Alaskan Cruise

Larry and I are on the S*K*I program!  (spending kids inheritance)  We were invited to go with the Malone's on an Alaskan Cruise.  Larry had heard something negative about the Alaskan Cruise and really wasn't excited to go but he knew I wanted to go and so he told Matt we would love to go with them.  I was super excited!  Alaska did not disappoint me!  We flew in a day early and enjoyed the Space Needle in Seattle.  

We met Matt and Kathy at the dock in the afternoon and boarded the Golden Princess together.  It was so smooth getting on and off the ship.  We were ready for our adventure! (you can see the excitement in our faces....that's why I bought the picture)

Larry bought me REALLY nice binoculars for Mother's Day. (I think he wanted them)  We had a good time looking through them from our balcony.  I'm more excited to take them to Hawaii to watch whales with them...which is why Larry really wanted them for me.  We thought they would come in handy for whale watching on the cruise too but the whales didn't get the memo. We only saw a few and didn't need the binoculars.  Larry did see otters and other critters through them though so it wasn't a waste taking them.  I really like the binoculars and think Larry is a sweetie for always thinking of me.

We cruised the first few days which happened to include Mother's Day. (BOO....I love Mother's Day and going to Church and hearing the primary sing and being with my family....we weren't thinking when we chose the days)  Matt did bring us the announcement that our Stake will be splitting at our Stake Conference in June.  Good News for Matt....he gets released!  I just have to say that Matt was so relaxed and really enjoyed himself...and Larry too....work and church can be stressful.  We had so much fun!  We ate more than I'm use to, however it wasn't all sugar and so I don't think I really gained much.  I didn't weigh me before though and so I wouldn't really know.  We did enjoy the food.  We ate mostly in the dining rooms which was nice.  We only ate from the buffet a few times.  I think we went for ice-cream every day though....it just fills in the empty spaces and so there is always room for ice-cream.

Our first stop was Juneau.  I loved the mountains all around us.  It was really fun watching the Bald Eagles fly right outside our room as we docked.  They are amazing and beautiful.  We had quite the show as many flew around.  The binoculars were really nice watching the eagles.  We even put the camera to the lens to get the shot of the eagle in the middle of this picture.  

When we got off the ship my camera quit. Bummer!  I was able to get pictures from the Malone's. We had a great time in Juneau just walking around the shops.  

                                 

Our main goal in Juneau was to eat crab. Yep....we paid for more food.  The crab was HUGE....I'm not kidding.  I've never seen crab so ginormous. It was delicious and very satisfying.  My legs ached while we were walking but a few of the others did too.  (kind of like when I got sick right after Braxton's reception other than I didn't feel sick just aching...weird...since I do exercise and we weren't walking much...Trichelle suggested it might of been the difference in altitude)  Anyway we laughed and ate and had a great time in Juneau....Matt really had a great time!  He got his picture with a gal from "earlier times....a call girl type gal" and we couldn't help but joke and embellish the event.  

The next port was Skagway where we were greeted with colorful graffiti on the rocks...mostly honoring captains of cruise ships.  This was a small town were our goal was to find cookies for our state girl. (Bibiana)  After walking up and down the road I finally asked someone if there was a real store in this town.  It was over a block and we found the cookies.  We had the morning to shop and look around and then we got on the train and headed up the mountain.  It was beautiful and relaxing.  We didn't plan our excursions before and just winged it when we got to the ports.  (I liked doing that) 

We had two formal dining nights.  We had pictures taken both nights but only chose to get the one from the first night since we had a coupon for a free one to go with the free frame they gave us.  (I bet the cruise ship despise tight wads like us)  We had fun getting our pictures taken when we got off at each port....we made goofy faces and photo bombed each other.

When we weren't eating we were sleeping.....we reverted to the life of a baby. (just kidding...however we did rest each day before dinner....yep~we are getting old)  I saw Larry's backside a few times every day as we walked down the halls. He likes to lead the way...I  don't mind.

Wednesday we enjoyed Glacier Bay.....it would have been nicer if the whales would have been where the guides predicted they would be.  We did see a few whales while we were watching for them but when you are on a ship and moving you just past each other....not as fun or exciting.  The glaciers were awesome though.  The sound of them was like thunder as they cracked.  We did see some fall and that was also cool.  So amazing!  Another nice, relaxing day.  Every day was nice and relaxing...the perfect kind of vacation!

Thursday we visited Ketchikan.  Ketchikan is so tiny and quaint.  I liked it a lot.  The shops were fun and we even visited Santa Claus.  I love Santa Claus!  We saw his truck outside the shop that he was in...it's his other ride.  I had a little sample treatment that really plumped up the wrinkles on my right eye.  I was amazed at how it worked but not enough to spend the $ for it.  We paid for more food because we wanted Halibut.  I must say that fresh fish is the best.  I think I started getting use to eating three meals a day and having a few snacks in between.  I could put the food away...we all could!  I got a sweatshirt here because the prices were the best.  We even picked up a gift for our kids still at home. (shirts and a jacket...nothing too cool....I don't have the gift of knowing the right gift for someone)

This was our other formal night.  I decided to curl my hair and go for a different look.  I got whistled at which totally made me laugh out loud.  The sunset was beautiful and I believe we captured it pretty well in the photos.

We enjoyed the entertainment every night.  It was really good.  We saw dancing, heard wonderful singing and laughed at a pretty good comedian.

We arrived in Victoria, Canada late Friday night.  We learned that when you are in International Waters you are required to stop in both Countries.  The cruise ships don't have the monopoly in Canada though and so our stop was short.  We didn't know what we were going to do and I noticed a guy trying to get our attention.  He was stuttering or choking kind of which caught my attention.  I think he was preoccupied but still wanted our attention.  Anyway he worked for a Pedicab company.  We decided it sounded fun and different and a better way to tour the City than going on our own guessing what we were seeing.  Our guide, Ryan, took us through the homes first.  There are some really Historic homes that are absolutely beautiful.  I really enjoyed seeing them.  Then he took us to the City where some really nice Hotels and Building are including their Capital.  It was very enjoyable traveling around town in a buggy motored by a cute guy.

 We got to go into The Express Hotel.  It was beautiful and very expensive.  Tea with a few crumpets or whatever they enjoy while drinking tea was in the hundreds of dollars.  Fancy and ridiculous!

 On our tour we stopped to get fudge.  It was my idea since I had only been looking at all the others fudges we had seen.  This was a very cute shop that was displayed wonderfully.  The fudge was as yummy as it looked.  Well worth the stop!

 We saw a guy in a garbage can.  I'm not sure why he was in a garbage can but there he sat.  I couldn't help but take a picture.....not something one sees everyday or ever.

 Ryan stopped at a place that "serves people"....at least that is what the sidewalk said.  Kathy and I climbed on the plate.  I think sidewalk art is so cool!  Don't I look delicious? (better if I had been dunked in chocolate first)

Fun Fun Trip!  I'm so glad I was able to go to Alaska and see what I have heard about over the years.  I would recommend an Alaskan Cruise to anyone.  It is so beautiful!  I am so glad we were able to go even if it did mean missing Mother's Day with my family.  Fun Memories!

***I lost my driver license after going through security.  When I got home I didn't have it.

I ♥ Mother's Day

These are the ones that make my life so fun!  I always dreamed of being a mommy...it's what I always wanted to be when I grew up.  My dreams came true....I do say that Larry has always been the one to make my dreams come true.  I appreciate and love him for doing so.  I love being a Mommy! (I love Larry)

Being a mom has made me very aware of who I am and what my calling in life is.  I have always loved little children and I am so glad that I was blessed with seven of my own.  My children have made me a better person and have taught me more about life than I could have learned any other way. Because of each of them I get to experience what being a mother in law is like.  I love it!  I love every single person that has joined our family. Because of my children I get to experience what being a gramma is like...can't even describe how wonderful.  I sure do love and appreciate each of my kids.  I have enjoyed their journey and hopefully they have enjoyed mine....our journeys are similar at times but we each have our own special one just for us.

I gathered a few quotes about being a mom....I love quotes.....I love being a mom!
"Being a Mom is the highest paid job in the world, since the payment is pure love!"

I am thankful for all Mother's!  I am thankful for my mother, for Larry's mother, for the mother's that raised the children that are now part of our family.  I am thankful for the mothers of my grands...they are so good.  I am thankful for the mother's of my children's friends who helped me raise my children.  I am thankful for the mother's that are my neighbors...they have been kind to my family and helped us along our way.

 I am thankful for Mothers Day....a day to Honor the Mother's Everywhere!

weekly tidbit

*Macie Marie has her smile back.  I even got the little cutie to laugh.  I'm so happy that our little one is feeling better.  Bless her sweet heart and all that she has gone through.  I think Macie is going to be a toughie....she needs to be with her little challenge in life.

*Since I was going to be gone on Mothers Day I went and visited my mom early.  We went to Larry's mom's last week.  I am so thankful that we still have our parents.  I look at my mom and realize that I am so much like her.  I think others always saw it but I was letting the negative, hurtful times be at the front of my memory and didn't want to see it.  Those things are gone because I understand better why things were said and done and they were not intended to be received the way they were. (if they were it doesn't matter anymore)  My mom is so kind and funny and generous and talented.  She is pretty amazing and has changed things for the better.  The life she gave our family was far better than the life she had.  She is strong!  Larry's mom is pretty wonderful too.  She always made me feel like I was hers from the start.  She is also kind and caring and fun.  She helped me through some hard times by being very supportive.  I love my mom's!

*I've been craving sushi and when I went to the store to pick up some milk I ended up buying a God Bless America roll.  It was yummy and hit the spot.

*I met Lorrilee for lunch and 4 hours later we were done! ☺  Like I have said many, many times....lunch dates are not about the food...they're about the visits!  I love Lorrilee  and her wisdom.  I think I am finally catching up with her.  I have always loved how calm and passive she was....I realize now she was just more experienced and got what was most important.  Age and experience are a good thing.  Lorr noticed that I am shorter...funny that she would bring that up.  It's true I'm kind of the short one now days....2 inches is a big deal.  I love this friend of mine!

 *My girls and I went to a Dinner Theater that our Stake Relief Society put on.  It was called The Power of Heaven and was outstanding.  It was written and directed by our talented Sheri Leak and the music was created by our very own Karen Green.  We have so much talent in our Stake.  I laughed and told the lady next to me that is why I serve in the Special Needs Activity Program....my talents are more on their level. ☺  The play was about Heaven and coming to Earth and our Roles here...and how we made promises and were called to help each other back and to make sure we all receive our Temple Ordinances so we can all be together with our Heavenly Father again.  It was Terrific. (I would hate to follow in our Stake Relief Society's footsteps....I'm safe....I serve in the Special Needs Activity Program SNAP....these ladies go ALL out...notice the decorations?) I loved that most  my girls were able to come with me.....so wonderful! (we missed Julie)

*I'm packed and ready to leave for our Alaskan Cruise.  I roll my clothes...I heard it helps to save space and keep them from wrinkling...I don't know if it does or not but I still do it.  Looking at the picture I notice one pair of my pants is facing the other way....kind of reminds me of myself! ☺

*SNAP had their production.  It was such a cute production and the participants had a blast doing it.  I had a blast watching them practice.  I loved all the uplifting songs..."This is the Life...Oh this is the Life...Oh this is the life for me......"  I missed going to the production because of our cruise but I was glad I got to watch them practice and see their excitement.  It was well done!

Cindee.....A Favorite of Mine

Today is Cindee's Birthday and I want to dedicate a page for just her.  I love this girl...in fact Larry and I have always felt like she was an extension of our family.  I met Cindee when I was called to serve in the Young Women's for my very first time.  Kevin was just a baby and Cindee was a BeeHive.  I was so excited to serve in the Young Women's.  The girls in my class were all so cute and to this day each of them mean so much to me.

I didn't know it back then but Cindee loved the previous leader and wasn't going to like me because I had taken her place.  I didn't know that....couldn't tell by her actions.  I know it wasn't long and Cindee and I bonded.  She was the gal I called to take care of my kids.  She watched my kids forever and made growing up fun for them.  She truly was the best babysitter ever.  My kids loved and still love Cindee.  I give a lot of credit to how they turned out to Cindee.  Cindee grew up and started working for Larry...and still does.  Even though she married and started her own family Cindee continues to be there for me and mine.  I love this girl!

Cindee is super talented and generous and kind.  I took a cake decorating class with Cindee for her Young Women's project...it was so much fun.  Cindy is clever and is always making cute gifts and doing nice things for others.  I know because she still does for us!  I love the memories I have with cute Cindee.

It's funny the older I get the more I want to be like the gals I helped grow up.  My girls and the young women I have taught are such great examples to me.  I have this girl on a very high pedestal....she's just so awesome in every way!  I'm so glad we came into each others lives!  God Bless Cindee!!!

My sister/friends!

Sometimes people come into your life and are family.  Tonya and Mallory have been my family since elementary and Jr. High.  We've had so much fun together growing up.  We have shared our deepest feelings with each other and our greatest joys.  I know that no matter what I confide with Mallory and Tonya they will have the advice I need to hear and they won't judge me.  They know my weaknesses but focus on my strengths....they love me and I love them!

With all the wonderful events lately it made me really stop and think (again) just how much these two mean to me.  They are always there for me....they are my support....the ones I can count on....no matter what.  They help me whenever I need help and love and support my kids and my family always.

I looked around the Temple the other day when Braxton and Kelsi were sealed and there sat my wonderful friends.  They took off work because this was important to me and to them.  I saw my hubby, mom, children, neighbors and members of the Ropelato family and my heart was full of gratitude for all the wonderful people that bless my life.  I thank Heavenly Father all the time for Mallory and Tonya....I would be lost without them.

I admire Tonya and Mallory so much.  They are so smart and such great women.  They are terrific moms and grandma's.  I am so blessed to have them in my life for so long.  They are the best kind of friends....the one's I call family!!!