Out it Jumped

I enjoy Fast Sunday.  I always feel the "Spirit" and I absolutely love feeling the "Spirit".  I try to do the things I should so that I feel it often during the week.  But, Sundays the Spirit is stronger and for longer because I am focusing on the Lord and doing what's right.  I guess I'm just more prepared on Sundays.  I made a deal a few years ago with God....actually I think it was God that made a deal with me.  He said that I would be forgiven of my sins and weaknesses if I would testify of Him.  Sometimes I don't want to bare my testimony because I feel fear and inadequate.  Then I am reminded by the "Spirit" and so I just do it.  I always feel much better after testifying my beliefs.  My hands quit sweating and my heart goes back to a normal beat and I can breathe.  The Spirit always wins....I was part of a deal.  I think it's important to write though that I get scared.  I don't feel brave or confident at all...I just do what I know I am suppose to do.  I don't worry what to say because those thoughts are also put in my head.  Most of the time I don't even remember what I said.

Another thing about me is some times words jump right out of my mouth and surprise me and those I'm with.  Today Larry was ordaining Jared to be a Priest in the  Aaronic Priesthood.  Our family that could come was gathered around and placed their hands on Jared's head.  Larry then started by saying: "Kevin Clyde Ropelato" and without thinking I hollered STOP.  We all laughed and I reminded Kevin he wasn't forgotten and that we appreciated him for being there.  Then Larry called Jared the correct name and gave him a nice blessing.  I think it's funny that every now and then Larry messes up the kids names too....I did it quite often when I had them all at home.  I think I still do occasionally.  I'm thankful for the Priesthood and that my boys all are worthy to hold it.   I am thankful for the support of our family.  I am thankful that my mom calls my boys to bless her and my dad when they need it.  She called them Friday and Justin and Kevin went and gave my dad another blessing.  (they didn't know that Larry had just given him one and I know my dad didn't tell them since they had made the effort of going up to give him one.)  I am thankful for all the wonderful things that Heavenly Father has blessed us with to make life more enjoyable and that help us get through it.

Homecoming

Jared was pretty excited that he was old enough to go to the first dance of his High School experience.  It's kind of nice having kids that are older versus those that are the youngest for reasons like this.  (Trichelle barely turned 16 the first week of her Junior year...bummer for her since she got asked to a few dances her Sophomore year)  Kimi was invited her first year of High School to Homecoming but hasn't since...kind of sad.  Since I mentioned Kimi I will say that we heard that someone was going to ask her but chickened out.  Kimi was excited that she was thought of at least.  She was really excited because of the source we heard it from.  The kid that had heard is very cute and one of the most popular kids and Kimi didn't think any of his friends even knew her.  I enjoyed seeing her excitement.

Jared asked his good friend Maddi.  Maddi is Jared's best friend.  He goes to her when he needs to talk because she is a good listener and kind and I pretty nice to look at.  I thought it was appropriate that good friends share their first real date together.  I think by asking your best friend you can relax and enjoy the night.  These two did enjoy the entire day together.  Jared woke up at 5:30 am to go make breakfast for the girls.  They picked the girls up and after eating they went four wheelin...it rained but Jared said it wasn't too bad.  They also shot guns at "clay pigeons" and enjoyed that too.  Jared, Conner and Eric planned this date out well.  They were very organized and did a good job.  At first I was worried since I didn't know what was going on and then I realized that was silly of me...these boys had it covered.  They brought the girls home to get ready and picked them up a few hours later so they could go to dinner.  They went to a place called Woody's.  I hadn't heard of it but one of the boys knew the owner or manager and so they went there.

Jared got home just before Midnight and I could tell that he had a good time.  I am thankful for this cute boy and I'm glad that he took Maddi to homecoming.  I am so proud of him....he paid for the entire date.  This kid saves his money and always has quite a bit in his wallet.  I feel a little bit responsible that they didn't have pictures taken at the dance.  I told Jared that he probably didn't need the most expensive package but to ask Maddi what she thought.  He asked Maddi if she wanted pictures and being sweet she said it didn't matter.  Oops...I think it kind of matters to girls.  I didn't mean for them not to get any.  Thank goodness for the pre-dance pictures.  I hope we get a few more of the group.  Jared said that one of the dads took some....I hope.

I'm glad Jared had a good time and is enjoying High School.  I hope him and Kimi both make fun memories and enjoy these crazy years of their lives.

Weekly Tidbits

***I'm not sure what my problem is lately.  I remember my camera and then forget to use it.  Oh well as long as there are pictures I can use I will.  Darn it!  Tuesday Carla invited me to go with her to take Robin to lunch for her birthday since we missed the luncheon with the sista's where they kind of celebrated.  I was happy to go...heck I'm always happy to go.  We went to a Mexican place, I think it was Melinda's but not sure.  It was good.  Then we went and practiced bowling at the base since it is only $1.00 a game.  We had a good time but forgot to leave before everyone got off work.  It took us a half an hour to get off the base.  That too was fun...and funny!  I really enjoy my time with my friends...so thankful to be surrounded by such good people.
***Went to the Temple on Wednesday since my day became open.  I was planning on a fun day with friends but Pam, who had planned it, couldn't leave her daughter and so we are postponing it.  I was okay with that because I want to get to the Temple often now that it's open again.  I love, love, love the Temple.  I was having a hard time finding a parking place when I got to the Temple because so many others have missed our Temple too. I thought about coming home and then there was an open spot.  I took it and immediately was glad I hadn't left.  The Spirit was so strong today...I had a wonderful experience and nothing could have been better.  Does the Lord guide our Lives?  Ummm.YES HE DOES!
***Larry asked me out to dinner.  WooHoo!  We went to Long Horn Steak House and the company was wonderful but the service...not so much.  I could tell Larry was getting ticked when he slapped his cloth napkin on his bench.  I laughed and we started joking about how poor the service was.  They might have been under staffed because they were like turtles.  I was really glad the food was good.  It took 45 minutes for us to get our little dinner salads...just a little slow.  It was good we weren't in a hurry.  I don't think Larry will hurry back there either.

***Thursday for SNAP we talked about hygiene and taking care of ourselves.  The focus was more on our hair and a cute gal came and did a few little styles on a few of the gals.  They really enjoyed it.  I remembered my camera was in the car and so I ran and got it.  I really did run and was reminded how out of shape I am.  Oh well....not my talent or specialty. (running)
***Finally I got my Glinda Costume returned.  A gal brought it to SNAP but when I looked closely I noticed the crown was missing.  I met her again when SNAP was over so I could get that back too.  The crown is what I really needed....it's that time of year again. HeeHee
***My dad hasn't done well since he returned home.  It breaks my heart and shocks me.  I thought he would keep improving but that isn't happening.  He passed out Thursday and had an Ambulance ride back to the Emergency.  Larry and I went to visit Friday night and dad just said his body is wearing out.  Larry and I both got the impression he was okay with that and probably won't try too hard to get stronger or better.  My dad never has been a fighter....just a mellow, go with the flow type of guy.  He did ask Larry for a blessing.  Dad said that mom wanted him to ask for one.  I know he wanted a blessing for him to even remember.   His mind is foggy and he doesn't think or respond like usual.

***Mal caught up with me on Friday.  She is now the same age as me and Kathy and so we celebrated.  Same place and time. (Applebee's at 3:00)  Kathy couldn't make it this week so we are meeting again next week. (we would meet twice anyway...that's what we do...celebrate twice with all of us so we each have a turn buying the birthday girl lunch)  I enjoyed our visit.  Mallory said that she did too.  Sometimes one on one is just good for the soul.  I love my Pal, Mal!  She's just one of the best people alive.  She is a determined gal with so much discipline.  She lost 50 lbs a few years back and is determined to not gain it back.  (she won't)  She is going to run another half marathon in a month and she told me she has never felt the runners high.  She doesn't enjoy running but does it to prove she can.  She pushes herself.  I admire that push in others since I don't have it.  I'm more like my dad....mellow go with the flow.  I don't have the  push or drive I see in my friends and kind of wish I did.  I stop when I'm tired and eat what I enjoy.   Oh well....it's who I am!  I love this friend of mine that has shared so much of life with me.  I think we have both grown up pretty good.  We have great lives and wonderful families.  I cherish our friendship...I cherish Mallory!

Ivy's day off of school

Ivy called me Sunday to see if she could come to my house on Monday since she didn't have school.  Of course...I love having my grands over.  She said it would be better if she could just spend the night so she wouldn't have to wake up so early.  I agreed that would be better.  (I love that Ivy and my other grands like to spend the night with us)  So Ivy spent the night.  She was planning on sleeping on a mat in Kimi's room but Kimi is the one that ended up sleeping on the mat because Ivy feel asleep in her bed first.  I love how kind my kids are to my cute grands.  They all love each other so much.

Ivy was up pretty early anyway since Kimi and Jared did have to get up to go to school.  We enjoyed the morning and then I made her favorite breakfast....pancakes...with chocolate chips. (at least that's her favorite at my house)  I made big pancakes so she would only need one.  It filled her up. ☺

 The only thing I wanted to do today was take a little gift to an old friend of mine.  When I delivered Kimleighel two other mom's were also delivering baby girls.  Kimleighel was the only one that was born breathing....the other two passed away before their birth.  Larry had seen the father of one in the hall.  He knew Dennis and came back to my room with tears in his eyes and told me what was happening in the other two rooms.  We had monitors in our rooms that also showed what was happening in the other rooms and Larry and noticed that the other two rooms only had one monitor that was active.  (it makes sense...the baby monitors had nothing to monitor) Later I had heard that a childhood friend of mine was the other mom.  Recently I reconnected with Julie on facebook and messaged her asking if that rumor was true.  She told me that it was .... Julie was the other mom.  Knowing that for sure made me sad all over again for Julie and the other mom.  My heart grew bigger and had more compassion, sympathy and love for all mom's that loose their babies and especially those two on March 23, 1996.  I felt strongly that I should express my love and sympathy to Julie and so Ivy and I went and found a sweet Willow Angel and a Single Rose.  We took it to Julie's and left it on the porch.  I received a sweet message from Julie later.  She said that when she saw them she just had a very strong feeling....even a little voice tell her that they were from me.  She said she just knew before she read the card.  I think that's pretty cool....I know that same little voice told me to do it.

I took Ivy to Kneaders after since she had never been there.  It was fun spending the day with my cute grand.  I can't believe how fast they grow up.  I loved it when a lady walked by us and told Ivy how pretty or cute she was.  Ivy smiled and I told her that people did that all the time when she was little.  I'm so thankful that I get to enjoy my grands so much.

Weekly Tidbits

***Tuesday I ran and got a pedicure.  I went to the place close to me because I was in a hurry and because they will use a razor on the dead skin and sometimes I need that.

 ***Wednesday I house sat while a family attended their fathers funeral.  I didn't know the man who passed away....I do know his son in law.  I was glad I was asked.  It made me feel good inside to be of service to someone in such a small way.  I tidied up a little and then read the book I brought. (Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech)

 I really enjoyed their dog, Molly.  When I first got to the house the little boy (around 11) told me that Molly wouldn't bite me much.  I totally laughed...Molly is a kind dog.  I loved how relaxed she was and that's why I took so many pictures of her "chillin".

 No burglars came and the house was safe.  I just had to open the door and hold Molly back when people delivered flowers and when the accountant came.

I hugged Trish (the wife) before I left.  We have met a few times but I don't think she remembered me but I didn't care because of the day.  She didn't want to let go and my heart went out to her.  I said a silent prayer for her and her family during that hug.  I left her home feeling good inside.

 ***I do a lot of laundry during the week...my bed is the folding place.

***Larry and I took Kevin and Julie out to dinner for their birthdays.  We went to the Brick Oven.  We all enjoyed the meal where they bring the pizza to you so that you can try everything.  It also included the salad bar and Root Beer.  We were all satisfied and full when we left.  It's so fun visiting with our kids one on one.  I love our birthday dinner tradition.

***Some of the neighbors went to breakfast.  I have good neighbors and we decided that we need to get together a little more often with more of us.  Teri just moved in by Kathy and it was fun meeting her.  I like her already.  I made sure I had my camera and then forgot about it until Kathy and I were leaving. (brain fart)  Hopefully we will do it again soon and I will get a picture.  I love my neighbors...I just live on a really good road...everyone is kind.

I went with Kathy to get a pedicure.  Since I had just got one I enjoyed sitting in the massage chair while we visited and laughed.

***Kimleighel and Jared were involved in the "Shine the Light" cultural celebration for the rededication of the Ogden Temple.  They have been practicing for months and on Saturday they were able to perform.  It was such a spiritual experience for them....they loved it.  They loved being so close to President Eyring.  Kimi was hoping to see President Monson or Elder Bednar but they had both attended the earlier program.  Both the kids really enjoyed being able to perform and be a part of this special event.  I know they both wrote down their experiences when they got home.  I love that our church does these celebrations.  It gives the kids an opportunity to give back a little to the Lord and to have a spiritual experience that they will be able to share with their kids.  I really love how our church involves our youth....the youth are special and our Church makes them aware of that.  I felt the spirit so strongly as I watched both performances.  The first performance I couldn't stop crying...the second one I noticed Larry having a problem with the tears.  It was so wonderful!  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is True and Good and adds LIGHT to us All!

***The Ogden Temple was rededicated on Sunday, Sept 21, 2014.  It was a beautiful meeting with the Spirit testifying to my soul again that this is the House of the Lord and the true church.  The spirit brings light and happiness to my spirit and soul.  I know the things that happened today are true and good.  I know that Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost knows each of us and loves us.  I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live.  I love the Temple and I'm so excited to go to this temple again.  I have really missed it.  I always feel loved and safe inside the temple and I know it's because it is God's house and only good abides inside.  I felt so inspired during the dedication....so full of "Light".  Everything seems so plain and simple when being led or taught by the Spirit.

I'm so thankful for Temples.  I'm so thankful that I can go inside and enjoy the blessings there.  I'm so thankful that Ogden has been given a Spiritual Boost by having our Temple remodeled.  I really do believe that Ogden (and surrounding places) needed a boost and having the Temple remodeled did that.  I know many visited the Open House and felt the spirit.  I love turning the corner from my mom and dad's house and seeing the Temple perfectly in front of me.  What a blessing the Temples of God are!

***I love Sundays because I get to see more of my kids and grands.  The girls love playing with my shoe and old purses.  Parker creates his own entertainment...which is entertaining to everyone.  (Larry was really asleep while Parker decorated him)

For My Funeral....or Larry's

Whenever someone around my age dies I start thinking about what might be said at my own funeral...what I will be remembered for.  Today I sat at a home while a cute family said there see ya later's to their dad who by the way is six years younger than me.  The family is a friend to Debbie Widdison...actually her son Bryce married into that family.  I was happy to house sit...it made me feel good to serve just a little.  It also made me think a little.  Actually I didn't really think too much about me passing until the Ward brought the flowers home.  I placed them around the house so the table was still available to use and sit at when the family got home.  I sat and smelled the beautiful flowers and admired the gorgeous plants and that's when I thought.....I don't want flowers sent when Larry or I pass away. (I guess if Larry goes first...I guess if I'm gone I wouldn't care)

I'd rather have a card or balloons.  I would like a celebration...not a sad service.  I like balloons...they make me happy.  They might "POP" or float away but that is better than watching them die or try to keep them alive like you would experience with flowers and plants.  I enjoy flowers and I love getting them from Larry but having them surround me...overwhelm me....wouldn't be good.  I think it would make me sad to see all that beauty that cost so much slowly die.

If Larry goes first I will buy balloons and have his collection of stuffed animals on display.  Larry loves stuffed animals and brings one home when we go anywhere on vacation.  It makes me laugh and our room looks cluttered with the big basket over flowing in our corner but that's okay with me because he loves them....so do the grands.  

I would hope that if I go first the same would be done for me.  Balloon instead of flowers...fun music (the Happy Song) and Heartbound to sing...family pictures displayed (there's more in the pantry on the top shelve on the far wall)....fun memories!  I would want my Blog Books displayed and memory pages too, and the book under the computer that has cards and little notes that I have saved because they brighten my day when I need them to.

I hope I am creating a good legacy.  I know I have made plenty of mistakes but I feel like there is always way more good in one's life than mistakes.  I hope my kids and family know that they have always been my favorite.  I hope my friends know that I have always cherished their friendships.  My friends and family are the one's who listen to me. My friends get crazy with me because they know it doesn't matter what others think.  My family and friends build me up.  All my family and friends make me want to be better...they encourage me to be my best.

I hope my "dash" is enough....actually it is enough....I've done my best...am doing my best.  I believe we all do our best.  It is satan that whispers in our ears that we should be doing more...that our best isn't enough....pooh...it is too!  Sometimes I think these times of reflection are good....we always have time to make our "dash" our lives better...it's never too late to be happy or make things better!  The past is past but the future is bright with so many possibilities.

Julie's Day for Celebrating

I'm so glad we have this girl in our family.  Julie adds so much and shares her talents with all us Ropelato's.  Julie is a planner and likes doing things.  However, she usually invites or includes others in her plans.  She reminds me of Larry and I back in the day....maybe a little still.  If we are going to go have fun we would invite others to go with us.  Julie likes to be active and makes life fun.

I was really impressed that she invited Jared and her nephew over on a Friday night to celebrate turning 16.  I think most people would want to have their Friday nights to themselves but Julie knows that 16 is a big deal and wanted to do a little extra for the boys.  The boys had a great time and played at Julie and Kevin's until after 1:00 am and when the boys said they were done Julie brought them home.

Julie is an organizer and she is always the one that helps clean up when dinner is over.  Her talents are different from the other kids and it's nice having so much talent when we are all together.  I love this girl and I'm so happy that she thought my Kevin was cute and wanted to date him.  I'm glad Kevin thought the same about her.  They are a great couple with some very cute little's.

Fun Day with the Birthday Boy

The last few days Jared has asked me what we were going to do on his Birthday.  I really hadn't thought much more than taking him out to dinner but he kind of mentioned that he wanted to go to Cabela's since he had a gift card there.  I thought that was a great idea.  I checked him out of school at his lunch and we went to lunch.  He chose Jimmy John's.  Then we headed to Cabela's.  My favorite part of the day was listening to my son chat and chat.  He talked to me the whole time down to Cabela's and back.  I loved hearing everything he had to say.  

He had a gift card but only bought the blue plaid shirt.  Jared is very conservative.  He really wanted a hoodie but didn't want to pay $50 for it even though he had more than enough money.  I admire him for that.  When we got home Larry asked why he didn't buy ammo for his gun.  Probably because I wasn't any help in knowing what kind or how much.  I told Jared he needs to get one of his brothers to take him down next time....or his dad.

We made it home in time to pick up Kimi from work and then leave for dinner.  Jared chose Red Lobster but even when he was thinking about going there he was concerned about the cost.  Pretty sweet and thoughtful but on birthdays you get to go where you want.  I love Red Lobster because I don't get that heavy, full feeling.  I wasn't very hungry and so I just ordered the coconut shrimp.  Larry and Jared both got the Ultimate Feast and finished it all.  

I really enjoy celebrating my kids on their birthdays.  I really enjoyed this day with Jared and I hope he will remember it as well!  Sweet 16 fits this kid to a "T"!!!

***On the way home there were a few accidents that slowed down traffic.  The Holy Ghost reminded me that I had prayed for safety going and coming home.  He also reminded me that Jared and I left the check out line even though we were next to go look at something he had missed.  I was also reminded that I had to go to the restroom again even though I had just went not long before.  We ended up being another 30 minutes before we left.  Say what you want but I think we were protected by getting out of line from being involved in those accidents on the freeway.  We are loved and protected....so true!

Sweet 16....Sweet!

I can't believe my baby is sixteen!  It seems so weird but also kind of nice.  I think Jared is cute.  He is such a good kid.  Jared loves his momma and still tells me every single day.  He also hugs me everyday...multiple times. (I love it)  Everyone loves Jared especially his nieces and nephews...he's their favorite!  Jared is so good with the little kids and loves playing with them.  Jared is easy going.  He is a hard worker and will help anyone that needs help.  Jared is a kind, sensitive, humble kid.  I'm so glad that he was sent to us.  We knew we had him long before he was born.  (I just always knew there was another boy....Larry needed a little more proof ...he had some spiritual experiences that he needed to agree to another child)  

I love having Jared in our family.  I am thankful that his life has been spared a few times because of our prayers and the priesthood.  I'm not sure why we are so lucky or what mission this kid had here but we are enjoying the journey with him.

Oh how I love each of my kids Birthdays.  I love remembering back to their Birth Day and how I felt welcoming them into this world.  That part I do remember.  I was thrilled greeting each child and loved them each the moment I knew they were on their way.  Being a mommy is a great calling...I love it!

Happy Birthday our cute son.....Your Family Loves You so Much!

Our Family Pictures

We really needed family pictures taken since it's been a few years.(we did snap a few quick pictures last fall but only a few ...mostly for our Christmas card) In the last year Macie, Kelsi and Jordyn joined our family so it was time.  I wanted to wait until Jordyn was born.  We finally made it happen.  Finding a day that works for everyone is hard to do and so we just decided to take our pictures on a Sunday when we were all together.  Julie's sister Jen came and snapped our shots.  I loved how all the pictures turned out.  I had a few ideas in mind and they turned out good.  The light was perfect too and the pictures all looked bright and great.  We were also very fast.  It only took us 1/2 an hour to get all these done.  Fast is best for this family.

A few of the girls asked me what colors we were doing.  I hadn't thought about it and just said whatever.  Kelsi suggested navy and white.  I liked that idea but Braxton remembered we had done that once already.  I thought a little more color with the navy and white would be good and so we decided on turquoise and salmon or coral.  I am happy with the splash of color in our pictures.  I am just happy with our pictures.  I had the pictures narrowed down Sunday night and ordered them Monday and picked them up and have them hanging in my house just two days later.  YeeHaw!

I think we are a cute family and obviously easy to work with.  I appreciate Jen for running over and taking our pictures for us.  We do the same for the Dunkley family when they get their's taken.  I love pictures and the memories they hold with them.

Weekly Tidbits

*Jared asked Maddi to the Homecoming Dance. He put the poster on her porch early Monday Morning.  His poster said: "I'd be a Ding Dong if I didn't ask YOU to Homecoming"  the letters of his name were on the bottom of the ding dongs..he used a big box. Maddi is one of Jared's best friends....he goes to Maddi when he needs to talk.
* Maddi replied the next Morning.  Her poster said something like: "Since this is both of our first dance we should "wing" it together."  She put Hot Wings with it.  I think these two will have fun since they are such good friends...no pressure...just fun.
*We had our Opening Social for SNAP....it was fun and great seeing the participants again.

*I went to see how my dad was and it seriously breaks my heart.  I expected much more than what I saw.  He is so weak and can hardly move his feet.  My sister and I had to help him out of his chair...he couldn't lift himself.  Then when he laid on the couch I had to help move his legs up for him.  It made me realize how important exercise of some kind is so that our bodies stay strong.  I can't see my dad being around long if he continues like this.
*My vacuums are both broke so my house is extra dirty...good thing my carpet is the color of dirt.
*Jared had a few friends over for a little celebration for turning 16.  The boys had a great time!

 *I love Sundays and being surrounded by my kids and grands.  My grands have so much fun together.  They make this gramma's heart smile!

Camping with Book Club

Susan has a cabin up by Monte Cristo and so our Book Club went up to it for the night.  We left early Tuesday morning and started making memories right away.  We were getting a picture and I accidentally hit the stick that was holding the back window up and the lock came down and hit Susan hard in the forehead.  We laughed but it really did hurt her.  We were just glad it didn't make her bleed. (it made us talk about another time when Susan and I were having fun in California together with gramps and Tammy G and Susan feel forward in the Motor home when gramps slammed on the brakes.  We had to turn around and take her to a hospital where she needed a bunch of stitches.)

The drive to her cabin was nice and we enjoyed chatting all the way there.  I was loving the leaves because they are starting to change colors and are so pretty.  Before we knew it we were there and loving the view we had from the cabin.  It was marvelous.  That is why the cabin is where it is....Susan's mother in law loved the view and so they built on top of the mountain.

 We got unpacked a little and watched a movie.  We watched three movies while we were away...."Rat Race, The Ultimate Gift and The Proposal."  We had more but that was good for the time we were there.  That is one of the things we wanted to do together since we never get the chance when we are home.  Susan, Kathy and I went for a walk after the movie.  It was pretty and the temperature was great.  It just felt good to get out and move around in the beautiful out doors.  (Shanna stayed at the cabin and had a little rest)

We played lots of games.  Susan is the Game Queen.  She knows so many fun card games and we had a blast laughing and playing both days.  We played a game similar to "Five Crowns" and "Flip It" and a funny dice game.  The dice game is similar to the M&M game but instead of sucking M&M's you write numbers to 100.  We tried playing "Murder in the Dark" but it isn't much fun with just 4 people.  Susan and Shanna had never played it before so we tried it a few times....it was more funny than fun.  We laughed our guts out until we cried when Shanna told us "she needed a smoke" after a round of cards.  It was so uncharacteristic of her that it made us all burst out in laughter.  (she doesn't smoke)

We went driving around in the evening looking for animals. It had rained pretty good before we left and so we weren't sure if we would see any.  It took a little while but then we saw two deer just ahead of us.  Not long after those two deer we saw a Cow Moose.  The picture is crappy of all the animals but they are there.  Just after seeing the Moose a guy drove by and told us that there were 7 Bucks just down the road playing in a field.  We found them easily and loved watching them. They were all at least 4 points.  We saw a few Does with them....at least one right by them and a few more just down the road.  The Sunset was pretty....the whole mountains were pretty and smelled so wonderful.

I wasn't ready to leave and I don't think Susan was either but Kathy had things she needed to get back for.  We decided this would be a yearly event and we would plan it sooner so we could stay a day or two longer.

I really enjoy getting away with girl friends.  The fun is so different than getting away with family.  Both are good but girl time is greatly needed to refresh the soul and to just relax.  It's so nice not having responsibilities for the time gone.  As soon as I walked in the door my phone went off and I was reminded that I was home again and needed to step into my wife and mother roles.  I started the laundry that was piled in the laundry room. I put on my Taxi hat and took Kimi to work and then picked Jared up from school....and so it is.....life continues on.

Cute Babies

I got to play with Macie today while Parker went for testing for his speak.  Parker is really good at communicating but forgets to pronounce the first part of his words.  Macie was so much fun.  I got her to laugh because I kissed on her neck.  I tickled her and even got down on the ground so we were eye to eye.  Macie is at a fun stage.  She is moving all around and grabs things and is interested in everything.  She is a happy little girl and I really enjoyed having her over so we could play.

Parker was so cute when he got back and told me about his testing.  He is a happy, energetic little soul that makes me smile.  I thought it would be fun to go to lunch and Parker was excited about it too.  We went to Arctic Circle because it's close and they have a play area.  When the lady came around asking who wanted a courtesy cone Parker said it didn't.  So Natalie and I got one and we ended up sharing with the kids.  I ate the chocolate shell off of mine and gave the rest to Macie.  Macie was loving her ice cream.  It was so funny to watch her devour it.  Natalie had a cookie shell and she got a little of it before Parker finished hers off.

It was fun spending a little time with Natalie and her cute littles.  I really enjoy visiting with Natalie and I'm so glad she is the mommy of my grands.

Weekly Tidbits

 ***Thursday Carla brought our team soap and lotion because she is so nice.  She said it was for our Birthdays. Oh and I bowled very consistent this week...156, 154, and 155 ☺

***For our Opening Social for SNAP we went to the Ogden Temple Open House as a group.  It was fun going through again and I'm happy to say that I am glad that the Special Needs Activity Program is starting again.  I miss these wonderful souls during the summer.

 ***We took dinner to this cute family since their ward doesn't even know they are there.  That and the fact that we love them.

***This happened on Thursday.  I was having a frustrating day and this put everything in perspective again.
***I wish my tears were pounds because I have shed a few this week.
***I taught Braxton's Primary Class about Tithing and enjoyed being around the cute kids this week. I got a text from one of the moms later saying: "While we ate dinner we asked the boys what they learned in primary today.  Billy (from the class I taught) declared, "President Monson and his wife taught us..."  Larry and I laughed so hard and had to share that with our kids when they came for dinner. ☺ From the mouths of babes! So cute and funny!