Mother's Day

I love Mother's Day.  I have always loved Mother's Day and was quite surprised when I heard that others didn't.  When I was young I loved singing the Primary songs about Mothers and listening to people talk about Mothers in church.  I love my mother and always enjoyed celebrating her on Mother's Day.

When I married I was thankful that I got another wonderful Mother.  I had heard friends talk about their mother in laws and was glad the only thing I could say about mine was how good she was.  I feel blessed to have wonderful mothers who taught us the right things in life.

 I was thrilled when I became a Mother and Mother's Day changed a little for me....it just got better!  I still enjoyed celebrating our mom's but it was also fun to celebrate the fact that I was a Mother.  I never remember feeling or thinking I wasn't good enough.  I just thought about how much I loved being a mom and how much I loved my children.  Mother's Day changed again as my kids started to marry.  I had more children that I loved and adored...it just got better!

 As the grands started to come Mother's Day changed again.  It is even better than it was.  I still love celebrating our mom's, and I still love celebrating me being a mom, but I really love celebrating my girls that are mom's.  I admire my girls so much.  They are all such wonderful mom's.  So much better than I ever was.  That doesn't make me feel bad like I should have been better it makes me happy that they are better.  Larry and I mentioned many times over the years that we just hope our kids do better than us and that pattern continues to happen.  I think we did pretty good because we have great kids.

This year instead of posting on Facebook how much I loved being a mom I posted this:

"Happy Mothers Day to us ALL! We have all been influenced by wonderful Mothers!" ♥
Every one of us has a mother that took care of us and nurtured us.  That is worth celebrating!  Being a mom is a lot of work.  It's that hardest job I think there is and at the same time the most rewarding.  I have said "being a mom has brought out the worst in me but it has also brought out the best in me."  I love celebrating all women on this day....every women leaves her mark!

Traditionally Larry's mom has pizza and everyone congregates to her back yard and visits with each other.  I love traditions and I have always loved doing this.  However, this year mom wasn't feeling good and decided it would be too much work to have everyone over.  I know that in time things change and so do traditions.  We decided to have pizza at our house with our family.  I think the kids all enjoyed it and I did too.  However, I really missed seeing and visiting with some of our extended family.  When we found out that mom wasn't going to have everyone over Larry and I decided to visit our mom's on Saturday.  That way we would be home when our kids came.  I prefer visiting our Mom's on Mother's Day but this year this worked out the best.  My mom was having my sister's family over for dinner anyway and by going a day early we wouldn't be interrupting. I know that some of Larry's siblings would still stop by his mom's so she would still get her visits. 

When we got home from visiting our mom's on Saturday I was surprised to see a "sweet" bouquet for me that Cindee had brought over.  What a kind, thoughtful person Cindee is.  The bouquet was edible.  The flowers were cupcakes and the picks were cookies.  My grands enjoyed eating my bouquet...I enjoyed watching them.

This year I told the kids I only wanted to take some pictures of all the grands together and also some of them.  That's all I wanted.  Some might have forgot and might not have been thrilled but were gracious enough to cooperate anyway.

Later in the evening we played Head's Up~7 Up which was pretty fun.  I love when the grands want to play games with everyone and seeing everyone get involved.  Pretty much makes my heart want to explode with happiness.  The sister missionaries stopped by later.  They brought gifts.....so sweet of them.

I had a few nice surprises today even though taking pictures would have been enough. I received many sweet texts which always make me smile and maybe even shed a tear or two.  I still love homemade cards and received a few. Larry surprised me with a nice watch.  I also got a cute plaque that I hung immediately in my kitchen, some bath bombs that look like an ice cream sundae, and chocolate. I loved and appreciated all the thoughtful gifts. I made a card for each of my girls and put a Movie gift card in it for them to enjoy a date with their hubby.  Part of that gift included us watching the kids while they went out.  Giving gifts to my girls is fun for me....at this point I think the focus should be on them. Young mom's work the hardest!

  

Oh....Justin told me that he spoke in Sacrament Meeting and that he probably should have invited me.  He said it's probably good that he didn't though because I would have just cried. (I'm sure he got that right)  When he mentioned it I didn't even think about him saying anything about me.  It didn't cross my mind at all.  I just thought it wasn't fair that Natalie had to sit by herself on Mother's Day but at least she would be acknowledged in his talk.

Mom's do so much.  Mom's seldom get a day off and work around the clock 24/7 regardless of what day it is.  I remember enjoying going to the hospital because it was kind of like a day off. ☺ I didn't have to cook or clean or wipe noses or any other momma duty.☺ Relaxing is something that comes with time.....I get to more often now that my kids are older.  So enjoy the hustle and bustle because it will pass.....so quickly.  I'm so thankful for  all my memories and the season's of life.  They are all so good and I'm glad that I have enjoyed each one while I was experiencing it.

CAPS LOCK MEME

CAPS LOCK Meme 

TO PLAY GO HERE

1. YOU HAVE 10 BUCKS AND NEED TO BUY SNACKS AT A GAS STATION. WHAT DO YOU GET? GUMMY BEARS, PEANUT M&M'S, HARD TACK CANDY AND A BIG BOTTLE OF WATER. 

2. IF YOU WERE REINCARNATED, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE? A BLACK DANCER WHO PERFORMS ON BROADWAY

3. WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE REDHEAD?  LUCILLE BALL

4. WHAT DO YOU ORDER WHEN YOU’RE AT AN I.H.O.P. OR BREAKFAST PLACE? FRENCH TOAST

5. LAST BOOK YOU READ?  THE FIRST PHONE CALL FROM HEAVEN BY MITCH ALBOM

6. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? SWEET HOME ALABAMA

7. DESCRIBE YOUR FAVORITE PAIR OF UNDERWEAR.  CLEAN AND WHITE

8. DESCRIBE THE LAST TIME YOU WERE INJURED. I'VE HAD A FEW BLISTERS FROM WALKING A LOT IN CUTE SHOES RATHER THAN GOOD SHOES.

9. IF YOU COULD INVENT ONE THING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? A SCULPTING DEVICE SO THAT AS AN INDIVIDUAL WE COULD ALL TAKE CARE OF OUR "PROBLEM" AREAS.

10. ROCK CONCERT OR SYMPHONY? I ENJOY THE SYMPHONY SINCE KIMLEIGHEL STARTED PLAYING THE CELLO.

11. WHAT IS THE WALLPAPER ON YOUR CELLPHONE? PURPLE AND BLUE WATER SPOTS

12. FAVORITE SODA? NO FAVORITES...I DON'T DRINK MUCH SODA

13. FLAVOR OF PUDDING? CHOCOLATE

14. WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE A PEDICURE OR A MANICURE? PEDICURE...I LOVE HAVING MY FEET RUBBED AND PAMPERED

15. ANY BUTTONS OR BLINKIES IN YOUR SIDEBAR? YES I HAVE THREE.  1. I LOVE COMMENTS 2. THE JOY OF FAMILY IS LIFE'S GREATEST GIFT 3. THE "B"'S BY THE PROPHET 

16. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON YOUR BLOGROLL? 88 BUT I DON'T THINK THEY ARE ALL ACTIVE ANYMORE

17. WHAT’S THE LAST PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU BOUGHT? PINK POLKA DOT SWEATER

a Super Saturday

Today we had a Super Saturday with our Special Needs Group.  This year we didn't have a Production Specialist and the participants were really bummed.  They love doing a Production.  Wanda is a really good leader and came up with the idea to take the group to SLC to watch Meet the Mormon's that is being shown in the Joseph Smith Building.  Wanda and her hubby made a practice run so that she would know the exact amount of time to plan on and the times to catch the Train and Trax.  It turned out to be a great day.  It was a nice rainy day but most everyone came prepared with their umbrella's.  I brought a few extra to share and so did one of the other leaders.  I didn't hear anyone complain about the weather.  We had about 50 people show up and we had a great time.  Most leaders were over a few participants and I had Krista and Jessica.  We watched out for each other the whole time.  It was fun!

We met at the Ogden Station early in the morning.  There were only a few people that didn't show up that said they were going to. We had two people waiting for us at the Roy Station.  I was impressed that we were able to get them on with our group.  It went so smoothly.  Everyone seemed to really enjoy the train ride and even the trax when we switched.  I saw a lot of smiles.  

Even though I had already saw Meet the Mormon's it was really good to see again.  I had forgot a few of the stories and enjoyed seeing them all again.  I really like this show and think it is cool to see what Mormon's are really like and about.  Everyone should see it! ☺  After the movie we wiped away tears and hugged and went downstairs for a yummy sack lunch.  I was surprised to see the room full.  A youth group was having a Youth Conference and enjoying their lunch at the same time.  Everyone worked together so that we all fit.  There was plenty of lunch to fill everyone up.  We had extra time and so we wondered around the temple grounds a little.  There was a group dancing and so me and a few others went over to watch.  When the dance ended a Marriage Proposal happened.  She said YES and the cute couple hugged and kissed and everyone cheered!  It was fun to see!

It was a fun ride home visiting with Krista and Jessica.  These gals really are "special".  

Larry and the kids were watching a movie when I got home and so I went in to rest for a minute.  Then we went and visited our Mother's so we could enjoy our kids tomorrow on Mother's Day.  It's kind of hard getting around to our Mom's when we have the late church.  I liked visiting them today.

Fun, Full, Friday

There are advantages of being the only close gramma around.  I get to watch Sadie more often.  I adore my grands and love having them around.  Sadie is growing and is so cute.  She smiles now every once in awhile when you talk to her.  She is a sweetheart.  I love cuddling her and watching her expressions and movements.  Sadie is a wiggle one.  She likes moving her little legs and arms.  She liked looking at things and seems to pay close attention to whats going on around her.  I like telling her to tell gramma stories and watching her respond.  She will goo as if she really is.  It would be so fun to hear all the things she could tell us.  I adore being a gramma!  I adore my grands!

I got to pick Ivy up today too.  Ivy broke her wrist earlier this week on the playground and I think she is enjoying her cast and that extra attention from everyone.  I love having her over and today it was fun having my oldest and youngest grands together.  One of the nice things about having the grands is I also get to see their parents more.  I love my cute family.

Larry was asked to speak at the Priesthood Commemoration our ward was having at the park.  He invited me to go with him and so I thought I'd better.  He said he invited me in case I was bored....just going to say I can't remember the last time I was bored.  I like having alone, quiet time every now and then and I am not bored if that happens.  He had asked Shirley to share her experience of having the sacrament brought in to her when she had her knees replaced.  Kimi came along too because she didn't want to be home alone tonight.  Afterward the meeting Larry suggested us girls go get a treat.  Kimi chose Chili's and so we walked right in and sat in the lounge and was helped immediately.  I love their desserts that are so rich and full of calories.  It was fun spending a little extra time with Shirley.  I adore Shirley....she's just a wonderful friend and person.

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: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ 

   ~~~MOTHER'S DAY EDITION~~~

Breakfast ~ What name did you/do you call your mother?  If you are a mother, what do your children call you? I always called my Mother...Mom!  My kids usually just call me Mom as well but when they do call me Mommy it melts my heart.  I have been called Mommy Dearest but it was to get my attention.  My son was on his mission and he had maids until his birthday and they stopped having them.  He wrote "you got your wish mommy dearest".  I wanted my boys to do for themselves and never think that women are here to pick up after them.  That son is very helpful to his wife.  It made me laugh when he wrote that and I wished him a very Happy Birthday!
Lunch ~  What do you admire most about your own mother?  My mom is a very hard worker.  She doesn't stop.  She is also very talented and can do many things.   My mom is generous with God and others.
Dinner ~ Name a mother you admire more than any other mother (besides your own) and share why. Sharon Bagley just came to mind.  Sharon is one of those "Angel Women" here on Earth.  When I was young and living in Roy I remember a Young Women speaking of her mom.  She told how she had never heard her mom say a bad word and was always kind and patient.  She was speaking of Sharon...her mother.  Sharon has eight children and never lost it in front of her children. (that might not be completely true but to my knowledge it is) I remember hearing that she would go into her room to vent or calm down.  I always looked up to her and thought it would be wonderful if at least one of my children could say that about me.  As hard as I tried it didn't happen.  But I do know that Sharon's example made me a better mom.
Midnight Snack ~ If you are a mother, name what you feel is the hardest part of being a mother for you.  If you are not a mother, name what you think is the hardest part of being a mother from observation.  The hardest part is allowing your children their free agency.  Sometimes you know they are going in a different direction and even though you talk to them about it they get to choose and it's hard when they choose a different path than the one you would have chose for them.  When I had "little" ones I thought potty training was the worst, most frustrating thing....now I would say that wasn't a big deal at all.
Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)  Celebrate Mothers!  We all have them and should be grateful for the things they have taught us... good and bad.  Mother's sacrifice so much for their kids and love them more than can be imagined.  Motherhood is a Spiritual Experience....God is their teacher and confident.  I'm so thankful that I am a Mommy...this calling in life has taught me amazing things.  I am a better person because I am a Mother!  I love the ones that call me Mom, Mommy, and even Mommy Dearest.

Woo Hoo Kimi

Kimleighel is a thinker and when she started thinking what a vacation with me and Larry would cost she made a proposal.  With the first five kids we gave them each a trip for their sixteenth birthday.  It was suppose to be a trip with just the parents and them to have that one on one time that they seldom got because they have so many siblings.  For Kimi and Jared that need isn't as strong....they get us to themsleves!  Anyway she told us that she would rather have a Cello of her own.  It's been three years and today she finally got one.  She was so happy and excited.  Kimleighel loves the Cello....it speaks to her soul.  The Cello we found was in Logan and so we stopped and had some yummy crepes on the way home at the Crepery!  We need to replace a string on the cello that sounds yucky but after that this cello should be good for Kimleighel until she decides to upgrade.  Oh Happy Day!

Sandy

Sandy was Larry's accountant for 30 years and over the years they became such good friends.  A few years ago Sandy started showing signs of Dementia and then she had a fall and experienced a few strokes.  I didn't see Sandy often but when I saw her strapped to a wheel chair it broke my heart.  Sandy was too smart and classy to be in that situation.  (those were my thoughts) 

Sandy passed away on Justin's birthday, April 30...the same day my friend Gina passed away a few years ago.  It's hard losing someone.  I wasn't around Sandy a lot over the years but she made an impact on me the times I was.  Even when Sandy was in the nursing home and her mind was all over, Sandy would find something to compliment me about.  She was so kind, smart, talented, and wonderful.

I loved watching Larry visit his friend.  Larry was able to go on the journey's with Sandy as her mind switched around.  He just went with her flow and would talk to her in her moment.  I loved seeing them joke with each other even when the times were hard.  Larry was amazing with Sandy.  Sandy loved Larry (and our family) and expressed that over the years.  She knew she could always count on Larry....and she could!  Larry was the one the family called when Sandy went to the Hospital a few weeks ago with phenomena.  Larry went to the Hospital a few times a day to be with Sandy....every day she was there.  He had the privilege of being with her along with her family for her last breath in this life.  I'm glad that Larry had that opportunity and was there to show his love and support to Sandy, Jim, Kristen and Keri.  I know they all appreciate Larry and consider him family.  They had chosen to take Sandy off her oxygen and let her go and Larry was invited to be with them. (I was attending Women's Conference~the perfect place for me to be at that time)

Larry spoke at Sandy's Service as a friend and did such a wonderful job.  It's hard knowing what to say and what others might need to hear and he was right on.  I'm glad that Sandy has graduated from this life.  She is in a better place, whole and healthy.  It won't be long before Jim follows her since he is battling cancer...it will win but he is hoping for a few more years.  These two have blessed our lives in many ways....so very thankful for the people that cross our paths!