Good/Bad/Good

Today started and ended great but the middle was a little rough.  Sadie Lou came to play with Kimi.  I love that Sadie likes this gramma and always reaches for me.  It just warms my soul.  It was fun seeing her and holding her for a bit before I went bowling.

I bowled really good my first game and then Julie called.  Julie had just got back the results of her 3-D ultrasound and the doctor had just called her to let her know that their baby girl has water on her brain.  Any kind of unexpected news is hard and this was not what any of us wanted to hear.  My heart went out to Kevin and Julie...it broke a little because I knew their's were breaking a little.  Julie is so wonderful and tried to be positive...it might not be too bad, we can handle and do hard things, our families are so supportive and everything will be okay.  She's right everything will be okay but that doesn't take away the hurt or disappointment.  I struggled my second game because my eyes kept leaking even though I was trying to be positive.  I really do know that things happen for several reasons.  I know that miracles still happen and maybe we will get one.  I also know that God has a plan for each of us and some times a miracle isn't part of that plan.  (I really want the miracle)

I am not one to keep things to myself.  I need the love and support of family and friends.  Once Julie sent a text to each of us I shared the news with my team.  Later I let a few other friends know what was happening asking for their prayers.  I know God hears and answers prayers.  Even if we don't get our miracle we will be blessed by the prayers.

The Special Needs group put on a Fireside Tonight and it was fabulous.  The spirit was so strong and I felt so much peace.  I love this group of people.  I was so impressed with the talks they shared and the music.  It was such a great program that us leaders want it to be an annual event.  My heart was filled with joy as I drove home.  I was so pleased that Braxton, Kelsi and Sadie came to the meeting too.  They came to support me since I always support them.  It was so thoughtful and I really appreciated them for taking the time.

The intensity of my prayers increased today.  Isn't that how it goes?  I pray all the time but not all my prayers are as intense as they are right now.  We want things to turn out a certain way...but we trust in our Father and will accept His way.

Women's Club

 A few weeks ago Ann asked me if I would speak to her Hooper Women's Club about Jared's book and experience.  I told her that I'd be honored to do so.  I wasn't nervous at all which is quite unlike me.  I think I must be being blessed.  I was asked to take 30-40 minutes and when I noticed the time was up everyone said to keep going.  So, I shared more experiences that happened because Jared took the wrong path first.  Jared's adventure triggered more stories and experiences for many more people.

There really is so much more that happened than just having a lost boy scout.  Testimonies were strengthened, prayers were answered, and miracles happened.  I am grateful that I had the opportunity to share some of those experiences with women that I admire and look up to.

Ann's introduction was so sweet and wonderful.  She sure made me feel like I am doing something right.

Fun Bunch Lunch

 I have more pictures with this group of ladies than any other group.  It's because we look for "kodak moments" or maybe we just create "kodak moments".  The Hooper Honey's don't mind getting pictures either which I think is fun.  I like having all these crazy fun pictures because it helps me remember all the fun we have....and we DO have a lot of fun!

Jodi and I had talked about going to lunch this day but we had forgot to make up an invite and so Jodi just posted a message about it.  We had as good (or better) turn out than we normally get.  We went to the Greenery.

Kathy noticed that it was National Random Act of Kindness Day and so she brought us all a few treats to give away if we wanted to.  I gave mine away as we were leaving the table.  Mandy Allen and Morgan Toomer were there eating and Mandy was excited to see me. (she is special needs and went to camp with us once)  Morgan is Mallory's daughter in luv and was taking her sis to lunch.  I figured they would love a treat.  They were very happy to get a treat. Carla preferred keeping her treats and decided to pay for my lunch as her act of kindness. (what a sweetie)

I didn't realize that it was National Random Acts of Kindness Day but did a random act of kindness on my way to pick up Carla and Kathy.  I noticed a stalled car off the side of the road with the hood up.  I stopped and turned my car around and tried "jumping" the lady but my jump didn't work.  I was glad that I had taken the time to try though especially when I found out what day it was. We should be kind every day though because being kind is being like Jesus. ☺

My battery was charged today by my fun friends.  All my friends make my life brighter and happier.

Temple~Good Morning

Last month at the Daughter of Utah Pioneers club, Lisea Allen invited me to join her and a group of friends who attend the Temple every Wednesday morning to do sealings.  I went last week too and am planning on going every Wednesday.  We are done early enough that it doesn't interfere with the day.  I love going to the Temple and figure I can use all the blessings I can get.  I know those on the other side of the veil are with us and help us and I need to do my part as well.

Sealings are nice because they are a bit more informal and we can chat a little.  I also like that we can move around.  I love hearing the promises and blessings too.  I love feeling the spirit and knowing that there are angels among us.

I'm so glad that Lisea invited me to join her and the others.  My days are just better when I start them at the temple.

Tuesday with Larry

I actually started the day by taking my friend to the doctor. Susan had surgery on her shoulder and needed a ride to the doctor.  I was thrilled that I was able to help her.  Both her girls are in Hawaii and her other kids and siblings had things.  I was glad.  I know it was hard for Susan to ask for help and she kept apologizing to me for taking up my time.  I asked her if she liked helping people and she smiled and I said "Me Too!".  I loved the time we had.  I loved visiting with Susan.  Susan is such a great friend and person.  I'm so glad that today I was able to serve her.  

Larry has been sick with a cough so we didn't think it was a great idea to go to the Temple.  Besides, Larry made us both appointments at the Dentist to have a cleaning.  It's been three years since either of us had one. (oops)  I guess our insurance actually pays for cleanings now and so maybe I won't be such a slacker about going.  I found out why my bottom teeth are turning grey....they have cavities.  I have a bar/retainer behind my bottom teeth which makes it hard to floss and that's where the cavities are.  I'm just glad that my teeth can be fixed and that they really aren't just rotting away.  I have decided that I will ask Nate (our dentist and nephew) to take the bar off.  I think I will go have a plastic retainer made to wear at night instead.  I think it will make a huge difference.

After the dentist we went to Red Lobster because we had a gift card.  It was yummy and it was fun being with my cute hubby.  I only ate part of the coconut shrimp I ordered and so Larry had lunch for the next day.  Now a days I can only eat about half  of my meals which is nice because Larry does love the left overs.  I just think I should be getting thinner since I am consuming less calories...oh well.

Sadie Lou is 1

This little cutie is one and she is so much fun.  I can't believe how fast this year has went.  Little Sadie Lou is such a huge blessing.  She has been a fun baby.  She is so cute!  We absolutely adore this little girl.  She is adventurous or at least she acts like every adventure is fun.  She is easy going and goes along with everything, thank goodness because her daddy involves her in a lot.  She loves her family...and extended families.  She gets excited when she see's us.  I love everything about this little one.

Sadie likes being thrown in the air....really high.  It freaks me out the few times I have watched but she thinks its fun.  She likes food I think more than her bottle.  She loves stuffed animals and is easy to put down to bed if she has an animal to snuggle with.  Sadie smiles a lot and her smile lights up the room.  It is so big and cute!  I'm so thankful for Sadie and I'm glad that I get to see her so often.  I'm really glad I got to watch her the week her parents went to Hawaii...we bonded!

Happy Birthday Little Cutie Pie!

A "Grand" Tea Party

On Christmas all my grands got a tea cup from me so that we could have tea parties. (the boys got cool mugs)  Since there is not school on President's Day we decided it would be the perfect day for our tea party.  Every single little was able to come and we had so much fun! I had the table ready for them when they arrived.  I also had bow ties for the boys and scarfs for the girls to fancy up with.  They all looked so cute!  I have some of the cutest grands ever born!

We served hot chocolate from two of the tea pots and cran/raspberry & sprite from the other.  It was delightful.  Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  I think everyone got filled up and then they were off to play.  (that's the real reason they all like coming over is to play together and build their friendships)  I love watching them all enjoy each other.

When everyone was finished eating and visiting at the table we started a little  craft project.  I wanted the grands to make pictures from their food prints.  I got the foot prints of the littlest ones first.  Jordyn was tired and needed a nap and so I did hers first.  Everyone was so good about getting their foot painted and washed up again after.  I have fun grands!

It took awhile to get everyone's prints done.  Everyone played until it was their turn.  Afterwards I got the brushes out and let them create their masterpieces.  My grands are very talented too!  Macie really got it to everything and is at such a fun age. The Younger grands were pleasant and enjoyed everything going on.

Everyone made two pictures...one to take home and one to leave here.  I want to put them upstairs in the room they play in.  I liked watching them create their pictures and choosing their favorite to take home.  I think every picture turned out cute. (I still need to finish Behr's and Jordy's)

The kids kept playing and enjoying each other.  It was such a fun day!  I'm excited for this new tradition that we started.  I sure adore these little ones so much!  They bring so much joy and happiness into our family!

Being a grand parents is such a blessing!  I love it so much!  I hope my grands will always want to come to our house to make memories!  Dang...They're so Cute!