Hanging Out With Gracie

I talked to Heather this morning and she will be coming on the Shuttle Wednesday afternoon so she can be with Gracie. That is such a huge help to me. I didn't know how I was going to have the strength to take care of Gracie while she recovered. I am so glad I have Janna to do all the hard stuff with Gracie.
Grateful Statement: I am blessed to have the life I have and know the Savior and Heavenly Father.

Blessing Gracie

Brother Neville, Gracie, Janna and Tommy

I was the helper today for Britney. She taught the lesson on Water. It was really good. She is so animated with the kids. I just wish she would prepare better. There is some cute stuff in the lesson to do. She reads the lesson Sunday morning and that's it. But she just keeps doing it so that is a blessing to me.
After church I came home and waited for Brother Neville to come over to give Gracie a blessing. Tommy stood in and helped. It was awesome. Now I feel much better for Gracie to have her surgery Thursday. And I absolutely love Brother Neville. He is so caring and kind to my family. He is the very best.
Grateful Statement: I so believe in the power of the Priesthood and what it can do for us. What a blessing to have it in my life.

Maddie and Gracie

AJ getting dog piled by Gracie and Maddie.

Maddie spent the weekend and Gracie has so much fun playing with her. They went outside and help on the farm. The painted toenails and fingernails and made crafts and cupcakes. They had a ball.
AJ updated my computer to Windows 10 and while he was doing that the girls wouldn't leave him alone. How cute is this picture.
I made baked pork chops, glazed carrots and twice baked potatoes for dinner. It was the end of me. I went to bed to rest my weary head.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful that Maddie and Gracie get along so well. Maddie is such a blessing for Gracie.

Look Who Has A Driver's License

 Austin Getting His Drivers License

I am so proud of this grandkid of mine. I went with him to meet his instructor in Idaho Falls at the Albertson's parking lot. I went shopping while he took his driver test. He passed with flying colors. Then it was on to Winco to do my shopping there. Austin is such a help for me. We got it done pretty fast.

We took the groceries home and checked on Gracie and the three of us went to the DMV in Rigby to get Austin's drivers license. He is legal now.

Then it was home to put the groceries away. 

I am tired and ready for bed.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Austin. He is a wonderful grandson. I love this kid. I am blessed!!

Another Really Good Day

I went visiting teaching today to Britney. She is doing well because her husband has gotten a job at the site and he doesn't have to leave to go to Montana to work. I just love her sweetness.
Then I picked Austin up from school and took him to get a copy of his learners permit which he lost. I told him it was probably in the same place his iphone is. He didn't think that was funny but I just had to do it. I love that boy/man.
When I came home Gracie was asleep on the couch. Papa is a very good babysitter. I tried to be quiet while I put away all the veggies and fruit I picked up a Broulims, and made Salmon Patties for dinner and fish sticks for the kids and a great big delicious salad.
And yes siree, I stay on my plan all day. Hurrah for me.
I watched American Idol tonight. Kelly Clarkson sang a song called Piece by Piece. It was so awesome. All the judges were in tears and me too. So very powerful.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my family. I can't say that enough. Never a day goes by that I don't think how blessed I am to have been born into the family I was and to have a family of my own that I love so very much.

Starting My Journey To My Best Body (Oprah)

 That's me in the plaid dress.

Alfred was a shepherd.

I have had the best day and felt absolutely wonderful. I made Lasagna and Artisan Bread for dinner and I made it this morning so I just put it in the oven and it was done.
My visiting teachers came with their cute little kids. Gracie loved playing with them.
I started indexing the Freedman Project. It is very interesting and not too hard. I have to index as there is no records to arbitrate.
I kept thinking why was I feeling so good today. Maybe, just maybe it's because I started my day out having a conversation with Heavenly Father. I ask for the strength and patience to take care of Gracie. Today was so easy. Then I read my scriptures all about the Kings. Then I prayed for help to stick to My Fitness Pal. Success!!
I was going to start WW but I decided I could do this on my own and take the $42.00 and buy myself something fun every month.
I found these clipping in my mom's stuff from when I was in the 4th or 5th grade in Betsy Ross Elementary. My mom had kept these all these years. Pretty cool to see what they used to put in the newspapers.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the power of prayer. I am blessed and today was proof positive that prayer are answered.

Potato Soup and Indexing

 Baby Blessing Page

 2 Candies for going on the potty.

Wild Hair

Today I finished Gracie's Blessing Day Page that I had been working. It was fun to use the kit that Lori made. I had to wait a couple of weeks for it but it was so worth it. I love her kits.

Then I went on the Indexing site and arbitrated a couple of batches. I decided that I need to do this everyday. I have been indexing for years. Way before it was this easy to do. What a blessing to just be able to download a batch, do it at your own pace and submit it. So  much faster than before.

I made Potato soup today for dinner from my dad's recipe. It is so good. It was easy to make and dinner was over before I knew it. 

Time to watch American Idol and relax.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for this beautiful sunshine filled day. I so love the sunshine after a long cold cloudy winter. I am blessed.

Busy Cooking Day

 Papa picking up poop!

 Gracie On Tramp

 Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Crock Pot Potatoes

Today was a busy day cooking. I made shredded BBQ chicken for sandwiches, crock pot mashed potatoes and Pineapple Upside Down Cake for Tommy. It was his pay for spending two hours picking up poop in the back yard for Gracie. I made Ruth's crock pot mashed potatoes. They were delicious. 

It was such a beautiful day that Gracie spent the whole morning playing in her sandbox, jumping on the tramp and swinging on her swing. She loved every minute of it. I love that she can finally go outside to play.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the ability I have to do the things I love. Cooking and caring for Gracie. I am blessed.

Teaching My Class

I went to church with my church bag (a must for a Sunbeam teacher) and was so glad I did. During opening exercises Brittney told my that her family was having a birthday party and her husband had gone to it and she wanted to go to but was torn whether she should teach our class or not. I told her to decide for herself and I would be okay if she decided to go. So she went and here I was with 10 little sunbeams. But one of our Sunbeams had a melt down and her mom came into class to sit with her. What a blessing. She helped me with the kids and I taught the lesson on Day and Night. Thank goodness I had read it already so it wasn't so hard.
I came home and made Lo Mein noodles as an experiment. They were pretty good, but not as food as the ones I had in Gilbert with Ethel and Ruth. I have had the noodles in my cupboard forever so it was good to get them cooked up.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for church. It always make me feel better and I know I have done what Heavenly Father wants me to.

Making Soup and Hanging Out With Gracie

 Southwest Chili Soup

Messy Gracie

Janna went to Pocatello and Salt Lake so I had Gracie. The kids came back this afternoon from Price. It was a good day. I didn't do much of anything. 

I did make another Cheese and Potato Soup. I didn't like it at first. The texture seems off to me. But after I put it in the refrigerator and got it out last night and added frozen peas it really was good. So I will make up 4 jars for my pantry.

I gave Gracie some chocolate pudding and she proceeded to make the biggest mess eating it with her fingers. I really need to watch her 24/7 to keep her from making messes.

Gracie talked to Heather and Cha Cha today. It is good when she wants to talk but when she doesn't she just won't. Good day all around.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for this little munchkin. I pray everyday for the patience to be able to take care of her. I am sometimes so tired at night that I can hardly stand it. Pray is a marvelous thing when dealing with a 2 yr old.

Cleaning Up Messes Making Soup Mix

 My Little Helper

 Cookbook for Soup Mixes

Cooking Away

Today was my cleaning up messes day. I unpacked and put away all my stuff and worked on my laundry that I started yesterday.
I made this Southwest Bean Chili Soup to make sure it was good. It was wonderful. It calls for rice to put it over but I like it like it is. (Phew, what a sentence)
We had soup for dinner and Tommy liked it. It was a very good day and I felt good and got lots done.
I thought Gracie was over at Janna's because I hadn't heard her for awhile. I went into the laundry room to switch loads and there stood Gracie with my dryer and washer doors open and two soap scoops in her hands. She had put soap in my dryer and a bounce sheet in my washer. I had to explain to her that unless she is helping Grandma she can't put stuff in the washer or dryer. I vacuumed it all up and was grateful that it wasn't any worse. Oh the joys of a 2 year old.
After all that it was definitely time for bed.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my little Gracie even if she makes my life a little hard at times. She is so cute and sweet. She is a blessing around here. She keeps me on my toes and laughing all the time.

Saying Goodbye

Italian Bean and Pasta Soup Mix

The sun came up today bright and beautiful just for me. It always makes me feel good. Gracie and I took Ruth to the airport.
I took Gracie to the Eye, Ear and Throat doctor in Rexburg. She has a little water behind her ears and a little croupy chest but it's viral so there is nothing we can do about it. The doctor said it would be better if she didn't go to Lolo's until her surgery on March 3 so I will be taking care of her next week. We just have to watch her to make sure it doesn't get any worse.
We came home and hung out the rest of the day. I sorted pictures while she played with her toys.

I got all caught up on my blog so that was good. I also unpacked all my stuff and put it away. 

Then it was time to do my laundry.
I also put some more Italian Bean and Pasta Soup Mix in a jar for my pantry.
I caught up on all my American Idol shows and just relaxed.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the time I had to spend with Ruth. She is so awesome. What a blessing she is to me.

Shopping, Lunch and Baking

Hair Glue

 Christmas Chex Mix

Ruth and I went to Idaho Falls to do a little shopping. Our first stop was at Cosmo Prof for a bunch of hair products for Janna. I was able to find a pump container for my hair glue that keeps my hair from being super fine.

Then we went to lunch at the gangplank. They have really good fish and chips. And we were hungry because we forgot to eat breakfast. Thank goodness for GPS to get us around Idaho Falls to all these places we had to find. Then we went to Walmart to get the stuff to make Christmas Chex Mix. What yummy stuff. I saved a big bag for Ruth to take on the airplane with her tomorrow. I will miss these good times we have together.

We picked up Gracie at Lolo's and came home and made our Chex Mix. 

For dinner we had a bowl of soup. It was so yummy. I love these mixes and I make one before I make the mix so I am sure we will like it. Especially wirh the left over Foccacia Bread.

The kids were gone to Price for Nanny's funeral. They were pretty upset that she had died, but I know that she is in a better place. Tommy had gone golfing since Sunday so it was just Ruth, Gracie and me. 

We watched an episode of American Idol and that was all we could do. Good Night Journal...

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for all my blessings. To have such a wonderful family is the best blessing in the whole wide world.

Candy, Ribs and Foccacia Bread

Soup Mix In A Jar

Peanut Butter Fudge (Overcooked)

Ruth and I spent more time sorting pictures and cooking.

Ruth made her famous candy but because we are a different altitude as Gilbert it overcooked. 5 minutes is the magic number. But now we know. It was delicious. And we really had fun making it.

For dinner I got out my electric pressure cooker and we made ribs, baked potatoes and foccacia bread. It was so good. The ribs were so tender and melt in your mouth delicious.
We made up a batch of this Home-Style Chicken and Rice Soup. We had it for lunch and it was delicious so made up 4 jars and put them in the pantry. My newest obsession. Making soup mixes.
We also dated and put away all the pantry items we bought at Winco. We have very busy days.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the desire I have to put food in my pantry. I have loved storing food all my life. What a blessing that desire has been to me.

Winco, Baking, Cooking and Braiding

 Cinnamon Rolls

 Peanut Butter Cookies

 Ruth Braiding Bailee Hair

Braided (So Cute)

It was Winco time again. Ruth and I set out to do the shopping. What a job. It was a lot of fun shopping with Ruth. We are true shopping and cooking soulmates.
Ruth and I baked and baked and had so much fun. We made Cinnamon Rolls, Peanut Butter Cookies, Meatballs with Rice and a yummy glaze to go over the top. So good. 

We also worked on Ruth's pictures. We went through her pictures and sorted and sorted and sorted. We are bound and determined to get it organized before she goes home. And amongst all this Ruth cut Harley's hair. 

Maddie and Isaac came over and Maddie and Gracie played. Gracie loves Maddie.
I do believe we are a tad bit tired. In fact I am so tired I can't see straight. Bedtime!!!
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for this wonderful cousin of mine that is so willing to braid hair and cut hair and cook with me. I am blessed with the best cousins on this planet.

Teaching My Sunbeams

Gracie and Ruth

Ruth braided Gracie's hair for church. Gracie was so excited to go to church she just could contain herself. Janna told me I went to church at 11am because I had told her I went at 1pm. So I thought I had lost my mind somewhere in my travels and she was right. So Ruth, Gracie and I went to church at 11am. Brother Neville was in the hallway when we came in and said "You are early". Our church starts at 1pm just like I thought. I am going to learn to not doubt myself one day. Gracie was so upset because we were leaving church. We had to convince her that we would come right back. 

She did alright in church. I took her to primary with me and she sat pretty well. I wish I could go to the nursery and get her used to it. Oh well, I'll just keep working on it. 

We came home and put our sleeping Gracie down for a nap. Ruth and I made Tacos and Black Bean Burritos for dinner and Chocolate Chip Cookies for dessert. 

Candy Kisses from my Hubby made it a wonderful Valentine's day.

Another long day has finally ended. Time for bed.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the Gospel and the road map it is in my life. I am so blessed to know the things I know.

Going to Idaho

 Ruth

Mom and John

Traffic Jam

Ruth and I left Kanab at 8am and took off for Provo. We ate in the motel breakfast bar and off we went. It was an uneventful drive to Provo. We picked up John and went to the Brick Oven for lunch. It was so good. I loved seeing my son. Then we took John home and headed for Idaho. 

We got in the middle of a traffic jam from a wreck. It took us 2 hours to get through it. It was slow moving for a long time. But we made it through and it was smooth sailing all the rest of the way home., Just a little bit of fog by Malad. 

We unpacked the car and sat around and talked and the went to bed. We were tired.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the safe travel we had. It's wonderful to feel protected by Heavenly Father as I travel. I am blessed!!

Going To Kanab With Ruth

Ruth

I helped Ethel work on her garage until it was time for me to pack my suitcases, load my car, pick up Ruth and head to Kanab. We just drove and drove. We left 4 and headed up the mountain to Flagstaff. We stopped in Flagstaff for dinner at McDonald's. We got it to go and off we went to Kanab. Thank goodness I had Ruth to drive because it was dark and I don't see very good at night. We arrived in Kanab at our motel at 10:30 and hit the hay. We were tired from 6 hours of driving.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my cousin. She is so wonderful. What a blessing my family is to me.

Taking Down The Tree

 Tia

 Ruth - Me - Ethel

 Allison

 Ruth - Tia

 6 Ribs Gone

Yum!

Today Ethel and I starting cleaning her garage and taking down her 12 ft Christmas Tree. I wish I had remembered to take pictures of this event. Ethel's grandkids came and helped us. It was so hard to get the four sections apart but we managed. Now it's safely in it's box until next year.
Then we headed to Staples to pick up my pictures that I had scanned and printed for Johnnie. We also found a map of Idaho to send to him. I have to cut the pictures apart I'll do it when I get home.
I loaded all my pictures from 2011 to Persnickety Prints and had the ones of my family printed out and the 1st quarter of 2011.
Ruth and Tia came over after Ruth got off work and Allison (who lives in Ethel's apartment) came too and we had delicious ribs. We made them in the electric canner that Ruth bought. I made baked potatoes and corn. We had a great time laughing and having fun.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my vacation. It was just what I needed and Heavenly Father made it possible. I am so blessed!

Canning Chicken

 Danny

Brady

Canning Chicken 

Ethel and I went Staples to get some pictures printed. We had to leave and come back. Then we went to a boutique and I found the cutest frame for my mom's picture. Can't wait to get it ordered and in my frame. Then we met Ruth for lunch at Kneaders for a sandwich. Then Ethel, Ruth and I went to Winco and got a few things including chicken for Ruth to can. She had a new electric pressure cooker for us to try out. It worked really good. 

After Winco we came home and Ruth went to cut someone's hair. When she came home her and I went to Staples and they still hadn't printed out my pictures so I told the girl behind the counter that I would come back tomorrow morning. Ruth and I found a map of Idaho to send to Johnnie with the pictures we are printing out. 

Next on the agenda was making Enchiladas and canning chicken. It was a fun productive day. Ruth's canner worked really well after we figured out how to turn it on.

Now it's bed time being as I have been up since 3:30 am.  

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my dear cousins. We have so much fun together no matter what we do. I am BLESSED!!!

Gilbert Temple

Gilbert Temple

 Moroni

Ethel and Me

Ethel works at the Temple on Tuesday so I went with her and did Initiatories. It was so good. To hear all those blessing just makes me so happy. I had the Temple print out cards for me and when I came home and sorted them I realized that I had someone else's card mixed with mine. 

For dinner we went to JW to celebrete Debbie's birthday. We had pizza and salad and chocolate cake. It was really good. Ethel, Ruth and I went home and put up our feet. Nice ending to a nice day.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the Temple ordinances. What a wonderful way to spend the day listening to all the wonderful blessings. I am blessed.

Pictures of Puppies

Three Little Puppies

I took pictures of all Ethel's little puppies. She has 10 of these cute little things. It was so fun to take pictures of their sweet little faces. I had to call Janna who had AJ call me to figure out what I was doing wrong in order to text them to the lady that wanted to see the pictures. We figured it out and I was able to send them to her. 

Ruth finally made it over after her busy day but it was too late to can chicken in her new electric pressure cooker that cans too. Maybe tomorrow.

Tassie came over and we made a recipe template and page for her cookbook. 

 Page With Picture

Page With Recipe

I think it is going to be a really cute cookbook. We made this page of Smokey's Potato Soup and his picture I found in Mom's brown album. I love this and think I need to make a page of it.

We had tacos for dinner and now we are heading for bed.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the ability I have to share my love of scrapbooking. And I am grateful that Tassie is so good at this. What a blessing this talent has been to me through out the years.

Beautiful Sabbath

Pedis

Ethel and I got up and went to Church. We sat behind a mom and 5 kids that were so adorable. It was sweet to see the older ones caring for the little one. It was fast and testimony meeting and the testimonies that were borne were wonderful. One lady told about her son that was autistic and how the ward she came from wouldn't do anything for him. They didn't have time for him and didn't want him to come to YM. She said that this ward took him under their wing and would sleep outside across the tent door so they would know if he got out when he went to and over nighter with them . What a wonderful testimony about caring young men leaders.

I came home and Ruth and I made soup for dinner. It was delicious and we invited Ethel's tenant Allison to eat with us. It was very fun and we had a good time laughing, talking and eating.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the wonderful examples of people bearing their testimonies. It made me think that it was time I started bearing mine again.

Lazy Saturday

 Pete and Brady Running The Loader

 Robert

Ethel

Today I took pictures of all the kids. I looked out the window and say Pete and Brady running the loader getting ready to do Pete's shop. So cute to see Uncle Pete teaching Brady how to run it. 

Robert and Erin worked on a travel trailer they are going to haul down to Mexico to leave there. Erin painted the counter tops to look like granite. They were cool. Robert got us Pizza for lunch and Ruth brought us Chinese food. It was a good lazy day spending time with my family.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for all these grandkids of Ethel's that run through the house having fin with each other. What a blessing to see them grow each year.