Stay-Cation

Last Year when we took the family to Disneyland Larry and I agreed to give up our seats on the Airplane for some free vouchers.  We each received a $500 voucher for waiting a few hours to fly home.  At first we were going to use it to go to Hawaii and even had the condo reserved but we changed our minds and decided to go to California instead. (pretty sure it wasn't a coincident)  We got our flights and were excited about going.  When Larry's Achilles popped  January first we thought...Ummm that is why we changed plans...he wouldn't be in good enough shape to travel that far.  Well the truth is he wasn't in good enough shape to even go to California and so we didn't.  We just didn't show up for our flight.  I was a little bit sad at first but really glad we stayed here.  Larry suggested we have a stay-cation which I really didn't think was necessary but agreed to it anyway.

We had a great time and I learned that Larry is more handicapped than I thought. We stayed at the Ogden Hilton at the Junction.  It was so new you could smell the newness.  As close as it was to the Movie Theater it wore Larry out walking across the street to it.  He just got a walking boot but still needs one crutch because he can't put all his weight on his foot yet.  It was me walking a few steps  ahead of Larry...usually it is him walking faster than me and I always need to grab his arm to remind him to walk with me.  (I tried slowing down....I should have tried limping a little too and I might have been able to hold back better)  We went to a few movies...one on Friday and one on Saturday. We went to LaFerrovia's, we got take out from Tailgaters and went to the Roof Saturday Evening. (the kids gave us a gift card for Christmas)  It was all enjoyable and relaxing.  WAIT....it wasn't all relaxing.  I had to drive and it was really raining on Saturday when we went to the Roof in SLC.  I hate driving at night with good weather and I kind of freaked out driving back to the Hotel.  The glare made it so I couldn't see the lines on the road and I wasn't sure I was in my own lane.  Larry was great about it and reassured me I was doing good.  Boy, I appreciate Larry driving when we go out.  I am really glad I wasn't in CA driving around unfamiliar roads.  The rest of our little vacation was relaxing.....no laundry to do, no beds to make, no dinner to prepare, no cleaning to do, nothing but enjoy my hubby.  That too isn't completely true....I drove us around, picked up the take out, and brought in the suitcase....again a few things that make me appreciate my healthy hubby more.

I hope this is something that our kids will take time to do every now and then.  To get away from their cares and just enjoy the love of their life.  It was very thoughtful of Larry to have a Stay-cation since we weren't able to go on our Vacation.  It wasn't as much about him  as it was about me.  He did it for me so I could have a break....I appreciate his thoughtfulness.  I love Larry!

OUCH!!!

I was driving up 5600 this morning headed to the gym with my friend.  There were a line of cars headed east and so the traffic was slow but steady.  Out of no where and without any warning my car jumped forward just like when you ride the bumper cars at Lagoon....I had been bumped.  I worried about hitting the car in front of me but managed not to.  I couldn't believe I had just been hit!  I looked at my friend as I made my way to the curb and told her we wouldn't make it to the gym.  I was just hoping we would make it home in time to shower and get ready for bowling.  I felt bad for the gal that hit me.  She was headed to work and because she wasn't paying attention for just one second her day plans were altered.  Her car buckled...I think it must have went under mine a bit....her car was totaled.  Mine just had a few cracks in the bumper...which kind of surprised me really.  It was a pretty good hit and I was expecting a big dent but grateful only my bumper was damaged.

The gal needed to borrow my phone charger and so she got in my car for a few minutes.  She smelled good and was very nice.  She knew it was completely her fault and was just sad that she was going to get a ticket and have to get a new car.....she's not sure how she will afford either.  I felt bad for her.  She kept apologizing and I just told her it was okay...I knew she didn't do this on purpose.  I had to laugh though when I noticed the song on the radio.  It was a song about this being the best day....I drew her attention to the song and said probably not for you huh?

The police got the paper work finished just before 8:00 am which was good because that would barely give Carla and I time to go home and shower and be ready to go bowling.  The line of cars lessened by the time we finished.  That is a busy, busy road.

Since I am trying to be kinder this year and find more opportunities to brighten others days the thought keeps coming to my mind that I should do something for the gal that rear ended me.  I think I will drop off something on her porch this week or next.  Maybe a little act of kindness will make her feel a little better.

I look like a Candy Cane

First thing Kimi said to me this afternoon was: "You look like a Candy Cane". ☺  I thought I looked like summer....but delicious works for me. (she said that too)

Tonya and I met today for lunch to discuss the shower we are going to throw for Kelsi.  We ate and visited and were done eating before we mentioned the shower. ☺  I love this sister/friend of mine.  We have so many great memories together and I can always count on her for anything.  She is just the sweetest of sweets. (I think the delicious candy cane got to me)  I wish we had more time together but the time we do get is always good.

My kids all love Aunt Tonya too.  They might use the title "Aunt" with a few others but not all their Aunts....they have always referred to Tonya as Aunt Tonya.  I love it!  Her kids have always been the same with me....I am Aunt Dawn!  I have always loved that title!  I love sharing so much with this girl.  What a blessing our friendship has always been.  Tonya is probably my first friend that I chose as family.  Since then I have added a few more friends to my family.  Thank Goodness for Family & Friends!

Zip-pity Do-dah

Ummmmm....Kerry....You Tower the Rest of Us! ☻

We had a great time with Kellie and Kerry tonight.  A great way to start off a new month.  I was sitting at Jared's basketball game and Kerry was reffing and I got the thought that we should all go out.  I text Kellie and Larry and they liked the idea.  Woo Hoo we made it happen!

These two are great friends.  Larry has known them since high school but I met them when Justin and Kyle were young friends.  I have always admired the Cooke's....they're just good people.  They are very thoughtful of others and fun.  We do a lot of laughing when we are together. (which isn't often enough...but better than nothing)  Kerry comes up with the funniest sayings and is so mellow and a "I don't care" kind of guy.  Kellie is concerned about everyone and everything.  She's very caring and thoughtful.  They make a great pair!  It's funny how different they are yet how good they are together..where as Larry and I are more like two peas in a pod and still good together.  I guess the main thing that matters is one's believes and goals.  I think as long as those things are similar couples can make things work out.

We talked about Hawaii....I bet the Cooke's will be there soon.  Larry and I have plans of going in the fall but I think we will be cancelling them because of Larry's injury.....we need to wait and build up vacation days again and let the guy mend.  This injury is one that takes time.  We made a few too many plans this year and have to make a few adjustments. (since his injury) In fact, we just cancelled our plans of going to CA next weekend. We got free airline vouchers last year and we were planning on going to CA with them but Larry just isn't feeling good enough to walk as much as he would need to if we went.  He also wouldn't be able to drive and I surely don't want to....so we planned a "stay-cation".  It seriously doesn't matter to me....I was looking forward to Disneyland but it wouldn't be as fun with Larry out of commission and hurting.  I would be okay with just staying home but our "stay-cation" will be fun!

Happy Birthday Natalie

Natalie has reached the age that I feel like my spirit is....28!!!  I love this girl and I'm so glad that she joined our family a few years back.  Natalie is a great addition to our family.  She is so talented and we all admire her to pieces.  She's such a kind, soft spoken person.  I was thinking of Natalie and how controlled she always seems to be.  I bet there aren't many words this girl has to eat.  She is a gentle person and patient.  She teaches my kids piano and is gifted with knowing how to handle each one and make it fun for them.  She is an attentive wife and mother.  We all have Natalie up on a pedestal and she deserves to be there.   I love visiting with Natalie and I always learn so much from her.  I can always count on Natalie for anything.....this girl ROCKS!!! Beautiful Inside and Out!!!

Sunshine...

As I was leaving for bowling today the thought came to me that I should take Lynne a "Sunshine Bag".  Lynne's grandson was delivered last Monday as a still born....so sad!  I know that as a grandma it is still hard....your heart breaks for you children and for the little one sent "home".

Lynne has lots going on in her life.  It could be easy to get discouraged or down.  She keeps smiling and going like she should.  Heavenly Father loves her and He does each one of us.  He puts others in our path to show His love and to convey His messages.

I feel like I am the delivery gal....it is the Lord that puts the thought into my mind to give these bags out. It was Him that put the thought there to even make them.  It is Him that knows of each of our struggles....He just uses us as His instruments.  I love being used by Him!

Love My Angel Babies

Oh my heck I love my grands so much.  There is something about being a grandma that makes you just appreciate the miracle of life even just a tiny bit more.  I got to watch Macie and Parker while Natalie and Mya went to PTA conferences.  Macie woke up and so I "needed" to hold her. ☺ I loved this little one before she was born.  I felt her sweet spirit because I thought more about her knowing a little of how she was coming to us.  She is truly an angel in every way.  Macie is so beautiful and good. She doesn't fuss much at all and is just content. I am so glad that Natalie hung around for awhile after the conference.  I love having the sweet spirits of my grands in my home.  They make my heart smile. ♥

My grands have awesome parents who teach them well.  I am so proud of everyone of my grands parents.  Every mommy and daddy are so attentive and good...even the steps are absolutely wonderful....I love them all!