Willow Springs Lake

Brittany had a 1yr. Birthday Party for her little girl at Willow Springs Lake.  We had a picnic lunch and then played in the lake.  It was fun to watch the kids in the lake.  Britt even paddle-boarded even though she is in her last trimester.  Afterwards we had cupcakes and presents.  It was a lot of fun and I’m so glad Britt invited us.  The drive home took forever.  There was a fire on I-17 and they were directing traffic through Payson.  It took forever to get through a Payson.  Here are the pics that I took.

Katie

Our neighbor needed someone to watch her daughter a couple of times a week.  She worked at home during the lockdown, but wanted more for her daughter than just watching TV at home.  Katie, the daughter, was just a tad bit older than Manny.  When Katie would come over, Manny would become possessive of his toys.  Toys that Manny rarely played with became his favorite toy, especially when Katie expressed an interest in playing with them.  Katie and Manny rarely got along, but it was good for Manny to have another toddler around.  Katie really liked Emily.  She would cry when she was dropped off until she saw Em.  It was fun to see this side of Emily.  It was nice to see and talk to people during this lockdown.

Memorable Monday5 Significant Events in my Life

Here are list of 5 significant events that shaped my life.  There are more events that could be added to this list, but this made the top  list.

1- My wedding to Jim - I remember Jim picking me up and taking me to the temple in his red truck.  I remember sitting in the sealing room next to the one where are family was waiting for us. I remember holding his hand and talking.  That day was over 25 years ago and we have since started a family and created a wonderful life for ourselves.  We are really good friends and like to be with each other.  Because of my marriage to Jim, I have 4 amazing kids and a grandson.  This was the single most significant event in my life and I love that I remember the events that took place before the wedding ceremony.

2- Becoming a mother - I love being a mother and getting to know these amazing kids of mine.  I've learned as a mother that no matter what I teach them, they are independent children with the own personalities.  As my kids have gotten older, I've learned to trust them and watch them grow.  Being a mom changes over time, but my love for them as grown.  I've learned to be self-less and to serve.  I also learned that I have 4 friends for life.

3- Going to college - I graduated from ASU but rarely have I used my degree.  I have learned that I can do hard things and that I have confidence in myself.  College was really hard but I didn't give up.  I took some classes that challenged me and had to retake.  I learned that failure is apart of life and that I just need to pick myself and continue on.  I also made some really good friends along the way and learned how to make friends on my own.

4- Becoming Angela's Guardian - Making this decision was hard for me.  I swayed back and forth because I was scared to go to court.  I finally decided that I needed to do this for Angela.  It was hard, but I learned so much about guardianship in the process.  I know that I made the best decision and I didn't let the fear win.  It has not only given me the power to help Angela, it has given me a better bond with Angela.  We are able to talk about things with more ease.  It strengthened our relationship which has been the best part and a bit of a surprise.

5- The death of my mom - My reaction to my mom's death surprised me.  I questioned a lot of things, even the Plan of Salvation.  I've had a year to mourn her death and think on some things.  I've learned that I need to strengthen my testimony by doing what our church leaders have asked us to do.  I miss my mom and her stories, her teasing, her joys, her testimony, and just her.  It shook my world more than I expected and have learned that I need to live more in the present and continue building my testimony.

Kolby’s Graduation

We went down to Benson for Kolby's graduation. Debbie had a special dinner planned before Kolby would go to school and graduate.  With COVID, most people don't get to have a graduation, but Kolby gets to have one sitting in his car and getting out to be recognized and receive his diploma.  I'm so glad that he will have this opportunity to be recognized for his hard work.  

My kids immediately went swimming.  They didn't stay in the water long because it was really cold.  Debbie and I headed to the store to buy food while the kids were in the pool, I was lucky to get home in time to take a picture of them in the pool.

swimming

Since Manny loves trucks, we thought he would like to see Randy's tractor.  Danni climbed into the cab with Manny, but he didn't like the tractor at all.  When Randy started the tractor up, Manny started to cry.  The tractor scared Manny, so we didn't stay too long.  Maybe he will like the tractor another time.

Jim and Manny watching the tractor

Randy, Dani, and Manny in the cab

Josh and Randy in the jeep

We had a yummy dinner that Debbie prepared and took lots of graduation pics before Kolby headed off to school.  Lisa and her family came down, Ashley and her family came down, and Cheyenne's family came over for dinner and pics.  We had a great visit with my family.  My family stayed until after Kolby came home from his graduation.  I'm so glad that we were able to celebrate Kolby's graduation, even with the COVID stuff going on.  It gave our family a break from home that we needed.  

My Sisters and I

Briley, Emily, and Kenzie

Angela swinging

Memorable MondayMommy and Me pics at 1 year

When my kids were one year old, I would have my picture taken with them.  The first three were in the studio along with their 1 year old picture.  Emily's was taken during a family photo shoot at Papago Park  I wanted to have a picture with my kids since most of the pics of my kids that I have are the ones that I took.  I love these pics even though I don't feel that I look my best.  They are pics with me with my kids.

Josh and I

Danni and I

Angela and I

Emmy and I

Mother’s Day 2020

Mother's Day 2020 was a very different due to COVID.  We didn't have the usual Mother's Day traditions.  We didn't go to church and hear the primary sign to us.  We didn't go see any family or have a family dinner.  But, we make Mother's Day 2020 a very good day.  

Creekside had a parade of family for the residents and Jeff sets me some pics and I found some on Facebook.  It's always fun to see my dad on the Creekside Facebook Page.  I loved that they did something so they could see the residents could see their loved ones even from afar.

 

Happy Mother’s Day to my mom.  This sweet pic was recently discovered when my sister transferred slides into digital pics.  I wondered what dreams she had for me.  I’m sure she wanted me to be healthy and happy.  I’m going to be a better person for my mom.  She is celebrating Mother’s Day again this year with her mom who has a huge impact on her life.  Love you Mom!!

Happy Mother’s Day to my Amazing Mother-in-law.  She helps our family out in so many ways.  She gives us a listening ear, an encouraging text, and loves us unconditionally.  She is always dropping stuff off whether be essential or just fun stuff.  We love visiting them at their house or up on the rim.  We can’t wait til we can visit again.!!  Love ya!!

The best part of being a mom is being with my kids.  They mean the world to me and I'm so glad that I have the honor of being their mom.  They are each so different, but blend together so well.  I loved spending Mother's Day with them.

Love these kids of mine!!

1 year mark

A year ago today, my sweet mom passed away. It was just 3 days before Mother’s Day.  She loved her family and her friends.  We miss her and think of her every day.  We are wearing her shirts in honor of her today.  #Arlene’s Army

Goodbye Wisdom Teeth

The dentist informed Angela and I that she really needs to have her wisdom teeth taken out.  This discussion took place in January at her cleaning appt.  There was a surgeon that works with the dentist office that was going to take Angela's case.  A month went by and I never heard from the surgeon or his office, so I talked to the dentist office.  Apparently, the surgeon felt uncomfortable about doing the surgery because the on tooth is too close to the nerves.  No one contacted us, but they made a referral for us to see an oral surgeon.  I was very upset and expressed my frustrations in being kept in the dark.

I called the oral surgeon to make an appt to get this process started.  The appt was in March.  Well, March came and everything changed.  We had to cancel the appointment since Angela was not in immediate pain or had an infection.  6 weeks later, the state allowed surgeries to take place and Angela was at the top of the list.  We got her in to see the oral surgeon and he felt confident that he could do the job, so we scheduled the surgery 3 days later. Angela had a lot of questions for the surgeon and nurse.  I love to see her take care of her health.  She was really nervous to get this procedure done.

Angela ready to get her wisdom teeth out.  
She just met the oral surgeon.

On the day of surgery, she was really nervous.  Since I'm her guardian, they allowed me to go back to the room and comfort her until she was ready to go.  I'm so glad that they allowed that.  It helped Angela a lot that I could support her as they put in her IV and took some blood. The surgery went very well and Angela did a great job. When she was coming out of the drugs, she was confused when she was getting her wisdom teeth out.  I told her that the teeth were already gone, but she didn't believe me for a few more hours.  Haha!!  She is such a trooper and so very brave.  

Angela is now at home healing. She did great!!!