Kari's Birthday!

Kari is the Birthday Girl this month...in fact yesterday was her birthday.  I am exactly one month older than this cute gal!  We decided to go to Mimi's since Kari has never been there.  Again it's so much about the food as it is the company and fun.  I love these ladies and laugh so hard every time we get together.  We have secrets. 

I found these big lips yesterday and couldn't resist.  It's crazy (or I am) but I keep my eyes out for silly things to make the get together a little different and fun.  These totally cracked me up!  I remembered I had a few eyes in my purse left over from Vegas and so I got a pair out and the laughter just increased! Don't give me any lip! hahaha

I was thinking about our big lips on the way to the restaurant and thought of Goldie Locks....strange I know...."the better to kiss you with my dear".  Okay so it might be me that's a little crazy...but crazy is fun right?

I really have decided to enjoy life and make it fun for others too.  Don't get me wrong I have always enjoyed life but I use to let things & people get to me and get me down....my choice I know.  I try not to do that now...it still happens but not for as long or often because I don't let it.

If I can help others enjoy life just a little more then I think that is good.  I believe that is my "gift" and since I believe that I'd better use it.  Haha....I just thought: what happens when I get to Heaven and find out I was totally wrong.  While I was busy having fun I totally missed my real gift! I hope if I have more I will recognize them too.  I'm having a good time right in the middle of a lot of sad and hard times.  I get sad and I feel bad but I still try to find the joy that is there among it all!  Celebrating Life!

Mr & Mrs Smith

I normally don't write about my nieces or nephews weddings because usually I am not as involved in their lives.  Shannon has always involved Larry and I in her life.  She has also been close to a few of our kids and so I am including this wedding of hers in my book.

I have always enjoyed this girl.  She's fun and smart and strong. Shannon is a go getter.  She knows what she wants in life and goes for it.  She's an achiever.  I admire Shannon so much.

Shannon asked me to be her escort today in the Temple since her mom couldn't....I was honored.  It made me think back to the time I got to sit by Scott when him and Erin were married.  It's an honor to sit by the bride or groom ... a proud moment.  I have enjoyed this opportunity with these two as well as my own kids.  I cherish each memory!

As I thought back over the years of Shannon I remembered I spoke at her baptism.  That too was an honor and privilege and makes me feel good that she has always included me in her life.  Shannon has always included Larry as well.  Larry has been the one she has turned to for spiritual matters.  Many times Shannon has come to our house for a blessing.  I know it means so much to Larry.  Shannon has a lot of faith.

Today was a happy and wonderful day.  Shannon and Jacob were sealed for time and all eternity in the House of the Lord. (the Draper Temple)  Jacob's mission president sealed them and the spirit was strong and wonderful.  I loved helping Shannon into her gorgeous wedding dress....special time being with the brides. So fun helping them get all pretty to greet their families and friends.  Watching Shannon and Jacob look at each other was awesome....the love between these two radiates.

I'm so glad that they were brought together.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for them.  These two are awesome and a great example to those around them.

Instead of a reception they had a nice dinner and program.  It made for a long day but it was fun just relaxing with them and watching them enjoy their day.  I was thrilled that my older kids were all able to help them celebrate.

Days like this make everything so clear....then we wake up to confusion again.

In Honor of Jaydan

I love that Julie likes to party and is always thinking of others.  Since most of the family wasn't able to be at Jaydan's Graduation and we didn't really plan anything at the time, Julie thought it would be a nice thing to do.  She got us together tonight for a Surprise Dinner for Jaydan.  He was surprised and it was fun. We went to Lucky China.  That is the place to go with a big group.  You get a lot of food for a great price.  I didn't get Gramps, Larry, Sam Horrocks or me in the picture but we were there too...so was Kam. (she must be behind someone)

I love celebrating my kids and their success's. I'm so proud of each of them and all that they accomplish.  It's fun to watch the direction they choose.  I just might add.....I have great kids!

Happy Birthday Trichelle

I LOVE this day....August 23.  This is the day that my dreams came true and I became a mommy to this Beautiful Girl!  What a blessing Trichelle has been to me in my life.  I have enjoyed her so much and have always learned so much from her.  She has been patient with me as I have learned to be a mommy.  We have always been good friends and have been able to share most things with each other.
I enjoy spending time with Trichelle.  Trichelle is smart and funny and witty and caring and patient and creative and beautiful (inside and out) and absolutely wonderful.  I love being Trichelle's mommy.  I love that she has always liked hanging out with me and the family.  I admire this girl and the strength that she has.

I'm so glad that she was born to me.  I have always been so proud of her...what a blessing she is to me and our entire family.  She's a wonderful first child.

It's hard to believe that Trichelle is older than I feel.  It's a strange thing about life.  Our bodies get older but our spirits reach an age and stop!  I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with these cute girl of mine.  I love her so much!

Not a Volleyball

I was talking to Robin today after our walk around the block.  Funny that we don't say everything in those 3 miles.  Anyway I noticed something in the branches of our tree out front.  At first I thought it was a volleyball...I didn't have my contact in yet.  I mentioned to Robin and when we looked closer I could tell it was a wasp nest....a HUGE wasp nest!  I saw a few wasps flying in and out of the little hole.  It's  a pretty cool nest but will no longer be in service as of Monday.  The Pest Control guy is coming to spray our house and will be taking care of this place too.  I am very interested in seeing the nest up close....it looks like it is wrapped in paper.

Surprise

Oh my heck....I must have done something good at Nationals!  I received a check from the Women's Championships.  It was for our team bowling....Debbie and I must have been okay.  I surely didn't ever expect to get anything back. So I think it's cool!

Shirley's Birthday

Our excuse for going out tonight was to celebrate Shirley's Birthday.  It's always a good excuse and for some reason it helps make the night happen.  Shirley's birthday is on Sunday but since Kathy and I have been wanting to get together with Shirley and it took us a few weeks to get a date....it worked out great!

We saw the Adairs there too celebrating Ashley's 21st birthday.  Birthdays are so great and should be celebrated and fun.

I just have to say that I laughed so hard tonight.....all the laughing had to be good for my tummy muscles...Holy Moly.....Good Times!

I am very blessed to have such wonderful neighbors. My whole street has only good and wonderful people living on it and we are all friends.  It's been fun growing up with these ladies and raising parts of our families together.

I always thank Heavenly Father for putting such great people in my life.  I am "needy" in that way and I feel His love and recognize His blessings!