Having Grands is Pretty Wonderful

It's such a joy to have little's around.  I love that every now and then I get to tend my cute grands and spend time with them.  Speaking about time....Kamryn kept asking me how long she got to stay at my house and was always excited when I told her we still had hours. I love that my grands like to come to my house.  I got to watch these cute girls today for most of the day until the day was almost over.

My grands are all very good and well behaved.  They are all easy to have.  Larry was concerned about leaving me to go help at the Temple but I reassured him that I would be just fine.  I really felt that Larry needed to go serve at the Temple when he had four people call and tell him that they couldn't show up.  We both felt that he needed to go serve since we are so blessed in spite of the trials we get.

Jaydan took Jared with him to Weber States game and then to a movie.  (I love when my kids include each other in their activities)  Kimi was upstairs at first and so I got to enjoy these cuties pretty much by myself for a few hours.  Kamryn was excited to watch a few movies.  I told her she could play while the movies were going but she just wanted to sit by me and watch them.  Then after she watched two movies she pulled out the doll house and played.  She has a cute imagination and cleaned everything up really good when she was finished playing. (I didn't even ask her)  She went on and on and didn't wear down until it was after 10:00.  She was getting tired and so I pulled out some blankets and got her situated on the coach...Larry came home and got cozy behind her and that pretty much took the tired right out of her.  She was up and going again and fell asleep just before her parents showed up.  Kam likes to tease and when she gets an opportunity she takes it. (Grandpa was that opportunity)

Baby Jordyn is such an easy baby.  She is so alert and makes eye contact and will then smile.  She coo'd for a few of us too.  I can't get over how alert and responsive she is for being so young.  What a joy to have her in our family.  I loved watching Kamryn kiss Jordyn all over again and again.  Kamryn loves her little sister so much.  I am glad that I wasn't able to sign up to help at the Temple since our night was tonight.  I'm glad that all the spots were filled and that my calendar was open when I was asked to watch my cute grand babies.  I was where I was suppose to be doing the best thing I could possibly be doing.

today there was a long moment of yuck

This morning when everything was awesome when everything was cool I posted this quote on FB. It's the one that stood out to me today. Later in the day I realized why I posted it....because I needed it. That happens quite a bit....my post is for me whether I realize it at the time or not.

Lately I've been irritable ... Things that shouldn't bug me are bugging me. I'm frustrated with Visiting Teaching . When I asked to have Kelsi as my partner a few months ago so I could have a change I was told no. I just found out that Kelsi was recently changed but here I am stuck in a rut with sisters who could care less if I visit them or not. I'm burned out! I have always loved visiting teaching but right now I don't like it at all. I get a stomach ache thinking of it which I have done a lot lately. I have gone by one sisters house 3 times in the last week to no avail. She won't answer her phone and sometimes she is home and chooses not to answer the door....it frustrates me. So I think I'm on edge because of visiting teaching. I feel like I'm being controlled...like my agency has been taken from me.

Larry's dad had me stop at the store yesterday to pick him up some stuff that was on sale. I was going that way so it wasn't a problem but today he came over again and decided he wanted more. I wasn't going to leave today. I had a primary lesson to plan that Braxton had just asked me to teach for him. I also had a dinner to prepare for a cute couple in another ward where the members don't even know this family exists let alone that they just had another baby. Larry volunteered me for that...it was his idea. So I did what I could and looked at the lesson and printed off a few things for it then I went to the store for dad. (Because I love him)  my anxiety and blood pressure where rising. I'm not sure why but things aren't right inside of me.

I made the dessert and started cooking the chicken so I could shred it later. I was making chicken roll ups. Kimi had stayed home but was feeling better and needed to go to work where she is trainng for a few days. I was fine with her using my car...I didn't need it. That is I didn't need it until Jared text me saying he missed the bus! I don't think he realizes the time and gas it takes to go to that school. I'm pretty sure steam was coming out of my ears. I was not happy and things were no longer awesome or cool.  Kimi decided she would go get him then go to work since it wouldn't matter if she got there later since she is training. Larry called to see how my day was going and heard more than he probably expected...a customer came in though and so we said good bye....that also happens a lot. (doesn't put that lovin feeling in me at all)

About 10 min later Kimi called in tears. She had just got hit.  The inner child in me came out...literally. I slapped the counter with a big "Dang It"! I wanted to pull my hair out but decided one bald parent was enough. I told Kimi I was not mad at her...I was just frustrated and that just made it worse but that I wasn't mad at her. (I didn't even ask about my car because I seriously didn't care and was just glad Kimi was ok) I called Larry back and told him the news and he went to the school....oh yes...it happened at the school on private property so the cop couldn't say or do anything....Bonus....NOT! The lady (yes grown up) tried blaming Kimi. The lady was pulled over by the curb talking to some people through the passenger window so Kimi was just going around her when she decided to pull out without looking. She told  Larry she shouldn't have to look. What? She's lucky it was my car and not my child or any other person.  Kimi did what I would have done and the lady simply wasn't paying attention. (I think our insurance just went up...yipee...another chalk mark)

My fender is crunched but like Kimi said...at least it's the same side as the scratched up bumper. Ummm....good point, let's keep the damage on the passenger side. Seriously I didn't even care about the car....I really didn't! (I did appreciate Kimi looking for the positive side of things...that made me feel better...she's catching on)

Larry reacted and said something he regretted. He told Jared it was his fault for missing the bus. Oh goody....make our kid feel guilty....our very sensitive kid. Another reason to get the chalk out...add to our list. When the kids got home I tried talking to them and Jared left. Kimi decided she would go to work and before she left we hugged and she said "we can't let Satan get to us" . She is right....the negative, angry, frustrated feelings were not coming from a good source. I text Jared a few times telling him it was NOT his fault and to please come talk to me and help me with the dinner. He came in awhile later and we sat on his bed and cried together. I explained the frustrations dad has had with finances lately...medical, and now both our cars, and so that is why he let that slip.  I told Jared that Larry had called me and was sorry.  I think it sunk in because Jared got up and we went downstairs and finished making the dinner together.

I thought about the quote a few times after the hit. The car isn't important...my kids and family are. They were ok and so I was ok. I'm not going to lie...I was exhausted...physically and mentally.

Larry and I took the dinner to our cute friends then we came home and ate with our cute kids. Larry took Jared to the football game with Kevin and I watched "The Help" with Kimi. The day ended with the right perspective....so all is well!

I saw this quote the next morning and felt that it should be posted here too.  Opposition in all things so that we can appreciate what we do have.

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!