Super Saturday

Today is my Daddy's birthday.  I like thinking about my daddy and his life.  I like thinking about how his love and example were so meaningful to me.  He is a big reason why I even turned out.  My daddy believed in me and I always felt his love.  I loved being by my dad when I was growing up.  I would do the things he did....I ate frenchtoast with ketchup on it because he did.  I fished and even gutted them because he enjoyed it.  I loved watching TV using my dad's rear end for my pillow.  I loved just sitting with my dad and spending time together.  I feel my daddy close and I am so thankful that I do.  My daddy truly is my first and biggest hero!
Twins
Ivy singing,
Susan's Party
Ward Conference

I heard my phone vibrating at 6:30 am and it was Kevin calling me to see if I could come and get the twins.  Kevin and Julie had both been up all night from being sick.  They were hoping for a little rest.  I was glad to go get the twins.  I brought them home and Kimi and I enjoyed them all day.  They are so stinkin cute and like to smile a lot.  I liked snuggling with them. They are such good babies and simply adorable.  I took them home so that I could go to Ivy's little concert.  Her school was singing at the corner of Hooper Elementary where Santa would be coming.

I really thought more schools would also be singing but it was only Ivy's.  The music didn't work and so they sang acapella and did a wonderful job.  Ivy left her hat at school and so she was the only one up there without one.  I have plenty that she could have borrowed but didn't know in time.  I love Ivy and I could hear her singing at times.  She has a great voice.  Between songs I shouted "Ivy is my favorite" and she got a little embarrassed.  She looked from side to side but avoided looking at me. We laughed about it afterwards.  TJ stayed in the Santa line with Zaden and Behr.  They were close to the front.  It was a fun gathering.  There was free hot chocolate and cookies.  I loved seeing all the children excited to see Santa.  I still get excited to see Santa myself.

Larry and I had time after listening to Ivy sing to run to Susan's surprise birthday party.  It was so fun seeing her come in and she truly didn't have a clue.  She had been at her house hosting a dinner for some of her siblings. (They all knew about the surprise party)  Blake, her son, was able to get her away by saying that his son had a scout meeting and Susan really needed to be there because he was going to honor her.  Her grandson, Cooper had his scout shirt on and asked her lots of questions on the way to the church.  Blake, Cooper and Susan's siblings played it perfectly.  I was right by the door that Susan came through and could see the wheels moving in her head when she opened the door.  It was so much fun seeing her so surprised.  I am so glad that her kids honored her because she truly deserves to be honored.  Susan does so much for everyone and has been a wonderful example to me in many ways over the years.  I love her!

We couldn't stay long because it was our Ward Conference.  Larry had to leave immediately because he had to go help get things set up. I got to visit for a bit.  Our Ward Conference was so good.  It was about trials and how we will all get them but how we can get through them.  It was about joy, hope, understanding our eternal worth, finding joy in small everyday experiences and never giving up!  It was one of my favorite conferences.  The spirit was strong and I learned a lot.

I went home to my cute grands.  Trichelle and TJ dropped them off after visiting with Santa.  Behr had been put to bed but wasn't happy about it when Larry and I got home and so we got him up for a little while.  I love having the grands over...they are just so cute and bring life and laughter to our home.  I'll be waking up to them for a whole week.

Ward Party

We had a fun Ward party tonight.  Everyone brought something to share and Dale Widdison cooked up some yummy turkey.  Michelle Jones volunteered to put a program together and it was fun.  She included all the organizations.  The Weavers were dressed up like Santa and Mrs. Claus and they read the story of the Night Before Christmas that had been tweeted to fit our ward.  The Elders rang bells to a song or two, the primary sang, the ym & yw sang and so did the ward choir.  The gym was decorated so festive and lots of people dressed up.  It was really a fun evening and most of the ward showed up.  Kimleighel was told how pretty she was more than once.  I even heard someone tell her that she was voted as the prettiest gal there.  I know Kimi loved all the compliments.  We should all give more compliments...they are free but very powerful and will be remembered.

A Magical Activity

Tonight I was over the activity for Special Needs.  I had everything prepared and was excited.  Before the activity I let the girls know that I had been released and that Barbie was the new President.  I then let them know that I was called to be the new Camp Director and so I would still be around.  I know they liked that as much as I do.

I had kits placed around the tables and ready for the activity. We were making a cute Nativity to start this Season off.  Carla and I had spread the big pillows we made them for Christmas around the room and they were excited to put claims on theirs. (these gifts were from all the leaders...everyone went in on the stuffing)  We painted first and then they got to pick a pillow.  While we were painting we had a few issues come up.  Right away a new gal named Amy said she didn't feel good.  She took a pillow and laid down on the floor. Then on the other side of the room another gal, Jessica said she was going to pass out and so she was on the floor.  Everyone else pretty much continued making their craft.  I am so thankful for all the leaders that help ... everyone gets in and does what needs to be done. The leaders really help things run as smoothly as possible. We were getting to the end of the night and Holy Heck...Things shifted gears.  We had the men in assisting the girls on the floor. (I didn't realize they needed assisting)  Soon a call to 911 was made because Amy was having a seizure. WHAT THE HECK?  I was being asked personal questions about her...how old is she?, what are her special needs?  I didn't know the answers.  I only knew her name.  I looked around the room and realized I couldn't answer those questions for any of the girls.  I don't know their special needs...I just love them.  During all the commotion, Kay ran out of Oxygen and was having a hard time breathing.  I was frantically trying to find her inhaler.  Oh my....this was not how I pictured this evening ending.  It wasn't as magical as I had imagined or hoped it to be. It was crazy! I teased that this is what happens when we make changes.  (this has never happened before...tonight was the worst)

I was really thankful that the men leaders were there to help.  The old leaders would have left after their activity and we would have been on our own.  This group of men always come to see if we need any kind of help before they leave.  I was so glad they were there tonight and were able to help us with the girls that were having problems.  They took right over and handled things great.

I'm a little worried about what might happen at girls camp.  I might have to talk to a few gals and make sure they are prepared to have a caregiver come with them.  I might even have to talk a few out of coming.  The last few months this kind of thing has happened five times and I'm pretty sure it has been with the gals.  I think it was a good time for me to be released.

(I didn't take pictures because I forgot and was pretty busy)

Celebrating Susan

Today after bowling I met my cute friends at Applebee's to celebrate Susan's birthday.  She will turn 70 tomorrow.  I have been friends with her and my other neighbors for about 25 years and we have a lot of fun memories together.  I love traveling with Susan and Kathy because they are so much fun.  Susan has so much energy and likes to see everything.  Susan is very talented and can do anything.  She's a super cook, a  mighty hunter, very crafty, an organizer, a speaker and a wonderful friend.  I love her to pieces and love making memories with her.  I've learned a lot from watching these women and I'm a better person for following their examples.  I'm so lucky to have such wonderful neighbors and friends.

We chatted a lot today and just enjoyed being together.  We talked about missions and how Susan might put in to serve again.  We talked about the Temple and how blessed we are to have them. We talked about values and the things we have learned and how those things aren't being instilled in the women today.  We also talked about judging and just being obedient.  I mentioned it's not fair to judge and Heavenly Father loves us regardless but Susan reminded me that obedience is a big thing and we will be blessed for being obedient.  So I guess it's normal to notice differences in others and maybe not agree with everyone's choices but to realize it's about being obedient and doing what we feel is right.  What's wrong or right for me isn't necessarily the same for another.  Life is Good!

Temple and Pedicure

I decided to go to the Temple again with my friends today.  It was funny when we were getting off the elevator as the doors opened one of the Sealers was right there and stopped in his tracks with a great big smile on his face when he saw us.  It made my day.  I love that the Sealers look forward to us going as much as we look forward to seeing them.  I love the spirit of love that fills the Temple....it's always there.  Today there was a guy named Pearlia.  I think it's a pretty name but not so much for a guy.  America was the middle name of one of the women.  I like that and think you could get a few cute nick names with America.  One Sealer complimented me for being the perfect proxy for daughters.  He liked that I smiled while I was being sealed.  Being involved in sealing families seriously makes me happy and so I am going to smile...besides...I like smiling...smiling is my favorite. ☺

I was happy that my calendar didn't have much on it today.  I was ready to meet a friend but she cancelled and so I decided to go get a pedicure.  The rest of the month is filling up fast and so I took the opportunity today to go relax and be pampered.  I even got to enjoy a free paraffin wax treatment.  My feet are soft and I am happy and ready for the Holidays.

Orson Gygi's

Ever since Lisa showed me how she does caramel apples, I have been wanting to go to Orson Gygi's.  I know that I could probably get most of what I need around Ogden but Lisa likes the white chocolate from Gygi's the most and so I wanted that kind.  I looked at my calendar and this week was the best time for me to go.  The timing was all contingent on the weather and when it was clear today I decided I was going.  I text Carla and she was in.  Then I thought I should see if Jodi was feeling spontaneous.  Jodi was eager and it worked out great since her Harp lesson was today and she was down this way already.  Carla and I picked Jodi up in Kaysville and off we went.  This store really shouldn't be this fun but when you are with the right crowd it just might be hilarious.  It sure was for us.  We walked around the store a few times trying to see everything.  We had little carts and they were filling up.

The aisle with the cake pans just might have set us off.  It started with the fine apple pans that Jodi found.  We all knew exactly how to hold them! ☺  We tried taking a selfie but couldn't get Jodi's pans in and so we asked for help.  People are usually willing to help us out.  I think we make them laugh out loud.  I was giggling so hard.  It's all in how you display the pans....oh my!  The last one of Jodi with the muffin tin doesn't look as funny until you mention the word "cow"...then it's a crack up! ☺

Do you know what's funny?  ....... We Are!  It's even funnier that we crack ourselves up!  I like our company!  I love being with others where I can be silly and just be me without holding back.  That's exactly why God lead me to these fun girls and a few others that I like to laugh with.  He Knew!

There were Chef jackets just hanging there and so of course we had to put them on. I actually kind of liked them.  Carla reminded me more of a Doctor...Dr Carla!  Jodi and I looked like we could go cook at Kobe's or Teppanyaki's.  Jodi found the chocolate. I'm pretty sure her nose led her right to it.  I actually bought a bar of chocolate that big a few years ago.

After checking every aisle out a few times and adding to our carts we decided it was time to go.  Each of our totals were over.....I decided that I won't share but they were all close and more than I planned on spending.  But, heck I have caramel, pans, flavorings, paper cups, sticks, clips, chocolate, sprinkles and everything I need to make some awesome caramel apples for years!

On the way home Carla and I stopped and bought some apples and then we quickly went to her house to make a few caramel apples.  We hurried and they didn't quite turn out as pretty as the ones I made with Lisa but we figured out why.....we were hurrying to much.  We cut the first one up and it was yummy.  Lisa has had years of practice and I had one lesson and so I know we will become good at it quickly.

I had to rush home so that I could go to the Temple with Larry.  Larry just started getting half a day off now on Tuesdays and so I think we will be heading to the Temple more often again.  Tonight it was the Ward Temple night for the ward he's over and we figured that was a good reason to go.

Christmas Card and Family Letter

Hello Family and Friends,

Wow...does the time fly by or what?  I'm not complaining though because there is so much good that continues to happen.  We are truly blessed as a family.  I love this time of the year to reconnect with loved ones and focus more on our Savior, Jesus Christ...it really is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! 

Well nothing too much has changed for Larry or I.  We still have the same callings as last year and are wearing the same clothes. (whew) We don't have any new hips, knees or teeth so I'd say we are great.

Trichelle and TJ sold their little rental in Ogden and Trichelle is working part  time from home.  Their kids; Ivy, Zaden and Behrenger are getting big and learning lots all the time.  Behr was our earliest to walk and was popping up off the floor and cruising around before his first birthday. Ivy and Zaden are doing well and Zaden can now talk to Ivy in Spanish if he wants because he knows how.

Justin and Natalie are still really wanting to build by us but for some reason they are where they are suppose to be for now. (Roy)  Their little's are doing great.  Mya was baptized and Parker is in school all day which means Macie gets all the attention and pretty much loves that.  (I forget she's only two)

Kevin and Julie built a new home in Hooper and became the proud parents of twins in May.  Kamryn and Jordyn adore their little siblings, Brynlie and Briggs.  They are both really great big sisters.  The babies are doing great and growing perfectly. Kam was baptized and for their Wards Primary Program she gave her part in Spanish.

Braxton and Kelsi stay busy chasing their cute little Sadie around.  Sadie is learning so much right now and is getting ready to be a big sister in March.  A little guy will be joining their cute family. ☺

Jaydan is on his own and living in Roy.  He is really into Crossfit.  He works for Larry part of the time and gives massages the other part of the week. He is still single and looking. (I bet he'll love me for adding that)

Kimleighel is now a lunch lady at the Jr. High and is loving it.  She recently cut her hair into a cute pixie style and looks cute no matter how long her hair is.  She still helps with the little ones when she can.

Jared is a Senior and will be able to start his mission papers soon.  He's a big help to Larry with absolutely everything.  He feeds the cows and works at the shop after school when needed.

We enjoy our time together with the family.  We try to make opportunities for togetherness as often as possible.  Our family is blessed!  We are thankful for You and glad that You are in our lives.

We pray that you will be blessed this upcoming year and that many wonderful blessings will come your way.

Merrry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love, The Ropelato's