Out To Lunch Bunch

Austin and Gracie

Mac N Cheese and Cereal for dinner

Today I went out to lunch with Cecelia and Sue. We have decided that we need to do this more often. Maybe we should be "The Out To Lunch Bunch". It was Saturday and normally I stay home with my family but it was the only time Cecelia could do it. It was so much fun to get to know Cecelia. She is just so sweet. She is from Chile and she told me how to make Chili Sauce for the Posole my brother makes. And of course, I forgot to get a picture.
We were gone for 2 hours just talking and laughing and having fun. When I came home I layed down with Gracie so she would take a nap. Austin was trying to get her to lay down but she wasn't minding him very well. But she fell asleep in a minute and I had the afternoon to get things done.
I made her mac n cheese and myself a bowl of cereal. She decided she wanted cereal and mac n cheese. What an interesting dinner.
Time for bed. Good night journal.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the sweet sisters in our ward. I love to get to know them. The Gospel is so wonderful when it brings all the sisters together. We always have friends.

Talking on the Phone

Gracie went to Lolo's today so I had the whole day to get things done. Tommie called me and we talked for 1hr 18 min. Then my best friend in the whole wide world called. She was told today her kidney's are failing, she has a bleeding ulcer and gall stones. No wonder she hasn't been feeling well. And her boss is coming down on her pretty hard. I feel so bad for her. She has 1 year and 4 months left and she can retire with full benefits so she is going to hang in there. I hope she lasts that long. Her doctors have told her the stress she is under will kill her. I will pray for her.
I made Pizza for dinner and now it's time for bed. I am one tired lady.
Grateful Statement:Today I am so grateful for my best friend Kathy. She is such a good friend to me. I am blessed to have her in my life.

Catching Up

Once again I spent the day catching up on my blog, putting away the groceries in my pantry from yesterday when I went to Winco, and cooking dinner.
I made Judy Dickson's meatloaf recipe, Ruth's recipe for crockpot mashed potatoes and Amish Country Bread from Morgan's blog. It was delish. It took me a while to try these potatoes but once I did it was so good and so easy. I reall love them.
I got Bailee to wash Gracie's hair and gave her a bubble bath. She loves bubble baths. Now she is all shiny clean for Lolo's tomorrow.
Now it's time to watch "Alaska The Last Frontier".
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful today for my ability to cook food and that I love to cook. It is a blessing for me and my family.

Winco

Play Doh is the best!!

Tommy and I went shopping at Winco this morning to do my big shopping. I truly have to have help to get it all done. But we did it and came home and put it all away. It always takes me a couple of days to do the canned goods. I have to date them and then rotate them into my pantry. But I really like being able to see the dates on things. I never find something in the back that is too old. I love my pantry. Can I say that again, I love my pantry!!!

I picked up Gracie from Lolo's and she watched Mickey Mouse and played with her play dough. I do believe it is her favorite thing to do. I was too tired to fix dinner so it was a "Free for All". Worked for me.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my Tommy who is willing to go grocery shopping with me. What a blessing to have him as my hubby all these years. Blessed!!

Gracie Has My Phone

Subject Matter?

This is what you get if you let Gracie have your phone while you are brushing your teeth. She works it like a pro. What a world it is turning into when a two year old can run a smart phone.

Gracie went to Lolo's today so I was able to get lots of things done. I always pick her up by 3:30 and she is always asking the girls "When is my Bama coming?". How sweet is that.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful once again for my Gracie. She brings such joy into my life. Even when I am stressed out and not sure if I can do this she will tell me to smile Bama. What a blessing to have her sweet reminder to "Smile".

Teaching My Sunbeams

I went to church today after hanging out preparing my lesson until just before 2pm when our church starts. I picked up Sister Bingham to give her a ride and off we went.
I sat by Cecelia so she wouldn't have to sit alone. We are going to have lunch one day next week. I think she really needs friends. She came here from Chili a couple of years ago and lives with her daughter. She doesn't know anyone in our ward unless you work in the nursery. Which is where she works. She is a sweet and kind lady.
Then it was time for Primary and here was Wyatt and his dad sitting in opening exercises. I was so thrilled to see them there. The dad stayed with Wyatt through out class time too. He was pretty shy at first but he warmed up really fast. The dad is going to come in next Sunday too. Maybe cookies do work.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the prompting of the Spirit that would tell me to take cookies to Wyatt. He will lead, if I will listen. I am blessed!

Thinking of Wyatt

There is a little boy in my Sunbeam class that hasn't been here for a long time. He had a growth on his side that he had to have removed and I haven't seen him since. So I made some Oatmeal Cookies and took some over after calling his mom to see if she was home. The dad, who is a Sheriff Deputy answered the door and I gave Wyatt his cookies. I told him that I had missed him in our Sunbeam class and hoped he would be able to come soon.
He is the cutest little boy and so sweet. I hope he gets back soon.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Wyatt and the sweet little boy he is. I am blessed to be his Sunbeam teacher.

Play Doh

 Cinnamon Rolls

Play Doh

I woke Heather up at 10am so she could get to the shuttle by 11am. That girl can sleep. Gracie and I took her to the shuttle. Then it was off to go home to get things done.
Gracie and I made some Cinnamon Rolls (Mom's recipe) today for the family. It is my mom's recipe and so good. Everybody around here loves them.

Gracie loves her Play Doh. She cuts and rolls and flattens to her hearts content. I just love that she plays so good by herself. I really should have combed her hair before I took this picture.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful that my mom was such a good cook and that I have her recipes. I miss her everyday but I know she is much happier where she is. Hopefully one day I will get to see her again.

Hanging Out with Papa

 Gracie May

Funny Little Duck

Gracie didn't go to Lolo's today so she could spend time with her mommy. Heather had a headache and went to lay down and was there all afternoon. So Gracie woke up from her nap and hung out with Papa. They are so funny together. She really loves her Papa.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful that Gracie has such a good time with her Papa. Blessing abound around here!

Cha Cha's

 Cha Cha and Gracie

 Heather and Gracie

 Gracie and her headphones

Doing nails with mommy

We went by Cha Cha's so she could kiss Gracie and then picked up Heather and headed home to Idaho. Heather is going to stay with us a little while. It was an unevntful drive. We stopped at McDonald's in Tremonton so Gracie could play on the play area. She loves to climb up the tunnels and slide down the slides. We got home around 5pm and Bailee, Heather and Gracie enjoyed the sunshine and did pedicures and painted fingernails. 

Grateful Statement: I am once again thankful for a safe drive. How blessed I am to be able to travel and have fun.

Leaving St George

I started packing up stuff before going out to lunch with my best friend in the whole wide world. We went to a Mexican restaurant. Gracie came along with us and she was very good. She really is a  polite good toddler.
After lunch we went to Costco so Kathy could get a dog bed for her new dog Cooper. She also got Gracie a book and some Gold Fish. She is the most generous person I have ever met.
Then it was time to pack the car and off we went. We stopped at Mi Rancherito in Payson for dinner. Yep, Mexican food again. Tommy loves this restaurant.
Now it's up to Deans to settle in for the night.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful that Dean and Amie are so gracious and let me stay whenever I need to. I am so blessed with such a wonderful family.

Back to the Pond

 Papa and Gracie

Home of the Baby Duck

I had to break the Sabbath this morning and go to the store to buy some medicine. There were tons of people at Walmart. Did they all have an oxen in the mire? Who knows.

Gracie and I went back to the pond to see the baby duck again. It is so cute. And Gracie had to play with her blocks with Grandpa. 

We have decided to go as far as Elk Ridge tomorrow and finish it off on Tuesday. I think it will be easier on Gracie.

Only one scary moment. When Gracie went head over heels down the stairs. She bumped her head and her knee. But thank goodness, nothing else.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my dear hubby. He is so patient with my bossy ways. I am so blessed to have him all these 50 years.

Feeding the Ducks

 Feeding the Ducks

Smelling the Flowers

Gracie and I went to the fishing pond for a little sunshine time. There were ducks, geese and a crane with long legs and huge wings. Gracie tried to catch them but wasn't successful. She discovered a family of ducks. The mommy is white, the daddy is multi colored and the baby is yellow and black. She was so excited to feed all the ducks.

Then we ran onto a couple of Geese up close and personal. They were loud and aggressive so she said they were mean and didn't want to have anything to do with them, of which I was very glad. We also saw rabbits in the rocks. It was a good time for Bama and Gracie.

When we came back to the condo she had to stop and smell the flowering bushes. She is so dang cute.

Logan Temple

I made this page of Hailey going through the Temple. Brought back such good memories.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the wonderful creatures God has made for us. What joy a little duck can bring to a little girl. Blessings abound!

Spoiled Rotten

 Spoiled Rotten

Kneaders

Kathy came over and we took Gracie and went to lunch at Red Robin. It was so yummy but I could hardly eat my hamburger. I was full after the first half. Gracie had fun eating Corn Dog Bites and playing with the electronic ordering thing on the table. She thought it was an ipad. 

Then it was off to Walmart so I could get Gracie a new toy to play with. By the time Kathy and Gracie were done the cart was full. Finally Gracie said, "That's enough". What kids says that in the Walmart toy aisle. It gave Kathy and I a good laugh.

Then it was time to go home and put Gracie down for her nap. She protested but finally gave in and went to sleep. Kathy took a nap with her. I think they were both tired. I napped for a little while and then got up and worked on my blog.

Avery called and wanted to come to Kathy's so we went and got her and went to Kneader's for dinner. I had Three Cheese Cauliflower Soup. It was so good. Gracie spent the time buttering bread.

Back to the condo to watch TV for a little while. 

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my wonderful friend Kathy. We have been friends for 30 years. We have had good times and bad times but we have weathered them together. Our love of the Gospel keeps us grounded and close. I am blessed.

Heading to St George

 Zebe is the Best!

 Root Beer Makes the Ride Better

 Bubbles in the Back Yard

Choosing Her Bed

We left at 7:30 and drove straight thru to St. George. We had a few pit stops and lunch at McDonalds and that was it. Gracie was so good. She just traveled along. When we got near St. George she said her butt hurt. I could relate. I was tired of sitting too.

We went to Walmart to get groceries and then settled in for the night. Gracie blew bubbles in the back yard, chose her bed and ate a sandwich and then we went to bed.

I am so glad the trip went well. I was worried but didn't need to be. 

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for this safe trip. I am grateful for the power of prayer. With all my travels I always feel safe. Blessings abound!!

Look What I Made For Dinner

 Chicken, Bacon and Spinach Spaghetti

Harley sent me a request on Facebook to make this spaghetti dish for her. I said I would make it but only if I could make it just like the recipe including the spinach. She agreed and so I went to the store and got spinach and angel hair pasta. It was so much fun to do a different recipe. It was so easy and went together fast. The only thing I need to change is the size of the chicken pieces. They need to be smaller. Everything else was perfect. AND (drum roll please) most of us liked it. Janna even ate it. Austin ate the pasta that was extra and the chicken. It's a Keeper for sure.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my wonderful granddaughter Harley. She is such a hard worker and and avid animal lover. I am blessed!!!

No Church For Me

 Springhill

I didn't go to church today. I just wasn't feeling up to it and didn't want to cough all through Sacrament. So I sat in my chair and watched the Sunday Morning Session of conference. It was wonderful and I swear I always hear something new. 

I also made this page. Scrapbooking always make me feel better. I love looking at the pictures and journaling my thoughts.

I am still very tired and hoping tomorrow I will be all better.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for all I am blessed with. To live with my sweet daughter and my grandkids and to help take care of sweet little Gracie. I need to count my blessing more.

Taking Meds

Gracie and Bailee

Tommy decided he was going to go to get my prescriptions filled. I had a coughing spell in the middle of the night that had him worried. So I started on Predneson and an antibiotic. They make me not feel so good for awhile. But I did seem to be a little better by the end of the day. I was very tired all day and just sat in my chair wishing with all my heart that I would start feeling better. I really hate being sick and tired. It makes me so ornery.
Then Gracie comes over with her camo hat and sunglasses. Brighten my day,
Maybe tonight I will sleep without a coughing spell to wake Tommy up.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for modern medicine that can make my feel better. I am blessed.

Lazy Day

I felt much better this morning but still coughing. So I took it easy all day. I didn't do anything much. I did pick up Gracie from Lolo's. She is always so glad to see me. What a cutie she is.
I sat outside with Gracie this afternoon so she could play in the sunshine. She loves to jump on the tramp and play in her sandbox. That's been my lazy day.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for this sunshiny day. It really lifts my spirits when it is sunny. I am so blessed to feel better today.

Making A Cake for Nicole

Gracie Licking the Bowl

Wearing Her Cute Hat

Today I got up and felt terrible so I decided it was time to go to the Doctor. I don't have anything serious, just whatever is going around. He gave me a shot and a bunch of prescriptions and sent me on my way.

I came home and Gracie and I made a cake for Nicole Bradshaw who broke her arm last night at a youth activity to Flips. I felt so bad for her and knew she needed a Chocolate Cake. She looked pretty good but will have to have surgery tomorrow at 1pm. 

Gracie finally put on her Mickey Mouse hat Cha-Cha sent to her a long time ago. She looks so cute. 

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful today for modern medicine that can make me feel better with just a shot in the fanny. I am blessed.

Lunch With Karen

 Taqueria El Rancho

I went to lunch today with Karen Wilmont. Cecelia was supposed to go with us but she had stuff to do for a wedding. When I pulled up to this restaurant I was so surprised that it was the same one that we went to in Rexburg with Heather and Gerri. I must say the food wasn't as good as the Rexburg one but still pretty tasty. Karen and I had a good time chatting.

I came home from there and Gracie and I made cookies. Chocolate Chip are the favorite of all the people around here.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my friend Karen. I used to be her visiting teacher. And I am Cecelia's visiting teacher now. That's what I love about Relief Society. The Lord gave us all exactly what we needed. I am blessed.

Winco Again

Her Tree she made at Lolo's

I went to a Care Center today and visited with Margaret Mathews. She is having a hard time. She has a blood clot in her leg and it's driving her crazy and she just really wants to go home. I don't blame her.
After visiting with Margaret I went to Winco and did my shopping. Came home and unloaded everything and put the perishable stuff away.
Off to get Gracie from Lolo's. She is always so happy to see me.
I came home and made roasted chicken and parmesean potatoes for dinner.
Janna came home, ate dinner and took Gracie.
Now it's time for putting up my feet and relaxing.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Margaret. She is a good lady that is going through hard times. I am blessed to be her friend.

Conference Weekend

 Gracie has grandpa wrapped around her finger.

Serious John

 My Priesthood Holders

Cute boys playing with Gracie

Dean, John, Harrison and Hayden came up on Saturday to spend the night. They stayed until Sunday and left around noon. Dean listened to conference on the way up and on the way home. John was his captive audience. Once a missionary always a missionary in Dean's case.

I was able to watch all sessions of conference. I am going to listen to each talk at night with no distractions. It was so wonderful to hear the talks on hope and how much our Savior loves us.

And it was so good to spend time with my sons. How I love these two. 

I made Cafe Rio on Saturday so we could have a good dinner Saturday night and Sunday we had sandwiches. It was a wonderful weekend. I was so happy to spend time with my family AND get to listen to conference.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my family. They are what makes me happy. And I am grateful for Conference. What a wonderful, fantastic weekend. I am sooooo blessed.