Grateful Challenge

I was nominated by my friend Jodi to take the Grateful Challenge. 

I accept this challenge because I have learned that a Grateful Heart and Mind lead to a Happy Life 
(***The Challenge is to Post....Everyday for 5 days 3 things you are grateful for. ***Then to nominate 3 different people each day)

Day 1

1. The Top of my List is my Wonderful Family. I love them all so much and they truly enrich my life. My hubby for making life fun and taking such good care of the rest of us. Each of my 7 children for teaching me things only they could and really teaching me about loving another more than I thought was possible. For the kids that have married into our family who I instantly claimed as my own, and for my darling grands that are the reward for getting to this point in life. (extended family as well....love them all)

2. I am thankful for Birth Days and the experience and wisdom that comes from each passing year and the Joy of Welcoming another Life into this World.

3. I am grateful for the kindness that is born in each of us. I have been extremely blessed from the simple kindness of so many. 

Day 2

1. I am grateful for all the experiences I have had (easy and hard) that have helped me to grow and learn. I am also grateful for all my friends & family that are always by my side helping me experience and get through life.

2. I am grateful for laughter and that even when things are tough if we can make ourselves laugh life is so much better.  Laughing has always been one of my favorite things to do.

3. I am thankful for my eyes so that I can see the beautiful things that surround me.  I love color….I love all the colors of this world….color makes my spirit and soul happy.

Day 3

1. I am grateful for technology.  It is good in so many ways.  I love being able to reconnect with childhood friends and make new friends.  I think it's cool that we can make and publish are own books and edit our own pictures.  I love that we don't need heavy encyclopedias and that we can just "google" if we want to learn about something.

2. I am grateful for the luxuries I enjoy…..electricity, clean water, carpet, cars, nice homes, fun toys, washing machines, garages……..even the clutter.

3.  I am grateful for Chocolate.  Whoever added sugar to the cocoa bean was a genius!  Chocolate just makes me happy….it usually finds its way to me sometime throughout the day. I love having it coat the inside of my mouth and sometimes cover my teeth for a big chocolate smile. ☺ Yummmmm!

Day 4

1. I am grateful for quiet times as well as busy times.  I appreciate the feeling of both.

2. I am grateful for Temples.  I love the feeling of peace and love that I feel every single time I go to the Temple.  Temples are a piece of Heaven right here on Earth.  (I'm glad I wasn't touring the Ogden Temple on Labor Day...the lines were so long)

3. I am grateful for the ability and freedom to make my own choices.  I am grateful that I have learned the power in me to enjoy my life no matter what might come my way.

Day 5

1. I am grateful for Sunshine…that which fills the sky and that which is spread by others.  Sunshine truly warms the Soul.

2. I am grateful for time away from the norm. (I'm grateful that we are able to have little get- a- ways every now and then)  Time away so I can relax… slow down…enjoy my family and friends and sometimes even discover new things about me. I always come back home refreshed and grateful for all that was left behind.

3. Last But NOT Least….I am grateful for my faith in a loving Heavenly Father who loves each of us so much…Unconditionally!  I love all that he does to help guide and direct us so that we can be safe and happy.  He truly cares about us all and wants us all to return to Him.  He is Pure Love! ♥

Labor Day Weekend

Since little Jordyn was being blessing this weekend we decided to stay close.  We went camping with the Taylor's and had a great time.  I like that our families get a long so well.  (Kim was in my wedding line)  I love that Kim and Kevin take care of all the reservations and the rest of us just get to show up.  It's a nice way to go.  We loaded up and headed out after work on Friday.  I love being close enough you can leave after work.  We went to North Fork again.  It's pretty up there and cool.  The mountains are starting to change colors. (a favorite of mine)  I love having a trailer for the time being.  It's been a lot of fun and causes relaxing while it is away from home.

We came home Saturday Night so that we could shower and get ready at home for the blessing on Sunday. After the blessing and lunch we headed back up.  We had a few kids come up on Sunday for dinner.  Justin brought his family and Braxton and Kelsi came too.  It was fun having them.  I invited Mya and Parker to spend the night since a few of their cousins snuck in a sleep over about a month ago.  I really try to be fair and I don't ever want my grands to think they are cheated in any way.  I don't want my kids to fill bad either.  It was a blast having them stay.  They were so excited and so fun.  This weekend Mya reminded me of Justin when he was little.  Maybe it's the age but there is something right now about her cute freckles and eyes and cheeks and even her nose that make me think of Justin when he was little.  It's fun seeing my kids in the grands.

I love this time with Kim.  Before we started camping with the Taylors I only saw Kim at Christmas when I took her a gift or when they brought us one.  This is so much more fun. I love my sweet friend and her cute family.  They all turned out great.  I laughed as they told stories about Karson (their 2nd child but oldest son) and how naughty he was.  He caused his momma stress and I remember it well over the years.  You wouldn't know he was so naughty because he is such a good kid.  He helps his parents so much and is so kind.  We enjoy all their kids....Kiera, Karson, Karley, Kelsey, Kenzie and Keaton..their grands are very cute too.

I let Mya and Parker play with my camera.  The big collage is mostly their pictures.  I think they are so cute and funny.  It was a fun weekend but ended too soon.

It's Labor Day today and that is exactly what Larry is doing....Laboring.  Poor guy....gets home cleans out the trailer with our help and then has to help his dad with the hay.  They were going to do it tomorrow but gramps always moves the plans up and so like it or not Larry had to help.  Kimi was taking her friends to the movies and the car stopped on the freeway and so Larry and I had to go get it and pull it home.  (I don't really like pulling cars)  Once home Larry returned to the fields.  I cleaned up the food and started the laundry.  I'm done with my stuff and Larry is still Laboring.

Happy Labor Day!

Jordyn Jo's Blessing

Our Sweet Little Jordyn was blessed this Labor Day Weekend.  Her grandpa Dunkley was in town for the Holiday and so her blessing was today.  I love these days.  I love the Priesthood and the Blessing that come through and because of it.  It was cool to hear my son give his daughter a blessing.  Kevin was a little nervous and emotional....he has a tender heart. (his emotions are more like mine...they flow right out of us)  He gave Jordyn a sweet blessing.  The circle of Priesthood holders was big. These kids are loved and supported.  It's such a great thing to be a part of.  It's really cool seeing my husband and son's use their Priesthood.  It's really cool to see my kids support each other.  Justin and Natalie only went for the day to the Uintahs to be with Natalie's family so they could be there for Kevin and help with this sweet Ordinance.  The other boys were there as well.....five of my favorite guys were in that circle.  Mallory and Glen came with only a few days notice.  That means so much to me!

They had a lunch at Sandridge Park after the blessing and it was nice....a little windy but not bad.  It was fun visiting with Julie's family a little.  I sure do love the Dunkley's...they are wonderful people. (we have loved all the families that our kids have married into....all great people)  Such a special day for sweet baby Jordyn.  What a cute and good baby she is.  I sure do love my family!

Happy Birthday to my Son....Kevin

I had to figure out how old Kevin was on this birthday...the numbers are moving quickly it seems.  He is 27 but I was thinking he was 25.  It's crazy I'm telling you....life happens fast.  I enjoy this son of mine.  He has always been a fun kid.  He is a good daddy and has such a cute family.  Kevin loved football from the time he was born and so it's cool that he is coaching now at Roy Jr.  Teaching and Coaching is nice because it allows him to spend lots of time with his family plus he's really good at it.

Kevin is a sensitive and kind kid.  He cares about others and their feelings.  He is smart and things have always come to him easily.  He is funny and continues to make us laugh.  He always came up with such funny sayings....he still does.

It's funny....it doesn't matter how old your kids get, as a mom you still see them as your babies.  I still care about their feelings and how they are doing.  I do enjoy watching them grow and become spouses and parents. It's fun seeing how they do things.  I think Larry and I did okay because our kids are doing good.  (either that or we really blew it and they are changing things up)  Larry and I often say that we just hope our kids can do and be better than us and that the pattern continues...oh our posterity!

Weekly Tidbits

***My fun book club went to lunch and the movie on Monday.  Shanna set this up and it was so much fun.  It always is because we're all fun and have such fun memories together.  We went to Red Robin for lunch and then we went and saw The Hundred Foot Journey.  I really liked this show....I left wishing it to would have gone on. I love my book club even if we don't talk about books too much.  I did see Shanna return a book to Kathy so I guess we can still call ourselves a book club.  We are planning an over night trip to Susan's Cabin soon and I'm really excited...more fun memories coming our way!
***It was time for some "Tammy Time" and so I ran out to her house.  We visited and time flew as always.  We decided we were hungry and went to get breakfast at Kneaders but we were about 15 minutes late and so we had lunch.  Then I talked Tammy into going with me to Farmington Station because I wanted to get Trichelle a birthday gift from Home Goods. I found a few very cute things for Trichelle and even something for Julie's birthday.  We were right by Ross and so we went there to see if they had picture frames and "Bingo" they had what I wanted.  I needed a few frames to put Kelsi and Julie's bridal's in....I like what I found. The pictures are now up on my wall. WooHoo!  I love Tammy and our time together.

 ***I didn't tell anyone that I didn't have anything going on Wednesday and so I was able to enjoy staying home and getting a few things done.  My visiting teacher came in the morning and I did tell her but that's all.  I enjoyed my alone time that day but wouldn't want it all the time.

***This is how we found out that Braxton and Kelsi are having a girl. (Sadie Lou...I think)  I am so excited to have another little grand daughter.  Oh my heck I love my grands!

***Carla has invited me out to lunch for my birthday a few times but we couldn't get days that were good for both of us and so Thursday after bowling (winter league started) she took me to lunch.  I love Carla and I'm so impressed with her inner strength.  She has lost over 20 lbs simply by giving up a few things.  She looks and feels great.  I admire this girl that is so kind and caring and pretty darn wonderful.  I'm excited that bowling has started again because that means I will get to see and visit with Carla every week.  I'm so glad that she joined our league.  Carla has a talent to organize and wants to come help me.  I get nervous because I hang onto stuff and might not want to let it go.  Maybe I will play the Frozen Soundtrack to help me out.  I'm going to take a big breath and let Carla in to help me get rid of the stuff that I do not need or use.  (my heart quickened in just typing that...I kind of like my stuff)  I am thankful for this girl and all my friends that love me!

***TJ Trailers had a Retirement Luncheon for Ken.  Larry arranged for Sizzler to cater a lunch for everyone that works at TJ Trailers and their spouses.  It wasn't fancy being in the shop and all but it was good.  Ken is a great guy.  He and Larry have been working together for about 20 years (maybe more).  Ken use to work for Coast and sold to Larry--TJ's...then when he left Coast Larry offered him a job.  Ken and Carol were very appreciative and a little emotional.  They love TJ Trailers and the employee's there.  Ken will be missed but everyone is excited that he and his cute wife get to work in the Temple now....their pay check just went up! ☺

You are of Worth.....ALWAYS!

Today while visiting with my sweet visiting teacher we discussed many things.  One thing that we talked about before she left was how no matter what we are of worth.  I wanted to jot this down because I feel strongly that more than ever we all need to realize this.  No matter what choices we make...and believe it or not there will be some wrong choices made by each of us.....those choices DO NOT change our WORTH!  Wrong choices help us grow and learn and become closer to our Savior.  Wrong choices are going to happen....that's just part of this wonderful life.  That is also why we have a Savior.....ONE who atoned for each of us and loves us Unconditionally.  I am thankful that I have always believed that but also now feel and know it.  It took repenting and heart ache and making mistakes to actually know of His Love... His Unconditional Love.  ♥

In life so many things are conditional.  You have to do this to get that.  There are so many conditions.  However, the love and acceptance of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is Unconditional....Always!  I feel peace in knowing that.  I know that I am loved by Them no matter what dumb mistakes I make.  They know exactly why I made the mistakes I have and are really good at forgiving and forgetting.  They don't judge either....they totally understand.  I am glad that I know this and feel it.  It makes it so much easier living my life.  I don't need to worry or care what others might think or that others will even understand because I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do!  It's true...They do!

 Sometimes things happen to us that we do not agree upon.  Those things do not take away our worth.  No matter what we choose or what others choose for us we are still just as worthy to be loved and valued as we were before.  I recently saw a message from a 50 year old man that was abused by an older guy when he was just 12.  He kept that naughty secret for 38 years.  During those years he hated himself and felt worthless.  He turned to drugs and anger and had a lot of problems.  Finally he is sharing his secret and it has freed himself. He doesn't have to carry that secret anymore and it doesn't have a hold on him like it did for all those years.  If you have a secret like that.....tell someone who loves you.  Don't let those kind of secrets control and affect your life.

In this life we are going to be exposed to things that we wouldn't choose.  We need to learn from these things and let them make us stronger.  Be strong enough to say No to the things that we have been taught and know in our souls to be wrong.  Be stronger than the temptation.  There is joy in being in control of your choices and your life instead of letting addictions control us.  One myth that there is in this life is that the commandments of God are controlling.  That is not true at all.  The commandments keep us safe and free.  (free from addictions)  Find the joy and power in you by keeping the commandments.

Don't let the unkind words or actions of others define you.  You are a child of God who loves you.  He knows each of us and has given us our own strengths and talents.  No matter what others think or say always remember YOU ARE OF WORTH......ALWAYS! (our worth is also unconditional....just being ourselves is enough!)

weekly tidbits

I got to watch Parker and Macie while Mya went to Back to School Night with her mom.  I love these little's.  On Sunday Trichelle gave Parker this cute shirt that is absolutely perfect for him.  It says: Always be yourself UNLESS you can be BATMAN then always be Batman!  For months Parker has called himself Batman...that's his name and he's stickin to it!   So a perfect gift for him.  I believe they gave Mya a necklace with an "M" which was little and cute just like her!  I love how much Macie smiles now and how she wiggles her little wrists....oh they make me smile.  I was talking to Mya went she got back and my eyes filled with tears.  It's so strange having my grands be so big.  Ivy is going into 4th grade, Mya and Kamryn in 1st and Zaden in Kindergarten.  Parker gets to go to preschool.  So strange since I remember so well when my kids were that age.

***My dad was in the hospital last week but has moved to a rehab center. (the same one my mom went to after her knee surgery)  I heard he is doing better and actually drinking water.  I'm still going to get a picture of him drinking water since I couldn't remember ever seeing him drink water.

(Lynn Halpin, Me, Teri Adam, Becky Lyons...maiden names)

***I met some Bonneville Buds for dinner on Tuesday night.  It was so nice visiting with these ladies.  I look at them and see such beauty.  Having only four of us was kind of nice because everyone was able to add to the conversation and did.  It's kind of funny that Becky, Lynn and I all have younger kids and the same kind of problems with them.  I think it's because they are boys and all their names start with "J".  I love staying connected with childhood friends....it's so much fun!

***I got to sub the last day of the summer league.  I love the last day because it's always so much fun.  The games are different and fun.  The first game if you threw one ball and if you got an even amount of pins you automatically got a strike.  If you left an odd number of pins you got a spare.  It was fun and my score was good.  There were also colored pins and if you left one you had to pay a quarter to a bank with a balloon the same color as the pin.  I ended up paying one quarter the last frame.  The 2nd game was a normal game however if you got a strike or spare you got to play a memory game that had prizes.  I won two prizes.  I also had a very good game and took a picture to prove that I really can bowl. (for my boys)  The 3rd game if you got 7 pins your first ball it was considered a strike.  I never got seven so the strikes I showed were real.  On the 3rd game if there was a colored pin for the head pin and you got a real strike you got to take a bank with the same color of balloon.  My team never had a colored head pin to even try for a bank. (I've won them in previous years)  On the summer league they serve lunch.  This year the lunches were amazing!  The gal that did them knows how to cook and went all out.  She even decorated the serving tables with bright flowers every week.  In other years the food was limited and there was never left overs.  This year you could take what you wanted and there was always left overs.  This gal was awesome!  I'm glad I got to add to the tip envelope for her since I didn't have to pay to play this summer.  Joy is the lady in the picture with me.  Joy is so much fun just like the other ladies....I love them all!

***I went and checked on my dad.  He is in a rehab center and going great.  I had to get a picture of him drinking water since he seldom does.  I told him that he really needs to drink water every day even if he doesn't like it.  His body needs pure water to keep it working right.  He's a funny guy.  My sister was there when I got there and my mom came before I left so we all had a fun visit.

***Friday Larry and I went to the Temple.  We got out at 9:30 and it looked about like this picture.  The Logan Temple is so beautiful...I love it.  Even though we had a few sandwiches on our way to the Temple Larry wanted to stop and get something more and so I agreed.  We just stopped at a Burger King and to my surprise we sat and ate our order.  Larry then stopped and filled up with gas which was getting low.  It's a good thing we did both these things.  There were a few HUGE boulders that had slid in the Canyon and it was closed.  We had to take an alternate route which took us 45 minutes longer to get home.  (I was so tired)  Had we not stopped for food or gas there is a really good chance we would have been in the canyon when the slide happened.  I totally believe it was an answer to our prayers to be delayed.  I had even prayed on our way up that we would be safe this night as we all traveled in the storm.  (we were all safe) Prayer is a powerful thing!
***I was told that I light up a room when I walk in! ☺