Wednesday

Sista Sleepover!

A few of us girls went to Carla's last night and had a sleepover.  I'm really not sure why it's called a sleepover because there is very little sleep involved.  We noticed it was the same group that went to Disneyland a few years ago.  I was debating on really sleeping over but Larry ended up being sick and so it worked out great.  He got our bed and I got a bed to myself at Carla's.  Patti and I shared a room but we each had a nice queen size bed with a memory foam mattress.  (I want one now)  Robin and Carla shared a king bed in the other room.  They stayed up longer and so we figured it would be better to split up into separate rooms than all sleeping together which we could have.  Patti and I went to bed about 3 am and that's because Patti needed to get up at 7 to go watch her grands.  I'm not sure when Carla and Robin went to bed and I know that they were still both asleep when I left at 8 am.

We had snacks and watched three different movies.  We had talked about getting in the hot tub but not everyone remembered their swim suits.  I love getting in the hot tub in the winter but didn't mind not going in.  We snuggled in blankets and watched Sully, Lights Out and Premonition.  Sully was really good and I want to rent it for Larry to watch.  Lights Out was creepy and would have been more so if we would have turned our lights out.  Patti and I didn't want the lights out and we won.  Premonition was just weird.  It was hard to follow and we all should probably watch it a few more times to catch everything.

Then we talked.  We talked about angels and ghosts but focused more on angels since they aren't scary.  We shared stories with each other.  They were nice stories of others watching out for us.  Carla has an inquisitive mind and asks lots of questions on things that don't make since to her.  We got into some pretty deep discussions and everyone had open minds.  I bore my testimony more than once and would not have backed down if I had been challenged.  I shared my experience of being forgiven years ago and how part of the deal was for me to bare witness of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.  I did that tonight.  I pray that Carla will recognize her prayers being answered.  We talked about things she should be aware of and pay attention to while seeking her answer.  She wants a sign and I'm positive she isn't noticing them.  I know God is hearing her prayers and answering them but that she isn't recognizing it.

One thing that bothered me after thinking about it later was when Carla expressed her thoughts about "Why do other LDS families pray for their kids and their prayers aren't answered like ours were when Jared got lost?"  I told her that I don't know why some people's prayers are answered a certain way and others aren't.  I just know that it's all how it's suppose to be.  The thing that bothered me was that I didn't stop and say that being LDS had nothing to do with Heavenly Father hearing or answering our prayers.  I will probably bring that up to her later.  God isn't prejudice.  He loves all of His children no matter where they are in life.  And, I believe we are all where we are meant to be at this time...I don't believe however that we are all meant to stay where we are right now.  We are on a path and everyone's path is specifically for them and their growth.  Also...as we go along our path we are able to help others right where we are.  Everyone is important and meant to be where they are for the time being.  Our progress on our paths is very individual as well.  Sometimes we might speed right along but I am pretty confident in saying that we will reach bumps along the way that will slow us down.  Maybe so that we will take time to help others on their paths or even to slow down so others can help us.

Another point of interest was how could all these Church's on earth claim they are true and the others aren't.  I shared how our Apostles have said it.  All church's are good and teach true principles.  However, they are not complete.  I told her how ours was exactly set up the way it was back when Jesus was first on the earth.  I shared that our leaders are called of God...not men.  I testified of that because I know for certain that is true.  I told her that our church can add to what others have and that those church's are good if they are bringing people to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. That's how our night ended.  I felt good about our discussion.  At times I wish I was more intellectual and could point out doctrine and specifics but that's not how I am.  I have strong faith and "feel" and recognize the spirit.  That's how my testimony is strengthened and that's the only way I know to share with others.

***Brynlie was admitted to the hospital Monday night when they took both of the twins in to get suctioned.  Brynlie's oxygen levels were low and so she will be staying in the hospital for a few nights now.  I feel sad for the babies and their parents.  I know it's exhausting to them.  I love how Kevin and Julie take turns staying at the hospital and supporting each other.  They are working their way over a little bump on their path.  Jordyn is coughing bad too but because she is older she might be able to avoid the hospital. (we hope)

Monday

Movie with the Kids

It's the last day of the Christmas break and the place to be was at the Theater.  Seriously the place was packed.  We made the mistake of waiting until we got there to get our tickets.  We should have bought them on line before hand.  We ended up on the very front row.  We are back row people and so it was quite the new experience.  I was happy that my eyes adjusted pretty quickly and that I was able to enjoy the movie.  I sat between my girls and that just made me feel good.  We saw Lala Land!  The music was great and I liked the show but might have changed a few things if I would have had a say.  I loved the very last look from the two main characters....a smile!  The smile was important...it always is.

We took Trichelle home and then went to Chili's.  Kimleighel got a gift card for Christmas and was eager to use it.  Our first intent was just to get a dessert but we decided to eat and call it dinner.  I ordered spare ribs to take home for Larry.  The kids did get their dessert and I only took a few bites.  I really enjoyed spending the day with my kids.  I realize these moments are coming to an end.  It won't be long and Jared will be gone on his mission. It's coming quick.

Sunday

A New Year

I'm already looking forward to 2017.  I looked at my new Calendar I got for Christmas and the weeks are filling up.  I have a few grands that have birthdays and I don't think I will get to have them over until weeks after their special days.  It's all good things though and so we will just continue to be flexible and make things happen when we can.  I know that we are getting at least one new grand this year and that's always exciting.  I'm just going to enjoy and keep doing what I have been.  I'm going to focus on others.  I'm also going to get rid of more stuff that just clutters up the space it occupies.  No big changes because I like my life and will just continue on.  2017 is just the start of a brand new, exciting chapter!  I can't wait for it to be unveiled.

New Years Eve

I love our tradition to go bowling with the Jones family.  We've been bowling with our family since our families were small.  It's fun having our kids bring their kids now.  I love seeing everyone and being with the Jones's.  I just adore all of them.  We missed a few kids tonight.  Kevin, Julie and their kids along with Jaydan went to Bear Lake with some friends.  Ivy was spending the evening with her dad and his family.  Brooke and her cute family were celebrating Christmas with Nicks family.  We missed them all.  We meet at the lanes in Morgan at 4:30 and get to have the place until 6:30.  Then if our kids want to do something else they can and we still got to enjoy them.  Me and Vicky each bowled 3 games and Larry bowled 2.  He pulled a muscle so Parker covered for him the last game.  The machine wasn't accurate and gave us strikes sometimes when we didn't deserve them.  It gave Parker 5 pins even when he threw it in the gutter.  It didn't do that every time but enough that the scores weren't right.  I think I would have had good games anyway tonight.  We all had a good time.
We went to Vicky's afterwards and she had prepared Hawaiian Haystacks.  Braxton's family joined us for dinner.  All of Vicky's kids came over and it was fun visiting with them.  It seems like we always have so much time to kill before the New Year but we always manage to just fine.

This year we played Cover Your A$$ets!  It was a fun card game and because we liked it so much Vicky gave a game to take home.  I was just getting on line to order it and she told me not to because she had us one.  It really was fun and even the younger kids could play.  There was a  little name calling when someone would steal from you.  I might have called a few people "dirt bags".  I was told that is what made the game fun though.  Being too serious isn't as fun.  Seriously after a few games and a little visiting it was Midnight.  We went out and sent up a few lanterns.  The neighbors had fireworks and you could hear more celebrating going on.  It was another fun end to a wonderful year.
I really enjoyed 2016.  The days and months went fast because I always had so much planned.  Our family was blessed with good health and a few miracles.  I don't want to start naming them because they are already in my book and I might forget something.  We noticed God's hand and guidance though in our lives.  I felt loved and appreciated all throughout the year.  I seriously didn't have many bad moments at all in 2016.  I felt peace and happiness throughout the year. I think I served others more or at least tried to make a conscious effort to.  I had a lot of fun and made some great memories.

I'm already looking forward to 2017.  I looked at my new Calendar I got for Christmas and the weeks are filling up.  I have a few grands that have birthdays and I don't think I will get to have them over until weeks after their special days.  It's all good things though and so we will just continue to be flexible and make things happen when we can.  I know that we are getting at least one new grand this year and that's always exciting.  I'm just going to enjoy and keep doing what I have been.  I'm going to focus on others.  I'm also going to get rid of more stuff that just clutters up the space it occupies.  No big changes because I like my life and will just continue on.  2017 is just the start of a brand new, exciting chapter!  I can't wait for it to be unveiled.

Friday

My Girls Are Sweet

Today Kimi and I stopped by Trichelle's for a quick minute.  I told Trichelle about my cruddy day yesterday and we had a little discussion about it.  We decided that sometimes it's okay to have a yucky day and even wallow in it for a bit as long as we don't stay there.  Sometimes a bad day just helps you realize how good all the others are.  Sometimes a good cry refreshes your soul.  Yes, it's okay to claim a bad day every now and then.  Kimi and I sent and got Trichelle and her family some lunch and when we brought it back to them Trichelle invited me to dinner.  Of course I accepted....I don't like turning my kids down.  She later text me and told me she wanted to take me out because I of my yucky day yesterday.  She also let me know that TJ had really suggested it because he's just a thoughtful guy.  I was thrilled for any reason and I invited Kimi to come with because Trichelle said I could.  I wanted Kimi to come because she always has my back and is always saying nice things to me.  I ate light and felt good afterwards.  I love my girls and I'm thankful for the love that they show their mommy.

Thursday

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.

Wednesday

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.