Friday

Kiss & Tell

I love going to the Plays and I am so glad that Barbie and her girls take me with them.  We go to the Hale Theater in Orem.  Barbie and her girls have been going for years and they love this theater...I do too.  It's small and cozy and always have good performances.  The drive goes by quickly with all our chatter which is also part of the fun.

Tonight the play was so fun.  Maybe it was a bit better because I was sitting by 15 year old Carleigh who was loving it too.  She was into the little romances going on and anticipated the "kisses".   The actors were all so good.  I do not know how they can keep a straight face when funny things are happening and being said.  I guess that's why I'm not in the plays...I couldn't do it.

I have enjoyed getting to know Barbie and her girls better.  I have known them for many years but haven't spent a lot of time with them until the last few years.  It's funny how friendships develop when they are most needed and appreciated.  Such fun times!

Oh the places you can go.....

We had Book Club today and it was fun.  I actually read a few books this month that I was able to share and report on.  I read the story of Elizabeth Smart.  I liked how open she was with sharing her story.  I admired her faith in the Lord and her strong spirit.  I am so glad that she survived and was blessed with a strong spirit that wouldn't allow her abductors one more day of her life.  I also read A Walk of Faith by Richard Paul Evans.  It's a story that has been continued from previous books and has another one following.  I don't like reading books that need to be continued especially if the book isn't published yet....the suspense kills me.  I look forward to reading the next book and can't wait until May when it is released.  I read a good book by Kim Krey (a gal I use to teach in Church) It's called Jade's Cowboy Crush.  It's a well written romance with a bit of suspense.  Jade witnessed a murder and is put in the Witness Protection Program to keep her and her son safe. Jade falls for the darling cowboy that is protecting her.  It's fun reading books when you know the author.  I am so proud of Kim.
There are a few books I want to read this month that Suzie talked about. They are by Immacule Ilibagiza  that wrote Left  to Tell. I really enjoy reading and love the things that I have learned over the years. I like reading a variety of books. The mind is a wonderful thing and our imaginations are a gift. Books enhance both!

Thursday

Want to Play?

I love when Tammy sends me a text asking me if I want to play.  It always makes me smile.  She sent me a text while I was sitting in the Atlanta Airport the day before.  I text her "YES" I want to play and that I could tomorrow (which is today) after I went bowling and got my mammogram.  It was fun...it always is.  I love visiting with this girl.  We understand each other and have grown so close over the years as we have shared our lives and souls with one another.  It's so nice having friends like this.  Our lives are different but it doesn't matter.  We cheer and support each other in our own direction.  I learn so much from Tammy.  She is a great gal that has so much to offer others.  She already helps so many with the gifts she has been blessed with.

Today we went to Harmon's to get a salad.  You get to build your own and Tammy said they were really good and inexpensive.  We both just laughed when the cashier told me mine would be $17+.  I guess I made a heavy salad... haha!  I will be much more conservative if we go there ever again.

I love our play dates.  I know that we will still be making them for many years to come.  Life is so refreshing!


Wednesday

Peurto Rico

This Trip sponsored and paid for by STAGG.  This was suppose to be a trip for Larry and I.  Larry even added an extra day but instead of that being an extra day together it ended up being another day apart.  Because of Larry's surgery he was not able to make the show.  Jaydan got to go in Larry's place.  Jaydan was so excited and we had a great time.  When we were switching the tickets Jaydan got upgraded to first class and so from SLC to Atlanta he flew in the comfy seats.  I was happy for Jaydan.  Jaydan is the fifth child and has been so easy going that he hasn't got a lot of extra attention. He never demanded it...he just went with the flow.  I use to take the kid with me every where when he was little.  I even took him with me when me and some neighbors took golf lessons.  He wouldn't run around or get into things.  He just stayed by me and played.  Jaydan is a great kid.

We enjoyed ourselves for a few days before the Stagg Show started.  We chilled by the beach, ate on the beach, ordered room service one night, watched a few movies, and relaxed!  Jaydan likes relaxing and so that's what we did.  I wasn't complaining....it's what I wanted to do too.  Oh and just after midnight on January 13 (Mya's birthday) we experienced an Earth Quake. (it registered at 6.5)  It woke Jaydan up with a curious look on his face.  It didn't last long but shook us and rattled the door pretty good.  I was a little surprised but wasn't really freaked out.  It was something exciting to add to our adventure.

Jaydan attended classes on Monday and I went over and joined him for lunch.  He went to more classes and I went back to the Hotel and worked on my SNAP lesson.  We went back to the convention center that evening for dinner which was more like appetizers.  It filled us up though.  Most the people were there for the Rum.  Puerto Ric has good Rum I guess....as much I love Rum extract and Rum flavoring I wasn't tempted with this kind of Rum.  On Tuesday we went to the show and placed the order for TJ Trailers.  I like going around the different booths and seeing the different things.  I placed an order but it wasn't for TJ's it was for us. (toys for the grands) A guy that sells equalizer hitches wanted a few things from the booth I ordered from and so I put his order with mine. It's probably good I don't go every year.

I had a great time with my son.  I sure do love and appreciate each one of my kids.  They are truly my favorite people.  I love every single phase of their life. (junior high isn't as lovable but for the most part I enjoyed those years too)  I love seeing the people they grow into....they are good people, and fun, and clever, and funny, and smart, and kind, and simply wonderful.  I'm glad Jaydan and I were able to share this time together.  Jaydan razzed Larry about having to stay home with the kids and was so glad it wasn't him at home this time.

Monday

Mya Pearl....our pretty girl..... is 6!

I love this child!  She is so sweet and smart and kind and absolutely wonderful.  (I could have wrote that for any one of my grands because it's true for each of them as well)  Mya makes me smile.  She is always signing "I love you" which just happens to be my favorite sign.  I always sign it as well. ☺ Mya is observant and watches closely to the things happening around her.  She can keep a secret..pretty good at least...she made sure we were alone when she whispered that her mommy was going to have another baby...made my heart melt)  She is creative and draws me pictures that says she loves me. She is tender and has a strong faith already.  She believes in the Power of the Priesthood and knows that her daddy can give her blessing to heal and comfort her. (she amazes me)  She is a wonderful sister to Parker and Macie.  She truly watches out for them already.

Mya Pearl makes my heart smile.  I love this little girl and I find it hard to believe that it's already been six years since she joined our family.  What a blessing Miss Mya is!

Thursday

Memory of Mine.... Valentines Day

Years ago on Valentines Day I had a wonderful Surprise.  Larry and some of the other men around our ward had planned a day of pampering for their wives.  All I knew was that I was to be ready to go at a certain time and not to plan anything for the day.  I was excited and curious of what was going to happen.  I was ready when the knock came and couldn't help from smiling as a nice looking (really nice looking) gentleman was at my door to pick me up.  I walked out and saw a limo in my driveway.  My smile was huge and I was excited and nervous not knowing who else might be in the limo and what was happening.  When the door was opened and I looked inside I saw familiar faces of some other gals that lived close by.  They too were smiling big, happy smiles.

We were taken to a spa and each got to choose a few things off their menu. (menu of pampering)  I chose a facial and pedicure.  It was so relaxing and fun.  I felt very special to say the least.  The other gals were younger and so much fun to be with.  We laughed and totally enjoyed ourselves.  When it was time to leave our cute chauffeur was there to take us home.  Later that night we went to the Flint's house and had dinner and played games.  It was such a fun and thoughtful day.  

I know it wasn't my hubbies idea but I am glad that when he was asked if he would like to be a part of it with the other guys that he said yes.  Larry treats me good....he is and has always been very thoughtful of me.  I appreciate that a bunch and love him for it. 

Tuesday

Macie Marie's Birth Day

Little Macie was born today! We knew it would be today because Natalie was started. They were scheduled with the Hospital but when they got to the Hospital they said they weren't scheduled. After some checking the Hospital realized that when Marc and Randee went on the 5th and had Nash that they cancelled the scheduled appointment for the 7th.  Randee was also scheduled that day and whoever deleted the scheduling just deleted both Ropelato's assuming it was the same people. After that little mix up Natalie was givin the nicest room and everything went great.


At 3:55 beautiful Macie made her debut. She was 6.9 lbs and 18 in long and darling! I couldn't wait to take the kids up to meet her.  They were so cute on the phone just hearing about her birth and actually hearing her cry.  Kids take longer getting ready and so we didn't make it until close to 7:00. The kids were so excited and all smiles....the love they have for their new sister was obvious. It was so fun for me to witness that.

Macie is darling. Her hair is so pretty....it looks frosted. Her coloring is perfect and her features are so cute. What a blessing little Macie is.  Macie passed all tests and came home the next day.  Did I mention that she is named after this gramma? Yep.....her middle name is my middle name! I'm pretty excited about that. Justin and Natalie shared how they made that decision and it was personal and so kind and made me cry.  I'm so honored!

We are happy to have Macie Marie in our family. We are blessed and honored to have this little one....each little is so darn special and absolutely wonderful!
 Yeah for Babies!!!