cuties at my house/blood drive

I love summers.  Summers mean more grands more often.  I just think it's fun having these cute faces in my home.  I love them so much.  Today Kevin brought the older girls to play.  Sweet Jordyn wore out and feel asleep on the floor.  The twins went to daycare...they get to go there once a week in the summer.  Trichelle brought her fun boys over awhile later for Kimi to watch. Oh how they all make my heart happy.  I love everything about them.

While they were there today I made cookies.  I really thought the girls would want to help me but they didn't today.  Kamryn wanted to color some pictures for the book I'm doing and Jordyn just wanted to watch her princess movies.  I know Kamryn likes to bake but not today.  I don't bake like I use to and truthfully it's because things don't get eaten as quickly with everyone gone.  Since Jared left I am really noticing a difference.  I am throwing more food out that isn't getting eaten (even pasta salad) and the ding dongs I buy are still in the drawer when I want one.  Jared ate more than I thought.  I miss my boy but wouldn't want him here right now.  I know he needs to be on a mission and I'm thrilled that he is.

One of Larry's responsibilities as a High Councilman is the Stake Blood Drive.  So that means that I get to help out too.  I go over and unlock the building and then I sign people in.  I'm pretty much there the whole day.  I like visiting with people though and so the time usually goes pretty fast.  Today it got a little slow around 3:30.  We still had people there but people weren't coming like they should have been.  I decided that I would donate since it was slow.  The only good thing about donating is that I met Mataya.  She's a darling girl.  We talked and of course my mommy brain went right to Jaydan.  We talked about the two of them getting together and she is so sweet so said she would be happy to go out with him.  I hope he asks her soon.  I know they talked that night but a date wasn't set.

My blood didn't flow like it usually does.  I wasn't able to fill the bag and so my blood will only be used for testing.  I just don't think the needle was in the vein right.  It hurt and was too close to the tendon.  Janet Foster made my day though.  She told me that she had looked over at me while she was donating and was admiring how young and youthful I looked.  Man, a compliment can sure add a heap of happiness to your heart quickly.   I had to give her a hug.  Those kind words were needed, which makes me think we always need them. I'm going to be better at sharing kind words with others.

A few hours after I donated I got kind of sick.  I was holding my cute Jack while Kelsi donated and I got feeling a little shaky.  I told Larry that I was going home and would be back if I felt better.  I never went back.  I chilled and fevered the rest of the night.

Jared Made it to Alaska

Yesterday morning a received a "surprise" call from Jared.  I was so excited.  It was so great hearing his voice.  He was just getting ready to board his flight to Alaska.  He sounded great. He shared a little secret with me.  He told me that he really didn't like his first two weeks in the mission.  I would have been surprised if he would have.  Missions are a big change.  I knew that studying everyday and having someone around you 24/7 might not be his favorite.  He told me that it was all good though.  I realized that my brain is so focused on seeing the good that I was able to read his letters as if he were enjoying everything thoroughly. I told him that too...I guess if he wants me to know he isn't happy, he is going to have to spell it out for me because everything I read between the lines is great.

He mentioned that when he arrived in Alaska that things were very different but that he would get use to it.  I reminded him how the other boys must have felt when they arrived in their missions not being able to understand a word of what was being said.  I hope Elder Ropelato will practice focusing on the good and manifesting great things.  I reminded him to be the very best companion that he could be and if he did he would enjoy his companions.

I'm so excited for Jared's journey.  It's going to be amazing.  He is going to be amazing.  This kid is so humble and kind and is going to be a blessing to everyone who gets to know him.  I'm so blessed to be his momma.  Man....he's a handsome guy!

Celebrating Kellie

Kellie had a birthday last week!  Woot Woot!  We had planned on going to lunch the day before her birthday but things didn't work out and so we had to reschedule. (I've had to reschedule a lot this year with my friends...weird)  We decided to go to Even Steven's.  It's a quaint little place in Ogden and is pretty good.  It was great just visiting with Kellie.  I really enjoy one on one time.  I'm so grateful that this sweet friend came into my life and that make time to visit every now and then.  Kellie is pure sweetness.  She is really wonderful about taking care of others.  She's a terrific mom and grandma.  She always puts everyone's feelings before her own.  She so concerned for the well being of others.  Her heart is tender and caring.  I'm so glad this girl was born and that our paths crossed and that we have each other now and forever.  Kellie's a saint that is for sure.  (she would laugh at that and probably deny it...but she really is)

I admire Kellie and try to follow her good example.  Kellie is also very funny.  She has a great sense of humor and we can be serious and then funny and it works.  Life is pretty darn good because I am surrounded by some of the best people born!

grands and simplifying

Today I got to enjoy the cuteness of Kevin's little's.  Kevin has football twice a day now and so he needed a little help with his cuties.  That's one of the things about summer that I love at this time in my life.  I get to help out with Kev's little's more often than usual.  The other grands get to come play more often but since Kevin's little ones go to daycare during the year I really don't see them as much.  It was so much fun having them all.  They are so good and the twins are pretty easy now.  I love watching them compete with each other.  I love how Kamryn and Jordyn are such good big sisters.  I really did enjoy having them all for the day.  It was so fun!  I really loved all the cheesy smiles and loves they so freely give.

Tonight we had a family meeting.  Larry and I have come to a time in our life that we really need to simplify.  We have a lot of loose ends and stuff.  Most of our big stuff has served it's purpose and it's time to get it out of here.  The very thought of getting rid of things is pretty wonderful.  The heaviness of having it all is lightened.  Things like the boat, pool table, hockey table, pop a shot, land, time-shares, punch bowls (I have 2 and don't use them), dishes and decorations.  We even thought about down sizing our home but we won't until Jared returns....then maybe even then we won't.  I like it here and I think I will like it even more after purging.

We have a goal now to really get things in order so that we will be ready to serve a mission when Jared gets home and settled.  I'm really feeling the greatness of setting goals and being specific about them.  Having time limits and such...it's empowering.

While we were meeting I had some of the grands draw some pictures for the book I am doing.  I'm pretty darn excited about it.

I felt relieved after meeting with the kids.  They are all fine with us getting rid of things.  Some of the things will be going to them and I really like that too.  I'd love to see our toys enjoyed still by our family.

The next few years are all about preparing for the next big step in our lives.  I'm excited/nervous but I know it will all be good because we are being lead by the best....Heavenly Father.  With God nothing is impossible and everything always works out!  YeeHaw!

Awaken Seminar

I love attending the Awaken Seminars.  They remind me of a big Youth Conference.  You learn from speakers who involve the audience and want feed back. Then they have activities to implement the things you learn.  I go with an open mind/heart to receive inspiration from God.  Being in this atmosphere prepares me for inspiration.  Things just come to my mind that I know would not normally just show up.  I like that and find it fascinating.

 Trichelle brought her family to the Hypnotist show and Zaden laughed so hard...it was fun!

 This conference was awesome.  We had some really great instruction on how we can each improve ourselves which will improve our own life.  We had some cool breakthrough activities.  One that really hit me this time was a simple one.  We partnered up and shared a story of us being a victim.  I don't have much but as a child I did "create" things.  I felt kind of dumb but also very blessed that I had something so small to claim as my "victim" story.  My partner's story was big.  We shared how we felt as victims with each other.  I cried out of pure love and compassion as my partner shared her story with me.  I didn't know her before we became partners but I loved her...unconditionally.  We also put ourselves in the villain's shoes and spoke for them.  Trading places really helped me get a better understanding for my "villain". (who isn't really a villain at all)  During that exercise I realized I was given things in my childhood because I was strong enough to handle them.  I was given those things to help me grow and guide me to another path.  I was given those things out of ignorance and jealousy.  I truly believe they weren't meant to hurt me like they did.  I was the target of releasing to help that person heal.  I also was shown how truly blessed I have been in my life.  How protected and loved I have always been.

Kimleighel's favorite activity was when we had to make a declaration about our highest self.  We said three things that described us at are highest/true selves.  Mine were: Heavenly, Kind and Delightful.  Then we finished it with something like...king, princess, warrior etc.  Mine was Daughter of God.  So if someone asked me who I was I would say: I am heavenly, kind, and delightful a daughter of God.  Then they said "yes, you are!" and I would respond with: "thanks, I know!"  It was empowering. I loved how it's ok and even good to be able to own our greatness and encourage others to do the same.  We are all so much more than we give ourselves credit for!

Gerald's brother, Clint came and spoke to us and that was such a blessing. Clint is such a fabulous and spiritual person.  Clint has been studying with a master healer from the Himalayas for the last few years.  I loved everything about Clint.  He asked 3 questions and that is what they do when they heal others.
1. What would you do/be if you knew you would succeed?
2. What would you do/be if you had $10 Million in the bank?
3. What would you do/be if you knew you had only 6 months left to live?
We pressed the tip of our pointer finger and the answer to those questions was clear in our minds.

My answers had to do with blessing the lives of others by helping them know of their greatness.  It was awesome.

He had a few ladies go on stage who suffered with severe pains throughout their bodies.  After they answered those questions, Clint pushed a few pressure points and patted their head and cheeks a little and pressed on their backs to release the blockages they were holding.  It was amazing and I was feeling a little jealous that I didn't raise my hand higher because my back was really aching at the time.  I did know that the ladies chosen needed it more than me though.  Then Clint have us all a gift and told us a little trick that would relieve our aches.  It was so simple and immediately it worked.  Trichelle was sitting behind me and noticed that I sat right up.  I couldn't feel any pain at all.  It was amazing.  I know that God blessed others with healing powers and those gifts are from Him.

We walked bare-feet on broken glass and that is when I knew that I wasn't playing with a full deck.  I really wasn't coming up with anything and a gal I was sitting by asked me a few questions and that "thought" came up.  I couldn't think of anything and nothing came to my mind when we broke arrows and so I passed on that one.  I'm not afraid of breaking an arrow by putting in on my throat and walking into it but when nothing came up I decided I wasn't going to dig anything up.  I don't know why but that felt right for me.

We learned about manifesting the things we want.  Actually we all do it all the time by the things we say.  Our thoughts are so empowering!  We learned about health and finances and how to improve in those areas.  We learned about being in alignment with God and accepting His plan even when it doesn't look like our plan.

We were told to set goals.  To tell those goals to our tribe and friends so that we would be more committed to them.  Even then I wasn't sure what goals to make and so I decided that I would make time to work on the computer for 2 hours in the mornings to keep up on my journal, family picture books and Jared's missionary journal.  I also decided that I would consciously "pay it forward" to someone every day.  I wrote a list of ideas to accomplish that.  I was feeling good about my goal but I knew that wasn't stepping up like I knew I needed to.

Today Larry and I went to the Temple and I was told what I need to do.  I wasn't thinking about anything at the time the revelation came but I recognized it when it did.  I really know that my purpose in life is to help others see their greatness.  Are you curious what I was told to do?  I am to write a Children's Book.  It will be called "Little One, You Are Loved".  It will be simple but powerful.  It's not one bit overwhelming to me.  My grands will provide the art for the book.  Simple as that!  I'm excited.  Then I was told to do a separate book for older kids.  It will be called "Happy to be Me.".  It is also very simple and will filled with positive affirmations.  I'm so excited because I know this idea is God's and not mine. I get to be the instrument and receive the blessings from doing it.  I love "Playing" with God and having Him guide and direct me.

I know that the last three days were preparing me to receive that little inspiration.  I know that I am also suppose to team lead at these conferences.  I want to be more involved in helping others and this is a way I can be.  I actually saw myself doing something like this at the last seminar I attended.  I am being blessed and I'm excited about the things I am suppose to do.

Fathers Day

I'm so thankful for the wonderful dads in my life.  I sure miss my daddy but I'm very thankful for all the wonderful memories I have of him. I'm glad Larry's dad is still around and that he lives next door to us.  That is truly a blessing to our family.  I treasure his life even more since my daddy passed.

I think I married one of the very best daddy's around.  Larry has always been so good with kids and has been pretty involved in our children's lives.  He has worked hard so that we can play and enjoy nice things.  I sure do appreciate him and I'm glad  he is the one I had a family with.  My boys are some of the best dads ever.  I couldn't be more proud of any of them.  They are all very involved daddy's and their kids adore them.  That goes for my son in laws as well.  We just don't have dead beat dad among us.  I know my other boys are going to Rock the Roll as well.

The kids came over and we fixed burgers and enjoyed each other.  I forgot to take a picture of everyone because of all the commotion.  Sometimes I just can't think straight.

This year I wrote individual notes to each of the dads and gave them a pair of socks.  Not a big deal but a little recognition to let them know they are doing a fantastic job.

We went to Shannon and Jacob's baby blessing.  It was nice and I enjoyed spending some time with them and their families.  I was really glad we went even if it meant missing our Stake Conference.  We always have Stake Conference on Father's Day and so the daddy's don't really get recognized too much.  Being in a ward the dads got candy bars.  If we would have stayed for the entire block, Larry would have also got a homemade cinnamon roll. Shannon's ward does it right.  Cute little Keane is so cute and little Reese turned 3 yesterday and so she had a cute cake today.  It was everything she wanted...white, with donuts, and sprinkles!

I'm most thankful for My Heavenly Father.  I feel his love for me, His daughter, every single day.  I notice His hand and guidance in my life.  He really does want us to all be happy and to return home to Him.  He has given us help....it's everywhere.  We have each other, our families, the church, scriptures, prayer, good programs and classes.  It's simple really....just keep His commandments...the other things I just mentioned help us to do that.  I'm thankful for my knowledge of my Heavenly Parents....I can't imagine not having that believe or knowledge.  I love knowing I have purpose and worth because I am HIS!

"Play"ing Tarzan

Tonight I went "Play"ing with my cute friends.  I got to take Ivy too because Carla left a few weeks early to go see Sara.  We went and ate at Macaroni Grill first and it was yum!  We told them we were in a hurry because we had a play and our cute waitress hustled so fast.  We got our food so fast and we had plenty of time.  We all tipped her really good because she was so happy and one of the best waitress's I've seen in a long time.

The Play was fun and good but I think I was tired.  I expected it to be a little more upbeat.  The music was fantastic but a few songs lulled me to sleep of a second or two.  I am always amazed at how they can transform that little room. The costumes were pretty creative too.  I loved having Ivy with us.  I think she was thrilled because Mrs. Anderson came. Heather is a teacher at Freedom Elementary where Ivy attended.  Ivy likes her...we all do!

I love spending half a day with these fun ladies. We always have a good time.