Valentine's Day has ALWAYS been my favorite holiday. I'm sure that it started when I was very young, and my mom would deliver "secret Valentines" to us. I think it's about the only holiday that makes "sense", you can't forget what it's about because there is only one meaning. I don't understand the idea of it being all about "romance", love doesn't have to be romantic. I have friends I love, I have kids to love, and I have the most amazing extended family ever known!
This year, I was not even thinking about the fact that I'm single, it is still my favorite holiday because I still have plenty of people to love, and that love me. I enjoyed time with a great friend throughout the afternoon/evening. I made about 10-12 dozen cookies for coworkers and neighbors (I never did get the neighbor ones out....) I played with the kids, and gave them some cheap, dollar-store gifts. I came home from the outing to find flowers on the kitchen counter and since my parents are the only ones with keys, I knew it was from my dad. I called him to say thanks, and he pretended it wasn't him. HA! I am so touched..
I've been trying to stay more focused on the spirit the last week or so, I've seemed to be lacking in that area lately. I've read scriptures a little more intently, prayed longer and more sincerely, etc. Before the divorce, a good (divorced) friend/neighbor told me that I would feel the presence of angels, and I have literally felt them carrying me several times over the past year.
Tonight, once I finally got the kids to bed, I looked at my piano and decided to sit down and play a few songs. Julie has really been on my mind lately, and it's so random, there's nothing special that should remind me of her this time of year. I know she's one of many angels helping me get through the tough days. So, I decided to pull out the music I played at her funeral. I've actually tried to play it a few times this past week or so, but something keeps interrupting me (OK, several someones, not something.)
I felt her SO strongly as I played. It was like I replayed the last two years of her life, and recalled how Glen passed away 3 weeks before her, and it was SO shocking that somebody else would die before her cancer won. I recalled the day she chose to have her hair all shaved off, and how in awe I was of her as I watched her hair fall to the ground, holding Brandon's hand as he told her how beautiful she was. I envisioned her healthy and happy, then the "shell" she became in the last few weeks before she returned home.
I played every song in the book (except the loud one that I knew would wake the kids) and I sobbed. Julie, I miss you SO much! I love you. As I played and cried, I focused on the strong spirit I felt. I let myself "mourn" the death of a relationship I had thought would be forever. I mourned Glen and Julie, and I mourned for my kids. I know they are hurting, in ways that we can't even begin to see or understand. I let the strong spirit take over, and played song after song, trying to sort my thoughts so I could blog.
Although I'm lonely sometimes, I know I'm never alone. I legally changed my last name, but I'm still proud to be a Stucky, and to have had the blessing of knowing Glen. I still think of Aaron's mom as "my" mom, too. Today was just a reminder that I'm still in a mourning state, and an excellent feeling to know that my Heavenly Father is still sending angels to carry me. I have physical "angels" on earth, and then the spiritual ones, constant witnesses that GOD is real.
I love my life, I love the gospel. I don't know how I'd get through this process without it. I miss Julie, and look forward to the day we can embrace again, and she will be whole and healthy. I know that everything happens for a reason, and I am so thankful for my 5 amazing kids, NO REGRETS I wouldn't change anything, so there really are no "what ifs" and when somebody tries to bring them up, I have to push them away. Then, there is Brandon's new wife, Chrystal. What an incredible woman, and a HUGE blessing to the life of my brother and his kids.
EVERYTHING has a purpose, and I dwell on the knowledge that one day, that purpose will be made known to me. How else would I get through?
OK, I'm done rambling now. I hate when my blog entries sound great in my head, then I get typing and it's mostly nonsense...... I'm going to bed now.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Back To School...
I'M A STUDENT! I love being in school, although so far the teacher I have can be very slow, goes off on tangents, and I have fallen asleep a few times in class :)
Have you ever felt a prompting, and tried to ignore it? This prompting was something that got stronger and stronger the more that I tried to push it away. I doubted I could handle school, that I would be able to keep up with it, or that I'd even be "smart" enough. Yeah, I actually doubted my own genius ;)
I am a full month in, and still enjoying my student status. It's a lot of fun, I loved writing my first essay, and am looking forward to more. I know that my Heavenly Father is helping me, because this is just too much for me to do on my own. OH, and my mom of course. She is amazing!
Have you ever felt a prompting, and tried to ignore it? This prompting was something that got stronger and stronger the more that I tried to push it away. I doubted I could handle school, that I would be able to keep up with it, or that I'd even be "smart" enough. Yeah, I actually doubted my own genius ;)
I am a full month in, and still enjoying my student status. It's a lot of fun, I loved writing my first essay, and am looking forward to more. I know that my Heavenly Father is helping me, because this is just too much for me to do on my own. OH, and my mom of course. She is amazing!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
January
Well, I missed Christmas and New Year's, but they were great :) Before I miss the entire month of January, I figured I needed to post something about my amazing kids and what's going on in our lives.
It has sure been a cold, wet month. I don't remember the last time we had such a cold month. What does this have to do with the kids? Well, I don't like to be cold (though I prefer it to the heat) so we are always inside. Occasionally the kids will romp around outside, only to come in crying that they are "COOOLD!!" and make repeated requests for hot chocolate while they sit in front of the fireplace. We've had many days spent in front of the fireplace, watching TV (usually "Full House") and having "living room picnics" on the blankets we spread across the carpet. Poor kids, they are pretty amazing, even though they've been stuck inside almost constantly, they have really behaved amazingly well. I am in awe of these little spirits that Heavenly Father has entrusted to me. They have shown me what love is.
Karleah will drop everything to help her sisters and brothers. She can cheer up a screaming baby faster than anybody. She writes me sweet notes on the chalkboard all the time, and helps Nathanael with homework almost every day. Sweet Karleah never forgets her siblings. Once when I was heading out to the grocery store, she gave me $1.25 to get her some Lindt truffle balls. The only thing I could find was a large bag, not the singles she wanted. I brought the bag home, and split them up among the kids (I gave Karleah her $ back, too). Later, I found one and since I didn't want a riot to break out trying to find out who it belonged to, I hid it for myself at a later date ;) Karleah mentioned later that she couldn't find her white chocolate truffle, and she was pretty sad. I told her where it was hidden, and made a "pouty face" as I told her I was excited to have one. She said "but you got one, Mom." I said "no, I didn't have any. They were for you kids." That night, when I was heading to bed, I found a note on my mirror "look down, Mom" and there was 1/2 the treat she had wanted so badly. It was such a simple thing, but I know it was a sacrifice to her. She has a heart of gold, and I am so proud to call her mine!
Nathanael has a temper like no other, we try not to make him mad lol. But he has the sweetest heart. His teachers always tell me how sweet he is (primary and school). If I've ever had a rough night, he is usually the first to give me a hug. He is so loving, and loves to tell me about his day. The other night, I was feeling really down and Nathanael "took me on a date" to cheer me up. We went bowling, and nothing could take away his joy, he had bumpers and still managed to get "gutter balls" but still cheered. He loved to give me hugs and high fives for the strikes/spares I got. When we went to dinner, he talked my ear off and it couldn't have made me happier.
Carson..... where to begin with that one. He is trouble with a bold, italicized, capitalized "T" and three exclamation points. That little man has the cutest voice, when I took him to the dollar store once, he asked for something in his sweet voice, using his best manners and two other ladies in the aisle said "aww! You can't say 'no' to that!" He has more time outs that the other 4 kids combined, but he is always so quick to say sorry when he makes a mistake, and he will work hard to make it better. He is the first to say sorry, and it's sincere, not just "crap, I better say 'sorry' so mom isn't so mad".
Vanessa is such a people pleaser. She is so outgoing and funny. She is trying SO hard to stop sucking her thumb. She tells me it's "so hard" but she ensures me she will stop when turns five. That princess knows what she wants, and I admire how she will not give up until she gets what she wants. It can be aggravating sometimes, I won't deny that; but I know she will go far in life if she keeps that passion alive. She loves anything Disney princess, and she loves to wear jewelry, even "makes her own" sometimes. She has boasted to everybody about her pierced ears, from primary teachers to strangers in the store.
Faith is the light of our family. I think she believes that her smile makes the whole world go round (most of the time, we all thing so, too ha ha!)She likes to cuddle with mommy, watch Grandma sew, and play with her sisters. Sometimes she gets along with her brothers, too ;) We all love teaching her new words and phrases. "Faithy" loves to color, mostly on her legs and face, but sometimes she gets the coloring books, too. Her hugs make the darkest days bright. If you've followed my blog, you may remember the blog about My Path My friend Tamra commented "living the dream" and I am still "living the dream". I love my life, I love the way my kids light up my life. There are definitely tough times, but all things considered I am thankful for the joy my kids have brought me. I feel so blessed that Heavenly Father entrusted them to me, and I pray that I won't make too much of a mess out of their lives.
It has sure been a cold, wet month. I don't remember the last time we had such a cold month. What does this have to do with the kids? Well, I don't like to be cold (though I prefer it to the heat) so we are always inside. Occasionally the kids will romp around outside, only to come in crying that they are "COOOLD!!" and make repeated requests for hot chocolate while they sit in front of the fireplace. We've had many days spent in front of the fireplace, watching TV (usually "Full House") and having "living room picnics" on the blankets we spread across the carpet. Poor kids, they are pretty amazing, even though they've been stuck inside almost constantly, they have really behaved amazingly well. I am in awe of these little spirits that Heavenly Father has entrusted to me. They have shown me what love is.
Karleah will drop everything to help her sisters and brothers. She can cheer up a screaming baby faster than anybody. She writes me sweet notes on the chalkboard all the time, and helps Nathanael with homework almost every day. Sweet Karleah never forgets her siblings. Once when I was heading out to the grocery store, she gave me $1.25 to get her some Lindt truffle balls. The only thing I could find was a large bag, not the singles she wanted. I brought the bag home, and split them up among the kids (I gave Karleah her $ back, too). Later, I found one and since I didn't want a riot to break out trying to find out who it belonged to, I hid it for myself at a later date ;) Karleah mentioned later that she couldn't find her white chocolate truffle, and she was pretty sad. I told her where it was hidden, and made a "pouty face" as I told her I was excited to have one. She said "but you got one, Mom." I said "no, I didn't have any. They were for you kids." That night, when I was heading to bed, I found a note on my mirror "look down, Mom" and there was 1/2 the treat she had wanted so badly. It was such a simple thing, but I know it was a sacrifice to her. She has a heart of gold, and I am so proud to call her mine!
Nathanael has a temper like no other, we try not to make him mad lol. But he has the sweetest heart. His teachers always tell me how sweet he is (primary and school). If I've ever had a rough night, he is usually the first to give me a hug. He is so loving, and loves to tell me about his day. The other night, I was feeling really down and Nathanael "took me on a date" to cheer me up. We went bowling, and nothing could take away his joy, he had bumpers and still managed to get "gutter balls" but still cheered. He loved to give me hugs and high fives for the strikes/spares I got. When we went to dinner, he talked my ear off and it couldn't have made me happier.
Carson..... where to begin with that one. He is trouble with a bold, italicized, capitalized "T" and three exclamation points. That little man has the cutest voice, when I took him to the dollar store once, he asked for something in his sweet voice, using his best manners and two other ladies in the aisle said "aww! You can't say 'no' to that!" He has more time outs that the other 4 kids combined, but he is always so quick to say sorry when he makes a mistake, and he will work hard to make it better. He is the first to say sorry, and it's sincere, not just "crap, I better say 'sorry' so mom isn't so mad".
Vanessa is such a people pleaser. She is so outgoing and funny. She is trying SO hard to stop sucking her thumb. She tells me it's "so hard" but she ensures me she will stop when turns five. That princess knows what she wants, and I admire how she will not give up until she gets what she wants. It can be aggravating sometimes, I won't deny that; but I know she will go far in life if she keeps that passion alive. She loves anything Disney princess, and she loves to wear jewelry, even "makes her own" sometimes. She has boasted to everybody about her pierced ears, from primary teachers to strangers in the store.
Faith is the light of our family. I think she believes that her smile makes the whole world go round (most of the time, we all thing so, too ha ha!)She likes to cuddle with mommy, watch Grandma sew, and play with her sisters. Sometimes she gets along with her brothers, too ;) We all love teaching her new words and phrases. "Faithy" loves to color, mostly on her legs and face, but sometimes she gets the coloring books, too. Her hugs make the darkest days bright. If you've followed my blog, you may remember the blog about My Path My friend Tamra commented "living the dream" and I am still "living the dream". I love my life, I love the way my kids light up my life. There are definitely tough times, but all things considered I am thankful for the joy my kids have brought me. I feel so blessed that Heavenly Father entrusted them to me, and I pray that I won't make too much of a mess out of their lives.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Constance Vs. Connie
Every year, I attend the Michael McLean play "The Forgotten Carols". I love the play, it's become a tradition that I go with Cameo. Sometimes, there are others, and a few years I've gone twice so I could go with her and then with Aaron or Angie or somebody else. While I know every scene, and have memorized most of the parts, I still have a great time attending every year.
Friday night I attended with Cameo. I could feel the spirit from the moment the lights dimmed. It was amazing, as always. There are so many things I felt and experienced that night, and I kept thinking "I need to blog about this." But here I am, in my dad's office, unsure what to write. I'm still going to try, just don't be surprised if this is a much more random entry than most :) In case you haven't read or heard or seen the story, I'll explain this much: Constance is a very uptight woman, who has had a lot of hurt in her life and has a hard time "letting go". She meets "Uncle John" and he calls her "Connie" which she doesn't like, but eventually learns to "let go" and allows herself to feel and act in a whole new way, as "Connie".
Constance Louise Chamberlain (NOT Connie!) is the main character in the story, and as I'm watching her personality come out, I'm reminded we all have moments of "Constance" and moments of "Connie". The goal, the whole point of the story, is that it's OK to be "Connie". Constance is the depressed, scared, unhappy person we've all been at some point. Connie comes out when she finally allows herself to be happy, and allows the true spirit of the holidays into her heart. Not just in her life, but in her heart.
I reflected on my life, and all the times I've been a Constance. How I let the negatives cloud my life at times. Now part of this is due to the chemical imbalance that I've struggled with my entire life, but another part is FEAR. I have always been overly cautious of what people might think of me if I act a certain way, or let my "Connie" side come out. Most of my life has been spent and Constance. In the past few months and years, I've learned to 'let go' as Connie did. It's so hard sometimes but it's definitely worth it in the end! Without letting Connie in, we lose so much. The holidays are a drag, the days are dark and difficult, and living in general becomes miserable. Connie lets us serve and uplift others, feel the spirit, enjoy our lives, and share spirit of the holidays and the gospel with those around us.
Uncle John saved Connie, and I had to stop and look back at all the Uncle Johns in my life. There were times when I, as did Constance, fought those people that were trying to help and uplift. Times when I couldn't see through the dark clouds of depression enough to realize that those people were truly helping me. Now, I think I'm at a point where I can see all those blessings better than ever.
I am so happy with where I am. There were so many struggles along the way, and sometimes I doubt my choices, or lose my way. But the blessings are so amazing I can't doubt the hand of God in my life. I can't deny that I am where I am meant to be, and I have a choice in becoming the person HE intends me to be.
Friday night I attended with Cameo. I could feel the spirit from the moment the lights dimmed. It was amazing, as always. There are so many things I felt and experienced that night, and I kept thinking "I need to blog about this." But here I am, in my dad's office, unsure what to write. I'm still going to try, just don't be surprised if this is a much more random entry than most :) In case you haven't read or heard or seen the story, I'll explain this much: Constance is a very uptight woman, who has had a lot of hurt in her life and has a hard time "letting go". She meets "Uncle John" and he calls her "Connie" which she doesn't like, but eventually learns to "let go" and allows herself to feel and act in a whole new way, as "Connie".
Constance Louise Chamberlain (NOT Connie!) is the main character in the story, and as I'm watching her personality come out, I'm reminded we all have moments of "Constance" and moments of "Connie". The goal, the whole point of the story, is that it's OK to be "Connie". Constance is the depressed, scared, unhappy person we've all been at some point. Connie comes out when she finally allows herself to be happy, and allows the true spirit of the holidays into her heart. Not just in her life, but in her heart.
I reflected on my life, and all the times I've been a Constance. How I let the negatives cloud my life at times. Now part of this is due to the chemical imbalance that I've struggled with my entire life, but another part is FEAR. I have always been overly cautious of what people might think of me if I act a certain way, or let my "Connie" side come out. Most of my life has been spent and Constance. In the past few months and years, I've learned to 'let go' as Connie did. It's so hard sometimes but it's definitely worth it in the end! Without letting Connie in, we lose so much. The holidays are a drag, the days are dark and difficult, and living in general becomes miserable. Connie lets us serve and uplift others, feel the spirit, enjoy our lives, and share spirit of the holidays and the gospel with those around us.
Uncle John saved Connie, and I had to stop and look back at all the Uncle Johns in my life. There were times when I, as did Constance, fought those people that were trying to help and uplift. Times when I couldn't see through the dark clouds of depression enough to realize that those people were truly helping me. Now, I think I'm at a point where I can see all those blessings better than ever.
I am so happy with where I am. There were so many struggles along the way, and sometimes I doubt my choices, or lose my way. But the blessings are so amazing I can't doubt the hand of God in my life. I can't deny that I am where I am meant to be, and I have a choice in becoming the person HE intends me to be.
Monday, November 26, 2012
The Scare
Today was my LAST therapy appointment from my back injury over 2 months ago. YEAH!!
I had fallen asleep for a few minutes, and was running late to the appointment so I forgot my phone, but no big deal because I don't usually answer it in the middle of therapy anyway, and it's always a quick appointment. I knew I'd be home just in time for the kids to get off the bus.
When I pulled in my driveway, I watched the school bus pull out of the neighborhood, and hurried to get the little ones out of the van and in the house so I'd be ready for Karleah and Nathanael to walk in the front door. I grabbed my phone to send a text to my boss so he'd know my P.T. was complete, but instead noticed two missed calls from the school. I knew immediately that Karleah must have had safety patrol (she has done this before!) so I got the three little ones back in their coats, shoes back on, buckled in the van again, and took off for the school, knowing that Karleah was going to be in a panic about how late I was.
When I got to the school, the kids weren't in our "normal" meeting point. I figured she had gone in the school to warm up, maybe visit her teacher. The office told me they hadn't seen Karleah, and her teacher said she had only seen Karleah about 20 minutes before, in the office. I went back to the office and they again said they hadn't seen her, but I told them her teacher had said she WAS in the office, then they backpedaled and said they couldn't be sure who had been in the office. Panic started setting in....
The office staff went over the intercom and said "If Karleah and Nathanael Stucky are in the school, please come to the office." The ladies in there said "maybe she went home with a friend?" I pointed out we just moved here and she hasn't been to any friends' houses yet. (Not to mention that nobody else in our ward attends that school) They asked if she could have just walked home, I told them where I live and they said "I sure hope she didn't walk that far with a first-grader brother!" (UMMM, YEAH! ME TOO!)
I called the home phone, just to make sure she hadn't gone there, no answer. Called my nephew's cell phone (he was at my parent's place next door) and he said he hadn't seen them but he'd call if they showed up.
I finally left the school, drove home SO slowly, telling Carson, Vanessa, and Faith to keep their eyes moving and watch for the "big kids". NOTHING! I was praying and trying not to panic. When I got home, I ran to the back yard to see if they were there. Nope. Made sure the front door was locked, yep. Nobody inside. Called out their names. No response. OK, no I'm worried...
I got back in the van, grabbed my phone to call my mom, and suddenly there is Karleah, in the driveway, with Nathanael right beside her. As soon as we made eye contact, we both started to cry. I told her I was so proud of her for getting home, and taking are of her little brother. Nathanael seemed surprised we were emotional, he thought it was a great adventure because they had "crossed the really really busy roads, and didn't get hurt!" They crossed a very busy highway and I'm so glad Karleah knows the 'safety rules'.
Needless to say, we reviewed safety rules and what to do if you are lost or scared or don't know where to go. I told Karleah that next time, she should go back in the office and have them call Grandma, or her dad, or another family member. But, I'm still very proud that she took care of her brother. That's a HUGE responsibility and I am impressed at how calm she stayed, and how upbeat she was for her brother. They both got large cups of hot cocoa, with extra marshmallows.
I am SO thankful that my kids are OK. And that they (mostly) know how to stay safe.
I had fallen asleep for a few minutes, and was running late to the appointment so I forgot my phone, but no big deal because I don't usually answer it in the middle of therapy anyway, and it's always a quick appointment. I knew I'd be home just in time for the kids to get off the bus.
When I pulled in my driveway, I watched the school bus pull out of the neighborhood, and hurried to get the little ones out of the van and in the house so I'd be ready for Karleah and Nathanael to walk in the front door. I grabbed my phone to send a text to my boss so he'd know my P.T. was complete, but instead noticed two missed calls from the school. I knew immediately that Karleah must have had safety patrol (she has done this before!) so I got the three little ones back in their coats, shoes back on, buckled in the van again, and took off for the school, knowing that Karleah was going to be in a panic about how late I was.
When I got to the school, the kids weren't in our "normal" meeting point. I figured she had gone in the school to warm up, maybe visit her teacher. The office told me they hadn't seen Karleah, and her teacher said she had only seen Karleah about 20 minutes before, in the office. I went back to the office and they again said they hadn't seen her, but I told them her teacher had said she WAS in the office, then they backpedaled and said they couldn't be sure who had been in the office. Panic started setting in....
The office staff went over the intercom and said "If Karleah and Nathanael Stucky are in the school, please come to the office." The ladies in there said "maybe she went home with a friend?" I pointed out we just moved here and she hasn't been to any friends' houses yet. (Not to mention that nobody else in our ward attends that school) They asked if she could have just walked home, I told them where I live and they said "I sure hope she didn't walk that far with a first-grader brother!" (UMMM, YEAH! ME TOO!)
I called the home phone, just to make sure she hadn't gone there, no answer. Called my nephew's cell phone (he was at my parent's place next door) and he said he hadn't seen them but he'd call if they showed up.
I finally left the school, drove home SO slowly, telling Carson, Vanessa, and Faith to keep their eyes moving and watch for the "big kids". NOTHING! I was praying and trying not to panic. When I got home, I ran to the back yard to see if they were there. Nope. Made sure the front door was locked, yep. Nobody inside. Called out their names. No response. OK, no I'm worried...
I got back in the van, grabbed my phone to call my mom, and suddenly there is Karleah, in the driveway, with Nathanael right beside her. As soon as we made eye contact, we both started to cry. I told her I was so proud of her for getting home, and taking are of her little brother. Nathanael seemed surprised we were emotional, he thought it was a great adventure because they had "crossed the really really busy roads, and didn't get hurt!" They crossed a very busy highway and I'm so glad Karleah knows the 'safety rules'.
Needless to say, we reviewed safety rules and what to do if you are lost or scared or don't know where to go. I told Karleah that next time, she should go back in the office and have them call Grandma, or her dad, or another family member. But, I'm still very proud that she took care of her brother. That's a HUGE responsibility and I am impressed at how calm she stayed, and how upbeat she was for her brother. They both got large cups of hot cocoa, with extra marshmallows.
I am SO thankful that my kids are OK. And that they (mostly) know how to stay safe.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
First Thanksgiving Divorced
I was pretty worried how the kids would handle the first major holiday since the divorce. They seemed to do great though. Maybe it was all the fun with their cousins, maybe it was the break up in routine, or the fact they had a 5-day weekend, but my best guess is it was the amazing pies! (I mean, food. The turkey, the veggies, you know... the healthy stuff).
My amazing sister-in-law Megan offered to host this year. I think it's the first time we've had Thanksgiving anywhere than my parents' place, and it was really nice. Megan has a knack for these things, she decorated so cute, and had coordinating plates and napkins, even the tablecloth matched! She was so well prepared for everything.
We got to her house about 1:00, and were eating by 2:00. Nothing really out of the ordinary happened, just ate really great food and enjoyed each others company. I have to say, I made some amazing yams and sweet potatoes (they are NOT the same thing... I made 2 casseroles so everybody could see they're different lol). After we were done eating, and things were cleaned up, my brother Jaron let the kids try out his Kinect. The kids LOVED the games.
Finally, the good part. PIE! Since I didn't mention all the foods we had for dinner, I will not mention all the pies.... more because I don't want to drool all over my dad's computer ;)
On the drive home, I had my nephew Hiram and he was using his GPS (I kept telling him I knew the way home, but he and Karleah were having fun listening to the voice). I stopped for gas, and his GPS said something about a u-turn so I thought I had taken the wrong route, and turned around. We took about a 10 mile detour in Draper before I finally found a gas station. LOL. It was pretty good memories though!
All in all, it was a great holiday, and there is SO much to be thankful for. My kids are happy and healthy, we have a home, clothes, and each other. Best of all, we have a loving Heavenly Father and I know he is watching out for us.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
My amazing sister-in-law Megan offered to host this year. I think it's the first time we've had Thanksgiving anywhere than my parents' place, and it was really nice. Megan has a knack for these things, she decorated so cute, and had coordinating plates and napkins, even the tablecloth matched! She was so well prepared for everything.
We got to her house about 1:00, and were eating by 2:00. Nothing really out of the ordinary happened, just ate really great food and enjoyed each others company. I have to say, I made some amazing yams and sweet potatoes (they are NOT the same thing... I made 2 casseroles so everybody could see they're different lol). After we were done eating, and things were cleaned up, my brother Jaron let the kids try out his Kinect. The kids LOVED the games.
Finally, the good part. PIE! Since I didn't mention all the foods we had for dinner, I will not mention all the pies.... more because I don't want to drool all over my dad's computer ;)
On the drive home, I had my nephew Hiram and he was using his GPS (I kept telling him I knew the way home, but he and Karleah were having fun listening to the voice). I stopped for gas, and his GPS said something about a u-turn so I thought I had taken the wrong route, and turned around. We took about a 10 mile detour in Draper before I finally found a gas station. LOL. It was pretty good memories though!
All in all, it was a great holiday, and there is SO much to be thankful for. My kids are happy and healthy, we have a home, clothes, and each other. Best of all, we have a loving Heavenly Father and I know he is watching out for us.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Hollywood Connection
A few weeks ago, there was a FB post from the "Hollywood Connection Family Fun Center" and you could get 5 wrist bands for $15. I was pretty excited to take advantage of that, so we went there and had SO much fun. My mom came along with my brother, Brandon's, kids.
We took the kids on every ride, at least once, then a ride operator told me that Carson, Vanessa, and Faith were too small to go on the roller coaster. When I pointed out they had already been on it several times, she said "sorry." Lame, so we went miniature golfing instead.
Vanessa had the CUTEST "victory dance" I don't know where she learned to 'shake her booty' but it was so cute, so funny.
Faith dragged my putter around, only used it once or twice (with lots of prodding from her Mom and Grandma) but refused to let me use it. She was cheering on Carson & Vanessa.
Nathanael and Karleah went ahead with their cousins. I didn't see much of what they were doing, but I heard later that they really enjoyed themselves. I think they did 36 holes of mini golf, LOL!!
Carson was with me, my mom, Faith, and Vanessa. He was pretty content to play, he had a blue ball so he was in heaven. He was pretty quiet.
Sometimes, the best memories are just spur of the moment decisions like that. It was a fun, inexpensive family activity and I hope the kids remember it as fondly as I did.
If I can ever get my phone to update so that the pictures I took are available to post on blogger, I will add them :)
We took the kids on every ride, at least once, then a ride operator told me that Carson, Vanessa, and Faith were too small to go on the roller coaster. When I pointed out they had already been on it several times, she said "sorry." Lame, so we went miniature golfing instead.
Vanessa had the CUTEST "victory dance" I don't know where she learned to 'shake her booty' but it was so cute, so funny.
Faith dragged my putter around, only used it once or twice (with lots of prodding from her Mom and Grandma) but refused to let me use it. She was cheering on Carson & Vanessa.
Nathanael and Karleah went ahead with their cousins. I didn't see much of what they were doing, but I heard later that they really enjoyed themselves. I think they did 36 holes of mini golf, LOL!!
Carson was with me, my mom, Faith, and Vanessa. He was pretty content to play, he had a blue ball so he was in heaven. He was pretty quiet.
Sometimes, the best memories are just spur of the moment decisions like that. It was a fun, inexpensive family activity and I hope the kids remember it as fondly as I did.
If I can ever get my phone to update so that the pictures I took are available to post on blogger, I will add them :)
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