A Few of the Grands

Ivy got to come play while her mommy and brothers did a little birthday shopping for her.  She was having her friends party today and Trichelle needed to get a few things.  I love that Ivy still loves hugs from me and snuggles.  She is such a cutie.  All her brothers adore her.  She is such a good sister.

I got to go pick up pizza for her and her friends.  She was having a swim party for her birthday.  She had a few friends from school over.  She has never been able to have friends from school since she has lived so far from them.  (when she went to the charter school in Layton)  They had a good time.  Carla and I had a good time watching them play for awhile.  I love watching my older kids as parents.  I think they all do a really wonderful job.

We call gramps since he wasn't home when we went over to wish him a Happy Birthday.  He was at Kevin and Julie's having dinner with them.  Kamryn made signs welcoming him to their restaurant.  Kamryn was also the waitress and served them all.  They sure love gramps.  We decided to go over to Kevin and Julie's to see and wish Gramps a Happy Birthday.  They were finished with their dinner by the time we got there and it was wonderful visiting with them all.  Kamryn made some yummy brownies by herself today.  I love how Julie and Kevin just let her do things like that by herself.

We got to enjoy Jordyn and the twins a little too.  Oh my word I can't explain how great these little ones are.  Grands are truly Grand!  I loved holding Jordy and flipping through her little cards with baby animals on them.  She pronounces her words really well and knows what the animals say.  She is so cute.  Julie played fish with Kamryn and Kamryn thanked her afterwards for playing.  Man, my grands have good parents.  I love seeing my kids take time with their kids.  They all do a really good job at it.  It makes my heart smile!

Book Club

We met at 8:30 am at Village Inn for our Book Club this month.  They put us in a corner at a round table, which was perfect for us to share our Book Reports.  I read these three books since our last book club.  The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto was written  with "music" telling the story.  It was kind of different but I kind of feel in love with the story.  It had a lot of twists and I even got ticked off at a few.  When I had finished the first part of the book, I told Larry I hated it.  I took it on vacation with us.  I kept reading it though and ended up liking it.  "Music" parallels  our lives with music.  We are all part of a band...at times people leave and join another band....things like that.  I like the correlations.   The story of Frankie Presto's life was intriguing.  I googled to see if there was ever a Frankie Presto but he was all fiction. ☺ The twists in the book are explained towards the end which relieved my inquisitive mind.

The Seventeen Second Miracle is a book I would suggest for others to read.  It's about how simple and quick kindness can happen.  It talks about how kindness will change our lives and others.  It's a good story that inspired me in many ways.  I like the kindness journal that was kept and shared over the years with many others to help them on their journey through life.  I have started a kindness journal but haven't kept up on it.  I need to get it out and record the daily kindnesses in my life.

Diana, Her True Story was actually sad.  This book was well written and real.  Diana was a beautiful lady but not a happy one after marrying the Prince.  She experienced so much heart ache.  She had to put on a happy face for the public and camera's even if she was miserable inside.  Diana was a kind soul and loved the less fortunate.  She was a caring mother that loved her boys.  Diana's biggest mistake was marrying into the Royal family.  They were not kind to her and her life became one of a prisoner.  Her pleas for help were ignored over and over.  I feel bad that she wasn't able to get away from the press and all the pressure it was to her.  It was the run from the camera's that ended her life.  It makes me appreciate my simple life even more.  Princess Diana has a Beautiful Soul!

After talking about our books we shared our thoughts on some Gospel topics.  The hours flew and the time was well spent.  I enjoy our book club so much.

Food 4 Thought Friday

Food 4 Thought Friday ~ 

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Breakfast ~ What is your favorite board game? (first ones to come to mind) I like Sorry and Trouble and Ticket to Ride.  Monopoly is not on my favorite list and I don't know if it's because I am terrible at it or why.

Lunch ~ What is the funniest story your mother or father tells about you? probably of the time when I was young and walking through the field with one of my friends in Huntsville.  My mom and dad where visiting their friends outside (the Olsen's) and all of a sudden the baby bull in the field decided to chase me!  I was scared to death and running just as fast as my little legs would carry me.  My face was as red as a beet and my heart was pumping out of my chest.  My mom, dad, Clarke and Barbara did nothing too help me, they just sat and laughed.  I'm sure I did look pretty funny and I would have probably thought it was hilarious too had it not been ME!

Dinner ~ What is your biggest fear or phobia?? I hate the dark!  (Nyctophobia)  I freeze up when it is completely dark and I really can't move.  I'm terrified! I also fear the safety of my children and grands.  I hope and pray they are never harmed by someone.

Midnight Snack ~ What was your worst or most dramatic car trouble? I guess the time I got re-ended after picking Kimi up from tutoring.  It had snowed a lot and the roads were slippery.  The gal that hit me was coming down a hill and didn't allow time to slow down or stop.  I was ready to turn right and she slid right into my passenger side.  I was suppose to take dinner to a family and it was still snowing hard and there were so many accidents the police weren't in a hurry to get to us.  I ended up letting the gals mom talk me into leaving after we exchanged information which was a big mistake.  They tried telling the insurance company it was my fault and that I pulled out in front of their daughter.  When someone finally took time to go to the place the accident happened it was clear that I was not at fault!  It was stressful!

Recipe for the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for the week?) Take Time For Others When They Need You!  We all have lists of things we need to do or want to do but sometimes it's good to put those lists away and be there for others!

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The Toomers

I got to be part of this wonderful families celebration today! Lantzen was married to Amanda in the Ogden Temple.  The day was hot and beautiful...just like the couple.  The temple ceremony was simple and nice.  Being around Mallory, Glen and their cute family makes me happy.  I love them.  Lantzen is the cute little guy that we lost for a bit at Lagoon when he was about 3.  I still remember he was wearing a red shirt and Oshkosh overalls.  Lantzen is such an awesome kid.  He's always been so happy and kind.  He is great at every sport.  He is truly an exceptional kid.  I'm so happy for him and Amanda.

I was driving Larry's truck today and a little concerned about parking it.  I said a prayer that I would find a parking place that would be easy to get in and out of.  I turned on Washington Blvd. and right then a couple was getting into their car to leave. I was able to turn that big truck around and drive right by the curb in front of the Temple.  I had enough room to make sure that I would be able to pull out easily if someone decided to park behind me.  God answers simple prayers!

Kathy and I were able to help with the refreshments at the reception.  Mal's kids mentioned how Kathy and I were always there for them and that they appreciated us.  Kathy and Mallory were serving refreshments at Kevin and Julie's reception four years ago on this day.  It's wonderful having such good friends, friends that are always there for you when you need them.  The reception was at a golf course and was really cute.  The sun started setting at the perfect time and shade covered the tables so it was comfortable.

Mallory and Glen are wonderful parents.  You can always tell when the kids turn out and the family is still close and really good friends.  The Toomer Family is seriously one of my very favorite families ever!  There the kind of family we consider family.  I'm so thankful for them and love them all so much.  I was happy that I was able to help with their reception.  It was a fun day!

Wonderful Wednesday

I told Carla that I didn't have much on my calendar today.  Only to go to the Temple and visiting teaching to a friend that needed to change from yesterday and to Kamryn's tumbling.  Carla laughed at me!  My slow days are still full.

I love going to the Temple every Wednesday.  It refreshes my soul and if you've read my last few posts you know it needed refreshing.  I love feeling the Spirit of God and I always do in the Temple.  today we had a good size group.  Our main people (Cindy, Lisea & Dallas) weren't there but we had some new ones join us.  I think that most of this group I go with are from the same ward.  One of the gals that came today have girls that attend our special needs group. I got to know her when I was in the PTA at the elementary.  My heart broke for her today.  I prayed for her a few times as I sat and watched her.  This gal has struggled with depression and recently had a break down.  She was unable to hold still. She paced back and forth and when she went to the alter her feet wiggled nonstop and her head shook a little.  It seriously broke my heart.  I was glad that she was able to join us today though.  She is such a kind, sweet soul.

I went back to Clinton today with Carla. I got my screensaver first before going to Walmart to get Carla a popcorn bowl.  We went to Swigs after and got cookies.  I dropped Carla off at her house and I went visiting teaching.  I love visiting teaching!  I love the sisters I get to visit!

I went home and changed into my swimming suit. (yikes)  I took Kimi with me and we went to Carla's to soak in her hot tub.  She has it turned down so it is really comfortable.  We visited and relaxed.  Oh my crud....it felt so good to just relax and do nothing.  Carla made snow cones and popcorn and so we carefully enjoyed that.  I'll admit, one time I picked up three pieces of popcorn and two of them popped out of my fingers and into the water.  I was able to retrieve them and get them out. I was more careful after that.  I left Kimi with Carla while I went to watch Kamryn at tumbling. Those two stayed in the hot tub for over 4 hours. ☺  When I came back, I climbed back in but the temperature had gone up.  It was pretty warm but still not too bad.  We visited some more before calling it a day.

Kamryn did a good job at tumbling.  She is able to do a back tuck, or whip.  She was so happy and cute.  I think she was glad that she had an audience today.  Her grandpa, Floyd took her.  I came and then her mom and cousin came too.  She is such a cutie.  I enjoyed visiting with Julie while we watched Kam.

Trichelle brought Zaden over so that grandpa could help him with his batting. I think they had a good time.  I had a good time watching them.  It was so hot that we finally went inside to cool off.  Zaden was playing with Behr and wanted to pull him around on a blanket.  Behr knew what was going on and would crawl right up to the blanket and then would turn and go the other way.  We were all laughing so hard.  Kids are so smart!  It was really hilarious when Zaden decided to mimic Behr.  Oh my heck...laughing is good exercise.  My sides hurt from laughing at these two cute boys.

Not Yer Typical Tuesday

I had a few errands today and so I wrote them down and slipped the list in my phone cover so I could make sure I did everything.  I had an appointment to go visiting teaching.  I had a little bit of time before I had to leave and since the kids bathroom needed cleaning and my child that I asked to clean it wasn't doing it, I decided to.  My child came down while I was cleaning and starting speaking very loudly that I was using their shower loofah. I spoke very loudly back saying it wasn't theirs.  The loud talking continued from my child until they finally checked where they keep the loofah and found it right there.  Geez Louise! Good Morning....You're Welcome!  I left with my list and wasn't in a hurry to get back home.

I visited with my neighbor and felt the spirit.  Thank goodness since the wrong spirit was pretty dominating at my house.  We shared our struggles and I felt her love and support.  I was glad I was able to visit with this sister today.  It was a nice boost.

I went and picked up Carla to run errands with me.  Roger is out of town this week and she wants to stay busy.  Being my shadow will keep you busy!☺  Before leaving we sat down in her nice, cool, quiet house and I did a little venting.  I was feeling terrible at my reactions.  I kept wishing I could have stayed calm.  Carla told me that maybe I needed to react the way I did so my child would know that I was hurt and that kind of behavior was not acceptable.  It made me think back to the time I had spoke in church about the Christ Child and then went home and ended up threatening to beat each of my two younger children. That day I had tried "nice" so many times. I had asked them each politely to behave.  I had gave them time outs. I had sent them outside and instructed them to come in when they could be nice. I was calm and in control as I tried finding the "right" method of discipline.  Larry even got involved and those two just would not behave.  After being woke up from a nap, I was through.  I went into the kitchen where they were still fighting and I chose my words.  The things I let come out of my mouth didn't just escape.  No, they were selected.  My children's eyes got bigger than I have ever seen them.  They were shocked and they knew I was serious.  They didn't have to be told again.  I got their attention.

I'm not proud of the fact that I lose my patience.  It bugs me. I repented and prayed a lot today.  I really am pretty calm these days but every now and then someone finds a button that gets a reaction.

My main thing to do today was get a screensaver for my phone.  Carla suggested we go to the phone store first but I thought we could go to Walmart and then the phone store since it was in between Walmart and Swigs.  We had planned on getting some cookies from Swigs to take home.  Carla got her a snow cone machine and some treats at the store.  We decided that we would go to my house and make some syrup for the snow cones and have them for a treat, along with her licorice.  You know what that means right?  It means we didn't need to go to Swigs and so we didn't drive pass T-Mobile and I forgot to get my screensaver.  Man, I have a hard time remembering things even when I write them down.

We went to my house and made some grape and cherry syrup.  While it was cooling we popped some popcorn in my new bowl.

I love this bowl.  I just got it and it's awesome.  It's so wonderful that Carla and I are going to Walmart tomorrow after getting my screensaver so that she can get her one.  We relaxed a little and ate snow cones while we chomped on popcorn.  My grands had come to play and so we enjoyed them too.  (Zaden and Behr)  

Zaden had a baseball game and so we went and watched him.  A little guy got a line drive to his face and I almost cried.  I felt so bad for him.  Zaden made some good plays and was able to get a few kids out.  I am impressed with the progress of little kids.  They learn quick.  

Behr enjoyed a oreo cookie stick and was pretty much black when we all left to go home.  He even had black between his cute, little toes. haha...so funny and cute!

I made a spaghetti salad when we got home. Oh my word it was so good.  I had left over veggies cut up and added some spaghetti and Italian dressing to them and it was yummy.  I made a huge bowl of it and there wasn't any left.  I think my family and Carla liked it too!

Opposite from yesterday.  My day started out "crappy" but ended pretty wonderfully.

Game Day

I really like starting the week off by playing games with friends first thing Monday morning.  We have such a good time.  Today we played on Carla's nice screened in deck.  It's so pretty outside and was pretty nice. I was sitting directly in front of a fan though and so I quite enjoyed it.  Debbie and Julie thought it was a little warm so we might move inside next week if it's still this warm.  Our weather jumped from a little too cold to play outside to a little too hot.  We didn't get much in between.

It's clear who the "Lucky Ducks" were!  Today we played Rummikub and Five Crowns.  I have lots of other fun games but I forget them so quickly.  I even write down how to play games so I can remember them and forget where the instructions are when I want them.  That's why we play a lot of the same games.  We like the same games though it's okay.

I really thought we'd have more ladies join us but it doesn't look like it's going to happen.  I had at least three others that sounded interested but I guess they were responding how they thought I wanted them to.  Regardless of the numbers of people we have fun.

Carla, Julie and I went to Sam's to get a vacuum but it wasn't on sale any longer and so we left it.  We went to lunch at Jeremiah's and I ordered exactly what I had on Friday.  I love their turkey sandwich!  We took Julie home and I went to the grocery store with Carla.  I only bought chocolate bars and filled my stash box completely full. (it's a nice feeling)

Kimleighel, Carla and I went to the movie.  We saw "You Before Me".  It was really good but I was bugged by the ending.  I had to imagine what might have been if the movie would have continued to feel better about it.  It was a pretty fun, filled day!

I might add that for as wonderful of a day as it had been it sure ended "crappy."  I went to the store with my child and some how I must of ticked this child off, because I was verbally attacked.  I was so caught off guard and released a few of my own thoughts.  I was so bummed because I wasn't prepared  for the attack at all.  Gotta love being a parent sometimes.  I've heard that kids will attack the parent/person they feel "safe" with.  Yippee, Skippy...I'm the chosen one!