Taggart's for Lunch

The "Sista's" met for lunch today and we went to Taggart's.  The food is yummy but the treats are the best ever!  Carla and I shared a piece of carrot cake...a $5.99 piece of carrot cake.  It was huge and we still have half of it left.  It's the frosting that makes it so delicious and Taggarts adds almond to their cream cheese frosting...yumm!  I kind of really like these gals!  Actually I really, really like these gals!  Truth is...I love these gals!  Good Friends care about each other no matter where you are on your journey.  Good Friends listen to each other and support each other.  I know that I could count on each of these gals at any time and I'm pretty sure they know they can count on me.

I love the memories we have of our lunches at Taggarts.  I believe today is the first time that I didn't use the men's restroom there and that's because I didn't use any restroom.  We enjoy the peacocks and love watching them wander around...they're pretty.

In the picture of Jodi and Kathy at the treat counter I love that I caught Jodi laughing out loud!  We do that alot.  I also love that there is an "orb...angel"  on her head right by her face.  I like to believe that it is Davaleen.  I'm sure she is still very close by...I miss her!  I am so blessed!

Spaghetti

Grandpa gave Behrenger his first spaghetti tonight.  (that's why gramma gets to tend more)

Feeling the Spirit

I know I don't always post about everyone's baptism but I had many thoughts today and wanted to share.  Today Brittney was the only child being baptized but the Chapel was almost as full as it is on Sundays.  There were so many family and friends there to show their love and support to Brittney and her family.  I felt the spirit so strong just walking in the Chapel.  Most of my kids were there and the few that weren't were working.  I love how supportive our family is...even extended family.  I felt the spirit a few more times before Brittney was actually baptized....I love feeling the spirit and having it testify to me that things are true and right.  When Scott was ready to baptize his baby the spirit over came him and filled the entire room where everyone was tightly together.  It was awesome watching Scott perform this sacred ordinance.

I had been thinking of Scott lately and a few times I was able to be there for him.  One time when Scott was single and lived by himself he got really sick.  I can't remember what was wrong but he came and stayed at our house so that I could help him.  I know I didn't do much for him but it sure made me feel good that he trusted me to come to our house.  I do remember him calling my name during one of the nights because he was experiencing heart burn or something like that.  I do think I knew what to do and how to help him that time.  It was a privilege to me to take care of Scott.  Then when Scott and Erin were married he asked me if I would sit in the "mother" chair that was reserved for his mom since Donna hadn't been endowed.  I was so honored to be there for him.  I love Scott and his darling little family.  I met Scott when he was still little and have watched him grown into an awesome man.

Scott was just called to serve as the Bishop of his ward a few weeks ago.  That calling says a lot about a person and I will have him and his family in my prayers because it is not an easy calling at all. I know Erin and his girls will be very supportive because they are all so wonderful.  Erin has had many leadership callings and has been prepared to support her hubby.  They will all do a good job because they always strive to do what is right and they are a close family.

Our family sure does love this family.  We enjoyed camping with them at Cherry Hills a few years back and we also enjoy having them join us for our Thanksgiving Celebrations.   I love their cute girls who all love taking care of the little babies and are really good at sports.  Fun Family!

***there was a little discussion in Scott's back yard of the proper way to say Ropelato.  I have always thought it was funny that it is pronounced differently by the family. ☺

Larry and I finished the day off by going to the Temple.  We just happened to get into the same session as our home teacher who was there with his son who is getting married on Thursday.  It was nice being at the Temple with my hubby.  I think it will become a weekly thing for us.

The Grands Sleepover...Cousin Love

Conference Weekend means a sleepover at Gramma and Grandpa's. Woo Hoo! It happened last night and was so much fun.

These little ones light up my soul!  I love the ages they are at and how much fun they are.  They love doing things with me and get so excited.  They entertain themselves really well though too and don't need me to have everything planned.  I do like to plan a few things though.

Tonight we played Halloween Bingo,using very stale candy corn for our markers. (the candy corn is probably 5 years old and only for bingo) They won monster boxes to hold their winnings, pencil and erasers, pumpkin decorations, and a paddle/ball game.  Jared even joined us for bingo.  It was fun.  I had the kids each draw a Halloween Picture...which were very cute.  They put the numbers 1-6 some where on their picture and then they rolled a dice and got to mark off the number they rolled.  You won when you got all your numbers crossed off.  I had a few more things ready in the back of my mind but also promised to have the kids in bed by 10:00 and it was getting close.

I pulled out some treats and rewarded the kids for getting their beds ready, for brushing their teeth and getting in their pj's, and for cleaning up.  Their monster boxes had plenty of treats.  

I really wanted them to go to sleep good and so I told them that they could earn a book if they were quiet and went to sleep.  I have so many books and thought this would be a good way to share some since I continue buying more.  Grandpa said a prayer and we kissed them good night and seriously I didn't hear another peep from any of them until 7:30 the next morning.  Every sleepover seems to get easier...the grands are growing up.  I think Macie might be joining us next time.  We decided that when the little ones realized and cared about what's happening then they are big enough to stay too.

I made pancakes for everyone and they continued to enjoy each other until it was time for each of them to  leave.  I took Ivy and Zaden to Parkers last soccer game and Kamryn's first basketball game.  It's fun supporting the kids and seeing them grow and learn new things.  I love my life!

Celebrating Life

Today we met again to celebrate Mallory and My Birthdays.  July and August had lots going on for Kathy and so today she treated us both.  Today we talked about kids and helping them even though they are grown to be responsible adults.  We decided that as mother's if we "feel" something then we should say our piece and then step back and let them decide.  I do think it's important to say the things we think and feel though because our children might not have had those thoughts or insight...then it is important to let them choose and accept the consequences.

I love that we can share and discuss things with each other.  Someone always has the right answer or advice.  I sure do love Kathy and Mallory and respect them so much.  We are all in this "game" together and need the love and support of our friends.  Even a little cheering from them once in a while.

Food 4 Thought Friday

Food 4 Thought Friday! 

A little feast without the calories!! 

Go HEREJOIN IN!!! 

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Breakfast ~ If you could live in a book, TV show or movie, what would it be?When I was little I remember wishing that I could be a cartoon.  I'm not sure which cartoon I would have wanted to be in but maybe the Flintstones.   Now I guess I might prefer being in "You've Got Mail".  I really like that movie and the characters.

Lunch ~ What 10 things would I see when I walk in your door? (You can add a photo if you like) There's a lot you would see.  If you looked to the right you would see the picture of Jesus on our coat closet.  To the left and you would see our piano room and the married girls in their wedding dresses hanging from a shelf.  You would see a big picture of Jesus and each one of my kids when they were little. You would see a bird house that Tonya made for me and more pictures on the floor and bench.  Straight ahead you would see my wall with my whale watching picture and my curio of Disney music globes and a few precious moments that are Disney.  You would see an antique radio that was Larry's grandma's and a shelf that my dad made with pictures and nick knacks. 

Dinner ~ What was your favorite food when you were a child? Least favorite? My favorite was Spaghetti and least favorite onions. It's kind of like that now too...except any pasta and I do tolerate onions occasionally.

Midnight Snack ~ If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to? Growing up I liked the name Corinne but I really think my favorite has always been Julie.  I just think it's pretty but I like my name and wouldn't change it.

Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?) Be Happy....Focus on the Good Things! 

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I love this Bunch

We had a fun craft night with the special needs tonight.  Dyan was over it and she did a great job.  She talked about the pumpkin being like us..we need to get the yucky stuff out and then we can be carved so our light can shine.  Simple and Cute.  The girls covered little jars with tissue paper and got a candle to put inside.  They loved it!