We aren't always in control

This week has been a little frustrating at times.  I seem to get "sucked" into my families emotions and concerns.  Jared misunderstood his driving teacher and missed a drive.  Kimleighel didn't leave early enough to go the wrong direction for her Cello lesson.  Others did things that I wouldn't have and there I was finding myself uptight and frustrated.  If I let my mind choose the direction of it's thoughts I noticed a tight feeling in my body that settled in my tummy.  I even had to wipe a few tears off my cheeks.  The feelings taking over my body were not good or welcomed.  I know how powerful positive thinking is and the magic of a smile and so I smiled.  I didn't just show my teeth but really let my smile take over my face.  The negative thoughts disappeared and thoughts of gratitude and blessings filled the space previously filled with negative,frustrating, hurtful thoughts.  Smiling is such a simple action but so incredibly powerful and magical.  Happiness really does come from the simple act of smiling...even if it's forced at first.

We can't control what happens around us.  We will have challenges that will test us and our feelings, and we are going to hurt and be frustrated at times but the good thing is that we have the power within us to control how we react when those things happen.  At first I let the things I didn't have control over get to me but not for long.  I used the knowledge I have to chase them away until I was in control again....until I felt happy!

I hope that I can help others learn this simple trick of being happy...... JUST SMILE!

Celebrating Tonya

I usually go to Weber High on Tonya's birthday (May 21) and catch Tonya there and give her a gift and visit with her.  However, this year her boss had her running to the other schools and had her so busy she wasn't sure she would be there when I came.  We decided that our lunch date would have to do this year.  We met at the Blue Lemon.  We chose a seat by the window so we could watch the rain and have a little more space away from the other tables.  Tonya caught me up on her kids and on Alexi's wedding and reception plans.  Tonya has so much going on right now.  She is even going bear hunting with her neighbors just to watch the bears.  I'm happy that her life is so full and that she has lots of fun things going on.  I'm so happy that we were able to meet and visit.  The gift I gave her will be appreciated and enjoyed with all her business.  I included some fun bath bombs and relaxing homemade (not by me) soap in her bucket of treats.  I think she might need to stop and relax a little with everything going on.  I was hoping that we would do a Temple Marathon together but I might just have to plan one on my own to make sure I get one in.  When I mentioned my Temple Marathon to Tonya a few months ago she was eager to join me....but her calendar just got fuller.

I'm thankful for this dear sister/friend of mine!  She's a joy and a tremendous friend.  I love her!

A few pictures

 Sadie Lou

 Zaden and his creation

 Kimi and Jordyn among Larry's stuffed animals

 Eli...my cute primary friend

 Ivy

 Zaden's Graduation

Dolphin Fans...like their daddy

How We Celebrated Memorial Day

When Larry wakes up he gets up and going.  I wake up and prefer laying in bed reading but when Larry is home I too get up and going. Larry wanted to take the boat out and open it up since Justin will be borrowing it for his ward in a few weeks.  We didn't get the boat out last year because of the low water and a few other reasons.  I was excited and grabbed my hoodie and was ready to go.  The boys wanted to come too...Kimi preferred staying in bed.  It's a nice drive to Willard.  It was exciting untarping the boat and climbing in.  I love boating...it's peaceful, fun and everyone is close.  Jaydan backed us down the ramp.  Larry turned the key and nothing....no click...nothing.  He hurried and started lifting cushions and turning nobs.  Our batteries had been turned to "on" and were dead.  A few sprinkles of rain hit us while we sat in the ramp. We pulled the boat back out and tarped it back up and came home.  Larry put the kids to work in the yard and promised them that after a few hours of work we would go to lunch.  H really wanted them to keep working but I told him that's not what he said or promised and so we all cleaned up and went to lunch.

We had a gift certificate for California Pizza Kitchen and so we decided to go there.  We enjoyed a good lunch and then walked around the Gateway.  Jaydan got him some work boots and Larry brought home some oil and vinegar.  It was nice getting away with the kids for a few hours.  I had to laugh before we left our house.  I asked Larry where Jaydan was and he said he must of left because his truck was gone.  I'm so glad I decided to call him because he was still out working in the basketball court.  He had moved his truck close to put all the tires that were used for the high jump pit in it.  I would have felt terrible if he would have been left because we thought he was gone.

pictures

 Jordyn

 Zaden and  gorilla grandpa

 Ivy and Zaden in dress ups

Ivy's creation

Very Much Questions Meme

 Go HERE to Play Along

1. What was the last clothing item that you bought? I bought a pink polka dot sweater a few weeks ago

 2. If you could stay one age forever, what age would you choose? My favorite age to celebrate was 50 but I can honestly say I have enjoyed the journey and wouldn't want to stay put.

3. When you say “lol”, are you really laughing? I really am! 

4. What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the past year? I watched my grand be born...that was pretty darn interesting.

5. If you started a business, what would it be? I always thought it would be neat to have a Mommy's Retreat.  Build a nice place so that Mommy's could get away for a night and be pampered.

6. Do your friends/family/coworkers know about your blog? My blog isn't a secret but I don't really know  who knows about it and who doesn't.

7. How long does it take you to write an average blog post? I bet it takes half an hour but longer if I am editing pictures to post too.  

8. How do you keep up with the blogs you follow? When I see a new post I will read it when I am on my blog.  I really don't follow that many anymore.

9. What is your bedtime? there is no set time anymore.  So when I get tired I usually go to bed.  It seems like it is always after 10:00.

10. Introvert or extrovert? More of an extrovert but in situations that I''m not familiar with I tend to be introverted until I become comfortable.

11. What is your biggest wish? My wish has always been to have a close family.  I want my family to always like being together and to always support each other.  So far..so good!

12. What is the best job you ever had? Hands Down....Being a Mom and now Gramma!  Best Job Ever!

13. Dog person/cat person/both/neither? More of a dog person.  I don't have pets but don't mind others pets.

14. If you had $1,000 to spend any way you wanted, what would you do with it? I would put it towards some new furniture.

15. How do you “dress” your toast? cinnamon sugar is really good.

16. How do you feel about snow? I love snow but I don't like it on the roads.

17. What was the worst job you ever had? One summer I worked at a cannery and hated it.  I got motion sickness from the moving belt.

18. What song can you not stop listening to? I don't have a favorite song that I can't stop listening to.  I like a lot of songs though when I hear them on the radio but I'm not one that has to have music in my ear all the time.

19. Love your name or hate it? I love my name!  I've always thought it was pretty!

20. How did you choose your blog/twitter handle? I just thought about something that described me. I love laughing and so it is...."Laugh Out Loud".... LOL ☺

In Loving Memory

Before coming home Kimleighel and Ivy went with me to put flowers on my daddy's grave.  The cemetery was packed!  We couldn't find where my daddy was.  We were so close but didn't realize he was so close to the road.  He walked all around that area but couldn't find him.  I called my mom and she came to show us where he was.  I often think of my daddy and miss him so much.  I am glad for the pictures and the video I have that keep our memories alive.

We went to the Hooper Cemetery later to put flowers on Tamara's grave and Grandpa and Grandma Lowe's.  Larry always takes the time to trim around the headstones.  I wander around that cemetery a little because I know so many there.  I will go back by myself to wander a little more and take time to reminisce a little.  I love seeing all the beautiful flowers decorate the cemetery's.  During Memorial Weekend you can see the Love for all those that have passed on.  I'm thankful for my legacy and all those that had part in it.  I'm thankful for their lives and I'm excited that we will all meet again.