Friday

Boating with the Hansens

(sister) Kelsey Hansen and her family came to Hooper.  Larry and Kelsey had made plans to go boating.  At first we were going to go to Bear Lake but I am glad we were just able to go to Willard.  Bear Lake is prettier but Willard is much more convenient.  I like Kelsey's parents, Debbie and Dean and her cute sister Cody. They were really fun and it felt like we were old friends.
Kimleighel and Jared wake boarded first.  I had suggested that since they usually have to go with the flow and might even get left out.  They had a good time wake boarding even though the water was choppy.  Kids don't care so much about 'perfect' conditions.  It's fun watching them do 'their thing'.
We pulled the water weenie out next since it was the easiest to get to.  Kelsey, Cody, Jared and Kimleighel all rode it and had a great time.  I loved listening to their laughter.  Everyone's faces showed that they were having fun.  As soon as everyone got one Jared told them to lean and so they did....of course they fell over.  Jared thought it was hilarious...and it was.   We were one of the few boats on the bay today.  There was a sailboat and we saw one other boat.  I almost felt silly for holding the flag up when they fell in the water but I did it anyway.  I'm a rule follower.  Larry and Dean went out on the weenie with a few of the kids.  It was fun having them out there and I tried my best to tip them over.  I succeeded a few times.  We lost a flag today and my visor.  The flag was behind Kelsey's parents and flew out of the boat.  I let Kelsey use my visor to keep the sun out of her eyes and it immediately flew off and was gone.  We had an extra flag and I have more visors at home.

Larry had came prepared with yummy treats and lunch.  I'm glad I wasn't feeling good this morning so that he had to get it all.  He had sandwiches, salads, chips, cookies and drinks.  It was really good.
After lunch we took Kimi back to the dock because she had to go to work.  She had a good time though while she was with us.
We got the tube out next.  We convinced Cody to ride it.  At first she acted like she didn't want to.  Cody and Kelsey went together and they had fun.  Cody stood up and few times on it and the second time she fell and she was done.  It was funny to watch her and her parents actually got pictures of her standing.  Jared had a good, long ride and then we put everything away and just drove all the way around the bay.  It was such a fun day.  I was exhausted when we got home though.  So weird what being in the sun does to me.

Larry and I went and visited Brent (Larry's brother) when we got home.  He looked much better and told us of little things that he is improving on.  I guess Tami had a talk with him about focusing on the positive things and things he could do instead of all the things he can't.  He said her little talk had made a difference and he is noticing the positive things happening.  He told me that he bought the book I wrote...that made me smile.

Larry and I went up to Trichelle's after to talk about Italy.  We are making plans to go there with them.  Larry had some suggestions to have them think about....like cruising around part of Italy.  It's going to be fun!

Thursday

Opening Social

Woo Hoo....we are meeting again!  Tonight was our Opening Social for Special Needs Mutual.  We had such a great time.  This year our goal is to have better activities.  We started off pretty good.  We played Hungry Hungry Hippo's.  Everyone took turns being the hippo and the controller.  There was only one injury and I made it happen.  When I was pushing one of the guys out to get the balls I hit into some girls and the one standing up fell right on my hippo (guy).  It hurt him a little and he had to lay still for a minute.  I felt bad and didn't push anyone after that.  It was so much fun just watching everyone.  I think everyone enjoyed themselves.  We had ice cream sundae's for dessert.  It was a successful Opening Social in my opinion.

The Young Men Leaders are new except our President.  Jared is the first counselor, Tom is the second (he drove the Fremont bus and knew my kids), and Ray Strong is the secretary.  It's nice having the Presidencies filled.  I dare say it's going to be a fun and wonderful year!

Before our Opening Exercises I was going around greeting everyone and the Spirit overwhelmed me.  I love these friends of mine so much and I know that they love and appreciate me as well.  I am just so happy to interact with them again.  I love my calling....I have truly been blessed and I am a better person for serving these wonderful Children of God.

Back to School Breakfast

Over the years I have met friends for breakfast to celebrate school starting again.  Last year my girls and I went to lunch to celebrate and this year we went to breakfast.  It's amazing we can make it work with everyone's schedule's but we do.  I love, love, love these girls.  I think they are all so cute and pretty much perfect.  Each is unique and special in her own way.  They are all beautiful...inside and out.  My girls are great mommy's.  Kimleighel is going to be a wonderful mom because she is a great Aunt and loves watching her nieces and nephews.  I'm so proud of each of these girls.   My boys have chosen well and I adore each new "daughter in luv" as they have joined our family.  Each of these beautiful gals add goodness to our family.  They are talented and their beauty shines right through them.

I love visiting with them all and really enjoy watching them interact with each other.  I think they are pretty good friends.  I was happy that Sadie wanted to come sit on my lap and finish my french toast.  I was helping her cut a piece and it was hard and I was pressing hard to get through the toast and when Sadie started crying I remembered her little hand was between mine and the spoon.  I felt so bad and even I as I type this my eyes are filled with tears.  How's that for being a good gramma? She let me love her and then she went to get more loves from her mommy.  It was only a few minutes and she was back on my lap.  I love how forgiving little ones are.  I love getting loves from my grands and Macie came over for some before we left.  Jordy had chose to sit by me and Behr just grins and grins.  Oh My....I love these people....ALL OF THEM!

Wednesday

Wonderful Wednesday

I got early and headed to the Temple with my cute friends.  I drove and was a little to prompt.  I had to wait.  Kathy made a mistake and set her alarm for pm and woke up from the texts we kept sending her.  By the time I made it to Pat's she was standing in her driveway ready.  We got there when we usually do and was happily greeted by the sealers.  They act like they really love us...I bet they do since I have grown to love each of them.  I just love being in the Temple.
I met Jodi for lunch because she said she had extra zucchini's and was willing to share some with me.  Not only did she bring me zucchini but a basket 'full' of veggies and even some cantaloupe.  Boy what a harvest they get and share with others.  The basket full of goodness made me smile.  Jodi makes me smile.  I love chatting and I think we could for days without stopping.  Okay maybe we would take a chocolate break.  I just can't say it enough...I am so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.  We did visit for a few hours before deciding we'd better do other things.  I love this fabulous friend of mine!
I was headed home and decided to stop by the Library to see if Tammy G was in her "office." (she refers to the library as her office...it's so bright and perfect)  Tammy has been on my mind and I was pleasantly surprised to see her sitting at a computer.  I think I surprised her when I pulled up the chair next to her.  Tammy was busy but was okay with stopping and taking a break.  We went to Fiiz and got drinks.  I got a "butter beer" and oh my, you could not drink those every day.  They are super sweet.  I think they are butterscotch and cream.  Tammy and I sat at the park and visited for a quite some time.  I met Jodi at 11:00 and left Tammy close to 5:00.  I love my time with my friends and today was a good day for that.   I made it home in time to make stuffed burger bundles for dinner.  I even managed to get a few loads of laundry done.  

Tuesday

Kevin is 29

WooHoo it's Kevin's birthday.  I remember when he was a baby, holding him and thinking I might not have him for long. I'm glad that thought was just a thought so I would appreciate every moment with him and the rest of my kids.  When I think back on Kevin's childhood I can't help but smile.  This kid came up with the funniest sayings.  He reminded me to buy deodorant that was ph balanced for a women. ☺  He asked if we could buy some magic so we could make the snowman come to life. ☺ He referred to me as 'master mom' or 'your majesty'. ☺ He had an accident at Burger King with our baby sitter and proudly announced that he had "dropped a wog" on the step. ☺ Kevin loved watching educational channels and could remember the things he heard and watched.  Kevin was mellow and if he was watching tv and I wanted to leave for 20 minutes I knew when I got home he would still be watching tv. (when he was like 4 or 5)  Kevin has always been responsible and kind.  Kevin has a tender heart and he is a child that didn't need firm discipline.  Just letting him know you weren't pleased was enough.  He has grown into a fine man.  Kevin is one of the best daddy's. (I think all my boys are)  Kevin has loved and accepted Kamryn from the very start and she really is 'his' child.  He loves his other three too and is a very involved daddy.  He is smart and has dedicated his career to teaching others.  I am thankful for him and all teachers for their love of learning and wanting to help others.  They don't get paid enough but I am sure their rewards are wonderful.  Man I love My Son!

Sunday

I Love Sundays

I love going to Church every week and partaking of the sacrament and renewing my covenants. I love the music and singing.  I love listening to speakers and teachers as they share the things they have prepared because I feel the spirit.  I love being pulled aside and asked to help in the library.  I loved finding pictures and making copies for people.  I love walking in the hall with wonderful people and even being complimented as I pass.  I love being in Relief Society with great women and being referred to as the Poster Child for Smiling.  I love having another friend share an experience of someone sharing something with her because the spirit told her to and when my friend asked why the lady said because her friend told her to. My friend asked who her friend was because she thought she was going to say "me" but instead the lady said "I've never been asked that before but it is Jesus."  Oh YES I love Sundays and going to Church and being filled to overflowing. God is Great and speaks to us through others!  I love My Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and I'm grateful to Them for everything!

Soon, my family will fill my home with laughter and love.  We will eat together and visit and nourish our bodies and souls.  Oh how I love Sundays!

Saturday

Behr's First Birthday Party

Our family celebrated Behr's first birthday party and it was so fun. Behr seemed to love the attention and all the business going on.  The decorations were awesome.  The BIG sign in front of the house was cool and would blink from saying....Caution Caution Caution to Happy Birthday to Caution Behr turned one.  Funny thing, when I tried taking a picture the sign looked normal to me put through the camera it was blinking and I couldn't get all the words.  But believe me it was cute!  The big signs were awesome and I loved all the cars and trucks.  Pretty Darn Cute!
I know Behr's outfit was chosen to go with the theme of his party.  Black and Yellow like Caution Tape.  They had a bounce house that kept all the little ones busy and having fun.  Trichelle and TJ's yard is so big and nice. They took out a little pond and a bunch of bamboo and it opened it right up.  It's really nice and big now.
Trichelle and TJ cooked hamburgers and hot-dogs.  Trichelle said they were keeping it simple which I think is perfect and how it should be.  She was going to make a pasta salad but since everyone except my mom likes my pasta salad I told her I would make the salad.  I tried to trick my mom by using penne noodles instead of twirly ones.  I added zucchini, 1/2 yellow pepper and carrots to change it up but other than that it was the exact same.  My mom didn't mention anything but Jared and Ivy did.  They like my original salad best! Behr loved having everyone sing to him.  He is so darling and grins so cute and wrinkles his little nose as he smiles.  TJ helped him destroy his cake but he enjoyed licking his fingers. In fact, TJ and Zaden had a little cake fight and both ended up with cake on their faces. ☺ Behr acted like he liked every single present.  I had such a good time watching him open each one.  Our gift went right with the theme by surprise.  We gave him a big truck that had a slide on the back so a car could ride down and came out the front of the truck.  Everything was cute.  Sadie was sitting on my lap watching Behr open his presents.  Behr opened something Sadie really liked and she got down and took the present and said it was hers.  It made me laugh out loud!

It was such a fun celebration for such a cute little guy!  I love my family!