Book Club

I love my book club.  We meet even if we don't read any books.  I haven't read a book for awhile because I don't feel like I have had time...or at least I haven't taken time.  I have one sitting by my bed that Shanna gave me for Christmas and my goal is to read it before we meet again.  Today our group met at the Blue Lemon and it was pretty good.  I had gone to the Temple before and barely made it on time.  I'm glad it was right next to the Temple.  However, had it not been I would have left for the Temple earlier.  It's always fun seeing everyone and visiting.  We got talking about Loretta and she will be home in about 5 months.  It's crazy how fast the time goes.  It doesn't seem like those that serve missions miss that many book clubs.

We really didn't discuss a single book today.  So no exchanging.  I did see that Susan had brought her book bag but she said that she hadn't read and didn't tell us about any of  the ones she had.  I didn't mind since I already have a book that needs me to read it.  I really do enjoy reading and need to make time to do it.  haha

my kind of day

I don't think that I have mentioned how much I enjoy visiting teaching again.  The change was really good for me.  I love going with Mindy because she is just awesome and fun to be with and I really enjoy Jill and Courtnie.  Everyone has been really easy to schedule with and make things easy.  I'm loving it again! YIPEE!  I loved this months message of being obedient.  I love the part that says "Obedience gives us greater control over our lives."  The world wants us to think that we are controlled by being obedient and in reality it frees us.  I decided that I am going to include Carla in my monthly messages and visits.  She mentioned that she would like me to be her visiting teacher a few months ago and I kind of forgot but decided that I am going to start.  I love Carla! (she doesn't live in my ward and isn't a member but that doesn't matter)

I met the Fun Bunch for Lunch at Brixton's.  They serve all kinds of baked potato's.  It was yummy and seeing everyone again was wonderful. I loved that Chris just came even though she said she really didn't get ready. (I worry too much about being ready)  I always enjoy our visits.  I love the support we all are to each other.  Two hours wasn't enough but we all had other things to do. I had to get Jared to the Ortho.

For Christmas our kids gave Larry and I tickets to the Jazz game.  We haven't been to a game for a really long time and truthfully I only knew one of our players.  I use to know them all and really enjoyed watching them.  I'm not so interested anymore.  It was fun to go though and spend time with my hubby.  The Jazz lost but the day was a winner!
(we took pictures with my phone and some of the shots weren't meant to happen but too funny to leave out.  Larry did mean to chop my head off...that wasn't a mistake)

Mya is 7

This little beauty is 7 years old.  Wowzers....that went fast!  Mya is such a sweet little girl.  She's smart and kind and so stinkin cute.  I asked Mya what a few of her favorite things were and as she told me I thought she is so like me when I was little.  Her favorite color is purple.  She loves pasta and especially alfredo sauce.  She wants to be an artist when she grows up and loves to draw.  She likes to do puzzles (like her daddy).  She likes recess.  She likes playing house and dressing up.

Mya is a nice big sister.  She helps Parker and Macie and is so kind to them. Mya has so much faith.  She knows that Priesthood blessings work and will ask for them when she needs them.  She knows that Heavenly Father hears and answers her prayers.  She always remembers to pray.  Mya is obedient and loving.  Mya is a Sweetheart!

Barefoot in the Rain

Lorrilee and I planned on going to lunch today but when I got to her house I asked her if she wanted to go get a pedicure.  I needed one really bad. She was ready for one too and so I took her to my favorite place. (99 Nails in Syracuse)  I had been thinking of getting a pedicure but still wore my boots and didn't grab flip flops.  I guess I knew they have those cheap disposable ones and figured they would be fine.  We got to the place and two chairs were made ready for us.  I actually sat down first and to my surprise my chair was broke.  No massage for me today....Boooo.....that's a huge part of the wonderfulness of getting a pedicure.  I was glad that Lorr's worked though since it was her first time.  I think a few of their chairs were needing repair but hey no biggie the pedicure was wonderful.

Afterwards we went to lunch a the Pizza Factory because it is close by and not too busy.  We would be stylin our disposable flip flops you know.  It was raining but not enough to grab the umbrella's we did remember to bring. However it was enough to frizz my hair a little.  As soon as I took my first step my flip flop broke and so I walked in barefoot carrying the broken flip flop.  I'm glad there wasn't a sign saying "shoes" required. ☺  We had a great lunch and talked and talked.  We could spend a week together and still talk.  I think I say that all the time because yes...I'm a talker. We laughed and had a great time.  Lorrilee kept saying she just hasn't laughed enough but that she always does when we get together.  I'm glad that I help others to laugh...that makes me happy.  Before we knew it our time was up.  Lorrilee had to go get grands.  Shortly after I got home it started to snow.  I am really glad it didn't snow while we were eating.  Walking in the rain wasn't bad but the snow.....it would have been.  My feet were pretty cold on the way home. ☺

Oh...I love letting the inner child out of me.  It's easy to do with many of my friends.  We always have a good time!

We Went Cruisin

Monday about 2:00 I picked Larry up from work and we headed to St. George.  Larry had booked a cruise for us since he was needing to get away.  (I think he likes hanging out with me too)  Larry made arrangements with Jerry and Darinda so that we could spend the night at their house.  They were in LasVegas but said it would be alright if we did.  I always take our own sheet and towels now so we can just get up and go.  The sunset was absolutely stunning as we drove.  I loved all the colors in the sky.  I love sunsets and sunrises.  We went right to bed and got up early to get on the road hoping to avoid too much traffic in LasVegas.  We did alright.

My Uncle lives in California and I have been communicating with him and my aunt a little the last few years.  I called and told them that we were getting on the Cruise ship in San Pedro and wondered if there was any place close that we could meet.  I had mentioned Barstow and immediately they said they could meet us there.  I knew Barstow was on our way but wasn't sure it was very convenient for them.  It's 100 miles and a few hours from their home but they were happy to meet us.  They even had something they were committed to for Tuesday but decided they would change it.  I could tell they were about as excited as I was.  I haven't seen them since I was in High School.  It was wonderful meeting them.  Our timing was perfect and we saw them standing outside of IHop as we pulled into the parking lot.  We all knew right away that we were the ones. (wink)  We visited for a few hours before we had to leave.  We shared pictures of our families and talked about our lives.  It was really enjoyable to me.  My Uncle and Aunt are in wonderful shape and very healthy.  They are very active still and I know that is why they are doing so well.  I was so happy to see that.  My uncle loves sports and has always played a lot of them.  Larry told me that Uncle Morris (Ben) even tops Larry's love of sports and also his activity with them.  Being active is a very Healthy Choice.  My heart is so happy!  I'm so glad we were able to meet.  I really hope we will plan a time to go and stay with them since they have invited us a few times now.  I think we would love where they live.  It's in the mountains.  My Uncle assured us they had room for all of us...even our married and grands. Meeting Uncle Morris and Aunt Gail was a wonderful way to begin our mini vacation. 

I made this saying up after arriving in Ensenada.  A change of scenery is good for the soul and a relationship.  Getting away is good every now and then.  I loved just being with Larry and doing whatever we wanted to do...when we wanted to do it.  We slept in and didn't rush to breakfast.  We watched a few movies.  We ate when and where we wanted.  We had a very enjoyable, relaxing time.  It was good for both of us.

We met some nice people and enjoyed some good conversations.  We enjoyed the entertainment at night.  The dancing was fabulous by the performers.  We sat on the front row the first night (we just felt like it) and being so close you could tell how hard the dancers were working.  The moves are so exaggerated which takes a lot more energy.  It was fun.  The next night we sat back a little and enjoyed a magician.  He had a little quiz on the big screen before his show and I was fooled every time.  At least three times he had a sentence where he put "the the".  The mind will automatically correct it and only see one of the "the's".  Even knowing that I missed it a few more times.  Larry noticed once.  So his magic was wonderful and entertaining.  We enjoyed some Karaoke one night and a few other things on board. (art, watching others dance, and looking through the shops)  

I'm glad Larry likes to get away with me.  I'm glad that he plans things for us.  He's a fun guy and even more fun away from his responsibilities.  (I guess we all are)  I had a great time!  I adore Larry. 

On our way home as we were approaching LasVegas I called Julie to see what she was doing.  Her and Dirk were just leaving to go to a movie.  I told her we were almost to Vegas and was hoping they could join us for lunch.  They jumped at the suggestion and told us a place to meet them.  I love that they were so spontaneous.  I love these two.  They use to live in Hooper but moved many years ago.  The move was so good for them and their family.  Good Things have happened to all of them.  I think we are two couples that are a lot alike.  Dirk and Larry are such big teases and Julie and I think so much a like.  Meeting them was a great break from the drive home.  (we drove because Larry booked the cruise only a few weeks ago and airline tickets would have cost too much)  I love Dirk and Julie and their wonderful family.  They are awesome friends and people!

The Are You Meme

1) Are you psychic in any way? Some times I do get a feeling or prompting that one might consider psychic.

2) Are you a good dancer? I love to dance and was even on my high school drill team.  I really don't consider myself a good dancer though...I can dance.

3) Are you a good singer?  Haha...again I love to sing but for sure I know that I am not a good singer.

4) Are you a good cook? I use to say no to that question but over the years have changed my feelings about that.  I think I am a good "enough" cook.  I have even been told I am a good cook by others that I admire. So Yes... I am!

5) Are you a good artist?  I am pretty good at art and have always enjoyed it!  

6) Are you a good listener?  I haven't always been but I am getting better with age and would consider myself a good listener now. 

7) Are you a good public speaker? No...but I have spoke in Church and for a Relief Society group before so that might count a little.  It's not something I would seek after though because it makes me nervous.

8) Are you a good babysitter? Yes...I love babies and take very good care of them.

9) Are you a good mechanic? Not at all.

10) Are you a good diplomat? Nope!

11) Are you a good employee? Yes....I am dependable and a hard worker.

12) Are you a good dresser? Some say I am.  I take care of myself and try to look nice.

13) Are you a good swimmer? I use to be.  I can still swim but I'm not sure how good anymore.

14) Are you a good skier? No...I use to enjoy it but was never good.

15) Are you a good gift giver? I give a lot of gifts to others but as far as knowing the perfect gift for others I am not so good.

16) Are you a good musician? In junior high school and even my first year of high school I played the clarinet and saxophone in the bands and really enjoyed it and I was good.

17) Are you a good comedian? People laugh at me so I must be ☺

18) Are you a good cleaner? I wouldn't say so at all.  My house is tidy but never super clean.  I hate wasted my energy on things that need done all the time.

19) Are you a good actor? No....I get the giggles when I try to act.

20) Are you a good writer? I wish I was a good writer.  A few years ago I realized I do have a creative side to my brain and could come up with some interesting things.  But my skills and knowledge are not there.

Showering Kelsi Lou and Sadie Lou

Months ago my girls and I planned this day to shower Kelsi with things to help her prepare for little Miss Sadie Lou's arrival.  This day got here fast and Sadie Lou will be here very soon too.  I wasn't sure we could pull off a shower with me being gone the week of the shower but because I have such great girls I knew it would be fine.  Usually I worry about the house being clean enough but I can' count on Kimleighel.  She is a very good cleaner and does a really good job.  Natalie is very thoughtful and thought to come and help Kimleighel.  I knew as soon as we walked in the back door that things were ready.  I didn't even walk into the kitchen or family room until the day of the shower.  I just knew it was ready.  I am very thankful for my girls and all their help.

Having older girls is so nice because they help with the food.  I am really thankful for that as well.  I got up early and went to Sam's for crescents, grapes and chicken and then to another store for balloons.  I was pretty much ready and able to attend another baby shower that was in our ward.  I got home in time to make the chicken salad for the sandwiches.  My girls brought chips and dip, a salad and dessert.  It turned out really good.  

 I don't know why but I tend to worry a little if anyone will come.  You know...did we choose a good day for this.  I shouldn't worry though because we are always supported well.  We had most of our family come and those that didn't were either sick or had previous commitments.  They were missed.  I love visiting or at least seeing everyone visit with each other.  It makes my heart happy.

 My friends are always a wonderful support.  I love them and appreciate their efforts to always be there for me and my family.  Most of my friends that I invite have been my friends since childhood or early in my marriage.  They are the forever kind of friends.  The ones I call family.  I am so thankful for all my friends that were able to come and even the ones that weren't.  I know it's not always possible to attend everything.  I have the best friends ever!

I love that the little ones come and make memories and enjoy the other little's.  It is so fun for me to see the little girls play together.  Soon....we will be showering them. (YIKES!)

It was a fun day and I felt extremely blessed.  Kelsi and Sadie got a nice variety of important things.  I know Kelsi and Braxton are very grateful for all the love shown to them.  They are so excited!