What did you do today?

Today Kimleighel wanted to go to breakfast.  Actually, she wanted to go Saturday but it was already too busy and so we made plans to go today.  Breakfast makes me sick....really it does.  I don't like it so soon after waking....really I don't like breakfast until dinner.  I would prefer to start with lunch.  Eating hours after getting up just works better for me and my tummy.  While we were eating a Special Needs guy was sat right behind me.  I kept thinking I should pay for his meal.  Then a couple came and sat with him and I almost talked myself out of it but the thought was still there and so when I went to pay for my ticket I asked the person helping me to add his bill to mine.  It made me feel like I had really done something....I believe kindness affects the giver most.

We went to the store after because Kimi and I both wanted to get a "few" things.  We each spent ended up getting more than we had planned on.  (usually happens)  We decided to go to my mom's and change her clock by her stairs.  I have been changing it for years and I guess I forgot to spring it ahead.  I let Kimleighel change it and she made it look so easy.  I think I will take her in the fall too.

I got home and grabbed my taxi hat and went and picked up Ivy and Zaden.  I could have taken them home because TJ called and said he was home but I didn't want to.  I like that the kids like coming to my house and so I want to let them when they can.  They played a few games on the wii before we needed to go get Jared.

I got home minutes before Larry after dropping the kids off and then we headed to the hospital to talk to Jim, Sandy and Keri.  Keri looks so much like her mom....I liked that.  Sandy reminded me so much of my dad his last few days.  She was on her side and kind of curled up. I got a little emotional today.  It's so hard saying "good-bye".  It's also so hard leaving.....it hurts....the hurt is visible even though there are plenty of drugs being used.  Larry and I left and went and cleaned out Sandy's room in the Nursing Home.  That was kind of hard too.   Larry had thought to do that for Jim and we were both glad that it was us cleaning things out instead of Jim.  Jim has plenty of hard things already that he is dealing with.

On the way to Jim's house we noticed a big accident with lots of police cars blocking the roads.  It involved a motorcycle and we could tell that the driver of the motorcycle didn't make it.  There was a sheet over him.  I later read that the woman of the vehicle that hit him got out of her car and asked a witness if she had hit something.  I guess she didn't even know.  I said a prayer for the driver and the family of the victim.  My heart hurt for everyone involved which includes many that weren't even there.  I'm so thankful for prayer.  I'm so glad that we can pray any time for any thing and any one.

When we walked in the door I heard little voices.  I had forgot that I told Natalie to bring the kids down while her and Justin went birthday shopping.  I knew we wouldn't be home but I knew Kimi and Jared would and that the kids would be happy here.  The kids were the perfect ending to this day.  Mya jumped up and came running to give me a huge hug and then after Macie gave Grandpa a hug she wanted me.  Parker gave me hugs later.  The grands are such a blessing and when Larry asked what I did all day, I can smile and say "enough". ☺

Funky Twenty-Five Meme

Funky Twenty-Five Meme

Stolen from: The now-defunct Tense Teacher the link is HERE

1. Most unflattering hairstyle you ever had? What made it so unflattering? In fourth grade I had a pixie cut and it looked like a boys haircut and wasn't cute on me at all.  I just think it was too short everywhere like the way I cut  my boys hair.  I looked like a boy...I didn't wear make-up yet so not good at all.

 2. Favorite movie(s) that were made in the 90's? Little Rascals, Star Wars,The Sandlot, Braveheart, Sister Act 1 and 2, Life Is Beautiful, Mrs. Doubtfire, Dances with Wolves and Parent Trap.  I love Disney and a few that came out in the 90's are: The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast,, Tarzan, Pocahontas, Bugs Life, Toy Story, Mulan and Aladdin.

3. Do you rent movies? If so, from where? Red Box is the place to rent movies now.  We don't as much as when there were Block Buster Video's that you could rent from.  

4. Do you like cookies better when they're just out of the oven or after they've cooled?  I love all cookies but I do like them right out of the oven best!

5. Do you still talk to the person who gave you your first kiss?  I think my first kiss was from my neighbor across the street and I do see him occasionally and talk to him.

6. Did you go to pre-school? If so, what was the name of it? I didn't attend a preschool....not even sure that was something anyone did when I was young.  My kids went Kay's, Bev's, Miss Amy's and Page's Preschools.

7. How do you take your coffee? I don't take coffee anyway....I like the smell but don't drink it.

8. Do you like fuzzy things? Yes...fuzzy, soft blankets are the best.

9. Favorite kind of chocolate? I LOVE all chocolate but like milk chocolate best.

10. Are you more optimistic or pessimistic? I'm a optimistic person....always looking on the bright side of things.  (yes...there is a bright side to everything)

11. What about peopleofwalmart.com? Do you think the site is mean, funny, or both? I wont' lie...it makes me laugh out loud.  

12. Do you like fat sandwiches? If so, what does your favorite one have on it? I actually prefer thin, grilled sandwiches.  If I am going to have a fat sandwich I like Roast Beef French Dip sandwiches.

13. One restaurant you'd never been to but would like to go to? I can't think of any.

14. Last time you got a haircut? Do you need one? about a month ago.  I really don't need it cut but I do need to get it colored again.

15. What's your favorite pattern for clothing (stripes, plaid, etc.)? I like stripes and polka dots right now.

16. What's your age backwards? 45

17. When you see typos in a survey, do you correct them? no 

18. When was your last vacation? Did you go someplace special? Larry and I went to Hawaii in March and it was wonderful. Hawaii is kind of a special place to go for us because we can actually relax and don't feel like we have to go see and do everything.

19. What's your favorite kind of pancakes? I really like pumpkin and chocolate chips but I like just regular pancakes too.  I'd rather have french toast or a waffle though.

20. Do you like movies with computer graphics, like Avatar? I think they are okay but they aren't my favorite.  Chic Flicks are my favorite.

21. Do you know how to sew? I do know how to sew but only sew to repair something.  I never really enjoyed sewing....it stresses me out.

22. Are you good at wrapping gifts? I can wrap gifts but wouldn't say I'm really good...but I'm not really bad either.  My mom is the good one and is very particular with her bows and seams.

23. Do you like flavored yogurt? I love flavored yogurt and I really don't have a favorite flavor.  Maybe vanilla but love the fruit flavors too.

24. How old will you be in December of 2015? 55....WooHoo!

25. What's the age difference between you and your siblings? I have a brother 3 years older than me, a sister 2 years (almost exactly) older than me, and a brother 3 years younger than me.

Saturday is a Busy Day

Kimleighel had an Orchestra Ensemble at Northridge High School bright and early.  She loves Orchestra and I love hearing her play with the others.  Music is born in Kimleighel....she gets it and is good.  As I watched her today I thought man...Kimi is pretty good and has only learned from being in the school orchestra's.  She doesn't have her own Cello and so she doesn't practice a lot because the bus driver won't let her bring the Cello on the bus.  I thought if she had lessons and had a Cello to practice with how good she will be.  We are going to get her a Cello and she is going to take lesson's after she graduates and has more time.  She's gifted in this area of life!

We came home to cute Sadie and I enjoyed her for a minute before I had to take Jared to Larry's shop so that he could work.  Kimi got to enjoy her after that.

On my way home from the shop I stopped to watch Kamryn play soccer.  I got there just before half and it was fun watching her and Kevin (he coaches) and talking to Julie and Jordyn.  Jordyn was so tired and ended up falling asleep soon after I got there.

Larry made plans to take the Sisters out to lunch since Sister Hansen had a box she needed him to send home for her.  (I really had a conference in Brigham City that I wanted to go to but with every thing going on I didn't get to go)  The sisters chose to go to Hug Hes.  I was excited to find out that there is a Hug Hes right in Syracuse now.  I love Hug Hes even though my favorite salad gives me a tummy ache.  (I didn't order it today)  I even had the waiter take our picture and he took two and I'm not sure what happened to them because they weren't on my camera card but I know I saw them after he took them.  Oh well...I made this up with the two sisters.  I know Larry has a picture of him and Sister Hansen because I took a few on his phone when we were leaving.  Sister Hansen is Larry's favorite!

Sister Frazier and Sister Tulley had text Larry while we were gone because Sister Tulley wanted another blessing.  I thought it was kind of funny since she didn't want one the other night but got one anyway.  Maybe she wasn't listening when she got her last one.  We hurried home and the Sisters were already there.  Before we made it in our house the Hospital called and said that Sandy was unresponsive.  I was heart broken.  Even knowing that death is a good thing and the one leaving is going to be so blessed and made whole it is hard.  Sister Frazier sat by me to comfort me and Larry gave Sister Tulley another blessing.  Then we left them and went to the Hospital.

Sandy did respond to Larry and seemed okay....as okay as possible.  We knew Jim had arrived in SLC but Larry hadn't been able to get in touch with him yet.  We just kept praying that Sandy would hang on until Jim came. The nursers weren't sure that she would.  She did though.  She is strong and she is a fighter and she is still hanging on.

It has been interesting listening to the few things Sandy has said these past few days.  She always pleads for someone to "please help me".  She told us one day that she was going to die and she couldn't do this anymore.  Larry asked her if she was ready to go home and she said she was although she hadn't accepted everything yet.  Larry asked her if her parents had been there and she said that she wasn't dead yet.  So we have laughed and cried and said lots of prayers for her.  Larry is quick when she goes off in her troubled mind to other places...he just rolls with her.  I have a hard time escaping reality and the present.  I just sit back and enjoy watching my hubby visit with his friend.

Jim is undergoing Chemo to try to add a few more years to his life.  He was scheduled to have heart surgery Friday until he heard about Sandy's condition.  Jim made a few comments that made me realize blessed we are to have each other.  He told us how much he misses his wife.  Sandy has been in a nursing home for a few years.  He notices couples now all the time and even mentioned how he envied us holding hands as we left.  My heart breaks for Jim and the decisions he has right now.  He's going to take Sandy off the machines and meds and let her go.  His daughters confirmed that decision.  They know it's going to happen and so why not just let it.  I'm thankful for their friendship and the happy memories I have of them over the years as they did our taxes and were healthy.  God Bless Jim and Sandy! ♥

Hats

Life is all about hats. As a mom I have tried on and worn many hats. Some hats get more use than others at different times along our journey. Lately my taxi hat has been pulled out and I'm getting a lot of use from it. I am putting quite a few miles on my car each week picking up kids and making sure everyone is where they need to be. The gas gauge moves noticeably quicker lately. I had a neighbor once tell me that he wished he had a dollar for every time I drove up and down my road. 😄 I wish I did too.....I'd be rich!

I'm glad that I have so many hats. I have learned a lot with each hat. I am thankful that I am able to get my kids and grands where they need to be. I love my "job" and all the hats it requires. Right now I'm glad for my taxi hat even though it is worn it still has lots of use left in it. I'm thankful for my nice taxi that is dependable and comfortable....and I am thankful for the people I get to pick up and drive around.  They are the biggest blessings of my life!

Food 4 Thought Friday!

Food 4 Thought Friday! 

A little feast without the calories!! 

Feel free to play along for some yummy fun! Go HERE to JOIN IN!!! 

Food 4 Thought Friday ~ This week's questions: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ 
   
Breakfast ~ Where do you most want to travel, but have never been? I am kind of interested in going to Japan or China.  I probably wouldn't even like those places though because of all the people...I really like open spaces and my space...however I love people watching so.....☺

Lunch ~  Metaphorically speaking, what is the most important tool in your tool box? Kindness immediately came to my mind.  Kindness isn't hard and it makes such positive influence on everyone.

Dinner ~ If you could be anybody besides yourself for one day who would you be? This is hard...I really can't think of anyone.  There are a few people I think would be fun to meet...Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, Jimmy Fallon, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres.  So maybe for a day it  might be fun to be one of them! Or possible a Broadway Singer and Dancer......***After thinking for awhile really think I would like to be the Prophet for just a day...the day he goes to the Holy of Holy's room and visits with God. ♥

Midnight Snack ~ Name something nice someone did for you today and something nice you did for someone else.  I was with Carla and so it was her that brought our bowling team little candles just because.  Carla also made some cookies and sent me home with a few. They were yummy.  I gave Carla a pizza since we just had a few delivered that we had bought from some friends.  I also showed the friend that delivered our pizza where another person lived.  I had to drive separately and have her follow because her car was full of pizza's. I helped Virginia put away all her "palm trees" after SNAP.  I gave Nikki a ride home from SNAP. I tipped the gal that makes our lunches at bowling today since I will be gone next week. ($20 because she is wonderful)

Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)  Be Kind!  Be Kind to Yourself and those around you!  Kindness Really Does Matter! Also after a little extra thinking I am going to add another little recipe for just this week~Snot Happens....do what you can to get rid of it and carry on!  For a week I have been congested and coughing and hacking and blowing and wiping away tears from all the coughing, hacking and blowing.  And I thought....sometimes "snot" happens.  Sometimes our kids are snots.  Sometimes we are snots.  Sometimes are friends or strangers are snots.  We need to do what we can to get rid of the "snot" in our lives.  I have been taking decongestants and praying a lot.  Not allowing others to "snot" on us and affect us shows respect for ourselves.  My son stood up to someone that was giving him "snot" and being a super "snot" and I was proud of my son.  We need to stand up for ourselves and carry on.  Which takes us right back to my first recipe for the week....Be Kind...Kindness Matters!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ 

Aloha

SNAP was fun tonight. A gal came and taught us about the hula and other dancing. We had so many volunteers when she asked who would read something or who wanted to try an instrument. Everyone was taught a hula dance and from what I could see everyone enjoyed it. Virginia brought a cute treat....flip flop cookies. SNAP is a lot of fun and so rewarding! 💕

Celebrating on a Whim

Tonight Larry and Justin were asked to go give Sandy (our accountant) a blessing.  For the last few years Sandy has been in a nursing home because she had a few strokes and has Dementia.  (so so sad) Jim recently found out he has cancer and has been in Texas getting treatment. (he doesn't have much hope of getting better) Their two daughters live in Texas and so there really isn't anyone here for Sandy.  Larry and I go visit her and every time it breaks my heart.  Anyway...Sandy got dehydrated and has Pneumonia and was taken to the Hospital.  Kristen (a daughter) called Larry in a panic wondering what was wrong with her mom. Larry went right away to the Hospital and found out what was going on.  He was talking to Jim and Jim asked Larry to give Sandy a blessing and to please take Justin with him.  It kind of surprised us all since Jim has never acted like he believed in anything.  He really surprised us when he told us that he use to go around the military hospitals and give blessings when he was young.  We had no idea that Jim had been a member of our Church.  Justin was happy to go with Larry.  We all love Sandy and Jim.  Poor, sweet Sandy kept pleading for someone to help her.

Since we were already out Justin said we might as well go to dinner and count it for his birthday dinner.  He drove us to Moore's Family Restaurant and we all ordered. About the time our food came Justin got a phone call from his sister in law saying that her daughter needed a blessing really bad before they headed to Primary Children's Hospital. (her blood sugar counts were off the charts...she's 15)  We got boxes for our food and left so that we could catch them at their house before they left for Primary Children's.

I felt the spirit strong tonight for both blessings.  I know God knows us and loves us.  I know He has a plan for each of us.  I know that He  depends on each of us to help each other with His work.

I feel kind of bad that Justin didn't get a big celebration but I also know that he is so busy that this was good enough for him.  Justin is so easy going and conservative and doesn't demand or expect much at all.  I was thankful for the time we had together and that Larry and our boys are worthy to Hold the Priesthood and Act in God's name!