Boating/Dinner

We took our boat out for the first time this season today.   We thought we should so that Jared could enjoy it one last time before he left for his mission.  I can't believe the time has come to send my son off but I am excited for him.  I'm excited for everything that he is going to experience.  I love what missions do for all of us.  We are all made a little better when we have a missionary out.  The missionary grows up so much and really gets to know Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.  I can only teach my kids so much and God knew that .... these two years are the ones that God really teaches them.  That very thought makes sending missionaries out so wonderful.

Back to boating....we had a great time.  Braxton, Kelsi and their cuties came with us.  We still have Zaden and Behr and they were a riot to take.  Behr loved everything about boating except getting back in the boat once he was out.

Jared wake boarded first and then Braxton did.  It's so fun watching them.  I know they really enjoy it.  Braxton did a flip coming back over the wake and even though he made it all the way around he crashed when his board hit.  It was awesome though.

Jared had a good ride on the tube and then Kimleighel and Behr joined him.  Zaden got to drive the boat completely by himself and did a great job.  Grandpa was right there just in case.  Sadie doesn't love boating too much.  She's so adventurous but not so much when it comes to boating and water.  Braxton held her and jumped in anyway.  Sometimes I do think you need to "strongly encourage" the little ones to face their fears so they know that really it isn't that scary.  Jack was just chill.  He is such a good baby.

Gramps took Larry, Jared and I to dinner.  He wanted to take Jared one more time before he left for his mission.  These two are such good buddies. Gramps helped us a lot with Jared throughout his life and the bond between these two is pretty cool.  I've heard Jared refer to gramps as his best friend.  We went to Ruby River and Jared ordered King Crab...the kid loves seafood which is a good thing since he is headed for Alaska.

Everything was nice about today!

National Doughnut Day

There are a few National Holidays that we celebrate, National Doughnut Day is one of them.  I hadn't even remembered but saw a post on Face Book.  I think it's a good enough excuse to pick up a dozen for my family.  I had called Carla to tell her that Jared ended up getting a C in math because I knew she would appreciate that good news.  Carla told me that her and Robin were going to get their material for their monthly block that they make.  She said I should go with her and that's about all the convincing I needed.  I did tell her I needed to pick up some prescriptions first and so they came and got me and took me to the drug store first.  We went to the fabric store and then for doughnuts.  Of course we all enjoyed a free one and I got a dozen to bring home.  My family was thrilled!

grands all week

Well it's a good thing that I didn't have a lot planned this week.  It's also a good thing that camp is done and I don't have to worry about that...other than uninviting a few people to come and rearrange car assignments because a few leaders won't be able to help. It's also a good thing that Jared is pretty much ready,  because if those things weren't done then I'd be going crazy.  We have grands at our house all week.  Usually at least three but many days 5-8.  I don't get much done when I am watching the grands.  I really enjoy them and pretty much don't do anything else.

Ivy reminds me how fast the time goes and how important it is to take time and enjoy them.  She is growing up fast and I'm not her favorite person to hang with any more. She would rather have a friend over or go with friends.  It's sad but I get it.  I also realize that when she is here with everyone else she doesn't get a lot of attention.  The little ones demand the attention and need more help and so that is where the focus goes.  That is another reason I really like our one on one sleepovers.  The birthday child gets all the attention.

We got to watch Kevin's kids a few times this week.  They are cute and pretty easy. (and they eat so good) It's funny to watch Behr interact with them.  Behr is gentle and kind to Brynlie but compete's a little with Briggs.  He doesn't share with Briggs and will gently push or hit him.  Briggs doesn't seem to mind and never cries.  Briggs really wants to play with Behr and I'm sure in a few months that will happen better.  It makes me laugh how smooth Behr gets between Briggs and something just so he can't play with it.  It's all part of learning to share I suppose and we are doing our best to help them.

Our house is a wreck while the kids are here.  The chairs are used to barricade the twins in and that is all those chairs stop.  Behr climbs right over them.  It cleans up fast though and there are a few times throughout the day we do clean up and start again.

I did remember that I need to hem Jared's baptism pants and write a few notes to slip in his pockets and I will do those things today.  It's pretty quiet right now and that is because we only have Zaden and Behr today.  Life is fun, messy, crazy, enjoyable, stressful, but mostly so good!

Sleep Over with the Older Grands

Twice a year, usually around Conference Weekend we have all the older grands spend the night.  We were in Palmyra this year and so it was put off.  Ivy reminded me a few weeks ago that we hadn't had it yet.  I told her that maybe we should wait until Jared left and girls camp was over.  Her and one of the other girls both said "No, we want to have it before Jared leaves."  The grands love Jared and Kimleighel and so it happened tonight.  It worked out good since we have Trichelle's kids this week anyway while her and TJ are in Peru.

These sleepovers are really fun for the most part.  I say that only because there are moments when I roll my eyes and wonder if they are worth it.  I forget that attitudes happen and everyone doesn't always get along until those things show up.  The good thing though is the few little mishaps never last long.   We all have fun and I really think the fun times will be remembered.

Our house was smoking in the morning when I let the older girls make their design pancakes.  Years ago I did them but now the older girls enjoy making them. We just opened a few windows. ☺  I really do enjoy these get togethers even though they aren't quite as perfect as I imagine. ☺   I love my darling grands and I will do things together as long as they want to.

Jared's Farewell

I've been busy getting Jared ready to leave.  I marked all his shirts, garments and socks with blue nail polish. (it stays on)  I stenciled his luggage so it will be easy for him to know which of the black suitcases is his.  I think he's about ready.

Today he spoke in Church.  I think he did a really good job.  Jared is just a sweet, humble kid.  He wasn't stressed or really concerned about his talk once it came together.  He peeked at his notes a few times to make sure he mentioned what he wanted but he mostly spoke from his heart.  I was proud of him.  As I listened to him speak I felt such peace and I really believe he is going to have a wonderful experience on his mission.  He wants this and is ready.

I wasn't sure who would be able to come and support him since it was memorial weekend and so many people go out of town but there were quite a few of our friends and family there.  Not everyone came to our house afterwards but that's okay. There were still quite a few that did and there was plenty of food.  I had a lot of friends bring over food. (I have such great friends)  Our house was still full of love and support for us and Jared.  The only time I got tears was when I looked around the Chapel and saw so many people that are so important to us.  I feel so blessed and I know that I am.

I love seeing everyone socialize and mingle as we celebrate Jared.  I bounced around the room trying to make sure that I talked to everyone.

Today was such a fun day.  I love these wonderful times together with family and great friends celebrating the new Chapters of our lives.

our outfits said "kodak moment"

"Play"ing Blue Eyed Betty

I really love going to the plays with Barbie, Heather, Natalie and Carla.  We have such a good time.  Tonight Carla made reservations for us at Market Street Grill since her daughter was working.  I was still full from eating at chicken sandwich with Parker and so I only ordered a salad.  Jessica (Carla's daughter) took care of mine and Carla's bill for us.  I didn't expect that but Jessica is a sweetheart.  She gave the others a discount.  

Tonight the Play was about a Pig....a blue eyed pig.  I was really hoping that the internet would have a picture of our pig but it didn't so I will have to describe her.  Our pig was a bigger gal dressed in a little girls pink dress.  Her hair was in curly pig tails.  She had lots of eyelashes so when she fluttered her eyes it was noticeable.  She had pink polka dot boots on.  Around her waist was a ribbon and in the back she had a curly tail.  She rode a pink tricycle around the stage and when she was excited she chimed her bell.  When she "tooted" her horn...well that's when she "tooted". (Heather sent me a picture of our pig...isn't she cute?)  It was so hilarious to watch her.  I just laughed and laughed. Who'd want that part?  Did others say: "You are so perfect for that cute pig part".  The gal played it so well and I'm not sure how the other actors were able to hold a straight face when Betty, the blue-eyed pig, fluttered her lashes or rubbed her cute head on them.  The pig was suppose to be eaten for a big celebration but as you probably guessed...Betty was saved and not eaten.

After, when we like to get a group picture the only person in the room was an older gentleman.  I asked him if he would take our picture and he said he would.  I knew when he was holding my phone the wrong way that he had no idea what he was doing.  This also cracked me up.  I had to reset my phone a few times but as you can see the setting was still changed to black and white. ☺  I think the guys kept touching the screen by mistake.  Carla and I noticed while he was taking our picture that his finger was over the lens. ☺  We did get a few good ones but everything about tonight made me laugh out loud.  The guys asked if they were okay and I when I looked I bust up laughing again.  There was a picture of his finger, part of my hair, and quite a few with his finger blocking most of our faces.  The first ones he took were the best.  I really did appreciate the guy and seriously he just made the night better.

We got in the car and before we left I started laughing so hard again that I had to get out because I was gagging.  The funniest noise was coming from me as I laughed and gagged at the same time, which made me laugh and gag some more.

The laughing continued when I got home.  I expected everyone to be asleep but when I walked in my room Larry was posing and immediately I dropped to my knees laughing.  Oh my word, today was such a fun day.  I love to Laugh!

Surprise...Kevin is 60

I love the Taylors!  The cute Taylor kids had a surprise party for Kevin tonight.  They had everything set up in their back yard.  It was cute and very casual.  It was fun visiting with the Taylor family.  Kim and I went to the same ward growing up and so we have always been friends. Kim was even in my wedding line.

I remember when we met Kevin and his fun group of friends.  We loved going dancing and hanging out with them.  Kevin has always been a happy and nice man.  I thought Kim was a lucky girl when the two of them got together.  Together they have the cutest family.  Each one of their kids are awesome and they are a very close family.  This family does everything together.  They look out for each other.  They are such wonderful examples of how families should be.  Larry and I love being around them.

When we had our trailer we would go camping with them.  That's where we met their friends. Everyone likes going camping with the Taylors.  Kim and Kevin would arrange everything and the rest of us just showed up.  We still showed up a few times after selling our trailer.  I'm so happy that we are friends with this family and that friends are forever too.