Memory of Mine.... Valentines Day

Years ago on Valentines Day I had a wonderful Surprise.  Larry and some of the other men around our ward had planned a day of pampering for their wives.  All I knew was that I was to be ready to go at a certain time and not to plan anything for the day.  I was excited and curious of what was going to happen.  I was ready when the knock came and couldn't help from smiling as a nice looking (really nice looking) gentleman was at my door to pick me up.  I walked out and saw a limo in my driveway.  My smile was huge and I was excited and nervous not knowing who else might be in the limo and what was happening.  When the door was opened and I looked inside I saw familiar faces of some other gals that lived close by.  They too were smiling big, happy smiles.

We were taken to a spa and each got to choose a few things off their menu. (menu of pampering)  I chose a facial and pedicure.  It was so relaxing and fun.  I felt very special to say the least.  The other gals were younger and so much fun to be with.  We laughed and totally enjoyed ourselves.  When it was time to leave our cute chauffeur was there to take us home.  Later that night we went to the Flint's house and had dinner and played games.  It was such a fun and thoughtful day.  

I know it wasn't my hubbies idea but I am glad that when he was asked if he would like to be a part of it with the other guys that he said yes.  Larry treats me good....he is and has always been very thoughtful of me.  I appreciate that a bunch and love him for it. 

Macie Marie's Birth Day

Little Macie was born today! We knew it would be today because Natalie was started. They were scheduled with the Hospital but when they got to the Hospital they said they weren't scheduled. After some checking the Hospital realized that when Marc and Randee went on the 5th and had Nash that they cancelled the scheduled appointment for the 7th.  Randee was also scheduled that day and whoever deleted the scheduling just deleted both Ropelato's assuming it was the same people. After that little mix up Natalie was givin the nicest room and everything went great.

At 3:55 beautiful Macie made her debut. She was 6.9 lbs and 18 in long and darling! I couldn't wait to take the kids up to meet her.  They were so cute on the phone just hearing about her birth and actually hearing her cry.  Kids take longer getting ready and so we didn't make it until close to 7:00. The kids were so excited and all smiles....the love they have for their new sister was obvious. It was so fun for me to witness that.

Macie is darling. Her hair is so pretty....it looks frosted. Her coloring is perfect and her features are so cute. What a blessing little Macie is.  Macie passed all tests and came home the next day.  Did I mention that she is named after this gramma? Yep.....her middle name is my middle name! I'm pretty excited about that. Justin and Natalie shared how they made that decision and it was personal and so kind and made me cry.  I'm so honored!

We are happy to have Macie Marie in our family. We are blessed and honored to have this little one....each little is so darn special and absolutely wonderful!

 Yeah for Babies!!!

Ouchie Mamma

On January first Larry started this year off by tearing his Achilles Tendon from his right foot.  Twenty five years ago he broke the left one and promised he would never go through that surgery again.  It's the worst thing and pain he has ever experience. (I wonder how it compares to having a baby....just kidding...I know it's worse and the pain lasts longer)  Anyway he was playing indoor soccer and it just "POPPED" and he fell to the ground.  He knew as soon as he heard the POP what had happened.  He knew he would have to have surgery or have a wimpy, limpy foot and an bulging right calf where the tendon would make it's home.  His surgery was scheduled for today....five days after disconnecting it. Larry enjoyed a few days in between the break and fix. (As much as can be enjoyed with a tendon in your calf that belongs on your heal)
The positive thing about this whole thing is he has reached his deductible already for this year....who ever wants to reach their deductible?  He doesn't have a third Achilles he can hurt. Both Achilles should last the rest of his life. He will play soccer again as well as track and field.  I have even less desire to be active....I don't want to get hurt. ( I'm kidding)

The surgery has changed a lot over the years and was out patient surgery.  He got a block in his leg that made coming out of the surgery a lot nicer.  He didn't have pain until the next day when the block started to wear off.  (I'm writing this a week later) The pain medicine helped the pain but caused an awful rash on his back that bled.  He eventually stopped taking the pain meds and just decided to deal with the pain.  I really do feel sorry for him.  He gets so bored just laying around.  I was praying for him that he wouldn't have so much pain and immediately the "thought" came to me that if he didn't have pain he would push himself too hard and wouldn't heal.  It made sense....so I pray that he will be able to endure the pain now. (Larry response when I told him of my answer to my prayer was:  we wouldn't understand the Atonement if we didn't experience pain)

I have enjoyed serving him.  I was surprised on Tuesday when I opened the door to flowers.  My sweetie sent me flowers for taking good care of him.  He was smart by doing that because the flowers reminded me to be kind and thoughtful and not to complain or act put out.  I really am glad that I can help out.  I even got to enjoy Mya and Parker for a few days while their baby sister made her entrance into this world. (that story is next)

We have had a few friends show concern.....I know others are concerned and praying but a few have shown us "love" in food, cards, texts and phone calls. The Malones brought mint brownies one night, my wonderful visiting teachers brought a yummy dinner (it was a day I had the grands and it was greatly appreciated), Paul and Debbie  had pizza delivered to us and the Primary Presidency is bringing dinner. We are truly loved and blessed. Dale Widdison's also called and wanted to bring us dinner.  The Taylor kids stopped by to visit and brought Larry some treats.  July Nauta knew I was gone and so she came over to wish him well and also brought treats.  I know there is more and every single act of love and kindness was appreciated and meant so much to Larry and I and even our kids.

TJ's Birthday

Well TJ is a year older but was too sick to do much celebrating. Him and Zaden both had the flu. So he spent the day in bed (which is kind of celebrating) and Trichelle cleaned up after Z and got both boys the things they needed!

TJ is a great guy! He takes good care of my daughter and grands. I am thankful for TJ and all his hard work and kind and giving heart!  He has successfully Wiesel-ed his way into my heart!

Dinner with The Howe's

It was so much fun going to dinner with Mark and Jill.  I really like these two and I'm so glad that we are friends.  I went to school with Mark.  When we lived in Roy so did they and we would visit them. That's when I really got to know and love Jill.  Larry and Mark are both business men and have worked a lot together.  We went in on a house boat when our kids were young because of the Howe's. They had a share in the boat "Fire Fox" and invited us to get a share.  It was fun going in on a share with the Jones family.  We have so many wonderful memories going to Lake Powell.

We don't get together often but try to at least once a year. (years go by fast)  Jill and I had mentioned it and then Larry got hurt and was going to be laid up for awhile.  Spontaneously we decided to go before he had surgery and it worked out great.

We had good conversation and laughs.  I had said something funny that opened the door for Jill to share a story with us about her red pepper.  She had a picture which made us all laugh out loud.  Let's just say that when Jill cut into a red pepper at home it had a little surprise for her....the pepper was a male. (wink)  When we were ordering dinner and the waiter got to Jill, Larry piped up and said she would like a red pepper.  We laughed and told the waiter it was an inside joke.  The waiter was great and just went along with us.  He even came by our table once and mentioned they were working on that red pepper for her.  Belong long the Waiter and the Manger visited our table bringing Jill and large red pepper.  It was so funny....we ended up showing the waiter the pic and he blushed.  It was just a fun night.

I love having a variety of wonderful friends.  I feel so very blessed because of the friends that I have been given.  I love my hubby and I'm glad that he is so friendly and easy to get a long with and that we are able to share our friends with each other.  Life is Good!

2014

Last year was a great year.  I was happier than any other year...which I think should be said every year ...we should always continue to improve our lives and our out look on life so it should always be better.

I look forward to this year.  I look forward to being kinder.  I am going to purposely watch for ways that I can show kindness to others daily.  I am going to continue giving out "Scatter Sunshine" bags.  I am going to compliment and smile and be happy.  I'm going to continue having fun and making fun happen.

We have lot's of things planned this year.  A few vacations...Puerto Rico, California, Washington DC, Hawaii and a cruise to Alaska. We have a few weekends scheduled for camping. We have a few babies joining our family.  Macie Marie is expected to arrive January 7th and Kevin and Julie's little one in July.  Oh I love adding to our family.  Speaking of adding to our family....Braxton has chosen his wife, Kelsi Bangerter.  I'm not sure the exact date of their marriage yet but in the spring when school is out. I'm so excited for the things ahead.  I welcome 2014!

"At the advent of a New Year, I challenge Latter-day Saints everywhere to undertake a personal, diligent, significant quest for what I call the abundant life----a life filled with an abundance of success, goodness,,and blessings.  May we remember these (things) as we begin our journey into the New Year, cultivating a positive attitude, a belief that we can achieve our goals and resolutions, and the courage to face whatever challenges may come our way.  Then the abundant life will be ours." President Thomas S. Monson

Wrapping Up Another Year!

Another year has come to an end.  I can't believe how fast the years come and go these days.  I would consider this past year one of my favorites.  My attitude was so much better and I helped others to smile.  I looked for ways to help people and I consciously smiled more. I looked for opportunities to make fun happen.  I just felt so much better which goes to show that when we are thinking and doing for others and keeping a positive out look on life it is just better!

I love how we celebrate the ending of one year and welcome another.  For about 20 years (or more) we have spent this day with our dear friends...the Jones's.  We include our families which I have really enjoyed.  Family means everything to me and so why not celebrate with them.  We go bowling and then trade off who's house we go to.  This year we got to host the dinner and party.  It doesn't matter who hosts because we all help and it is fun. The advantage to hosting is you are usually in bed sooner since we live a ways from each other.

I'm not going to lie.....having Dave gone left a huge void!  I could imagine him at the front desk talking to the owner of Morgan Lanes...laughing.  I "saw" him with Larry and sitting by Vicki patting her leg. I couldn't help but tear up a few times!  Dave left a great legacy.  We all miss him so much!

For dinner we had crab, shrimp, chicken and salads.  Dave would have liked that.  We did it in honor of him.  We all enjoyed our dinner which kind of surprised me since we all snacked so much at the bowling alley.  I loved the noise of everyone enjoying our time together.

After dinner we played games.  The kids played pool and shot the basketballs and played barbies and dress up and had such a great time.  The adults played a few card games.  This year one of the tables played the Dave Jones game.  It's a card game similar to phase 10 and years ago we started calling it the Dave Jones game.  I think it's because Dave liked it so much.  We had hours to play and those hours flew by too.  Before we knew it horns were blowing and people were screaming and couples were kissing and the New Year had begun.  The kids went outside to watch the fireworks from the streets close by. Some kids were actually asking to go to bed...it was wonderful!

I'm looking forward to the New Year.  I plan on just doing what I have been doing and when I am prompted to do something new ... I will!