond this year.  I am really proud of her. I love being the mom to this silly, talented girl.  She's seventeen.......that went fast!

Weber State...pretty great

I have enjoyed going to a few of Weber States Basketball games this year.  I haven't really watched the games much because I just can't take my eyes off of the Wild Cat.  He's awesome and cool and a little bit crazy.  He hangs from the rim...actually upside down and then flips off of it.  He runs all over the place and makes people laugh. He does back hand springs across the floor.  He ties up hoodies so you can't get out.  He's awesome and fun and I'm glad he's my son!  I so love each and every one of my kids and enjoy their talents.  They make me smile and I'm just glad that they are mine!  I marvel at what they can do.....they are all so awesome!

Happy Green Day

You probably know me by now and know that I love Holidays and Traditions.  On St Patrick's day we wear green or pinch...We also eat green food. This year we had chicken and tortellini and green alfredo sauce and salad and a rainbow jello....and of course green punch!  I think it's fun to do silly things like this.  The kids act a little leery sometimes in trying green food but eventually do and realize it's what they like just colored.  I love having the family together and having our traditions....it makes my heart happy.

We usually have our family home evenings on Sundays since the family is together and the grands love it.  I'm pretty sure they really just like playing games and having treats but they always ask to do family home evening.  It's fun to discuss things and watch the little's and how much they pick up.  They are smarties....I know, I know I'm the gramma and would say that about my grands but it is absolutely true!

 Tonight the kids wanted to play dress up so I pulled out the costume box.  They tried on most of the costumes in the box and had a great time.  Ivy and Zaden had to leave early so they missed out this time. :(

The little's make me smile.  I couldn't help but giggle when Parker put on the clown costume.  Trichelle and Justin had matching costumes when they were six and four and Kevin had a little clown costume and even Larry and I dressed in clown costumes that year.  Kind of shows how big Parker is or how small Trichelle and Justin were.

It's fun remembering back when my kids wore these same costumes....time really does go by way too fast.  I remember sewing the purple princess costume for Trichelle since that's what she wanted and the ones to rent were ugly and we couldn't find one to buy.  I hated sewing but am proud that it's still around and has held up. It's fun seeing the grands wearing the same costumes.  I am thankful for memories. (and a little bit for being a pack rat....I just can't get rid of some things)

I love Sundays.  I love Holidays.  I love Traditions.  I love my family.  

Relief Society Birthday...I Walk by Faith

Wow talk about being uplifted spiritually today.  I love Janice Kapp Perry and her music.  Listening to her speak and singing her songs brought the spirit strongly to everyone that attended.  The Stake Center was packed....it was beautiful with lovely decorations everywhere.  The Stake RS went all out and it was greatly appreciated by everyone including Janice and her cute husband, Doug.

I loved listening to Janice talk about how she pushed herself beyond her comfort zone to accomplish the things that she has.  Her hubby has been supportive and also helped her to know that she was capable of doing so much more.  It made me realize that life doesn't come easy for anyone.  We all have our challenges and fears but with Faith we can overcome them.  I also liked a story she shared about President Kimball's wife, Camilla learning to oil paint in her later years. So awesome that we can Walk by Faith at any age and we will be blessed.  I was thinking how I have had to Walk by Faith recently even in serving in my new calling with the Special Needs.  I don't know anyone and just have to pretend not to be nervous or uncomfortable.  Actually this week Bishop Stauffer and his sweet wife were there and so I do know them.  However, I have never felt that Janet liked me and really I was looking forward to working with her so that hopefully that will change.  I was excited to see them and went over to say Hi and I felt that they weren't nearly as excited to see me...if they even cared at all.  So I took a deep breath and presented the lesson with Faith and pretended that I wasn't nervous.  I got through it and felt good and feel more confident for next time.  I even went over and talked to Janet after and she smiled and we talked a little.  I felt much better instantly.

Of course Music was discussed.  The power of music and what music can do for our souls.  It can either build us up or pull us down depending on what the music is.  The lyrics are powerful and stick in our brains so it is important to have uplifting ones in there.  I know that for me when my thoughts stray I sing a primary song or a church hymn to chase away the bad thoughts.  It works and I often have to keep repeating the process until the thought stays away.  It also made me wonder why bad lyrics or thoughts don't have to be thought about to have them enter...they just show up....uninvited.  I don't understand that but I am thankful for the songs of Janice Kapp Perry that I have learned and love to sing and that bring peace to my soul and mind.

Later today I get to go to the Temple with Larry and some of the Ward members.  How truly blessed I feel for this day and the Spirit that I am being filled with....I love feeling the Spirit of our Heavenly Father....I crave it......and want it with me always.

99 Birthdays

Not many people celebrate 99 birthdays but Lorell has.  What an incredible lady Lorell is.  She still lives alone and can take care of herself.  Her legs are giving out but that is the only thing.  Lorell's mind is sharp and has a lot of knowledge stored up in it.  I admire my sweet friend.  I can't imagine living to celebrate 99 years but if I do I hope I can be in as good of health as Lorell.  I love this lady. I love that she still sings in the Ward Choir and that she is a good visiting teacher to me.  She always is checking on me and my family.  She loves me and tells me all the time.  I love Lorell too!