Labor Day Weekend....at Brownie Lake

It's a tradition for Natalie's family to go to Brownie Lake every Labor Day Weekend...this year our family went with them.  I love the mountains and the fresh air and quietness of the outdoors.  I love camping and we haven't done it for years.  Thank goodness for the trailer...now we will go. (which is more my kind of camping...I love showers and potties)  I love the close quarters in the trailer or a tent where you have to enjoy your family if you want to have fun.  I love not having to do anything really so I have time to just play games and visit with my family.  This weekend was very relaxing and nice.

We took our kayaks with us and many enjoyed them.  I'm glad we have them since they really are fun! I was glad that Braxton and Jaydan went with us.  Kevin and Julie went camping with Julie's family but not for as long.  Apparently they showed up at our house for Sunday Dinner to find it dark and empty. I thought they knew we were camping but obviously they didn't. oops!  Trichelle only knew because Ivy told her and so I need to be sure to get the word out on things like this even if I think everyone knows or not.....there is usually one that doesn't and it always makes me feel bad.

Sunday was a day that the whole group spent more time together.  We had a big breakfast that the Wayments organized.  They made french toast and cooked bacon and sausage and the rest of us brought something to go with it.  It was fun visiting with everyone and seeing everyone interact.  I love each of my kids in-laws....they are all wonderful.  Larry took me for a ride after breakfast and we went down "memory lane".  He showed me where Jared could have been while he was lost...it made me sick inside and I had a headache from holding back the tears.  He was blessed and prayers were answered and being out there made that even more obvious.  Then Larry took me over to Spirit Lake and that walk down "memory lane" was a lot nicer.  I remember camping there with my family a few times and staying in the cabins and skipping up and down the road to the lodge where some cute boys worked. We even rode horses back in the day....it was a great memory.

I loved watching my grands play with their cousins.  Mya and Parker love camping and were so good about always letting their parents know where they were.  I loved getting hugs and kisses from these two cuties every day.  I loved watching them enjoy being kids along with their cousins.  I got a kick out of Mr Parker who insisted on peeing in "his house"....the kids little fort.  He even went one more time before we left which didn't thrill his cousin who was playing there.  I laughed!

We found a mouse where the big electrical cord goes but he was stuck to our sticky trap.  It doesn't bother me to see that because I don't like mice in my stuff.  If they are running around in the open I'm okay with that but get in my stuff and it all changes....I despise mice!

I could have stayed longer.  I never look forward to going home because that always means a bunch of work and lots of laundry.  Getting ready to leave is stressful  and returning is also...but in between those times is wonderful!

I hope this becomes a tradition for the Ropelato Family too!   I love Traditions!

Kevin is 26

I love this kid.....I love being his mom!  I can't believe he is 26.  The years go by so fast.  Kevin has been a joy.  I have enjoyed watching him grow up to who he is today.  Kevin is also a smart kid.  He graduated quick and is now teaching School at Roy Jr High and coaching their Football Team...(his dream)  I am so proud of him.  Kevin is a good daddy.  He adapted to that role easily.  He was always good with kids.  Kevin is also a good hubby.  I know he tries to please Julie and help her out as much as possible.  He has always been a great son and made good choices.

So Happy Kevin was born to Larry and I...he is such a great addition to our family!

Kari's Birthday!

Kari is the Birthday Girl this month...in fact yesterday was her birthday.  I am exactly one month older than this cute gal!  We decided to go to Mimi's since Kari has never been there.  Again it's so much about the food as it is the company and fun.  I love these ladies and laugh so hard every time we get together.  We have secrets. 

I found these big lips yesterday and couldn't resist.  It's crazy (or I am) but I keep my eyes out for silly things to make the get together a little different and fun.  These totally cracked me up!  I remembered I had a few eyes in my purse left over from Vegas and so I got a pair out and the laughter just increased! Don't give me any lip! hahaha

I was thinking about our big lips on the way to the restaurant and thought of Goldie Locks....strange I know...."the better to kiss you with my dear".  Okay so it might be me that's a little crazy...but crazy is fun right?

I really have decided to enjoy life and make it fun for others too.  Don't get me wrong I have always enjoyed life but I use to let things & people get to me and get me down....my choice I know.  I try not to do that now...it still happens but not for as long or often because I don't let it.

If I can help others enjoy life just a little more then I think that is good.  I believe that is my "gift" and since I believe that I'd better use it.  Haha....I just thought: what happens when I get to Heaven and find out I was totally wrong.  While I was busy having fun I totally missed my real gift! I hope if I have more I will recognize them too.  I'm having a good time right in the middle of a lot of sad and hard times.  I get sad and I feel bad but I still try to find the joy that is there among it all!  Celebrating Life!

Mr & Mrs Smith

I normally don't write about my nieces or nephews weddings because usually I am not as involved in their lives.  Shannon has always involved Larry and I in her life.  She has also been close to a few of our kids and so I am including this wedding of hers in my book.

I have always enjoyed this girl.  She's fun and smart and strong. Shannon is a go getter.  She knows what she wants in life and goes for it.  She's an achiever.  I admire Shannon so much.

Shannon asked me to be her escort today in the Temple since her mom couldn't....I was honored.  It made me think back to the time I got to sit by Scott when him and Erin were married.  It's an honor to sit by the bride or groom ... a proud moment.  I have enjoyed this opportunity with these two as well as my own kids.  I cherish each memory!

As I thought back over the years of Shannon I remembered I spoke at her baptism.  That too was an honor and privilege and makes me feel good that she has always included me in her life.  Shannon has always included Larry as well.  Larry has been the one she has turned to for spiritual matters.  Many times Shannon has come to our house for a blessing.  I know it means so much to Larry.  Shannon has a lot of faith.

Today was a happy and wonderful day.  Shannon and Jacob were sealed for time and all eternity in the House of the Lord. (the Draper Temple)  Jacob's mission president sealed them and the spirit was strong and wonderful.  I loved helping Shannon into her gorgeous wedding dress....special time being with the brides. So fun helping them get all pretty to greet their families and friends.  Watching Shannon and Jacob look at each other was awesome....the love between these two radiates.

I'm so glad that they were brought together.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for them.  These two are awesome and a great example to those around them.

Instead of a reception they had a nice dinner and program.  It made for a long day but it was fun just relaxing with them and watching them enjoy their day.  I was thrilled that my older kids were all able to help them celebrate.

Days like this make everything so clear....then we wake up to confusion again.

In Honor of Jaydan

I love that Julie likes to party and is always thinking of others.  Since most of the family wasn't able to be at Jaydan's Graduation and we didn't really plan anything at the time, Julie thought it would be a nice thing to do.  She got us together tonight for a Surprise Dinner for Jaydan.  He was surprised and it was fun. We went to Lucky China.  That is the place to go with a big group.  You get a lot of food for a great price.  I didn't get Gramps, Larry, Sam Horrocks or me in the picture but we were there too...so was Kam. (she must be behind someone)

I love celebrating my kids and their success's. I'm so proud of each of them and all that they accomplish.  It's fun to watch the direction they choose.  I just might add.....I have great kids!

Happy Birthday Trichelle

I LOVE this day....August 23.  This is the day that my dreams came true and I became a mommy to this Beautiful Girl!  What a blessing Trichelle has been to me in my life.  I have enjoyed her so much and have always learned so much from her.  She has been patient with me as I have learned to be a mommy.  We have always been good friends and have been able to share most things with each other.
I enjoy spending time with Trichelle.  Trichelle is smart and funny and witty and caring and patient and creative and beautiful (inside and out) and absolutely wonderful.  I love being Trichelle's mommy.  I love that she has always liked hanging out with me and the family.  I admire this girl and the strength that she has.

I'm so glad that she was born to me.  I have always been so proud of her...what a blessing she is to me and our entire family.  She's a wonderful first child.

It's hard to believe that Trichelle is older than I feel.  It's a strange thing about life.  Our bodies get older but our spirits reach an age and stop!  I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with these cute girl of mine.  I love her so much!

Not a Volleyball

I was talking to Robin today after our walk around the block.  Funny that we don't say everything in those 3 miles.  Anyway I noticed something in the branches of our tree out front.  At first I thought it was a volleyball...I didn't have my contact in yet.  I mentioned to Robin and when we looked closer I could tell it was a wasp nest....a HUGE wasp nest!  I saw a few wasps flying in and out of the little hole.  It's  a pretty cool nest but will no longer be in service as of Monday.  The Pest Control guy is coming to spray our house and will be taking care of this place too.  I am very interested in seeing the nest up close....it looks like it is wrapped in paper.