We don't read much!

We had book club today but we didn't discuss any books.  Funny little book club huh?  I returned a few books that I had read but that's about all we did as far as books were concerned.  Some times it's just harder to read I guess.  In fact, now that Larry is home more I feel like I need to spend time with him.  He enjoys watching a movie at night and that is when I use to read but I have been watching movies with him and will continue to for awhile.  I've missed him and until he starts annoying me (jk) I will watch movies instead of read.  I will find time to read.  I might not have as much as in years past but that's okay I have learned to be flexible.

Today we met at a place that serves Indian food.  It was good but my dish was pretty spicy.  I liked the others better however I ate all mine.  I ordered Mango Chicken thinking it would be sweet and tangy....I couldn't tell it was made from mango....and it wasn't sweet or tangy.  I would go there again and I think I would just get the buffet where there are more choices just in case I  didn't love something.

I love the friendships we have made.  We are all so different in our book club but have bonded with each other.  I admire all these women and enjoy sharing their thoughts and insight .  They are a blessing to me and I am smarter because of the things they have encouraged me to read.

My evening was blessed with a few grands.  I absolutely love when the grands come and play.  I have been blessed with each of them this week.  Oh Happy Happy Day!

Festival of Trees Delivery

I packed up my container of gifts and headed to West Jordan today.  I am responsible for supplying the Gift Shoppe with 15 items to sell.  Thank goodness for some friends that brought me things last year. I saved them for this year since I received them a little late.  I was so glad to have them.  I didn't make anything special  this year.  I will admit I get a little bit stressed with having to take so much.  I don't like asking for help and when I have asked I really haven't got much response.  So I am very thankful for the few that have helped me out.  Now I need to just decide what I will take for the Sweet Shoppe. I do feel good about helping with this wonderful event.  All profits go to the Primary Children's Hospital....everything is donated and so there is lots of profit!

I called Tammy this morning to see if she would like to go with me.  It's a great way to get a visit in. She was able to go and so I picked her up, set the GPS and we were off. (Heather moved when she married and so I had no idea where I was going....I love GPS) I always enjoy visiting with Tammy.  We energize each other and it seems we are able to help each other with our wisdom and experience.

Seeing Heather was great.   Truly it's because of Heather I am even involved in the Festival of Trees.  She asked me to be on her committee and I couldn't say no.  Plus, this way I get to see her a few times before Christmas.  Heather is amazing and inspires me to step up my life.  She's such a positive, busy, kind, spiritual person and I truly love her.  Cindee introduced me to Heather's blog years ago and that is how we met.  Funny how things happen.

Tammy and I made it a day.  I told her that we needed to stop by the Gateway and get some chocolate cake from Tucano's...it's so yummy.  We thought we'd better eat something healthy first and so we stopped and got a salad on our way.  I saw Shelly Green and her daughter Melanie which was kind of funny since we were in West Jordan.  It was nice seeing them even though I had just saw Shelly the day before at our grands Primary Program.  I was able to hug her today which is always nice.  (I love hugs)  After lunch we made it to the Gateway and got our cake to go.  When I dropped Tammy off at home we had a little bit of it.  That cakes lasts me a few days.  It's just so big and hits the spot quick!  I'm glad it's not convenient or close....I can get over it.  Fun Day!

I Must Talk to Much

This year I have been making my blog book as I do my blog...or pretty close.  I blog and then transfer it to my blog book.  I just found out as I was catching up my book that Blurb has a page limit and I have reached it.  Well what the heck!

Now I am going back over my year and trying to decide what isn't important. (it must have meant something to me for me to post it)  I already thought I was simplifying so I'm not sure what to do.  I have decided to make a Scatter Sunshine book and that will eliminate a few pages.....I will transfer those posts to my new book.  I still need room for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve.....

I guess I've had a bit more fun this year or at least talked a little more.  I didn't post as many separate pictures...I made more collages and I'm hoping they won't be too small when the book is printed.  Oh well....I guess I will post less or go back to my book and to some squishing of posts.  ***My mom always said that once I started talking (when I was 3) I didn't stop. ☺  I like talking

Felties for Festival of Trees

I'm on a committee for the Festival of Trees.  I joined a committee a few years ago and it has been a lot of work but fun.  It's all worth the time and money I spend because all proceeds from the Festival of Trees goes to the Primary Children's Hospital.  Each year as a committee member I am in charge of making 15 felties, (my leader tells us what to make) either making or getting donations for 15 items for the Gift Store and 15 items for the Sweet Shoppe.

Today my mom and sister came over and helped me make the felties. It didn't take long with their help and I really appreciated that they were willing to help me out.  I have a hard time asking for help or donations and usually end up buying & doing everything myself.  I usually post something on FB about the gift shop and I did have a few people donate some things last year that I saved for this year.  (I received their donations later than I needed them)  It's a little bit stressful sometimes but I am always glad that I am able to help this wonderful cause.  I also am asked to volunteer  two 3-hour shifts at the Festival of Trees.  The last two years I just take back to back shifts so I don't have to drive down two days.

I was quite frustrated today when I couldn't find the candy I had put away to fill the felties.  I remember where I first put it but it wasn't there.  I slightly remembered putting it somewhere else that it wouldn't be seen at all but I could not find it.  I looked everywhere I could think of a few times.  I prayed over and over....finally hours later...like 6 I went in the laundry room again and looked in all the same spots again. My laundry room is messy....it is also my craft room...and catch all room.  I had some scarfs on the counter by the box with the gifts for the Gift Shop and this time I decided to lift the scarfs up and "surprise" there it was.  Relief!  The felties are now filled and ready to deliver on Monday!  I just have to put cellophane wrap around the Gift Shop items now so they will also be ready.  Then I have to decide what I am going to make for the Sweet Shoppe so I can take it with me when I volunteer on December 4th.

Zaden's Birthday Sleepover

Since Kamryn wanted to spend the night for her birthday last April it has become a tradition for all the grands to spend the night with me for their birthday.  Zaden got to stay with us last night.  He was so excited and cute.  I think we all enjoy having the grands over.  Braxton even brought a movie over for us to watch together.  He snuggled up to Zaden but it wasn't long and Zaden was scooting away...sleeping bag and all.  He's so stinkin cute.  He woke up bright and early with the rest of us and was full of smiles.  He wasn't interested in climbing in bed with me and grandpa but he did give us hugs and smiles.

I love the one on one with the kids every now and then.  It didn't happen and doesn't happen much with my own kids and I know it won't with the grands but their birthdays are a great time to make it happen.  I hope they always know how special they are to us and how much they are loved.

Ask and You Shall Receive

I love Chocolate and usually have a stash.  I keep treats in a jar in the cabinet that is part of my bed. My grands like to getting  into it and I try to keep it full of treats that they like.  There are a few chocolate kisses in the jar but I had forgot about them.  I ate the last of my chocolate bar...and I was out of my yummy crunch & violet crumbles....in fact I was just out!  I don't like being out. I like just knowing that I have chocolate just in case I ever feel the need for it. (I'm addicted...it's true)

I posted on Face Book that I was out and I have friends that have my back.  Many were ready to come to my rescue and Amber did.  Amber has quite a goody stash of her own. (I saw pictures on Face Book)  The gal brought lots of treats to our special needs girls camp and I was lucky and she shared with me. (Amber would share with anyone but I don't think she let everyone know she had so much) Anyway since we would be seeing each other at our activity night she loaded a quart size bag up and brought it for me.  What a sweetheart!  I truly love Amber and the other ladies more than my chocolate.

There were many others that were willing to share until I could replenish my supply.  Even Shari said she would visit the Hershey Factory before coming for Thanksgiving.  I put in my request.  YeeHaw...more chocolate on it's way to my house!

Before I left for SNAP I grabbed a Sunshine Bag for Peggy and that's when I realized I wasn't really out of chocolate.  I have chocolate for the Sunshine Bags.  I was relieved to know that I really wasn't out completely like I had thought.  But  now I won't even need to take from my Sunshine Supplies. (haha.....I like the Sunshine Bag Supplies)  Chocolate just makes me Happy.....A little a day keeps the grumpies away. ☺

SNAP

It was my turn to teach tonight.  I prepared a lesson on Lehi's Dream and The Tree of Life.  We talked about the symbols and how they pertained to us.  The girls seemed interested.  At the end of the lesson I had the girls come up and put the word strips I had with the symbol that it represented.  We used the process of elimination for most of them.  I love these ladies!  They are so pure and good!

My friend and neighbor Peggy Saunders has been saving her cute little animals that she borrowed from her sister for our wards mutual activity to share with the special needs.  The girls loved it.  I had them tell me something they learned tonight and if they couldn't think of anything I had a bowl with some help.  Most everyone told me something and only a few used the help.  First they putted through the giraffes legs, then they got to toss a hula hoop over an elephants trunk.  Then I had them go to a table that had their books for their handouts.  They glued their handout in the book and went to the last place where they got to throw small balls through a lions mouth.  It was a great night.  (better because of Peggy)

I love this calling more than I would have thought.  I know that I have been preparing for it my whole life.  I have taught so many different ages and classes throughout my life and have a bunch of experience which is a huge advantage for me.  This is fun for me.  I like presenting a lesson and then playing a game reinforcing the lesson.  What a blessing this calling is.  I'm pretty sure I will be serving here for a few years and I am just fine with that.  These ladies love me and I know it.  Heck Amber even brought me a bag of chocolate because I mentioned I was out. (next post)  I love them all and it's fun getting to know them all better.  I found another "Happy Place"