Count Your Blessings

There is so much in our life to be thankful for~yet, so often our focus is on our hardship and trials.  By taking time each week to focus on our blessings I know we will notice a positive change in our lives.  Even in our trials there are blessing....we need to look for them.

 One blessing I am grateful for today. Friends and Memories.  Merrill Widdison passed away on Monday.  He was Larry's Bishop when Larry went on a mission.  He is Paul's dad.  Merrill has always been so good to us.  I am thankful for our memories of him and loved hearing Paul share some with us as well.

An experience I have had that was a blessing to me. I love the Sundays that everyone comes home and we are all together again.  It happens twice a month and for that I feel very blessed.  I love that my kids and grands live so close so that we can get together and enjoy each other.


One Gospel Principle that is a blessing to me. That families are Eternal.  I am so thankful that I get to spend Eternity with my family.

Something I have done to bless another. This week I drove dad to SLC for an appointment that was cancelled.  I visited my friend a few times that is recovering from surgery.  Larry and I went to Paul and Debbie's.  I got home from taking Jared to Young Men's and Larry was waiting for me in the garage.  I asked him where we were going and he told me to follow the spirit. I went to Paul and Debbie's.  They didn't answer their door and I was confused...why did the spirit lead me there if they weren't home?  I called Debbie and they were home...they just didn't hear us at their door. I love visiting others and I think that is a blessing.  (I got thinking later that Larry may have wanted me to go to the store to get ice cream for root-beer floats...haha...that's not where the spirit told me to go)

Who was a blessing to me this week? My cute grands are a blessing to me.  I love looking into their cute faces and having them smile at me.  They are always excited to come to our house.  It thrilled me when Mya said that while she was at school she had wanted me.  I love the tight hugs that Parker gives.  Ivy wanted me to herself this week and Zaden shouted for joy when I went and picked him up from school.  Kamryn made me a cute Easter Basket and bought a big chocolate bar for me with her very own money.  The Grand Babies are a Huge Blessing to me!

A Few Little's Today

Parker had a field trip to the Children's Tree House today and so I got to watch Macie and Sadie so that Natalie could go with him.  I got Sadie early so that Natalie could get her kids ready without worrying about another baby. Natalie is watching Saide for Braxton and Kelsi once a week to save on Day Care costs....she's so nice!  Anyway I was happy to help out.  I love having the little's and helping out.  Sadie is growing and filling out a little.  Macie is walking all over and has such a cute personality.  She points and grunts if she wants anything.  She says "Hi" a lot and it sounds to me like she says "thank you" and "I love you" too.  They are both such cutie's and it was enjoyable having them over.  Kimi was home today too and helped out when needed. 

I got thinking that I will be spending more time with these cute little girls now that the older kids are in school and I might be needed every once in awhile when the mommy's have other things they need to do.  I'm so glad these little's joined our family and that many more will follow.  It's fun having them in my life.

When the babies left I ran up to check on Kathy before I picked up Jared.  As soon as I got there Trichelle called and needed me to pick up Zaden if I could.  She was at the doctor and it was taking longer than she had planned.  I told her I would be glad to pick him up.  No sooner had I hung up and Jaydan called which reminded me that I was going to take him to pick up his motorcycle.  He was later than he had planned though and so he called gramps since it would be pushing it for me since Jared would be calling soon.  I was able to visit with Kathy for a bit in between calls and before I had to leave.  She is doing much better than the other day when we went to visit.

I took this picture from Trichelle since I didn't get one of Zaden while he was here.  He wasn't here long after picking up Jared and helping Jared feed the cows.  I love listening to Zaden tell me about Mind Craft and School and all the things he likes.  Kids are so dang cute and smart.  Zaden is reading and learning to spell and does really well at it.  He volunteered telling me that his dad isn't good at spelling.  We talked about how some people just learn different and are smart in other ways.  His dad is a computer genius.  I think Zaden might be too...he loves computers already.

Larry got home and needed to run and pick up his prescription.  Usually I love to go with but was too full and tired and felt like I had been running enough.  Kimleighel went with him instead. woohoo!  When Larry came home he took Jared and during that time I forgot that Jared had piano.  Thank goodness Jaydan remembered so we didn't miss again.  I had remembered all day and then spaced it with the other things happening.  Dang memory some times....it makes me feel better that Larry's memory is only about as good as mine...he too had spaced it off.  It doesn't make me feel better that Jared also spaced it off....I would like him to remember.

Usually the grands are going to bed when we go for piano but tonight they were up.  I was there and even stayed to watch them read their scriptures together.  They each read a verse and I noticed that the kids marked their scriptures every time they read "Lord, Christ, Jesus."  What a good thing to witness... it made me feel happy inside!

I have my "Taxi Hat" on!

Today like many days I feel like a Taxi driver.  I don't mind but at times I think about all the "hats" a person wears....all the "hats" that I wear.  Dad had an appointment at the VA Hospital early in the morning.  He had a letter verifying his appointment and he also got a reminder call on Saturday in the evening.  However, when he checked in he was told that the doctor had cancelled his appointment for some reason.  Dad was pretty good and didn't get too mad but told them politely not to reschedule him.  It was frustrating but we joked about how it wasn't going to take all day like we had thought.  I also told dad that it might have been a tender mercy that he will never know.  They were going to do a stress test on him and inject him with something since he refused to walk on the treadmill. (it hurts his legs)  Maybe the injection would have harmed him...we will never know.  Dad feels good and wondered why they were having him checked anyway.  He said: "If it works, why fix it?"  He had been fasting and was hungry and so we went to breakfast.  It turned out to be a better morning than I had thought.

I am picking Ivy up from School every Monday, Wednesday and every other Friday until school gets out.  I was glad I didn't have to worry about the time today since dad's appointment was cancelled.  While I was waiting for Ivy to get out of school, TJ called and said he would be home soon...just to let me know.  I told him I would just take the kids home with me for awhile anyway.  He told me that it was up to Ivy whether I pick up Zaden too or not.  That caught me off guard since I just plan on it.  I was surprised when Ivy got in the car and I mentioned picking up Zaden and she said "no".  She never says no and so I assumed that her and TJ must have talked about it.  We told TJ we were just going home and he said he would pick up Zaden.  Ivy and I had fun playing a few card games before I needed to go pick up Jared from school.  Trichelle came to get Ivy and was frustrated a little that I hadn't picked up Zaden since that is our norm and he was planning on it.  Ivy and I both felt bad but I think Ivy took the brunt of it.  I wonder why TJ even said anything?  Oh well...We had fun! (not that it isn't fun with Zaden)

My Favorite Sunday of the Year

Easter Sunday has always been and always will be my favorite Sunday of the Year.  I "feel" my Savior near and I "feel" His love on this day more than any other.  I am sure it is because I think of Him and all that He has done and does for me more on this day.  I have always felt the difference and I hope I will continue to....I like the feeling.  

I am very thankful for Christ's atonement and the love it took to do that for each of us.  I am so thankful that by His choice and Will He was resurrected and that we will be too.  No one has ever loved us more! (not counting our Heavenly Parents) I love Jesus Christ...the Son of God....our Brother and Savior of the World!

We do celebrate the traditions of our fathers and enjoy treats of plenty.  This year our kids at home also got a soft stuffed toy.  They take after their dad and really like them.  Having Easter on Conference weekend was wonderful.  The treats were appreciated more being able to stay home and enjoy them while enjoying the conference.  I'm so glad that our kids are old enough to enjoy the talks and watch all the sessions with us.  I really like my kids a lot!

Larry and I left the house early so we could visit the home of our grands and leave them a cheerful surprise on each of their porches.  This year I found bunny tracks at the dollar store and used them which was much easier than the flour and stencil we used last year.  Larry and I bought stuffed bunnies last year when they were on clearance and I saved them and remembered I had them and we even had an extra which was perfect so that Trichelle's little bun in the oven could have one too.

Each grand was thrilled and surprised by the gifts they found on their porch.  The older grands got side walk chalk as well.  I think they all look pretty happy.

 My grands thrill me to pieces and as I received pictures from their mommies I couldn't help but smile and get a little teary eyed.  These little's melt my heart.

I love surprising my grands and adding to their Easter fun.  I hope they don't catch on and that we will be able to do this for a few more years.  I'm really glad they all live close....that is truly a blessing!

Larry invited the Sister's over for breakfast and to watch the first session of Conference with us.  They were as thrilled to receive a cute bunny and some treats as my grands were.  It was fun having them over.  Sister Frazier told me that we are her adoptive family.  She likes hanging out with us.  The missionaries are fun to have over.  They have such great spirits!

I love Conference being on Easter.  I love hearing the words of God given to us through our leaders.  Yesterday we were told that each speaker was assigned their topic...assigned by the spirit.  I love the revelation given to us through the Holy Ghost.  It's such an awesome gift.

 There are always so many wonderful messages.  Too many to have a real favorite.

 Yesterday after conference I received a nice text from a dear friend saying: "There was a talk in the later conference today that reminded me of you and Larry.  He mentioned that there are those that make everyone feel included and loved.  Whether it's attending a youth sports game or driving a widow around.  It's not about the calling but what you've done to help others.  That's you and Larry."  How nice it that?  I was impressed with my friend for taking the time to send that sweet message to brighten Larry and my day.  She could have just thought it but she went a step further and shared it with us.  It did make our day.  It's nice to be recognized every now and then so you know that you are making a difference.

 There are always so many good reminders!

 The talk by Brent H. Nielson hit me the hardest. He shared the story of his sister who had left the church when she was older.  He told of how him and his brothers and mother tried encouraging her back only to push her further away.  Finally they just loved her and prayed for her and included her in their lives.  It took 13 years before she came back but she did come back.  I couldn't control my tears...it hit home.  Kimleighel came over after the talk to give me a hug and she said that she just realized that my brothers and my sister had all fell away as well as Larry's sister...I gave her a tight hug as I whispered "your sister" too.  I know that in time all will be back....♥

Trials will always be part of this glorious life.  Our trials strengthen us and make us better.  Crazy how that works but it does.

No matter what though our Savior is always there for us and already paid the price.  He also showed us the way and paved the path.  We are never, ever alone!

In as much as we do to another it is as if we are doing it for Him!  If we could remember that better we would do so much more than we are.

Every day we need to study the scriptures and pray.  These simple principles will carry us through what ever comes our way.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is True and Complete.  It is such a blessing in my life.  I find peace and comfort from keeping the commandments and serving in my callings.  I love the guidance of the gospel, the gifts and tools we are given to help us, and the leaders that love and support us and instruct us through revelation.  I am thankful for a Prophet that leads and guides us. I know that he talks to our Father through our Savior, Jesus Christ.  They all love us and want to help us back.  I know the Book of Mormon and the scriptures talk to us and will be answers to our prayers.  It's important to read them daily.  I know that our Savior LIVES!  He lived and died for us and lives again.  He came back as he said he would!

***I invited my mom over to have dinner with us and she declined because she would miss watching 60 Minutes...and that's what she does.  A little reminder to me why I hold back and keep space between us.

The More or Less Meme

The More Or Less Meme

Stolen from: The Archives HERE

3 (or more, or less!) things... 

1. ...you cannot live without.  My Savior...knowing he is there and always will be there for me.  My hubby and family. Food....I really like food too.

2. ...you CAN live without, but cannot seem to part with.  Old clothes that hang in my closet and old shoes.  My craft supplies that I used years ago. Decorations that I have had for years.

3. ...you wish to accomplish this COMING week.  Buying discounted Easter candy and gifts for our late Easter Egg hunt next Sunday.  Taking dad to the VA Hospital for a few appointments.  Picking up the grands from School a few days and letting them all sleep over on Friday.

4. ...you have accomplished this PAST week.   I went to the Temple.  Took a few friends to lunch.  Went and visited a friend that had a knee replaced and took her a little gift so that she knows we care.

5. ...on your holiday (or non-holiday) 'wish list.'  My hubby recently put this thought in my mind...I would really enjoy new furniture for the family room.  Some new clothes.  Something always on my "wish list" is for my kids and their families to be happy and healthy.

6. ...you would like to change about yourself.  I wish I could lengthen my torso...I have such a short waist. Lift my left eye lid so it didn't droop...however that is hereditary.  I would also straighten my back so it wouldn't hurt.

7. ...you like about yourself.  I like my smile.  I have a kind and caring heart. It's easy for me to make and keep friends.

8. ...you should be doing right now instead of what you ARE doing.  Nothing....it is the end of the day and I have done all that I have needed to do.

9. ...in your life that could use a little more organization. Oh crud...there is more than three.  My laundry room, closet and garage could really use some major organizing.

Conference Weekend

For the first time in years Larry didn't have to work and was able to watch Conference with us.  I really look forward to conference weekend and the things I know I am going to learn.  I take notes to keep me focused but I am really glad that all these wonderful talks come out in the Ensign and that Larry orders the CD's for them.  There is always so much to pack into our minds to try to remember.  I don't let myself get overwhelmed any more about all the things I "should" be doing.  I just try to grasp what I can ...I accept myself for the things I am doing.... but of course get "thoughts" of things I could be doing better and work on them.  The day goes quickly on these weekends.

After the priesthood session most of the family went to LaFerovia.  It's a tradition and one we all enjoy. (we missed Julie and the girls and Ivy and Zaden) Sometimes it's hard having two families with traditions on the same days.  It all works out though...  I had received a few texts from Ivy and she was feeling sad that she had to miss. She's old enough now to know what she is missing.

Usually we let the grands sleep over but since  Trichelle's kids were with their dads we postponed the sleepover for a week.  It will be better since they can come earlier and get more play time in together.  I'm excited for next week and so are my cute grand babies.  They love coming to our house and we love having them here.  Oh the simple things in life....

Catch Up

Today I had a lot of catching up to do.  I had loads of laundry and a few other things that I needed to do.  Kimleighel reminded me that I said I would make cinnamon rolls too.  I was able to get it all done before noon.  I hadn't made cinnamon rolls for years and was pleased with how yummy they turned out.

Carla came over so that we could run to the farm store to get some bases for feeders.  We are going to use them for candy jars.  Robin came with Carla.  We went over to Kathy's first to check on her since she just had her knee replaced.  Carla and I had made her a cute gift basket about a week ago that we took to her.  I know it brightened her day and was appreciated.  She seemed to be doing okay and we didn't stay long since the therapist came in minutes after us.We had a good time hanging out for a few hours.

When Larry got home we took Kimleighel and Jared with us to help clean the church.  Matt and Kathy were already there and we went right to work.  The couple that was in charge never showed up and we found out later that they had forgot and was at a Rodeo.  So funny because I can totally relate to forgetting.  They forgot even though they had been reminding us about it. hahaha  It worked out in our favor though because they made us chocolate chip cookies later.