Dinner with the Malone's

Larry and I were just getting home from the store when Larry got a text from Matt inviting us to dinner.  Heck Yes, we wanted to go.  They gave us a few minutes and then came and got us.  We went to Applebee's.   We sure had a great time visiting with our friends.  We hardly see them since they go to the Single Adult ward and all of our lives are so busy.  It's refreshing to take a breather and just chill and be with friends.

Larry had on a reindeer headband when they came to pick us up.  (Kathy hit a deer on their young adult trip when they went back to the church sites.)  Kathy is a good sport and it's been long enough now that it can be joked about.  Larry is such a silly guy and makes us all laugh out loud often.  We need to remember how nice this was tonight and be sure to take the time to ask the Malone's out next time.  I'm so thankful for friends.

We pulled in to our driveway and a few of our kids were there.  Kevin was returning the boat that he borrowed from Trichelle and TJ and so their cute family was there.  Trichelle and TJ were there to get the boat so they can go out tomorrow and enjoy it.  It was so fun seeing everyone.  I love these simple times.  When everyone was gone we watched an episode of Hawaii 5 0 with Kimleighel.  She'd been waiting all day for us to watch with her.

Day Camp

Today I had a day camp for the girls that couldn't go to Heber Valley with us.  Most was because of their health and I felt bad that they couldn't be included.  It was a fun day for everyone that came.  I made Hawaiian Haystacks for lunch, Kay had a sandwich.  We did a few crafts (rock angels, wood angels) and we had some discussions and activities like we did at camp.  (the greatness I see in you, and labeling each other)  After everyone received their labels I had them read them.  The rest of us said:  "Yes, you are!" and they had to reply with "Thanks, I know!".  It is so hard to claim are greatness but it is so important to do so.

It was a very successful day.  I was feeling good about things until I posted a picture on the internet and a few girls felt left out.  I felt bad about that.  I'm sure they just thought that I didn't want them to come.  In reality these ladies that came really wanted to go to camp and just couldn't and I had crafts and things for them already.  I did have one girl that got sick and didn't come to camp and I did forget to tell her about today.  It happens...I forget things sometimes and I feel bad. (I'm impressed with all that I do remember) The other gal that brought it to my attention really is not interested in camp but I'm sure she would have just liked to have been invited.  Live and Learn...continually!

Hello From Alaska

I got another text tonight from an unknown sender.  It said: "Hello from Alaska!  Just met your son who is a complete star!  We are so grateful for him!  Michael and Jill Liem."  HOW COOL IS THAT?
It's very-very cool...that's how cool it is.  I love that people are so thoughtful.  I was told that the people in Alaska would take care of my son and it's happening already.  I feel so blessed to have him there.

I thanked Jill and found her on Facebook.  We are now Facebook friends. ☺ After I thanked her for being so thoughtful and taking the time to make my momma heart happy she replied again..."Thank you so much for supporting your son on his mission!  He looks really well and is such a lovely young man.  We are lucky to have him her!"  Well I think I am lucky that he is there.  This is my only son that stayed in the states and the first time I had people send me pictures.  I really like it!  I know that things have changes since our first son went and it is easier to find people and communicate...I'm so thankful.

My heart bursts when I know that my son is with someone that is texting me.  I just feel a little closer to him some how.  People are so wonderful.  I know Larry did this kind of thing with the Sisters out here and so maybe that is why we are having these things happen to us.  Next time I have the opportunity to take a missionaries picture I am going to and I will send it to his mom.  It's the little things in life that make a huge difference! ♥

Lunch with some Sista's

Shauna was in town and so Jodi planned a lunch for her.  Apparently it wasn't a good time for anyone else.  It didn't start out to be for me either because I was suppose to take Teresa to lunch for her birthday.  We actually changed that date to Monday when Kathy cancelled.  I've done a lot of juggling on my calendar this year.  I'm glad though that I was able to go.  I took Kimleighel with me since she was hoping that the two of us could do something.

The plan was to go to Tony's but it was closed for cleaning.  I guess it's always closed for a few weeks at this time of year.  We didn't know!  We walked around the corner to the cute sandwich shop that we took Kellie to for her birthday last week.  I decided to just order soup and a salad since last time I got too full.  It was perfect.  I love the cute things in this shop.  So many fun memories of my childhood come back looking at the nostalgic candy we use to enjoy.  A lot of older toys are available there too.  It's a fun little trip down memory lane.  I wonder what my kids remember from their childhood's?

It was fun visiting with Jodi and Shauna. I enjoy their thoughts and input on things.  However, I did leave feeling kind of guilty.  Sometimes I say too much about others.  Not necessarily mean but more than I should.  I've been repenting...again.  Funny thing is, I don't thing anything bad about what others say because I know their intent.  I don't feel like they are being judgmental, so why do I feel like I am?

It was fun anyway.  I enjoyed my time with Kimleighel as well.  Oh and Trichelle called me tonight and told me of a breakthrough that she had.  It was awesome and the best part was that she wanted to share it with me. YEAH for my cute girls!

Temple this Morning

We had a big group go to the Temple today.  I think I counted 10 of us.  The good thing is---we had three men. The bad things is---my name wasn't on the list of participants.  I am so glad that one of the sealers noticed.  I did notice that I was going to be last to go to the alter and that's because my name wasn't on the list.  I know it's because there was such a large group of us and I didn't go talk to Sister Peterson to let her know I was there.  It worked out though.

Today one of the Sealers was Brother Shupe.  I went to school with a few of his daughters.  Lael was my age and we always competed in band for first chair.  Her sister Wendy is a year younger and sold us my wedding ring.  I love the Sealers in the Temple.  They are all such nice men.

I love the group I go with and feel a true friendship with them all now.  I guess that happens when you spend most Wednesday mornings in the temple together.  I love being in the Temple and feeling the unconditional love there.

My favorite name today was Ivy Viola.  I just thought it was pretty.  I couldn't help but think of her mother who named her that.  I bet she loved flowers.  We noticed that four daughters were sealed to the same parents today.  I bet that was one happy family.  I hope we got them all.  I always worry that someone might be lost and forgotten.  That's a sad thought.

The Temple grounds are beautiful but I like them better in the Spring.  I like bright flowers best.

4th of July

Today was one of the most relaxing 4th of July's I can remember.  We didn't get up and go to a parade or to any celebration.  We usually do yard work and maybe a little boating.  Larry did go out and paint the swings. He painted the tires the on Saturday and so the play ground looks good again.  Kimi mowed the lawn and I worked on the computer.  Then we fixed hot-dogs for lunch because it seemed like the right food for today.

 I told Larry I'd like to go to the show or for a drive.  He chose to see a movie.  Kimleighel picked Despicable 3.  The theater was full and so we had the luxury seats that are still pretty close to the screen.  It wasn't too bad but not our favorite spot to be.  The show was cute but it was mid afternoon and so Larry and I were caught dozing.  It was fun going out for a bit.

We came home and watched a few more episodes of Hawaii 5 0.  We caught a few before the movie too.  We never just sit and watch TV but it was kind of nice being able to.  I love having Netflix and being able to watch one episode after another with no commercials.  We might be a little addicted to Hawaii 5 0.

We did think about the freedoms we enjoy and we do appreciate everyone who has fought to have them and keep them.  I will always pray for God to Bless America!  We need God and His blessings!

Celebrating Us

Teresa and I met today at Even Steven's for lunch.  We have had to reschedule to make this happen.  I'm glad it finally did.  Teresa's birthday was a few weeks ago and mine is in a few weeks so this worked out great. I love this girl and I'm so glad we became friends.  Teresa is so genuine and good.  She loves everyone is nonjudgmental.  She's a strength to so many...she is to me!  I enjoyed sitting out on Washington Blvd while we ate.  There are so many interesting people that walk by.  I wonder what their stories are.  I enjoyed our visit and I'm thankful that every now and then we make the time to see each other.  Isn't Teresa so cute?

***A little thing that I have noticed lately.  I know that Satan is trying to discourage me and make me think that I'm not important to my friends anymore.  How is this happening?  It seems like whenever I have something planned with a friend that I get bumped and it has to be rescheduled.  Sometimes my friends don't even get back to me.  Well, I know that things happen and come up and that it is necessary to change plans but it has been happening a lot this year.  (almost every time I plan something with someone)  I know that is one of Satan's little tactics though.  I've caught on to this guy and I refuse to let the turd get me down.  I know my friends love me and that I am just as important to them as they are to me.  The dude will not get me down.  It was a good try until I saw the pattern and noticed where my thoughts were going.  I love myself and my life and I will not go there.