Fun with the Coy Family

Sherwood Hills can be sold but our tradition of getting together with the Coy Family continues. Instead of going out for Breakfast I volunteered to have it at our house.  Breakfast is cheap and easy to make and I like the idea of visiting with each other and it's more likely to happen at my house.  I was right....we did a lot of visiting and the kids did a lot of playing.  (it was even nice outside and so they ran around and played on the playground...aka Ropelato Park)

We had french toast, sausage and breakfast burrito's and Natalie surprised us with yummy cinnamon rolls.  So the breakfast was good too but the company and visiting was better.  I think it's funny how my grands and Tonya's grands take a minute to remember each other from year to year.  We really need to start another tradition in the summer.  I'm thinking around Father's Day.

Tonya reserved her Church and we went there for Nerf Gun Wars!  My family got Nerf Guns a few years ago for Christmas and Tonya liked the idea so much that she got her family Nerf Guns last year.

 We played "Capture the Flag" a few times and went all around the church.  The Missionaries stopped by the church to have a meeting and ended up joining our fun.  It was fun having them.  I saw one Elder slide a few times and thought he might put a hole in his slacks but I think they survived.  We shot each other for a few hours.  I played the first round of Capture the Flag but retired since I can't stop myself from cheating.  If you get hit you are suppose to go to a room until someone free's you.  I would go to the room and free people and forget to stay there.  The rules were that no little's under the age of 8 could get shot except by the other little's under 8.  Well....my grand shot me and without thinking I shot him back....at gun level which was his face.  He didn't cry or act like it hurt him which I was glad about but I figured the only shooting I'd better do was with my camera.  Zaden told his mom after the games that Gramma was a "Cheater Cheater, Pumpkin Eater". ☺

After a few games of Capture the Flag we went into the gym and had another war.  This time if you got shot you were out and the winner was the last guy standing.  I think I could have handled that game a little better but still just shot others with my camera.

We didn't end up bowling this year.  Instead we went to the movies.  In years past we would go to the movie on Saturday on our way home. It was a fun filled day!  I'm so thankful for my family and for the Coy Family.  It was so much fun seeing everyone enjoy themselves.  I love traditions even if they have to be "tweaked" every now and then.

Thanksgiving

I loved Thanksgiving this year!  I wasn't hurried or stressed.  I did part of the preparing on Wednesday which really helped.   In the morning we put the turkey in and made the rolls and left while they rose to visit my mom.  My mom was making deviled eggs so she could take them to Susan's family dinner.  We had a great visit.  I think we were all missing my daddy. (it happens all the time)  We just know my mom will spend the Holiday with Susan's family.  It's been that way for over 20 years.  It works...we all know what to plan on.

Scott and Erin's family joined us this year as well and the sister missionaries.  I'm so glad they did.  Thanksgiving memories for me always include cousins, aunts, and uncles.  A few of my kids were with the other families but we enjoyed those that were here.  The Sister's were fun and we all enjoyed having them here.  I loved seeing Sister Frazier guzzle the soda from the bottle.  (she had never done that before and had always wanted to....it was funny)

I cooked the Turkey in a Roaster Oven and it was delicious.  The meat fell right off the bones.  Everything was wonderful.  Everyone brought a dish or two and so it made it easy on me and it was all yummy!  Scott had said that this was one of the best dinners he could remember.  

The guys enjoyed football, we played games, the kids took care of Jordyn and played games.  Julie took Kimi shopping and they had a good time and weren't really gone too long.  Sister Hansen ate a fourth of the lemon meringue pie...I didn't think she would be able to but she did.  The clean up was fast and simple.  It was a fun and wonderful day!  I'm thankful for this day that we have to celebrate our families and all our many blessings!  We are so Blessed!

Weekly Tidbits

Sunday I got the kids back from their dads.  I sure do like my grands dads.  They are good guys and my grands came back very happy.

Since it was our last night with the grands (on Monday) we took them to get treats for Family Home Evening.  They were so excited and cute we let them get two.  I think Zaden ended up picking three but wouldn't take the mini m&m's when we got because he knew he already had two.  These littles were so much fun to have and we really enjoyed them this last week.  

Tuesday T-J Trailers had their Christmas Party at Maddox.  Really we just go out to eat together and the employee's get a Christmas Card with a little extra $$$.  I think it's nice that they go before Thanksgiving so the employees have a little extra money to do their shopping.  I really like all the employees at T-J Trailers.  They are all good people!

Wednesday started out great.  My visiting teachers came and I had time to do things at home.  The only other thing on my calendar was piano and tending cute Jordyn. (I borrowed the pic since I didn't take one)  Well...I got distracted and forgot piano.  Larry sometimes puts me in the middle of the kids, or at least I feel responsible to make sure they do the things he wants them to do.  I made sure Jared fed the cows right after school.  I let Kimi take my car to work while I stayed home to quiz Jared on driving. (Larry said he was going to every night...I think he might have forgot)  I got a text from Natalie asking if we were coming.  For some reason I get really bugged with myself when I forget things like this...especially since I was planning on it and then forget.  It really bothers me...I have done it with ortho appointments too.  UGH!  I jumped in Larry's truck and took Jared and then we picked up Jordyn.  Larry called and teased me about forgetting and mentioned that maybe I should write it on my calendar by the sink.  I didn't think it was funny and I was still stressed about it.  So, Larry came home with a bad attitude.  I was sure he was mad at me for not thinking his teasing was funny.  Welcome Home!

The night got better because we had cute little Jordyn.  At first she was smiling and then just started crying.  I thought she was still tired since we had woke her up to bring her.  We tried getting her to sleep but that wasn't working and so even though I thought it was a little early to feed her I did anyway.  That was what she wanted.  She was hungry.  She is a cute baby and interacts with everyone.  It was fun having her and snuggling her.  I'm so thankful for my little grands!

***Thursday after bowling Larry wanted to go Christmas Shopping.  What's up with that?  The guy never wants to go shopping. We just went to a few stores and called it good.  I got the wood I need for the grands temple pictures.  We got Kimi and Jaydan each an outfit and Jared a shirt.  He's tall and thin and the store we were at didn't have his size pant.  We got Larry a pair of tennis shoes and that's about it.  I also get Larry to go in Joann's Craft store with me to pick up some beads for SNAP..I am over a craft in a few weeks.

I'm Flexible

Today I planned on getting some presents wrapped and to get things cleaned up a little.  The only think I had planned on doing was meeting Mallory at the Fairgrounds where there is a boutique so I could pay her for a piano we got from her.  Last night Trichelle called to see if I could pick up Ivy  from school at 1:00.  No problem...that would work.

I was just getting ready for the day when Larry called to see if I could take the Sister Missionaries a few Church movies.  They have been sick.  No problem...I grabbed a few movies, a soup mix, some chicken, a brownie mix, some hot chocolate and off I went.   I told them I brought them dinner with their movies but they would have to cook it.

I got a text from a friend asking me to stop by the bowling alley to check on another friend that wasn't doing to good.  Okay...I can do that.  I went up and said "hi" to everyone and got some great hugs and checked on my friend.  She wasn't doing good at all.  I suspect she took a few pills that she shouldn't have and she was really tired.  I asked her how she was feeling and if she was okay.  (My other friend was really worried about her).  She said she was ok and hadn't taken more pills than she normally does for her headaches.  I really wished that I could have stayed around and taken her home.  I think my other friend did because neither of us felt it was safe for the other friend to drive.  I said a few prayers for each of them.

I went home and wrapped a few gifts since that was on my to do list.  I also did a little more laundry.  Ivy called when I was getting ready to go pick her up.  She asked me to pick her up by the Junior High school by the side walk between the two schools.   When she finally got to my car she had a little friend with her that she wanted to come with us so they could play.  I feel bad sometimes that she is split between houses and doesn't get a lot of play time with friends and so I agreed.  The little girls mom works at the Junior High and so we went to ask her if she was okay with it.  She was and so off we went.  I had thought that the girls could stay home while I ran to meet Mal  but Jared stayed after school and so I told them they could just come with me.  I was on my way when Jared text and said he was done at school and ready to be picked up.  Okay...I switched my plans again.  At some point I told Ivy girls need to learn to be flexible.  It's a requirement to be a mom.  She laughed and said we weren't Elastic Girl.  I told her we needed to be because things are always changing from the original plan.  I think it probably happens more with stay at home mom's since we just stay at home (wink)...we can add stuff to our day...we're not that busy! haha

I picked up Jared and was able to meet Mallory and pay her.  I didn't get charged for any of the kids to go inside the boutique which was really nice.  I got a few gifts even and enjoyed the little time we were there. On the way home I was going to stop for gas and TJ called to see if I had Ivy.  I told him yes and I even had Audrey. ☺  He wanted me to bring them home which is kind of on the way.  I told him I was going to stop for gas and asked him to ask Zaden what kind of treat he wanted because I was letting the others pick a treat.  Zaden went into a meltdown.  I wasn't sure why and thought that maybe he wanted to come with us to pick his treat.  I kept passing the gas stations waiting for him to decide.  We ended up stopping and just getting him a treat and I took the girls home.

Today I was able to laugh at the confusion and changes in my plans.  I still got plenty done because I am flexible like that. ☺

We Have Talent!

We had a talent show for our Special Needs Group.   I love how excited they are to share their talents with the others.  I didn't get a picture of everything...one guy builds really cool things with legos.  We had Elvis again with his back up dancers. Kyle loves Elvis.  We also had Johnny Cash.  I get a kick out of these people.  My favorite singer was Levi.  This kid is amazing at the piano and also singing.  He is very talented.  I heard that something happened when Levi was little that changed him.  He's awesome.  

 We had a kid tell a joke.  Jessica  played Jingle Bells on her clarinet.  We had a karate demonstration, and Steve sang Once there was a Snowman while a little guy acted out the motions.  It love seeing the talents and watching the kids participate.

Some talents were displayed.  I had no idea that Lisa could paint so well.  It's  fun learning more and more about each of these people and I constantly do.

Connor wanted me to sit by him and hold his hand.  My heart goes out to Connor with the passing of his mom.  The kid is so full of love!  He kissed me a few times while we watched the talent show.  It took us a few tries to get a picture of us without Connor blinking.  I love this kid and the rest of them.  I am so blessed to have this calling.  I am mingling with the pure in heart every Thursday!

Cousins

It's interesting to me how a funeral of a loved one can cause good things.  My cousin Mike passed away Oct 13 and my cousin Kay called my mom to let her know.  While we were talking to her I told her that my daddy (her uncle) would be joining Mike soon. (he did 3 days later)  Kay told me that she was on Face Book along with some other cousins.  I was able to find Wendy and through her find others including Kay.  Many of my cousins came to my dads funeral...in fact I saw all that are living that week.  Jennifer left before the funeral but stopped by my mom's to visit with us.  It is great reconnecting at this point in our lives.

I made a special group called "Cousins" on Facebook so that we can stay connected and share with each other.  Kristy told me at the funeral that we needed to get together.  I have learned that saying it just isn't enough and so I started the group and threw out a date.

Today a few of us cousins went to lunch.  Starting on the left is Lana, Kristy (Aunt Cleo's daughter), my mom, Linda, Julie, Karen (Aunt Cleo's daughter), me, my sister Susan, and Wendy. (Aunt Venyle's daughter and Mikes sister)  Lana and Linda are sisters and they are Julies cousins.  We are distant cousins and always saw them at the reunions when we had reunions.  It was really wonderful getting together and seeing everyone and being able to visit.  We noticed everyone is shrinking and getting shorter. ☺

Karen noticed that a few of us have similar smiles and chins. Karen also mentioned that she just found out a few years ago that Susan and I aren't twins.  Another cousin, Mindy, who wasn't able to make it mentioned that our Mothers would be so happy.  I hadn't thought about that but when she said it I knew it was true.  My dad and his sisters are all together and I am positive they are happy that we made time to get together and get reacquainted with each other.

I am happy that my mom is still here and was able to come and enjoy her nieces that I know she loves so much.  I have a deep love for families. I am thankful for my cousins and the great ladies they are.  I'm glad we are all pieced together.

(I called my mom's brothers a few years ago and reconnected with them after a very long time...maybe 30+ years....I just think families should know each other)

Weekly Tidbits

We have Ivy and Zaden all week while Trichelle and TJ enjoy Hawaii.  We got to have a few more grands over for a while to play on Monday.  I love when the cousins get to play together.  They love each other and always have such a good time.  I get so much joy and pleasure from their togetherness.  I got to kiss on cute little Jordyn and make her giggle.  All these littles are such good kids.

On Tuesday Ivy goes with her dad and so it was just Zaden and I after school.  We went shopping for his birthday.  I really enjoyed watching him decide on his gifts.  I didn't tell him how much to spend but somehow he knew.  He looked at so many lego's and I'm sure he would have liked a big set but he didn't ask and it wasn't until he got to a spiderman lego car that he decided.  Only then did he say he wished he could have two gifts.  He was under the amount I spend and so I told him he could have two and he was so excited.  We went down another isle and he looked at every thing and when he saw a Batman figurine he grabbed it and was good to go.  I was so proud of him and his choices.  He was so excited to get home and play with them.  I like taking the grands shopping for their birthdays so they can choose what they want.

                                 

We were lucky and had a few more cousins come to play with us on Tuesday.  Justin and Natalie had ward Temple Night and thought they needed to go.  I was more than happy to watch their little one's.  I know Zaden was glad too.  We had so much fun.  My grands like to play in the cold pantry.  I think they are so cute.  I liked watching Macie pull herself all over and play too.  She was cute and put all the small toys around her into the barbie car and then she would get on her hands and knees to see in and take them in and out.  So enjoyable for me to watch her entertain herself.

                                 

Wednesday started out simple.  I only had Zaden to get ready for school after I took Kimi and Jared to the bus stop.  I love the grands in the morning when they are so happy and extra cute. So fun waking up to them. I have enjoyed helping them get ready for the day.  The day got busier as it went on.

We were going to have the missionaries over to teach a friend of ours and so Larry thought it would be a good idea to have treats.  He wanted a cheesecake and so I made one.  I remembered the sisters saying they didn't really care for cheesecake and so I made brownies as well.  I was by myself and so I licked all the beaters by myself.  I later learned that I should have called a few friends over because they would have been happy to help me out. (Wayne got sick and so we had to reschedule)

Part of Larry's calling as a High Councilman is the Blood Drive.  I've helped him make lists and I even went over and helped check in a few people when it started.  I had to leave though to pick up the grands.  Ivy and Zaden both had dance classes tonight and so I would take one and wait an hour and then go pick up that child and drop off the next one.  In between I stopped and got some pizza and took some to Larry.  I let Zaden choose our meals this week since he is a bit picky and I wanted him to eat.  He loved the pizza and even had some for breakfast the next day.  I let him have mac and cheese another day for breakfast.  I did make pancakes and french toast a few days when they wanted it.  It was a busy but fun day.

Instead of bowling on Thursday I went to Connor's moms funeral.  Connor is my buddy and he really wanted me to be there.  I'm glad I was.  I love hearing about those who pass.  There is always so much more than I knew.  Connie (Connors mom) has been sick since I have known her which is probably about 10 years.  She had a happy attitude and joked through all her sickness.  She was a great person.  Connor loves his mom so much and understands where she is and that she will be in his heart always.  My heart went out to sweet Connor when he had a hard time as he helped close the casket for it's last time.  He had asked me to help with that but I told him it wasn't my place but I would be close by.  He got a little angry with his family which made me think about my post a while back about our emotions....how we cover our feelings with different emotions.  Connor was sad and didn't want to cry.  I was proud of him for only letting that emotion last for a minute.  He got to say a few words at the end of the service and he did such a fabulous job.  I know his mom is very proud of him.  I love this sweet friend of mine. ♥

While I was at the graveside freezing I got a text from a friend saying that she had left something for me by my front door.  When I went home I got me some hot chocolate after changing my clothes and I opened the gift. I just let the tears flow.  My daddy is my hero and always has been.  I often wonder about my "dash".  I wonder what I will be remembered for and if I will have done enough.  People are so kind and thoughtful!

I met Mallory for a late lunch.  We always meet at 3:00 at Applebee's. I always enjoy visiting with Mallory.  When we were raising our kids we met every week.  Now it's not as often but when we do it's always very enjoyable.  I love this friend of mine and her wisdom.  She is so awesome and inspires me to be better.  Mallory is so ambitious and does so much all the time.  Right now her and her hubby and a few of her boys are fixing up her mom's house. She does it after working all day. She's amazing in so many ways.  I sure do love her!

 After my lunch date with Mallory I picked up Zaden and we were surprised with this cute greeting when we got home.  We both let out an excited cheer and couldn't wait to get out and walk through it. Larry is full of surprises lately!

I wasn't able to take Connor to SNAP like he had hoped because his dad wanted him to stay home.  I told Connor his family needed him because he is so strong.  He was kind of sad that he wasn't able to go to SNAP to tell his friends about his mom. I was sad for him.  I love going to SNAP.  I love getting big hugs and being told "I like you" inches from my face.  I love seeing how those that come enjoy coming.  I'm so glad that I am blessed to be a part of this amazing group of people.  They make my ♥ smile!

When I got home from SNAP this is what I found.  Zaden loves his grandpa and was getting some snuggle time with him.  This also makes my heart smile and my soul light up.

I went to Breakfast Friday morning with my book club.  No picture because when I called Kathy to see why she was late she had forgot and hurried up without getting fully ready. (she is taking care of grands this week too but in their home so it messed her up)  Last month I read the Message and A Step of Faith.  I had read A Step of Faith before but had thought it was the next book in the series.  It's a good series. (The Walk)  I loved The Message and read it while I was at my parents taking care of my dad.  It was the perfect time to read this book.  The message is simple....Serve Others!  This month I read The Dash that was given to me and will be reading The Giver.  I love reading.  My mind is enlightened when I read and so is my spirit.  I love our book club.  We share much more than plots and characters of books.  We share our lives with each other.  It's a blessing to me to belong to this book club.  I am smarter since we started our book club.  Oh, The Power of a Good Book!

Saturday our Stake had a missionary day for the youth.  I signed up to have missionaries come to our house to teach us.  Oh My Heck....these three cute gals came to my door and two of them signed while the other one introduced themselves.  The "spirit" hit me before I opened the door and I had to hold back my emotions from the start.  I let them in and was just asking them about their day while we waited for Larry and Kimi to join us. (they were dropping off other "Missionaries") I couldn't hold back any longer and started to cry.  I cry when I feel the spirit.  The spirit was so strong.  I testified to these sisters that what they had been taught was true.  I couldn't believe what a strong spirit they brought into our home.  A few of them got teary too.  Larry and Kimi weren't long and I was glad they got there since I was having a hard time controlling my emotions.  The sisters did a wonderful job teaching us about the restoration of the Church.  I'm converted!  One sister shared that she doesn't go to church because she doesn't have anything to wear.  I was instantly reminded of a new skirt and shirt that I had just bought.  (the tags were still on them)  The skirt was a maxi skirt and so even though I am much older it would be great for her.  I gave her the shirt too because it matched.  (I think the shirt might be too large but maybe she can get it to work)  She was thrilled and gave me a big hug.  Kimi was feeling the spirit too and went up and got two dresses to give her.  It was cool! Each of the gals bore their testimony and I was so impressed.  They are awesome! I volunteered to make a dish to help feed the missionaries.  I chose to make Penne Alfredo from Italy. (easy and feeling)  I'm so glad my kids took part in this wonderful activity.  I know their testimonies will be strengthened as mine as been.  I love belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!  It's True and Complete!

I ran to my moms house with Jaydan to try and start his car.  The battery is really dead and we couldn't even jump it and so we visited with my mom and came home.