Dean's Birthday

Today is Dean's 50th birthday. I sent him a text wishing him a happy birthday. How I love this son of mine. He is so kind and good to everyone.
I vacuumed and made a noodle and chicken casserole for dinner and picked up Gracie from Lolo's. What a sweet little thing she is. Always so glad to see me.
I have been working on scanning my mother's photo albums. One day I might get through it.
I received the scrap pages I ordered from Persnickety prints so I was able to put 2010 all together in order. I love to look at these pages. One day I will get caught up.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my son Dean. Heavenly Father knew our family needed him to be our rock. And he is. Such a good man. I am blessed.

Making Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls

Gracie

I made these Cinnamon Rolls today and vacuumed a little bit. Not much motivation to do anything. But I got these baked and made Black Bean Burritos for dinner. 

I was talking on the phone to Tommie and looked up to see Gracie sitting at the table with a huge Cinnamon Roll eating away. She figures if she can reach it she gets it.

Dean called to ask me if I could come and stay with the boys while him and Amie go on a cruise from the 10th to the 17th. I can take Gracie so she can see everyone down there. And I do love watching these boys. I think I can get all mom's pictures scanned while I am there.

Grateful Statement: Today I am grateful for the power of prayer and how much better I fell when I remember to pray in the morning before I start my day. Heavenly Father keeps telling me to do it. Why don't I mind....

Sabbath

 Pony Tail Girl

Ready for Church

Gracie and I took Heather to the shuttle this morning before church. We made it to church a little late but before the Sacrament so it was good. Gracie didn't want to stay in the nursery so I brought her to primary with me. She did okay most of the time but I had to take her out a couple of times when she laid down on the floor and wouldn't get up. Same thing in class because I wouldn't give her a graham cracker before it was time. What a tiring day. Hopefully it will get better.

Britney taught the lesson today. It was our last one for this year with our little 4 year olds. Next Sunday we will be teaching the Sunbeams. 

I came home and fell in my chair from exhaustion. Wrestling with Gracie makes me tired. But I love her to pieces so I will keep on taking her. 

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my little Gracie. She is so very sweet and gives the best loves that it makes it all worth it. I am so blessed to have this little one in my life.

Going to Chuck O Rama

 

 Heather and Gracie

 Cheesy

Heather and I went to UPS to notarize the paper giving Janna legal guardianship over Gracie so we can get her the services she needs. I think it was very hard for Heather but she knows she is in the best place right now. There is tons of love between these two.

Then we went to Chuck O Rama for lunch. It was so fun to watch Gracie try all these different foods. We were going to Walmart but after we ate we just couldn't do it. We went home and Gracie and Heather took a nap.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Heather Loulie. She has always been so dear to me. I know she loves this little girl with all her heart. I am grateful for the two of them.

Christmas Day

 Gracie and her Loot

 Ronnie and the Kids

 Gracie and Mommy

 AJ and Janna helping Gracie

Harley and Austin (Awwwww)

We opened all the presents at Janna's this morning. So many presents. My daughter surprised me with a new TV. Gracie had used my old one for a chalk board and it was pretty old and little. Now I have a spectacular one. And my dear hubby made me a table to grind my wheat on and can my food storage. What a wonderful Christmas. Plus Dean and family gave me a $100 gift certificate. Shopping here I go. 

I made a turkey dinner and pretty much sat around and watched my new TV. 

Grateful Statement: I am so very grateful for my Savior's birth. He truly saved me and I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation. What a blessing!!

Sledding and Picking up Mommy

Gracie is Ready

Austin and Gracie

 Gracie Loves the Snow 

Heather Loves Gracie

Austin took Gracie sledding around the block. Gracie was loving every minute of it. Austin was so tired after all that pulling he fell in a heap on top of the snow. I love this kid. He is just the best.

In the afternoon we went to the gas station where the shuttle comes and picked up Heather. Gracie was so excited to see her mom. 

We opened up Jammies and then it was time for bed for me. I was tired from all the Christmas shopping.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful that we can celebrate the birth of Jesus at this time of the year. He has blessed my life beyond measure.

Going To Church

Gracie

Gracie loves to put on my knee high stockings and my church shoes and go to church. She loves to go to church with me. It's a wonderful thing... I don't have any idea what I did today but I must have watched Gracie.

Grateful Statement: As I look at this picture I am so glad that this little munchkin loves to go to church with me. I am so blessed to have her in my life.

Taking Dinner To The Sick

Thinking

I made Taco Soup and Amish Sugar Cookies to take to Britney. She is sick and so are her kids so I wasn't able to visit teach her today. But I gave her dinner and a huge hug and called it good.
I picked up Gracie from Lolo's and brought her home to watch Little Einstein. She loves her cartoon shows now and actually watches them.
My blog has become a picture gallery for Gracie but she is my everyday life now. I love her so much. She is just so happy and makes us all laugh.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful this day for the Christmas season to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. I can't even imagine fully what a blessing He is to me.

Santa

Santa

I spent the day preparing to cook chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, corn and green salad. If I get everything prepped in the morning it isn't so hard to get it all cooked after I pick up Gracie. And it did make it easier to put dinner on the table.

Janna took Gracie to the mall to see Santa. Janna said Gracie had a major melt down. She wanted nothing to do with the man. But it was okay if she could sit on Janna's lap next to him. Too funny.

I spent the evening watching TV and doing my mountain of dishes.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for this time of the year. I wish it wasn't so commercialized but I can still find my Savior all around. What a blessing to know Him.

Buddies

Papa and Gracie

When Gracie got home from Lolo's we popped some popcorn for her, She took her bowl into Papa's room and shared with him. These two are buddies.

Gracie came home in the same pants she left in so she didn't have any accidents at Lolo's. I do believe she is officially potty trained. Keeping her home for two weeks was worth it not to have to change diapers. 

I went Visiting Teaching today to Lyn and Cecelia. I love these sisters. It's amazing how that always happens to me. Everyone I visit teach I just get so close to. 

It snowed off and on all day so I stayed in the house. AJ picked up Gracie for me because the roads were so slick. I made pizza's for dinner. I have it down pat. 4 pizza feeds this family and with 3 pieces left over for someone's lunch tomorrow.

Now it's my bed time.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Visiting Teaching. It is so good to really get to know the sister I visit teach. What a blessing it has always been in my life.

Beautiful Sabbath

Gracie and I went to church today. She was very good in Sacrament but when I took her to the nursery she wasn't liking it at all. I left her there and went to be with my class. When I was going down the hall to our class room here comes Crystal with Gracie. She took care of her for the rest of the hour. Britney taught the lesson so I took her baby out. He was getting fussy. We walked the halls and then Cami Cartchner came and took him with her. I love the way everyone takes care of each other in this ward.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Primary. I love being with Heavenly Fathers little children. I am blessed.

Reading to Her Baby

Reading

I am still watching Gracie so we can get her potty trained before she goes back to Lolo's. She is doing really well. What a smart little cookie she is. She loves to read her books and play with her babies.

She just keeps us laughing all the time. 

I made Christmas Chex Mix for gifts. I just love this stuff and so does everyone else. It is so easy and so good.

Janna went out of town so I have Gracie until tomorrow. I am going to be one tired lady by the time I get through with Church tomorrow.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my dear daughter. What a wonderful blessing she is in my life.

Austin's PT Cruiser

PT Cruiser

Austin worked all summer at Ameripets where Harley works picking up dog poop and taking care of dogs. He saved his money and was able to buy this car. He is getting so tall. What happened to my cute little Austin. Oh yeah, he grew up. I am so proud of him for working so hard and saving his money. Now he just has to get his license and he is off and running.

I took care of Gracie all day. It's a lot of work but we are bound and determined to get her potty trained. Then it's back to Lolo's. She really is so cute and fun. 

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for this grandson of mine. I never make him a meal that he doesn't thank me for it. What a blessing he is in my life.

Winco Time

I got up and went to Winco to do my shopping. I really needed to get some groceries in this house. Of course, half way through I realized I had forgotten my wallet so I had to call Janna to come and rescue me. I couldn't call Tommy because Harley's truck was in the shop so she had his truck. But it all worked out in the end. And Janna helped me bag everything and take it to my car.
I came home and put it all away and watched Gracie again. She now has a cough. That little girl can't stay well for nothing.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my daughter that will drop everything at any time and come to my rescue. I am so blessed to have her.

Teaching Primary

Today I got a call from Britney at 10:30 saying she wouldn't be able to teach because her kids have a cough. I got the lesson printed out figured out what I was going to do and printed out handouts. All in 15 minutes. The lesson was on tithing and it went very well. The kids knew the concept when we were done and what the Bishop does with the money and what the church does with the money. It was fun and we even went on a field trip to the Bishop's office to get a tithing envelope which we sent home with instructions to work for a dollar and be paid in 10 dimes and give one dime back to Heavenly Father.
I really felt in my realm today. I love little kids and I truly felt like a primary teacher. I am sad about not having this class next year. Carter promised me he would say a prayer next week so he could get a sticker on his chart. I really feel like I have finally won him over and now he won't be in my class anymore.
I came home and rested. I was supposed to have a tithing settlement at 6:50 but I told the Bishop that I would come in if he wanted me to but that was during the Christmas Devotional. So I went into his office right after church and said yes to the big question. It was pretty funny. We did talk about Britney and how to best help her. I told the Bishop that I would always have a lesson prepared just in case I needed to. He thought that was a good idea.
That was my Sabbath.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to teach in Primary. What a wonderful place to be.

Big Jud's in Archer

 Playing with Gracie

Yummy Burgers

AJ took the family out for dinner last night. How sweet was that. We went to the fabulous hamburger and fry place. Their french fries are so good. 

I finished this page of Gracie and uploaded all my 2008 pages to print out. I should have done this all along but I couldn't figure out if I wanted 12x12 or 8x8. I have decided on 8x8 because they fit better on shelves.

I watched the little munchkin. She can be quite the little two year old. I just have to keep telling myself "this too shall pass".

Grateful Statement: I am grateful for my life. Most of the time it is so awesome. And when it's not I know good times are coming. I am blessed.

Mammogram Ugh!

 Yummy Fudge

Ruffled Training Pants

I went to Teton Radiology this morning and had my mammogram done. They had me in and out in 15 minutes. Tommy was very pleased because he had Gracie. The technician was very good and it was literally painless.
Then I came home and grabbed Gracie and we went to the store and bought stuff for Hamburgers as per Bailee's request. I made Crashed Potatoes and bake beans to go with it.
Before I went to bed tonight I made my first batch of Christmas candy. I have been trying to get up the energy to do it for a week. So I decided I needed to get going before it was time to visit teach and it wasn't done. So tomorrow we'll do it again.
And of course, Gracie in her ruffled training pants taking a shower with her baby.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for doctors that take such good care of Tommy and I. Heavenly Father gave them knowledge for just this. Taking care of us.

Sick AGAIN

Temple

What's up with this getting sick every week. I woke up Monday morning with a burning sore throat. So I have been out of commission but I have managed to take care of Gracie. We are trying to finish off the potty training. She is so close. She just goes in the bathroom and hops up and goes. So easy. She just needs to remember to always go. But she has very few accidents.
I finally finished this page I have been working on. And I got the inserts in the mail for my 3 ring binder I organize all my pages in before I put them in the forever albums. So I am getting a system going.
I didn't even cook dinner tonight. I was just too tired.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my ability to scrap my memories and organize them. What a blessing the hobby is in my life. I am blessed

Sabbath

 Off To College

Photo Shoot

I found these two pages that I had scrapped and not put on my blog so here they are. 

Today was a wonderful day. The kids were very good and I taught the lesson on Fasting. I think they understood the concept when we were all done. I was going to remember to take a picture of my little class but there were only 3 kids out of 8 there. Next week maybe I can remember.

I came home from church and uploaded all of 2012 pages to Persnickety. Then I realized I should have uploaded 2011. So that's my job tomorrow. 

Gracie is doing well with potty training. She only had two accidents today and she went poop in the potty. She was so proud of herself. I think it has finally clicked in her little mind. She really wanted to go to church but she has Janna's cold so she stayed home with Janna.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the Sabbath. It is such a wonderful renewal of my spirit. I love taking the Sacrament and listening to the speakers. I have been fed.

Organization

 We Played Blocks

 Selfie

Bailee Getting Her Hair Done

I worked on my scrapbooks today and got 2010 all organized and got ready to upload 2011. 

Gracie had a great morning going on the potty but this evening it has not worked so well. We will try again tomorrow. She is getting it I think. Even if she goes potty she will tell me she needs to go potty.

Janna took BJ and Austin to get their hair cut. I think Bailee is getting highlights. I am getting tired and ready for bed. Or at least my chair if only Gracie will leave me be for a minute. Janna went to dinner and shopping but called and said she would be home soon.

Grateful Statement: Today I am grateful for the Gospel. I have thought how blessed I am to have the peace and comfort of it in my life. Blessings abound.

Black Friday

 Black Friday Shopping

Janna, Gracie and I went to Joanne's and Porters looking for my Album refills. No such luck. After we got home I ordered them online. I hope they are the right ones.

Then we went to Furniture row looking for tall lamps to go behind my chair and Janna's couch. I gave Janna my giant coffee table that took up half my front room and my end table from my family room. It worked good with her new couches and it's less furniture in my house, which I wanted.

Our last stop was the dreaded Walmart which wasn't bad at all. We found our lamps at Walmart and they were cheap. We also got a few groceries and two sweat pants for Gracie.

And (Drum Roll Please), Gracie went potty on her potty chair. She told me she had to go potty and she went in and sat down and went pee. What a wonderful day. Maybe she is getting it after all.

I worked on scrap booking and started to put my pages I ordered that came today in the album. But I was too tired and had to quit and go to bed.

Grateful Statement: How very grateful I am for our little Gracie. I can't say it enough. She is such a blessing in my life.

Happy Thanksgiving

 Thanksgiving Ham

Her Favorite "Jello Salad"

Today Janna and I made a ham and fixings for Thanksgiving dinner. It was just Tommy, Janna, Gracie and me. It was perfect and so easy. Austin and Bailee went to Price with their dad for Thanksgiving and Harley had to work.
I helped Gracie say the blessing. She does such a good job and always says a resounding Amen!
Janna and I moved some furniture around. It was a peaceful relaxing day.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my mom. I thought about her alot today and missed having her by my side fixing dinner. I am grateful for my family. They are the world to me.

Canning and Potty Training

I canned 7 quarts of Pinto Beans this morning. Now all my shelves are full. Janna and I also started trying to potty train Gracie. She went on the potty right away the first thing and then nothing all day. We don't know if she can't figure it out or is just being stubborn. Time will tell. We are going to see what happens by Monday when she goes back to Lolo's.
I ordered more of my 2010 pictures for my books. One more order and I will have all of 2010 printed out. It's so good to see progress.
I made a cheesecake for Janna tonight. Dessert tomorrow. No pumpkin pie for us. We will see how we like it. Now it's time for me to go to bed.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for all my blessings. I have so many. They far outweigh the problems in my life. I am blessed.

Taking Gracie to the Doctor

 Gracie in the Exam Room

Beans on the Shelf

I canned 14 quarts of beans this morning and filled my shelf with white beans. It's pretty simple and easy to do. I just hate cleaning the big canners.

I took Gracie to the doctor today for her immunizations and a wellness check. She got a shot in each leg and didn't even cry. She is perfect.

I came home and made Crystal's cornbread from our ward cookbook. Just like Marie Callendar's and I made honey butter to make it perfect. Pinto Beans always are better with corn bread.

Before I headed for bed I put 7 quarts of Pinto Beans to soak so I can can them in the morning. 

Off to bed I go!

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my ability to can things and feed my family. I am blessed with a mom and grandma who taught me how.

Enjoying My Day

Gracie Ready for Lolo's

It has been a good day. I woke up feeling wonderful. I spent the day making pulled pork for sandwiches and baked beans using my canned white beans. I only have 2 quarts left so I am putting 14 quarts to soak so I can can them tomorrow. Cooking never stops around here.
Janna was sick so she stayed home from work. She managed to take Gracie and the toys we are getting rid of to Lolo's.
I worked on 2010 pages getting ready to put them in books also, as soon as I find some more books.
I finished my Visiting Teaching this morning. I went to see Cecelia and she had forgotten that I was coming so I made it a short visit. She is a dear sweet lady.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Visiting Teaching. It truly is the way we learn to love and serve each other. I am blessed to belong to such a wonderful church.

Sunday Morning Sickness for Real

I woke up not feeling very good. So I called Crystal and she agreed to do it for me. Britney's husband Mike is home so I didn't want to have her do it. I got Janna to take the stuff over to her I had already prepared. Then I spent the day in bed sleeping.
I did manage to remember to email a letter for my Hannah for her Advent Calendar Amie is sending to her. I am so very proud of her. I know her mission is hard but she is hanging in their trying her best.
Tommy left around noon to go to Utah to meet Dean. They are golfing in St George Monday and Tuesday. So it's only me in my little house. I always like it the first week and then I start getting lonely.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Crystal and her willingness to teach my class when I need her. What a blessing she is in my life.

Gracie and her Mickey

 Gracie and Mickey

Janna, Bailee, Gracie and AJ went to Idaho Falls and bought Gracie a Mickey Mouse so she can hold hands with Mickey at night. She always starts out in her own big girl bed and sometimes she will stay all night. We are getting so close. By the way AJ is Janna's new best friend. He is a really nice guy.

I stayed home all day and worked on putting my pages for 2009 in my books. It was so good to get it done. I have been working on it forever. Now it's done.

I made a big pot of Potatoe Soup and Janna brought some yummy rolls to go with it. 

In the evening I started getting a headache so I went to bed early.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for this wonderful little house I live in. I love every inch of it and am so grateful for it. I am blessed!

Making Lasagna and Focaccia Bread

Today I made Lasagna and Focaccia Bread. I started everything in the morning so I could get it all done before I picked up Gracie at Lolo's. She is doing really good and having fun. So all was ready for dinner and it was just a matter of mixing the bread and putting the Lasagna in the oven. I get a little tired in the afternoon so I have to accomplish stuff in the morning. That's been my day.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful today for the Scriptures. I just finished Proverbs and am now on Ecclesiastes. I never knew what they were all about. I am learning so much. I wish I would have studied the Old Testament when I was younger. What a blessing they are in my life.

Judy Came To Visit

Judy in front of the Rexburg Temple

Selfie

Judy came up with Taylor so he could check out BYU Idaho and talk to a councelor so Judy and I got to spend her birthday together. We went to Chili's for lunch. Then we went to Rexburg so Judy could see what BYU looked like. It was so much fun. I love this lady. We have been friends for a long time.

Grateful Statement: I am grateful for my friend. She is a blessing in my life and I am grateful for the wonderful hug I got from Taylor. It's good to have him home. 

Halloween

Her Doctor Costume

Cha Cha sent her earrings and a crown

Bailee and Gracie with a cheesy smile

Off to trick or treat

Janna, Bailee and I took Gracie trick or treating. She had tons of fun going to doors and collecting candy. Janna finally went and got my car so we could go to another subdivision. Bailee would take her up to the doors while Janna and I waited in the car. It was pretty cold.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for this little girl that brings so much fun and laughter in our lives. I am so blessed to be able to take care of her.

Going to Church with Gracie

 Ready for Church

Eating her Cheerios

Gracie and went to church today. She did so good and actually went into the nursery. Crystal stayed with her for moral support but she did very good. By the time we came home it was almost 3pm and Gracie was exhausted. She went to sleep for 2 hours and so did I.

My class was so cute and fun. They are pretty smart. My cute little Carter tried hard today and was very good in opening exercises. He just had a little issue with his tie but he is getting so much  better.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Crystal and how willing she is to help me with Gracie. I am blessed to have her be able to help.

Rough Night

Cleaning house with her vacuum and my dust mop.

I got so sick in the middle of the night. And it continued the next day. I will get up in the morning and feel great. I was pretty tired all day. I just hate how often I get sick anymore. I was always so healthy. Old age is so fun. I was going to try to go to Walmart but I couldn't muster up the strength. Enough of health issues. I had a good time with my Gracie. She just makes this household happy.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. What a blessing it has always been in my life.

Rexburg Temple

Sue and I went to the Rexburg Temple. When we drove up we heard this funny noise and looked up and a drone came in and hovered over the Temple. We think they must have been taking pictures. Pretty awesome to see. We did sealings so I can get them all done. It was so good to hear the names of my ancestors being sealed. It was a fabulous time.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the Temple. I am grateful that I am worthy to go. I am grateful for all I learn every time I go. What a blessing and to have Sue to go with me was wonderful.

Blood Test

I got up early this morning and took my shower and went to get my blood drawn. Gracie went to Lolo's so I had tons of time to get my house in order. What fun it is to have energy. Gracie will be going full time to now so I will have my morning and afternoon everyday.
Dr. Harper's nurse called me to let my know my Cholesterol is high so he is changing my medication. And then I go back in two months to have it all checked again.
I am tired and going to bed. I want to hug my pillow.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my wonderful daughter that could see that I just couldn't keep watching Gracie all day long. She is such a blessing in my life.

Going to the Doctor

Baker Austin

I watched Gracie yesterday and today. She still had a little cough. She made messes and I scrapbooked. I also went to the doctor and I am glad I waited for Dr. Harper. He is such a pleasant man and knows his stuff.
I tried to roast two whole chickens and it took forever to cook. I am cooking one every  week until I can figure it out.
That's been my day. Now it's time for bed.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Dr. Harper. I feel so good when I wait for an appt with him. I am blessed.

Back Home Again

 Gracie May

We got up and packed our stuff and took off. We went by John's and said goodbye and then picked up Gracie from Tommie's and off we went. We got all the way to West Valley before I started to find the M & M's that I had gotten for scrapping. I was going to give a couple to Gracie so she would be content. Then I realized I couldn't find my purse. Tommy stopped at a gas station and I searched the car. No purse. So we had to go back to Dean and Amie's and by the time we got back it was noon. My purse was sitting right by the chair where I left it. So instead of being in Tremonton we were just leaving Elk Ridge at noon. 2 hours of wasted time. But we got on the road and before I knew it Gracie had finally conked out. It was a little hard for her to remain a happy camper in her car seat but we got home around 4pm. We stopped at a rest stop so I could change Gracie's diaper and let her chase Papa around the grass. Then we were off for the last leg of our journey. I was so glad to have finally made it home. Janna took Gracie for a ride on Red. The wind was blowing so hard it was a very short ride. I made White Chicken Chili for dinner with my bottled beans and chicken. Super fast and easy. Then it was time for bed.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for an understanding hubby that didn't give me one moment of grief even though it was my fault. I am blessed to have him as my eternal companion.

Scrapping Again

 Service

Island Park

 Costa Vida with Gerri and Gang

Blake, Megan, Me and Heather

I made two more pages today. We had Sloppy Joe's for lunch and went to dinner at Costa Vida in Payson. We had some good laughs and Megan brought her two year old Blake to hang out with us. He is so cute and the same age as Gracie. After we got through our yummy dinner we went to Walmart so I could get some things I needed. Then it was back to Heather's so I could finish my Island Park Page. We really had a fun time. Our next one will be in St George in January. I finally left around 10 to go home and go to bed.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful that I can do these fun things. I am truly blessed.