Real Scrapbooking

Finally A Page

Today was a very good day. I got lots of stuff done. Gracie was a little Angel today.
I put some chicken in the oven to bake. I think that helps me to have them in the fridge ready to eat. I also made Potato Soup and Focaccia Bread. And I made more Kombucha.  I only had one bottle left.
I finished this page and started another one. I am on a roll.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my life. Sometimes it feels hard but I know this to shall pass. I am certainly blessed beyond measure.

Hearing Test for Gracie

I call this the big Walk-in Freezer.

Inside the Freezer

I took Gracie to her appointment at 1pm in Rexburg. She was so good. When I saw this big old square thing that had a handle like a walk-in freezer I was so surprised. But they put her in it to check what she could hear. I could just barely hear her responses when the repeated words the technician told her to say. She does have reduced hearing in her right ear but he said when they repair the hole in her eardrum it will okay. He said he had a 5 year old and she would never sit so still and do what she was told. Gracie is just good at appointment.

We went to Walmart in Rexburg but we couldn't even find a parking space so we left. I stopped at Wendy's to get Gracie a Frosty. She loves chocolate ice cream.

I made some Roasted Cauliflower Soup. So yummy. 

I started gathering up the stuff the accountant wants. I will be glad when it is all over.

Time to sit in my chair and and watch some TV.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful that the doctors can fix Gracie's hearing. We are so blessed to live in this day and age.

Bread Making

Silly Girl

Wheat Bread

I didn't have any wheat bread so I got out my mixer and whipped up a batch. I love this bread. I have a piece every morning with my eggs.

Gracie went to Preschool so I had most of the day get stuff done. I worked on Janna's books, did some laundry, made a big salad and set up an online payment for my Credit Card. I won't be late now.

Gracie loves to wear Tommy Birthday hat. She is a such a silly thing.

Grateful Statement: I am grateful for all the wheat I have stored, my grinder that makes it into flour and my mixer that makes delicious bread. I am blessed!!

Cloudy Sabbath

I went to church today and taught my Sunbeams. The Bishop's wife help me in class because Connie was in Utah. It was good to teach these little munchkins. We are trying to get them to stay in their seats.
After church I ate lunch and worked on my blog.  The priests came and gave Tommy the Sacrament. How sweet that they just keep coming to give it to him.
Now it's time to go to bed and hug my pillow.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my little Sunbeam class. I am blessed to be their teacher.

Walmart and Pizza Oven

Pizza Oven

Hailey, Tanner and Gracie

 Austin

 Hayden

I got up this morning early and turned on the heater and jumped back into my warm bed. It was so cold last night. 

I made some Banana Nut bread and scrambled eggs for breakfast. We had lots of kinds of bread to toast. Everyone had fun eating and laughing. What fun my family has. After breakfast Dean and family left to drive back to Utah.

Austin took me to Cal Ranch and Walmart. We saw this pizza oven on sale and I couldn't decide if I wanted to buy it now. Bailee ended up getting it for me and bringing it home to me. I can't wait to get the double burner camp stove to put it on and make pizza's all summer long outside.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my family. I love that they will drive all this way to see us. I am so blessed.

Happy 80th Birthday Tommy

 The Gang

 Amie and the Cake

Gracie Loves Hailey

I went Visiting Teaching this morning and got my house ready for Dean and the gang. He is coming up tonight to surprise his dad on his 80th birthday. 

They tiptoed in at about 6:30 with two giant balloons of 8 and 0. They brought birthday hats and noise makers. They also brought Chick Fila nuggets and salad for dinner with a cold stone chocolate cake. It fit right in with my diet. Amie knows how to bring in healthy food. We had a good time with lots of laughs and pictures with my new camera. We found sleeping places for all of us and it was time to hit the hay. 

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Dean and Amie and their family. They are so much fun and make me happy. I am blessed.

Cleaning For The Cleaning Lady

Gracie loves her Barbie's.

Tommy and I got busy after Gracie went to Preschool and got the house ready for the cleaning lady. Thank goodness Janna hired somebody.
I started on Payroll so I could get it done. I entered it in and couldn't get the salary people that were changing to employees. After Janna came home from work she was able to figure it out. So that job is done. I just have to pay the payroll taxes.
After Austin picked up Gracie on his way home from school and brought her home she watched cartoons and played with her Barbie's.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the giving, caring daughter I have. And her willingness to help me. She is a huge blessing to me.

What A Day!!

Gracie and the Kitty

This is what a little girl does who loves kitties. She put on her coat over her jammies and her shoes and goes outside to pet the kitty. So dang cute.

I had an appointment with the eye doctor at 11:30. I left Gracie with Tommy and ran to Rexburg to have my final check-up. My eyes have healed perfectly and he told me to come back in a year. On the way home I stopped at Broulim's to get some groceries. 

My visiting teachers came over at 3:00. We had a nice visit until my Home Teacher came at 4:00. I had just enough time to put together a fast dinner and then it was off to the Stake Center for my recommend interview with the Stake at 7:00. Now I am truly ready for some recliner time.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for being able to renew my Temple Recommend. I am a blessed woman.

Wellness Check and End of Year Bookwork

 Gracie May

Janna helped me get all the Year End stuff printed out. Now I just have to get it ready to mail.

I went to Community Care to get a Wellness Check for Gracie. She is doing very well except for the hole in her eardrum.  We will be getting that fixed soon. She is so good for the doctors. Whatever the doctor wants her to do she is okay with it.

Janna came home from work and we finished getting all the 1099's and W-2's ready to be sent. We had a little hiccup because we didn't have envelops for the 1099 so Janna is going to get some tomorrow and send them off tomorrow.
I put a pic of all the 1099's and W-2 on this post but decided that maybe someone would be able to read the info so I deleted it. Maybe that was a prompting?

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my ability to do this book work for my Janna. I am blessed to be able to figure this out. 

Weight Watchers

  Quinoa Chicken Soup

I started WW again this morning. I have gained 8 lbs back over Christmas. I just sort of ate anything I wanted. Now I pay the price. Like Dr. Phil says, "Choose the Behavior, Choose the Consequences".
So here I go tracking my points, AGAIN...
I do so love this Quinoa Soup. So I try to keep my fridge full of good low points food.
I was sort of tired today so I didn't do much. I did work on books for Janna.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the Weight Watchers App for my Ipad and phone. It makes it so easy to keep track.

Flying Home

 Gracie

Big Hugs

Ruth spent the night so we could leave at 6:15 to make it to the airport. I put on my GPS and we went right to it. I was a little worried about my suitcase but it weighed 38.6. Dang, I could of put my jeans in.
As I was getting ready to board who did I see but Wynette and Garret getting on the plane too. It's truly a small world.
I boarded the plane and sat with a couple that said 4 words, "Is this your seat." As I sat down he put on a mask and we were off. So funny. I played on my Ipad. It was an uneventful flight. I bought a bottle of water for $2.00. But it was worth it to have water.
As I was going down the escalator I saw Gracie waiting for me. I really had missed this little one. Janna and Tommy came to pick me up. We got my suitcase and off we went home. I put my stuff away and just chilled the rest of the day.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my family. I am so blessed to have such caring family members.

Packing My Suitcase

Cute Sisters

Primary Lessons are so Exciting

Ruth and I spent the evening getting my suitcase ready for the airplane. We couldn't figure out what it weighed and Ethel's scale was really low to the ground so we couldn't just put it on it. We finally got Revin and Riley to come over and weigh themselves and then with my suitcase. I ended up sending my new chopper and 2 pairs of jeans home in the mail.  Hopefully my suitcase with be 40 lbs or less.
Ethel fixed Della's hair so she could look so pretty. These sisters take care of each other so well.
When you are preparing your Primary lesson it just puts you to sleep. Just ask Ehtel.
We spent the night laughing and talking and having fun.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the Gospel. Everyday I think how blessed I am to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints.

Picture Taking

Pei Wei

Mom and Baby

Ethel and I went to Pei Wei's for lunch. The food was pretty good. Then it was back home to relax until time to go get Della. I really don't know how she can stay there every day in an uncomfortable chair. Bless her heart, she is earning her Crown.
Ruth came over after work and we took pictures of the animals again. The sun was going down so the light was just right. We always have so much fun playing with our new toys. I do love my camera.
We went to the market and bought some groceries. We made White Chicken Chile for dinner.

DoTerra

For Ethel's Bathoom

I finished doing my laundry and helped Ethel put together her bathroom vanity for her downstairs bathroom. It was super easy so we are ready for the plumber when he comes to hook it up.
I made Lemon Chicken Quinoa Soup for dinner. It was so yummy!!
Ruth came over and we went to get my DoTerra oils. I signed up so I can order anytime and get it Wholesale. I bought some more Serenity and Breathe. Maybe it will help me stop coughing at night. We will see. Tonight will be the test.
Then Ruth and I went to Fry's and used their scanner to scan all the stuff we bought as we put it into our cart. Then we went to Self Check and scanned a barcode and it was done. We put it in bags and we were done. I wish they had something like this at Winco in Idaho.
We spent the night scrapping and talking. I love to visit my cousins.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful that I have been able to be here when Della is. It has been good to hang out with her in the evenings after she gets back from the Rehab Center.

Show Low Here We Come

 Pansy

 Ethel

 Cheney Ranch

Jake

Cactus

Ethel and I took Della to Loran's Rehab Center and off we went up the mountain to Taylor to visit Johnnie. He was doing good, funny and cute as ever. I didn't get a picture with him. What the heck. Then we went to Claysprings to visit Jake and then it was down the mountain to home.

We stopped in Cheney Ranch to see my old house. All my giant Willow Trees were gone. They probably took over. I really didn't have any emotions. It didn't seem like I had ever lived there.

We went by Ruth's to pick up Della and came home and crashed. We were tired from the long drive. I am amazed that Ethel would drive me all the way up the mountain just to see my Brother.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Ethel. She opens up her house for me and drives me everywhere. What a blessing she is to me.

Oven Installed

Erin and Robert

 Blonde Calf

Black Calf

Robert and his Horse

Ethel and I got ready to go to the Temple today. Then the installation man called and said he would be here at 8:30 to install her oven. We were a little late by the time the guy left so Ethel called the Temple and her supervisor told her to take the day off. So we hung out and I made Mexican Corn Chowder for dinner. 

I took these pictures this morning of Erin and Robert and the critters. It was fun to use my camera.

Then Ethel and I went to pick up Della and they dropped me off at Ruthie's so we could make our Kombucha. We got it all made and went to the market and then on to Ethel's.

We spent the night scrapbooking and blogging.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for a cousin that works in the Temple. We will get there in the next couple of days. I am blessed to be able to go.

Ovens and Baby Calves

 Ethel

Revin, Riley and Daisy the Pit Bull

We spent a considerable amount of time watching this black cow to see it give birth. Of course, it waited until we left. Erin and Tanice (a friend of Robert and Erin) had to pull the calf as it's foot was stuck. But they got it out and we got home from shopping just as it was all over with. And I was okay with that.

Ethel and I went to Lowe's and looked at ovens. She is going to replace her double oven that hasn't worked for a long time. They couldn't deliver it for 2 weeks so Ethel went to Spencer's Appliances and they will deliver it tomorrow. So we just got a vanity for her bathroom and a microwave from Lowe's.

We had Tacos for dinner after Ruth and I went shopping for the stuff to make it. That has been my day.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for all of Ethel's grandkids. They are funny and sweet. What a blessing to know them all.

Church

 Trish

Della

 Me and my Kombucha

Ruth and her Dr. Pepper

Scrapbooking

I went to Church with Ethel today and went with her into her class. She has the cutest 6 year olds to teach. It was fun to hear their stories and watch Ethel teach. It was so much fun. And when it was over we were able to just walk out the door. When I teach my Sunbeams we have to wait for the parents to come and get them. It takes forever to get them with their families.
We came home from church and had a sandwich for lunch and just hung out all afternoon. It was a peaceful, wonderful day. Trish wasn't feeling good so she stayed home and a couple of her kids took Della to the Rehab Center. So we had fun visiting with her after she started feeling better.
We made Ribs and Crushed Potatoes for dinner with vegetables. It was delicious. We pressured them first and then baked them in the oven for 15 minutes.
Donna and two of her kids came down to see Loran and came to visit us. So we had a house full. Ethel's place is always hopping with people.
Grateful Statement: So grateful that I was able to attend Church with Ethel. I am blessed to have my cousins that I can go to Church with.

Getting Our Hair Done

 Ethel and Ruth

My Cute Hair

Today Ethel and I went to Ruth's shop and got our hair done. Mine was so long it really needed trimmed up. And Ethel got her's colored and cut. It was fun. I went next door to Shar's Kitchen Store and got a chopper for cooking at Ethel's. I really missed mine. But I really like this one so I may just have to figure out how I can get this one home.

I love the way Ruthie does my hair. She is really good. After we were done with our hair we went shopping again to Kohl's. I got 2 new pairs of Jeans. They were on sale for full price for the first one and 1/2 price for the second one. Such a good deal I couldn't resist it.

Trish came down last night from Show Low so she was able to take Della to the Rehab center this morning and bring her home. Ruth made Cashew Chicken Stir Fry. It was delish! Trish is so funny we just talked and laughed all night. 

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for this vacation. It is so much fun to be with my cousins. I am blessed.

Shopping

Today we went to lunch at a Thai place. The food was yummy. Then we met up with Ruth and went shopping. We went to Fry's for groceries and Walmart for a cup for my drink in the morning.  After we had our Lemon Quinoa Chicken Soup for dinner Ruth and I went to Best Buy and got my camera case. I wanted to get my new camera in a case before something happened to it. Now I just have to figure out how to get it home.
Ruth and I are going to practice with our camera's at the Gilbert Temple one day soon. I want to take pictures of the beautiful grounds.
I spent the evening visiting with everyone. It's good to visit with Della. I know it's hard for her to see Loran not opening his eyes or moving. But she is certain that he will get better. Her faith is so strong.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the Gospel in my life. It is so good to have a road map of how I need to live. I am blessed.

Leaving On A Jet Plane

Janna drove me to the Airport today with Tommy. Then Tommy dropped her off to work. As I went to the gates to wait for my airplane I looked across the room and there was Wynette Passmore, our Relief Society President, and her husband waiting for the same plane. I went over and talked to them until they called our flight. They were on their way to Illinois via Mesa. It was a more direct flight and not a ton of layovers.

As we were on the runway the pilot announced that we had to go to Delta's terminal and get the plane deiced. It was snowing hard. We were about 30 minutes late taking off. But I sat with a cute young lady and a man that is the mayor of Shelley, Idaho. We talked and laughed the whole way so we were landing before I knew it. I got my suitcase and Ethel picked me up and off we went.

It was sunshine and blue skies and WARM.... I was in Heaven. And my backpack was perfect. It fit under the seat in front of me and was so easy to roll along. 

Ethel and I went through a drive thru and brought a Ceasar Salad home. We went and picked up Della from the Rehab center where Loran is and spent the night visiting with Ruth and everyone.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the wonderful Cousins I have. I am blessed to come from such a loving family.

How Did I Get So Old

Cute Little Elephant

Today was my birthday and it was just another day. Except for all the Birthday wishes. I had so many texts and facebook wishes. It made me feel truly loved. But to me it was just another day.
Tommy wanted to know what I wanted for my Birthday. I said nothing because I was going to Arizona tomorrow.
Janna gave me a hundred dollar bill which came in handy for my trip.
Gracie gave me this Elephant for my Birthday and told me to take it with me and sleep with it. She is so cute. She was sad because I was going to leave for a week.
I am still really tired from my cold so I didn't get much accomplished.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful that I got to have another Birthday on this earth. It was a good day.

QuickBooks Is On My List

I couldn't get QuickBooks to open. It froze up yesterday and when I tried to open it up it wouldn't. Janna came home tonight with the Payroll and tried to get it working but she couldn't get it to go either. So I had to use her computer. Thank Goodness I backed it up yesterday. I got the payroll all done tonight and the Accounts Payable. So now I can go on vacation and not have to worry about it. Then when I get home I am going to pay all the taxes.
And I did get Charly's cold. Thank you very much. But I think I will be okay to go on Thursday. I really need this time with my fun cousins.
Gracie and I have just spent the day hanging out. I took a nap and that made me feel better.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for my sweet daughter that takes such good care of me. She is such a blessing in my life.

New Little Sunbeams

Here we are with 11 of our 19 Sunbeams. 3 wouldn't stay and went with their parents. 2 were sick and didn't come and I think 2-3 are inactive. Connie and I did tell the Primary President that we needed a 3rd teacher. It's hard to control this many 3 year olds.
I came home after church and snuggled in my recliner and went directly to sleep. I wasn't feeling well and these little one wore me out.  I do think they are just the cutest ones of all.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful that I get to be a Sunbeam teacher. I love these little ones. I am blessed.

Rexburg Temple

First thing this morning I made a batch of Peanut Butter Fudge for the girls that are in rehab at Janna's place. They wanted Janna to make them some but she said she didn't make it her mom does. So she asked me to make some. I was too tired last night so I made it first thing this morning. Then it was time to jump in the shower and get ready to pick up Connie,
We went to the Rexburg Temple today and did Sealings that I had. It was wonderful to be back in the Temple. I used to go every week. So Connie and I are going to go as much as we can. After the Sealings were done we went into the Celestial Room just to sit and pray and think. As I was praying for my family I had an overwhelming thought that I needed to do Glenna's work and Jack's work. It was so strong that I know that's what needs to happen. I can't do Glenna's until January but I can get everyone else done. She needs to be sealed to her first husband Johnny Wood and her little twins that died. Then I need to seal her to Jack and his work needs done. I came home and started researching and found Johnny's parents and his siblings on census'. It feels good to be on a genealogy mission to find people. I love it. Always have, always will.
When we left the Temple we went to Applebee's for lunch. My favorite place to eat. It was fun and just what I needed.
Gracie wasn't feeling too well today so she just played with her toys and hung out on the couch. My backpack came today but I think it might be too big. I will have to think on that.
Now it's bed time for little old me.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for genealogy and the prompting I receive to do people's work.
I am blessed to love it.

Gracie's Package Came

Gracie and her Barbie Scooter

Gracie went to Preschool today so I worked some more on bookwork. I am having a hard time printing out the 1099's. It keeps adding the groceries that I was reimbursed for when I used to cook meals for Janna. I do exactly what they tell me to do and it's still there. Tomorrow is another day!

I haven't felt very good today so I took a long nap in my chair this afternoon.

When Austin brought Gracie home he had her Christmas package from Cha Cha. She loves her Barbie Scooter that is a Bistro with food to sell. She also loved her treats. She really loves her Cha Cha. I really need to take her there to visit soon.

I made Spaghetti for dinner and garlic bread. That's all I could muster up tonight.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Cha Cha. She just loves this little munchkin so much.

Playmates for Gracie

Playmates for Gracie

If you spend hours trying to send in W-2 to the state of Idaho and finally call them, only to be told you can't do anything until Saturday, is it okay to be a little grumpy with our government and want to tell them to get it together!!

I had Chaelo, Chanelle and Charly come over this afternoon so they could play with Gracie and their mom could have a break. She has 5 kids 5,4,3,2, and a newborn. I really don't know how she does it. I was a little concerned because the little one (Charly) had a cold. I just prayed that Heavenly Father would keep me from being sick for my vacation next week because I was doing Service. We will see how that works. It was a long 3 hours but I know Lyn needed the break.

I also made Kombucha today while the girls played. I used Razzleberry juice so we will see what it tastes like.

I made pulled pork sandwiches for dinner and watched Chopped. I really am tired tonight.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve Lyn today. And these sweet little girls just melt my heart. I have had Chaelo and Chanelle in Sunbeams the last two years and this year I have Charly. What a blessing they are to me.

Year End, Ugh!!

Vanilla Bean Have Arrived

Gracie and her Eggs and Toast

I worked on year end stuff for Janna today. What a stressful job. Year end stinks!!

I also ordered a backpack with wheels so I don't have to carry my heavy backpack around the airport.

I had a really hard time when I went to Las Vegas to meet Kathy. I didn't think I would make it.  

My vanilla beans came today so AJ and Janna are going to the liquor store to buy my Vodka. Then it's vanilla making time.

I made Gracie Eggs and Toast with Strawberry Jam for breakfast. She ate almost all of it. She is just so cute. She wore her jammie's all day long and I was too busy to care. She did put on her jacket and boots and went outside to pet the kittens and swing on her swing set.

I made Taco's for dinner and fed the family before I had to go to a Primary Meeting. It was to get our manuals and meet the new presidency. I picked up Connie and we went together. She is such a good friend.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my calling. I love teaching these little Sunbeams. And I am blessed to teach with Connie.

Happy New Year 2018

 Cuteness For Sure

Fishdom

Today I did very little. And I loved it. Janna took Gracie to Pocatello with her so it was just Tommy and me. Austin and Bailee had to work. So I just took it easy all day long. 

I played lots of Fishdom and kept getting more hours of play so I never ran out of lives. In between playing this crazy game I scrapped this page of Gracie. 

I also make Corn Chowder Soup, and baked Chicken Thighs for lunch and dinner. So I did accomplish something.

I had texted Dean a birthday wish yesterday and thought about him all day. He is such a wonderful man. Serving as Bishop of a Singles Ward is hard and running a business is hard but he does it all and does it well.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my son Dean. He has always been such a joy to me. I am blessed that he came to me. What a cute little bundle of joy he was. Blessing abound!