Crockpots

Today I am making refried beans in our crockpot. They will be very yummy! Hands down they are way better than store-bought canned refried beans!

But crockpot's are great for cooking SO many things! I have been using one since we were first married. One of my favorite meals in a crockpot is roast, with potatoes and carrots! You just put in all the ingredients, cover it, turn it on, and walk away. Hours later you have a scrumptious meal! Who can beat that? In fact I made that just recently. We usually cook that meal in a dutch oven in our oven, but it's just been too hot to have that much heat on in the house, so I opted to cook it in the crockpot. We both loved it! Yum.

Crockpots are wonderful, and I am grateful for them.

Linzi is 30!!!

Seems like just yesterday Linzi was 19! Wow! The time flew by! We are so grateful to have Linzi in our family; she brings personality, fun, a sense of adventure, dedication, empathy for others, spirituality, and a world of knowledge on anything regarding being a mommy! (though she learned all of that along the way  ;) ) Linzi is a great mommy, wife, sister, daughter, and in-law on all counts. She is forgiving, loving and kind, and does whatever she can to make our family better.

Have a wonderful birthday Linzi! 

We all love and appreciate you!

Family Home Evening

Why, you may be asking, would I write about FHE on Sunday? My answer? It's the fifth Sunday! During the third hour FHE was discussed. It reminded me of when our kids were little and how excited they would get every Monday night, anticipating the fun we would have! (For our kids - remember doing show-and-tell?) What an amazing program we've been given, that serves in strengthening families and building testimonies. I am truly grateful for it's blessing in our lives.

Shopping

Bargain shopping, that is! I know I've posted about shopping at Carter's in Tracy, but wow! It's great! We were able to go and pick up some birthday presents for some little people today that are turning one and two! (adorable little people, I might add!)

Pat likes shopping, way more than I do. However, when it comes to getting clothes for the little ones he usually stays out of it, not today! I thought I was done, and before I knew it he was grabbing clothing and giving me more. He had a fun time shopping for Gav and Darc. I love it when the Grandpa comes out in/of him and he just can't resist things. It doesn't happen very often, so I tend to savor it, and then I put a stop to it, because, well, enough is enough!

We also headed over to Van Heusen where he took the same approach, only this time it was for him. He makes me smile...two ties, a pair of khakis, and a shirt later, smile! That's what our clothing budget is for, right?

At any rate, I am grateful that he enjoyed shopping today. It's not something he does very often. (and don't worry my children & children-in-law, it's not that many things!)

Jury duty - not!

Stockton is one of the worst cities in the US, according to some. I admit it does have it's challenges! There have been many more shootings there this year, plus it owns the proud title of the first city in the US to go bankrupt! Honestly, it has never been a place I felt totally 'safe' in. So, when I was sent a notice that I am to be available for jury duty this week there were two things that concerned me; 1) my safety, (Who would want  to spend time in Stockton? Not I.) and, 2) it could have interfered with our planned trip to Amy's house. (selfish, no doubt, but it is what it is)

I don't know about you but I have a pretty good imagination when it comes to thinking up possible scenarios of what could take place. In my mind I figured that with Stockton's current crime rate I could easily have been put on some jury regarding a murder, and who knows how long that would take? *Cringe*

I don't want to sound un-American...I probably do, but I don't want to. If the jury summons had been for Tracy or Manteca I would have happily gone, well happier-ly gone. I believe in our court system; that we should be tried by a jury of our peers. I am grateful for the fact that I did not have to serve on a jury this week (in Stockton especially), but I am also grateful for the system that is in place. When I am called to serve on a jury one day I will do so happily and proudly...let's just hope it isn't in Stockton. :)

Relief Society Presidents

Lately I've been having meetings with our RS president. She happens to be a good friend of mine, but we have been working on visiting teaching together. (getting routes reorganized, etc) I remember my hectic lifestyle that revolved around being a RS president many years ago. There was always someone or something to take care of...always. I am so grateful for those sisters who are willing to serve in this capacity. It's not an easy 'job', at all. Most that are called to be RS presidents don't seek after it. If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I urge you to stop and tell your RS president 'thank you', they give us much to be grateful for.

Promptings & Prompted

One of my friends has been on my mind a great deal lately. I have been thinking of doing something for her, but hadn't gotten around to it. Yes, I am guilty of not following a prompting. Guilty as charged. In my defense I will say I haven't been feeling well lately, and felt that there were a lot of other people that would be looking after her as well.

Then, last night, I received a text from another friend, and talked with our RS president who mentioned something that had happened. That was when I decided that no matter how I felt this morning I would bake a loaf of banana bread and take it over. Pat also suggested I pick some peaches and nectarines, which I did.

When I arrived at my friend's home I found that the Spirit kicked into high gear...telling me what I needed to know to help her. I spent three hours with her, listening, crying, talking, and helping her with a project.

One of my favorite quotes is 'Never suppress a generous thought.' I had, and I am sorry that I had, but I also feel that the timing was what it was meant to be. She needed my help then, not before then, but right then. I am grateful for the spiritual promptings and the nudging I received from other friends. She will need our help in the future, of that I am sure. I pray that I can be close enough to the Spirit to follow the promptings I receive on her behalf.