I've mentioned how excited Gracie is for girls' camp but I had no idea just how excited she really was. The girls were supposed to have their camp stuff packed and at the church on Saturday afternoon between 5 and 5:30, so that everything would be ready to go in the morning at 4:45 and there was no worry about it on Sunday. Great plan! So, on Saturday afternoon, the girls were over at the B's playing for a while. Grace was intructed to be home at 5, so that we could get her stuff over to the church. (Like she was about to forget! NOT!)
At about 4, since we had an hour and all of the kids were at the Bs, we thought we'd catch a nice breezy afternoon siesta in the trailer. I set the alarm and was out like a light! (Late night with the girls!) Just as the alarm went off, my cellphone rang. It was Grace. "Hi, Mom." "Gracie? Where are you? Who's phone are you using?" "I'm at the church." Um. She was supposed to be at home getting her stuff loaded to go to the church. However. She'd come home from the B's, didn't see us in the house, so she walked her stuff to the church. Almost two blocks. With two pieces of luggage and a camp chair. Alone! She didn't want to be late! We quickly grabbed her cooler of treats and her sleeping stuff and headed over to the church! She hadn't minded at all, walking with all that gear. She just wanted to be on time! Too funny. (I snapped this picture at the church parking lot.)
Today, she's watched the clock, counting the hours, how many meals left to eat at home, how long until bedtime so that she can wake up and go. Yes, she's excited! We'll see how she is at 4:30, when I wake her up! It's killing me, but I'm very happy for her first real big girl adventure away from home. I'm just praying that it's a positive experience. She has amazing leaders and there are some great girls in the ward! But, I know that she'll come home much more grown up.
Girls Night Out. A sleepover in the tenttrailer in our own back yard. Kelly had a "procedure" on Friday, so she didn't make it. But, Liza, Grace, ZJ, Zaylee and I had a great time. Papa Murphy's pizza. One of the highlights was making treats together. We made the nummy Rolos on Pretzels treat! It was fun watching Zaylee help unwrap and count the candies. She first had the job to lay out the pretzels but she either ate them or tossed a whole handful onto the pan. Too funny! We played cards, talked tons, painted toenails, ate M&Ms and made colored teeth, then very late, as we wound down, we had some table talk questions, which led to some very fun and eye-opening answers and memories and conversations.
I ran inside to get my jammies on and get ready for bed. When I came out, ZJ said, "Mom, we need some music." My iPhone had been playing music when I left, so I thought that was odd but when I went to turn on the music, this photo showed up on my phone... They'd all colored their teeth with M&Ms while I was inside and then taken a bunch of pictures. Eewwww! (By the way, what did we do before iPhones?) Good for a great laugh and Liza started talking like Mr. Napkinhead from the movie, "The Holiday", which had the girls cackling.
Needless to say, it was a great time. I wish Kelly could have been there to laugh with her sisters, but it wasn't to be. Maybe next time!
Today, after church, we had a birthday dinner for Liza. Her favorites... Hawaiian Haystacks, Wacky Cake, Pretzel Salad and Homemade rolls. Nummm! Doug and ZJ ran some pretzel salad over to Kelly after dinner, which she appreciated. Tomorrow is Liza's 28th birthday. I'm hoping to catch her at some time during the day to get a birthday interview.
Another highlight for me was just before dinner when Zaylee climbed up onto her barstool before everyone came to the table for dinner. She had her little doll with her and Liza and I noticed that she had folded the doll's arms and was telling it to "close your eyes", then she said her own little prayer. She is learning in the time that she spends with us and with Liza and Buddy. Kelly told me last week that she was "jamming" on Kevin's drums and singing "I am a Child of God". (A bit inappropriate, but it does show that she's learning.)
Zaylee wasn't too interested in cake until I showed her the candles that we were about to light. Then, she was all about singing Happy birthday to Liza! Buddy had to give Liza and me a hard time when I got out the camera. Never a dull moment!
It really was a great weekend. One other noteworthy item... we attended church for the last time in our building. Due to the changes and growth in our area, we will no longer be attending the Smithfield First Ward building. Many of these sweet seniors in our ward, attended this building when they were children. So, this is a huge change. We will now have to cross the highway and go to church a few blocks away, which is so so big for, especially, the older members in the ward and unusual when there's an LDS church on every other corner in Utah. I remember driving 35 miles to church when we lived back east. So, this is not an issue for me. I'm excited for it. I always love change. A newer building. It will be a fun change. Maybe I'll feel different when the babes can't just walk over alone anymore. Gee, Gracie can't even wheel her luggage there on her own again. ;) Change is always good.
Life is good. Family is great! It's going to be a very busy and wild week. Happy Birthday to my loverly Liza!
Remember this - very little is needed to make a happy life.
Next time you make pretzel treats, instead of the M&Ms try a pecan. OH SO YUM! Glad you had a great weekend. I hope Gracie enjoys camp.
Posted by: JaYne | Monday, July 18, 2011 at 07:01 PM