Weekly Tidbits

This was a crazy but fun week.  I made a lot of cookies and was surrounded by family and friends...can't beat that.

* Monday after making cookies (banana) in the morning I had a little time to go buy the boys pants for the wedding and to squeeze in a pedicure before I had to pick up grands.  I love pedicures.

*Tues I made more cookies (chocolate chip) after I visited with my visiting teachers.  I love the visiting teaching program of the church.  I have such a testimony of how important it is.  I have grown to love so many sisters because of visiting teaching.  Jared had an Ortho Appointment and we managed to squeeze that in as well. The cookies took longer on Tuesday but my house sure smelled good.

*Kimi asked me why I was baking on Monday and Tuesday and not Thursday Morning.  It's better to do things when you have time because things always come up. I really am trying to instill that in my kids....don't procrastinate!

*On Wednesday I knew I was meeting my friends for Gina's Angelversay but decided to get a manicure before I met them.  I was debating on when I should get one because I wanted my nails to look good for the reception and wedding and the longer I waited I figured the better off they would be.  As it turned out I let them put the shellac on my nails.  I like how long it lasts and quick it dries but I don't like my nails when it comes off...oh well they looked good. 

*Ivy received a Sunshine Treat from me since I got to pick her up from school.  It made her smile which made me smile. ☺
*Thursday I wasn't going to bowl because we were setting up for the reception but when Sylvia called me I couldn't say no.  I did say no because I wasn't showered and then she reminded me that it didn't start until 10:00...so I gave in and went bowling.  I had everything in the car already that I was taking to set up and we weren't meeting until 12:30 so I did have time....or at least I made time. ☺ I am subbing this summer and thought if I want people to call me I'd better say yes.  I enjoy subbing...it's free and I am not committed.

*I am greeted with this heart everyday.  From the time that eye shadow has worn down it has looked like a heart.  I keep thinking it will change shape but it just gets bigger....it makes me smile and that is why I shared.  There are little messages of love for us everyday but I'm not sure we always notice them.

*Friday was a wonderful "Payday" for me.  I loved seeing Braxton and Kelsi sealed for Time and Eternity.  I love the Temple!  I loved seeing Trichelle graduate...she's worked at it long and hard!  To celebrate we went to Twigs for dinner!  It was a good place. The Farmington Station Park is a fun place!  (I need to frequent it more)

*To thank my friends that helped me out at the Reception I took them each a Sunshine Bag.  I figured Sunshine Bags are great Thank You's. (I had to hurry and make them up)  Suzie let me borrow her wooden ironing board again. (we used it for Trichelle's reception too)

Tammy let us borrow her table skirt again. (she let me borrow it for the shower as well)

Debbie and Paul worked the Kitchen.  Their names popped into my head when Mary Lou asked me to get help.  Paul said he really enjoyed it...he likes visiting with everyone.  It was great having them there.

*During the sharing of Testimonies this story was told and it enhanced the story for me.  The story about Shadrach, Meshach and Adednego when they were thrown in the fire because they continued to testify about Jesus Christ.  When the guard went to check on them instead of 3 men in the fire there were 4...the fourth was Jesus Christ.  Jesus went into the fire with them....He didn't coax them out or wait until they were out...He went in when they needed Him most.  He is there with us when we need Him most! I have always believed that Jesus is with us always...especially at our lowest but this added a little extra when I heard this story told like that. Just a little insight and a little different perspective that I had never thought of before.
*My heart was full this week.  I had tears often over the weekend.  I am so blessed.  I know God knows each of us and loves us individually.  I know Jesus lives and loves us too and because of Him we can return again to Him and our Heavenly Parents. (I love Him)  Life is good if we let it be.  We need to remember to Count Our Blessings....we have so many!

Parker Joe.....

Parker Joe is Four Years Old.  Boy those years just flew by.  What a little man Parker is.  He is such a darling boy that loves all the boy things but has such a tender little heart.  He is such  a sweet child.  He makes this gramma's heart smile.  I just love him to pieces.

Parker loves the things his daddy does.  He loves to hunt and shoot and play ball and be outside.  He reminds me of his daddy a lot.  He drives his mommy crazy at times like his daddy use to me.  He is a strong spirit full of goodness.

I am so thankful for this little one.  I am so thankful that he was sent to our family.  He is such joy.  Just looking at his cuteness brings tears to my eyes...he is such a special little guy!

Parker had a fun Batman Birthday Party.  He was so excited to have everyone over to celebrate his birthday.  Mya loved helping Parker open his presents....such a caring big sister.  I enjoyed visiting with my kids and watching Mr. Parker enjoy His Day!

Yahoo......A Graduate from the "U"

After years and years of studying and taking out student loans and changing majors again and again....this girl of mine Graduated with a Bachelors degree in Business Operations.  Am I Proud?  YES....I am so proud of Trichelle for never giving up!  Trichelle loves learning and is such a smartie.  She is determined and pushes herself to do her best.  Trichelle graduated with Honors.  She was even given the opportunity to speak or apply to speak at the graduation.  Oh my word....what a compliment to her.  I loved the speech she wrote and I'm going to have to ask her for a copy.  It was awesome about making choices.  We all have our challenges and we all get to decide how we deal with them.

Trichelle was going to school and then got married.  She had to work but continued to attend school.  Later she had a baby and still working she put her schooling on hold.  Then she divorced....and worked some more.  Years came and went and she had another baby and another marriage.  She made the choice again to keep going in school.  She got the grants and loans she needed so that she could continue.  She worked, went to school and was the mommy to two babies.  She kept pushing along....was divorced again....but kept pushing.  I'm not sure how many times she rested and started again but she never gave up.

I admire Trichelle so much.  I didn't dare do what she has done.  I didn't believe in myself like she has.  I'm so glad that she didn't take after me in that way.....I'm so glad she reached higher!

I am so proud of each of my kids for their desire to better themselves.  We have 3 graduates from Weber State (2 with Bachelors, 1 with an Associates), 1 graduate from the Weber State Institute,  a graduate from the U of U, and a graduate from Message School.  Woo Hoo to them ALL!

I love these kind of Pay Days!  I love seeing my kids excel and better themselves.  I love seeing them pass Larry and I in their accomplishments.  I love just love my wonderful family!!!

Kelsi ♥ Braxton

It's a beautiful day to be married!  Braxton and Kelsi were sealed today in the Bountiful Temple.  I woke up with tears in my eyes.  I am just so grateful for weeks like this.  So much good happening that one can only feel the blessings being poured down from Heaven.  I know we are loved by our Father in Heaven and by His son Jesus Christ.  They are always blessing us....some weeks its very obvious.

There were many that came to join us for the sealing of Braxton and Kelsi.  I'd name them but would probably leave someone out.  The room was filled with love thought that is for sure.  There were a few times I was afraid I was going to snort from trying to hold back my emotions.  I felt the presence of loved ones that have gone on before and even a few of those that haven't came yet.  It was a very awesome day.

I love looking around the room and seeing the faces of those that love us and Braxton and Kelsi so much.  It was so neat seeing our neighbors that have been such a big part of Braxton's life.  Our neighbors have helped raise our kids but Braxton, our social butterfly, spend more time at the Bailey's and Hodson's than the other kids.  I appreciate them for helping us raise such good kids.  Because of Robin my kids know how to tie their shoes.....that's just a tiny thing she taught them.

I'm so thankful for my friends that are like family.  Tonya and Mallory always have my back.....they are always there for me and my family.  It's nice to know that I can always count on them...I sure do love and appreciate them for being so kind and supporting us always.

I loved watching Kelsi and Braxton "glow".  Their spirits shined as they looked at each other and you could see how happy they both were.  I know the "wait" was worth it for Braxton today.  He really wanted to get married when he came home from his mission.  He dated and dated and prayed and prayed.  There were a few gals that I know would have loved to marry Braxton but he didn't feel it.  He wanted to feel it...but it was years before he finally did.  Kelsi is exactly what he has been praying and looking for.  I'm so happy for these two.  I'm so happy to have another darling daughter!

Today was one of my best days!  Today was Braxton & Kelsi's best day, so far!  Today was a day that makes living fun!  So Rewarding!

Braxton and Kelsi's Reception

I like the way the reception worked out.  I liked having it the day before the actually wedding and sealing. It wasn't stressful...if you don't count the parking lot being refinished that morning and afternoon.  And even that didn't really stress us out...concerned us a little but we just went with it.

We met at 12:30 to set up and things came together quickly.  I left about 3:30 since I didn't feel like there was much more that I could do....plus I needed to go get chicken nuggets and french fries so that Kelsi and Braxton would have them at their reception like they wanted.  During the Reception cute little Parker came up on stage and handed Braxton a Silver Platter with the chicken nuggets and french fries.  Kelsi and Braxton laughed and had a few and then continued greeting their guest.

I loved how simple but cute the decorations were.  I was proud of Braxton for making such an awesome backdrop and picture frame holder.  He also made the hanging frame for the funny photo's. Braxton really is a talented kid.  The tables were cute with the burlap and lace and cute pictures of this cute couple.

The Refreshment Table was darling.  Mary Lou had a dream and it turned out very cute.  Simple and Cute and Yummy!  They served all kinds of cookies, taffy, ice cream and watermelon water.  I heard Mary Lou ask Debbie & Paul Widdison (who were so kind to help in the kitchen) which cookies went first.  The ones I made did.  The Banana and Chocolate Chip Cookies.  I made 4 batches of each and so I know there were well over a 100 of each!  ☺  I liked the cookie idea.

Braxton and Kelsi seemed relaxed and happy.  I was impressed how Braxton greeted each guest.  Even those he really didn't know he acknowledged and talked to.  I was so proud of him for making each guest feel welcomed and important....which of course they were or they wouldn't have been invited. The time went pretty quickly but my back was screaming it was too long! (I'll explain at the end)  I loved seeing friends that we don't see that often and those that we do.  I had tears all day because of the love and gratitude I felt.  I am so thankful that Braxton and Kelsi found each other.  Kelsi is a wonderful addition to our family and compliments Braxton to a tee.  It was Kelsi's idea to have "Dale" the goat be at the reception.  When I heard that I knew without a doubt Kelsi was the girl for Braxton.  Kelsi also was fine with driving away in a tractor...YEP....they are perfect for each other.

I thought the little (tall) Photo frame was cute and added some fun to the night.  I got a few pictures of my kids before the Reception started.  My kids make me laugh and I absolutely love being their mom.  I have some of the cutest, silliest grands too...which have this gramma wrapped around their little fingers.  Oh how my ♥ smiles!

I loved getting to know Kelsi's family better.  I really like them and had fun working with them side by side.  Our families are joined now and just got bigger!  No one lost a child...we each gained another family to love and support.

This Love Story just began.....there will be many adventures.....some sad times.....more happy times.....lots of memories.....and a Happily Ever After for Eternity & Beyond.

*I can't stand or do anything for too long before my back starts complaining.  It was really huting by the end of night.  I had just greeted the last guest when I suddenly felt very sick....like I had the flu all of a sudden.  I hurried off the stage and dodged into a room.  Kelsi just happened to be in there (I was hoping for an empty room)  She was ready to leave on the tractor with her cute finance.  I really wanted to see that but instead I laid on the floor praying I would be okay.  I felt crummy for just a few minutes.....I was sweating and trying not to puke.  Whatever hit me left about as quick as it hit.  I bet it wasn't even 10 minutes and I was feeling okay.  I missed them leaving on the tractor but was feeling better.  I didn't help much with the clean up but everything got cleaned up pretty quick with everyone's help.

It was a Fun Night and Wonderful Reception of Family and Friends!

Gina's "Angel"versary

I am so thankful for memories...and pictures to help us remember.  I am so glad that I knew and could call Gina Talbot Smedley my friend.  Gina was a fighter....you have to be if you get cancer!  She was positive and trusted in God.  She Praised God Always!  I loved that about Gina!  She smiled even when she didn't feel like it.  She lived for everyone else!  She lived her life until the very end.

I treasure the day that Jodi and I went to visit her.  She was coherent and able to express her feelings to us.  She knew her time had come that she would be meeting our Savior...she accepted that.  We were able to express our love for each other.  I knew that would probably be the last time I would see my friend alive in this life....that day is precious to me.  I'm so glad that Jodi followed the prompting that she got and invited anyone to join her.  It worked out perfect for me and I believe that was a tender mercy.  God knew I wanted to see Gina before she passed.

I'm so thankful for God and the love He is constantly showing to us.  I am finally at a point in my life that I am able to recognize it and allow Him to guide my life.  I believe He always has but I see it now and it's easier to follow His wishes.  I know that we are guided to others so that God can bless us through them.  Gina blessed so many around the world because she shared her faith and journey.  I know that we all bless  more than we know and I am so thankful for everyone that crosses my path in some way or another.

It's so hard losing our loved ones.  Our hearts and souls ache for them....that's part of this earthly experience.   I think it's the hardest part of life....even believing (or knowing) we will see them again.  It hurts because we love.

Today a few of us gathered at Gina's grave to celebrate her life a little through our thoughts and expressions.  We as friends continue to make memories and live our lives.  We celebrate each other...we support each other....we love each other.  We are the Angels in Life!

Kamryn's Birthday

I am so glad this little one is  in our family.  Little Kamryn is such a joy and smartie pants.  She is so funny and witty and loves to have fun.  For her birthday she told her mom she only wanted to spend the night with gramma in the trailer.  We didn't get the trailer out of storage in time so I promised Kam when we did get it out she could have another sleep over with just me.  We slept in the family room instead and watched George of the Jungle and ate treats.

Jaydan took her to dinner while Larry and I went out.  Then I took her to the store and even though she didn't want a present....she picked one out anyway.  It's so fun to have a little one on one with each of the grands.  I'm glad that Kam wanted to have sleepovers with me because now it is a tradition with each of the grands on their birthdays.

I love this girl.  She is truly a blessing and a huge bonus to our family!  I can't believe she's 6!