Gobble Gobble

This year I hosted the Ropelato Thanksgiving Dinner.  Darinda and I take turns and have done so for many years.  I like knowing what to expect from year to year. Before we started taking turns I always felt so uncertain of what to expect on Thanksgiving....I love knowing where our family will be and who we will be celebrating with.

We had a pretty good group this year and we enjoyed the whole day together.  The first to arrive came around noon and the last to leave was after 11:00 so it was a long day filled with lots of love and food. The weather was nice and the kids loved playing outside.

I love how the Holidays bring families together. It's a time of year we do take time to visit with our loved ones.  Shari and her family came from Pennsylvania to spend the Holiday with us.  It's so fun seeing them.  Jared and Cameron can't get enough of each other....so great seeing the love between cousins.

It was a fun day and very little stress.  I did get a head ache about a half hour before anyone showed up and I did get a bit upset when I went to get something from a cupboard and things had been shoved in there and were a mess.  I growled and shed a few tears and it was over. (the headache meds kicked in quick) The rest of the day was wonderful....

I'm Thankful for everything little thing I have and enjoy.  I am most Thankful for Family and Friends and the time we get to share together making memories.  I am Thankful for a Loving Heavenly Father who is the source of ALL blessings....not the Universe or anything else....our Blessing our from Heavenly Father....every single one.

Build Me up Buttercup

That "title" just popped in my head...so there it will be.  Build Me up Buttercup!  When we are having a hard time it's nice to have friends to tell that will love us and build us up.  Today a little bit of that was done for Davaleen.  Dave had been on my mind and wondered if she was okay.  I knew that her daughter had been giving her some problems and since I haven't heard from her much I thought I'd better check.  Good thing I did!  Some unpleasant things have happened and she needed some friends.

I was a little late because I forgot a "Sunshine" Bag for her and I knew she truly needed it.  I text her to tell her I'd be late because I had to turn around but I'd be right there.  Funny that the thought had crossed her mind that I might have a treat for her!  Good thing I did...honestly that has happened before...someone thinking that I might be bringing them a treat.  I don't think that is a coincident..I just don't.  

We went for breakfast since Davaleen works in the afternoon.  It was a great way to start the day.  So much better than walking in the cold temps we are having and freezing my bottom off. (if it would freeze my middle off...I'd go no matter how cold)  I love that Kathy lives close and likes to go too.  It's fun spending time with her and I know that it helps her health issues by getting out.  Glad we are all able to bless each other.  Friends are such an important part of my life....I'm glad I have such wonderful ones!

Lots of Sunshine

Well this weekend was a good weekend for Scattering Sunshine.  I knew I was suppose to give a Sunshine bag to Heather and The Malone's but have waited....okay procrastinated.  But Yippee...I did it this weekend.  I gave Heather one on our way to the play.  Heather deserves more than a Sunshine Bag for everything she does and has been through.  Her little path in life has not been easy but she has managed to keep a smile and push forward anyway.  Heather is my Hero.

The Briggs recently moved and I knew that they could really use a little Sunshine Scattered their way. I have really learned to love this family.  They are a good family and try so hard at so many things.  They are always busy improving and developing their talents and supporting each other.  I really like them and they have shown much kindness to me.

The Malone's are just great.  They sacrifice so much time for  Building Up The Kingdom of God. It's not easy being  so involved in the Gospel and being stretched and shared by so many.  They have my love and support and should have their ticket now to enter into the Celestial Kingdom.  I love them and appreciate them!

 Davaleen is wonderful.  Her life has not been easy but she manages to smile and get through each day.  She is so caring and takes care of her mother and does so much for her kids.  Davaleen is a kind person.  I hope and pray that she never gives up.  She has been a blessing in my life!

***Time to make more Sunshine Bags***

In The Heights...Musical

Lucky me....two plays in one week.  Larry and I went to Guys & Dolls performed at Fremont High on Friday night which was really good.  The kids did such a wonderful job and the scenery was awesome. I was very impressed.  We went because Kimleighel was part of the "Pit".  She was playing in the Orchestra and was so pleased to be there.  She loves playing her Cello and wanted us to come listen.  It was a very fun.  (not sure ...well I am sure....Larry didn't enjoy it like I did....he's a good sport...course I am too....I don't enjoy his senior games quite as much as he does...we compromise...we're happy!)

On Saturday Night I went with the ladies to "In The Heights".  I always enjoy my night with these ladies.  It's a long drive but it never seems that long because we talk so much.  It was a fun night and this play was really fun and up beat.  I loved the accents and fast pace.  I love the talent of people.  I marvel at others gifts. (I find myself wishing that I could sing and dance and perform)  Cari and I had a little fun taking pics while the others went p........We had a hard time taking our own picture and others offered to take them for us.  Whoever took our group picture must of been shaky...he took two pictures and they were both blurry.  Oh well....it still shows our group and helps me keep this memory in my mind.  I need pictures at this point to remember.  I pretty much love my life!

We don't read much!

We had book club today but we didn't discuss any books.  Funny little book club huh?  I returned a few books that I had read but that's about all we did as far as books were concerned.  Some times it's just harder to read I guess.  In fact, now that Larry is home more I feel like I need to spend time with him.  He enjoys watching a movie at night and that is when I use to read but I have been watching movies with him and will continue to for awhile.  I've missed him and until he starts annoying me (jk) I will watch movies instead of read.  I will find time to read.  I might not have as much as in years past but that's okay I have learned to be flexible.

Today we met at a place that serves Indian food.  It was good but my dish was pretty spicy.  I liked the others better however I ate all mine.  I ordered Mango Chicken thinking it would be sweet and tangy....I couldn't tell it was made from mango....and it wasn't sweet or tangy.  I would go there again and I think I would just get the buffet where there are more choices just in case I  didn't love something.

I love the friendships we have made.  We are all so different in our book club but have bonded with each other.  I admire all these women and enjoy sharing their thoughts and insight .  They are a blessing to me and I am smarter because of the things they have encouraged me to read.

My evening was blessed with a few grands.  I absolutely love when the grands come and play.  I have been blessed with each of them this week.  Oh Happy Happy Day!

Festival of Trees Delivery

I packed up my container of gifts and headed to West Jordan today.  I am responsible for supplying the Gift Shoppe with 15 items to sell.  Thank goodness for some friends that brought me things last year. I saved them for this year since I received them a little late.  I was so glad to have them.  I didn't make anything special  this year.  I will admit I get a little bit stressed with having to take so much.  I don't like asking for help and when I have asked I really haven't got much response.  So I am very thankful for the few that have helped me out.  Now I need to just decide what I will take for the Sweet Shoppe. I do feel good about helping with this wonderful event.  All profits go to the Primary Children's Hospital....everything is donated and so there is lots of profit!

I called Tammy this morning to see if she would like to go with me.  It's a great way to get a visit in. She was able to go and so I picked her up, set the GPS and we were off. (Heather moved when she married and so I had no idea where I was going....I love GPS) I always enjoy visiting with Tammy.  We energize each other and it seems we are able to help each other with our wisdom and experience.

Seeing Heather was great.   Truly it's because of Heather I am even involved in the Festival of Trees.  She asked me to be on her committee and I couldn't say no.  Plus, this way I get to see her a few times before Christmas.  Heather is amazing and inspires me to step up my life.  She's such a positive, busy, kind, spiritual person and I truly love her.  Cindee introduced me to Heather's blog years ago and that is how we met.  Funny how things happen.

Tammy and I made it a day.  I told her that we needed to stop by the Gateway and get some chocolate cake from Tucano's...it's so yummy.  We thought we'd better eat something healthy first and so we stopped and got a salad on our way.  I saw Shelly Green and her daughter Melanie which was kind of funny since we were in West Jordan.  It was nice seeing them even though I had just saw Shelly the day before at our grands Primary Program.  I was able to hug her today which is always nice.  (I love hugs)  After lunch we made it to the Gateway and got our cake to go.  When I dropped Tammy off at home we had a little bit of it.  That cakes lasts me a few days.  It's just so big and hits the spot quick!  I'm glad it's not convenient or close....I can get over it.  Fun Day!

I Must Talk to Much

This year I have been making my blog book as I do my blog...or pretty close.  I blog and then transfer it to my blog book.  I just found out as I was catching up my book that Blurb has a page limit and I have reached it.  Well what the heck!

Now I am going back over my year and trying to decide what isn't important. (it must have meant something to me for me to post it)  I already thought I was simplifying so I'm not sure what to do.  I have decided to make a Scatter Sunshine book and that will eliminate a few pages.....I will transfer those posts to my new book.  I still need room for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve.....

I guess I've had a bit more fun this year or at least talked a little more.  I didn't post as many separate pictures...I made more collages and I'm hoping they won't be too small when the book is printed.  Oh well....I guess I will post less or go back to my book and to some squishing of posts.  ***My mom always said that once I started talking (when I was 3) I didn't stop. ☺  I like talking