Camping at Willard....

We went camping out at Willard this week.  We were excited that the North side was open this year because the North side has trees.  We didn't register the boat this year because the water was low and we had a lot of medical bills so instead we took our kayaks to play with.  We got to the camp ground and was a little disappointed because they didn't have hook-ups for our trailer.  We thought that there would be since the South Marina had hook-ups.  We got over it pretty quick and enjoyed that we were  so close to the water.  I had a really good view from my bed.  It was easy to take the kayaks to the water and so it turned out great.  We did find out that the campground just barely south of where we camped do have hook-ups and so next year we will probably go there.

I like camping at Willard because it's still close enough that Larry can go to work since he used all his vacation days being sick with his kidney stone and having surgery on his ankle.  It's also nice to be close so the other members of our family can come and go too.  Most of our kids came and visited at least once while we were there.  Kevin and his family came a few times.  Trichelle had to work and so she didn't make it.  We enjoyed the visits from our kids.  I took advantage of being so close so that I could leave for lunch a few times.  It's nice having older kids that I can leave.

 I really like the closeness we have while camping.  Life is simple for a few days.  Me and the kids sleep in or at least lay in bed for awhile and only get dressed when we feel like it.  We eat simple food so preparation and clean up are easy.  We play lots of games together.  We talk and listen to each other more than when we are home.  I read Heaven is Real to Kimleighel and Jared and they loved listening to me read to them.  (I need to finish the book with them now that we are home.  We kayaked together and one night when Braxton and Kelsi came up Braxton and Jared caught fish with their bare hands.  Braxton is always adventurous and is really good at making memories.  We enjoyed the grands and loved seeing their cute faces.

Almost every night it stormed.  It really stormed!  The trailer shook and it felt and sounded like it was going to blow over.  We really felt sorry for those with tents. It rained hard just about every night.  I was glad though in a way because it cooled things off.  We were so close to the other people camping that we could smell their fires and heard their songs around the campfires.  It didn't annoy me (it did others...some even called the camp hosts to tattle) I just smiled and enjoyed the happiness that others they were having with their families.

Getting away and not having to do anything for a few days is really nice.  I really enjoyed being with my kids and hubby.  I enjoyed living simple for a few days.

Twin/Sista's....Celebrating our Birthdays

It was a crazy busy day but Jodi and I managed to make time to celebrate our birthdays together.  Jodi and I are twins separated at birth.  I'm not sure why that separation happened but we found each other.  I was born first...just 1 year and 6 days before Jodi.  We continue to discover our similarities and it's so fun when we do.  I'm so thankful for technology because that is how Jodi and I reunited.  We knew of each other but didn't really know each other until a few years ago.  The years since have been fun and fabulous!  I love this girl....of course I do...she's my twin.

I went to Brigham after running to the store and getting things ready for camping.  Jodi had tons on her list of things to do today too so I am glad it worked out that we were able to meet for a bit.

We exchanged gifts and of course each one included chocolate.  Jodi's gift to me was all about chocolate and I loved it.  It's not in the picture but there was also "honeycomb" candy in my gift.  That's a common love we both have.  I got Jodi a cute little plague of two sister's or twins or friends...all apply to us. ☺

If we would have had more time I would have liked to have gotten chocolate bars and ice cream sandwiches and gone to a park and share them with others.  It will have to be something we do another time.  A new tradition for us...another thing we both love...traditions!

I had to take another picture of my cute bank Jodi gave me for collecting money for chocolate.  It's about the cutest bank ever.  It say's: Chocolate Fund...Save the Earth it's the only planet with chocolate!

Such a fun luncheon with my cute twin/sista!  I love this girl!

The Rest of the Week

Thursday I got home from girls camp and immediately stepped back into my role at home....doing laundry and cleaning up....I even cut gramps hair before I unpacked.  Later I went with Larry to the First Ward's Cookout.  I think a few people were surprised we showed up but we always thought it was cool when our High Councilman participated in our things...so we went.  I left after just a bit so that I could go to Mallory's daughter in laws Bridal Shower.   It was a busy day and I was tired when bed time came.  (I contribute my tiredness to mopping the whole lodge that we stayed in with the special needs.  The lodge is huge and the mop was tiny)

Friday Mallory took me to lunch for my birthday. (Kathy couldn't join us this time)  We had a great conversation.  I found myself wiping at tears a few times.  It's so awesome the one on one time with friends when you can really share some special times.  I felt the "spirit" more than once during our visit.  Mal gave me a few books to read in my spare time. (chuckle chuckle)  She also gave me a melted chocolate bar....she forgot and left it in her car all day. I gave Mal a chocolate bar that wasn't melted. (haha)  I love Mallory and the friendship we share.  She truly is a friend for life and beyond. I love sharing our special moments with each other.  Mal is pretty awesome and I'm glad we met early in life.  She has been such a blessing to me throughout my life.

I took Jared to see my brothers before Terry leaves.  They took Jared to the store with them and had him do some handy work.  They kept him so busy that they didn't have time to play a card game Jared took up.  My mom cooked her yummy pork chops and invited Jared to eat with them.  I visited with them while they ate and then brought Jared home so I could cook dinner. (my mom's was better..however I did prepare chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans...so I still did good)

Saturday I got up early and went to Mallory's sons sealing.  Lawson and Sydney were sealed in the Bountiful Temple.  I sat with Mal where her mom would have sat if she was still here.  I know she was there and I wonder.....was I sitting on her lap or was she sitting on mine?  I love and adore Mal's cute family!  Kathy sat by me in place of Glen's mom, Beverly.  (that's what friends do right?) Mal and Glen are wonderful parents and have terrific kids.  I'm so happy that I am included in their special events...and that they are included in ours.  The Toomers are Friends that we call Family!

More Friends of ours that are like family are the Sessions and Anderson's.  I was privileged to see Luke baptized and confirmed.  Luke and I share birthdays which is pretty cool since I love this cute kid to pieces.   Heather asked me if I would give the opening prayer at Luke's baptism and I felt so honored.  I was camping when I got the text and I got all teary.  I was a little worried about the times since the baptism was an hour earlier with the Stake dividing than originally planned.  Everything worked out perfect though. I left the Temple right after the Sealing and was able to get to the Baptism on time.  I love baptisms....I always feel the spirit at baptisms.....always!!!  It was such an awesome morning and afternoon.  I couldn't help but feel so blessed.  I was very aware of the Love our Savior and Heavenly Father have for each of us.

When I first walked into the church for Luke's baptism I heard about a terrible accident that had happened a few hours earlier.  There had been a head on collision in the Logan canyon involving Bishop Wilson and and few of his scouts who were returning from a scout trip. (Bishop Wilson was our Bishop before we were split from his ward when Larry was called....he was also our home teacher for years and our family just really loves him)  For some reason Bishop Wilson and the two boys with him were ok....we are so thankful.  Bishop Wilson suffered a broken femur.  The young man in the other car didn't make it.  From what I heard he was leaving for an LDS Mission in a few weeks.  My heart goes out to the young man's family.  We never know what might change our lives or when.  Life really is Fragile and prayers really are answered!  (I know the scouts prayed for safety driving home and they were protected)

Larry and I ran over to the Hooper Park to enjoy the mission report of Rick and Sharon Miles.  They had a few TV's going with pictures from their mission and they had a bunch of things displayed.  It was fun sharing their excitement and love that they have for their mission. 

I got to finish my day off by going to the play with my cute friends Barbie and Heather and their cute friends and family.  I have to laugh because Barbie's sister warned Cari and Barbie about taking Hannah.  Tami (Barbie's sister) said the play was to Raw!  I laughed thinking maybe she meant rah rah ah ha ha ha ☺  It was a good play and nothing inappropriate....I looked at Barbie when it was over and said I thought her sister was a little "off".  We got a lot of good laughs out it!  I don't think it ruined Hannah...and none of us needed to repent.  I love this group and it's so fun spending time with them.  They are all incredible women who are strong, and talented, and smart and very caring.  I'm glad I ended up in their "Play" group.

SNAP....Girl's Camp

 This year our theme for Girl's Camp was "Frozen".  We did some fun things and had some good talks.  Some of the things we did each day:  We had coloring pages out so the girls could color any time they wanted.  A few of the girls really loved coloring. We played Bingo a lot since Stephanie had a box full of fun prizes.  We played other card and dice game.  The girls really like playing games.  Some of the girls liked going for walks too.  Our days were filled with fun!

We decorated our T-Shirts by using markers and rubbing alcohol.  The rubbing alcohol made the markers bleed which looked pretty cool.  We traced Olaf's head on the front of the shirt and then the girls decorated the rest of the shirt however they wanted.  It was fun and all the shirts turned out so cute.  We had one gal draw a princess since she likes to do things her way.

I gave a talk the first night before our Testimony Meeting.  I talked about how Olaf is kind of like the Holy Ghost.  He is with us and doesn't leave us.  I talked about how the Holy Ghost is a spirit so that he can dwell in us.  I gave them "melted snowman" as part of their handout.  The next part of my talk was about "letting it go".  I wrote things on a balloon that might hold us back from being happy and then I let it go.  I also talked about Smiling and how important smiling is to being Happy!  The girls each got a "smile pin" to remind them to let things go and to smile.  The last part of my talk was about doors....like the doors in Frozen they need to be opened for things to change.  We need to open the door to Heavenly Father and to do His will which is to serve others.  When we serve others we are also blessed.  That's the jest of my talk and I felt good about it.  Many girls bore their testimonies.  I am so impressed with these gals...they DO have strong testimonies...they bless me so much!

We sang and a few of us danced.  A gal came up and taught us camp songs which the gals really enjoyed.  There was a karaoke machine if anyone wanted to sing.  Joann sang for over an hour.

Wanda did a devotional on working together and pushing ourselves. (helping our brothers and sisters) She talked about a challenge coarse that her son did that is sponsored to help the wounded soldiers.  It was a really good talk and she set up a slide show that kept the girls interested.

We crafted and painted blocks of wood and Mod Podged a Temple on them....their Castles!  The girls loved their Temple Blocks!

 We shot balloons with Nerf guns.  We stood in the river, and we painted our nails while we drank soda and ate pop corn.  We had such a wonderful time.

We were lucky enough to have camp cooks.  The meals were simple but good.  I didn't hear the girls complain.  I loved the lodge we were in.  It had a separate room with tables for eating.  It was nice not worrying about the food.  (I think Wanda worried...at least before camp)  It was really nice having Heidi and Lea back as cooks since they have both been released.  I know the girls were especially happy.  Heidi is a favorite of theirs and they are going to miss her.  One gal (Jessica D) was even crying because Heidi was released.  I gave her a balloon to write on and told her to "Let it Go" and to be Happy.  She did and was pretty good after that.

We went to a concert in Huntsville Park.  The group National Tribute sang and they were really good and had great messages that they shared.  I think the girls really liked it.

Virginia did the devotional before we left.  She talked about being good sisters like Anna and Elsa were.  She told of how she saved her little sister from drowning when she was only 5.  She gave the girls book marks Elsa and Anna on them.

It was a really fun camp.  I want to remember Heidi and Kaye calling me Beautiful every night.  They seriously made me smile.  I want to remember the "warm hugs" that so many of the girls shared with me.  I want to remember that so many of these gals attend the Temple every Friday Night.  I was so impressed that so many of these gals are endowed and love to go to the Temple.  I want to remember how kind everyone is to one another.  I want to remember how I invited Hope to come and how we had to chase her and really keep an eye on her.  (everyone watched out for her...especially Krystal)
I want to remember that I felt the spirit many times.  I want to remember that I was reminded over and over that We are Daughters of God and that He Loves Us....We are all SPECIAL!!!

I love celebrating my birth-day

I have always loved my birthday.  I have always been able to celebrate it and have always had so much fun doing so.  When I was young we had swim parties, ate spaghetti and lots of times had a sleep over since my sister's birthday is the day after mine. Because we have birthdays back to back our families still celebrate together.

I love celebrating and was thinking it's up to you a lot of times to plan the celebrations if you want them to happen.  I know that not everyone likes celebrating their birthday ...to many it is just another day...to me it's a day to celebrate.  I made it another year.  I experienced more life.  I learned more.  I enjoyed more...why not celebrate?

If you have a favorite dessert then make it or order it but get it.  Don't hope that someone else will remember or you might be disappointed.  If you want something say so...make it happen.  Even before I started planning more activities for my birthday I can't remember being disappointed.  Having a summer birthday is fun and it's easy to celebrate.  I notice that Kimleighel already plans her birthdays and I am glad.  She gets what she wants...has things her way...and enjoys HER day!

Since I have gotten older I celebrate throughout the month.  I get to have lunch dates with friends, pedicures with my girls, make cupcakes with my grands, ice cream with my boys, and a cookout with my parents and sisters family. My brothers even make it home some times...which is so wonderful.

Birthday's are a big deal...YOU were Born!  You are a Big Deal!  So on Your Birthday...Celebrate and Make it Fun!

This year for my birthday Larry told me he was planning on sending me flowers but also knew that $$$ was kind of tight right now so gave me the choice ... I chose the $$$.  I love stashing money if I get extra....it gives me peace of mind. (I don't have much stashed)

Tonya took me to lunch for my birthday.  We went to Olive Garden and shared a lunch.  It was really good and just barely a little too much.  I really like sharing meals these days.  I guess I munch enough that I can never really eat a big meal anymore.  Our Waitress was super fun and witty....my kind of gal!  We liked her so much we had a picture with her.  We finally left when she went on break.  The time went so fast I had no idea it was flying away.  (the 3 trips to the potty should have been a warning)  I love Tonya and was so happy that we were able to spend time together on my birthday.  Tonya is such a sweetie and blessing in my life.  I sure do love my sister/friend! She makes my life better!

After lunch I ran home and picked up Kimleighel and Jared and took them to my mom's to see their Uncles.  It is also National Milk Chocolate Day (so appropriate) and so I had plenty of milk chocolate to share with them.  My Birthday and National Milk Chocolate Day....nothing could be better! (wink)  Oh and I took my neighbor Michele over a big Milk Chocolate Bar before I left today since it is her birthday today too. ☺ We enjoyed my brothers and mom and came home to rest before dinner.  (rest...ha ha ha)

For dinner I wanted to take Kimleighel and Jared with Larry and I.  I chose Chinese since it is less expensive.  I ordered an extra plate so that I could just share a little with everyone.  It was a good choice for me and I was able to enjoy a variety of food.  Yummm...maybe that will also be a new tradition for my birthday. ☺

Kevin and his darling family brought me over this cute picture before I went to bed.  They knew it would make me cry and they were right.  As soon as they turned it over for me to see my eyes started watering.  Julie arranged for everyone to get together at a park and take pictures.  Julie even knows how she is going to trim the pictures so that Kelsi and Braxton's little one will fit in with an "!"  I think I have some of the cutest grands every born.  I love anything that involves them!  This picture makes me smile and tear up a little and my heart fills like bursting....oh my heck...I love these little people!

I had a great day!  I've had a fun Month.  I'm looking forward to the other luncheons I get to go on next month.  I enjoyed all the messages on facebook and the many texts I got. (over 350) I also enjoyed the many cards I received in the mail this year and the phone calls!  I truly feel blessed and loved!

Life is a Celebration!

weekly tidbit

Before we went camping I got things ready for Girls Camp.  I am giving a talk before Testimony Meeting on Tues and our Theme is "Frozen".  I have three parts to my talk and the handout goes with each part.  The "melted snowman...water" is to remind them of the Holy Ghost.  The "smile" pin is to remind them to Let it Go and Smile...to be happy!  The handout is about Loving and Serving others.  I think they turned out pretty cute.

Jared went with me to the store after we dropped Kimi off at Cherry Hills so that she could spend time with her friend.  I treated him to a doughnut of his choice...he chose the biggest one!  I sure do love my boy and appreciate all his help.  He helped me pack the trailer with the groceries...big help.

Family Cook-Out

I can't fully express the joy that fills my heart and soul when I am surrounded by my family. (meaning Stone's and Ropelato's...all Ropelato's)  They are the ones that make life so enjoyable and worth living for.  I really like that my brothers have been able to come visit over the last few years.  It's so fun having them here and enjoying them.  My kids love their Uncles and have made fun memories with them.

My poor daddy isn't doing well at all.  His body isn't working that great these days and it breaks my heart to see him shuffle so slowly to even get around.  I'm not sure we will have him much longer but I'm really hoping he bounces back. Jaydan usually enjoys cooking the steaks while he visits with my daddy but this year Jaydan was outside mostly by himself....he did say my brothers kept him company part of the time.  Jaydan put his head on my shoulder later tonight and was sad about grandpa.  He has a special bond with his grandpa and missed his visit today.

We all focused on the good though and had a great time.  It's a tradition to cook steak and potatoes.  My mom and dad bring everything we need and we usually fill in the rest.  This year Natalie made the best rolls (so good I had two) and Julie brought a Pasta Salad and Trichelle brought drinks. It was yummy and just right!

Susan brought her cute grand Hurley with her.  I really enjoyed his cute personality.  I especially loved it every time he called me Aunt Dawn or referred to my house as Aunt Dawn's house.  He is sure a cutie and such a blessing.  Shellie and her cute family came.  I think Shellie is one of the nicest people born.  She is so thoughtful and kind and always has been.  Shannie and her friend Aliesha came at the end and they were fun to visit with...they make me laugh.

It was a fun night and one that I will cherish forever!  I am so thankful for all my families!  They all mean so much to me!  It's worth getting older just so we can celebrate together!