This mornings walk

Almost every seminary morning I drive with Kellie to seminary and meet Aunt Janie and we walk for 3 miles AND talk for 3 miles. After we walk I go another mile to my house with my shuffle(music). It is great fun and I love that my excercise is over before 7AM. The "subject of the day" was medical stuff because my nephew Brent just had some teeth implants put in because he is missing 2 permanent teeth. It has been a long process for him, a few surgeries, and they only have one more thing to do and it will ALL be done. Janie asked me some questions about when Julie was having her 5surgeries, what the tons of Doctor appointments were like, what the family went through, etc. I started to tell her one story about Julie's experience and began to cry...I couldn't even talk for a bit....silly me. I shared with her the time we all went to pick Julie up from the hospital to take her home after she had been there for a week when she was 8 years old. The doctor wanted to take one more x-ray before we left. We wheeled Julie down the hall to the day-room. The whole way there Kellie, who was 3 at the time, had her hand on top of Julie's being very gentle and rubbing her hand which was on the wheel chair arm rest. To me it really shows the big heart these 2 girls had and still have. Julie was willing to let her sister hold her hand and Kellie wanted to show her sister the whole ride down the hall that she loved her. If that moment could get any better, it was Easter time. The local firemen and policemen (dressed in uniform) came to the hospital that day to give the children stuffed animals and high fives. All of them were lining the hall when we were wheeling Julie to get her final x-ray. They all had smiles on their faces and were sending Julie good wishes. She couldn't smile because her face was swollen... she did wave to them and show her appreciation....Julie in her pretty pink nightgown. These 2 mental pictures will stay with me always. And now..typing it....tears. Tears that our family is so blessed with a Julie, Kellie, Holly, Shelley and Carlie.

Disneyland

You all know I love going to Disneyland. Especially when I take my girls and their friends and I know they are having a great time. Last Friday I had a very new and enjoyable experience at Disneyland. It really warms my heart. My nephew Brent wanted to surprise me and go to Disneyland the same day I was going. It was a GREAT surprise and we met for dinner and chatted for almost 3 hours. He told me a bunch of stuff and he asked me tons of questions. It was truly magical.

So here is the break down of the day. I picked Emily L., Jessica Adcox and Kellie up from school. We got into the park around 4:30. The girls ran off to play and I sat and watched the ceremony that they do when they take down the American Flag. (If you haven't seen this I highly recommend it.) I love the marching band playing and the quartet singing patriotic songs. They encourage the audiance to sing along too. They honor the men and woman who have served our country and invite them to circle the flag pole. Old and young come and stand military style and salute our beautiful flag. I love this and am a bit silly and get teary every time. Then I met up with Brent at the Hungary Bear and we chatted. A wonderful and inspiring talk. By the time we finished it was dark. So I walked over to get a mint julip (with extra cherries) and then waited for the fireworks. Again, I get a little teary even though I have a huge smile on my face because I love the fireworks...and then I try not to have too silly of a look on my face when I see Dumbo fly!!! After the fireworks I went to buy some Mickey Mints (very delicious) to share with the ladies at work for being so sweet to me around my birthday. Then waited for the girls looking down main street near the train station. It was a very special trip and I am so grateful for family and friends who enrich my life.

The youngest has her license.

2 big things happened today. Caleb and Holly celebrated their wedding anniversary. What a BIG day for them!! Congratulations...your gift is in the mail. (sorry it's late)

The second BIG thing that happened today is Kellie got her driver's license. Some moms might be thrilled at this happening because they don't have to drive their children every where, etc. I however was always a little melancholy when each of my girls got their license. That means we won't get to have chats in the car as often. I loved picking my girls up from school, church, or any activity and instantly knowing their moods when they got in the car. I loved hearing thier stories and simply enjoyed being with them. It seems that once they can drive themselves, from the time they leave shool and get home the activities of their day seem less intersting to them so they feel I won't want to hear....and if they do tell stories it is way less animated. However, when I got my license and could get myself places and didn't have to rely on others I was super excited. So although it changes things for me....I love that they want their independence and that they are growing up to be competent young adults.

The thing that really is strange about today is that this will be the second to last thing that kellie does before she has total independence and of course the last thing will be when she graduates from High School. This is definitley a mile stone...and one that changes my life forever.

So what did I do this evening while Kellie went driving over to people's houses (and yes, one of the visits was to Marshall's)? I scrubbed my kitchen floor grout. Paul was at meetings and Kellie was gone...so I cranked up 5 for Fighting and scrubbed away. It looks amazing by the way. I have a feeling with all my free time while Kellie and Paul are gone I will clean and organize. Fun times. =/ I am happy to report that Angela and Emily came over to visit me and we made some fun plans for the group...so all is not lost.

So here is to changes...and to exciting things in the future.

Kellie's Birthday

Yesterday was Kellie's 16th birthday. I gave her the date idea book I have been working on for months. Thanks to all of you for your help. It is never too late to add more ideas..so if you hear of some great double/group date ideas let me know. She also got some fun gifts from her friends. One of the most thoughtful was a loaf of bread, peanut butter and honey from Emily Lawrence. I guess when Kel goes over to her house that is what she always eats there. I love thoughtful gifts like that. Kellie invited a group of kids to share her special day. The 3 boys offically asked out the 3 girls and it was all of their official first dates. So journal entery for each of them!! The boys picked up their dates and met at our house. Then I drove them all to Disneyland since non of them can drive eachother yet. haha Kellie got a birthday pin and Marshall got an "I'm Celebrating" pin since he was on his first date and has waited so long to do so. And the cool part is he actually wore it. The boys paid for the girls lunches and were quit gentlemanly towards there dates. It was sweet. I met them for dinner, a jungle cruise ride and then off to see the fireworks. I was sad that Dumbo did not fly last night during the show. Kellie got her b-day gift card to spend and had to use it that day. Marshall and Kel went off to spend that and the other kids went on one last ride. We all met to find Kel has spent most of her money buying each of her friends a "thanks for coming to my party" gift. We took a few last pictures (which I will post on FB) and then we were off. These kids are so great and were so gracious I feel blessed that I know them. I also feel very happy that Kel has such great friends. I feel very blessed that I have such a great family and wonderful friends too. Thanks to all!!!

Service day

Today started out with taking the young women to clean a friend's house. We had so much fun. While we were there this friend asked me if I would mind watching a pot of homema'made spaghetti sauce while she is on holiday for 2 days. So tonight she brought over a large pot and now my house smells great. All the ingredients are straight out of her garden. Doing service is so much fun and smells delicious.

Julie will stay for one more full day and then back to Utah she goes. I am so grateful she came down and I hope she had a great time. But I know there is so much more partin' to be done in Provo. So I'm glad she has a fun place to go back to with such nice people.

This is Kellie's last week of summer school. She is getting an A in the class!! Next week she will turn 16 and get her driver's lisence. Big things instore for my little girl who is growing up.

Sunday night Julie, Kellie, 'Someone' and I took a stroll around the University of Redlands campus. We saw things we didn't even know were there. It was a beautiful evening in Redlands and I'm grateful we have such a beautiful campus to enjoy so close to our home.

Here's to wishing great things for my loved ones in the month of July!!

Wide Awake

We took Julie to the beach today. Shelley and Jett met us. Jett looked so cute in his swim trunks and muscle shirt. He loved watching the pigeons and liked watching the water but wanted nothing to do with getting in the water. Julie did not get at tan but she did not get a burn either. That is always good. The weather was perfect. Carlie got some good news today! She passed her AP test. With all that goodness, I am unable to sleep. Luckily my son-in-law lent me a book about Wallace Whipple that is so funny. Lots on my mind. The good news is the fever blister is done and my throat is feeling much better. The big question is: What is around the corner?

Party time

I feel like throwing a party....a pity party. I don't have these parties very often....and don't expect any balloons.

I have been sick for 2 weeks. I got sick right before my husband and I left for our 25 wedding celebration. I kept a lot of meds with me and tried to be perky, even though I felt like my face was extra large because of my sinus'. When I got home from that I could feel a fever blister coming on and boy did it turn out to be a doosy. It hurts to smile or laugh. I can't have any kissing parties with my 2 grandbabies. That makes me sad...'cause I won't see Jack until Thanksgiving. It is getting better, but it is in that gross getting better stage where it looks really yucky. So up to Utah I go with my awesome fever blister and still feeling a bit like a hot air balloon with huge lips. And I think I am starting to sound like a man....my throat is so sore. But I put a happy face on and get to work getting Carlie settled. I even tried to put happy toes on too. I am currently wearing bright yellow nail polish...some may think it is a bit loud, I think it is fun and wacky. I will be going home on Monday...the house will be VERY quiet after a month with ALL the girls home and the 2 babies. I am glad there are things to do when I get home like rearrange my entire house. And there are still 3 birthdays to celebrate.

Some may not be happy with me having parties for Kellie and friends. But they may also not understand that I get my energy from that. I love the anticipation and planning of the party. I love hearing laughing and people having a great time. I will only get this for 2 more years. That is such a crushing idea....2 years....and quiet. It will be great with Paul and I home alone....but the reality is I will be home alone....a lot.

Party over. Medication taken. Looking forward to going to the Provo Canyon. I bought a book about President Lincoln that I will enjoy reading today. And I get to spend one more day with Caleb, Holly, Jack and Carlie. No matter how yucky the day is....if you look you will always find rainbows!!!!!