Dog Gone It

I stopped by Carla's to see how she was doing.  I had a feeling she might not be feeling up to par.  I think I was right.  When you go to Carla's you get greeted by five dogs.  They like to be all over me when I first get there.  I like them though so it doesn't bother me.  Carla and I had a pretty strong discussion about our Temples.  Carla has been reading a lot of things that others have wrote that might have truths but that they also are blowing way out of context.  Carla was positive that if those things were written they are true.  I told her they have truths but it isn't like she thinks.  She was disgusted with what goes on in the Temple and said she could never accept the things she read.  I get ticked that others make good things appear bad but that is just the way things are.  Larry suggested I ask Carla if I should go to her neighbors to find out what kind of people Carla and Roger are.  They have neighbors that are rude and would probably give us a whole different opinion of our good friends.  I thought that was a good point.  I told Carla that if she was going to read anything to know if what I believe is right then it should be the Book of Mormon.  I told her that book isn't one person's opinion or view and that only the Spirit could testify to her of it's truthfulness.  She shouldn't believe me or anyone else and would need to find things out for herself.  Carla is a thinker...a deep thinker...and over thinks everything. (she said that about herself)  I suggested that a balance of thinking and of feeling might do us both good.  Anyway it was kind of a crazy little chat.  We decided to go get Swigg's and that was good.

While we visited, I encouraged Carla to go to Boston with the sista's and support Jodi.  I knew Carla really wanted to go and I didn't want her to miss out.  She again was over thinking everything; transportation, numbers of those going, if they would be crowded in Shauna's house.  I tried convincing her not to worry about those things and promised that things would work out and be fine.  Well...her headache and struggle with depression got the worst of her today and things didn't end so well by the end of the day.  Dog Gone It!  I love my dear friend and realize that depression is real and can over power you some days.  It breaks my heart.  (if you get it, please get help)

I'm sad that I won't be going to Boston but really felt that the timing wasn't right and I needed to pick family over friends. I would be gone on Easter, which happens to be my favorite Sunday of the year.  I love being at church with my hubby and kids. We also have so much going on right now and I know if I went I would be adding a little more stress to my hubby.  Jared submitted his mission papers and we have to get him everything.  The kid doesn't even own a regular white shirt. (his is cowboy cut)  Kimi and Jared will both be going to the Temple soon for themselves and we need to get them everything.  I need to schedule graduation and mission pictures.  We will need to schedule family pictures.  We have always taken the other boys to Kirkland or Nauvoo before their missions and are trying to fit that in too.  It's all good and I am being taught that I can't do everything and to accept that. Dog Gone It! ☺

Natalie's Golden

Today Sweet Natalie is celebrating her Golden Birthday.  Mya actually pointed this out.  Today Natalie is 31 on the 31st of January.  I think that's awesome.  I think Natalie is awesome!  I absolutely love this wonderful girl.  She is gentle, kind, thoughtful, smart, creative, thrifty, organized, spiritual, fun and pretty much perfect.  Natalie is good at everything.  She is so helpful and knows just how to serve others without being asked or even asking.  I admire that quality in her because I lack it.  She's observant and then acts.  Natalie usually has a baby in her arms. All the little's love her because she loves them.  Natalie is soft spoken.  I love her words of wisdom that she shares with me when we talk.  Natalie is a really good listener.  Natalie is one of the best mom's ever and such a wonderful wife to my son.  I couldn't ask her to be any better.  She spoils her family and is always doing things for each one of them.  Natalie is a blessing to me and to our family.  I'm so glad that she is the one Justin asked to spend eternity with.  I'm so happy that today I was able to take her to lunch for her birthday.  She was excited to go and kept telling me that she was.  She's so cute.  When I dropped her off she gave me a hug and that meant a lot to me.  I don't think we hug much and so I noticed and it was nice.  I learn a lot from Natalie and I'm sure I am a better mom and gramma because of her example.  What a Blessing Natalie is....I'm so glad she was born!

Celebrating Robin

I promised Pat at Christmas that I would get a lunch date together with our neighbors.  This month was zooming by and so I put a day out there.  Robin suggested we count this as her birthday lunch which works out really well since I will be out of town on her birthday.  I was so happy that we were all able to meet.  I love my sweet neighbors who are also such wonderful friends.  We all get along so well and can count on each other for anything.  We have a lot of fun together and do a lot of laughing out loud.  I refer to Robin as an Angel here on Earth.  She is just so pure and wonderful.  She is seriously one of the kindest people ever born.  I'm really glad that she was born and that her and Dirk built a house across the street from us.  I am a better person for just knowing Robin.  I want to be more like her.  I want my goodness to be my strength.  I just wouldn't be the same without my good friends.  I need them all!

Kevin's Family in Disneyland

 I told Kevin to text me pictures.  I can't help but smile every time he does! ☺  I smiled extra big when I saw Bryce and Tessa and their cute family with them.  I knew my niece and nephew were taking there family but really the chances of running into each other are crazy.  So Fun for them!

Playing

I took Kevin, Julie and the two older girls to the airport.  They are headed to Disneyland.  I know they are going to have fun!

I went home and enjoyed the grands some more. They are so cute and it's been fun having them come to play.

Not long after the grands were picked up, I was picked up by Barbie to go to the Play.  We left a little early so that we could stop by the Heritage Care Center and visit with Kay from SNAP.  We had heard that Kay's niece, Heidi had died when we were at SNAP on Thursday.  Kay seemed happy and so I asked her how everything was.  She didn't say a thing about Heidi and so I asked her Heidi was doing.  Kay said that she was doing good and that she had a new boyfriend.  Barbie and I just looked at each other.  Either we got some false information or Kay hadn't been told yet. I also talked to Kay and told her that she wouldn't be able to come to girls camp this year because of her health.  She wasn't very happy with me but oh well...

The play tonight was Cash on Delivery.  It was a hilarious play about a guy scamming the S.S. Department.  One lie leads to another.  The energy was crazy and constant.  We did a lot of laughing.  We always do a lot of laughing.  I heard a new song "Pray for You" by Jaron Lowenstein on the way down.  It puts a whole new twist on praying for someone.  haha  Here's the words.....
I haven't been to church since I don't remember when
Things were goin' great 'til they fell apart again
So I listened to the preacher as he told me what to do
He said you can't go hatin' others who have done wrong to you
Sometimes we get angry, but we must not condemn
Let the good Lord do His job and you just pray for them

I pray your brakes go out runnin' down a hill
I pray a flowerpot falls from a window sill and knocks you in the head like I'd like to
I pray you birthday comes and nobody calls
I pray all you're flyin' high when your engine stalls
I pray all your dreams never come true
Just know wherever you are honey, I pray for you

I'm really glad I found my way to church
'Cause I'm already feelin' better and I thank God for the words
Yeah I'm goin' take the high road
And do what the preacher told me to do
You keep messin' up and I'll keep prayin' for you

I pray you tire blows out at 110
I pray you pass out drunk with your best friend and wake up with his and her tattoos

I pray your brakes go out runnin' down a hill
I pray a flowerpot falls from a window sill and knocks you in the head like I'd like to
I pray you birthday comes and nobody calls
I pray all you're flyin' high when your engine stalls
I pray all your dreams never come true
Just know wherever you are honey, I pray for you

More of the Same

I really love how beautiful winter is.  The frost on the trees and every where else makes me smile all over.  It's so pretty.  I usually stop and take a picture because I love it so much.  This winter is amazing.  It's very cold but that just reminds me how thankful I am for a warm house and cozy blankets.

As soon as Justin brought me Macie we left.  I took Macie to play with Kelsi and Sadie so that I could go to the Temple to see Trevor and Tiffany get married.  (3rd time for the Temple this week)  I think Trevor and Tiffany are such a cute couple.  They are just such good kids.  Trevor works for Larry and so for their wedding gift we sent them to California for a conference but paid for them to stay longer so they could go to Disneyland.  When I picked Macie up, I invited Kelsi and Sadie to go to lunch.  Sadie wanted to ride with me and wasn't happy that she had to go in her car.  The car seats these days are not the easiest things to move so we took both cars.  We went to Chic-fil-A and the girls had a good time. I had a good time talking to Kelsi.  Kelsi is still pretty reserved around me and doesn't say much.  I think she is a sweet heart and I'm so thankful for her.  Kelsi is so easy going which is essential being married to Braxton.  She doesn't mind him having so much adventure even if it means getting shaving cream all over your baby or throwing your baby really high in the air.  I love that Kelsi just goes with it and trusts Braxton.  I'm glad she's part of our family now...she's a cutie.  I talked to Macie all the way home trying to keep her awake so that she would nap at home and we did good right up to our corner.  She did take a good nap.

I picked Trichelle's kids up from school and then went and picked up Justin's kids.  I was really glad Kimleighel was home so I could leave Macie sleeping.  I would have had to make two trips otherwise.  The grands love playing together at my house and I love having them here.  I made everyone dinner before the parents picked them up. (shepherds pie)  Larry and I hurried to the church for the reception and got to see Braxton, Kelsi and Sadie.  Sadie saw me first and came over to me...she's so cute.

When Trichelle and TJ came to get their kids we were laughing so hard at Behr that I started choking. (the kids a clown)  I couldn't breath and when I did get some air I would cough.  I coughed so hard it gagged me and I had to run to the bathroom.  I was struggling with catching air, coughing and eventually even throwing up.  The thought crossed my mind that if I died at least they could put I died laughing on my headstone. haha  I love to laugh even if it about kills me. ☺

The Grands

I get to enjoy these cuties for the next few days.  Natalie has a sister in St. George that is moving and so her awesome sisters all drove down together to help her move.  I love being able to help out.  Today Trichelle watched Macie while I went bowling and then I picked her up on my way home.  Jaydan came down after work to pick the kids up and take them home.  Justin had some church stuff going on.  I made dinner for them all first.

They were good about getting homework done right away.  I enjoyed listening to Parker read out loud.  I'm amazed how quick kids learn things.  I love seeing them learn and progress.  I love having them over.

Barbie was over the activity tonight at SNAP and a few of her girls came and did hair and polish on the girls.  Barbie bought the girls bags to decorate for camp.  They are suppose to put their plates, cups, and forks in them for camp.  These girls make big messes.  We had to leave the bags in another room to dry.  A few leaders were going to pick them up tomorrow.  The hair on the girls turned out cute.  I think they really enjoyed getting "dolled" up.  My mind in on camp.  I was direct tonight but another leader was more direct and we had one gal decide not to go.  I'm actually relieved because I don't think she would enjoy this camp.  This year's camp isn't going to be relaxing. The gals need to be able to get around and so it's important for them to be in pretty good health.  I also want positive attitudes.  I have decided that since some won't be able to attend because of conditions that I will make everyone a shirt at least...even if they don't come.