Happy Birth!

 This luncheon was planned for just a few days.  Kathy's birthday was Friday and I wanted to make sure that we went out to lunch together.  It worked out great for a few other friends too.  Jodi has been crazy busy getting her son graduated and off on his mission.  I was so happy she was able to join us. The last month has been nonstop for her.  I was glad that Carla came even though she wasn't feeling super good.  Robin also showed up after a doctor appointment  It was fun celebrating Kathy's Birth day.  The Olive Garden doesn't give desserts anymore but our cute waitress brought a plate out wishing Kathy a Happy Birthday.  It had whipped cream at the top of the plate and when Kathy held it up the whipped cream covered up "day".  I love it!  Happy Birth to Kathy....Happy Birth to Us All!

Happy Fathers Day

I love these dads.  Each one of these guys is great.  They love their kids and are very good daddy's.  For a few weeks I have thought a lot about my dad.  I recorded a recording of him singing "You're Daddy's Little Girl" and have listened to it over and over.  Today my sweet friend who was celebrating her birthday right along with everyone celebrating our dads took the time to text me a sweet, thoughtful message.  She was thinking of me, knowing that today might be a little hard.  That meant so much to me...I have such great friends.  I'm thankful for the wonderful men that take time to nurture and care for the women and children of this world. I'm especially thankful for the ones in my family that make a difference in my life.  Good Guys are such a huge blessing.

Our neighbors made these really cool benches/picnic table and Larry got one for Father's Day!

Sadie Lou in her bunny hat.  She she is getting big and smiles and coo's a lot!

Ivy's Birthday Sleepover

We got to enjoy Ivy Friday night.  I really enjoy having the grands sleepover.  I just like having them around and they just like being here.  Ivy had already ate before she came over but when I invited her to join me and grandpa she was excited.  I just wanted her to be with us and I think she liked the idea too.  The owner of LaFerovia came out and talked to us and while we were talking we said it was Ivy's birthday and they surprised her with some chocolate cheesecake.  It was really fun taking Ivy out with us.

Finally....we got the baking soda and vinegar out to play with.  We have been going to since the last sleepover with all the grands.  Ivy had a good time dropping the vinegar in the baking soda and watching it foam and sizzle.  She  insisted on the gloves because she thought they made her look like a scientist. ☺  We played cards and then Ivy and Jared watched a movie.  I was tired and went to bed.  I told Jared that if he didn't want to stay out there with Ivy I would but he chose to instead.  We at are leftovers for breakfast and then we played computer games before Trichelle came.  Ivy told me that she didn't need to be entertained, she just likes being at our house.  That made me happy because I like watching the kids enjoy themselves without having to have something planned.  Grand babies are so enjoyable!

Buffey Ann Gailey Andrew

"Buffey Ann Gailey Andrew, our angel, returned to the loving arms of our Heavenly Father on June 14, 2015. She was loyal, kind, amazing, selfless, beautiful, and a friend to all.

   Buffey was born April 12, 1974, to loving parents, Michael L. and Jayne Gailey. She was the firstborn and the leader of seven children. She had beautiful blue eyes and brown hair. She spent her early years in Chicago, Illinois, where her father attended dental school. They later moved to Syracuse, Utah, where they settled deep roots and a love for the city. In her youth, she attended Syracuse Elementary, Syracuse Jr. High, Clearfield High School and Weber State University.

She was called on an LDS mission in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she served faithfully, and fell in love with the Navajo people. Her mission was the beginning of a lifetime of service.

   Following her mission, she met the love of her life, Ryan Doyle Andrew. His bright and cheerful outlook on life was a blessing to her. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on May 7, 1998. They built their home in Hooper, Utah, where they were surrounded by loving friends.

   True happiness began when they started their family. Ashton Mckell Andrew was born November 9, 1999. Ashton holds a special place in Buffey’s heart. They welcomed their second child, Brock Ryan Andrew, May 16, 2002. Brock was a loyal protector and friend to his mother. Beau Gibbons Andrew was born March 11, 2005. He brought healing to Buffey’s heart as she mourned the passing of her beloved Grandpa Gibbons. Her children and husband were her life. She spent hours serving and strengthening their family.

   Buffey brought joy to all. Everybody that knew her loved her, and wanted to be her friend. She loved working for her father at Syracuse Family Dental Clinic and her patients loved and adored her. In April she completed a service mission to Guatemala where she assisted her father in providing dental care and her brother in repairing cleft lip and pallet for children in need.  Guatemalans fell in love with her immediately.

   Buffey enjoyed all kinds of music and theater.  She had a beautiful angelic voice and loved singing with her sister, Phyllis, and her daughter, Ashton. She loved watching her children participate and grow in their activities. She loved being in the outdoors, and spent hours in her yard and garden.  She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Buffey, being a daughter of God and knowing who she was, served faithfully in any calling and capacity.

   She is survived by her loving husband, three beautiful children, and faithful parents. She is also survived by her mother and father-in-law Doyle and Flora Andrew (North Ogden) and her siblings: Phyllis (Scott) Moyes, "

That is Buffey's obituary and life sketch written by her daugher, Ashton!  I think it's perfect!

It's always a time of reflection when a friend passes away.  It always makes me stop and reflect on my life and what I'm doing to make this place better.  Today I wondered if I need to be a better sister.  Over the years I have tried a few times to keep my original family close but things didn't work out the way I had hoped and so I quit trying.  However, when my dad was passing I felt close to everyone.  I guess I just wonder....when I pass will my siblings be happy with the moments we shared or will they wish there had been more.  I wish there were more but I'm very happy for the ones we have had.  Time moves on, lives change, families grow, time and attention is directed differently as those things happen.  I hope what I do and have done will be enough.  I hope if it isn't that I will know what more I can do.

Buffey's service was great as I knew it would be.  I really didn't learn much more about Buffey that I didn't know except that she was a busy toddler just like her Beau.  Buffey had a strong testimony and shared it with everyone.  She never backed down on her beliefs...she was strong and direct.  I smiled when her youngest sister said that Buffey would be telling her "quit crying...you can do this".  I cried when Ashton said that her and Buffey had been talking a few weeks ago and Buffey told her that if she died she wanted Phyllis and her to sing at her funeral. They both sang today at Buffey's funeral.  Buffey also sang today at her funeral when her brother played a recording of Buffey and her sisters singing at their grandparents funeral.  I loved hearing Buffey sing...her voice has always been my favorite.  It was wonderful hearing her sing once more. 

Buffey was one who knew what to do and did it.  She was all about serving others.  She was a good listener.  She loved everyone and everyone loved her.  She had so many talents!

If the roles were reversed Buffey would be involved in helping my family through this time.  I plan on doing the same for her.  I know others are as well....The People of Hooper Love Buffey and her family.  We will help them through this!  For all those that knew this wonderful soul....a void will be felt!

Food 4 Thought Friday

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

Food 4 Thought Friday ~ This week's questions: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Breakfast ~ What is something that you are always being asked? How's Your Family?  Which by the way they are wonderful...I'm so glad they are all mine.  I am so blessed to be the wife to a great guy, the mother to wonderful kids and the grandma to such cute littles.
Lunch ~ What is the last thing you ordered online?  Socks for Larry for Father's Day.
Dinner ~ What experience would you love to do all over again?  I would love to go pick up my first missionary again....I would have loved to pick them all up but looking up to see who's shoes were standing in front of me was so awesome! Justin served in Rome, Italy and all day as we went around the city I anticipated seeing him.  I thought it would be cool if we saw him in the city maybe passing by.  I kept my eyes open.  We were at the main terminal where all the buses, trains and subway's met.  We were looking at the buses trying to figure out which one we should take.  I looked down as I walked making sure I didn't trip on the curb or something.  While I was looking down Justin was on a bus talking to some other missionaries about how cool it would be if they saw their parents...then Justin noticed us..right there.  He got off the bus and stopped in front of me...I saw those black shoes and wondered who they belonged to....I looked up and there was MY Son....I couldn't help but grab him.  Oh my heck....that was so exciting.  Now instead of worrying about where the mission home was and what it was going to be like to see Justin we were able to go bowling with him.  I couldn't take my eyes off of him or wipe the smile off my face. What experience would you not like to do all over again? Losing Jared in the mountains for a day was the hardest experience I have had.  I can't even describe all the feelings that went through my mind and body.
Midnight Snack ~  What is the best news you received today?  Larry text me that he loved me! What is the worst? The worst thing today was saying "C'ya later" to Buffey.  However her service was awesome...the church was packed...she left a legacy of love and service.  I want to be better.
Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?) Go and Do Whatever Brings You Peace!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ 

A Blessed Day

Sometimes I just like to drive by myself.  I like driving in the canyons....I love the canyons.  Yesterday I went to Bear Lake to join my friends and I took my time.  I took my grands to kids club and headed to Logan.  I made a pit stop in Brigham.  I needed some decongestant and wanted to leave some chocolate for a friend.  I ended up getting Larry a couple pair of shorts for Father's day too.  I was enjoying the quiet time I had to myself.  On my drive I listened to the Conference CD's...I love listening to them in the car....they bring peace to me as much as the mountains...together...it was divine.

 I was excited to see my friends and I was able to help finish a really cute puzzle.  All that was left of the puzzle was the big writing in the center.  Puzzles aren't my thing but I was able to find a few pieces that were bugging them.  I felt good about my contribution.  I love the puzzle and all the cute sayings around it....so us!  I love my cute friends!

I had a good time.  We played games and laughed a lot. I laughed at the tension that the game was causing...so funny when we don't all understand instructions the exact same way. haha  I felt anxious to leave Thursday morning and had to calm myself....I wasn't in a hurry and didn't need to be home until later for a SNAP meeting.  I allowed myself to go back to sleep after waking that morning and I am so glad that I did.  In my dream we were at the condo.  I got up to use the restroom and was surprised to see another dark hair lady in the bathroom when I went in.  That lady changed into my friend Buffey.  I was so excited to see her.  She really didn't talk but I kept telling her how much she was missed and how good it was to see her.  I kept rubbing her back and then she said.."I worry about my kids sleeping at night".  The noise from a door opening woke me and that was that but I was so happy!  I feel like seeing Buffey was a tender mercy.

We visited a little, cleaned the condo and loaded things up.  Instead of having any of the others ride home with me I got some of their extra bags and headed home alone.  I didn't leave until 12:30 and stopped by the KOA first to see where I would be staying next week.  It looks nice and will be fun.

I loved coming over the mountain and seeing the Temple.  I tried taking a picture but it didn't turn out  I thought it would be nice to stop by Denece's work and surprise her and I ended up driving by the Temple and did get a pretty good shot.  I love seeing the Temples while traveling....they are such a blessing and I love them all.

I surprised Denece and visited with her for about 45 minutes.  Denece is such a sweet friend.  She showed me pictures of her dogs, chickens and rabbit.  Denece has always loved animals and brings them to the Senior Center for Pet Therapy. Denece is so thoughtful.  I'm glad I took the time to stop and see Denece.....I love her!

I was surprised to see Kathy dropping off Carla.  I really thought that even with my few stops that I would still beat them home.  I was glad that I could give them their things that I had brought home and that I could go home.  I always love going back home.

Preparing for Buffey's celebration of life this week has really made me think about my life.  I don't really think that you can ever do enough.  Your best is enough but there is always room and opportunities to do more....

Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You

I was suppose to leave yesterday with my friends for Bear Lake.  I didn't know why but I wasn't really wanting to go...didn't feel like I should.  I have another cold/cough and thought that was why.  I also needed to do laundry from camping...the lists are there.  Then I heard about Buffey passing and knew for some reason I needed to be here to help in some way.  I wasn't sure how I could help.  The Andrews neighbors are the best and are all really close...so I prayed.  I prayed in my bed Sunday Night since I couldn't sleep and many thoughts ran through my head.  Then the "thought" "Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You" came to my mind.  (The Golden Rule)  Then instantly thoughts of Chocolate and Hugs surfaced and so did my plan of action.  I would take my grands to their kids club and stop at Sam's Club after and get chocolate....lot's of chocolate.

I decided to take chocolate to my friends in the Ward and to give them a hug.  I knew I needed hugs and since we are all so much a like I figured I wasn't alone and we all know what chocolate does....it just makes things better.  I didn't even shower first. (so not like me) I had got cleaned up to go to the store and just decided to start delivering the way I was.  The Hugs and Chocolate were appreciated.  Some of the hugs I got in return talked to me.....funny how words don't need to be exchanged and how by hugging you know.  I felt like it was a selfish thing for me to do.  I needed those hugs and they all made me feel so much better.  For hours I went from door to door handing out chocolate and getting hugs in return.  My soul was lightened and I felt good.  It wasn't long before I knew that every sister in our ward needed a hug and some chocolate. I don't want anyone to feel left out.  I wasn't able to catch everyone but every door was knocked at least once.  That's how I spend Monday and Tuesday morning and afternoon.  I felt cleansed in a way.  (I still missed a few sisters and will take chocolate to church with me next time and give it to them then)

Today, Jared and I took Ryan a big bag of chocolate and a few Rock Stars and some mints for the viewing and funeral.  We took each of the kids a Sunshine Bag and their own mints.  (I had 3 Sunshine Bags left....just enough)  While we were visiting Ryan our awesome Elders Quorum President was there and told Ryan that he could hear Buffey's voice from her phone messages.  Ryan told Kevin that he had deleted them all but Kevin is smart and pulled them up from the deleted messages.  Jared and I were blessed to sit and listen to Buffey leave her hubby messages.  Hearing her voice made me smile and at the end of every single message she told Ryan she loved him.  What a treasure those messages will be.  There was one about her boys being naughty....I think that was good for the boys to hear.

I know why I was suppose to stay home.....it was for me and I got to be an instrument too.  (thank YOU Heavenly Father for using me) The funeral is Friday and so I still get to go spend a day with my friends.  Does Heavenly Father Love Us?  Oh YES....YES HE DOES!  I'm so thankful that it's getting easier for me to "hear" and to follow through.  I am so thankful that the "hard" things help us get back on track and focus again.  Buffey's passing made so many STOP and think about their life and how they need to improve....there really is good in everything....even losing a Blessed Friend! ♥