A Year Older and Very Wise

Today I took Kathy to lunch for her birthday!  Her birthday is the day after my anniversary so needless to say we always go a little late.  I love this funny girl.  Kathy is always a blast to be around.  I gave her a Sunshine Bag because she sure does add Sunshine and Light to my life.  She always makes me laugh.  We talked about someone kind of hurting her feelings by saying "Well you sure make me feel better about myself".  As funny as that might be it wasn't funny that day to Kathy.  She had been stressed and she felt like it was a put down.  After hearing that we each said it to the other more than once. (if you know Kathy please don't bring this up)

After lunch we went to Gordman's so I could look for some black pants.  They had plenty but I realize I don't enjoy shopping and I guess I wasn't in the mood because after looking for a minute we headed over to the home goods.  I really enjoyed looking at everything over in that department.  I like to imagine and wish in that department.  I wish in the clothing department as well.  (that I was smaller)

I had Fun spending time with my fun friend.  I love this girl and I'm glad she got this friendship going.  Kathy was my RS President when I moved in and I loved having her visit me.  I guess she liked me right off too because we have been friends every since.

 

Weekly Tidbits

 This week I have tried a little harder to do a little more good.  The few things I remember....I went to change my mom's clock and scrub her tub.  When I was almost to my mom's a friend from Hooper called and needed a ride to work since she couldn't find her keys...I turned around and took her to work and then went to my mom's.  I also told my mom I would try to help her sell my dad's car. (sold in 3 hours after I posted it)  I am usually very mindful of other drivers and will slow down or stop to let someone in...I always feel good for doing that.  I made cookies and took them to the people helping with voting. I helped my kids with the grands~that good deed works both ways.  I called a friend who is sad.  I know there are more and I will continue to look for ways to help others.  Life is better when we are looking for ways to help others...everyone is blessed in the process.

Macie had an early doctor appointment so we had the kids spend the night to take a little pressure off Natalie.  I love how excited the little's get when they get to come and play.  They are so darn cute...every single one of them.  We had a good time in the short time we had.  So fun!

After taking Mya to school I went to vote.  I took my cute little bunny with me.  I believe this is the first time Parker has ever put on the bunny costume and I took him out in public.  He was an Alligator and Woody earlier.  I love this funny little guy.  He told me that sometimes he listens to his parents and sometimes he doesn't.....just out of the blue while we were driving.  He makes me laugh.

 I love the view from my kitchen window.  I love it more when there are cows crazing in the field.  I love the country.

 I made cookies since I had a few ripe banana's.  I love making cookies and I love eating them too.  I started limiting myself to only one banana cookie....the last one!  (I'm kidding I eat it and if there's still more of the others I eat more)

Lorraine was helping with the voting and mentioned for me to have Braxton  bring her cookies later.  I took a big plate for  her to share if she wanted.  It would be a long day if you didn't get a few treats right?

Friday I had to run into Costco to pick up some pictures and I decided to stop at Ross to see if they had any fun plates or bowls for the Holidays.  I did find some table clothes and on my way out I ran into Cindy Carty and while I was talking to her Jodi came by.  I was actually thinking of Jodi when I stopped here because she has cute Halloween dishes and I thought I might find some here...or maybe something cute for Thanksgiving.  I was thrilled to run into a few of my friends....especially Jodi! (I also saw my sister in laws mom)

I got to pick Ivy up early from school.  Even though she had just ate an hour before she said she was hungry.  I was really hungry and so we stopped.  Ivy really wasn't that hungry but we had a nice little lunch and visit anyway.  I love this child!

 I was excited to get a text from Barbie asking me if I was doing anything Friday night.  I knew there wasn't anything on the calendar but decided I'd better check with Larry to see what his plans were.  He said it would be fine if I went.  I think he was going with the missionaries.  (his new favorite past time)  Barbie and I went to a Boutique and it was fun.  I use to frequent boutiques more often but have slowed down the last few years.  It was fun and we both ended up filling a little shopping basket.  I got another countdown until Christmas. (I love them and have too many already)  I also bought my married kids a cute place mat where the kids can put a letter to Santa and leave him hot chocolate in a cute Santa mug.  I will give them those at our family party.  I also bought some chips and salsa for Larry to enjoy when I got home.  I love Barbie and I was really glad that she invited me to go with her. We had a good time and talked a lot!  The saying: Friends are good therapist comes to mind. ☺

Saturday we went to dinner with the Winters.  It's so hard finding times when all our schedules match but we did it....Sue lined this up.  Usually we need to go to Hawaii to visit these two.  We joke about that because sometimes it really does seem true.  These two are great friends.  We all get along really well and can talk about anything.  They told us that they are going to get four new grands this next year!  Fun Times!  I'm glad the Winters are our friends...they are some of the best people around.

When we got home from going with Alan and Sue, Trichelle and TJ brought there kids to us.  It was late but still better than trying to get them in the morning.  Trichelle and TJ are going to Hawaii since Larry and I couldn't swing it this time.  I don't feel too bad though because we get these cute grands while they are gone.  Plus, I really like to see my kids take time for themselves every once in a while.  I know they will have a great time.  I know we will have a great time with these cuties.

Braxton took Ivy to her Spanish Ward for their primary program since Mya and Parker had there program at the same time.  We had already gone to Ivy and Zaden's and I figured Braxton might enjoy the Spanish Program a little more than any of us since he understands and served in Mexico.  Mya and Parker did a great job and did their parts so well.  They got to write their own parts and I was impressed.  They each sang really well too.  I was one proud gramma sitting in the audience listening to them.  There is so much pride and happiness when you sit back and look at the one's you love.  I get that with my hubby, kids and grand kids.  I love that feeling....so warm and wonderful! ♥

I have a wonderful, marvelous, happy, fun, spiritual, fantastic, remarkable life!

Celebrating 34

We started celebrating our Anniversary on Tuesday the 4th of November.  Larry left work about 3:30. (he seldom leaves early)  Jaydan surprised us with some money for dinner.  (so thoughtful of him)  We decided to go the Olive Garden.  It was yummy as always.  We selected an appetizer of fried zucchini, mozzarella, and stuffed mushrooms.  Of course we got salad and bread-sticks....always so good.  I could have quite with that.  But, I didn't quit I ordered the never ending pasta bowl.  It didn't look like I ate much and I never ordered another bowl.  Mine was with the curly noodles (I love them) and Alfredo and Chicken.  Larry ordered a stuffed chicken dish.  We were both pleased and very full and satisfied when we left.

Larry had made reservations for us at the Anniversary Inn in Logan.  We haven't been there before and it was nice.  We had the Caribbean Room.  On the pillow was a pretty single rose...ahhhh...Larry is so thoughtful.  The room looked like we were under the sea in a sunken boat.  It was nice and big and fun.  There was fake champagne waiting for us and so we popped it open.  I really wanted to put that we "toasted" each other but we didn't....I guess we didn't think about it at the time.  Larry also ordered a movie treat for us.  We ended up bringing most of it home since we were just so full.  They even had cheesecake in the fridge that we brought home with us.  It was all good and we had a nice relaxing night and morning.  

We went to the Temple with our kids that could make it. We had Justin, Natalie, and Jaydan with us tonight. I love that our Temple is opened again so that we can continue our monthly Temple dates with our kids! Being in the Temple with our kids is pretty much wonderful!

It's been an exciting 34 years.  I like where we are at.  We are at a nice point of life.  We accept each
other for who we are.  Our flaws are tiny and our strengths are much more appreciated.  We are content and happy which is the most important.  We have a great family that just keeps getting better with each addition.  Our business has taken care of our needs.  We have always enjoyed good health.  We really have been so blessed.  I look forward to every year that we still have together.  I'd like to say I look forward to another 34 years but I don't think we will both be around in 34 years.  We are coming down the "Hill" at this point but coming down is fun so we will enjoy it. Cheer to US!

Happy Anniversary Again

Well look at us!  We are still together and smiling!  I love this guy and I'm glad he's mine now and forever!  He makes me smile most of the time.. there are days that we don't make each other smile but not many.  This has been a stressful year but we made it.  It's our finances and medical bills that caused the stress and as hard as it has been we have been able to manage.  I know it's harder on Larry because it is his responsibility to provide for us...he does a good job.  I have cut back and made the $$$ I get stretch.  It's funny to me how some years are super wonderful and then others are just hard.  The hard years make you appreciate all your blessings...the good years really do too.  We really are very blessed all the time.

As I think back now the years have flown.  We have done a lot together to get where we are.  We are at a good place but it hasn't always been all happiness and bliss.  We have had our challenges just like everyone else and we have pushed through them.  Hooray for us!  I'm glad that Larry was brave enough to ask me out and when I couldn't go, I'm glad we got another chance.  Larry completes me and truly is the best guy I know.  He's pretty darn wonderful.  I think we are "Keepers"!

Big "Z"

This little Rascal is 6 years old.  Those years went really fast.  I love this cute little guy so much.  What a blessing he is to our family.  He is a fun kid that likes to do things his way.  He makes us smile.  He is creative and loves building with lego's.  He loves electronic games.  Zaden is a thinker and asks some pretty good questions. Ex...."Mom, is God for Real or just a Theory?"  He also thinks hard about things.  Sometimes maybe a little too hard because he gets anxiety about the unknown. (I can relate)  He observes first before jumping in.  He observes more than he lets on.  He realized a while back that TJ is a dad figure.  He decided to call TJ dad since he is a dad. (Zaden's words)  He loves both his dads and thinks it's pretty cool that he has two.  He is kind and fun and loves his cousins, especially Parker. Zaden loves staying at my house.  The other night he was here and asked me: "So, do I get to sleep over or not?"  I can't let him every time he asks because I really try to be fair with all the grands.  I think he will get his fill of us next week while his mom and dad go to Hawaii.

 ♥ I love this kid! ♥

Back at it!

                                  

Monday Larry's mom turned 80 and we had a big party for her.  I didn't really help much since I have been consumed with my parents. It was a fun night and there were a lot of people that came to wish her a Happy Birthday.  We had it at the Hooper Civic Center and it was packed the entire night.  I know it made mom feel good and that she really enjoyed herself.  Donna is a great mom. She has always treated me and everyone so good.  It was fun celebrating her!

On Tuesday I went with my mom and Susan to the Cemetery and we met with a guy that helped us know what we needed to do for mom now that dad is gone.  They were really good and had a big list that we could check things off.  Scott (the guy that helped us) made some calls and was handling the insurance and gave a few things to do as well.  I liked having a check list and having things written down.  We went to the Drivers License place and gave them dad's drivers license and a copy of his death certificate.  I mailed a few letters to a few other places.  After daddy passed we checked out this yummy cafe that mom and Susan had noticed.  It's called the Corner Bakery and it is really good.  We went there a week or so ago and again on Tuesday.  I think it's one of my favorite places now.  Us girls talked about a few more days that worked for us all.  We are going to go to the banks next and then the Social Security Office.  I feel good about our plan.

My favorite picture from the funeral was one with Larry barely in it.  I was speaking  when this was taken and Larry was looking at me.  I love it!  I can see the love in his face and eyes.  I am glad that Larry was proud of me and that he loves me!  I love him too....I hope it shows on my face.

Judy wanted to get together and so she set a dinner date up with me and Tammy.  We invited Teresa too but she couldn't come.  I love these ladies and I should have known better than to tell Larry I would be back in a few hours.  He should have known better than to believe me.  We didn't leave the restaurant until they were closing.  They were cool about letting us stay. 

I did a lot of listening.  I know that might be hard to believe since I do talk a lot but tonight I listened more.  I realized as I listened that I am pretty content being me...right now...the way I am.  Sure I will always desire to be thinner but I enjoy sweets treats and don't want to give them up.  So, I'm okay with the extra roll around my middle. (until I see pictures then I'm not)  I realized that I'm happy with being me and the things I am doing and the goals I have.  It's a pretty good feeling because I haven't been like this most my life.  Even though my entire life I have tried my best I never felt like my best was enough.  I never felt like I was enough.  I now feel different and I do feel like my best is enough...heck it's my best.  I also feel like I am good enough...it's taken me a long time to get to this point and it feels good.

I did go home when Larry sent me a rude text.  The guy is having a hard time but I won't hold it against him since I know that every now and then we all go through hard times.  I will listen and try to help him through it.  It's his problem not mine and I will be there for him. (he did get over it pretty quickly...he had his own little pity party but didn't let it last long)  Sometimes pity parties are good because after you feel sorry for yourself it's easier to see all the Blessings that we take for Granted.

 It felt good to be back bowling with my friends.  I missed a few weeks since I was with my dad.  I felt the love of my team and the other ladies.  It's a good feeling to be loved.  I grabbed a few head bands since it's the day before Halloween.  I had something that matched everyone and it was fun being a "little" dressed up.  I love my team...I have always loved the teams I have bowled with but these ladies are really sweet.  I'm so glad that Debbie invited me to sub for their team 9 years ago.  It's been so much fun for me to bowl every week with so many wonderful ladies.

After the summer salad bowl it was decided that we would continue to get a meal while we are bowling.  The cooks are fabulous and really cook up some wonderful things.  They don't skimp on anything.  For Halloween they really went all out. I had to take pictures so I could remember for my own Halloween dinners.  They do this all for $2.75.  I know it's the tips that make it worth it for them.  I am always astounded with the things they prepare.  It's crazy that ladies will complain...but they do.  It's too spicy, it's too early, it's too something.  I might need to take my nerf gun and shoot them when I hear their complaints.  For the price there is something they should like.  Anyway it's fun seeing what the cooks come up with and it beats the heck out of going to lunch after bowling and spending four times that.

I know I haven't mentioned much about bowling.  The bowling is simply what gets us there....for me it's not about the bowling.  I like bowling but wouldn't go every week if it wasn't for the socializing...the yummy food is a bonus.

On Friday I brought Larry with me to run errands with my mom.  We went to the banks and let them know of my dads passing.  We closed one account at one bank and notified the Credit Union.  My mom will take my dads name off the account in a few months.  We stopped and got doughnuts because doughnuts and Halloween go together....right?

The Sister Missionaries stopped by for Chili and Doughnuts.  The Sisters are pretty wonderful and bring a really good spirit into our home.  Larry is really trying to help them out and I'm impressed with his efforts.  I am also impressed with my kids for standing up for the Church when others put it down. Kimleighel did that a few times this week and Jared does quite often as well.  I did mention to one of my friends that caught me at the end of the Trunk or Treat that she keeps coming to my mind whenever I think about helping the missionaries.  She laughed and so I laughed.  She is very religious and for some reason quit going to our Church and attends another Church now.  She's a wonderful person and I probably need to go find out her reasons.  I haven't really been to concerned because I know she is close to Heavenly Father and lives a good life.  I know she has her reasons and I know that Heavenly Father understands the "whys".

I enjoyed seeing each one of my cute grands.  I love my little ones so much.  They each make my heart so happy and full.  Zaden was a stinker and didn't want his picture taken.  I couldn't even bribe or threaten him enough and so I tricked him.  He thought Jaydan was still standing behind him and I had my neighbor take our picture.  Oh my word these little ones make my life so happy!  I treasure each one of these special little spirits.  Oh...I was "Blue".  I thought that was appropriate this year!

On Saturday I went to a Conference for Women that the Brigham City Hospital puts on.  Jodi had posted about it and the timing was perfect.  I needed a Spiritual Boost and to be around women, and Jodi.  I learned some new things.  I was reminded of other things that I need to do.  I felt the spirit and felt the love of my Heavenly Father.  I didn't even go to the last class because I liked the feeling I had after listening to Julie (the gal in pink).  My soul was energized and I was ready to continue on.  I'm so thankful for these kind of things for women.  We need these things and realize how good they are for us.  I needed to see my twinsee, Jodi.  She is good for me.

On the way home I thought a lot.  I thought a little about how others see us.  I have been spoiled with kindness and love during this time and I pondered a little on "why".  I know my weaknesses and faults and I don't do as much as I think I should. But, I realized I must be doing more than I give myself credit for because I am treated so wonderful.  Another cute friend reminds me that kindness brings kindness.  Because of the love and kindness shown to me during this time I want to be better at being kind and thoughtful to others.  I have been shown many different ways to be kind and not all ways take a lot of time or money but they all mean just as much to me.  I'm going to do more good! Larry H. Miller said: "Go about doing Good until there is too much Good in the World". (his wife said that at the conference)  I'm going to be better at doing my part!  I'm thankful for all my friends that believe in me and love me and are a blessing to me.  Everyone I know makes me better!

Halloween Dinner

The last Sunday of October when everyone comes to dinner we have a Halloween Dinner.  We had it tonight even though Justin's family couldn't be here.  I really wasn't into it this year but Kimi was and she was a big help.  Kimi and Ivy did the fingers and the mummy dogs.  I did the eye's and "guts".  Not a big deal but always fun anyway.  I love our family traditions and actually when my kids help it makes it easier and less stressful.  I appreciate their help.

I got to enjoy two primary programs today.  Trichelle's ward had their program and so Larry and I went to listen to Ivy and Zaden say their parts.  They both knew them really well.  The kids sit with their parents until after the sacrament and then go up and about that time Zaden started feeling "ill".  Trichelle is a great mom and went with him.  She held him and he continued to get sicker.  When it was his turn to do his part Trichelle carried Zaden and he clung to her and wouldn't turn towards the audience.  Trichelle said his part and brought him back down to the bench with us.  Immediately Zaden felt better and was waving at Ivy.  (such a pill)  I asked him to tell me his part one more time before we left but he wouldn't do it.  He did say it later for Gramps and our family.  After their program we took them to our ward and listened to ours.  I love the Primary Programs and the spirit those little ones have.  I'm looking forward to the other grands programs.