I ♥ Mother's Day

These are the ones that make my life so fun!  I always dreamed of being a mommy...it's what I always wanted to be when I grew up.  My dreams came true....I do say that Larry has always been the one to make my dreams come true.  I appreciate and love him for doing so.  I love being a Mommy! (I love Larry)

Being a mom has made me very aware of who I am and what my calling in life is.  I have always loved little children and I am so glad that I was blessed with seven of my own.  My children have made me a better person and have taught me more about life than I could have learned any other way. Because of each of them I get to experience what being a mother in law is like.  I love it!  I love every single person that has joined our family. Because of my children I get to experience what being a gramma is like...can't even describe how wonderful.  I sure do love and appreciate each of my kids.  I have enjoyed their journey and hopefully they have enjoyed mine....our journeys are similar at times but we each have our own special one just for us.

I gathered a few quotes about being a mom....I love quotes.....I love being a mom!
"Being a Mom is the highest paid job in the world, since the payment is pure love!"

I am thankful for all Mother's!  I am thankful for my mother, for Larry's mother, for the mother's that raised the children that are now part of our family.  I am thankful for the mothers of my grands...they are so good.  I am thankful for the mother's of my children's friends who helped me raise my children.  I am thankful for the mother's that are my neighbors...they have been kind to my family and helped us along our way.

 I am thankful for Mothers Day....a day to Honor the Mother's Everywhere!

weekly tidbit

*Macie Marie has her smile back.  I even got the little cutie to laugh.  I'm so happy that our little one is feeling better.  Bless her sweet heart and all that she has gone through.  I think Macie is going to be a toughie....she needs to be with her little challenge in life.

*Since I was going to be gone on Mothers Day I went and visited my mom early.  We went to Larry's mom's last week.  I am so thankful that we still have our parents.  I look at my mom and realize that I am so much like her.  I think others always saw it but I was letting the negative, hurtful times be at the front of my memory and didn't want to see it.  Those things are gone because I understand better why things were said and done and they were not intended to be received the way they were. (if they were it doesn't matter anymore)  My mom is so kind and funny and generous and talented.  She is pretty amazing and has changed things for the better.  The life she gave our family was far better than the life she had.  She is strong!  Larry's mom is pretty wonderful too.  She always made me feel like I was hers from the start.  She is also kind and caring and fun.  She helped me through some hard times by being very supportive.  I love my mom's!

*I've been craving sushi and when I went to the store to pick up some milk I ended up buying a God Bless America roll.  It was yummy and hit the spot.

*I met Lorrilee for lunch and 4 hours later we were done! ☺  Like I have said many, many times....lunch dates are not about the food...they're about the visits!  I love Lorrilee  and her wisdom.  I think I am finally catching up with her.  I have always loved how calm and passive she was....I realize now she was just more experienced and got what was most important.  Age and experience are a good thing.  Lorr noticed that I am shorter...funny that she would bring that up.  It's true I'm kind of the short one now days....2 inches is a big deal.  I love this friend of mine!

 *My girls and I went to a Dinner Theater that our Stake Relief Society put on.  It was called The Power of Heaven and was outstanding.  It was written and directed by our talented Sheri Leak and the music was created by our very own Karen Green.  We have so much talent in our Stake.  I laughed and told the lady next to me that is why I serve in the Special Needs Activity Program....my talents are more on their level. ☺  The play was about Heaven and coming to Earth and our Roles here...and how we made promises and were called to help each other back and to make sure we all receive our Temple Ordinances so we can all be together with our Heavenly Father again.  It was Terrific. (I would hate to follow in our Stake Relief Society's footsteps....I'm safe....I serve in the Special Needs Activity Program SNAP....these ladies go ALL out...notice the decorations?) I loved that most  my girls were able to come with me.....so wonderful! (we missed Julie)

*I'm packed and ready to leave for our Alaskan Cruise.  I roll my clothes...I heard it helps to save space and keep them from wrinkling...I don't know if it does or not but I still do it.  Looking at the picture I notice one pair of my pants is facing the other way....kind of reminds me of myself! ☺

*SNAP had their production.  It was such a cute production and the participants had a blast doing it.  I had a blast watching them practice.  I loved all the uplifting songs..."This is the Life...Oh this is the Life...Oh this is the life for me......"  I missed going to the production because of our cruise but I was glad I got to watch them practice and see their excitement.  It was well done!

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!