Who let the Dogs Out?

The Deputy's and the K-9 unit came to our SNAP tonight and told us all about the dogs that these two use.  It was so educational and the participants asked a lot of really good questions.  I learned that dogs can smell around 30 scents at the same time.  That's why it's so hard to disguise drugs in different odors.  I'm not sure how anyone figured out how a dog could smell that good but that's what we were told.

The light dog is Cody and used to find drugs.  His favorite toy is a ball and that's how he was trained.  They use their favorite toys and then add the different smells with them.  The striped dog had a cool name but I forgot it.  He is used to stop and find criminals.  He will only bite if he is told but will bark.  When someone is scared their heart pumps harder and they sweat more. They can't help it and that makes it easier for the dogs to find them quickly.

It was really neat learning about the dogs and all they do.  I think all the participants really enjoyed tonight.

Ivy's Program

The Fourth Grade Students at Ivy's school did a program about Utah.  The program was Thursday night at 6:30 and so I wasn't going to be able to make it since I have SNAP.  Ivy called me and told me that they were performing for the other students in the afternoon and that I could come and watch her then.  Of course I had to go since she called. I was glad I didn't have anything else planned.  The program was so good.  I got teary eyed a few times. (I know that surprises you..if you know me)  The talked about the Indians...yes Indians...not Native Americans. (we have a Sister missionary serving her that corrected one of my kids for referring to her as an Indian)  They talked about the pioneers and how they settled this area.  They sang so loud and good.  The songs were awesome.  The kids that had parts were wonderful....at least the ones I could understand.  Half of them spoke in Spanish since this school teaches English and Spanish all day.  It's fun hearing the kids rattle off their parts.  I was proud of Ivy and she did her part so well.  It was in English so I understood.  I think she was a little excited that I was able to some watch her.  I was really excited too.  Larry went to the night program with Trichelle, TJ and Zaden.  The girls makes me smile.  I really can't believe how big she is getting!

when I'm 90

Boots and Mary and Mine and Carla's hero's!  Mary is 90 and Boots is right behind her.  These two are so classy, smart, witty, and young at heart!  They bowl every week and I think they both golf when the weather is good.  I think that is the secret to staying young....being active!  Carla and I have vowed with each other that we are going to continue to bowl until we are 90.

I admire Mary and Boots and love them to pieces.  The make me smile every week when I see them.  They both asked me today at different times if they could nominate me to be the President of this bowling league.  It made me feel good but I do not want that responsibility at all.  I go bowling for the fun of it.  I don't pay attention to the league rules and don't want to.  I'm happy just being on a team and visiting with everyone!

When I'm 90 (if I live that long) I want to be like these two women!  I might need to get a heavier ball though because I think they both bowl with a heavier ball than mine...they are not wimps! I seriously admire them both!

Spring Fling

Carla hosted a Spring Fling for our friends.  She wanted to have a luncheon at her house so that Kathy could make it.  Kathy just had a knee replaced (that happens at our age) and isn't able to be on it too long without putting ice on it.  I picked her up and she did great.  I was glad  she was able to come. 

The repair man from RC Willey came to look at Carla's couch upstairs and I ended up remembering him from High School.  He was from Clearfield and I only knew a few guys from there and so I remembered him.  As we talked we found out that Jodi's brother in law and Rod were best friends growing up.  Small World!  

I made a salad to keep it simple for Carla.  Carla made rolls, Jodi brought chips and dip, and Patti brought fruit with yummy fruit dip.  It was a nice lunch.  Carla made us a Russian tea that was yummy.  (it's like a wassail)  I love our get togethers....we always have such a fun time!

Since we called it a Spring Fling you could bring something "Spring" to share.  Carla and I had bought ours before Easter and Jodi's went right along with them.  Carla got us all bunny ears and I had the bunny noses and Jodi brought carrots!  If you "carrot" all what I think....I think we are cute some-"bunny's".  

We always have such a good time with the camera.  Camera's just make life more fun and they also make memories last.  I always enjoy going back and looking at my pictures and remembering the fun times I have had.

Good Friends+Funny Props+Camera=Good Times....Recorded and Cherished!

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. Washers and Dryers.  I am so glad that I do not have to do all my laundry by hand.  I'm also glad I don't need to hang it all up either.  This is a chore that is never ending!

An experience I have had that was a blessing to me. Being able to have children is a huge blessing to me.  I was able to conceive easily and my pregnancies were pretty good.  My deliveries and recovery were also pretty slick.  I was made to have babies which I will forever be grateful for. 

One Gospel Principle that is a blessing to me. The Atonement.  This week in a Sacrament meeting I heard this: "The Resurrection is for our bodies and the Atonement is for our Spirits"
I am grateful for both....what a blessing to everyone!

Something I have done to bless another. This week I had the grands a few times and as much as it was a blessing to me I'm sure it was also a blessing to their parents.  I love helping with the grands!

Who was a blessing to me this week? Robin Bailey was when she told me that I was her best friend.  She corrected herself and said that Dirk was but then me.  I had no idea Robin felt this way and I'm sure she feels this way about many of her friends but it truly made my day.  I view Robin as an "Angel" on this earth.  She is such a wonderful lady and brings out the good in me for sure.  I want to just be better because of Robin.  She is such a kind, compassionate, gentle human being.  I love her for loving me!

Recital and Birthday Dinner

Mya had her first Piano Recital tonight and she did really well.  She was first and acted so brave and confident.  I was so proud of her.  I love seeing my grands develop new talents and become themselves in their way.

Today was a crazy spring day.  We experience very hard winds, a muddy rain, and more rain and then snow with huge snowflakes.  I love Springtime in Utah.  My car was filthy from the dirty rain and I probably used all my windshield fluid in just an hour of driving but because I had to go out into the weather more my car was washed off completely and the windows were so clear it looked like there wasn't even a windshield at all.  The roads were clear and for me that is what matters....let it snow all it wants...just don't stick to the roads.  The winds scare me because I wonder about the things that could "fly" my way. So far I'm lucky and haven't had anything hit me in a wind storm. 

It's Braxton's birthday and we were able to take him and Kelsi out for their birthday dinners.  It was fun...I really enjoy our birthday dinner traditions.  The ladies sitting with us ended up get a pleasant surprise for their "girl's night out" dinner.  Larry took care of their bill.  (remember that I just wrote about wishing that I had extra money to do that?....I think I might be asking for more money so I too can cover a bill spontaneously once in awhile)

Braxton was sick before he made it home and shortly after getting home it hit me.  I don't know what it is about Tepanyaki's but I always get a gut ache.  I have even tried ordering differently and it still happens.  I love the place though and so I just deal with it.  Braxton might have to do the same.

Braxton is a year older

I can't believe how fast time goes and that Braxton is already 26 years old.  Holy Moly....I love this kid!  Braxton has always been such a great kid....adventurous and a goer but one that I didn't worry about much as far as choosing the right.  Now choosing smart is another story.  Braxton made me roll my eyes often and I was glad I didn't know what he was doing all the time until after when I already knew he was safe.  Braxton and his friends spent a lot of time at our house and in the field.  Braxton built a few forts in the field that gramps would end up knocking over. (that always made me sad)  Finally Braxton went far enough west that gramps left his fort alone.  Him and his friends made a two story fort with furniture and even wall hangings. (others junk was Braxton's treasure) They later added another room and on the roof they had turf and would hit golf balls from it.  I know that they had a big sling that they launched bowling balls with too.  He had a zip line that he made with old telephone polls that he drug home behind a truck.  I later saw pictures of Braxton riding the logs while they shot up sparks.  The zip line came down after his mission when a girl fell and broke her toe and got knocked out.  It scared Braxton enough to take it down.  The boys blew things up in the field and named there camp....Kamp Kaboom!  I also saw a video of a Sobe Bottle shooting gas into the sky and blowing up.  They had a lot of crazy fun!  I enjoyed having the boys here....they did crazy things but were all good kids.

Braxton has enriched my life and added so many happy memories to it.  I am so lucky to be his mom...he is truly a wonderful son!