Valentines Lunch with a Fun Bunch of Sista's

This Fun Bunch of gals got together for lunch at the Olive Garden and we exchanged Valentines.  I still think it's fun to give out Valentines.  We had a good time talking...mostly about their Boston Trip coming up in April.  Everyone in the picture except me is going to Boston to cheer on Jodi.  I'm so excited for them and I know they are going to have a blast.  We always have a blast when we are together. Jodi has worked so hard to qualify for the Big Race and I think it's awesome as heck that the Sista's came through and are going to support her.  Nothing like a good group of gals to love and support each other.  I'm going to be happy to enjoy this experience through each of them.  I will be thinking of them and cheering for Jodi at home.  Their energy is so fun and even though I chose not to go I felt a part of them.

I have the best of friends.  Whether they are in this picture or another or not any, I am truly blessed.

Grandma Ruthie is 80

My mom turned 80 while we were gone.  I made sure to call her on her birthday and I know she was pleasantly surprised to hear my voice.  I told my kids that if they could go to her house on Saturday we would have our own little celebration with her.  We had just got home a few hours before and so I just bought a cake and some ice cream.  I think my mom is doing really well for her age.  She's got a lot of life in her and is in really good health.  I think she enjoyed our visit and that we took the time to go celebrate her birth with her.  Jordyn sure loved great grandma Ruthie today.  Justin was teasing and said he was going to go sit on grandma's lap and Jordyn would hurry and beat him to it.  She even let grandma Ruthie feed her some cake.  It was so cute and if it didn't do something wonderful to my mom's heart it should have.  I enjoyed having everyone there together.  I kind of like being squished in her little family room that looks exactly the same as when I got married.  I love my mom and think she's a very good-hearted lady.

Kauai

Fun Week For Us!

                                         

One good thing about owning a time-share is that we vacation every year.  Larry and I both know that if we didn't have to pay dues we probably wouldn't schedule a get-a-way every year.  We haven't been sorry for buying it.  I wouldn't suggest it for others simply because it's easy to find good deals for Hawaii and other places on the internet these days.  We just don't think we would have gone like we have if we didn't have it.  Larry and I arrived a few days before our kids so we could have a little alone time. ☺ We stopped by Larry's favorite little fruit stand, Banana Joes right off the bat.  We always do.  We lined a few things up for the kids and bought some groceries and then we relaxed.  Now that our vacation is over, I'm thinking it might have been a good idea to send the kids home and have a few more days of alone time just to rest.  We wore out! We wanted the kids experience as much as they could.  Our deal with them was we would get them Kauai and make sure they got fed but all their fun and extra's would have to paid by them.  Our kids are good at saving and so they all had plenty.

One of my very favorite things to do is watch for whales.  The condo we were at has a balcony right by the ocean and on Saturday the whales were out there.  They were there every day but on Saturday they were close.  These pictures aren't good because I just had my phone but they help me remember.  I enjoy watching the whales until I can't see them anymore. These whales were still close when they left my view but I didn't bother leaving to follow them.  Something about it thrills me inside.

We enjoyed some shaved ice a few times.  I think they are actually more enjoyable when the weather is hot but regardless we had our share.  I usually shared with Larry and when I did get my own I was never able to finish it.  They make them big!

Jaydan wanted to go on a hike that Braxton had told him about.  (Trichelle and TJ actually found it first and told us all about it) So on Monday we hiked!  It's a 3 mile hike through Mahogany Trees.  It's beautiful and leads to a really pretty botanical garden.  The reward is wonderful.  The boys were able to swing off a rope into the pond there which is always fun for boys.  I tried taking pictures but some lady continued to walk directly between us every time.  I loved the hike but wasn't thrilled with my back.  Propping little kids on my right hip has paid a toll on me.  My lower back hurts whenever I stand too long or am on my feet for long.  Needless to say the hike was a little long and my back was screaming.  I had to stop often and try to stretch it but I made it with a few tears.

We went miniature golfing after the hike.  It was fun and Larry was on fire. Last time we golfed there I was the one to beat but not this time.  I was still hurting but hung on.  We had fun.  The course has been thinned out.  You could see the other holes and sometimes that has not been the case.  It's been fun watching this course.  We were there the first year when everything was newly planted to having it lush and beautiful.  It really is a pretty course and pretty fun. 

Another favorite of mine is waking up to beautiful sunrises.  I just lay in bed and watch the sky change colors.  I do jump up to step out onto the deck to take a picture.  I love sunrise and sunsets.  

The first adventure our kids had was to go zip lining. They did the zip and dip and were gone for hours. There are 9-11 zips and then a little hike to a pond where they could jump in or just float around and then have some lunch.  When we went to pick them up it was nice to hear the rest of their group tell us what good kids they are.  I knew the others would enjoy them because they really are so fun.

Kimi really wanted to go Horseback riding and so on Wednesday we jumped on a few horses and off we went.  The ride was through a few fields and it was pretty enjoyable.  My horse was the only one that caused a few problems.  It might have had something to do with me but I'm pretty sure old Blondie just had a mind of his own.

We tied the horses up and went a little twenty minute hike.  Twenty long minutes going straight up or down the mountain.  Holy Crap my legs do not do well and they were shakin like bacon when we finally made it down to the waterfall.  It was a peaceful little place and we enjoyed a yummy little lunch while we rested.  The kids enjoyed the water....oh the joys of being a kid.  I enjoyed being dry.

The waterfall was pretty and I was fine just to enjoy for as long as possible.  I knew that only way back to the horses was up and I wasn't excited for that at all.  We took a different route and it was a lot better.  We did have to cross a river and climb a rock wall but that was at the first and the worst and it wasn't that bad.  My legs reminded me of this little twenty minute hike for three days after.

Since there was still daylight and so much more that one could do we decided to go kayaking.  The ocean was off limits this week because of the undercurrents and so we stayed in the river.  I think the kids really enjoyed it.  Larry was going to go with us but his finger split open riding the horses and so he decided against it.  Before we came to Hawaii, Larry had an accident at work and smashed his finger.  It spit open and his wedding ring had to be cut off.  He had 7 stitches and even though everyone who saw his finger knew it was broke the x-rays showed it was just dislocated.  Let's just say he was still suffering with a lot of pain this week but made sure we all had a good time.

Thursday we headed to the south side of the Island.  We had a dinner cruise planned for everyone but Larry.  At first Larry just didn't care to go and later when he thought he'd like to join us it was too late and there wasn't any openings. We left in the morning and went to a few water falls and other pretty look outs.  It's incredible how pretty the island is and we wanted our kids to see as much as possible. 

The cruise was along the Napali Coast Line which is beautiful and a little rough. My kids stood right up front and were able to see everything.  Everything included whales, dolphins and even a shark.  It was a great ride and the dinner was so yummy.  We were served drinks the entire time as well.  I felt very pampered.  On the way back we slowed down so we could see the sunset which was so incredible.  It was a wonderful and relaxing day.  Larry drove around and visited some shops while we were out.  I don't think he enjoys alone time as much as I do.

 Our last day was spent on the beach on the south side.  The kids wanted to snorkel and of course we wanted them to experience it.  Jaydan has done it a few times and was excited for Jared and Kimi to as well.  There were signs up saying it wasn't safe but with the reef we felt like it would be okay.  I tried keeping my eyes on the kids but heard later that Jaydan had floated past the reef without knowing.  Thank goodness he checked and got himself back.

We  went to Duke's for a late lunch and we were so disappointed.  I didn't like my meal and all and Larry thought his was flavorless.  The Hula Pie was good though.  I think the kids were fine with their meals but we had talked this place up because we have always really liked it but this time  it was just different.  It seemed weird to look out in the water and not see anyone.  Usually their are surfers and paddle boards all over.  The ocean can be crazy and deadly.

We walked around all the shops in that area and spent a lot of time and money in the Cariloha store.  The kids even spent a lot in that store.  Everything is so soft it's hard not to.  We bought a mattress here and it's being shipped to our house.  We've been wanting a new one and since Larry loves this store we just got it. The young kids helping us were from Ogden and Morgan.  We knew a few of the same people.  They were so cute and really fun to chat with.  We had one last shaved ice at Skinny Mikes.  The shaved ice over her is better than what we get at home. The ice is like snow.  We did a little more shopping and then dropped the kids off for their flight.  Larry and I still had to wait a few hours for ours.

I really do not like the flights coming home.  I hate flying through the night.  I didn't sleep mucheven though the seat next to me ended up being empty.  I get a little sick without sleep and so it's not a fun way to end a trip.  But....The trip was fun and so I will focus on that.

ALOHA

I love babies

I had a really good time with the twins.  They sleep all through the night and are such good babies.  I forget that they still nap a lot and wonder why they get fussy...then it hits me that they might be tired again. That seriously is the only reason they even fuss is when they are tired.  I really enjoyed having them and I'm glad Kevin stayed in California a little longer so that I could.

Double the Fun

I love starting my Wednesdays at the Temple.  It just makes me Happy!

 Instead of picking Kevin up from the airport today I got to pick the twins up from Lynette's and watch them for a few days.  Kevin decided to stay and play at Disneyland a few more days with Julie and the girls.  I took the twins to the daycare after I went to the Temple because I was going to volunteer at the Book Fair at the Elementary School later.  Brynlie wasn't feeling very good and the daycare ended up calling me to come get her.  I went and got her first and took her home until Kimleighel came home and then I went and picked up Briggs.  I decided that I would stay home from bowling tomorrow too and just enjoy these cuties.  Brynlie was a little warm and I think she might be teething.  The babies are fun and cute and very much enjoyed by all of us.

Poor Larry called me on his way to the doctor and told me that he had smashed his finger at work.  He was sure it was broken because it was bent and swollen.  It was also split open and bled everywhere.  I know it was killing him because while he was telling me about it he stopped talking because he was crying.  I felt so bad and so helpless.  The doctor had to stitch it up and poke holes in the tip to drain the blood.  Scott cut Larry's wedding ring off at work and so now Larry's wedding ring does have a beginning and an end.  We think the ring might have saved his finger though.  With this happening right before Hawaii, I believe Larry will get to relax even more than he had planned on.

A few pictures I got to make me smile.  They seriously do!

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!