Book Club

Our Book Club is changing.  Suzie had to go to work and Susan went on a mission.  Loretta and her hubby have also been called to serve a mission and so soon we will be down to three of us for a year or so.  We also decided that eating out was less stressful and cheaper than preparing a lunch for everyone so our book club will be mobile for now on.  I like that idea....I always worried when it was my turn to host.  However hosting was good for me since every time I got compliments on the meals I prepared and I now claim that I can cook.

I checked out a few good books from the others to read.  I like having the opportunity to read books that others have already read.  I decide from their "book reports" if I want to read it or not.  I love our book club and the women I get to share my thoughts with about the books I read.  I'm smarter from being in this club.

Sista's

Davaleen needed some moral support today and so she planned a lunch at the Olive Garden.  I was glad I was able to make it.  Everyone that came today were also the one's that came when I needed moral support concerning Jared.  That day Kathy planned the lunch but I was that one that ended up needing the advice and support of my "sista's".  Very quickly before I left, I made Davaleen an "I Care Package" with some chocolate.  I think chocolate makes every day better and brighter and she needed it.

I also snuck a Violet Crumble (like a Crunch bar but a bit bigger) in Jodi's purse.  Me and Jodi love them and I had just got an order and felt like sharing.  I usually share my treats with others....if I like something and it makes me happy I feel it just might make someone else happy as well.  It makes me happy to share my "special treats".

I enjoy these ladies and I'm so glad they are part of my life....they enrich it so much!  I'm always "filled" while with them. It's nice to be around others that fill your bucket instead of draining it.  Mine is overflowing.....I can't remember the last time it was drained!  I'm blessed....heck we all are!

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!