Church

 Ready for Church

Eating Lunch

Gracie and I went to church. She was so good. We found Crystal before I had to go to primary and off she went holding Crystal's hand. What a blessing to have someone to take her for me. I can teach my class knowing she is doing good. One day maybe she will go to nursery. I just want this to be the most positive experience she can have. 

My primary littles were so good. We had to have a little discussion on being reverent during sharing time. I told them I would get stickers for them if they were reverent. So now I have to find stickers somewhere. I also need to go to Deseret and get them each a picture of Jesus. I have 5 days, maybe I can get it done.

Gracie took a long nap after she finished her lunch and I rested and did indexing.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as Relief Society President. I only served about a year the first time and always felt like I didn't finish my calling. This time I made it the whole 3 years. Blessing from a loving Heavenly Father.

Walmart We Go

Gracie May

Janna, Gracie and I went to Walmart this morning to get diapers and other assorted things. It was fun to hang out with my daughter. She is the very best. After I checked out I couldn't find those two. Here they were in the arcade place and Gracie was riding this animal.
I picked green beans and cucumbers today. It was cloudy all day and trying to rain but no such luck. Next year I am making a note to only plant 1 cucumber hill. I have cucumbers coming out my ears and there just isn't too many things you can make with them. Lesson Learned!
Finished making the handouts for my primary class. I just love these little ones.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my many blessing. Everyday I think about how blessed I am to be surrounded by a loving family.

Gracie and Papa

 Waving to Grandma

Such Concentration

I watched Gracie today. She is so cute and independent and she loves her Papa. She helps him mow the lawns and comes and tells me, "I helped Papa mow". How we love this little girl.

I worked on Indexing today. I decided I should get back into it. I know they really need Arbitrators. I need to do more Spiritual things so I feel more close to Heavenly Father. 

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my Tommie. He is so good with Gracie. I am blessed to be married to him all these many years.

Winco

 3 of probably 10 bags from Winco.

Empty spaces to be filled up with bags of pantry items.

Janna took Gracie to Lolo's today and I filled out my shopping list and headed to Winco. It is always such a job but I have figured out a system for when I have to go alone. I keep the canned goods in a bag, freezer item in a bag, and dairy products in a bag so I can put all the canned goods on the bottom of the cart and stack everything else on top. It is so much work. If it wasn't so cost effective I certainly wouldn't do it. But it's done.

I picked up Gracie and shredded the roast for barbecue sandwiches for dinner. Pretty easy and yummy good.

Grateful Statement: I am so very grateful that I am able to do my grocery shopping. What a blessing to still do almost everything I want. 

Out With the Old, In With the New

 Old

New

Well, the repair man came out to see about my oven on my stove. Can I just say, YIKES. $476 to fix it. Really!! So Tommy and I went to Lowe's and got a new stove. It was $800 with just one oven. I really never used the top oven anyway. It never cooked things right. So we shall see. And we bought a 5 year warranty so it should last as long as I will be cooking. Now to get it out of the truck and into my kitchen.
My second failure. Cheesecake. I tried to make one and it was a disaster. I think the pan was too small and not enough cooking time. It came out of a cookbook from Acton and the directions weren't really clear. So I am going to try again tomorrow with my new oven and a new recipe.
Gracie went to Lolo's today and I picked her up. She was so glad to see me. We came home and she helped with the cheesecake.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful that I am able to replace my stove. I am blessed!

Sabbath Day

Ready for Church

After Church

I got Gracie all ready and took her to church with me. I was really worried about it. I wasn't sure I had the stamina to take care of her. And what if she didn't want to go to nursery, what was I going to do with her if she needed her diaper changed. On the way to pick up Nicole and Annalisa to take them to church I just pray that I wouldn't be upset, that I would be able to do this and that Gracie would be fine. And just like I prayed for Gracie was an angel in Sacrament. It helped that I had Nicole and Annalisa to entertain her. What a blessing they were to me. I took Gracie to the nursery and she started to cry. She was having nothing to do with it. Now what was I going to do. Then I knew. I would find Crystal and see if Gracie would go to her. She was out in the hall and Gracie went right to her. She was delighted to take care of Gracie for me. I saw her in Relief Society when our class was going to their room and Gracie was sound asleep in her arms. 

I taught my class and it went really well. And Carter colored his picture and joined in with the class more. I know it's just a matter of time until he is right down there with the rest of the kids doing fun things.

I came home and sat in my chair, gathered eggs, printed off my lesson for next week and tried to take a nap. No such luck. Here came Gracie to have her diaper changed.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for answers to prayers. What a blessing to be able to ask and know that the answer will come. I am blessed once again.

Going Potty, Yard Sale and Play Dough

 Yard Sale Again

 Gracie Went Potty

Janna Got Her Play Dough

Janna, Bailee, Gracie and I went out to find good yard sales. Not happening today. It must be the end of the season because there was very few.yard sales that we could find. 

We came home and Gracie woke up from her nap with a dry diaper. So we got on the potty and I put her feet in warm water and she went pee pee. So she earned M and M's. She was so proud of herself. It begins!

Janna and Bailee went school shopping and Janna brought home some play dough for Gracie. She spend hours making things. She figured out how to run it threw the little press and make worms and snakes. What fun this kid has.

I made a new recipe for dinner called Chicken Tortilla Stack. It was pretty good and really easy using my canned chicken. I need to add beans in between the layers and I think it will be even better.

I also finished proofing the cookbook. It is ready to print. Crystal is going to try to figure out how to order it for us. What a relief. It has consumed me for weeks. Now it is done.

Grateful Statement: I am grateful for such a good friend I have in Crystal. She is so sweet and helpful to me. I am blessed to know her.

Banana Bread

 Gracie and her Baby

Licking the Beater

I watched Gracie today and she helped me make Banana bread for Aunt Nana. She loves her Aunt Nana to pieces. We put her in day care 5 days in a row and it was a little too much for her, so I watch her Tuesday and Friday. It works out perfect for me and Gracie seems to like it. She truly is my little helper. 

Worked some more on the cookbook proofing and making sure everything is good. It is going to be a cute book and I think the sisters will like it.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the opportunity to do this Cookbook with Crystal. It will be a treasure that I will cherish for the rest of my days.

Going To The Temple

Many Cards

Sue and I went to the Temple today. It was so good to go. It has been awhile since I could go.
After I came back from the Temple I worked on the Cookbook and then went to the Genealogy Library to turn a bunch of male name to the Temple. Dean can't get through them and I can't get them done so I am relieved that someone somewhere is doing them. I also fixed a couple of mistakes I had made.
Then I picked up Gracie and came home and fixed dinner.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for all the genealogy I have done through the years. And I am grateful that I have my own names to take through the Temple. Blessings abound!

Canning Green Beans

 My Little Helper

Finished Product

 Entertaining Herself

Today I canned the beans I picked out of my garden. It was so easy to do. And of course, Gracie helped me as always. This is the first time I ever remember canning green beans. And I love that I grew them in my garden. Yeah for me!!

I was missing Gracie and went to find her hanging out with Papa, putting a diaper on her Mickey Mouse and getting a wipe out. What a character she is. She keeps us laughing, that's for sure.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my garden. I am grateful that I am able to can things out of it. What a blessing to be able to grow my own vegetables.

Going to Lolo's and Karen Passed Away

Ready for School

Gracie is ready to go to Lolo's. She is pretty excited, but we shall see what it's like when Janna drops her off. Janna called and she was just fine.

I have an entire day to get some stuff done. I have to pick up Gracie at 3:30. I cleaned house and made dinner and did laundry. It's amazing what you can get done with no interruptions. But I really do miss her sweet little voice and her hugs and kisses.

I also worked on the Ward Cookbook. I am bound and determined to get it done. Then we can send it in for printing.
Kathy called me with some sad news. Karen (her mom) passed away last night. She had breast cancer and was doing Chemotherapy. She got sick and by the time she went to the hospital it was too late. Kathy was sad and now she has to plan a funeral. I will pray for her.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Lolo's. They are so good for Gracie. She has kids to play with and a baby that she named Henry. I am blessed!

Teaching My Class

I went to church today and taught my first lesson to my 4 year olds. I have 11 and all but one is active. What a special bunch of little kids. I have a little boy named Carter that I have to win over. He will give me his sweet little smile but doesn't want to join in on things. But he just needs time to get used to a new teacher. I am so blessed to be able to teach this class. My heart has always been in Primary. And with all the helps on Pinterest and Sugardoodle it makes it really easy.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful that I have been given the opportunity to teach these little ones. What a marvelous blessing it is.

Yard Sales

Cute Gracie...

Janna took Gracie and me to yard sales today. She was looking for pictures for her office. I must say it's about the 3rd time I have ever been to a yard sale. We found a really good one with cute clean toys for Gracie. She loves her doll high chair that converts into a swing. And she got some dinosaurs. It was a lot of fun and Janna found some good stuff too. Plus it was just fun to hang out with my sweet daughter.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for all my many blessing, my daughter being one of the best blessing I have. She care for me and watches out for me. I feel loved by her. I am blessed.

Purple Hat

 Gracie love this purple hat!

 Papa swings her all the time.

She love Carter and Onion.

I spent the day watching Gracie and resting from my trip. Grace had so much fun just hanging out in the yard. Somehow she got Papa to push her. I will look out the kitchen window and there he is pushing her on her swing. She loves this hat that Cha Cha gave her in Utah. 

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for this little girl. She is lots of work but worth every minute. What a blessing she is in my life.

Going Home

 Random Picture I Found On My Phone.

She likes Janna's neck roll.

We left around noon and picked up Gracie and headed home to Idaho. She was such a trooper all the way. We stopped at McDonald's in Tremonton and got her a chicken nugget kids meal. She wouldn't eat it. What a kid. She took a little nap on the way home but only for about 30 minutes.

I made scrambled eggs for dinner for Janna, Gracie and Austin.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for a safe trip home. Blessing abound.

Saying Goodbye To Hannah

 Checking In

Group Photo

We got up early and took this little cutie to the airport so she could fly to Peru. We met one sister and a couple of elders that were going to her same mission. That was very nice. I an going to miss Hannah Bobanna so much. It was hard saying goodbye.

We came home and I went to Walmart to find pink drink. And I also found a skirt. Happy Day.

Then it was nap time for me. I seem to end up taking a nap everyday. I must get rested up for Gracie. Thank goodness for daycare.

For dinner Dean took up to Zuppa's. I had never gone there before. It was so yummy. I love this family. My Dean is just the best. 

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful and so blessed to see this missionary off. I know Heavenly Father will take care of her and I know she will be wonderful. See you in 18 months Hannah.

Lunch With Friends

 Gerri, Heather and Judy

 Rockies

Hanging Out

I worked on our ward cookbook for awhile and then jumped in the shower so I would be ready for the day. I finished a page and found another I had never posted. One day I will be caught up.
I went to lunch with Gerri, Heather and Judy to Los Hermanos in Provo. I just love these friends of mine. They are the very best.
John came over to visit so we went to dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Spanish Fork. And yes I am on overload for mexican food. But it was good to hug my son.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for John. I love him with all my heart and I know that Heavenly Father knows and loves him too. I am blessed to be his mom.

Hannah's Farewell

 Our Sweet Hannah

 Crazy Family Picture

Serious Family Picture

Tommy and I went to Hannah's farewell today. She sang my all time favorite hymn, "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing" with the Morrell twins that are going on a mission to Chile. Hannah was the last speaker and she spoke from her heart. She was nervous but plowed on through and gave a heartfelt and meaningful talk. Made me cry.
Then we came home and Amie had prepared a beautiful brunch. Yummy Breakfast Casserole, Fruit with Dip and awesome Cinnamon Rolls. Lots of people came to say goodbye. Hannah has a cute boyfriend that is studying to be a doctor. I hope he waits for Hannah.
Hannah was set apart tonight by President Newman and his councelors. What a wonderful blessing President Newman gave her. She was told that Angels would be about her as she served. I just felt the Spirit so strongly that I wept. It was moving.
We then had pizza and cheesecake with Shane and his kids. He is one funny guy.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my sweet Hannah. She is so brave to go to Peru for 18 months and serve her Savior. What blessings will come to our family because of her service.

Going to Utah

 Driving to Utah

 Costa Vida with Dean

 Amie and Hailey

 

Harrison and Hayden

We drove to Utah today to go to Hannah's Farewell and drop Gracie off at Heather's. She had a basement room in a cute house in Provo. She is working to get her car fixed so she can arrange day care. Gracie was so excited to see her mommie.

Tommy and I went to Arby's for lunch and then up to Deans. I helped Amie chop up green and red peppers and then went to the basement to organize the pictures off my camera. I got it all done. 

Dinner at Costa Vida was next on the agenda. Pulled pork salad with Amie, Dean, Harrison, Quinton, Hayden and Hailey date. It was pretty fun, I took a picture of Quinton and Hailey's date but it was so blurred and grainy I decided not to include it.

Now I am going to finish this blog and go to bed.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father that hears my pleas and grants me peace. I am feeling so loved and cared for by Him. Blessed am I!

More Pickled Beets

Pickled Beets

I got up early and pulled the rest of my beets from my garden and made more pickled beets. I really like them in my salads. Gracie and I went to Walmart for diapers and stuff to take to Utah with us. Then it was back home to clean up my giant mess from canning. But we got it all done.

I was able to pack my things and Gracie so tomorrow I will be ready to leave.

Grateful Statement: I am grateful for this blog I have been doing. It makes me reflect on the day and find the good. Each day brings blessing and some days they are harder to recognize than others. It makes me find them and be grateful.

Long Nap

Rolling out the Biscuit

Here's Mine

In The Pan It Goes

Today Gracie and I took a 3 hour nap. I think our colds are kicking our fannies.
Crystal came over and we tried to figure out how we were going to delete 20 recipes so we can be at the 200 mark.
I decided the easiest thing to do for dinner was to make Biscuits, Eggs and Gravy. Gracie loved helping me and she made her own biscuit. What a cutie she is.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful today for nap time with Gracie. Nothing better than cuddling up to her and sleeping our colds away. I am so blessed with this little munchkin.

Release and Called

Gracie and her Towel

Gracie loves her towel. I take pictures of her everyday to send to her mom so I always have one to post on my blog.

Tonight I received the "official" release from being the Relief Society President. I am so sad to not be working with my presidency but so relieved that the Lord saw fit to release me. I tried to do my very best and I do believe I succeeded in loving the sisters with all my heart. The Bishop told Brother Neville that I was a "Rockstar". I never felt that I was, but it makes me happy that he thinks so.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for the opportunity I had to work with Bishop Webster, Brother Stieger and Brother Neville. They are true men of God.

Giving It All Away

 Gracie at Play

Gracie and I spent the day playing and having fun. She loves her toys. She will finally play with her toys for long periods of time. 

At 7:30 pm I took all the Relief Society stuff over to the soon to be president and went over it all. I really didn't realize all we, as a presidency did until I explained it to someone. Holy Cow it was alot. No wonder I am tired. It was a huge relief to not have the responsibility of the calling anymore. I know that Wynette will be so good. The Lord chose her so she is the right person.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful that I could hold this calling for 3 years. I felt that I did my best. There are some things I wish I would have been able to accomplish but all in all I did what I set out to do. Love the sisters.

Pancakes and Shopping

Eating a Pancake

Shopping at Kings

We made pancakes for the kids for breakfast. Gracie just at it plain. I was just fine with that because I didn't want syrup all over my house. She had already eaten one breakfast so I guess this was a snack.

Then Janna, Kathy, Gracie and  me were off to Kings to get something. Gracie loaded her little shopping cart up with toys. We had to put a lot back but she had so much fun we didn't mind.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my daughter. She is so good and such a caring person. She is always helping someone do something. I have been so blessed to be her mother.