Giving My Talk

The boys went home on Saturday morning and I had to give a talk on Sunday so I spent Saturday finishing it up. Here is the beginning of my talk:

"Last Sunday I was thinking about all the stuff I had going on that week and how I was going to be able to do it all.  I knew physically I could do it but I wanted to have a happy countenance while doing it. It was all good things. Having my grandsons for a week and sweet Annalisa with me while her family went on trek and wanting to do fun things with them.  And I still had Relief Society stuff to add to my stress. So as I conversed with Heavenly Father on the way to church I prayed to be able to do all this with a smile on my face and loving every moment.  Wouldn’t you think a kind loving Father would say poor little daughter of mine, you have so much going on, I am going to help you through all of this by lightening your load. But I have learned through the years that we can always count on Heaven Father to test us to make us stronger than we think we are.

Brother Steigher stopped me and asked me to give a talk next Sunday. I really had to laugh on the way home. It’s like when your kids say they can’t clean their room because they are too tired and we tell then that when they finish cleaning their room they can do the dishes. Just to show them that they really are capable of cleaning their rooms and doing the dishes."

But I got through it all with flying colors and had fun at the same time. Even doing my first lesson. It was a huge relief to get that talk behind me. I don't really like to give talks, they make me nervous. But I was glad for inspiration, it was probably the easiest talk I have ever written. I used the talk by Elder Maxwell called, “Hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ”. 

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the opportunity to stretch myself and give this talk. My second in this ward. Heavenly Father knows it's what I need to overcome my fear of giving talks. I am blessed that Brother Steigher was prompted to ask me.

Gracie is trying to Walk

 Gracie is just too cute.

Walking with her toy that plays Rockin Robin.

Here we are just hanging out. I am trying to take all the pictures I need to for my class. I don't understand some of this, but every day I learn a little more. I must confess I never read the manual to my camera. I didn't understand Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO etc. My brain is fried.

Gracie is standing and ready to get moving. I love to watch her grow.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for this little munchkin that came into my life. I am so blessed to have her.

Henry's Lake and Class Has Started

 The Boys at Henry's Lake

 Hayden Fishing

 Austin Watching Harrison

 Mack's Inn 

Fishing From The Bridge

On Wednesday the 18th I started my online photography class with ISU. What was I thinking when I signed up for this. I took my first lesson with me when I took the boys to Henry's Lake. Austin was home from the Trek so he could go with us. I studied my lesson while waiting for the boys to catch a fish. No such luck. After a little while they decided they wanted to go to Mack's Inn and fish in the river where we always go. They were able to catch some fish so the day wasn't all a hopeless cause. And I got my first lesson read. Every Wednesday and Friday I get a new one. I just hope I can keep up.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for all the beautiful scenery we have in Idaho. I love spending time with these Grandkids. I am so blessed to have the family I have.

The Boys Have Arrived

 Harrison, Hayden, Heather and Annaliza

 My Sweet Gracie and Heather

Dare Devil Boys

We made it home safe and sound and had a wonderful vacation. Can't wait to go again.
The boys arrived on the Sunday the 15th and Austin went on the Trek early monday morning the 16th so that was a bummer for the boys. Annaliza stayed with me while her family went on the Trek. She is so very helpful and sweet.
We went to Swan Valley to see the falls and get Square Ice Cream. The falls is one of my favorite spots. It is so pretty and there were chipmunks all over the place. Harrison and Hayden tried to catch them and they were almost successful.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for these two grandsons that still want to come to Grandma's even though I know it gets boring for them. I am blessed to have them in my life.

Heading Home

 Gracie in her new pool toy.

 Harley playing with Gracie

The group in the Hot Tub

We got up this morning and started the long drive home. We went back to Baker City and checked into the same motel we stayed in on the way to Oregon. We went to a restaurant and had dinner and then everyone went swimming except Harley and I. 

Now it's time to wind down and relax.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Janna's kids. They are so fun to be around and so good to grandma. I love them all so much. I am blessed.

Ocean

 Janna and the Kids

 Heather and Gracie

 Heather and Bailee

 Harley running down the beach.

 Heather, Gracie and Austin

 Gracie

Gracie crawling on the beach.

Today we went to the beach again to collect sand dollars. We found a bunch and also took a family picture of Janna and the kids. Then Gracie went crawling after a dog on the beach. She loves the sand. The kids had so much fun.
We came back to our motel and Harley and Austin wanted to stay in and watch TV and read so Janna and I dropped Heather, Gracie and Bailee of downtown so they could go shopping. Janna and I went shopping to Maurice's and Janna got pants and a top and an outfit for Bailee. We really had fun.
Then we picked up the girls and went back to the motel and ordered pizza and just sacked out. We were tired from all fun.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for such a wonderful daughter that always makes me feel special. I am loved and blessed.

Cannon Beach

Taking a selfie on the beach.

 Crazy Sisters

 Cute Kulow Clan

 Bailee is digging up a clam. And she got it too!

  Gracie had a wonderful time digging in the sand.

 Over the bridge and into Washington.

 My favorite scenery picture of this trip.

 At the Aquarium feeding the seals.

 Austin riding the shark.

 We went back to the beach this morning to play in the sand. It was overcast but not too cold. The kids had so much fun playing in the sand digging up stuff. It was such a delight walking on the beach. It's been years since I have done this. I really miss it.
Then we went over this bridge into Washington just to go to another state. The bridge was really high and long. Heather and Harley were very nervous. Such babies.
Then we went to Cannon Beach to see it. It was so beautiful with big rocks coming along the shore. I shot my favorite picture there. It was so fun.
Then we went and found main street and walked around. The kids got sweatshirts and Austin rode a shark they had in the middle of the store. We really laughed because the guy made it so hard Austin couldn't stay on. What a fun day. N
Now it's back to our room after dinner and vegging for the night.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for this vacation Janna put together for us. She is just the best. It has been so fun, especially to see the kids loving the beach. I am so blessed.