Jessyca

Larry and I love this sweet friend of ours.  We have enjoyed watching Jessyca grow up.  She has always been such a positive, happy girl.  She has always smiled...I don't think I have ever seen her without her smile.  This gal is just plain good!

Larry had the privileged of being her Bishop when she turned in her mission papers.  Jess was at our house watching conference with me when President Monson made the age change for the missionaries.  We both just looked at each other like "what the heck?"  Jess had always wanted to serve a mission and had finally reached the age.  Her papers were in and either she had just received her call or would the coming week.  She was that close!  We laughed...what could she do.  We talked about the benefits of being the oldest.  It would be good for her.

Jessyca just returned from her mission and still has the spirit strong within her.  (she always has and always will)  She was a great missionary and I know she was a blessing to the people in Michigan.

Braxton and Jess dated before her mission which was kind of fun since they grew up together.  He really tried to stop her from going but I knew she really needed to serve a mission.  It was the right thing for sure.  I would have loved having Jess in our family but to me she already is family.  No need to marry one of my boys for that.  As we talked I knew why her and Braxton weren't right for each other.  Just to clarify a bit.....I never hoped these two would be together.....if it happened wonderful, but if it didn't that was okay as well.  I guess what I'm trying to say is I just didn't worry about it one way or another.   It's not awkward that they dated....it's all good.  It gave Braxton a guide to how he should feel and what he would want in a wife and it gives Jessyca the same.  Braxton's cute wife is the girl for him and I know that Jess will find someone that will fit her better than Braxton would have.  I really think Braxton and Jess were just attracted because they are both such good, pure spirits.

A while before Jess's mission she was diagnosed with anxiety and started having panic attacks.  It run's in her family and she got the genes.  She deals with it pretty good.  I can't say I know what she is going through but after experiencing a little "depression" after Jared was born I have a slight idea of how the mind and body and will of a person can get jumbled and cause one trouble.  It's hard to explain and has nothing to do with positive thinking....it's very real! (her trial in life)

It was fun going to dinner with Jess and hearing about her mission and the things she learned and dealt with.  She's awesome and just plain good!  The dinner was great (we went to Longhorn) and the yummy surprise that Larry ordered while we were in the girls room was a nice finish to a great evening.

What We Doing Today?

I'm not sure how I feel about the question..."what we doing today?"  I can't decide if I'm happy to hear it or not.  However today I had some answers.  We are going to piano and then pulling weeds. I would much rather spray the weeds but Larry doesn't really like me to since I killed a few nice things along with the weeds years ago.

At piano I helped the grands get ready to go for the day.  It was so fun being with them in the morning when they woke up.  I love happy morning kids with lots of loves and smiles.  Macie couldn't quit smiling which is just so nice. Mya climbed on my lap and enjoyed being hugged and kissed.  Oh my...I love it too.  I was able to help Mya with breakfast and a few things before Parker woke up.  He was so sweet when he woke up...."hi gramma".  Then he gave be the best hug.  I helped Parker with a few things he needed to do and before we left he told his mommy...."I wish gramma could stay and live with us forever."  How stinking sweet is that?  They are so excited to build by us so they can see me every day.  I am so excited to have them build by us so I can see them every day.  Maybe next fall. ☺

We came home and weeded another section of our yard and called it good for the day.  It looks good and I am satisfied.

Kimi wanted to go to Burger King and even volunteered to pay for her own food and have Jared do the same.  Alrighty then....we went to Burger King.  I decided that I would pay since I really don't spoil these kids that often.  We took our meal home and put in Frozen.  Today was Movie and Lunch at home and much cheaper.  I wanted to watch Frozen because I am speaking at Girls Camp and our theme is Frozen.  I believe I will talk about "Letting Go" and smiling.  Two things that will surely make life better.

I had a good time with my children and I'm thankful for the time I have with them.  I love that they enjoy spending time with me.

(I know it's time to throw away the Easter Table Cloth...but I really like how I matched it so well today...Oh and we did buy material to make a Table Cloth...so I should do it)

Weekly Tidbits

* Connor turned 20 on Monday but I was too tired from cleaning up from camping to go over to wish him a Happy Birthday.  I told him I would for sure come see him on Tuesday.  I met Connor about 11 years ago when I was the Relief Society President in the New 10th Ward.  I took him for a few rides in by VW bug and he has loved me since.  He recently started coming to SNAP and when I went up to say "Hi" he remembered me and asked where "Herbie" was. ☺  Connor has my phone number and likes to call me to chat.  Connor is a great kid and I'm glad that our paths crossed again.

*Monday I went with Larry to take flowers for his sisters grave but I went back so I could walk around and visit a few other graves.  There were a few I couldn't find.  I think the flowers were a distraction to me.  I love seeing all the flowers and the different head stones and remembering things about the people I knew that are here.  Larry and I will be put to rest by his sister.  (kind of weird knowing that but not as weird as seeing some of my friends who are still alive with their names engraved already on headstones because their spouse has passed.)

*After having a day filled with fun, me and the kids got up and pulled a few weeds.  The thing Kimleighel hates about summer. (I don't like weeds either)  I just chose a small area for us to do so it wouldn't be too bad.  The kids were cool and didn't complain.

*I was surprised to hear someone knocking at my door....again and again.  I went to the door and could see that a little person was peeking through but couldn't tell who until I got to the door.  It was my cute grand coming to see me while her daddy put away the kayaks he had borrowed.  I thinks it's great the Kevin gets to spend the summer with Kamryn and Julie.  The perk of being a school teacher.  Kevin is such a great daddy and does fun things with Kam.  Today they went fishing in the kayaks with Kam's Uncle Mike. (Kevin's brother in law)

*Ooops Kevin locked his keys in his car when he and Mike went back to Causey to try to find Mike's camera that fell in the water.  They didn't find the camera because they really needed a tank so they could go deep. Darn it!  Kevin called me and I quickly got ready and took Kimleighel for a ride to Causey to take Kevin his spare key.  It's such a nice drive and I didn't mind at all.  Plus I got to see Kam again. ☺ (actually I saw her when they came for the Kayaks...she knocked at my door again and surprised me again.)

*after going to breakfast with my friends, and when Larry was done hauling manure, we went to Logan to the Temple.  It is a beautiful drive and the Temple is one of my favorite places to be.  We went to the Crepery after and enjoyed a few yummy crepes.  (no pictures because Larry doesn't like pictures...poor sport)

*Kevin gave Jared a bunch of Free Passes to Sky Trampoline in Layton.  Jared and Kimleighel invited a few friends and we took them (a few met us there).....only to find out the passes were for "Happy Hour" which wasn't on Saturday.  The passes were a bit deceiving since they expired on Saturday but weren't good for Saturday.  So instead of being Free.....Larry got out the $100 he likes to keep tucked away in his wallet and paid for the kids to go and have fun.  Such a good guy!  The kids did have a great time and I enjoyed watching them.  Times like today make me even more leery of "freebies".  Not much in life really is free.

Sometimes We Have Breakfast

Today I went to breakfast with a few fun gals.  It's quite impossible to get together with everyone because we all have such different schedules.  I was missing Karie and so this was planned around her.  Sometimes I worry about my friends and their health.  Karie has had some crazy stuff but is doing so well.  It's so much fun getting together with the girls and listening to everything going on.

My life is busy and crazy at times but I don't have health issues and for that I am very grateful.  We all learn to deal with the things (trials) we're given though right?  We all have "stuff" but learn to handle it and it even gets to the point our "stuff" doesn't seem so big.

Davaleen is going to school and has a writing class.  She wrote a few little stories and gave me a copy of them today.  One was about a good friend, Jodi Wilding, who was running and ended up missing....wait....or was she really missing?  (it had a twist....Jodi I will give it to you)  The other one she had to write as a screen play and it was about Jared Ropelato...a missing boy scout.  (makes me tear up) Dave has a gift for writing.  So cool to see her going to school and enhancing her life.  She helps enhance mine....all my friends do!

Movies and Food

I really enjoy Summer!  I love doing extra things with my kids.  It gets a little harder to come up with things the older they get (that doesn't break ya) but these last two kids of mine still enjoying having fun with their mom and I love spending time with them. So here's to Summer! Woot-Woot!

We were having a lazy morning and so I decided that we should go to the Movie to get us going.  Jared was all for it and Kimleighel even got out of bed and showered so we could go.  I pulled up the movies and Jared immediately chose "The Million Dollar Arm". (based on true story) He said that for the Honors Activity the kids went and saw it.  Since kids that learn different  kind of get the short end of the stick I "honored" his request and we went.  (by the way....both kids got good grades and I am proud of them for their efforts and accomplishments)  We really splurged today and we got pizza and drinks for the movie!  It was so fun sitting between these two cute babies of mine.  It was us and an old guy that sat on the front row in the whole theater. Fun for Us!  We all really enjoyed the movie....Jared really got comfy!

When we got home I cleaned the carpets in the Trailer again....this time the carpet cleaner sucked the dirt up...yesterday it didn't but gramps fixed it! (it's his)

Larry asked me out on a date and of course I took him up on it!  I love that Larry likes taking me out and spoiling me.  Larry is such a good hubby.  We went to dinner while the kids made their own and went to YM/YW.  I never get tired of going to LaFerrovia.  I love that place....our entire family does.

Everything was so yummy!  I had enough left overs for Larry's lunch....he always likes my left overs.  I'm glad because I usually have them if I eat out. (if you know me at all...you know that happens often)

Jaydan was home tonight and I don't think he liked fending for himself.  He just laughed though when we told him where we had been and why there wasn't dinner prepared.  He's such an easy going kid.

Larry told Jaydan to pick a movie out and we would watch it with him.  Before Jaydan came downstairs Larry was asleep.  Jaydan wasn't slow either...Larry was just fast at falling asleep.  The little power nap was good for him and he enjoyed the show with us.

Jaydan brought down a few different shows to choose from and I chose Friday Night Lights.  It was really good. Two good movies in one day....that doesn't happen often....or ever!

 It sure was a fun day for me.  I didn't have to cook and I got to spend time with everyone still at home.  WooHoo!!!

Camping Memorial Weekend

I love family time and togetherness.  Camping is a great way to spend time together...especially if you are close enough that your family can come and go as they need.  We went up to North Fork which is just beautiful and only an hour away. (less for a few)  We had such a great time.  I love watching my kids and grands enjoy themselves....that's enjoyable to me.

 I love visiting with my family and also with our friends.  I am so glad that we ran into the Taylor's at the store last year while we were getting things for our trailer.  They are good at reserving camping sites and getting a big enough place that they are able to invite friends.  We love going with the Taylor family.  Kim and I have known each other since elementary school and have enjoyed each others friendship since then.  We have watched our families grow up together and be friends.  I love long friendships and I'm so glad to have many wonderful friends still from my childhood.  (I've been told it's a "gift".....I'll take it!)

We do a lot of relaxing and laughing.  We eat simple and drink more soda pop while we camp than any other time of the year.  We usually only buy pop for camping....we seldom just buy it to have at home.  So pop is a camping thing for our family, so are hot-dogs and s'mores.

I'm so glad that each of my kids were able to come up while we were camping.  It was such a pleasant surprise to have each of them join us.  I love that my kids like being together almost as much as I like having them together.  Since Larry and I started having kids we have prayed that we will be a close family and enjoy each other.  So far....so good!  I will continue to pray for this wonderful blessing.  I never hear any of my kids talk behind each others back...they are all loving and supportive of each other.  I am so happy for their great example!  I admire my kids so much and they inspire me to be better.

Being with my family brings me the most joy!  I love them all so much.  I enjoy going into the mountains and getting a little dirty so that we can make more memories together.  I enjoy the simple life!

Oh my word.....I love my Family!  I appreciate Larry for working so hard so that we can play together!  I appreciate my kids for working so hard and for wanting to play together. ♥♥♥

Weekly Tidbits

*I had a friend ask me to help her drive to Indiana the first week of July.  It's so hard for me to say that I can't.  I felt bad that I couldn't help her out but I know that I am needed at home more.  Shari and her kids are coming that week and family comes first.

*I bought a new shelf for my family room before Christmas.  When I picked it up it didn't have any way to hang it so after about a month I took it back and asked them to finish it.  They called and said it was ready and so I picked it up again.  I guess ready means "here's the screws and hook...put them where you want."  The shelf has been in my garage for months.  I wanted to be sure to put the hooks so I could hang the shelf on studs.  I got my stud finder out and pencil and put the hooks on the shelf.  I put the screws in the wall where I had found the studs but when I hammered.....there wasn't a stud in either spot.  Oh well.....I tried...the shelf might fall but it is hung.  Now I need to get current pictures of my grands to hand from the pegs.  I have magnetic frames to hang from the pegs.
*Cookies.....I love cookies and so I decided to make some.  I was actually going to make them for Skips funeral but ended up deciding that they would be good to take camping with us.  I made brownies for the funeral instead but did include a dozen cookies as well.

*I burnt my finger with my hair straightener while on the cruise.  I put my finger right in the straightener along with my hair.  It hurt for a minute and when it felt better I about did it again.  Not sure why I was having problems that day.  My finger is tough and so am I.

*I love my visiting teachers.  I actually chose these two to be my visiting teachers a year or so ago.  I just asked them to come visit me and the RS President found out and just assigned them to me.  I could visit with them all day and sometimes I do keep them too long.  A short visit is an hour....I wonder if they dread coming?  They are wonderful and make me smile.  I hope if they need to get away quicker they will just tell me and not ask to be changed. ☺

*It was Tonya's birthday on Wednesday and it's kind of a tradition for me to go to her work at Weber High School to wish her a Happy Birthday.  We had just set a day for me to take her to lunch but I couldn't help myself.  I went out anyway.  Usually her work is crazy with school getting out but this year the craziness must have happened earlier because it was fairly calm and I ended up staying for a few hours. (she wanted me to....so I obliged) I love my sister/friend.  I can't wait for Tuesday. 

                                               

*Kamryn and her cousin graduated from Kindergarten.  I wasn't able to attend the ceremony but Grandpa Larry did. (I had SNAP)  What cuties the grands are.

The closing social for "SNAP" was Thursday and since I have missed so many weeks the last month I thought I had better show up.  Besides the women were putting on a Carnival and I needed to help.  It was fun and I got lots of hugs when I pulled up.  The participants are feeling comfortable with me now and show it.....I love it!  Most of the women leaders are new...in fact Heidi (in gray shirt) was released last week and she was the last of the experienced ones.  I'm glad I got to know her....everyone is going to miss her like they have the other leaders that have been released.  

The guys provided a cook out of hamburgers, hot-dogs, salads, chips, pop and cake.  It was good and then women had a little carnival for everyone.  The participants loved it.  I loved seeing their enthusiasm and expressions on their faces.  I helped with a game where they shot Nerf rockets through a hoop.  I put my face behind the hoop and dared them to hit me.  Only one rocket got my face.  A few hit my body. The enthusiasm and excitement was fun.  I love how wonderful and easy to please the participants are. They make my heart smile. ♥

*Larry went to Skips viewing and had to leave after waiting for almost 2 hours so he could make it to  Kam's graduation. After the graduation he went back to the viewing and saw the people that he had been waiting by.  He got in line again and was the last person there.  I could have went home changed and still met up with him....but I didn't know that until it was too late.

*On my way home from SNAP I stopped by Barbies because her and Cari had a party.  The lady was leaving but I did find a skirt real quick before she was packed up.  I love Barbie and her girls.  I'm glad I was able to catch them for just a minute.