12 random thoughts....

(1)

I am happy it's the weekend! 

 General Conference Saturday and Sunday!

(2)

I feel grateful for the time I spent today with my Aunt's Jeannine and Joye.

I love them so much.  Heavenly Father blessed me with such amazing women to learn from.

(3)

I am thirsting for a break.

(4)

I treasure my Temple recommend.

(5)

I hope for happiness, light and joy each day.

(6)

I seek peace... and Health.

(7)

I believe Disneyland is magical.

(8)

I am amazed at how many oranges I have eaten in two days.

Seriously.. Harmon's for the win-- in the produce department.

(9)

I pray for you.

(10)

I am Thankful for Answered prayers.  So Thankful today.

(11)

I love to laugh.. cry.. hug.. kiss.. hold.. listen.. Talk.

(12)

I miss my Grandpa.. and my Grandma.

The Doctor thinks it's time for Grandma T to go on Hospice.

It's bittersweet news.

It's so hard.. as I want to hang on to my last Grandparent... but it has been extra hard to see Grandma in physical and emotional pain... missing Grandpa -- so very much.

They belong together... and I am sure Grandpa is eager to hold her again.

Today I am Grateful for:

Phone calls from far away friends.

Danielle for tending Mary Caroline

Daily growth

Warmth

Witnesses.

My Abode....

When we purchased our home 6 years ago..... I desired  it to be:

A place of Shelter

A place of Refuge

A place of Prayer

A Gathering place

A place for parties

A place for growing

A place for learning

A place for knowledge

A place of Peace

A place of love

A place of respect

A place of kindness

A place of warmth

A place of Sharing

A place of beauty

A place of learning

A place of imagination

A place of Faith and Hope

A place of comfort

♥♥

I have been greatly blessed with a beautiful home that has provided me with the things I have desired.

Even though I talk often -- about all of the remodeling I seek to have -- and the fact that it has many flaws-- and  is far from perfect.... it is exactly what I have always dreamed it to be.

♥♥

Over the weekend... it became a home to a Scout camp.

Who would have thought??

Fun, Beautiful and crazy things are always happening here.

I love it.

We are richly blessed.

Today I am Grateful for:

New Hair cut/color.  I love Emma!

3 days until General Conference

BBC movies

Sunshine

Spring flowers

A Favorite Friday....

" Most of us don't need a psychiatric therapist

as much as a friend to be silly with"

My cousin Megan put a dinner together last Friday to celebrate my birthday.

I just love that some of my cousins are like Sisters.

I love them so much.

They are such amazing girls.

And when we get together.. it seems like all we do is laugh.

Such good therapy.

We all met at Archibald's restaurant in Gardner Village.  Gardner Village is our 3rd Great Grandfathers old mill... and it is always neat -- when we gather together as family and eat there.  It's a fun place to shop.. and eat.  -- Did I say that??

A"must see" stop in Utah.

I am kinda in love with their Fried Green Tomatoes and Fried Avocados.

~ And I am kinda in love with each of these girls.

Monica drove almost 3 hours each way-- just to be with us.  It made my day to see her!

Monica, Melanie, me, Heather, Megan and Suzanne

I adore each of these girls sooo much.  

And did I say they make me laugh? 

 Oh what great fun we have together!!!

After Dinner... we headed to a little Dessert cafe -- The Chocolate.

Melanie eating " The Husband."

Lady in red -- Suzanne....

Laughter is such good medicine.. and we had much of it on Friday night....

Monica,  and Heather feeding the "baby".

The girls all showered me with treats. 

Melanie gave me these amazing Sugar cookies from "Smart cookie."

Oh my word yummy.

At the end of our fun filled night.. I came home with so many amazing treasures that I felt guilty.

Seriously.. the best gift was just being together.

I am Grateful.

Thank you Megan for putting it together!!

Today I am Grateful for:

Monica driving the long distances to be with us.

Fantastic Friendships.  The Lord knew I would need them.

Steam Boat Willie Pins

Late Birthday cards in the mail -- that make my heart happy

" Baby says......"  ( funniest stuff ever.)

Weekend Happenings.....

This weekend was full and happy.

We enjoyed as much sunshine as we possibly could.

The girls had a sleepover at Grandma H's.

I had a Girls night with some favorite friends

I helped de-junk some of Grandpa and Grandma Tenney's house

I visited Grandma Tenney with Mom

I had lunch with Mom, Aunt Taffy and Natalie

I ate at the Pie Pizzeria with Chad and the kids

Chad is FINALLY getting better after a nasty eye infection that he has had since my Birthday

No more pirate patch! yay!

Visited with Chad's sister Tara -- and her family that is here from Idaho

Taught Gospel Doctrine ( Sunday School lesson )

My visiting Teachers came.. and how I love them.

Walked around Dad's garden yesterday.. looking at all of the new life coming up after the Death of Winter.  I love Spring flowers.

I held some forget me nots... and looked at the Sego Lily's that are starting to grow.

I watched my children walk around the yard and look at Grandpa's cool stuff.

And I took lots and lots of Pictures.

I counted my blessings.. and prayed a lot for many people that are mourning right now.

I hope you all enjoyed the weekend too.

Today I am Grateful for:

Time spent with friends and family

General Conference in 5 days

Watching the Muppet Movie as a family

Lots of good food

Chad feeling better.  Did I mention that??

 Not sure which is worse.. a sick husband.. or sick kids.

I will go with Husband.

Forget me Not

Last Sunday I was my first day back at church in 2 weeks.

We have had a lot of sickness in our house.

I needed church.

Chad told me he could tell I needed it too.

Should I be offended at that? ha ha

He was right.

The lesson in Relief Society was President Uchtdorf's talk: " Forget me not"

It was just what I needed to hear.

If you haven't heard this talk.. find it and watch it.  Even if you are not a Mormon.. it is very inspiring for Women.  I have listened to it many times.. and I enjoy it each time.

President Uchtdorf  talks about the importance of the little "Forget me not flowers" and then gives 5 principles to remember ( like the five petals of the flower.)

1- Forget not to be patient with yourself.

2- Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a bad sacrifice

3- Forget not to be happy now

4- Forget not the "why" of the Gospel

5- Forget not that the Lord loves you

Not only did I need a reminder of every one of these things this past week.. but it reminded me of last spring and summer of 2011 when  I tended quite a bit to my Dad's garden. 

 We would walk through his yard and talk about life.. and all of the flowers and plants my Dad adored. 

 I remember listening to Dad as  he expressed his love for the tiny little --but beautiful flower.

I had intentions of getting some for my own place.. for me to remind me of Dad.. and I never have.

So.. this year I am going to purchase some "Forget me Not's."

*****

One week ago -- last Wednesday night.. I was up late trying to put up a few decorations and fun things for Tenney to wake up to for her Birthday the next day.

We only do Birthday parties every other year.. and this year was an "off" year.. but the kids still love it..just when it's the family year-- because we do our best to make it special -- by letting them pick each of their meals for the day.. and I do their chores for the day.

I think they enjoy those two things more than the presents...

Anyways.. Tenney's birthday was going to be a super busy day.

It was my Aunt Sherie's Funeral.. and all events were planned around that-- and Tenney was so sweet and wonderful to allow me to miss having lunch with her for the day-- and do it another day-- so I could attend the funeral.

Thursday Morning Tenney and Mary Caroline both woke up with Fevers.

I felt so bad for Tenney... but she was still so happy and grateful all through the day.

I did my best to try and make it a happy day-- but every time I had some time to myself.. I had a breakdown.

Why does everything in my life seem so sad and depressing this year??

I LOVE to be with my extended family.. I mean LOVE it. 

 Not only do I have a love for my Family History ( those that have lived before my time ) but I feel an abundance of love for my cousins, Aunts and Uncles and etc. 

 It's hard to explain.. but let's just say.. I could always be the last one to leave a party-- because I feel an extra amount of love for my Friends and Family members... and desire to be with them.

Also.. I try and attend most funerals -- not just to pay respects to the person... but also because they can be such sacred and spiritual experiences.

If only people knew how spiritual they can be.

Every phone call I made Thursday morning saying that I wouldn't be able to go to the Funeral.. had me in tears.

I wanted so much to be able to comfort and hug my cousins that comforted me --  during this last year with my Dad.. and to let them know that I loved them.. and it wasn't going to happen.

I hoped they would forgive me for my absence.

I did my best to make it a fun day for Tenney -- but with Fevers.. it's not the funnest.

The girls did a lot of TV and movie watching....

And a lot of sleeping on and off through the day...

And I did my best to be positive and happy... but when I had a moment to myself.. I admit.. I had a pity party and cried a lot.

I went to the store about 11:30 am to get some medicine.. and as I was driving.. I wondered why my life has been so very hard this year.. and then.. all of the sudden.. I felt my Dad's presence with me.

I just sat and cried. 

And cried.

I could feel the love he had for me.. and that he was very aware of my heartache and wanted to comfort me.

It felt so amazing to feel Dad.. but also hurt so much-- as I miss him so much too.

After that experience..  it was a very weepy afternoon.

More friends called of the blue-- even my friend Emma in Norway called very late in the night for her-- telling me that I was on her mind.. and she couldn't shake it.

This of course just made me more weepy.

I was not forgotten.  It was as if the Lord knew what I needed -- in my emotional state.. and was blessing me through my friends.

After the Funeral.. my Great Aunt Jeannine ( that is like another Grandmother ) called to tell me how sad she was that I wasn't there.. had reported to me all about the funeral.. and the spirit that was there.. and all of those that she felt ( family members from Heaven ) that were there.

Of course I was sobbing.

She said " Honey.. just cry." and I did.

I was so grateful she called and gave me details and feelings she had while she was there.

I prepared dinner and held my girls when the Ibuprofen wore off.. and they felt lousy.

I don't often "hold" them on my lap anymore.. and this day-- I did.  A lot.

Maybe having sick kids every once in a while is a good thing.... because it gives us the opportunity to need each other for those long periods.  -- Wanting to be held.. and wanting to hold.  -- Even when you think your too big to be held.

Grandpa and Grandma H and Grandma Wright and Erin came by with presents for Tenney.

She was more than thrilled.

She was also thrilled to be eating one of her favorite meals-- Corned Beef and Cabbage.

We were getting ready to eat dinner.. and I heard a knock at the door.

There stood my Uncle Dave.  He had a basket of flowers from the funeral in his hands and was delivering it to me.

I was super shocked to see him there.

He told me that everyone knew how much I wanted to be there -- and the family wanted me to have this.

Of course I sobbed and sobbed some more.

I was not forgotten.

The Lord knew the desires of my heart.. and blessed me greatly through many tender mercies all throughout the day.

As I held my sick children throughout the day-- I felt blessed to be there Mother.

I felt fortunate to make sacrifices for them. 

 Even when they are hard.

I felt blessed to have an 11 year old daughter that looks at everything in a positive light.. and was grateful and happy the whole day -- even with the sickness.

I will never forget her 11th Birthday...

And while it wasn't how any of us expected it to be..

We were all reminded the whole day-- that we are loved.. adored.. and not forgotten.

Today I am Grateful for:

Tender Mercies

Shopping and lunch with Tenney on Saturday -- making up for her Birthday

Good natured and Happy children

My Aunt Jeannine

My Mother

Decking my Hall with Blingy Lights.....fa la la la la la la la

For my Birthday...

 Chad asked what I wanted..

 and I told him a few flowers for outside.. and 2 fake ferns for the inside.

I know.. random.

I looked at Tai-Pan and a few other places.. and haven't found the perfect ferns yet.. so instead.. I decided it was time for some new lights in the Hallway.

I have a VERY long hallway in my house.. and these tiny 1980's clear hideous balls that give us light.

While I am grateful that we even had something there... really.. who had the idea that this would be a good idea for a light covering?

Clearly.. the inventor never experimented with it.. because:

A: It's not attractive looking.

B: I have 4 of these lights in my house and every one of them is filled with Spider carcasses.

Yes.. those brown spots are bits' o spiders.  

Sick.

I question myself as to why I let them sit in our house for so very long.. when I have loathed them so very much.. but with me... I have to be patient.. as I have been trying to find the perfect vintage/Antique lights.  When I bring truly old stuff into my house -- rather than a reproduction.. it feels like it has a story with it.. and I love it.

After 6 years.. I decided that a chandelier just wouldn't work.. even if it was small... because it would hang too low.. so I went out of my comfort zone.. and just decided on purchasing some "blingy" lights from Lowe's.

Of Course I was grateful to be assisting the most gorgeous Electrician....

And we have Bling!

I believe if the Hallway could speak... it would tell me it's happy too.

But -- will be happiest when it has some crown moulding and wainscoting.

I was worried that it would be missing a crystal.. because it has so many.. and we would have to take them back.. but they didn't disappoint!

  They are beautiful!

Every time I walk down my hallway.. I look up and smile.

Slowly remodeling and updating our house has made me appreciate all of the little things that many would take for granted. 

 Trust me.. I enjoy all of the details.

Today I am Grateful for:

My husband's many talents that bless us abundantly.

A great night's sleep.

St. Patricks Decorations are down and Easter is Up.

A Latter Day Prophet

Conference is only a Couple of weeks away-- and I am CRAVING it.

A Lucky Girl....

St. Patrick's Day at our house....

Heavenly yummy's from Nancy

"Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey" -- The Lost legacy of the Highclere Castle

Squeeeeeeee ------from Cherie

Mickey and Minnie Pin purse from Mom

Magical cards of happy messages and love from many friends and family

I feel very lucky.

Thank you to all of you for reading my blog... and being my friends.

Today I am Grateful for:

Facebook messages, comments on my blog and phone calls from friends and family. 

 Your messages made my day!

Dinner with beloved friends at Texas Roadhouse

My darling 3 babies.. singing to me first thing in the morning...

New lights in my hallway ( post to come )

Money to buy flowers

The Sabbath - A day of enlightenment and renewal yesterday....

Birthday Flashback

It's GREAT to be 38!!!

( Because I have been telling everyone for most of this past year that I was 38 anyways..)

Seriously.

30 Years ago... my 8th Birthday... celebrating in 1982.

Stephanie Anderton, Aimee Winder, Me, Cathy, Stephanie Weed and Stephanie Thaxton

I was friends with a lot of Stephanie's!

It makes me happy to look at the girls here-- and to still be connected to all but one.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Today I am Grateful for:

My Mother -- who gave me life.

For happy Memories

My parents for raising me..

For being born on a fun and unique day

For a bit of sunshine through some great storms

Flashback Friday- Hayley

Yesterday was a HEAVY time for me.

I cried off and on pretty much the whole day.. when I could sneak away.. in efforts to keep it a happy day for Tenney.

I will post about it more next week.

*******

This weekend one year ago.. my parents and sister Erin headed to California.. for what would be my Dad's last time there.

He was  traveling there to Baptize Hayley.

Hayley has been one of Erin's Best Friends -- since the school days in Russia.

They met.. and Hayley became like one of the family.

After my family came home from serving in Russia, Hayley came to Utah a few times.. and it was easy to love her.

Many years later... Hayley decided she wanted a change in her life.. and was taught by some amazing missionaries serving in CA.

But.. with the love she had for our "Mormon" family.. she wanted my Dad to Baptize her.

This was a marvelous experience.

Dad, Hayley, Erin and the Elders.

Such a Happy day!!

None of us knew that this would be Dad's last days without pain.

The week after Dad got home from this trip.. he became super sick.. and it was as if-- the Lord had given him blessings of Good health to be able to celebrate my parents anniversary in Hawaii.. and then make it for this special day with Hayley.

********

I am always blind-sided at the weird times that the Grief slips in..

I miss my Daddy today so much it hurts my heart like I can't explain.

But-- while it hurts... I also feel a great amount of comfort and knowledge that he is where he is needed more.. and he is with our family-- more than we know.

It has been almost 9 months since Dad's passing.

I can truly see that time does help to heal.. but I am not sure there has been even one day that I don't ache to have him here with me again.. to give me counsel, to  listen to me and hug me.. to celebrate the good and fun things in life... and hunt through Antique shops with me.

Hug the people you love -- and tell them you love them.

Today I am Grateful for:

Sacrifice.

Relationships.

The Atonement

Tokens of love.

Attending the Republican Caucus yesterday.  After attending.. I feel grateful for the delegates chosen.. I felt grateful to be in a room with so many that believe in the things that I do-- and it felt good to be a registered Republican. 

She made me a Mommy....

11 years ago today... I became a Mother.

I will never forget that day.

Tenney Marie was due on my Birthday.. but she decided that she wanted a day of her very own.

I feel grateful for the blessings of being her Mother. 

I'm not sure any other babies have been kissed more in their life.. than mine.

At least I like to think so...

Look at her kissy cheeks!!

Tenney always has loved pretty things like her Momma. 

 She loves flowers.. and everything I love. 

Tenney and my Dad (Grandpa Wright)

Tenney loves each of her family members so much.  

Tenney LOVES cats.

More than anyone else I have ever known.

♥♥♥

For her 11th Birthday.....

 I want to list 11 things that I love and admire about my baby girl...

1- I love how Tender hearted Tenney is.

She is very pleasing..doesn't like to be in trouble.. and likes to be a friend to everyone.

2- Tenney is a great example.

She called me a few years ago from a birthday party she was attending -- asking for me to come and pick her up.  I was shocked because it was early.. but she told me that the movie they were watching was one that she shouldn't see.  A year later.. the mother of the girl having the party-- told me what an effect it had on her.  I was so grateful for her good example!

3- Tenney is fun to be with.

She is funny.. and loves to tease you-- and be teased.

She is a lot like Chad in this area..

4- Tenney loves her name.

When Grandpa Tenney passed away a month ago.. Tenney had a really hard time.

I found her hiding and crying in her bed. 

I told her that Great Grandpa would want her to be happy.. and good.. and carry his last name for good.  I expressed how much he loved her.. and loved that she had that special and unique name.

She smiled.. and has carried that -- her love for her Great Grandpa and his name happily and proudly.

5- Tenney is so smart.

She gets fabulous grades.. helps others in her class with their school work.. and she has memorized all of the Articles of Faith.  When we read the Book of Mormon -- as a family-- she always can tell everyone what is going on.. and explains things well.  It amazes me what she understands.

She loves to learn.

6- Tenney is such a good helper.

Since the day Christian came home to us.. Tenney stepped in as my "helper" and has always been an excellent older sister.  Last year during my Dad's last weeks.. my brother Chris was building his house.. and we would watch there little 18 month old boy "Linkin" often.

A special bond was made during those months between Linkin and Tenney.. and he still LOVES to be held and carried around by her.  

I love their relationship.

Tenney is also a great babysitter.

7- Tenney is Beautiful.

Inside and Out.

She shines.

8-  Tenney has a great imagination.

All of the kids in the neighborhood.. and all of her cousins and friends love to be with her.. because she makes the funnest clubs, houses, American girl and barbie suites, and yet-- can play Lego's for hours.. and build amazing forts with the boys.  She is quite the girl.

9- Tenney is clean.

She likes her space to be in order-- and clean.. and many times I have her friends Mothers tell me that she goes into their homes and organizes and cleans up her friends rooms.

She is always welcome there.

I was worried at first... but now.. I just smile.

And.. sometimes I ask if she "played" or "cleaned" when she comes back from her friends.

I would complain... but....

10- Tenney is Grateful.

I feel like this is such a neat quality for her to have-- at such a young age..but it makes me happy that she counts her blessings.. and looks for the blessings that surround her.

11- I love that she teaches and humbles me.

I don't know how I was fortunate enough to get her... but I will forever be grateful to the Lord for her happy and good spirit.. and for the joy she has given me -- in being her Mother.

She is a best friend, an example.. and sweetheart.

...... And she even joins in -- organizing books at the DI with me.

hehe

Today I am Grateful for:

My Tenney Marie

Patience

Joy and Sorrow

Memories

Many celebrations this week!

Something NEW at our house...

One day last month I insisted we buy a new TV.

This is usually something Chad would be insisting on.. but it was all me.

We have always had every one Else's "Hand me downs" and the last TV we had was so old and ancient.. the sound would work.. but the picture never stayed on.

It was a Dinosaur in the TV world.

While I adore almost everything in an "Antique" state... electronics.. I do not.

So of course.. Chad did some shopping around.. and we found the best price for a 55" to be at Costco.

Chad set the TV up on a beautiful Antique buffet I purchased last year at a yard sale for $30.00.. and everyone in the family gathered around to partake in the beauty of this epic new TV---it's size and picture quality.

We get excited pretty easily at our house.

After about an hour... the TV wasn't so interesting anymore.. and the kids were back to playing with their regular old toys.

  I am grateful that my kids like to play-- rather than sit at the TV all day long.

In fact... I am not sure which was more exciting. 

 The TV.. or the HUGE box that it came in..
 and the HUGE pieces of Styrofoam that came with it -- to protect it.

BEST new fort for Mary's little "things" = yes.

Note:  The Styrofoam only lasting for 2 days because I hate it so much... 

Seriously.. the sound.. texture and mess it makes is horrid.

Today I am Grateful for:

Tax returns that made this purchase possible.

No more pieces of tiny Styrofoam to be found in this house.

I can watch TV again while I work out!

Hope, Peace and Comfort

My Aunt Jeannine. 

 Seriously.. I don't know how she does it.. but she always calls me when I need her. 

 It is quite amazing.

Meeting friends through Blogging...

Last weekend.. many of my friends I have met through blogging were all coming to Salt Lake City for the Story at Home Conference.

 Even though I didn't attend the conference.. I still wanted to see many of these women that I usually only chat with on-line.

Because the girls were all going to be in classes all day Friday and Saturday.. I decided to drive up to Salt Lake City on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday -- right before dinner.. so I could eat with them.. and spend the night talking.. and sharing many things that we don't get to spill out over the Internet.

It was awesome.. exhausting.. but so worth it.

These ladies traveled from Washington, Idaho, Northern Utah, and Southern Utah.

How could I not want to drop everything for a chance to see them? 

Kimmie, Tauna, Ann, Keely and Jody.

These were the girls that made it the first night.  We talked and talked.. and I started home after midnight.  It was so worth the lack of sleep -- catching up with this ladies.. and meeting Jody for the first time. 

Thursday night we ate at Paradise Bakery... Friday night we ate at Siegfried's ( German Food ) and then Saturday night Cherie put together a large dinner at Biaggi's Italian restaurant.. and many more blog friends joined in for a chance to meet each other!

Sheila, Jenny, Karie, Me, Keely, Julie, Karen, Cherie, Nicole, Sandra, Valerie, Tauna, Kimmie and Valerie.

This was the group that came Saturday night.  I had never met 4 of the women.. but it didn't matter-- you know me.. bold and chatty.  I jumped in and chatted away-- and found that even though we are all very unique.. and different.. there is always something to admire from each of them.

They are inspiring women! 

And look what awesomeness Cherie brought me from the Idaho Caucus? 

I was soo excited!  I love Cherie.. and it was fun going back to her Hotel after and chatting it up with her and Keely until midnight.  Seriously.. I love all of these women!

During the Dinner.. I was sitting next to Karen and Jenny.. and had fun learning more about Jenny.. and soaking up some of the goodness that Karen radiates.
 Seriously.. each of these women are so neat.

Valerie, Jenny me and Julie.

Amazing women!

Banana Foster - Get in my belly!

We had such a large group.. it looked like 4 ward tables put together in church.  I was laughing because it looked like a "blogger panel" like these women were guest speakers.. or something.

There is Cute Tauna, Kimmie, Julie, Sandra and Valerie.

And Melissa ( M Cat ) joined in for dessert.. I just love her!

There are about 5 pictures still missing -- some more one on ones that I need to add to this post.. but I will add them as I get them from friends!

As I was heading up the elevator to the room one night.. a man was asking me about me meeting other bloggers.  He wondered if I had ever met any that I didn't like.  I told him.. that truly.. there were only a few that maybe I didn't "click" with -- as much as I thought I would.. but really... 98% of the time.. it has been even better than I have expected.

I am Grateful. 

 These women are such good people.

Today I am Grateful for:

Catching up on sleep.

Catching up on house cleaning.

All of the girls traveling home safely

Our first outdoor grilling yesterday! Hamburgers were yum!

Christian went back to school today after being sick for a week! YAY!