Another beautiful, warm day! I love the early walks, but I did notice today was warmer even early in the morning. My sweet hubby made breakfast today and then I got busy on my project. I finished it by 9:30 am so that tickled me. I got some grocery shopping done and can do some cooking today. Yesterday we ended up going to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. So lovely! A quiet evening at home capped a very busy day. Today is a little quieter and I hope I can start getting back on schedule a little more. While I worked on my project I recalled some of the fun things with my grandson Gabe. He is such a sweet little boy. He was four months old when they got here, and eleven months old when they left. It has been fun to watch him roll over, scoot, crawl, and pull himself upright. He has a warming grin and loves to play Pat-a-Cake. He also loved my Little Green Frog song. I miss his funny noises when he wanted attention. I look forward to some pictures on their blog. I have some wonderful memories of their time here and I'm thankful we had that opportunity. Hope your day is delightful.

Gorgeous Day!

I slept so well last night and woke up for an early walk. I added a block to my walk. It was so peaceful, a cool breeze, and delightful beginning to my day. When I got home, I made breakfast for my hubby and me. Then shower, dress, and prepare for my day. I worked on a few things and then went to JoAnn's for some things I need for a project. Later this morning I will attend a funeral for a neighborhood lady. Then the rest of the day I will see how much I can get done. There are always things to clean and projects, reading, and maybe something fun too. I hope your day has some delightful possiblilities too.

With Frank gone to girls' camp, I had a quiet evening just doing whatever came to mind. Loved it! Today I slept in a little, had breakfast, and went for a walk. I visited with a couple of neighbors that were pulling weeds along the way. After reading the paper, I played a game and then straightened the house. It seems odd not to have toys all over. Today I missed Adam's greeting of "Hi Pampa" (he calls both Frank and I Pampa); the patter of his feet; the "ABC" song (which he sings all the time); watching Sesame Street, Little Bear, and Yo Gabba Gabba; Adam's giggle; his coming in to play on our bed before going to his bed; His love of watching for airplanes out the front window or back door; His "Hi Airplane! when he spotted one; his "Bye Airplane" when they went out of sight; fixing PBJ's in triangles; watching something over and over because he loves it; his laughter when Grandpa tickles him; his hugs and kisses; and writing the alphabet over and over in crayon.
It is truly quiet. But today I'm getting reorganized and making plans for more projects. I have loved this past seven and a half months, and I'm going to love the next months because there are so many special things to do. Tonight we will be tending some grandchildren and enjoying their special smiles. Life is good.

Farewell

After arising at 5 am we packed Grandpa's car with dog in crate, suitcases, backpacks, and various necessities for the trip to Maryland. Grandma's car held two grumpy little boys who did not understand why they were awakened so early, their nervous Mom, and a Grandma who needs to enjoy the time we've had together. We took the dog to the cargo building and got her checked in. Then we went to the airport. PEOPLE, PEOPLE, and more people. Lots of missionaries flying out too. I watched the boys while Amie and Frank went to check on the flight and check in luggage. They gave Frank a special pass so he could go through security and help her to the gate. I do not envy a four-hour flight with two little boys. She is well prepared so hopefully they will do all right. The gray, rainy day reflects my mood in a way so I am going to look back to remember the good days. Amie will be my focus today. She is cheerful, and excited about life. She is so playful with her sons. She is an excellent Mom and I am amazed at her energy in taking care of her boys. She is easy to get along with and brightens my day. After seven months together we are still friends. She tries to please others and goes the extra mile. She is a good cook and is branching out with new skills. Loved her homemade cherry pie, even though I couldn't have very much. She has taught me new skills, especially with the computer. I appreciate her willingness to help and her special, dimpled smile. Here's a hug for you Amie! May your adventures in Maryland be wonderful!
Now I'm thinking about what I can do in this long day ahead. I think a trip to JoAnn's might just be the ticket. I'm sure I'll find plenty to do, but my thoughts will be with our sweet little Larkin family.
Amie and the boys made it safely to Maryland. She did get some help at the gate and they seated them right after the first-class passengers. That gave them a chance to settle in before the rest of the passengers loaded. The boys did pretty well. She said Adam did not take a nap---and he's been up since before 6 am. He'll be one tired little boy. He was excited to see his Dad, but he almost passed right by him. It will be good for them to get settled in their new home. It also helps that Dad has completed his first week of work. Now they can start a new schedule for their family.
I also had a great day. When I went to JoAnn's I found a neat little project to work on that I can send to them soon. It really lifted my spirits when I got this idea and gave me something exciting to do. I feel blessed to have something fun and interesting to do to fill the empty space around here. Now I can look forward to my days and appreciate the blessings of our family. I hope thaat those are blessings you can enjoy too.

Pack; Repack; Unpack

Our family room is strung with suitcases. The table is covered with post-it notes to remind to pack......... Sisters had a picture session to remind of the fun and laughter while little Sis was in Utah with us. Grandma is tending little ones while daughters get a last minute "Party time". In twenty-four hours it will all be a memory. Now e-mails, long distance phone calls, Facebook, and blogs will be eagerly anticipated to keep up on the latest doings of the Larkins. Since 5 a.m. comes too soon, I'm getting ready for bed. (HAHAHA) Tomorrow will begin a new phase in daily life--some good and some sad. We've been lucky that it was 7 1/2 months instead of the original plan of two months. We'll just enjoy the blessings.

Preparing for the Adventure

Amie got a phone call this morning telling her that her flight is Friday morning. There is certainly a lot to prepare and plan. The dog needs certification to fly and she is getting that today. Packing for a four-hour fight with two little boys has a lot of challenges. You can really acquire a number of things in seven months. Laundry, folding, packing. That will be the plan of action for the next two days. It's going to be so QUIET!!!

At the Zoo

Today was a fun day at the Zoo. Gabe and Adam loved it.
Bret was a huge help pushing strollers. Here he just relaxed .
Katie, Rachel, and Alex resting on the Big Cat statue . We enjoyed the animals, good weather, and a yummy lunch. It was a great day to celebrate my half-year birthday!

The Zoo

I've had a wonderful day so far! Up early for a great walk and then breakfast. We took my grandson to his Play N' Learn group and then did shopping at WalMart. I had lunch with all of my daughters and we laughed and enjoyed being together. The time with Amie is going too quickly. With that in mind, I've been trying to think of good things that will happen when she leaves. Let's see: no more dog to eat half of my banana; no more dog to take care of; no more crying baby; no more ABC song from a cute two year-old; no more fighting for computer time; no more Sesame Street; no more gate on the stairs; no more safety latches on my drawers and cupboards; no more scheduling my car; no more toys to trip on; no more dirty diapers to change; no more little hand prints on my curio cabinet; no more fighting for TV time; no more writing the alphabet in crayons; no more "Candle on the Water" playing at bedtime; no more chasing an adventurous baby that crawls faster than I run; no more "Hi, Airplane"; no more "Bye, Airplane"; No more tending tiny ones (at least not these); no more spooning baby food into a mouth that has two fingers in it; I gain a sewing room; I gain shelves and closets; I gain time to myself; Wait! I think I would give up all of these selfish things to just have them here a little longer! It's still going to be way TOO quiet around here. However, William Penn said, "True silence is to the spirit what sleep is to the body...nourishment and refreshment." So I guess I need to change my attitude a little and find out what is in store for me next. I know that Kyle and Amie need to have their little family together again and move forward. I'm sure that there are some special blessings in store for them too. I hope you have some special things in your life too. You are loved!

We really enjoyed time with our children yesterday. All of them came by, but not all six at once, and we didn't get a picture opportunity before Amie leaves. Hopefully other opportunites will come. It was a delight to have them here and we look forward to other times together this summer.
Today was a lovely Father's Day. We had time for a special breakfast for hubby before he left for Church. Our Sacrament Meeting was two of my favorite ladies speaking about fathers. Delightful!!! Tonight we had children come for dinner and played Pinchole. Amie made chicken squares and homemade pie for dinner. MMMMM good!
I am so thankful for my dear father and appreciate the great example he was for our family. He was always dependable and loving. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed life. I am also thankful for my sweet husband and all he does for me and our children. He is such a hard worker and comes to the aid of many people. He is loving and thoughtful. I am so thankful for these special men in my life. Happy Father's Day.

Just a quick, short one today. I enjoyed a slightly rainy walk this morning. We have children coming to visit today. Wahoo! Love those visits! I will take today as it comes and love it all. Hope your day brings things that you love too.

Love

Life sometimes gets so busy that I feel I can't keep up. Then I realize that love keeps me going. I am lifted up by the love of my husband, the love of my children, the love of my extended family, and the love of friends. Even more of a blessing is the love of my Heavenly Father and His Son. They accept my feeble efforts with love and joy.
So today I go about my day with love and joy. I love the sunshine, the smiles of others, the laughter of children, the hugs of loved ones, a good nap, nutritious food, lovely music, and things to do.
Today it really hit me that Amie and her boys are leaving us in a week. I have truly enjoyed feeding little mouths, changing diapers, soothing cries, and watching them grow. This house will be way too quiet and I will remember their stay in loving memories and special pictures. But I know that I can move forward and enjoy life because of love. Thank you all for your love and support. I love you, too.

New Things

It was fun to be up and at it today. I went for an early walk and then went for my hair appointment. Such special ladies there! Before I went home I went shopping for material for the quilt class next week. I have some pieces that I love together, but I need to go back tomorrow to get some more. Hopefully they will work. I can't wait to see if it goes together like I want.
Tonight I'm tending my two little grandsons while my daughter goes to see "Charley's Aunt". Her brother-in-law is in it. The boys are being so good. I just hope "Sesame Street" keeps holding their attention.
I am also trying to plan some new goals to keep me busy when my daughter leaves for Maryland. I hear that trying new things keeps us young. I hope you, too, will stay young by trying something new. We're almost to the weekend. TGIF!!!

Onward

We had a fun dinner and visit with my Visiting Teaching sisters. They are such delightful ladies. My son-in-law found an apartment for their family. He moves in Saturday, and my daughter and the two boys will be leaving in about 10 days. It is going to be way too quiet around here without them. Didn't go to lunch because my friend is ill. But I did enjoy my walk. It was overcast, but a comfortable temperature and it didn't rain on me. I also got to visit with a dear friend along the way. Tonight I go to a wedding reception, and then to my quilting class. I'm so excited to learn this skill. My great-grandmother did a lot of quilting and I'd like to incorporate some of her blocks into my own quilt. Maybe that will help me cope with the quietness around here. Hope your day is wonderful!

We had a wonderful dinner with Frank's Home Teaching group. It was nice weather and good food. This morning we were up early for Adam's DDI teacher. She came to watch him eat breakfast. Little Gabe was in the highchair. He had finished breakfast, but when we checked him he had fallen asleep in the chair. Soo cute! We wish we had taken a picture. I took my morning walk and then went to meet my brother for lunch. My sister-in-law and their dear friend came too. We had a great visit and good lunch, but their friend took ill. I hope she gets well quickly.
I went to the store for a few things because tonight I have my Visiting Teaching group for dinner. Boy, all these fun meals. I'm also looking forward to lunch with dear friends tomorrow. I'm really getting spoiled. I am also excited because I found some of my cousins on Facebook. I'm looking forward to getting together with them soon. I'm so blessed with so many things to make my life more rewarding. I hope you are enjoying your blessings too.

A New Week

Here we are at the middle of June and still haven't had hot days. I really like that although I'm getting a little bit tired of the rain. My son-in-law has reached Maryland (actually he's staying in Alexandria, Virginia). He has started his search for a place to live, so it probably won't be much longer to have Amie here with us. The little boys are such a joy to us. We appreciate this opportunity to be in their lives. Now we will have to develop a long-distance relationship again. Thank goodness for blogs, Facebook, e-mails, and telephones.
Today we get to have hubby's Home Teaching group for dinner. We are going to BBQ hamburgers and hope it doesn't rain. At least we have a plan B. I hope you have a great week. I think I will too.

Delightful weekend! My daughter spent almost all day Friday making banana bread and cupcakes for the birthday party. You can see the fun pictures by clicking on Larkin Family to the right. The decorations were adorable and everyone seemed to have a lot of fun. Also--be sure to look at the slide show on her blog. Fantastic! We had fun with the grandkids during the day. Our daughters came and we went to Cafe Rio for lunch. Played games and laughed. We tended some grandchildren for the evening and more grandchildren came too. It was so much fun to visit, play games, and eat ice cream and cupcakes.
Today gives the opportunity to partake of the sacrament, study the scriptures together, and enjoy the spirit. Tonight we will have some family again and enjoy that special family bond. This coming week is very busy, so I had better just enjoy today. Hope you enjoy today too.

Sunshine

I enjoyed sleeping in today. I also had a lovely walk after breakfast. Now the day is basically helping my daughter prepare for her boys birthday party tomorrow. She has made banana bread and cupcakes so far. It should be a lot of fun. I get the job of taking care of my sweet grandsons. She is decorating the cupcakes like Oscar, Grover, Elmo, and Cookie Monster. The walls will have Big Bird and the Sesame Street gang as well as the Alphabet and Numbers. It is all very colorful. We will play "Pin the Nose on Elmo" and then do some games and blow bubbles outside. It is shaping up very well and we are eager for tomorrow. Hope your weekend is delightful too.

Rain

Rain! Rain! Rain! My daughter took her oldest son out in the rain with my umbrella. He LOVED it! They laughed and danced in the rain. He didn't want to come in. Oh! the exuberance of youth!
I truly enjoy visiting with dear friends when I get my hair done. Then I went to Sam's Club for some items for the grandsons party Saturday. We enjoyed BLT sandwiches for lunch and now we're having a quiet afternoon. Tonight we get to go to Not a Tea Party--looking forward to visiting with dear friends again. Have a fantastic day!

Wednesday already

After my lunch date yesterday I headed to Michael's to find a frame. On my way there the spirit said Sears. I stopped there and they had beautiful frames for 50% off. I'm glad I listened! My son-in-law's parents are here from ST. George to visit with them before they leave for Maryland. Grandma L. wanted to make the grandsons each a comforter to take with them. My daughter went with her to pick out material and my husband borrowed a set of quilting frames from a neighbor. We set everything up and began tying the first one. My daughter's sister-in-law came to help. It went pretty quickly and is a lovely quilt. Then we put on the second one. The edges have cute teddy bears and toys so we decided to quilt around the outlines. Then we tyed the center. Another cute quilt. My son-in-law and hubby made hamburgers for dinner and we all enjoyed it. To relax a little we played games. It made a delightful day.
This morning I went to my Primary care physician. I have really enjoyed her, but she is leaving next week for Oregon. I'm feeling well and was glad everything seemed to be good. Also got my medical papers for my Drivers License done.
Tonight we are going to the Temple, so that makes today a wonderful one. Hope yours is wonderful too.

Tuesday

Beautiful morning. I got out on my walk and it began to pour. I started walking a little faster, and just then my sweet hubby came around the corner to pick me up. I got in most of my walk so it worked out OK. I am tending a sweet little granddaughter for a few hours and then I'm going to lunch with a school friend who just retired. I'm also hoping I can find a frame for a quilting square made by my great-grandmother in 1934. I think that will make a nice birthday present for my brother. Hope your day is delightful.

Monday

Wow! The days go so fast! I went for a walk after breakfast and love the cooler air. It was also nice to have a little sunshine. My daughter took her oldest son to a play group and I tended the little one. We had fun, but he was ready for his nap fairly soon. When he went down, I attacked the kitchen. Ouch! What a disaster! After I got the kitchen done, I read the paper and cleaned up around the house. It made a nice break. We cleaned the family room and A got a phone call saying her son's Speech Therapist was coming. We had lunch and I tended the little one while big brother had his lesson. Then I went to the grocery store. There was a little rain when I left, but when I was ready to load the groceries into my car it had stopped. When I got home the rain pounded down. At least I was lucky enough to not get soaked--umbrella notwithstanding. We fixed dinner and my daughter made a cherry pie from scratch. UMMMMMM! It feels good when you get a number of things done and have accomplished something during the day. Our family room is becoming stacked with boxes that they have packed to go in the car to go to Maryland. I guess I will have to accept the fact that they will be gone soon. It has been a lot of fun having them here. Have to make the next few weeks really count. Have a great week!

Weekend

Boy, the weekends go too quickly. On Saturday I went grocery shopping and couldn't resist stopping at JoAnn's for some material. I had also been in that area to laminate some book marks for Primary. My daughter and grandson came and played games. Then my grandson stayed overnight. We also attended a celebration for our Bishop's daughter who had her family sealed in the temple. Great food and lots of fun visiting. The weather was nice too, even though there were black clouds, we had no rain. Sunday brought wonderful meetings. I visited my home-ward Relief Society. It was delightful so see friends and neighbors. It was also special because the Stake Relief Society presented the lesson. My dear friend is in that Presidency and did a terrific job. Everyone really enjoyed the lesson. Thanks B for all you do. Then I went to my own Ward and enjoyed the Single Adults. There are some wonderful young people there and we are getting new ones all the time. The lessons were well prepared and we had a yummy spaghetti dinner to Break the Fast. At home I enjoyed my daughter and grandsons. This is precious time because I know their stay here is getting short. Now to plan for a new week of adventures. Hope yours is a good one too.

It has been an interesting day. I visited with my daughter at the Boy Scout shop. They are closing it July 19th and then she will work in Centerville. She is doing a project with her mother-in-law. She has a neighbor that she has known all her life and calls her "Grandma". This lady is turning 92 on June 14th and they decided to celebrate her special day with 92 birthday cards. My daughter has made lots of cards and I have been getting people to write a birthday message to her. I took 22 cards to her today and plan on giving more Monday. It has been a fun project. This lady has no family so her neighbor is her family.
Then I went shopping at a neat store. It is Lakeshore Learning Center on 900 East.
They have every book, teaching supplies, science materials, and learning toys that you can imagine. It cost me a pretty penny to get out of there, but boy was it fun. Then I stopped at the cemetary where my parents, grandparents, and some aunts are buried. I didn't make it there on Memorial Day, so it was special to be able to go there today.
I am also enjoying reading "Anne of Green Gables" again. I haven't read it for years and years, but it is just as good now as it was then.
My daughter has started making plans for their move to Maryland. It will probably be a number of weeks before she goes, but we definitely have many things to get ready. Tonight I get to tend the little ones and also have my oldest grandson here for a while. It looks like a busy weekend is here and I think it will be fun too. Hope yours is the best weekend ever.

Blessings

It's another day for acknowledging blessings! I love the cooler weather after a rainstorm. I love my grandson's giggle when he sees something funny on TV, and then he yells, "AGAIN!" and watches it a dozen times. I love new,colorful fabric. I love visiting with dear friends every Thursday. The troubles of the world are dealt with wisdom from one another. I am grateful that family members are feeling better. I am thankful that I am feeling better daily. I love having good books to read. I love music from days gone by. I am thankful that F and I get to work together on callings and projects. I like getting on the scale. I love my daughter's clever projects for her boys. She brightens my day. I am especially thankful that my son-in-law received confirmation on his job in Maryland today. He leaves a week from today and begins work on June 22. That is a blessing we have waited for for a long time. I'm just not eager for them to leave. I hope your day is full of blessings too.

Yesterday I tended a little granddaughter while her sister was taken to the doctor. Then they took her mother to the doctor. Both had Bronchitis. My grandson has also had a cough. You would think that with warm weather we would be past all the illness. But for many years this was the time I would have bronchitis or pneumonia. I am thankful my pneumonia shot has "worked" and I haven't suffered with illness this time of year. I am cleaning and organizing and it is slow work. Bit by bit it will be taken care of and I will enjoy the fruits of my labor. In my spare time I have enjoyed reading. That gives my life some balance I guess. Hope you are well and happy.

Fun things

I enjoyed an early walk this morning with my daughter and two grandsons. It is fun to see the world with the eyes of a two year old. It was also cooler than yesterday's walk---sooo nice. We got back before 7:30 am. and I felt like I had accomplished a day's work already. Last night my hubby took me out for dinner and we went and saw "UP". Darling movie and great story. It was a fun date! Today I am working on a variety of projects. I came across a saying that I really liked. "To love what you do and feel that it matters--how could anything be more fun?" (Katharine Graham) I hope I do things that matter and I know I enjoy doing them. So its onward with cleaning and organizing. Hope you have a productive day too.

New Era

We have enjoyed reading the New Era as well as the Ensign for many years. Even though it is geared to teenagers, I still love the articles. The one I read today told a special story about an 11 year-old boy who was the youngest of a group of boys going on a hike down the Grand Canyon. His father was also in the group and kept an eye on him. As they continued down the boy became very tired and shaky. They took a lunch break about half way and he sank down gratefully. The break was short and when he stood up his knees seemed to lock up and he could hardly press forward. After a few minutes he felt his pack lighten. His father came up behind him and lifted the pack with his arm. They continued to the bottom and he was able to make the last stretch by himself. As a grown-up he thought back to that experience and likened it to the way the Savior lightens our load if we turn our lives over to Him. He lets us live our lives and make our own decisions. He lets the weight of the world gather on our shoulders as we face choices and circumstances that test our faith and dedicaation. Then, when we can go no further, He reaches out with his strong arm and lifts our packs so we can carry on. I am so thankful for these reminders of the love our Savior has for us. Today I am so grateful for the help and comfort I receive. My family and friends are the priorities that keep me grounded in the gospel because I want to always be with them. Today I ponder on the many blessings I enjoy because of my Savior. I hope you take some time to do that too, because I love you.