It's Been Awhile

It's been awhile since I have seen these two ladies and it was really fun getting together with them and visiting for a bit.

I've talked to Heather but haven't seen her for about 3 years and I've missed her. Heather has moved back after living in Jackson Hole and then St. George. It's been a rough year for her but she presses on with a smile on her face. I admire Heather and all that she does. She is ambitious and gets what ever she goes after. She is working at Weber State now and is even teaching a class. She amazes me with all she has done and continues to do. I love this friend of mine. An hour just wasn't enough time so I'm glad she is close and hopefully we will get together more often.

I met Janet for breakfast which was a great way to start a day. I haven't seen Janet for over 20 years and was really excited to meet her. I ordered the Breakfast of Champions! (no wonder I don't have a waist...besides being really short waisted this kind of eating doesn't help...I know that but it's what I like) Life is to be Enjoyed right? Breakfast should be too! (I'm not a big breakfast eater anyway and so this works and it didn't make me sick)

I use to work for Janet when I worked at the Day Care before I was married. That's how we met. I always liked Janet and thought she was nice. She told me that she always liked me too because I also spoke my mind. I needed to be reminded because I don't really think that is one of my traits at all. She told me that I had figured out what the Day Care was bringing in from each child and wondered why we the workers couldn't get more money? Wow....that is really not me but it made me feel good that I actually did that. She had showed me everything they had to pay out with that money and I guess I was okay after that. Janet was a fun boss. I remember going boating with her and her family when I was engaged. I also remember tending her 5 kids for a weekend not long after Larry and I got married. So many good memories.

Janet is doing good. She is a family therapist which makes me smile. I know that she would be really good. Janet is sensitive and kind and smart. After meeting today we decided we needed to more often. It's so fun reconnecting with my past and being able to keep relationships going and making new memories. I love technology and how it's added happiness to my life.

A Little R & R

A few weeks ago Larry decided that he needed a break from work and everything.  He doesn't take many breaks in the summer time and he needed one.  Some how he came up with the idea of traveling by train to Colorado. (AM TRACK) He booked it and we were really looking forward to just "chillin" on the train and enjoying a relaxing weekend together.  Well Colorado was flooded with rain and it washed out some of the tracks.  If we would have followed through with our plans we would have had to transfer to a bus. We decided we didn't want to do that and thought driving would just be better.  We had already bought some Baseball Tickets to a few games and since we already had the tickets be decided we would still go.

The drive to Colorado was boring!  We went through Wyoming and there is nothing to look at so Larry closed his eyes and didn't look.  He didn't keep them closed for very long but thought he was so funny. He was guided by the washboards on the shoulder that let you know you are going off the road.  It did add to the drive for a few minutes.

We listened to the Old Testament on CD (that's when I closed my eyes), some conference talks, and a few other talks on CD and some music I had brought.  So really it wasn't all that bad.  It was nice just to be getting away!

I was excited to see the City.  I was excited to get out of the car soon and stretch.  I was excited to be with my hubby for a few days and just do nothing.  I like not having responsibilities or worrying about anything every once in awhile.  We found our Hotel and checked in and got comfy.  We just ate at the little restaurant in the Hotel and then went up and watched a movie.  Larry and I never take time to watch movies at home and so this was a treat.  I can't remember the name of the movie but it was kind of dumb and we both laughed when it got over at how disappointing it was.    

It was during the movie I had a question of mine answered.  I have wondered if the comforters on the bed ever got cleaned or if they were just covered with clean coverings.  Our bed was a little damp down at the bottom of the bed and it was because the comforter was still damp from being cleaned. We didn't let it get to us and didn't make the hotel bring up new bedding...we were both fine to let it continue to dry.  We are both easy going like that...I know most people would demand dry bedding.  It dried! 

We slept in...no one to wake up....no one to get off to school...no one to meet....it was nice. (our kids did great taking care of themselves) I was proud of Larry.  Larry usually can't sleep in and usually wakes up and gets up and going....he relaxed and I was glad.  We watched another movie but this one I remember because it was good.  It was Parental Guidance....very cute show and a good start to a fun day.  After the movie got over we went to the Baseball Field.  Larry and I both enjoy Baseball.

I remember as a little girl watching the Dodgers on the lap of my daddy or one of his buddies.  My grandma Bessie loved the game too and so of course I was going to.  Back then I knew all the names of the players on the Dodgers team....that was the only time I knew the names of so many Baseball Players.  I just enjoy the game now but don't get into it like I use to or like others do.  It's just fun every now and then to watch a game on a big field.

                                  

Part of the enjoyment is getting a foot long hot dog....you know...baseball food!  Larry had plans of having a few but we didn't....one was enough.  This game was against the Rockies and the St Louis Cardinals. There were a bunch of Cardinal Fans here....the stadium had a bunch of red all around it.

We had great seats.  We were 10 rows up from first base.  The game started off with the best play ever.  The Rockies First baseman Helton faked a throw to the pitcher and tagged the guy on first base out.  It was so funny!  I loved how stunned the other player was....he couldn't believe it.  He had made it back to the base at least 3 times and even this time he made it back.  He just stepped off the base to wipe his hands and that's when Helton tagged him.  Sweet way to end a career. (Helton is retiring) It was awesome.  The game was good and lasted over 5 hours.  I think it went for 15 innings.

We had two 7th inning stretches.  One of the things I like about Baseball is someone has to win, there are no ties!  

It was a nice day and we didn't have any other plans and so Larry and I enjoyed the long game and even decided to walk back to the hotel instead of calling for the hotel shuttle.  It took us about an hour or just a little longer to get back but wasn't bad.  I say that now...at the time I was a little nervous.  I wasn't sure how safe we were during our walk....turned out we were just fine.  We found a little place by the Hotel that sold Calzones and so we stopped and ate there.  They were good!

We ordered another movie "Snitch" and was enjoying it when it just stopped.  It was to the end where everything gets wrapped up and we were left hanging.  The front desk said we could order it again with no charge if we wanted to finish it.  It was late and we knew we wouldn't be able to stay awake for the ending so we will just have to be content with our ideas of how it ended. haha

Friday we had all day to do whatever we wanted and so we decided to go to the Aquarium.  From the brochures we were sure we could spend hours there.  The brochure was a bit deceiving but we did enjoy the aquarium and our time there.  There were lots of different kinds of fish to see.  I even learned a little from a group of young (elementary) kids.  They were looking at sea horses and saying they were males (not sure how they could tell but they knew). They also pointed out the little specks in the water which were the babies and called "fries".  If I ever knew that I had forgotten...so there you go I learned something from a child. 

When we first walked in to the museum a lady was there to take our picture.  After taking our picture she asked me if I had been a Cheerleader or Model.  I looked at her with that questioning look and she told me she asked because I had a great smile!  Well Thank You kind girl!  I need to compliment others more....that seriously made my day!  Makes me want to smile all the time.  Actually I have been complimented by my smile over the years and consider it one of my best qualities. No matter....hearing it again did something wonderful to me. ☺

We enjoyed a nice lunch at the restaurant there.  We sat facing a big glass window where the fish swam back and forth and around.  It was nice.  There were even a few Mermaids swimming around for a short time.  It was a pretty great place.  A fun way to spend our afternoon.

That night (Friday) the game was against the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Just before the game I decided to go to the restroom.  Larry reassured me I had plenty of time before the game started.  He also wanted an ice cream so I left.  When I got back the score was already 2.  The Diamondbacks first batters up had scored....what the heck?  

We were sitting just off of home base and a few sections up. Our seats weren't bad but the perspective on the balls hit were confusing.  It was hard to tell how far the ball was going.  Larry ended up watching the players, I never figured that out.  The Rockies got ahead soon into the game and stayed that way.  So this game wasn't as exciting but it was still good and we had a good time.  We took the shuttle back after this game. I didn't want to walk in the dark.

As always the days go by too fast.  Our little get away was about over.  We would have stayed longer. Going home we decided to drive through Vail which was a much better drive.  The mountains were pretty and the drive was nice.  I only dozed off during the Old Testament CD and only for a short time. (the voice is to soft and calming)  Larry and I had such a wonderful time....so glad he needed some R&R.

Did you know that there are Oscar Mayer Wiener vehicles?  Well we drove right by one on I 15 and so I grabbed my iPad and got a picture of it.  Right away I started singing the "Weenie Man" song that I learned at a girls camp.

♪♫•*♥Weenie, Weenie, Weenie, Weenie.♥*•♫♪
♪♫•*♥Weenie, Weenie, Weenie, Weenie.♥*•♫♪

♪♫•*♥I know a Weenie Man, he owns a Weenie Stand
He sells most everything from Hot Dogs on down.♥*•♫♪
♪♫•*♥Some day I'll change his life, I'll be his weenie wife
Hot Dog I love that Weenie Man!♥*•♫♪

Goofing Off....Again

Kathy was having a bag party tonight and even though I don't need any more bags I went to support Kathy. (if that's supporting~going with no intention of buying)  Kathy cracks me up.  Kathy is a smart gal but a little scatter-brained at times.  She seriously makes me laugh out loud.  Did she really text Connie after 11:30 pm the night before reminding her about the party?  Connie replied after receiving the text and Kathy replied again at that late hour.  Kathy couldn't remember texting that late. There's more....there's always more! I just laugh and smile...and love the girl!

Connie made my day as we were walking in together.  She asked how I was and told me that she thinks of me almost every day and wonders how I am doing.  How nice is that?  Connie delivers mail to my son Kevin and so I know that is what triggers her mind but still it's nice of her and it made me feel good.  I met Connie at one of Kathy's card classes.

 We listened to the spill on the bags and then we got silly.  Not everyone got silly but a few of us did.  Kathy pulled out a few masks that her grand kids made and a few others she had.  We set up the camera and......well we did our thing.....we made memories.

It's fun making memories and being silly.  It makes every situation a bit more fun when the camera comes out.  What a bunch of Goofs!

Life is to be Enjoyed....not just Endured!!!                                                          September 17, 2013

Just Look Up

It was late start for Jared today and so I asked him to walk with me this morning since Robin was gone.  It was a beautiful morning.  The air was crisp and nice....it felt like fall.  Walking back home down our street the sky was beautiful.  If we would have been looking down at the road we would have missed it.  It took my breath away and I was so glad I had my phone with me so I could get a picture of it.  It made me think how important it is in life to LOOK UP!  There is so much we might be missing if we keep our focus on the ground.  Looking up can offer us hope and peace.

Life is beautiful and good when we focus on the good things around us.  Some times we miss the beauty because we are looking down.  Our focus gets stuck on the things that are hard and stress us out.  Those kind of things will always be but there is so much more that we miss and all we need to do is look up....pay attention.  Acknowledge the good and watch what happens.....we notice more good. It seems like more good things are happening but really it's our focus...the good has always been there. So when you are feeling down and discouraged....LOOK UP!

It's Julie's Birthday

I love the girls my son's have chosen for wives.  I love Julie and I'm so glad that Kevin and her finally crossed paths.  Funny how they grew up so close to each other yet didn't know of each other until the right time.  We love having Julie in our family.  She fits in nicely.  In fact, her whole family fits great with ours.  (Natalie's does too)  I love that we all get along with each other and that joining our kids enlarges both families by not just one but many.

Julie is a happy gal.  She is a great mommy to Kamryn.  She loves her family and ours and is always planning things and inviting everyone.  Julie is a doer....she loves to schedule way ahead and plans her life far in advance.  She treats Kevin good and that means the most to me.  I don't know how I would act if my kids weren't treated well by their partners.  Glad I don't have to worry about that. We are thankful for Julie and the happiness she brings into Kevin's life and ours!

Jared is 15

My baby is 15 and towers me!  Man, Jared grew a lot this past year.  He's tall & skinny, his voice is low, he has a little acne a he even has a few long whiskers on his chin.  These things are normal but affect me a little differently since this guy is my baby.  He still gives me hugs every single day though and lays his head on my shoulder and tells me I'm beautiful and that he loves me!  I hope that never changes....because I love it!

It's fun for me to look back over the pictures and see the changes in Jared.  Along with seeing the changes I think of all the things that he has learned along his journey to 15.  Jared is a smart kid, and he is kind, and sensitive, and strong, and a hard worker, and funny, and polite and respectful.  So many wonderful qualities that will get him far in life.  I'm so glad that Jared was sent to us.  I'm so glad that his life as been spared a few times.  I wonder why that is?  Probably for me.  I was telling Jared about his "birth" day and the weeks that followed.  Jared had the choice whether to stay here on Earth or return to Heaven....he chose here.  We pleaded with Heavenly Father for him to stay.  We blessed him with the Priesthood to stay and get better. When he struggles  I feel guilty.  I think how selfish it was for us to keep him here.  I guess that is our natural instinct though...we fight for life.  We loved him at birth when we had no idea who he really was.  We have a better idea now and I'm so glad he chose to stay and bless our family with his wonderful spirit!  Jared is a special kid! (they all are!)  Man, I love this handsome young man!  Happy Birthday Son!

another play....The Curious Savage

After going to Kamryn's soccer game and taking Jared shopping for his birthday I went to the play with Heather.  She's a sweetie and picked me up. I love visiting with Heather and being around her....she's so much better than she knows!  (probably true for us all) Heather is one of my hero's!

We stopped for dinner at a place that has really good peach shakes.  Oh my heck they were so good!  I didn't think I would be able to finish mine but found it wasn't a problem.  I love peaches and things made from peaches.  At restaurants I like getting peach flavored water. Peaches are the best thing about summer...or one of the best things.

Right before we left for the play I decided to grab a "Scatter Sunshine" bag.  I felt like Barbie needed to receive it today.  Barbie is always doing for others.  She is a good mom and grandma and puts in a lot of time in those two callings.  She is a good sister and has been there for her sister while she is going through rough times with her health.  Barbie just keeps going and doing.  I admire her and just wanted her to know that she is pretty awesome and scatter's lots of sunshine and hopefully my little gift will fill her bucket that she is always giving from.  I love these ladies....all awesome and wonderful!

The play was great.  It made me laugh over and over.  I loved the gal named "fairy".  Her character cracked me up. I loved her expressions and stupid jokes....seriously funny to me.  The whole play was terrific and all the characters were pretty great.  Mrs. Savage was outstanding.  Wow!  She was clever, funny, and thoughtful.  Most of the play was humorous but by the end everyone was wiping tears from their eyes and sniffing a little. I told the gals it was so hot my eyes were sweating. ☺ It was a "make you feel good" kind of play.  The ending was about love and caring for others. I loved this play.

I think it's amazing how fast we make it home....we talk so much it doesn't feel like an hour and a half.
Such good times.  I look forward to hanging with these ladies every month or so!  Again....I am so blessed!