Cindee.....A Favorite of Mine

Today is Cindee's Birthday and I want to dedicate a page for just her.  I love this girl...in fact Larry and I have always felt like she was an extension of our family.  I met Cindee when I was called to serve in the Young Women's for my very first time.  Kevin was just a baby and Cindee was a BeeHive.  I was so excited to serve in the Young Women's.  The girls in my class were all so cute and to this day each of them mean so much to me.

I didn't know it back then but Cindee loved the previous leader and wasn't going to like me because I had taken her place.  I didn't know that....couldn't tell by her actions.  I know it wasn't long and Cindee and I bonded.  She was the gal I called to take care of my kids.  She watched my kids forever and made growing up fun for them.  She truly was the best babysitter ever.  My kids loved and still love Cindee.  I give a lot of credit to how they turned out to Cindee.  Cindee grew up and started working for Larry...and still does.  Even though she married and started her own family Cindee continues to be there for me and mine.  I love this girl!

Cindee is super talented and generous and kind.  I took a cake decorating class with Cindee for her Young Women's project...it was so much fun.  Cindy is clever and is always making cute gifts and doing nice things for others.  I know because she still does for us!  I love the memories I have with cute Cindee.

It's funny the older I get the more I want to be like the gals I helped grow up.  My girls and the young women I have taught are such great examples to me.  I have this girl on a very high pedestal....she's just so awesome in every way!  I'm so glad we came into each others lives!  God Bless Cindee!!!

My sister/friends!

Sometimes people come into your life and are family.  Tonya and Mallory have been my family since elementary and Jr. High.  We've had so much fun together growing up.  We have shared our deepest feelings with each other and our greatest joys.  I know that no matter what I confide with Mallory and Tonya they will have the advice I need to hear and they won't judge me.  They know my weaknesses but focus on my strengths....they love me and I love them!

With all the wonderful events lately it made me really stop and think (again) just how much these two mean to me.  They are always there for me....they are my support....the ones I can count on....no matter what.  They help me whenever I need help and love and support my kids and my family always.

I looked around the Temple the other day when Braxton and Kelsi were sealed and there sat my wonderful friends.  They took off work because this was important to me and to them.  I saw my hubby, mom, children, neighbors and members of the Ropelato family and my heart was full of gratitude for all the wonderful people that bless my life.  I thank Heavenly Father all the time for Mallory and Tonya....I would be lost without them.

I admire Tonya and Mallory so much.  They are so smart and such great women.  They are terrific moms and grandma's.  I am so blessed to have them in my life for so long.  They are the best kind of friends....the one's I call family!!!

I "care"-package

I had decided that since Jodi was going to run the Ogden Marathon on May 17th that  I would go and watch and cheer for her.  It would be close and so it would be easy for me to take the time to go cheer for her and watch her finish.  Yep...that was my plan and my intention.  I had it on the calendar and in my head....I was ready.  Then I went to the calendar to write our cruise dates and realized that I would be traveling home the day of the marathon.  Darn it!

I decided that since I wouldn't be there in person I would be there in spirit and give Jodi and little "care"-package to let her know I care!  I hope that when she is tired and feels like quitting that she will picture me giving her a big Woot-Woot and cheering for her encouraging her to keep going...maybe she could even imagine me in super woman tights and a cape with her name across my belly where she is wearing her number. (I was going to say chest but decided her name would stand out maybe more than it should) ☺ I would probably even wear a mask just to make her laugh and smile and forget how exhausted she is.  I admire my sista/twin and am not ashamed to shout that she is the strong one...the one who can push through anything. (I'm her cheerleader...along with many more)

After she crosses the finish line with an awesome time she will want to get the "care"-package and enjoy the gifts inside.  I hope they help....they might not....but I know they won't hurt!  I love this girl and admire her to pieces!

My little visit and our lunch that I promised myself I would keep to an hour....or at least an hour and a half went over. (about double)  I can't control the time when we are together....it's so easy to talk and share and go on and on and on....which we do. ☺

CHEERS TO JODI!!!

Celebrating Parker

It was last year because of Kamryn that we have a tradition now for the grands to spend the night for their birthdays.  It's fun and I'm glad we are doing it now.  The grands look forward to it and so do I. I think the others at home do as well.  It's fun spending time with the birthday child.  It was Parker's turn and since he doesn't have school yet he stayed over Sunday Night.  He was so excited to tell his family good bye.  What a cutie Parker is.  Jaydan is such a fun Uncle and lets the kids pick movies from his collection.  They always think that is so cool.  Kimi decided she wanted to sleep downstairs with Parker too and so I decided that I would enjoy my bed rather than the couch.  My back prefers my bed too....my bed is a blessing to me. (Jared was sick and so he stayed upstairs away from everyone)

Parker woke up after the others were gone and he came in and snuggled with me in my bed.  I let him play with the iPad which the grands love.  I only let them play with it when they are alone so they play together when there are other grands to play with.  Parker was enjoying his morning....me too.  We finally got ready to take Larry something he had forgot and to go shopping.  Papa Larry told Parker we would get him a shot gun and Parker remembered and wanted just that.  When we got to Larry's shop I mentioned that maybe Papa should come with us since it was his idea.  Parker said no he just wanted to go with me. ☺ I know they love Papa but they love their time with me.....makes me heart smile.

We didn't find a shot gun but we did fine a cool rifle with bullets and a ninja turtle.  Parker was a happy boy.  Parker makes me smile.  He had to take the Easter Bunny with us today but left him seat belted in the car so he wouldn't get lost.  I think it would be kind of hard to loose that big fat bunny...Parker loves stuffed toys just like his papa. I love Parker!

I told Natalie that I would just keep Parker for the day if she didn't mind.  We went to lunch at Arctic Circle because that is were Parker wanted to go.  He sat right by me and we had the place to ourselves for quite a while. It was so fun listening to him tell me things.  At one point he said that his mommy would be so proud of him.  Dang...he's cute!  We had so much fun....we saw Braxton and Kelsi's new baby goat and played with him for a minute or so.  We picked up Mya from school and had her come play for a while too.  We went to pick up Jared from school and that is when Parker tuckered out and fell asleep.  He slept for while and then I had to go get Kimi from school. Mya stayed with Jared so she could play and I took Parker with me since he was sleeping.  He woke up when we got home and was happy to play for a little more at my house.

I hope my grands will always enjoy coming to my house and spending time with me.  I hope we will always have fun memories together.  I love this little guy and so glad that I was able to spend the day with him.....SO FUN!

Weekly Tidbits

This was a crazy but fun week.  I made a lot of cookies and was surrounded by family and friends...can't beat that.

* Monday after making cookies (banana) in the morning I had a little time to go buy the boys pants for the wedding and to squeeze in a pedicure before I had to pick up grands.  I love pedicures.

*Tues I made more cookies (chocolate chip) after I visited with my visiting teachers.  I love the visiting teaching program of the church.  I have such a testimony of how important it is.  I have grown to love so many sisters because of visiting teaching.  Jared had an Ortho Appointment and we managed to squeeze that in as well. The cookies took longer on Tuesday but my house sure smelled good.

*Kimi asked me why I was baking on Monday and Tuesday and not Thursday Morning.  It's better to do things when you have time because things always come up. I really am trying to instill that in my kids....don't procrastinate!

*On Wednesday I knew I was meeting my friends for Gina's Angelversay but decided to get a manicure before I met them.  I was debating on when I should get one because I wanted my nails to look good for the reception and wedding and the longer I waited I figured the better off they would be.  As it turned out I let them put the shellac on my nails.  I like how long it lasts and quick it dries but I don't like my nails when it comes off...oh well they looked good. 

*Ivy received a Sunshine Treat from me since I got to pick her up from school.  It made her smile which made me smile. ☺
*Thursday I wasn't going to bowl because we were setting up for the reception but when Sylvia called me I couldn't say no.  I did say no because I wasn't showered and then she reminded me that it didn't start until 10:00...so I gave in and went bowling.  I had everything in the car already that I was taking to set up and we weren't meeting until 12:30 so I did have time....or at least I made time. ☺ I am subbing this summer and thought if I want people to call me I'd better say yes.  I enjoy subbing...it's free and I am not committed.

*I am greeted with this heart everyday.  From the time that eye shadow has worn down it has looked like a heart.  I keep thinking it will change shape but it just gets bigger....it makes me smile and that is why I shared.  There are little messages of love for us everyday but I'm not sure we always notice them.

*Friday was a wonderful "Payday" for me.  I loved seeing Braxton and Kelsi sealed for Time and Eternity.  I love the Temple!  I loved seeing Trichelle graduate...she's worked at it long and hard!  To celebrate we went to Twigs for dinner!  It was a good place. The Farmington Station Park is a fun place!  (I need to frequent it more)

*To thank my friends that helped me out at the Reception I took them each a Sunshine Bag.  I figured Sunshine Bags are great Thank You's. (I had to hurry and make them up)  Suzie let me borrow her wooden ironing board again. (we used it for Trichelle's reception too)

Tammy let us borrow her table skirt again. (she let me borrow it for the shower as well)

Debbie and Paul worked the Kitchen.  Their names popped into my head when Mary Lou asked me to get help.  Paul said he really enjoyed it...he likes visiting with everyone.  It was great having them there.

*During the sharing of Testimonies this story was told and it enhanced the story for me.  The story about Shadrach, Meshach and Adednego when they were thrown in the fire because they continued to testify about Jesus Christ.  When the guard went to check on them instead of 3 men in the fire there were 4...the fourth was Jesus Christ.  Jesus went into the fire with them....He didn't coax them out or wait until they were out...He went in when they needed Him most.  He is there with us when we need Him most! I have always believed that Jesus is with us always...especially at our lowest but this added a little extra when I heard this story told like that. Just a little insight and a little different perspective that I had never thought of before.
*My heart was full this week.  I had tears often over the weekend.  I am so blessed.  I know God knows each of us and loves us individually.  I know Jesus lives and loves us too and because of Him we can return again to Him and our Heavenly Parents. (I love Him)  Life is good if we let it be.  We need to remember to Count Our Blessings....we have so many!

Parker Joe.....

Parker Joe is Four Years Old.  Boy those years just flew by.  What a little man Parker is.  He is such a darling boy that loves all the boy things but has such a tender little heart.  He is such  a sweet child.  He makes this gramma's heart smile.  I just love him to pieces.

Parker loves the things his daddy does.  He loves to hunt and shoot and play ball and be outside.  He reminds me of his daddy a lot.  He drives his mommy crazy at times like his daddy use to me.  He is a strong spirit full of goodness.

I am so thankful for this little one.  I am so thankful that he was sent to our family.  He is such joy.  Just looking at his cuteness brings tears to my eyes...he is such a special little guy!

Parker had a fun Batman Birthday Party.  He was so excited to have everyone over to celebrate his birthday.  Mya loved helping Parker open his presents....such a caring big sister.  I enjoyed visiting with my kids and watching Mr. Parker enjoy His Day!

Yahoo......A Graduate from the "U"

After years and years of studying and taking out student loans and changing majors again and again....this girl of mine Graduated with a Bachelors degree in Business Operations.  Am I Proud?  YES....I am so proud of Trichelle for never giving up!  Trichelle loves learning and is such a smartie.  She is determined and pushes herself to do her best.  Trichelle graduated with Honors.  She was even given the opportunity to speak or apply to speak at the graduation.  Oh my word....what a compliment to her.  I loved the speech she wrote and I'm going to have to ask her for a copy.  It was awesome about making choices.  We all have our challenges and we all get to decide how we deal with them.

Trichelle was going to school and then got married.  She had to work but continued to attend school.  Later she had a baby and still working she put her schooling on hold.  Then she divorced....and worked some more.  Years came and went and she had another baby and another marriage.  She made the choice again to keep going in school.  She got the grants and loans she needed so that she could continue.  She worked, went to school and was the mommy to two babies.  She kept pushing along....was divorced again....but kept pushing.  I'm not sure how many times she rested and started again but she never gave up.

I admire Trichelle so much.  I didn't dare do what she has done.  I didn't believe in myself like she has.  I'm so glad that she didn't take after me in that way.....I'm so glad she reached higher!

I am so proud of each of my kids for their desire to better themselves.  We have 3 graduates from Weber State (2 with Bachelors, 1 with an Associates), 1 graduate from the Weber State Institute,  a graduate from the U of U, and a graduate from Message School.  Woo Hoo to them ALL!

I love these kind of Pay Days!  I love seeing my kids excel and better themselves.  I love seeing them pass Larry and I in their accomplishments.  I love just love my wonderful family!!!