Mondays are Fundays

On Mondays Natalie comes to our house for piano lessons.  I am sure grateful that she does.  It's so much easier for me.  She picks Mya up from school and then comes over.  I have been picking Ivy and Zaden up from school on Mondays and then I take them to tumbling.  It is fun that the cousins get to play with each other for awhile during piano lessons and before tumbling.  Once in awhile we bring Kamryn home with us too.  The volume in our house about raises the roof but it is happy noise and makes me smile.  I love seeing these little ones interact and make memories together.  I am so glad that they are able to do that at my house.

I love Mondays and seeing my grands.  I love having cars on my floors again and purses and barbies around.  Some weeks I don't even put them away.  My house is a house to play in.  I hope my grands will always want to come and have fun at gramma's house.  Oh how I love these little ones!

Weekly Tidbits

* Most mornings I take Jared out to feed the cows before I take them to the bus stop.  Kimi usually helps him by cutting the twine off the bales.  We got a cute new calf about a week ago.  Jared loves the babies and gets upset when the big cows eat the hay that he throws over the feeding trough for the babies.  I love watching him and have helped a few times when we needed to hurry.  This week we have seen a skunk a few times.  Jared want to bring a gun and shoot it.

* At the beginning of the month when I went to book club, Suzie mentioned that her mom wasn't doing well and she expressed her feelings to Kathy and I that it would be nice if her mom could pass quickly instead of living like she was for years.  Her mom passed a week or so later.  I guess they had a memorial for her in CA where she was living but had a funeral for her here where most of the family lived.  She was buried my Suzie's daughter Shay.  I was so impressed with the talk that Suzie gave in honor of her mom.  It was like a poem...it didn't rhyme but it still like a poem.  For instance she would say: "water" and then mention the things that involved water that reminded her of her mom....like beach, swimming, etc.  I loved it and was so proud of Suzie!

* I attended the funeral of Rae Erwin.  This lady was my friend and I enjoyed hearing about her life and the things that she liked.  Rae did a lot and enjoyed her life.  She was always busy with something.  I am so glad I went and visited her the day before she passed.  Her friend that she went to water aerobics with told me that her and Rae would tease about wanting to just drop dead when it was their time.  Rae got her wish.  She was at the pharmacy getting her prescription and she dropped dead.  I'm happy for Rae and pictured her going through the veil looking over both shoulders and saying: "that wasn't bad at all."  I'm so glad that I was able to interact and spent time with Rae.  She has been a great example to me.  I sure love her! on the back of the program was this neat poem....

To Those I Love

When I am gone, just release me, let me go so I can move into my afterglow.  You mustn't tie me down with your tears; let's be happy that we had so many years.  I gave you my love you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness.  I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it's time I traveled on alone.  So grieve for me awhile, If grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted with trust.  It's only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home."

* I enjoy picking Ivy and Zaden up on Mondays and bringing them home to play with Mya and Parker for a little while before I have to take them to tumbling.  I am glad that Natalie doesn't mind coming to my house for piano.  It saves me from driving and the grands get to play with each other which they all love.

 * Macie cried when I held her on Sunday and Monday.  I need to work on getting her to smile and coo at me again.  I hope this little phase doesn't last long.

*I went to my mom and dad's on Friday and my sister came just after I got there.  I love bumping into this gal.  I love her and hope good things happen for her.

* Kamryn had a birthday party at Get Air bright and early on Saturday morning.  It was a pajama party which was perfect.  It was so much fun watching the kids jump and enjoy themselves. (even my big kids jumped and enjoyed themselves.)  I jumped a little and jumped into the pit and had a hard time getting out.  My bravery and coordination have gone.  I know I looked like a goof.  I'm glad only a few people even saw.

 * Larry and I went to dinner with the Malone's to discuss our plans for our cruise that is coming up.  I'm getting really excited and think it will be fun.  We are going to Alaska and we are all hoping that we see whales....actually we are expecting to see some.  Larry bought me some super nice binoculars to make it more enjoyable.  He said they are my mother's day present, and birthday present, and Christmas present for a few years! Larry is so sweet and knows how much I enjoy whale watching.  I told him he could go on the hike he wants to the next time we go to Hawaii and I will sit on a beach and watch whales.

Rise and Shine

Kathy had to work this afternoon so we decided to go to breakfast before she went to work.  Jodi and I got there before Kathy and had a little fun being silly while we waited for her.  We went to  Kneaders in Ogden.  They have some pretty yummy food.  I love just looking at the pastries and treats behind their counter....I splurge occasionally but not today.  I just window shopped today.  Depending on who is reading this...like maybe if you are my great grand or something....you may have no idea what window shopping is.  It's when you just go and look at things without the intent of purchasing anything.  People use to do that more often than today.  I still like to just look at things and dream of them knowing that really I will never get them or even want them for reals. The treats looked really good and because I didn't purchase anything besides my breakfast I can still dream of them and believe that they are delicious.  Well actually I did buy a little wall hanging that said: "Funny thing about Joy, is that you only really find it when you are too busy having fun to go looking for it." It was a little pricey but I really liked the saying so I bought it and hung it in my kitchen.

We had such a great visit today....we always have great visits. I learned a lot about running today.  Jodi told us about preparing your body for a run.  I had quite a few questions and had no idea there was so much to running.  I can totally understand how someone could hurt themselves because of their ignorance before a big race.  I admire runners but I will never be one.  I admire everyone that works out and has that kind of discipline.  Kathy just got her a bike and is going to ride for her exercise...I think that is so great.  I will continue just going to the gym and using their equipment and barely do what I need to so that I feel like I am doing something.  I don't have the drive to really push myself hard...plus I don't want to have to exercise hard the rest of my life to stay in shape.  I don't want my body to expect that....a little is fine with me.  I love these gals and I will say it over and over....I am so glad our paths crossed.  I really can't imagine them every separating but I know there might come a time that they will.  I just feel very blessed right now!

While we visited and enjoyed our yummy french toast  I saw a few ladies I knew.  Jill, the owner of Dilly Dally's was right in front of me and then my cute friend Stephanie saw me and came over to say HI.  She made my day.  I love Stephanie and cherish the years we sat at dance and got to know each other.  I miss this girl and wish we could get together more often.  Maybe in the future that will happen.  A season for everything right?  So I enjoy the ones that I do get to spend time with at this time of my life just like I have always enjoyed each season of my life and all those that have been a part of it.

Happy Birthday Paul

I am so glad that Debbie and Paul moved back to Hooper.  I love just stopping by their house and visiting with them.  Larry and I did that last night and because we stopped we were invited to go to Dinner with them tonight for Paul's birthday.  I love these two!

Larry and Paul were great friends growing up even though Paul is a year younger than Larry.  They have some great memories of a lot of fun adventures.  I love listening to them talk about the good times they have had.  Debbie and I became friend instantly when we met.  I have always loved and admired Debbie.  She is fun to be around...I have always enjoyed our friendship.  We didn't see each other a lot while we were busy raising kids but always supported each other when important things came up.  It's funny how you don't need to be around close friends often to stay close.  Closeness just happens if it's meant to.

Paul chose El Matador which made me happy. (Jodi had  suggested it for lunch and I wanted it ever since)  I'm happy that we were able to help Paul celebrate his birthday.  There were a few others celebrating their birthdays tonight that went to eat there.  We know that because they made a big deal about it and had everyone help sing to them.  Every time it happened Paul looked at me and said "don't do it".  I wasn't going to because I saw Debbie tell the hostess when we were sitting down that it was Paul's birthday.  I guess they forgot because no one came to our table to sing to Paul.  I'm pretty sure that made his birthday even better!

Good Times with Good Friends!

Bowling is over for this season...a new season starts next week

I had a great time bowling this season.  I bowled on a team called the Bowling Buddies this year.  It was a fun team and we ended up taking 2nd place for the year.  I am always surprised when my team does well.  I just don't keep track of how we are doing.  I am more concerned about having fun.  I know that we always do our best regardless of where it leaves us in the standings.

Today was a fun day.  We bowled different ways that just made it fun.  The first game (and ended up being all three games because there were enough eggs) if you got a strike you got to choose an Easter Egg.  Inside was a paper that said you got money, a prize, or candy.  I ended up getting five eggs.  A few with money that totaled $4.50 and then one with a prize.  I chose hand soap.  It sure made it fun.  The second game everyone got strikes in frames 3-6-9.  That made the game go by fast.  The third gave if you hit 8 pins on your first ball it counted as a strike, I had strikes my first 5 frames. I ended with a 200 game which means I had open frames after the fifth. We were competing with different teams but we didn't know which ones.  The winning teams got more money.  Our team never won.  If we had we could have added 4 to 5 more dollars for each win.  It's all fun and all money was a bonus.  I ended up with $84.95!  WooHoo!!!

We also had pot luck which always makes bowling more fun! ☺ I took "bunny bait" and it was a hit. I had a few ladies ask me how to make it. A lady that worked at the bowling alley was carrying the bucket with the popcorn in it around asking who made it. She loved it! It's always rewarding to take a pot luck that so many like!

I am planning on bowling on this team again in the fall....if Sheryl doesn't come back. If she does I will move on to another team.  I am only going to sub this summer.  Carla had wanted to bowl but realized she was going to miss a lot of days and decided not to.  I was glad because I only wanted to sub.  When you sub you don't pay anything and get to know more teams better....it's fun!

I like all the wonderful friends I have made over the years by bowling.  I like the sound of the bowling alley when pins are crashing and bursting.  I like the chatter that fills the air.  Bowling is a fun hobby.

Ice Cream Dessert.......DONE!

I spent most of the day mixing ice cream for Braxton and Kelsi's Wedding.  It's a great feeling to have it in the freezer....DONE!  I made 10 batches.  (one more bucket is on the lowest shelf)  MaryLou gave me this recipe and it seems pretty good.  You mix 1 carton of vanilla ice cream with 1 carton of pineapple sherbet.  You add 12 oz of frozen raspberries (thawed) and 4 banana's cut in cubes.  Mix it really good and put in a container and freeze.  Not hard at all but a little time consuming and a little hard on my back.

I want to brag about my girls for a minute.  I have been blessed with some great girls....all with different talents.  I called Trichelle to help decorate a little where the gifts are going.  She has such a knack for decorating and putting things together.  We aren't doing much but I know that with Trichelle's help it will be perfect.  Natalie is the go to gal if we need something baked or cooked.  She made such yummy cookies for Kelsi's shower that she was asked to make more for the reception.  She is also making chocolate chip cookies because she has a good recipe that doesn't go flat.  Natalie is always so good to help out with dinners and is so gifted when it comes to cooking and baking.  Julie is an organizer and cleans up automatically.  I needed lids for the buckets and she found me a bunch.  Julie is also very good at thanking us for anything.  If we support them in anyway she will thank us...she's just very thoughtful that way.  I love these girls so much!  I love how they are all so different.  I am constantly learning from them and admiring their goodness. Kimleighel is like an extension of me. She helps me out how ever I need her to.  She is really good at cleaning things up good and quick.  I count on her a lot.  I look forward to getting to know Kelsi better and finding out her strengths.  She's a sweet heart.  I know I am blessed!

I've talked to a few of my friends that have had a few problems with their daughter in laws.  Some like to stir things up a little.  I am so happy to say that all mine get along and love and support each other.  I think they all respect each others strengths and don't compare....I'm so glad.

♥ I'm really excited for Braxton and Kelsi's marriage!  ♥

Easter

Easter Sunday is my favorite Sunday.  (I do love Mother's day too)  I love the feeling I get on Easter Sunday when I think of all the our Savior did for each of us individually.  His life was all about us!  His life was one of service.  He was always serving others. His life was about love.  He loved His father so much that he did His will always.  He loved us so much that he atoned for each one of us individually.

Because of Jesus Christ we all get to see our Heavenly Parents again.  Because of Him we will be with our families forever.  Because of Him we get to repent and start over as many times as we need. Because of Him there are no endings.  Because of Him no good-byes are forever.  Because of Him my life has meaning and purpose and I am happy.

I am so thankful for Jesus Christ and his life.  I am so thankful for the primary songs that taught me about Jesus when I was little.  I still love singing them.  I am so thankful that I continually get to know Him better as I live my life and depend on him.  I have learned He is always there for me and each of us.  I am thankful that He lives.....I testify He does!  I testify He loves us and is with us! (always)

I do focus on Jesus but still enjoy the celebrations and traditions that go with this Holiday.  I love filling these cute buckets for my kids.  I love being creative with the things that go in these buckets.  This year I was pleased that Salami was left in them...so were the kids.  I love our buckets!

Since the whole family was together last week we didn't see everyone this week.  I am glad that Justin and his family were able to still come.  I look forward to Sundays and being together.

I loved hearing the excitement from my grands as they told me about their Easter.  Mya was so excited that she was talking so fast it didn't make sense.  She was so excited to show me her sandals that are high heels.  She is growing up so fast and is so cute.

Parker told me how he picked matching ties for him and his daddy.  Natalie had tried to convince him to get a tie that was pastel so they could also wear them to the wedding.  She couldn't so she had Justin take him to the store to pick out their ties.  He looked at the ties and said no, no, no, no, yes, no, no.  He picked the exact tie Natalie had tried to talk him out of.  It was black and gray I guess. So cute....he knows what he wants.

Macie looked so cute in her purple dress.  Macie didn't want to smile or talk to me today so when I held her I mostly had her looking away.

Oh it's so fun seeing my kids as parents.  They are all such good parents.  I love them all....I love the little's that join their families....they are the cutest!