Big "Z" (he likes to be called that)

Zaden wasn't thrilled about going to Kindergarten his first day and so Trichelle bribed him by telling him that she would call me to see if he could have a sleep over.  A few weeks back when Ivy and Kamryn had a sleep over Zaden told Trichelle that Ivy was a "gramma hog".  That little statement kind of made my heart smile....☺  I knew I needed to invite "Z" over soon since I also had Mya and Parker spend the night with us over the weekend.    Trichelle sent me a text on Tuesday telling me about her bribe and I was more than Happy to oblige.  

(I think Zaden gets nervous of the unknown.  He gets anxious and has a little anxiety when he isn't sure exactly what is going to happen.  (he was scared to go into the Temple when we toured it too)  He has been going to daycare....the same place he is going to preschool and his teacher is the same sweet teacher he had last year for daycare so I'm not sure why he was having issues).

Zaden loved school and was thrilled to see me and lit right up when I went to pick him up so we would have more time together.  He was running right for me until he saw Jared peek in.  I saw Zaden's eye's shift and knew Jared was behind me.  (I warned Jared not to because I wanted the first hug)  Zaden ran past me and right to Jared.  I had to have a little talk with my boys and remind them that gramma needs hugs first.  (I might not let Jared come with me next time)

We had a great time.  Actually Jared and Zaden had a fun time when I brought him home.They played video games and watched a show.  Jared even slept on the coaches with Zaden. (no wonder he gets hugs first)  I had fun with Zaden in the morning since Jared had left for school.  I made Z french toast and the kid must have been hungry because he gobbled 2 right down.  We read some stories and then he had a bath.  When he got dressed I read him a few more stories and then took him to school.  There weren't any tears and he was excited to go see his friends.

I'm glad that we were able to have Zaden spend the night even if it was on a school night.  It worked out great.  I'm really glad that my grands like coming to my house even if it is because of Jared.  I hope they will always want to come and play.  I love my little grands so much....happy heart!☻♥

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!)