grands and room makeover

We've been camping out in the front room since Larry decided to finally paint our room and get new carpet.  We've had the same carpet since we built the house and back then it was the wrong choice.  I was prepared to be without the internet and to live a mess for a few weeks so that our room could get it's much needed face lift.  I'm excited for the new look. Our dark walls will be light.  Our big headboard went up to Kimleighel's room.  We got the King mattress.  I bought new bedding so match the quilt that Carla made me.  Our room is going to be cheerful and I'm excited.

Larry sent me for paint even though I had Sadie and Justin's kids were also coming.  When Larry is ready to do something, he's ready and so I went right out and bought the paint.  While I was gone Larry and the big kids moved the furniture out of the room.  We have a lot of stuff...or did. (good time to get rid of it) We are also changing the bathroom and painting the wall that I had painted dark and it will match the bedroom.  I have always wanted my bathroom and bedroom to match and it's finally going to happen completely.  I bought a new shower curtain, towels and rugs.

When Larry was painting the last coat on the bathroom wall he decided to paint the carpet.  It was perfect when I saw it.  I was frustrated at Jared for not finishing the dishes and was grumbling just before I went into my room.  Larry was in the front room ready for bed thinking...oh great not a good time to have painted the floor.  But, it was a good time.  When I saw "I LOVE YOU" on my bedroom floor it made me laugh and my negative feelings were gone.  Larry makes me laugh.  I sure do love the guy.

During all moving, taping and painting the grands played and entertained themselves.  They are so cute and don't demand attention all the time.

Jack Braxton is Here

Early this morning I got a text or phone call or both from Braxton saying that him and Kelsi were in the hospital and that they were keeping her.  It was the real thing!  I was happy for them and thought it was perfect since I had Sadie for her birthday sleepover.  It wasn't long before Kelsi asked me to come to the hospital because even though Braxton was saying he was fine, he was really starting to struggle with an anxiety attack.  I called Trichelle to see if she would watch Sadie and she said she would even though she had plans to meet a friend for lunch in Provo.

On my way to the hospital I kept praying that Braxton would be okay.  I specifically prayed for Angels to help him.  I know my other kids were praying for him and Kelsi as well.  When I arrived Braxton was sitting in Kelsi's room with her and seemed to be doing okay.  He looked a little groggy but not bad.  Braxton and Kelsi both told me that the nurses were Heaven sent.  They talked to Braxton and one put her hand on his heart and quickly he recovered.  The rest of the time he was there for Kelsi and was able to assist her with her needs.  Kelsi made giving birth look easy.  She did get a little nauseous but not bad.  Braxton and I visited while we waited for the numbers to rise and the doctor to come.  I'm not sure I really needed to be there but it was nice visiting and maybe it kept Braxton's mind from going else where.  I told Kelsi I would gladly step outside when it was time to deliver but she told me that she was fine with me there.  I decided to stay out of the way and behind everything but being there was a wonderful and sweet experience.  There's something about welcoming a new little one into this world that is amazing.

 Kelsi and Braxton witnessed little Jack's arrival as they watched through a mirror that Kelsi had requested.  When I knew he was coming I glanced up to see if he had dark hair like Kelsi had been dreaming.  He did! I decided that if they were going to have pictures of this time I was going to take them.  I didn't take very good pictures but I got a lot.  I couldn't help but love this little guy already.  Straight from Heaven and perfect in every way. I was so proud of Kelsi and Braxton.  The love they have between them is growing and is pretty tender and wonderful.

The nurse made sure we got some pictures of everyone together.  I love the ones of Jack looking at his parents.  I love them all actually.  Such a glorious miracle...these babies!

 I had the privilege of taking Sadie up to meet her new little brother.  It was the most precious experiences ever.  She glowed and the love that radiated from her was visible.  She was so gentle and quiet...she just knew little Jack was someone special.  She knew he was her baby and she loved him first sight.  Watching this made my heart happy.  It was seriously so stinking cute.  I video'd a little of it to send to Grandma MaryLou who was stuck in Jerome.  (the roads were closed from the snow)  I kept her posted through text and pictures and later she told me it made her feel connected and a part of it.  I'm glad because I know she really would have liked to have been there.

Our family was all excited to meet Jack.  We just love babies!

I'm so thankful for prayer and answers to them. I am thankful for Angels here and beyond the veil that assist us when we need them.  I am thankful for families and the love we all have for one another.  I am thankful for babies and the piece of Heaven they bring with them.  I am thankful for each little that I call "grand".  Little Jack makes a dozen and that just makes my heart happy.

I am thankful for life.  Life is Good!  Babies are the Best!  Families are Forever!

Jack Braxton Ropelato

2/24/17

10:21 am

7 pounds 5 ounces

20.5 inches

Sadie's Sleepover

 It's fun to think that these little ones even when they are two years old like and want to come to gramma's (and grandpa's) for a sleepover.  They get excited and it really is a lot of fun.  We play and I let them do whatever they want.  We watch movies and eat out and go shopping for their gift.  We got a surprise text early  Friday morning saying that baby Jack was on his way.  I personally thought "perfect" I have Sadie and so Kelsi and Braxton can do this without worrying.  That thought didn't last long before Kelsi text or called me to come up because she thought Braxton could use a little motherly love.  (more about that on Jack's post)

I wasn't sure what to do with Sadie since I knew that Macie was starting a cold and wasn't coming to play just to make sure that Sadie didn't get sick for when Jack did come.  I called Trichelle and even though she had plans she said it was okay to bring Sadie over and she would watch her. (I have good kids)  So Sadie got to sleepover and then go play with Behr and then she got to sleepover again.

On Saturday, we went to breakfast and shopping to choose her gift.  Sadie had already ate at my house but you wouldn't have known it by the way she ate again.  She must have been hungry.  She's such a cutie and was so good.  She chose a cute Minnie Mouse remote control and I completely forgot to get a picture of her with it and so I googled it.  I must have had "other" things on my mind.

Sadie is such a fun little girl.  She likes doing things.  She is starting to really express herself and it's funny.  The girl knows what she wants.  She is truly a sweetheart and full of love.  She likes me and everyone else.  She gives great hugs and her smile is magical.  We had a great time with our cute little Sadie Lou who is two!

Temple Day

This morning I went to the Temple with the gals from Hooper and did sealings like we do every Wednesday morning.  I felt loved as the Sealers told me that I had been missed.  We had a big group and I wasn't sure I was even going to get to the alter but at the very end I did.  I wouldn't have cared that much anyway but it is always nice to be able to be a proxy.  Today we had  the younger Stoddards and their cute daughter join us.  Their daughter just returned from her mission yesterday and so the sealers kept calling her up to the alter.  I enjoyed watching her and her mom, dad and grandpa at the alter.  One of the names was Faithful. I liked that.  Another name was Dorcas...I giggled inside and at the time I was the proxy for the mother and the daughter was Dorcas.  In my mind I asked her to forgive me for naming her that. I'm pretty sure back in her day people didn't use the work "dork" and so maybe Dorcas was a pretty name.

We had a different Sealer today and he taught us a few things.  Actually he asked the young sister a few questions and I'm sure we all learned a little something.  He asked why we grip our hands at the alter the way we do?  Many answers were being said but he was looking for us to say because it is symbolic of the atonement.  Sealings are the highest ordinance and the grip is an important part of it.  It was something cool to think about.  He then told us that we can find the ordinance in D&C 131:1-4 and an extension in D&C 132:19-20 which talks about becoming God's.

After doing Sealings, I met Lisa and Kathy and we went through a session together.  It was nice doing a session with these cute friends.  We went to Kneaders after and got a little lunch.  It was fun visiting with them.  We talked about missions, tender mercies, worries and blessings.  These beautiful gals are blessings to me.  I love that we can enjoy the Temple together.

Grand Tea Party

We started a little tradition last year.  On Presidents Day I have a tea party with my grands.  I know they get excited and look forward to it as much as I do.  We started at 2:00 this year so that the little ones could hopefully get a little nap in so they'd be happy.  Macie was so excited she couldn't sleep but she was still so happy.  Behr didn't stay but came and ate after his nap.  I'm not sure what time worked better but we didn't have tears or fighting and so maybe this was better.  I liked it better because I was able to get some things done before as well as go to the store to get our goodies.  This year I only had one sweet thing and the grands loved it all.  We served chocolate milk, Hawaiian punch and sprite in our tea pots.  The grands bring their cups they got for Christmas a few years back.  Sadie's cup/saucer was packed somewhere still from their move and so she got to use some of my china.  I hope they feel special and will remember our fun together.

 As I look at these pictures I get teary.  I love these cute little ones so much.  They seriously make this gramma's heart smile.  I adore each and every one of my cute grands.  This year I didn't plan a craft like I did last year. I just kept it simple.  We did do a little science experiment with milk, food coloring and dish soap. It didn't work as well as the video I had seen.  In the video the milk kept moving as the dish soap separated the fat from the soap. When we tried it moved really quick and stopped.  It was funny if nothing else.

 I think the cousins like playing together when they come to my house as much as anything and so they were able to enjoy each other for a few hours. Our cute neighbor, Kenna came over to play and Mya found her a little plate and cup so that she could enjoy our tea party too.  Little Jordyn wanted to stay when it was time to go.  Our party lasted from 2-5.

 The kids always find plenty to entertain themselves.  They were in and out and had a good time.

Of course I always want pictures with all my grands and this year I went around a got a selfie with each one and then Kimleighel took a few of us all together.  These kids make me laugh out loud!

When they leave each one always gives me a big hug.  Their parents teach them well.  They are all pretty good about helping clean up too.  I'm such a lucky gramma and have some of the very cutest grands ever born.  I sure do love and enjoy them!

Awesome Weekend

Larry and I were blessed to be able to go to Sacramento this weekend and accomplish a few things.  Since the Jardines were called to be the Mission Presidents over the Sacramento Mission, Larry has wanted to go spend some time with them.  He has mentioned it several times over the years and has tried to make it work out but it never did...until this weekend.  We even towed a trailer so that we could bring some of their things home since they will be released in July.  They had actually thought that they were moving to a new house for a few months but I guess they will stay put and the new Mission President will get the new home.  They took us to the Sacramento Temple so we could at least see it.  It is very close to were they live.  It's pretty.

We also went by the Folsom State Prison.  This is the prison Johnny Cash wrote a song about.  There are a lot of historical places in Sacramento and a ward member really wanted Larry and I to come back so she could take us around.  I'm pretty sure she thought  we were retired and had the time to do so.  I gave her a little idea of how busy life at home was still and so it would be a few years.  Sacramento is very pretty.

We followed President and Sister Jardine around and enjoyed being their shadows for a short time.  We went to their wards Chinese New Year party.  It was very well attended and awesome from what I observed.  I learned a little about the Chinese customs and they were very spiritual.  It was a fun gathering and the members were so nice.  Every where we went you could tell how respected the mission Presidents were.  I loved watching and meeting the missionaries.  I kept picturing Jared in their shoes and my heart felt happy.  I am thrilled and not nervous or anxious at all for him to serve.  It helped having Diane share some of what goes on in Alaska.  Their friends are the mission Presidents now.  Even though they might meet Jared they won't be the ones loving him or taking care of him but the things they shared were comforting still.

The reason this weekend worked out was because Sarah Frazier our cute sister missionary that served in Hooper for about 9 months was getting married.  At first they were going to marry in the Sacramento Temple and then changed to the Oakland.  Even though Oakland was a few hour drive it was worth it.  I loved how beautiful that temple is.  Because we arrived a little early (because I forgot my recommend with everything going on) we got a little blessing of being taken into the Temple Presidency Office and shown a temple apron that was Brigham Youngs.  It was just such a wonderful day.  Four other people from Hooper attended and so did four of Sister Frazier's companions. We were close to two of them.  It was great meeting Sarah's mom, Vicky.  We're friends on FB and so meeting was like meeting an old friend.  It was a glorious day! 

The only thing that wasn't fabulous about this little get away was the drive.  Nevada is plain and boring.  There isn't much to see and when you do come across something you need to hurry to get a picture of it because it's rare and far between.  I really thought Larry would stop at this crazy place we came across but he didn't even slow down.  He told me it was coming up and to get ready for the picture. (we had seen it going the other way too)  Larry doesn't like to stop or be slowed down when he is traveling.  Driving over Donner Pass was pretty.  We got snowed on going to Sacramento but it was dry coming home.  There were places that were flooding with all the water.  That's about it for driving.  I played games on my phone and we listened to a few conference talks and another devotional talk.  I was glad to get home.

Jared is Called to Serve

OH MY HECK....OH MY HECK!  I've looked forward to this day for years, I have also dreaded this day for years.  It's a great thing to send a child on a mission.  Missions are the BEST thing available to help a kid grow up and become closer to our Lord.  But, it's hard too.  You worry...are they ready?...did I teach them enough?....will they be able to handle the pressure and responsibility?....will they be happy?.....just things like that!  But deep down you know that YES....they are ready, they did learn enough, they will be able to handle everything they experience, and yes, they will be happy!

We got a text this morning saying the call was here.  Jared had already left for school so Larry hurried over to the Post Office and picked it up.  Larry has been super excited and anxious for Jared's call.  He told Jared it was here and it was decided that after school we would meet at the shop so he could open it.  I let the grand parents and other kids know.  We all made it.  When everyone was there we went upstairs and Jared opened his call.  He glanced ahead and saw the place he would be serving and that's when his face lit up and that big smile covered his face.  He read it to all of us and immediately I felt such peace.  It was a wonderful feeling and I knew that is exactly the place for my son to serve.  It fits him to a tee.  Then he read when he would be leaving.  June 7, one of the four days I really hoped he wouldn't.  I am over the Special Needs Girl camp and we are going to Heber Valley and it is the 5-9.  I had a strong feeling this was going to happen and so I guess I will make sure I am ready and very prepared so I can leave when I need to.  I've got it most of it planned in my head and so I will really work on getting it finished so I can focus on Jared.

I can't even express how happy we all are.  I am really not concerned after feeling the peace come over me.  I know Jared has a purpose in life and he is going to be an awesome missionary.  He is such a hard working young man and is so kind and respectful!  The people of Alaska are going to love my boy and be blessed by him as he shares the message of Christ with them.  I also feel like Jared will be treated so well by the people in Alaska...I've heard wonderful things about that place.

Larry talked Jared out of going on a graduation trip with his friend and they had decided that  they would go somewhere instead.  Jared had chose to go to Alaska.  There isn't time for a graduation trip since he is leaving so soon after graduating but now he gets to go to Alaska anyway...just not with Larry.  He's so excited!

I know missions are called of God.  It's obvious to us that each of our sons have been called exactly where they needed to be.  I am so thankful for the Holy Ghost and the comfort and peace that he gives me!  I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I know that it is true and complete! We are so blessed!