Possibly My Worst Day of the Year

I don't like to complain but I do like to be real.  I use to have more days like the one today but seriously I can't remember them.  Changing my attitude and focusing on the positive things in life has been magical and most every single day is wonderful.  Today I had a harder time convincing myself there was a lot of good going on.

I woke up with a gut ache.  I'm not sure if it was related to stress but I was thinking so.  I worry...it's the human thing to do.  A few of our family members have been sick and it concerns me.  I worry about my kids and the things going on or not going on in their lives.  I pray with all my heart and soul to understand and trust in God and His will.  I'm usually good at it. Today I struggled, and complained and expressed all my negative thoughts. (never about God's plan...I do totally trust Him)

On the way to bowling I unloaded on Carla.  She listened and said she was glad I could unload since she did a little the other night at dinner.  I'm glad I can trust my friends with all my concerns.  The one good thing that happened from being up tight and stressed and having a woozy tummy is that I bowled really good the first game.  As I loosened up my bowling went down.  By the third game I was barely getting the ball to the pins.  I was in the potty room a lot.  My tummy did not let up.  I was a bit miserable.  

I came home and went to bed.  I knew I needed to get up and go get Parker a balloon.  I promised him that I would after his popped last night.  It popped because he let it go in the fan and watched it twirl around getting tighter and tighter on the blade until it started losing air.  I think that's funny and probably very fascinating to a child.  I retold Natalie the things bugging me and she listened.  All my kids are good listeners. I bet my grands were glad when I left.  My tummy hurt the rest of the night and I could feel my body was tense.

Larry slept out in the living room just in case I was contagious.  I'm not going to lie...having the bed to myself was another good thing that happened today. I wouldn't enjoy sleeping alone all the time but tonight it was good.  I had my space and sometimes I just need it.

I think about my worst day and have to laugh out loud.  Today really wasn't that bad but when you get use to wonderful days it seemed like it was.  I know that stressing and worrying about things doesn't help anything.  I also know that things always work out in the long run.  For days like today its important to remember to "Breathe"....Big, Deep Breaths.

It's Larry's Birthday

It's Larry's birthday! Larry is my Favorite!  I'm so glad he was born and that we found each other and decided to experience life together!  We've learned a lot over the years.  We've had a lot of fun and made it over and through some "rough" times.  Larry is adventurous and I can honestly say that we have enjoyed our adventure.  Larry makes me smile.  He is so kind and cares about others and is always doing things to make others lives better.  Larry is a giver and had given the jacket he was wearing to someone that needed it more.  He's just that way.  What an example of Christlike love. Larry is gentle and kind.  He is also a great big tease.  Sometimes he might tease the wrong people and tick them off but that is never his intent.  He is sensitive to others feelings and has a sensitive soul himself.  Larry is a hard worker and gets things done.  It usually takes him longer than he tells the kids and maybe that's on purpose...but maybe it's not.  He has a heart of God and it belongs to me!  I adore this cute guy that I said "yes" to.  I'm so glad that he is mine and I am his!

We prefer having the kids over for dinner instead of going out.  It's just another good reason to spend time with our kids.  Larry picked up pasta and chicken from LaFerovia and then came home and made caprese.   I picked up balloons but only because Larry had reminded me.  I made sure there were enough for each of the grands to take one home.  I brought in the clowns and we were ready for the kids to come. 

The food was yummy and there was just enough for the guys to take some to work for lunch tomorrow.  The kids played together which is always a delight for me to see.  They truly love each other.  The little ones are even getting better at interacting with each other.  Oh my word...how I love them all.

When we took the picture of grandpa and the grands we didn't get Brynlie or Briggs in it.  Brynlie was asleep in her car seat still and Briggs was in the hospital.

(this picture was taken on Monday)

Our poor little guy got RSV that turned into pneumonia.  He struggled breathing and had a lot of mucus.  When Kevin and Julie noticed his oxygen levels dropping (on Tuesday) they took him to the doctor and was admitted to the hospital.  He's had a bad cough and so I was glad that he was getting some help.

(I took these pictures today after going to the Temple)  Briggs was doing much better but still spent a few more nights in the hospital.

Temple, Hospital and Mom's

I couldn't wait to get to the Temple today.  I had several names I wanted to add to the prayer rolls.  I added Briggs twice. ☺  The temple was beautiful.  The big picture was when I got there. The little one in the corner was when I came out.  It's always beautiful.  I love our Temple.  I always feel good for getting up and going to the Temple.  I think it's a good way to start the day.

I went to the Hospital after leaving the hospital.  I just wanted to see Briggs and how he was doing.  I had experiences a little anxiety the night before and just needed to check on him.  Julie was just getting through feeding him.  He smiled and coo'd and acted like his cute self.  I could still hear his congestion and could see that his breathing was labored but it was a relief to see him.  I watched him get his bath and be checked over.  His nose got cleaned out and he did not like that at all.  I spent a few hours with Briggs and Julie but when Julie laid Briggs down to rest I decided to leave so Julie could hopefully get some rest too.

I went to my mom's after the hospital to return a pan I had of hers. We visited and while I was there some guys came by that Larry had sent. We are having railings put on both her porches to help her from falling.

Trichelle and the kids came over since they didn't make it Christmas day.  I stayed and visited with them all and left a little before Trichelle did.  I learned that after I left that my mom told Trichelle she liked her being a little "fluffy".  My mom must need glasses because Trichelle isn't fluffy anywhere.  Why does she say things like that?  My girls are both so slender...even skinny.  Oh well...Trichelle said it really didn't bother her like it might have a few months ago.  My mom is a nice person and has a bunch of wonderful qualities but sometimes I just don't get her at all!

White Christmas

We got our White Christmas and I think it is absolutely Beautiful!  I love seeing the snow cling to the branches on the trees and cover the ground.

Playing with some Apps

I found a funny app this morning.  I had just woke up and was still in my jammies when I played around with it.  It made me laugh.

Merry Christmas

I think I can honestly say that this has been the very Best Christmas ever!  In my books it was pretty perfect...even with a few sick kids and an ornament that said Christmas in Mexico instead of Hawaii.  Everything just felt right this year.  I never felt stressed or pressured to get things done.  Everything just fell into place.  We enjoyed so much this month as we prepared for this day.  Usually Christmas day is a let down and disappointing to me.  I think because everything that we've been focusing on is over.  I didn't feel that way this year.  I love that Christmas was on Sunday.  I think that's my favorite day to celebrate it on.  Even though Christmas has come I plan on continuing to think and do for others and maybe that is the difference.  I've decided to treat every day like Christmas as the Code of Elfs have taught. (from Elf)

We got up early and got ready for church and then we went into the front room to open the few presents under the tree.  Jaydan, Kimleighel and Jared all had 2 presents to open...oh and their ornaments.  They each got their favorite cereal.  Jared and Jaydan got a swim suit and Kimleighel got a mermaid blanket with a note that said they were going to Hawaii in February.  They were all pretty excited and happy with their gift.  I'm excited to take them.  I noticed a few extra presents under the tree that had Larry and my names on them.  Jaydan got Larry a Tigers hoodie and me some Mickey & Minnie pajama's.  I think he heard that Larry and I were going to Disneyland. (our gift to each other)

Kevin and Julie invited us over to watch their kids open their presents and to have breakfast with them.  They also invite Julie's family.  I love being invited and seeing the excitement, joy and magic children experience. When Julie went to wake up Jordyn, I was in getting Brynlie and Jordyn saw me.  Julie told her that Santa had came and she said "and Gramma Dawn"? It made us smile...I love being a gramma!

A trampoline was set up in their game room where the Christmas tree was.  Santa had left the stockings and a few toys on top of it.  The girls were so excited.  They got scooters, socks and movies. The twins got another wagon with a cover and car seats.  They also found out their family is going to Disneyland.  It was fun being a part of the magic.

We hurried over to Trichelle's to see what Santa had left them.  Santa indeed found them and left some fun things. Ivy got a phone, kayak and long board.  Zaden got a big wheel, kayak and an Xbox. (he'd asked Santa for one the last three years)  Behr got a cute truck that he loved and some cool tools.  They were all pretty darn happy.  Zaden told grandpa that dreams really do come true. It's fun watching the parents as well.  I love seeing their love for their kids.

We went back to Julie and Kevin's for breakfast and then was off to Church.  I loved our program today.  The Bishopric shared some thoughts about Christ and the Ward Choir sang in between their thoughts.  The snow was falling and everything was perfect.  We got a White Christmas again.

We waited a little while for Justin's church to get over and then we went and visited his family.  Poor little Macie was sick and had been throwing up. She was so sweet though and just snuggled with her mommy.  Larry fell asleep for awhile and we played games with them.  We played Twister and Headband.  We laughed a lot and had a great time.  I was playing twister and slowly got pushed over.  It was like a domino affect and when I fell even though it wasn't hard my knee landed on Mya's foot.  That's the worst part of me that could have hit her.  I was afraid that I might have broke her foot but she recovered quickly which I was thankful for.  Twister is harder than I remember it being. (haha...my body doesn't move like it use to)  We needed to leave and run home because we hadn't brought any of our parents gifts.

Braxton and Kelsi enjoyed Christmas in Jerome with Kelsi's family.  It looks like Santa found them.

We went to my moms and Susan, Shellie and Haley got there about the same time.  My guys shoveled my mom's driveway and walks before they came in.  We had a good time visiting with each other.  After everyone was filled up my mom handed out gifts.  It wasn't as crazy without my grands there.  (Braxton's family is in Jerome, Trichelle's kids were with their dads, and Justin and Kevin had sick kids....Macie and Briggs)  My mom handed all of my family cards that I helped her make with money in them.  The great grands got books and a few gifts but I must not have paid too close of attention because I can't remember.  It was nice with less confusion than most years.  I like confusion though on Christmas if it means having everyone together.

We visited for a few hours and then went to Larry's parents.  I love that we visit our parents on Christmas.  That has always been a tradition for us and even if my kids don't want to keep it up I would feel bad if we didn't do it.  When our parents go there will be a void on this day for me.  My kids are making their own traditions and I'm happy with whatever they choose as long as we keep getting together sometime.

We went home and just enjoyed the tree and being together.  I even had a little cat nap before Tonya and Mark stopped by.  It really was a perfect day.

Christmas Eve

Today is Christmas Eve and cleaned out the garage.  I was trying to catch up my blog but ended up in the garage with Larry and the kids.  We threw away a bunch of stuff.  We had about 4 truck loads to get rid of.  I'm in the mood to simply and get rid of unused things.  Larry makes it happen faster and I know why.  He just piles it all up and dumps it in the field.  I go through things when I downsize and throw it away or DI it.  You can only do so much doing it like me because there is only so much room in the garbage can or vehicle.  Getting things cleaned up a bit sure refreshes the soul.  I had cleaned my room the day or so before and man it's nice.  Cleanliness and order really is good for the soul.  I need to go through more.

Our reward was dinner at Laferrovia.  We knew they were open and had decided that we would go there anyway.  I took them a few caramel apples that I had made for them.  The owners are just such good people and have become dear friends.  We noticed that there was something going on outside and was told that Kokomo's was feeding the homeless and have been for years.  They were cooking right outside and I was touched by their thoughtfulness.  I was touched again when Tim, our waiter came and wished us a Merry Christmas instead of bringing us a bill for our meal.  I got tears in my eyes. Josephina (not sure the spelling) came out and told us that our meal was on them.  I got more tears and told her that we wanted to support them today but she insisted.  What good people!  I'm going to take care of people's meals this next year.  I know that I will have enough to do so and I want to make others as happy as we were.