SNAP Girl's Camp

This year our Theme for Girl's Camp was "The Wizard of Oz".  Stephanie was our camp director and did a fabulous job. I liked the Theme and how many parts of the story were used.  The cabin had rainbow strips hanging all around and rainbows on the walls.  The tables were covered with different colors and looked so bright and cheery.

Each day a different "theme" was presented by us leaders.  The first day Wanda talked about "Courage" at our devotional.  The second day Virginia talked about "Knowledge" and the last day I talked about "Love and Kindness".  Stephanie had other activities throughout the day to go along with the themes for the day.

I don't think I heard anyway say they were bored or that it wasn't fun.  There were crafts out at the tables all day so the girls could stay busy.  There were beads and coloring pages and thread to make bracelets.  Stephanie's 14 year old daughter came too and was so helpful and kind to the gals.  I loved listening to her help them and just talk to them...she is amazing and so darling.

 One day we had a "photo booth" and I brought my Wizard of Oz costumes.  Most of the gals had fun dressing up and a few tried on all the costumes...it was a lot of fun and I had a few good laughs with everyone.

I thought it was appropriate that the leaders dress up in the costumes that we represented.  Mona Ruth was standing there afterwards looking left out...so we quickly dressed her up like Glinda.  Mona is great with the gals but mostly just does what they are doing and so sometimes I forget.  I didn't forget though when it was time for the leaders to clean up the cabin.  Last year cleaning the cabin wore me out and so I got up and started cleaning before breakfast with the help of Kathleen.  When I noticed Mona out painting with the girls the craft that I had brought for them to do while we finished the clean up I went and got her.  Having her help made the clean up go so much faster and was greatly appreciated.

The gals made magnets, covered journals, made leaf prints, decorated bags, painted nails, played bingo, made bracelets, colored lots of fun pages, made bead treasures and were busy, busy.

 We went on a nature walk and collected all sorts of things.  Looking around the path makes the distance not seem to far...it was fun.  We did morning stretches, and sang songs.  Some put their feet in the creek and others swang and every day we laughed and hugged and had a good time.  We watched the Wizard of Oz and Enjoyed a really fun night with a live Band!

We had a Wacky Wizard of Oz Olympic which was fun.  The gals like competing and trying things. 

We had lots of yummy food prepared for us and there were a few times some of the gals wore it.  It is so nice having camp cooks so we don't have to worry about taking the time to get the meals ready.  It is also fun having more people that we love with us.  Heidi and Leah served in the SNAP program for years and love being able to see the girls.

The Gals that were able to make it this year.  I love each and every one of these gals and feel like they are warming up to me too.  I missed Kaye and Heidi but Kaye has had shingles for months and was hurting too bad....she really, really wanted to come.  I am going to go see her and take her a little gift letting her know she was missed.

Davaleen's Story of Turning 50

I would like to dedicate my short story to my amazing girlfriends from Bonneville High. I call it " TURNING 50" Turning 50 somehow gave my girlfriends and I permission to be 10 again. When my girlfriends and I turned 50 our behavior and activities mysteriously changed. We somehow found our youth again. No teenage walk through the mall just to look at boys. Now when walking through the mall, it turned into silly dress up. How many silly outfits could we try on, how many silly props could we hold, how many silly poses could we make and how many silly pictures could we take.

Events and holidays became themed. We dressed up like our grandmothers, dressed up like witches, wearing Rudolph noses and bells and tinsel and nonstop laughter at how silly we looked. Our activities revolved around glitter and glue and cutting out fun colors of paper and ribbon. Making homemade gifts for family and friends.

No one worried who would be the designated driver.  Our beverages revolved around fancy ice, slices of lemon, bottled water with Crystal Light and every flavor of pop. Our parties consisted of bringing and eating every kind of cookies and candy and chips and brownies.

Instead of ways to escape from high school, we found reasons to go back and visit our high school. Instead of finding ways to escape from the high school cheerleaders, jocks, brainyacks and geeks (all social classes), we sought them out, tracked them down, made them our friends. We learned about their families and gave them our love and words of kindness and prayers and emotional support. Instead of finding ways to exclude them from our parties, we rearranged our family obligations and work schedules to be able to include as many of them as we could.

Instead of talking of far off dreams of the future, we spoke of fond memories of school and childhood.

Turning 50 was not filled with seriousness and obligations, turning 50 gave us the freedom to be the child and friend we always wanted to be.

Happy New Years to the best girlfriends ever, love you all.

Davaleen

Davaleen's Funeral

Today is the day that sweet Davaleen was put to rest.  My heart was heavy and more tears covered my cheeks.  I was doing okay this morning while I was thinking about what I might say at the funeral and then my friend, Cindy sent me a text saying: "Love You, Dawn".  The love I felt from that text started the tears and I fought them the rest of the day.  I received another text from Kellie during the funeral that said: "thinking of you today.  I hope you will have peace and comfort! Love You!"  Those simple acts of kindness made a big impact on me....they meant so much and did bring me comfort!

I was privileged to give the opening prayer for the Funeral Services.  My heart was full and I just decided to let the spirit guide my words so I'm not sure what was said but I felt peace afterwards.  Jayhmie read the obituary and added to it and said a few of her own thoughts.  Tiffany, Davaleen's daughter expressed her love for her mom and said multiple times that Dave was a good mom and wonderful grandmother.  A cute gal that I believe called Dave, Momma Dave read a poem that sounded like she wrote it...it was beautiful.  At that time they opened it up to family and friends to share their memories or feelings.  I had a "feeling" a few days earlier that they were going to do that and knew that I needed to step up and share my feelings even though I was asked to also say a prayer.  I had talked to Jodi and Kathy about it and we all thought that we needed to share how wonderful Dave was.  When they first opened it up to everyone Dave's friend, James, got up. (he was very involved in the 48 Film Festival we helped Dave with...he's great)  He shared some nice things about Davaleen and expressed his love for her.  Everyone sat still waiting for someone else to make the move and so Jodi did.  Jodi shared some fun memories of Dave including their first lunch.  She told of how Davaleen had shared with Jodi her gratitude for letting her join in on their fun and how it literally saved her life.  Jodi also shared a fun assignment Davaleen had wrote about turning 50....everything Jodi shared was perfect and described how talented, fun and kind Davaleen was.  I jumped up next and shared how Davaleen had came to the early morning prayer for Jared and passed out water to everyone going to help search for him.  I also shared some of the same feelings I expressed in my earlier post.  Losing Davaleen has left my heart feeling a little empty.  Jolene, the gal who wrote the song about Angels also shared her experience with Davaleen.  I thought everything was perfect. They shared the 5 minute film that Davaleen had made for the 48 hour film festival called Mission by Choice...it made people smile and laugh and lightened the air.  Then the "Sista's" sang the beautiful song....that wasn't so perfect!  We sounded pretty good when we practiced but for some reason the music wasn't loud enough and neither were our Strong Singers.....the words were beautiful though and I think that's what matters most.  Kathy gave the closing prayer.  I know that Davaleen was pleased with her service, I sure was.

A few of us carpooled to the Cemetery and Kathy's hubby dedicated the grave.  The day was beautiful and everything went well.  We put on our happy faces and continued on.

We were the ones in Davaleen's 48 Hour Film Festival and also the ones that participated in her funeral services...

I was proud of Patrick.  He conducted the funeral service and did a great job.  He was so thankful for everyone's help and input.  My prayers will continue for Dave's kids...they are going to need some extra help and I know they will get it.

Jayhmie somehow pulled off getting Davaleen's ward (branch) to do a family dinner afterwards.  I know she did that after leaving the Mortuary on Wednesday because we had talked about doing it but knew it would be too stressful that late.  We were all invited but had already decided to go to lunch together.  We chose to go to El'Matador since that is where Davaleen had first had lunch with Jodi and the others.  We got the same table....and I sat where Dave had sat except for the picture.  I made Jodi trade me places since I think the smaller people should be closest to the camera.

Sometimes I think it's hard to be happy when you feel so sad.  We just lost a dear friend and I almost feel guilty for Carrying On!  But...that is what we have to do and so we do!

Cheers to Friendship and Cheers to Davaleen!

I posted this picture simply because it makes me laugh and laughing makes me happy.

Davaleen's Viewing

Davaleen Weir...
Davaleen Weir was a beloved mother of three, grandmother of one, and a friend of many.

Davaleen passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 30th at age 54 due to sudden heart failure.

Davaleen was one of the most kind-hearted people; she was an animal lover and took care of all she came in contact with.  She loved Music, Art, Geology and Physics, and Film Production, and her new granddaughter, Sunshine.

Davaleen wanted nothing more than to be a grandmother and was able to meet her granddaughter and adore her for three short weeks.                            (this was the obituary)

Wow....I still can't believe that my dear friend as passed.  I usually don't attend the viewing the night before if I plan on attending the funeral but I just felt like I needed to.

This morning I got a crazy text from Jayhmie (Davaleen's cute friend) it said: "Hey Dawn, I'm sorry it's so late (she sent it at 11:00 pm) I had some questions.  Dave's kids are trying to get some things done but don't know where to begin.  Do you know anyone who would be willing to do the prayers for the funeral, and the dedication of the grave?  Would any of your friends like to read a poem or anything or sing? Pat is just so overwhelmed with everything that he hasn't let me help until last night....poor Pat.  He just has so much on his plate.  It's so difficult when you lose your only parent and pretty much have to plan everything alone while you're trying to wrap your mind around everything and are trying to grieve."

I'm not going to lie...I thought this was all too crazy since we have messaged Dave's kids volunteering to help with anything at all.  I do know that they must be in shock and are so overwhelmed and truly I felt bad but was also kind of stressed.  I got my "sista's" involved and we were able to come up with everything they needed and it did feel good to be able to help.  My friends and I just felt that Davaleen deserved a nice service and would do anything to make sure it happened.  We stayed at the Mortuary until 9:30 pm practicing a song to sing at Dave's funeral (tomorrow)....I might add we only had a few "real" singers and so it will be interesting.  The song is one that another friend wrote about Angels...it's really pretty.

I loved how Davaleen looked and loved the beautiful flowers surrounding her.  I was so pleased that everything was so nice.  I know my dear friend was pleased too.

Davaleen was one of the kindest friends.  She was extreme in  her emotions and went the extra mile expressing her love, her concerns and her happiness with us.  I will forever cherish the fun and dear memories I have had with my sweet friend.  Her passing has tugged at my heart and is very painful.

I truly know that she is still very close and will be watching out for all those she loved and cared about.  Davaleen made my life happier!  Her passing has made me stop and evaluate my life and I desire to be better today than yesterday...so even in death there is good.  My prayers will continue for her children and sweet grand baby!  Shine on Sweet Davaleen!

Love Your Forever Friend, Dawn Ropelato

Sleepover Tuesday

This summer Trichelle's kids get to sleep over on Tuesdays so I can take them to kids club.  They love sleeping over and we love having them.  However, we do not like having Ivy crawl in bed with us at 3:00 am....she's a wiggly girl!

Tonight it was extra fun because instead of Jared going to Natalie's for piano lessons she came here.  I love seeing the grands enjoy each other and become better friends.

Larry decided to watch The Sound of Music with them and Mya liked it so much we let her stay until it was over.  We needed to take her home because everyone had things early the next day.  Grands add so much love to life!

4th of July

Last week Larry invited the kids to go boating for the 4th and Trichelle replied right away that her family was in.  I talked Natalie into going with us on Thursday.  The girls went and bought beach toys, food and everything they needed.  Larry came home Friday and said he had been watching the weather report and wasn't sure if it was going to be good.  I wouldn't have even looked at the weather since we have been enjoying such good weather lately.  I wonder if he just felt like stuff needed to be done at home?  Anyway we went and talked to the girls and decided not to go.  (I'm not going to lie I was pretty bummed and I knew the grands and kids were too)

Julie and Kevin were with their little family in Wyoming with Julie's dad.  I think more of her family was there with them.  So they were celebrating together.

Justin and Braxton had gone to the Wind Rivers with their Uncle Scott for a few days and had a great time.

Jaydan was being paid to be spiderman at the Plain City Celebration.  So our family was all over and not together.  

I had many thoughts chasing around my head all day and had to keep reminding myself that nothing was going to change as far as this day and it was okay.  The decision had been made.  I took advantage of being home and went and got some things I needed for girls camp and even picked out a few Willow Angels for Davaleen's kids.  So the day wasn't wasted.  Larry had Kimi and Jared working in the yard and got a few hours of work out of them.  (I think they might hate summer holidays because it seems yard work always is part of them)

Natalie and her kids ended up playing in their backyard all day and having a blast.  Justin got home in time to go with Natalie's family to the Fire Works...Kimi and Jared also joined them.

Trichelle's family went to Little America and had a good time together too.  We teach the kids...no jumping on beds expect Hotel's! ☺  When I got the picture of them jumping on the bed it made me smile. 

I'm glad it ended up being a good day for everyone.  I'm really glad that we are going to all go boating in a few weeks and that the beach toys will be played with on a beach and that everyone will be together.

Tender Mercies

Some times things happen at just the right time.  Yesterday  Carla came over because friends need each other. While we  were visiting and discussing our feelings about Davaleen and some things that we have learned from knowing her there was a knock at my door. It was Kellie with a darling jar of "hugs" for me.  I really appreciate HER Hug.  Hugs mean so much to me and I needed it! I really appreciate my good friends.  Carla was getting ready to leave and her hubby called and said that she had received a letter from Davaleen. Dodododo....Wow!  I thought I might also get one since Carla and I had gone in on a baby gift for Davaleen's granddaughter and I did but it came the next day.  I think many received Thank You's from Davaleen after hearing of her passing.  In a way it was like a tender mercy.  It meant so much!

Jodi text me Wednesday night to see if I could get together with her today.  I was going to watch my grands but she suggested meeting for breakfast and so that worked out perfect.  I invited a few others to join us and Kathy was able to.  It was nice visiting with the "sista's" and expressing our feelings for Davaleen.  I am so thankful for these ladies and they love they show to me! 

Davaleen meant so much to us.  Davaleen had once shared a story about this group saving her life.  She was at a really hard time and these ladies took her in and made her feel loved and included.  A friend of Dave's had told her that there was NO Way she would be welcomed into this group but she was with open arms.  I'm so glad we all grow up and the past is simply that...the past.  It doesn't matter what club we were in or who was a cheerleader and who wasn't...there comes a time in life we are all equal and those things don't matter.  I don't know why they do when we are young but I suppose it's all part of growing up and learning.  

I remember Davaleen telling me about the first time she met me.  I "popped" in on a class at Kathy's that she had invited me to. I knew these ladies would be there and I was super nervous.  I hadn't really interacted with any of them but knew who most of them where.  I was on the drill team with Lisa but that was all the interaction there had been. Oh except that I had recently asked Jodi to speak at our Young Women's and she had and we had met and talked there.  I pretended to be confident as I knocked and opened the door and walked into where they were crafting.  I smiled while my heart beat like a drum.  I looked around and recognized many of the faces smiling back but there were a few that I didn't recognize and Davaleen was one of them. (Carla was another)  Dave told me that she was wondering who this (me) gal thought she was but how she quickly opened up her heart and let me in.  I was scared to death that day but I'm so glad I took a big breathe and just pretended that I wasn't.  I love every single gal I have interacted with at Kathy's craft classes.  We have become "sista's".

I got home to my grands cute faces and lots of hugs.  Parker ran down the hall and attacked me with a very big hug.  I was in the bathroom when Macie got to me and I could hear her whining a little as Kimi held her and told her I would be right out.  Her smile and hug was magical.  It made my heart feel warm and wonderful.  Mya always gives me great hugs and those hugs are just what I needed today.  Just having my grands around was comforting.  I love them all so much.  I love that they enjoy coming to our house. I think it's because I let them do pretty much what they want.  Macie has found the sucker drawer and loves getting out suckers for everyone.  She is really good about keeping the wrappers all in one pile. ☺  She makes me laugh.  Today I did have to finally take the drawer out and put it up so she couldn't get any more suckers. She didn't seem to mind and liked the cubby where the drawer had been and even put her cookie there.  I enjoyed having them over and enjoyed a nice visit with Natalie when she came to pick the kids up.

I needed to go pick up my car from being serviced and stopped by Carla's to see her new hot tub.  Her and Robin were relaxing in it and had been for hours.  I think I would have preferred it cooler since it's so hot outside.  While I was visiting with them for just a minute both Kimi and Jared called me to see if I wanted to go to Jurassic World with them and Jaydan.  I knew Jaydan had invited them to go but now they were inviting me because Larry was hauling hay and suggested that they did.  I didn't really care to go to that show but decided that I'd better just go since.....you never know what tomorrow will bring.  It was fun going with them.  Jaydan is a kind son and brother and paid for us all and wouldn't let us pay him.  I bought the drinks and so it was about even for us...Kimi and Jared got off good.

I'm glad I have wonderful people surrounding me.  I need others in my life and enjoy being part of theirs.  I am thankful to Heavenly Father for all the tender mercies he gives us each day.  I know he loves us all so much and has a plan for each of us.  I'm thankful for these hard times only because they make me examine and evaluate my life.  I feel like I get a little push forward to do a little better.