Hey Hey It's Braxton's Birthday

It's Braxton's birthday and I just want to say I love being this kids mommy.  He cracks me up and all the gray hairs that are credited to Braxton are worth it.

I love Braxton's enthusiasm for life.  He is always going, creating, and living.  I am proud of the things he has accomplished this far in his life.  I loved watching him as "Waldo" the Wild Cat the last few years.  It was so fun knowing it was my kid in there making others happy.

I admire that he still plays the piano every once in a while when he is over.  I never thought he would continue on but I'm so glad he has.  I am proud of him for getting help with his finances. (love Natalie for helping him)  I love that he always seems so happy and positive and that he doesn't mind be goofy and not too serious.  He has fun and I like that.  He's always been a spiritual giant and I love and respect him for his wonderful example.  I'm glad he was sent to our family.  He's the perfect middle child!

Theater...Civil War

We went to the play, Civil War,  tonight and it was awesome.  It was sad because war is just sad.  I even cried but at least one time I laughed when Barbie and I looked at each other with the exact same thought about a statement.  Even Cari who was sitting across the isle from us noticed us laugh at that part. (it had something to do with 20 shades of gray.....yes 20....but of course we both thought 50 would have been a better number) There were a few songs that were fun when the blacks were gaining freedom and I was appreciative of them.  But the whole play was just a lot to think about and be grateful for.  We are blessed and I honor and respect all men and women who have fought for this countries freedom. I am glad that the blacks received their freedom as well and I'm glad I didn't live in the era that they were slaves.  I'm not sure I could have accepted that at all.  I am blessed to be part of this group of wonderful women.  We laugh together and share our lives with each other and are supportive of each other with the things we all are going through.  I feel blessed indeed!

Puzzle Pieces

I made up this saying today after meeting a few friends for lunch.  This lunch was decided just a few days ago and I was able to go without knowing it would be an answer to some of my prayers.  I thought I'd only be able to catch the last of the lunch because I was bowling today for a friend.  However since I bowled for another team Wednesday for this same league my scores today didn't count.  We thought about this a few frames into the first game.  So I bowled 2 games just for fun anyway and then went to lunch with these sweet gals.  They all had a piece to my puzzle that I needed.

Kathy was inspired to throw this lunch together and I am always glad when I get to rub shoulders with these dear friends who are in my life....on purpose.  Kathy was inspired & I bet she doesn't know it.

After a great lunch and sending Kathy back to work I felt like I needed to share my concerns about Jared with these sweet friends of mine.  They each had comments that I needed to hear.  I have a plan of action and I'm working on making life more enjoyable for my son but I had crossed off something that at first I thought needed to happen.  I had called and put forth some effort on the topic and since it didn't happen I just thought it wasn't suppose to.  Well....it is suppose to and I now know where to go for the answer and help.

The final thing Davaleen said was don't stop doing what you are doing!  I needed to hear that because that is exactly what happens.  I get going and then I stop because I hit a bump and I'm not sure how to get over it.  It has happened all year......I need to do whatever it takes to get past the bumps and I really needed to hear it.  I came home and wrote down the things I needed and especially DON"T STOP!

In life we all need others to help us get to where we need to be.  No one is here on their own.  I called each of these gals and thanked them again and Jodi told me that it was good for them too and they also needed to hear some of the things said.

I can see the hand of the Lord in this task.  I feel His help along the way.  I pray constantly that I will be able to do all that is needed to help my son succeed and feel happy about life.  I know that I carry a few pieces of Jared's puzzle and I'm trying to make sure I supply the correct ones.

Life is NOT easy however once over the tough things I really do see how important those times are and how I am strengthened  as I get through them.  We need the challenges so that we are stronger for the things that will come to us in the future....It's life....more will come!

Hey Monkey

Kam got to hang out with Great Gramps this morning and then with me later.  She is a little monkey and can go across those bars just like one.  It makes my heart smile to watch my grands develop and learn new things.

Kamryn told me the other day that she loves coming to my house because there is so much to do.  All my grands feel like this and I am glad.  I hope that they will always love coming to our house.

A week ago Kam asked her mom what would happen if everyone died.....everyone that is except for me and Kamryn.  She was fine knowing that I would take care of her.  I kind of thought it was cute that it was me she chose to stay alive with her.  Being a Gramma is seriously indescribable.

Conference Tradition

I love Conference Weekend.  I finally enjoy listening to all of the sessions.  It took me longer than most I am sure but I really even look forward to the Saturday Sessions now....I plan for them. I use to feel to busy to enjoy them but at last I do!

I love sending the boys off for the Priesthood Session.  I love that they can all go and that they go together.  Little things like that mean so much to me.  The Priesthood means so much to me and I am grateful that all my boys have it and honor it.  Such a blessing that is.

I love that we all go to dinner afterwards.  We always see dads with their sons but usually not the whole family.  The Priesthood is for the whole family and so I'm glad we all go rather than split up having a boy's night and girl's night.  The way we do it is perfect for me.

It's a tradition to go the LaFerrovia our families favorite Italian Restaurant.  However we need to remember that calling in our orders is much better.  We talked about it but decided we weren't in a hurry.  While we were there waiting I remembered that last year an employee told me they liked having our order early so when the crowds came they were a step ahead.

I love every bit of time our family has together.  It's always fun and funny.  Much smiling and laughter is shared.

I am thankful that my kids are such good friends with each other.  They love and support each other in a way that parents can't.  I appreciate them all so much for watching out and caring for each other.

Last conference we brought Jessyca Fullmer with us and this conference we brought her brother, Jayden.  We are thinking about bringing the youngest (Sydnee) who is Jared's age next conference.

Life is good.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints makes it better.  The joy and peace I feel when I try my best is wonderful.  Having my family forever is one of the biggest "perks" the Church has. (hope that doesn't sound bad....I'm just glad I get my family forever)

Good Job Jared

Jared built the Alamo.  He stressed a little about this project but did a great job with it.  He had to have a  3D project and also report on it. I loved that he chose to build with his lego's.  Jared loves lego's and is very creative.  I realized that he likes things to be exact and I had to keep telling him this couldn't be and that plastic cowboys and indians would suffice just fine.  He chose to make a power point for his report and in my opinion did a great job with it. I'm proud of this cute boy!

April Fools

The only joke I did for April Fools was post on Face Book that I was going to eat Healthier and give up sugar and chocolate.

I fooled a few but for those that really know me knew it was a joke.  I can't even imagine giving up chocolate or sugar.  I could cut back on both...but right now in my life.....I don't want to!

Trichelle and her kids went with me to Pleasant Grove to get some dresses for Kimleighel.  A friend was selling her daughters dance dresses and since they were modest and cute I decided to make the trip and get them.  I really enjoyed the drive since I was able to talk to Trichelle.  I like the time I get to visit with my friends and it doesn't happen near enough.  The kids were hungry and so we went for breakfast.  Just being with them all was great.  I loved our morning together.

Larry and I went to the Jazz Game and had a great time.  We left a little early because we were sure that Ivy was going to spend the night...she wasn't here and had decided not to.  Maybe that was good since we got a heart breaking phone call from a good friend.  Our baby had text a few friends saying he wasn't good enough for this life.  I don't think it was an April Fools joke but really wish it would have been.  Neither Larry or I slept very well that night....I cried and prayed a lot.

The girls had decided to get together for a picnic with the cousins but the weather was cold and we got some rain and so we picnicked inside.  It was fun.  I love that the cousins love each other so much.  I also love that the older kids all enjoy each other too.  Family is the best and I'm so happy that my family gets along so well.

Larry and I went to the Jazz Game and had a great time.  We left a little early because we were sure that Ivy was going to spend the night...she wasn't here and had decided not to.  Maybe that was good since we got a heart breaking phone call from a good friend.  Our baby had text a few friends saying he wasn't good enough for this life.  I don't think it was an April Fools joke but really wish it would have been.  Neither Larry or I slept very well that night....I cried and prayed a lot.

Today I received a phone call from the same friend with a plan of action to help me with the situation we have.  This families love and concern is exactly in sync with what Jesus would do.  They are His instruments and we are so thankful.  I would not have known where to turn or what to do.  They knew exactly a course to get me going and had made phone calls ahead to make it even easier.  I am forever grateful for them and will always be.  I feel blessed in spite of the challenge.