Sunday

Memories

These pictures showed up on FB again and they made me smile.  A fun day helping Davaleen make a movie.  My girls were good sports.  They spent hours with us and might have been in the movie for a split second.  I think I have some beautiful daughters!

Friday

The Rest of the Week


I didn't have a whole lot on my calendar this week but I sure kept busy.  I planned on working on Jared's book and that did happen a little but not as much as I had planned.  I went to the Temple Wednesday and was so happy to be there.  I'm addicted to going and missed a few weeks and was having withdrawals.  There were some interesting names.  A guy named Love Brewster who named his son Wrestling.  There was also a lady name America.  ☺

I did have Zaden's ball game on the calendar and forgot to go. waaaaa!  I think I remember better when I have a lot to remember.  I felt so bad and was going to go up to his house so he could tell me about his game but he surprised me and came to my house.  I heard the door and then his cute voice.  He was excited to come to our house.  I love when the kids love coming to our house. Sadie had a good drop off  too.  She was all smiles and giggles. Kimleighel was watching Sadie on Thursday and so I got to enjoy her too, before and after errands.  When I came home from running errands Sadie came running and tripped because she was running so fast to get to me.  Behr even likes coming to our house.  He crawls all over and usually comes over to me to get a hug and love.  I love having the grands over.  I love that they love coming over.
Kevin had mentioned earlier this week that they might need help with the girls when they took the twins to their check-up.  I didn't know when but he texted me Friday morning asking me if it was still okay if the girls came over.  On the calendar I did have down that The Hooper Honey's were taking Crystal to lunch for her birthday but was still able to have them over because Kimleighel is between jobs.  Kimi is such a life-saver when it comes to the grands.  We went and picked up the girls and loved on the twins before they had to leave.  The girls are so cute and we set up a little picnic in the front room for them before I left.  I invited them back that night to play with Justin's kids since they were coming over.
Crystal chose to go to Jeremiahs.  I got a turkey sandwich and it was so good.  I was so happy to be with these cute friends.  It seemed like it has been awhile.  These ladies are all so wonderful. I admire them all so much.  It's fun laughing and sharing with them.  Today we were able to visit and just enjoy each other.  Lorraine and Crystal's girls have been on their missions for a year and they are both eager to get them home.  I love hearing about their missionaries and remembering how wonderful and hard it is to have one.  Tammy has a son getting married and Kari has a daughter that got engaged.  Lots of good things happening.  Kellie is going to have a few grands come live with her while her daughter and son in law fix up their new home they just bought.  Life is good in the sisterhood. ☺
I came home from lunch and went to work on Jared's book.  You'd think it would be easy since I have everything written down.  It's not though.  In everyone's story a lot of things are repeated and I am trying to sort them so the same thing isn't repeated over and over.  (it might be anyway)  It's coming together slowly but surely.  I keep reminding myself it's for our family but I am also aware that others will want to read it.  It's a little stressful but I think it will be worth it at least for our family.

Justin's cuties came over.  They run in so excited and always run to give me a big hug.  The grands seriously light up my life.  They brought some magic tricks to share and had fun getting things set up for a magic show.  Kamryn and Jordyn did come back just in time for the magic show.  The magic show was cute and Mya and Parker shared their "secrets" afterwards.  I couldn't help but smile.

The girls painted their nails and Parker made me a picture.  They have such a good time.  The girls also got creative and made some crazy concoctions for me to try.  I'm not sure everything that was smashed up and covered with strawberry and chocolate syrup but it didn't taste too bad.  Heck, Macie even tried some.  The only thing gross was the salt water they tricked me with.  The girls made quite the mess with their projects but they are really good about cleaning everything up.  I enjoy having them over to play.  When I was getting Macie ready for bed she insisted on taking a bath at my house first.  The older kids chose to bath in the morning. ☺ Justin's mouth is healing good but I can't help but laugh at his toothless smile. He reminds me of a 7 year old...one permanent tooth in and one missing.  It will still be awhile before he gets a permanent one.
I love this picture that Parker made of me and him.  I was wearing a navy and white striped shirt and white pants  just like the picture.  I also thought he nailed my shape.  I am pretty much built like a box.☺  Short and square, just like the picture.  He did a great job on himself too.  I love children's art!  I can't help but smile just looking at this cute picture.  Parker really likes me!

Monday

In Memory

I didn't go to the Hooper Cemetery on Saturday because I know Larry always likes to go and leave his sister some flowers.  We decided to go today and do that.  I love the Hooper Cemetery because I could walk around and have a little party of memories.  There are so many people here that have touched my life.  I love how decorated the cemeteries are at this time of year.  It makes my heart smile.  We went back up to Mountain Green and left a Brick at Dave's.  Since we were up there we decided to stop by and see if Vicky was home.  She was and she took time to sit and visit with us for a while.  I could visit with Vicky all day.  She is such a wonderful friend and person.  We sure miss Dave but we know that he is watching out for us.  He might have even thrown a pillow at Larry the other night.  Larry was sitting at our table doing bills.  I have a curio cabinet in the corner with a vase of dried roses, a pillow and a wood sign on top of it.  The pillow is more than 3/4 on the cabinet with the wood sign in front of it and for some reason the pillow "fell" off  towards Larry.  We laughed and knew that we had a visitor.  Larry right away thought of Dave.  There is no way the pillow would have just fell off.  It's been on the shelf for over 10 years and actually leans towards the wall.  It should have made the sign fall off if it would have fallen forward but the sign didn't move. Ironically, the pillow said: "Friends are like Angels.  You don't have to see them to know they are there."  I'm glad we have angels watching over us.  I'm so thankful for all our friends and loved ones...living and gone.  I'm also so thankful for our memories.

Sunday

The Darling Twins!

Larry and I went to visit the twins after Church.  Larry's mom  was there and Julie and Kevin were on their way.  We all went up together to the room.  Larry stayed out and got a little nap while the rest of us went in.  (only 4 in the room)  It was time for the babies to eat.  They don't have feeding tubes anymore (YIPPEE) and will likely go home tomorrow.  I got to feed Briggs and he started off really good and then went to sleep.  The nurse told us she wouldn't let them get so comfortable while feeding them so they are more likely to stay awake and finish their bottles.  I unwrapped Briggs and got him to wake up and he was a good boy and finished as much as he needed to.  The nurses keep track of how much the twins eat.  They have to eat a certain amount on their own for 12 hours before they can come home.  They are truly little miracles.  I love them to pieces.  I'm really glad they live close and I think I just might show up for morning feedings to help out.  Julie told me that around 7 she is more tired than during the night and so I'd like to go help out and snuggle these cuties.

Babies are so precious.  As I snuggle and hold them and look at what little miracle they truly are, I can't think of anything better in this world.  Babies are the Biggest Miracles and Blessings!

Saturday

Jane Eyre

I ended my Saturday by "Playing" with my friends.  We saw Jane Eyre at the Hale Theater in Orem.  It wasn't my favorite play but there was a lot of things I liked about it.  I like the faith that Jane had in our Heavenly Father.  She relied on Him to answer her prayers and direct her life.  Jane had a childhood friend that taught her the importance of forgiveness.

In this play they sang instead of talking.  Sometimes that can be annoying.  However, it also makes the ride home hilarious as we tend to sing what we have to say. ☺  There was a little mystery in this play and had us all thinking and wondering.  I bet I would really enjoy the book.

Cari and Carol met us since they were running late.  The rest of us enjoyed a nice meal at the Macaroni Grill.

One of the Actors took our picture for us and I asked him if he took a selfie as well...so he did!  I love the selfie he took!

I really, really enjoy going to the plays with Barbie and her girls and friends.  I look forward to every one.  I feel blessed to get to "Play" with them.

Visiting Cemeteries

 I picked my mom up at 10:00 am.  We loaded my car with lots of flowers and we headed to the cemeteries.
Our first stop was the Ogden Cemetery.  We have many loved ones there.  We started on the East end and visited the grave of my cousin Roxanne and Larry's grandparents.  Larry's Great-grandparents from his mom's side are here too.  The Muirs are on the North side and everyone is there except Grandma Lowe because she is at the Hooper Cemetery.  I had a "feeling" that my mom's old neighbor Opal was right there and sure enough she was just East of the Muirs.
We had a lot more family on the West end.  We had to go ask for directions to find my dad's sister, Cleo.  We were so close in our search but that cemetery is huge and easy to get off.  My dad's parents and  two sisters are in the Ogden Cemetery but my dad is at Washington Heights, and another sister is at Memorial Gardens.  I collaged them all together. ☺  I thought of my sweet friend Davaleen who is also at this Cemetery.
Our next stop was Evergreen Memorial Park where my brother in law, Ken Friesen is.  I like the Angel Statue in that cemetery.

Next we headed up to Huntsville.  I'm not sure the connection to the Michelson's but I think it might be my dad's mom's side.  My dad's friends, Clarke and Barbara Olsen are there now as well.  I remember playing at the Olsen's and loved going to visit them.  That is one of the enjoyments of today.  My mom and I reminisced and shared many wonderful memories of our family and friends that have passed away.  We took a little break at this point and got a sandwich to refuel.
We went over Trappers Loop and since we were right there we walked up to visit Dave Jones resting place.  I wanted to show my mom.  I love the peace felt at the cemeteries.  Seeing all the flowers and the beautiful blue sky with fluffy white clouds today was the perfect setting for remembering and honoring those that have graduated from this life.

Our next stop was the Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch.  My dad's sister and husband are there as well as some of my mom's neighbors.  That is also were my friend Gina is.  The last stop was Washington Heights were my dad is.  My mom has a lot of friends there as well. Our adventure ended about 2:30 pm.

I enjoyed the time with my mom today.  I just felt really good inside. I am so thankful for all the wonderful family and friends that have enriched my life.  I'm so thankful for all the wonderful memories that still make me smile.  I'm thankful for those who names I only recognize because I know they were important to my parents.  I'm thankful for a weekend set aside to remember and honor all those that have passed.  I'm thankful for everyone who has fought for the freedoms of our Country.  They are not forgotten but Remembered and Appreciated!

Friday

The Taylors

Instead of camping with the Taylor's this year, we just took a little drive and went and visited with them.  They are camping up North Fork where they like to go over Memorial Day Weekend.  It was relaxing sitting around the fire and visiting with them.  I love this family.  I love the mountains.  I love seeing the deer cross the roads while we drive in the mountains.  I love the quiet and peace the fresh air offers.  It was nice.

Before going to the Taylor camp, we stopped by Rachel's to give her a paper from the shop and to see her cute baby.  Rachel and Craig weren't home but we found them at their neighbors house.  Jared knew the red truck was Rachel's and then he noticed her standing out in the front yard.  Rachel and her baby are doing good and her little one is so darling.   I'm glad we decided to go for our little drive this evening.