Beautiful Sabbath

I left for church at 7:15 am to go to ward council before church. There was tons of snow and of course I didn't have any boots. My next purchase, thank you very much. I waded through snow to get into the church. My shoes were filled with snow. I had to dump the snow out before I went in.
Dean and Amie sent me a gift certificate to JC Penney's my boots are on the list to purchase with my gift certificate.
I came home from church and Janna made spaghetti and then I laid down on the couch and slept until 5:45. I guess I was tired. I finished this page. I just keep plugging along. Hopefully I will get 2012 done soon.

Rafting

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the members of our ward I get to serve with. I love their dedication and hard work. I am so blessed!

Do Nothing Day

Today was a do nothing day. I did manage to scrapbook and fold my clothes. I made Hamburgers for dinner and that was it.

 Cousins

Canning

Here are the two pages I got done. I'm working hard to get 2012 done so I can start on 2013. How in the world did I get so far behind.

Grateful Statement: I am grateful for my ability to Scrapbook and relive all these wonderful memories. I am blessed to own a wonderful camera and to know how to digitally do this.

Sledding

 Around the Neighborhood

 Oops

Rooster Tail of Snow

I have had the most restful, peaceful day. I took a nap, scrapbooked, read my scriptures, played games on my ipad and watch them load up our chicken coop and take it away. SOLD!
It's been a great day and I also was able to take pictures of the kids and the new sled Harley gave Austin and Bailey. What a good big sister. They are crazy with Harley pulling them all over the neighborhood. What Fun!
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful this day for my life. I live on a mini farm that I love, I am retired and don't have to work. And I get to serve all the sisters in my ward as the Relief Society President. I am blessed.

Christmas Day

 Opening Presents

 Eating Dinner

Crazy Kulow Girls

We opened presents at Janna's this morning. Ronnie had spent the night so he would be here for Christmas morning. It's a good tradition for the kids to have mom and dad on Christmas day. The kids liked what Santa brought them. 

I made Turkey and Ham that Janna and Harley had gotten for Christmas. It was pretty good. Everyone liked it so I guess it was okay. The Turkey was smoked and it's not my favorite. But the Ham was delish. I spent the rest of the day scrap booking and watching television.

John called to wish me a Merry Christmas. Then my brother Johnnie called and then Dean. So I heard for all my loved ones today. I got a picture of Gracie. Just made me miss her tons.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my family and the wonderful holidays celebrating baby Jesus' birth. I am bless to know these things through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Christmas Eve Pajamas

Christmas Pajamas

I went to Winco this morning and finished my food shopping. It was a little crowded but not bad.
Next on my list was wrapping the rest of Janna's gifts.
Then it was time to make a Chicken Noodle Casserole for dinner.
Time to go take pictures of the kids opening their Christmas Pajamas.
Then I made Chocolate Lush for tomorrow.
In between I actually scrapped a page.

Ordinary Day

Now it's time for bed because I know the kids will be up early to see what Santa brought them.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the scriptures. I am reading the Old Testament and using the Institute Guide to understand it. So many new things I have learned. Hopefully I can finish it before I die. 

Visiting

Today was my day to visit.
Verla came over to bring me a gift and chat a moment. She is just so sweet.
Then my Home teachers came over and visited.
Next I went to Mary Studebaker's and visited with her.
Austin and I finished giving out my Pumpkin Bread I made.
What a busy day.
Now it's time for bed.
Grateful Statement: I am truly grateful for my calling. I am so blessed to know the sisters in our ward. I love each one of them. Just comes with the calling and I am so glad for this blessing.

Winco, Ugh!

Helping Grandma

I got up at 6 this morning and left to go shopping at 6:30. It was not a smart move. They were stocking merchandise in every aisle. What a mess. But I got it done and was home by 8:30.
I watched Gracie today and dated all my groceries and put them away in my pantry with help from this little girl. She gets the stuff out of the bags and gives them to me to put away. One day she will get rid of her Binkie.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the ability to go shopping and the finances to feed my sweet family. I am so blessed.

Temple, Shopping and Heather's Birthday

Sue picked me up this morning and we went to Rexburg to the Temple. It was wonderful. I always find something that I need to think about.
After the Temple Heather, Gracie and I went Christmas Shopping. I got it all done. Just have to go to the bank and wrap it all up. Thank goodness. Now I can relax and enjoy the holidays.
We went out to dinner for Heather's Birthday to Los Albertos. We gave her an electric blanket to stay toasty warm underneath. I bought her a cake from Dairy Queen so we could have cake. She said it was a good birthday.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my wonderful granddaughter Heather. She is just so awesome and I am so proud of the choices she is making now. I am blessed to have her in my life.

Caroling by the YW/YM

I got my hair cut by Amber today. It was so long I couldn't do a thing with it. So it was such a relief to finally get it cut. I was sick for one appointment and then forgot another one. Old age is so much fun. Harley watched Gracie for me so I could go. Gracie proceeded to fall asleep on the couch next to her.
Tonight my doorbell rang and it was all the youth in the ward. We all squeezed into my living room and they sang Christmas carols. It was the first time Heather had ever been caroled. She really liked it and little Gracie sang along. It was very nice. I love the youth of our ward. I wish I would have taken a picture.
Grateful Statement: I am so blessed to be in this Ward. The members are so very nice. I am blessed to belong to the Rigby 16th Ward.

Heather Has Her Drivers License

 Taking Gracie to Janna's Work

 Her first drivers license ever!

She's off and running...

Today was a big day for Heather. We went to the DMV and she got her drivers license. She was so excited to get it. She said she feels like an adult now. We came home and she took off to take Janna's jacket to her at work that I forgot to bring to her. She met me at the DMV to get Austin ready for driver's ed. How in the world did he grow up so fast. He is 5' 11" tall.
I made two batches of chocolate fudge this morning. I am on a roll. Tomorrow is cookie maybe. I babysit Gracie so it all depends on her.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for this granddaughter of mine and how far she has come in the last two years. I am blessed!

Lesson Taught

We all know how much I love teaching Relief Society. NOT!!! So I showed the Women's Conference talk by President Uchdorf called " Live the Gospel Joyful". I love this talk and have listened to it numerous times. The message is wonderful. God loves us, today and always. It makes my heart warm to know this. We bore testimony after and then dismissed. Easy lesson to give.
I went with Austin to his board of review at Sister Wilmont's after I watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. They are mapping out what he has to do to earn his Eagle.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ and I am so glad we have this season to celebrate his birth. I am blessed to be loved by him.

Calendar Pages Made

 January

 February

 March

 April

 May

 June

 July

 August

 September

 October

 November

December

I decided to make my calendar pages for next year today. It was so fun to scrap again. I love these premade pages for Scrap N Pieces. Just put the picture behind and shrink it or expand it and you are done. 

I also called my long lost friend Debbie to chat with her. It was so good to hear her voice. We have been friends since she was 14 and I was 24. Wow, where did the time go. I must plan a trip to see her.

Grateful Statement: So grateful for long time friends that I have in my life. It's good to have friends that you have a history with. I am blessed to have known her for so many years.

Presidency Meeting and Tithing Settlement

My wonderful presidency!

We had our presidency meeting today and figured out birthday gifts for next year. Symphony Candy Bars with a cute wrapper, found on Sugar Doodle. Then it was on to visiting teaching as always, there is changes weekly it seems. Can't wait for January when I can make all the changes from my computer at home.

I went for Tithing Settlement at 8:30 and finally got in at 9:45.  Bishop was with a couple that never come to tithing settlement. So it was a good thing. Lots of changes coming into their lives. I had a good time talking with Brother Neville. He is one funny man.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for these women I work with. They are the cream of the crop and I am blessed to be working with them.

Happy Anniversary

Today was our 49th anniversary so Janna sent us out to dinner. We went to the New Star Chinese restaurant. I love Sweet and Sour Chicken. The kids loved the doggie bags we brought home to them. It was fun to celebrate the with my Hubby. We have truly grown old together. I wish I would have thought to get a picture.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my wonderful husband. All the ups and downs and we are still holding strong. I am blessed...

Roofing the Coop

Gracie and Grandpa looking up ads.

John got up on the roof of the chicken and coop and finished roofing it for his dad. It was pretty cold but he said it was good. That really helped as Tommy can't climb ladders anymore and Janna is out of commission until her shoulder heals.
I just had to take this picture of John and Gracie sharing the ads in the newspaper. How cute is this. I made Tacos for dinner and everyone liked them. I was pretty lazy today and didn't accomplish much. I did wash Janna's sheet and make her bed for her. It always make you feel better when you can crawl into a clean bed.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful today for a willing son who will help his dad out. That's what our family is all about. We help and serve each other. What a blessing that is.

Happy Thanksgiving

 Helping Grandpa make Deviled Eggs

She is tasting...

And she likes it!

John came up yesterday on the Shuttle to spend Thanksgiving with us. Ronnie took Bailee and Austin to Price for the holidays. So it's just us. I made a Turkey that Harley got from Cal Ranch and the usual sides. It was yummy. Now we are all just vegging around watching TV and snacking.

It has been a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family. 

Dean and Amie are in St. George with her family. Dean called to wish us a Happy Thanksgiving. Johnnie called this morning to wish me a Happy Thanksgiving. He was heading for Julene's for dinner and then to Kenny's for pie. I love that brother of mine.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my family. They just make my days bright and wonderful.

Janna's Surgery

Got up early and went to get Heather and Gracie from the Hospital. She was feeling lots better but Heather was dead tired. She couldn't wait to come home and get some sleep.
I went to the Hospital for Janna's surgery at 1pm. She was all ready by the time I got there but I was able to talk to her before they took her to surgery. It took about an hour and a half and then I talked with the Doctor. He said they had repaired the tear in her shoulder and it went well. She does have one muscle that has atrophied but the other muscle next to it is huge. He doesn't know what that's all about. Who knows. I'm just glad it went well. We got home about 6:30 and Crystal had brought dinner again for us. What a wonderful person she is.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful that Janna's surgery went well. Heavenly Father watches over us at all times.

Church and then the ER

 She doesn't like the ER...

 She does like the Sprite...

Bailee is making her feel better.

Went to church and came home to a croupy Gracie. She had no voice at all so we took her to the ER. They gave her breathing treatments and decided to keep her overnight. I went home and got some stuff for Heather. Bailee and I waited until they finally got her up to her room and then we came home. What a long day. I am sure Heather is not going to get any sleep at all.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my sweet little Gracie. And I am grateful for Doctors that know how to make her feel better.

Harrison is an Eagle Scout

 Eagle Scout Harrison

Mom, Dad and Hayden are so proud of this kid.

We took off on Saturday and went to Utah so we could be there when Harrison gets his Eagle Scout Award. He collected bikes and fixed them up for kids that didn't have one. Got up and went to church and saw all my old friends. Then at 6 we went back to church for the ceremony. It was pretty awesome.

We got up Monday morning, picked up Heather and Gracie and went to breakfast with John. Then it was off to Idaho. 

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Harrison. He is such a wonderful young man. I love these grandkids of mine.

Kathy Came to Visit

Kathy Canning Chicken

Kathy came for a week to visit. We canned 72 pints of chicken and 28 quarts of black beans. We had a lot of fun doing it too. 

We also went to the Rexburg Temple. It was very good and always makes us feel better. We especially like to sit in the Celestial Room and feel peace.

We took Heather and Gracie to the Gangplank for Fish and Chips. Our favorite place. It was fun and very yummy.

The week went all to fast but we decided it needs to be every six months.

I drove with Kathy to Utah so she wouldn't have to go all the way alone. I was going to Harrison's Eagle Ceremony. Tommy and Heather had went down earlier that day.

I had Tommy meet me at the Rite Aide in Payson so Kathy could just hop on the freeway and go on home. 

She really got into some bad weather on the way home. It didn't clear up until almost to Cedar City.

But she made it. I know Heavenly Father was watching over her.

Grateful Statement: I am grateful for my dear friend Kathy. She is just like the sister I always wanted. I am blessed to have a friend like her.

ER

I got sick and went to bed for 2 days and couldn't wake up. I couldn't even watch Gracie on Tuesday for Heather. On Thursday Janna came home from work and told me she was taking me to the Doctor. I was so out of it I couldn't even walk straight. They got a wheel chair to get me into the doctor's office. They sent me to the ER. So Janna and Bailee took me. Tommy met us there. I don't really remember a lot of it. I know they took Xrays and a Cat Scan. I had an IV in my arm and I couldn't tell them what month it was or what pills I was taking. All my levels were way off and my Potassium was really low. They said I had an infection somewhere but they couldn't tell where it was. They let me go home around 1 am with an antibiotic and replacement Potassium.
I was sick for another 3 days until I finally started feeling better. It was so good to finally feel like my old self.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for doctors that can make me feel better. I know I am blessed to have a hospital close by. I am blessed.

Gracie Riding Red

 Harley and Janna taking Gracie for a ride.

Gracie loves to ride Red.

Gracie can't wait for Aunt Janna to take her for a ride on Red. She always pitches a fit when Janna takes her off. What a fun little girl this is.

Grateful Statement: I am grateful for a kind and loving daughter that does so much for others. I am blessed to have her for my daughter.

Trunk or Treat

 Gracie 1

 Gracie 2

 Gracie 3

After Heather got off work on Thursday we went to the church for Trunk of Treat. There was a ton of people there. We were late so we started almost at the end so Gracie could get a little candy. She had so much fun going around to everyone and putting candy in her sack. Her little ghost costume was so cute. 

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for all the joy this little girl brings into my life. I do believe she has made me stronger as I pick her up all the time. I am blessed!!

John Came to VIsit

 Harley and John checking out the farm.

 Grandpa loves his Gracie May.

 John

The real deal.

I had the nicest surprise last night. I was in the bathroom and Heather came in and told me to come out. When I went in the kitchen there was my John. How fun. He came up to take Heather to Utah for her final and very last court date ever. We had a wonderful visit. He helped Tommy work on the chicken coop and cleaned my kitchen up spic and span. Heather and John left about 4pm on Sunday to drive to Utah. I am so glad he came.

Heather was gone for 3 days and I had Gracie. I slept with her and finally figured it out just in time for her mom to come home. Heather had to work Thursday and Friday so I took care of Gracie. I love that cute little girl.

Grateful Statement: I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to have John in my life. He has taught me the power of prayer and patience. I am blessed to be his mom.

Going to Phyllis' Funeral

Tommy and I left early this morning for Arizona to attend Phyllis' Funeral. She had been in the hospital and wasn't doing well. Shelly called me on Friday and said she had passed away that day around 2pm.  My dear brother was devastated. They were having the funeral on Wednesday so we left today to get there for the funeral.
We traveled to Kanab the first day and spent the night. We got up and took off for Snowflake the next morning. We were pretty tired by the time we got to Snowflake. We went over and visited with John. He was trying so hard to hold it together but if he talked about Phyllis he would break down and cry.
The funeral was Wednesday and it was packed. Tons of people. Julene and Kenny talked and did such a good job. She was buried in Pinedale beside her sister Carma.
We went back to the church and had a wonderful luncheon where I was able to visit with Ethel, Ruth, Jake and Priscella. Then Tommy and I took off to go to Kanab to spend the night. We got as far as Page and decided to stay. It was getting dark and there are tons of Deer between Page and Kanab.
We got up the next morning and headed home. It was a long drive but we made it home safe and sound.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the plan of salvation so that we know where our loved ones go when they die. Phyllis is in Paradise with her family just waiting for my brother to come join her. What a blessing to know this.

Breakfast with John

 John and Heather

 Plus Gracie

Make Three

We took John out to breakfast on our way back to Idaho. It was so good to see him. I just love him so much. I love to watch him interact with Gracie. He just beams when he looks at her.

After breadfast we hit the freeway and headed home. I slept a lot of the way and Tommy made good time. We got home in less than 4 hours. It was good to get back to my little house and Janna and the kids.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for all my many blessings, It's nice to come home to my cozy house. I am blessed to have so many riches in my life, the first being my Savior.