Birthday Dinner for Larry and Lynette

Twice a year Kevin and Julie take us all out for our Birthdays.  Lynette and Larry's birthdays are just a few weeks apart and Rich and mine are too.  It's so nice of them to do and they told me it's because we are always doing for them and as a thank-you that wanted to take us out.  I know that this is a sacrifice for them and they save to do it.  It's such a kind thing to do and we really appreciate Kevin and Julie for doing this.  We love visiting with Lynette and Rich too and have become great friends with them and their family.  I have felt this way about all the families my kids have married into.  I love them all.

Larry's Birthday

It's this wonderful guys birthday.  I am so thankful for him and the wonderful life he has given to me and our children.  I posted this picture on Facebook and it got around 150 likes and many comments wishing my sweetie a Happy Birthday!  The wishes made him smile ☺

I love how we celebrate Larry's birthday day. A few years back he decided that instead of going out with a few friends who share the same birthday as him he would rather have a nice dinner at home with his family.  I love that we do this.  It's so much more personal and we get to focus on him and all be together.

Larry had Jared drive him to Granato's on Saturday to get some funky pasta, bread, oils,cheese, vinegar's, sauces and drinks.  He came home all smiles and excited to make everyone dinner the next day.  I know....I know....I should have been making the dinner and would have but he really wanted to, so I let him.  It was yummy and wonderful.  

 It was a bonus to have all the kids over since this week was an off week for a few of the kids.  We ate a little later so that Trichelle could pick up her darlings and come too.  I love having everyone together and they do too.

 Larry even invited the Sister Missionaries to join us. (I was not surprised...he'd adopt them if he could)  After everyone was filled up we went into the other room for our Family Home Evening.  The little ones always love having FHE together.  Larry had text everyone (except me) to be prepared to tell of a way that Jesus has affected their life or a quality that Jesus has.  Everyone was very prepared and added to the conversation.  We all shared different things and it was really good.  He had the Sisters bare their testimonies and it was cute to see the grands get cozy in front of them to pay close attention.  It was a great night and I know that Larry enjoyed HIS day!

I invited the grands to spend the night since we don't get the chance too often.  We were going to have Trichelle's kids on Monday anyway since she had to work and TJ is in St. George.  Larry agreed that it would be okay.  Justin ended up going home and getting his kids their things because they are kind of attached to a few things.  He stopped at Trichelle's and got Ivy and Zaden's things too.  It's nice that we live so close so we can do that if needed.  Kam wore a shirt of Jaydan's and was fine with that.  The kids have so much fun together and love spending as much time together as possible.  The grands are pretty easy to have over now.  They can all dress themselves and brush their own teeth and understand instructions.  I really enjoy this time.  It snowed while they were sleeping and was beautiful outside in the morning.

I adore these precious souls!

Weekly Tidbits

*Monday Larry had the widows from our ward and the sister missionaries over.  I had my camera out and ready and then before I knew it some of the ladies left without getting a group picture.  My visiting teachers Ruth and Janean came and Susan H and Sharon B also came.  The ones in the picture are Lorell and Bette who got a ride from us.  Sister Hansen didn't come today because she had just found out that her cousin had been killed and she wasn't feeling up to it.  That's why there are three sisters. Sister Frazier didn't want to miss and so she invited the Sisters from the other Stake.  The sister in front (Sister Calder) is leaving next week to go home and Trichelle thought that Jaydan should meet her.  She is coming back to BYU for school...I think they should meet too.  The sister standing up is  her companion.  They are going to spend Christmas with Trichelle and TJ since Trichelle's kids will be gone and they will all be a little lonely.  I'm glad they were able to come with Sister Frazier.  They all have great spirits and it was fun hearing a little about them.  We also talked about our Prophets and some things we like about each of them.  Larry bought 4 pies and Bette brought one too so we ate pie...as much as we wanted.  It was a fun little gathering. The widows are so appreciative and absolutely love Larry...I'm pretty sure they like me too.

*Tuesday I was up early so I could go to the temple.  I was thinking that I might not go but then I knew I would feel guilty and so I got up and went.  I have decided that this year along with my having fun and making fun happen...I would attend the temple more often and help those on the other side.  I know I am being watched over by many of them and now is a good time for me to help them.  I got thinking about Marathons that are so popular right now.  I'm going to plan a few marathons of my own by going to the Temple and doing a few ordinances and spending more than just a few hours there.  I know that wasn't my thought....it's inspiration.  A few times this coming year I will be at the Temple all day.  I'm excited to do that.  I'm glad that thought came to me!  I love the Temple!

*Friday the kids and I went to the Movies with Kevin and Julie and some of her family....Larry stayed home and cleaned. (the guy truly makes me wonder what's up)  He even had me stop and get another vacuum and then he used it! ☺
*Saturday Larry got up and continued to clean.  He got us all involved and his truck is full of garbage and the extra room upstairs is clean again. Yahoo!

*We were suppose to go to dinner with Kevin, Julie and her parents but Rich didn't feel good and so Larry and I went out anyway.  Larry chose Red Robin.  It was nice getting away with him.

Christmas

This Christmas was wonderful.  We woke up to snow which made it a White Christmas.  The snow was perfect....on the ground but not much on the roads.  It was beautiful.  I took a picture of the little snow we got and noticed we had a visitor.  I always see "orbs/angels" in our pictures but this was much different.  I think it looks like someone is kneeling with their arms folded and head bowed.  I would like to believe it was my daddy. 

 I couldn't go back to sleep after waking on Christmas Eve.  My thoughts were of my daddy...I was really missing him.  I prayed and asked for him to visit me in a dream but I don't remember dreaming at all once I did fall asleep.  Before I went to sleep I pulled up the video that was made last year of my daddy singing.  I am so glad that we have that.

I think everyone was happy with the gifts they received.  This year I felt inspired to give out Temple pictures since the Ogden Temple was recently remodeled and rededicated.  I think it's a good reminder that sometimes we need to rededicate ourselves to the Lord.  I wanted all my kids to have their own picture to remind them.  I also gave out Temple pictures to my neighbors and friends.  This year was better because Larry got involved and added some cool things.  Everything's better when Larry gets involved.

Kevin and Julie started a tradition of having their parents and siblings over for breakfast.  It was a great way to get the day going.  We went to their house first before making the rounds to the other grands.  It's fun seeing what Santa brought everyone.  It's fun seeing the kids happy and excited. 

From Kevin's we went to Trichelle's since her little's needed to go to their dads.  I am proud of these two this year.  They gave up $$$ that would have been spent on them so that others could have a Christmas.  They were thinking of others this year and that makes me happy.  I know all my kids families have always been involved in helping make other families Christmas better and that just thrills this momma and gramma.  I adore my kids and grands!

Last we went to Justin and Natalie's.  It was fun hearing about mister Parker boy.  He is at such a funny age...pure innocence.   He opened a gift and immediately said "that's not what I asked Santa for".  He was reminded to be grateful anyway and he was.  He was so grateful that when he opened the gift from Mya that was put in  a Saltine Cracker box he just thanked her before realizing their was something else besides crackers in the box. ☺  

Oh the little's are all so sweet and kind and thankful for whatever they get.  They are such good kids and they sure make me happier than I could have imagined.  They make Christmas so fun!

We all met up at my mom's around 3:00 to open the gifts she had for everyone.  My mom gets things all year and always makes it so fun.  She was upbeat and happy and is doing so good.  I admire her so much.  My sister and one of her grands came too. (Braxton and Kelsi were in Jerome being spoiled)  It was fun and I love being at my mom's with everyone.

It's gets a little noisy but it's happy noise.  My dad didn't enjoy the noise but I don't think it bothered him as much on Christmas. Maybe that's why he was always "tootled", so he could relax and just enjoy.  His presence was missed but felt.  He would have been the one setting things up for a group picture but instead it was me this year.  I used his tripod...I was thinking of him.  I'm grateful for my parents and all their hard work and sacrifice to make life safe and enjoyable for me and my family.  They did a great job in parenting.  They have taught me many important lessons.  One that I am really thankful for is to only get whatever you have the money for...never go in debt.  Larry must have learned the same thing because that's how we have lived.  They also taught me that "things" don't make us happy...family does.

Before we left Shellie and her cute family stopped by.  I have always loved this niece of mine.  She's so thoughtful and kind.

This Christmas Season was enjoyable.  I enjoyed time with friends and family.  I did what needed done.  I was able to attend the Temple every week and one week I made it there twice.  I thought of my Savior and tried to be worthy of His spirit.  I felt good and like every year hated to see December 25th end.  I really do enjoy this wonderful time of the year! It was a fabulous Christmas...One of the Best!

Christmas Eve

We decided to spend a little time with the family that we have home.  Our Christmas Eve traditions have changed over the years and we really don't have any at this time.  So, New Years Eve we went to eat and then we went to a movie.  We saw "The Good Lie" and were not disappointed.  It's based on a true story about the "lost boys" from Sudan.  It was intense at times and I shed a few tears throughout the movie for different reasons.  I am so thankful that we live in the United States and that we have the freedoms that we do.  Not all countries have what we do and I think often times we take so much for granted.  I know it's because we don't know better.  This show portrays very well what happens in other countries.

We enjoyed ourselves and each other.  I love that we still have kids at home and that they like hanging out with us and each other.  We have a good time together.  We came home and played "Five Crowns".  Then Jaydan and Jared went to assist Kevin with Christmas.  Larry and I had fell asleep but I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep.  I thought a lot about my daddy and wished so bad that I could dream about him.  Finally I pulled up a video that Haley took last year at Christmas time of him singing.  I enjoyed hearing him sing "You"re My Little Girl", "Honolulu Baby", and "Shoo Fly Pie".  I cried as I remembered....as I watched his expressions....as I missed him.  I think I finally went to sleep early Christmas morning.

Our Little Family Christmas Party

It's Christmas at our House!  I love our family Christmas Parties.  I love my family!  We had a yummy Christmas Dinner on fine china and we used some fancy crystal too.  Only one glass got broke and that was by me after it was washed and ready to put away.  (I bumped it with my elbow)

After dinner the kids were ready to share gifts with each other.  (Kimleighel was as excited as anyone)  Before we opened gifts we talked about Jesus and his birth and also his life.  It wasn't long but everyone listened and participated.  It was worthwhile and good.  Then we shared gifts with each other.  Everyone was thrilled with the gifts they received. (or acted like it)  I got a little emotional when the kids gave us gifts.  I really don't expect anything and so it makes me teary when they are so thoughtful.

There were more gift giving than normal because Larry got involved this year.  He was feeling the "Christmas Spirit" I guess and had a few things wrapped for everyone.  It was actually pretty cool!
                                  
                                  

The kids busied themselves with their new toys.  They loved everything...even the babies really liked what their cousins chose for them.  It was fun watching everyone.

After we went in the other room and played the same game that we did with the leaders of our Stake.  I must say we have talent in our family.  Everyone worked together and made some pretty cute little TP animals.

                                 

We also played the game with the baby food and Braxton and Kelsi got them all right!  They are ready to be parents! ☺  It was such a fun night.

Mya and Parker slept over because Macie had doctor appointments in the morning.  I felt kind of bad when Ivy found out they were staying and wanted to stay too.  I guess it's time for another cousin sleep over.  The kids slept by the Christmas Tree and Mya went right out.  I thought Parker had too but after awhile I thought I could hear moving and so I got up to check.  Parker was busy putting hand gel on everything.  He put little dots of his blue gel on ornaments, decorations, the train, the window seal, a few gifts and the piano.  He pointed at my high shelf and told me that he didn't get any up there because he couldn't reach.  He was nervous to tell me what he was doing when I discovered him.  He was afraid of getting in trouble.  I told him he wasn't and that I just needed to know where he had put the gel.  I was impressed that he knew what ornaments and everywhere else....it was everywhere.  I got most of it cleaned up and then Parker told me that maybe I should turn the tree lights off so he couldn't see. ☺  Funny, little guy!  He did stay in bed after that and I did find more gel dots in the morning. TeeHee

weekly tidbits

I painted the grands blocks on Monday...a little Santa workshop going on in my kitchen
Tuesday I went to the Temple as soon as I dropped the kids off at the bus.  I did an endowment session and really prefer initiatory.  (it's so much faster)  We have so many names though that I need to just plan on spending more time in the Temple. (I need to invite others to help me ☺) Then I met Jodi for lunch.

*Wednesday I took Carla to breakfast for her birthday which is Thursday.  Carla decided on Moore's so we could have breakfast or lunch.  I went to the Moore's in Roy and Carla was at the Moore's in Ogden.  Thank goodness for cell phones.  We both sat for a minute and wondered where the other was since we are never late.  I ended up going to where Carla was since I had never been to that one before.  It only took about 6 minutes to get to the right one.  We had a good time but didn't have long because I needed to get home and Carla was going to work.  I'm thankful that Carla and I have become good friends.  She is fun, caring, creative, kind and pretty wonderful!

My visiting teachers came today.  I love these two and I'm so thankful that they are mine for the time being.  They love me and they're just pretty darn cool.  I always feel so good when they are here.

                                    

Jared had piano and so I rode along (since he only has a permit) and I got to play with my cute little grands while he had his lesson.  Santa greeted me when we pulled up. Parker is creative and made his hat and beard so he could wear them.  He's such a cutie...and so are his sisters.

When we got home from piano a few more cuties were at my house.  Oh they all make my heart smile.  Little people are so amazing.  They learn so quickly.  They light up the room.  They love unconditional.  They are a piece of Heaven right here on Earth.

I finished the Temple plaques for the grands and the ornaments.  I felt inspired to base this Christmas around the Temple.  I love the Temple and all that it symbolizes.

***Thursday Carla and I dressed up for bowling. I took a few props for Debbie and she is a good sport and wore them.  I love being crazy and I really loved Carla's creative sweater that she did.  We went to a store afterwards and I could see others smile. ☺ I love making others smile!

For SNAP a few Tremonton Wards came and helped us out.  They showed Rudolph and had popcorn.  They made little bowls for their popcorn and Santa visited us.  I loved listening to the participants talk to Santa.  Most didn't care what they received.  They love Santa and were so excited to see and talk to him.  These kids teach me so much...they are truly the pure in heart. It's the simple things in life that matter to them. They require very little to be happy!

I knew a few of the leaders from Tremonton and that made it fun for me.  One gal, Cindy, remembers me from when I sold Lunds Lite Candles.  She friended me on facebook and that is how I recognized her. It was a fun night!  The other leader grew up in Hooper and was Trichelle's age. (Hazen Cridle)

 Friday we went bowling again and were still a little festive.  I love bowling and being around all the fun ladies.  I laughed when the gal taking our picture in the window told me that  Susan with the Santa hat reminder her of ET among the stuffed toys. After bowling I met Mallory, Kathy and Julie for lunch.  I also met Carly before so I could buy more yummy mixes from her.  It's always fun being with my friends.  Friends are a symbol of Christmas because friends are love!

Saturday morning the Relief Society had a Christmas breakfast and program.  It was decorated so cute and there were quite a few that showed up.  I took Kimleighel and Kelsi with me.  I like having older girls to go with me...it's fun.  There were drawings for prizes and us Ropelato girl's were lucky ducks today...we all got a prize.  Robin was also sitting at our table and got a prize.  I love Relief Society and being around the women in my ward.  We have talent and lot's of love shared. 

Larry and I went to the Temple since he was feeling bored and hadn't been for awhile.  I'm loving all the time I am spending at the Temple.  I love strengthening my spirit.  I love feeling the spirit.

I love this Wonderful Time of the Year! The Spirit of Christ is felt so abundantly!  

Sharing/ Caring

Jodi and I managed to get in one more lunch date before Christmas...we are going to try again next week.  Sometimes I like the one on one with friends.  You can really pour your heart out about your true feelings.  I like doing this with Jodi because we totally understand each other and think and feel the same way about things.  It's comforting to me to have her understand.  I know it works both ways.  It's also very nice knowing that we won't judge each other in a negative way.  The time always flies...we could talk for days...weeks!  I admire this twinsee of mine.  I always leave feeling better and with the desire to be better.

Jodi's hubby was just made their Stake President and she is feeling a little "pressure" with this call.  I hope she just continues being her fun, "spunky", happy self.   God loves her just the way she is and He is the one that matters.  We worry so much about pleasing others.  I guess that is just part of life and learning.  I hated trying to "fit" the role image of a few callings.  Each time though I just tried to remember that Heavenly Father knew me before I was called and I was good enough the way I was.  I do believe we do change with callings...but I think it's more of an internal change that others might not really see unless they are super close to us.  Heavenly Father gets us where he wants us on His time.  He is who matters!

I loved hearing the details of the calling.  I love how we can receive inspiration so quickly.  I love how Heavenly Father prepares us for our next "steps".  Heavenly Father is very aware of all of us and really does guide us...if we ask and listen and obey.  I love Jodi!  Jodi is a great example and I know that others admire and respect her.  Jodi and her hubby will serve their Stake well!

***One thing that we had mentioned today was menopause...who would have ever thought we'd reach it or talk about it.  A few years back I lost the little bit of waist I had.  I had changed nothing but my body did.  The pants I could wear for years didn't fit and it ticked me off...and I couldn't figure out why.....menopause is the reason.  It happens...the body changes.  I had never quite thought about it but I do believe that is it.  I am determined to fix the changes and do the best with what I have to work with.  My squatty body needs some adjustment.  I know the results will be different than what I was use to but or would really want but I am learning to accept things for what they are. (my short waist is even shorter...at least 2 inches...I can still work with that)

relaxing...really?

I can't believe that we actually took the time at this busy time of year to stop and watch a few movies.  That's right we watched two.  Carla had mentioned that we should have a movie day and I took her up on it.  I went to her house at noon and so I was able to get things done in the morning before I went...laundry and painting.  Carla had lots of yummy left overs from her party the night before and so we ate a few of them.  She told me to come in my comfy clothes and she told me she was going to wear her dog jammies.  She always wears them the week of her birthday. (her birthday is Thurs) We relaxed and had a great time.

Carla and Roger love dogs and have six.  They are cute dogs and we let them in after the first movie.  The weather is so nice that Carla had them in the back yard.  The little ones were all over us and it was almost impossible to eat a treat.  I gave one dog a piece of popcorn after I knew it was okay for them to have.  I learned that it's important to be fair even with dogs and so the only treats the dogs got after that were the ones they hurried and stole.  Her little black dog got away with a few treats.  He cracked me up...as soon as Carla wasn't looking he'd eat a treat.

The first movie we watched was Elf...it's my favorite.  After that we watched White Christmas and I realized even though I have heard of the movie, I had never watched it.  It was fun "chillin" with Carla.  She's a great friend and a fun host.  She loves having people over and entertaining.  Her house is so nice and comfy.  We talked about starting a Movie Club...hopefully we do!

Ropelato Family Party

This year Erin volunteered to organize our Christmas Party.  I was thrilled.  I think I am a little burnt out after doing it every other year for many, many years now.  I love getting together with Larry's parents and siblings and their kids.  I just love family things that get us together.  I love watching the little one's interact with each other as they make memories.  You can see the love they share with each other.  Erin and Scott had everything set up.  We went a half an hour early to help but it was done earlier in the day.  Erin even had tables set up with activities for the kids. It worked out great.  The kids had a fun time.

 I laughed when everyone started getting their food and sitting down.  Jerry's family went to the far table.  Brent's was at the end of the table Jerry's.  Wayne's family sat on the middle tables and so did a few of the cousins.  My family sat at the end of the table by the food and at the head of that table mom, Clark and Wendy made their place.  We seldom mix it up.  I guess that's okay and means we like our individual families.  I ate and made a point to go visit the other families.  I really like them all.

I guess Christmas parties are for the kids and they certainly enjoyed themselves.  They ate and played and giggled and ran around and were so cute.  I couldn't help but take lots of pictures and smile. ☺

We had a visitor!  Santa Claus came and gave each of the kids a gift.  The kids sat so good and waited patiently for their turns.  Santa kept handing Parker candy canes to give to everyone...Parker was happy to help out.  I noticed that the little's around a year were the ones leery of Santa.  I think a few of the little's hearts sped up as they were taken close to Santa.  Macie quickly looked and reached for Mallory who had set her on Santa's lap.  London (Kaylie's baby) was the most vocal and clung to her mommy.  The gifts are socks and I know my grands are always excited about getting them.  Trichelle had to get her kids gifts since it's their weekends with their daddy's. I got Kimleighel's for her since she had to go to the High School for a Dickens Festival that she had to sing and help with.

When Santa left the little ones got dressed to reenact the Nativity.  This year Parker got to be Joseph.  He looked so proud.  (we are short on boys this generation)  Mya was an angel, Kamryn was a shepherd, and Jordyn was a lamb.  The Nativity makes me smile every year.  I know the little ones love doing this.  I love it and I always remember back through the years when their parents were the ones doing it.  The Nativity is a favorite tradition of mine.  I can't imagine ever being tired of seeing the children act out the Christmas story!  I simply love all the children...they are all so sweet and cute.

It was a fun night.  It was wonderful having Wendy (Larry's cousin) and her hubby join us.  I am thankful for Christmas.  I am thankful for family traditions.  I am thankful for family.  I am thankful for the birth of Jesus Christ.  I am thankful for His example and life and for the love he showed to each of us through the atonement.  I am thankful that at this time of year the vast majority of the world acknowledges and praises Him....that's why it's the most wonderful time of the year!