California Adventure

Thursday was the day we saved for California Adventure.  Robin didn't come with us this day because she got sick during the night.  When we woke up she was shivering but hot to the touch.  We were all worried about her but knew there wasn't much any of us could do for her.  Carla offered to stay with her but Robin told us that would make her feel worse.  We checked on her throughout the day and she seemed to be getting better but never good enough to join us.  I was worried about Robin before we came because she had gone to the ER two weeks in a row because of blood clots. This was better than having that.  I was really glad we went to California Adventure on Monday so that Robin didn't miss it completely.  We headed straight for Cars Land to ride the cars.  There was a little wait but really not long for it being such a popular ride.  It was fun.  Patti and I took turns riding by ourselves.  Carla doesn't like being by herself and so we didn't make her.  I didn't mind though at all...except on the Toy Story ride.  I wish I had been sideways with Carla and Patti instead of back to back.  It would have been more fun but it was still fun.

I had received a text from Linda Love the night before and she wanted me to get her Jack Skeleton bag.  We were just browsing in a gift shop when Patti saw some pants and shirts with that logo on them.  She told me to look and then I heard: "Dawn Ropelato what are you doing here?"  It was Suzie Arave, my neighbor.  So funny.  I was looking up the text to show her so that she too could keep her eyes open for the bag and before I could pull up the text Patti had it.  As we talked to the gal ringing us up we noticed that she was from Liberty, UT.  Carla's brother and her brother were great friends...we couldn't help but say: "It really is a Small World After All."  Who'd of thought?  Carla is always saying that we can't go anywhere without me knowing someone. hahaha  I stuffed my purse into the bag I got for Linda and that is how I carried it around.  (I hope she won't mind)

I will ride any ride once and held to that.  Carla hated the California Screamin Roller Coaster.  The whole time she was screaming..."I hate it...I hate it!".  We went an saw Aladdin which was wonderful as usual and enjoyed a cute parade.  Speaking of parade...right in front of Carla and Patti was a lady sitting on the curb.  I was standing by the garbage can and so I didn't see what they did.  The lady had a butt crack at least 6 inches showing and didn't seem to know or care.  How do they NOT know?  Both Carla and Patti took a picture to share with their kids.  ☺

As we were sitting on a bench, Phoebe the Famous photographer came over to us.  We all lied and told her we knew who she was ....who is Phoebe the Famous Photographer?  There was also another lady walking around with a puppet dog and we didn't know who she was either...maybe she is Phoebe's friend.  Anyway, Phoebe came over and made my day.  She said look at you ladies.  These two look so serious and there you are right between them with a big smile.  She continued to say that I was like a light or ray of Sunshine!  Comments like that make me want to continue smiling.

This week was fast and fun!

Universal Studio

                                  

Since we added another day we decided to go to Universal Studio's too.  We went on Wednesday and it sure was fun.  I love how they have characters everywhere.  Count Dracula greeted us and got a little cozy with Patti and Carla. These people are good.  They know what to say and how to pose.  It was so fun for me.

The rides were fun...or at least most of them.  I don't care for the ones that really jerk you around. I liked the Incredibles!  The Mummy ride didn't make it on my list of fun rides.  Neither Carla or I cared for it but I think Patti and Robin loved it.  It was a roller coaster that jerked and even went backwards.  Motion Sickness Hit Me! We played Heads Up while we waited in line and that made waiting much more fun. I think we all enjoyed the shows...The Animal Show and Water World were both really enjoyable.  I really liked the Movie Tour ride.  It's very informative and cool.  I loved driving around the lots and learning about all the movies that have been filmed there.  We saw a commercial being filmed as we passed quietly by.

I'm glad we took the time to visit here as well.  It was a lot of fun.  I hadn't been to Universal for many years and it had changed a bunch.  So cool....clever, clever people!

Disneyland

Tuesday morning the park didn't open until later and so we didn't have to rush to get going.  We enjoyed a nice breakfast at the hotel and then headed over to Disneyland.  I was so excited to be going to the Happiest Place on Earth with my friends.  I really wish a few more could have came with us but it worked out great.  The inner child in me was a very happy child! ☺  I felt like skipping and would have loved meeting more of the characters but the others weren't as interested so I just waved to the characters as we walked by.  (some times I wonder if the face behind those cute costumes is an ugly one)  We were able to do absolutely everything that we wanted to.  We rode what we wanted and looked all around.  I even bought me some cute Mickey Mouse shoes.  I had only taken one pair of shoes and so I just bought them without thinking too much about it.  I think they are cute and they make me smile.

We had a great time in Toon Town and especially Mickey's House.  The crowds weren't bad and the weather was nice and so all in all it was pretty perfect.  We laughed and ate and shopped and took lots of pictures to help us remember.

We had such a fun day but I'm not going to lie...I was tired by the end of it.  The park closed earlier and I was kind of glad about that.  We weren't cheated and I was able to push myself as much as I needed to.  The walk back to the Hotel seemed so far until we started walking and then it never did.  We were blessed to be so close.

I kept thinking about what a wonderful guy Larry is.  He works so hard for our entire family and is so good to let me go with my friends when he would also enjoy going.  I feel very blessed.  It was Larry who actually got the ball rolling after I told him that I wanted to go to Disneyland with my friends.  He suggested the days and got me some $$$.  Again he is the one that made my dream come true!  I sure do love my Larry.

Little Miss Sadie Lou

While I was sleeping or trying to sleep, I received a few texts saying that Sadie was going to make her entrance into this world really soon.  I was excited.  I know that Braxton and Kelsi were anxious to meet her and get her here.  An hour after Sadie was born I got a text from Kelsi's mom, Mary Lou.  She told me that Sadie was here and her stats. Born at 4:16.  Weighing 5 lbs 7 oz and 18 in long. She also told me that Braxton wasn't doing well and was in the ER.  Only then did I feel bad for not being there.  I never imagined that anything would go wrong and especially with Braxton. I guess he was having a Panic Attack and was light headed and weak.  I felt sad for my son.  I was glad that Kelsi's parents were there taking care of all of them.  I wouldn't have been there even had I been home but could have gone up when they started having issues.  I assumed Larry knew things were happening but he didn't have a clue about anything until I called and talked to him that morning.  

No one had said anything about Kelsi and so I asked if she was okay.  She was doing good but did have a little issue getting rid of the placenta.  It tore and wouldn't come out like it should have.  Everything turned out fine though except Braxton was still having troubles.  He ended up going with his in laws to the grandma's house to spend the night.  I felt bad for all of them but knew they were all being taken care of.  I kept reminding myself that life continues with or without you.  I really wouldn't have been much help.  Since Mary Lou was here I wanted to let her have her time with the kids and her new little grand because I will get to see them often. It all works out! 

Larry usually doesn't care about holding the little ones but I think since I wasn't there he decided he had better.  I love this picture of the two of them.  I'm glad that Larry  was home and was able to help with Braxton a little.  I'm glad that Sadie got here safe and sound.  I'm really glad for the families that my kids have married into.  I feel like every family is so good and for the most part takes care of my kids.

Braxton was left watching Sadie one day when they got home and he did a little photo shoot with her.  He had her surrounded by deer horns and covered with a fox pelt.  The other grandma didn't find that amusing but I did. Braxton would never hurt his child but he will include her in the things he loves.  I think little Sadie is so darling and sweet even with horns around her and a fox on top of her. (the fox is really soft)

I am glad that our phones let us text and send pictures.  Even though I was away I felt like I was included.  Oh Happy Happy Day!

We're Off to Disneyland

We were up and loaded for our fun get away on Sunday just after 9:30 am.  As I document this I wonder why we didn't get up and going on our way home.  (more on that later)  Carla picked me up and then we picked up our driver, Patti. (Patti drove Carla's car and did a fantastic job) Last but not least we got Robin and we were off!  Carla wanted to spend one night in Vegas because she likes to gamble. Originally we were going to leave Monday and drive straight through.  It was a good idea to do it like we did because we were able to add Universal Studio to our trip. I couldn't complain and didn't because this was "our" trip and we wanted to accommodate everyone.  Robin got us a hotel a little ways away from the strip.  It was nice and not too costly.  Robin loves Bingo and so Patti and I joined her.  Carla didn't really enjoy gambling this time because she wasn't winning.  She likes to play when you win and can continue playing on that money.  Patti did come out ahead.  I didn't put any money down...I don't like gambling. 

During the night I received some texts saying that the kids were in the Hospital again but this time they were staying.  Kelsi was doing everything right and progress was being made.  Little Sadie finally came at 4:16.  She only weighed 5 lbs 7 oz and was 18 1/2 inches long.  More about her story on her post.

We weren't really worried about getting up too early because had all day to visit Disneyland with our 3 day hopper pass.

We went down and got some breakfast before leaving and Robin scared us all.  She was eating and falling asleep while she ate.  I think she might have taken some medication twice without knowing it.  She was a little woozy.  We took care of her and the long drive was good for her so she could sleep it off. (she hasn't been feeling good but decided to come anyway...which we are all glad)

I am not a wonderful traveler when it comes to holding my bladder.  I need to stop every now and then.  Carla refuses to use public restrooms.  Anyway I was feeling the urge when I saw a little town and Patti said that she just noticed the sign for the rest stop which was about 30 miles.  I thought I could wait for the rest stop.  It wasn't funny when we came to the rest stop to find it blocked off and closed.  Yikes...by now I was really needing to go.  Barstow was at least another 30 minutes and I didn't think I could make it that far.  When I gotta go, I really gotta go.  We finally came to an exit that had one little gas station.  We had to stop.  When we went inside there was a line of about 30 people.  Oh my goodness!  It was still better standing in a line knowing that my turn would come.  There were signs in the store that said the restrooms were for paying costumers.  I bought a few treats and holy cow they were expensive.  Two to three times what they should have cost.  Oh well...I was glad to spend whatever for that potty break.

We hit traffic and boy did it slow us down.  What should have been a few hours ended up taking us 2-3 more hours.  It was fine though we weren't worried about the time.  We checked into our Hotel which was just across the street from the back side of California Adventure.  We went over and got our passes and headed to California adventure.  We went straight to The Tower of Terror.  I think that must be Robin's favorite ride.  The place was packed since it was President's Day...but it was also open until midnight so we were able to do a lot.  We did a few things on the Adventure side and then went over to Disneyland which was less crowded.  We rode a few more rides and walked around.

The Castle was covered as well as It's a Small World.  So strange seeing that and kind of disappointing.  I guess they need to do this every once in awhile though to keep things up and looking good.

We watched the fireworks and had a great time.  I think we stayed until closing and so we were a bit tired by the time we got back to our room.  We did plenty of exercising this entire week. I thought the weather was perfect.  Carla thought it was a little cold.  She dressed in layers and sometimes used one of our jackets as well. (skinny people aren't insulated) 

Something a little bit funny but also kind of sad is that Robin talks in her sleep.  Every single night but the last night was the worst.  I think she was scared and ticked off.  Robin doesn't mumble...you can understand her quite well.  Bless her heart! ♥

Love Is In The Air Meme

Love, to you. 

Define love in your own words.  Love is caring for something deeply.
What do you want in a relationship? To be loved and cherished more than another!
What do you contribute to a relationship? Fun! I take care of others and their needs the best I can.  

Currently..... 
Do you have a Valentine? I have two.  Larry will always be my Valentine and we were blessed with Jaydan in 1991 and so he will also always be my Valentine!
Describe the perfect V-day date in your opinion: I love celebrating Jaydan.  I do love when Larry sends me flowers and gives me chocolate.  Going out to dinner is always nice too.
Dream Date? I enjoy about everything and don't really dream of doing more than we do.  I have even enjoyed a walk in our field checking on cows because I was with Larry.  Anything when you get time and attention.
What is your crush's name? Larry Joe Ropelato
Do you believe in love at first sight? Sure...I believe it happens and why not?  When you like something you know it.  I know it doesn't happen all the time.  I know it didn't for Larry or I.  Our love developed as we got to know each other better as is true with anyone I guess.  We found each other attractive but I  don't think it was love at first sight.

This or that 
Chocolates or Flowers....you must pick one! If it's from Larry I prefer flowers since I seldom buy myself flowers but quite often buy myself chocolate.
A short kiss or a big hug? I love hugs!
Cute and dimwitted, or Average and brilliant? Average and brilliant.  The brilliant side makes them cute. ☺

Micellanious 
Turn-ons? compliments and attention!
Turn-offs? paying attention to someone else while I'm around.
What thing should a guy never say to you? That he's thinking of someone else. (another gal)
How do you feel about kissing on the first date? To each their own.  I cherished my kisses and gave them away only when I felt something for the person I was sharing them with.
Questions from Here

♥A Day of Love♥

Boy today was busy.  I had lots of laundry to do before taking Jared to his basketball game.  I didn't finish it until the evening.  Then I ran to get Jaydan some new garments for his birthday since his are pretty old.  The roads were packed and it took me forever to turn around.  I thought the distribution center was still at the Deseret Industries but it's not.  A lady told me to go left at the light and then it would be on the right hand side.  I was in the left lane and could see Deseret book on the right side of the light.  It took me 10 minutes to turn around and get through the light and to the store.  I needed to run to a baby shower and barely had time.  I really got there a little late but called to let them know I was coming.  I do not like crowds...especially crowded roads.

When I got home Larry, Jared, Kimleighel and I went to deliver the grands a valentine.  I text them all to see if they were home and they all were.  I was surprised and glad.  We got big hugs from all of them except little Jordyn.  She is sick and Larry ended up helping Kevin give her a blessing.  Poor little thing.  I do not like seeing my little's sick.  I think my grands are all so cute!  They surely make this gramma's heart smile!

Bennett is working in SLC and is staying with my mom and so we went to visit them for a little bit.  They were going to go to dinner and we needed to get home to make dinner so a short visit was perfect for all of us.  I sure do enjoy my little brother.  It's so good to have him around. 

 Since it's Jaydan's birthday we fixed some of his favorite things.  I don't do fancy because we all hate cleaning up afterwards. (I would like to though if I had the room for cute plates and serving dishes.)   We had steak, tortellini, alfredo and marinara sauce and red jello.  Jaydan wanted strawberry lemonade to drink and we had raspberry cheesecake for dessert.  It was yummy

After dinner Jaydan opened his presents and then went to the Jazz game.  He got a bunch of new garments and two remote control helicopters.  I am hoping that he will let Jared play with one...that's why he got two.  I didn't think it would be much fun flying one by yourself.  We will see what happens.  I might be buying Jared one of his own.

I don't usually do too much for Valentines because I try to keep the focus on Jaydan but the kids usually get some kind of Valentine treat with their "red" dinner!

This week has been busy and I am really excited to leave town for a week.  I just need to relax in a tub now with the candle burning that Carla gave me and use the peppermint body wash and lotion to help get me ready.

Sadie will be born while I am gone.  I believe Kelsi is going to get started on Monday.  I will be looking forward to receiving texts with pictures.  I will keep them in my prayers.  I'm excited for Braxton to be a daddy....he is too!  He's a darling husband and will be a terrific daddy.  Life just keeps getting better!♥♥♥