Out it Jumped

I enjoy Fast Sunday.  I always feel the "Spirit" and I absolutely love feeling the "Spirit".  I try to do the things I should so that I feel it often during the week.  But, Sundays the Spirit is stronger and for longer because I am focusing on the Lord and doing what's right.  I guess I'm just more prepared on Sundays.  I made a deal a few years ago with God....actually I think it was God that made a deal with me.  He said that I would be forgiven of my sins and weaknesses if I would testify of Him.  Sometimes I don't want to bare my testimony because I feel fear and inadequate.  Then I am reminded by the "Spirit" and so I just do it.  I always feel much better after testifying my beliefs.  My hands quit sweating and my heart goes back to a normal beat and I can breathe.  The Spirit always wins....I was part of a deal.  I think it's important to write though that I get scared.  I don't feel brave or confident at all...I just do what I know I am suppose to do.  I don't worry what to say because those thoughts are also put in my head.  Most of the time I don't even remember what I said.

Another thing about me is some times words jump right out of my mouth and surprise me and those I'm with.  Today Larry was ordaining Jared to be a Priest in the  Aaronic Priesthood.  Our family that could come was gathered around and placed their hands on Jared's head.  Larry then started by saying: "Kevin Clyde Ropelato" and without thinking I hollered STOP.  We all laughed and I reminded Kevin he wasn't forgotten and that we appreciated him for being there.  Then Larry called Jared the correct name and gave him a nice blessing.  I think it's funny that every now and then Larry messes up the kids names too....I did it quite often when I had them all at home.  I think I still do occasionally.  I'm thankful for the Priesthood and that my boys all are worthy to hold it.   I am thankful for the support of our family.  I am thankful that my mom calls my boys to bless her and my dad when they need it.  She called them Friday and Justin and Kevin went and gave my dad another blessing.  (they didn't know that Larry had just given him one and I know my dad didn't tell them since they had made the effort of going up to give him one.)  I am thankful for all the wonderful things that Heavenly Father has blessed us with to make life more enjoyable and that help us get through it.

Homecoming

Jared was pretty excited that he was old enough to go to the first dance of his High School experience.  It's kind of nice having kids that are older versus those that are the youngest for reasons like this.  (Trichelle barely turned 16 the first week of her Junior year...bummer for her since she got asked to a few dances her Sophomore year)  Kimi was invited her first year of High School to Homecoming but hasn't since...kind of sad.  Since I mentioned Kimi I will say that we heard that someone was going to ask her but chickened out.  Kimi was excited that she was thought of at least.  She was really excited because of the source we heard it from.  The kid that had heard is very cute and one of the most popular kids and Kimi didn't think any of his friends even knew her.  I enjoyed seeing her excitement.

Jared asked his good friend Maddi.  Maddi is Jared's best friend.  He goes to her when he needs to talk because she is a good listener and kind and I pretty nice to look at.  I thought it was appropriate that good friends share their first real date together.  I think by asking your best friend you can relax and enjoy the night.  These two did enjoy the entire day together.  Jared woke up at 5:30 am to go make breakfast for the girls.  They picked the girls up and after eating they went four wheelin...it rained but Jared said it wasn't too bad.  They also shot guns at "clay pigeons" and enjoyed that too.  Jared, Conner and Eric planned this date out well.  They were very organized and did a good job.  At first I was worried since I didn't know what was going on and then I realized that was silly of me...these boys had it covered.  They brought the girls home to get ready and picked them up a few hours later so they could go to dinner.  They went to a place called Woody's.  I hadn't heard of it but one of the boys knew the owner or manager and so they went there.

Jared got home just before Midnight and I could tell that he had a good time.  I am thankful for this cute boy and I'm glad that he took Maddi to homecoming.  I am so proud of him....he paid for the entire date.  This kid saves his money and always has quite a bit in his wallet.  I feel a little bit responsible that they didn't have pictures taken at the dance.  I told Jared that he probably didn't need the most expensive package but to ask Maddi what she thought.  He asked Maddi if she wanted pictures and being sweet she said it didn't matter.  Oops...I think it kind of matters to girls.  I didn't mean for them not to get any.  Thank goodness for the pre-dance pictures.  I hope we get a few more of the group.  Jared said that one of the dads took some....I hope.

I'm glad Jared had a good time and is enjoying High School.  I hope him and Kimi both make fun memories and enjoy these crazy years of their lives.

Weekly Tidbits

***I'm not sure what my problem is lately.  I remember my camera and then forget to use it.  Oh well as long as there are pictures I can use I will.  Darn it!  Tuesday Carla invited me to go with her to take Robin to lunch for her birthday since we missed the luncheon with the sista's where they kind of celebrated.  I was happy to go...heck I'm always happy to go.  We went to a Mexican place, I think it was Melinda's but not sure.  It was good.  Then we went and practiced bowling at the base since it is only $1.00 a game.  We had a good time but forgot to leave before everyone got off work.  It took us a half an hour to get off the base.  That too was fun...and funny!  I really enjoy my time with my friends...so thankful to be surrounded by such good people.
***Went to the Temple on Wednesday since my day became open.  I was planning on a fun day with friends but Pam, who had planned it, couldn't leave her daughter and so we are postponing it.  I was okay with that because I want to get to the Temple often now that it's open again.  I love, love, love the Temple.  I was having a hard time finding a parking place when I got to the Temple because so many others have missed our Temple too. I thought about coming home and then there was an open spot.  I took it and immediately was glad I hadn't left.  The Spirit was so strong today...I had a wonderful experience and nothing could have been better.  Does the Lord guide our Lives?  Ummm.YES HE DOES!
***Larry asked me out to dinner.  WooHoo!  We went to Long Horn Steak House and the company was wonderful but the service...not so much.  I could tell Larry was getting ticked when he slapped his cloth napkin on his bench.  I laughed and we started joking about how poor the service was.  They might have been under staffed because they were like turtles.  I was really glad the food was good.  It took 45 minutes for us to get our little dinner salads...just a little slow.  It was good we weren't in a hurry.  I don't think Larry will hurry back there either.

***Thursday for SNAP we talked about hygiene and taking care of ourselves.  The focus was more on our hair and a cute gal came and did a few little styles on a few of the gals.  They really enjoyed it.  I remembered my camera was in the car and so I ran and got it.  I really did run and was reminded how out of shape I am.  Oh well....not my talent or specialty. (running)
***Finally I got my Glinda Costume returned.  A gal brought it to SNAP but when I looked closely I noticed the crown was missing.  I met her again when SNAP was over so I could get that back too.  The crown is what I really needed....it's that time of year again. HeeHee
***My dad hasn't done well since he returned home.  It breaks my heart and shocks me.  I thought he would keep improving but that isn't happening.  He passed out Thursday and had an Ambulance ride back to the Emergency.  Larry and I went to visit Friday night and dad just said his body is wearing out.  Larry and I both got the impression he was okay with that and probably won't try too hard to get stronger or better.  My dad never has been a fighter....just a mellow, go with the flow type of guy.  He did ask Larry for a blessing.  Dad said that mom wanted him to ask for one.  I know he wanted a blessing for him to even remember.   His mind is foggy and he doesn't think or respond like usual.

***Mal caught up with me on Friday.  She is now the same age as me and Kathy and so we celebrated.  Same place and time. (Applebee's at 3:00)  Kathy couldn't make it this week so we are meeting again next week. (we would meet twice anyway...that's what we do...celebrate twice with all of us so we each have a turn buying the birthday girl lunch)  I enjoyed our visit.  Mallory said that she did too.  Sometimes one on one is just good for the soul.  I love my Pal, Mal!  She's just one of the best people alive.  She is a determined gal with so much discipline.  She lost 50 lbs a few years back and is determined to not gain it back.  (she won't)  She is going to run another half marathon in a month and she told me she has never felt the runners high.  She doesn't enjoy running but does it to prove she can.  She pushes herself.  I admire that push in others since I don't have it.  I'm more like my dad....mellow go with the flow.  I don't have the  push or drive I see in my friends and kind of wish I did.  I stop when I'm tired and eat what I enjoy.   Oh well....it's who I am!  I love this friend of mine that has shared so much of life with me.  I think we have both grown up pretty good.  We have great lives and wonderful families.  I cherish our friendship...I cherish Mallory!

Ivy's day off of school

Ivy called me Sunday to see if she could come to my house on Monday since she didn't have school.  Of course...I love having my grands over.  She said it would be better if she could just spend the night so she wouldn't have to wake up so early.  I agreed that would be better.  (I love that Ivy and my other grands like to spend the night with us)  So Ivy spent the night.  She was planning on sleeping on a mat in Kimi's room but Kimi is the one that ended up sleeping on the mat because Ivy feel asleep in her bed first.  I love how kind my kids are to my cute grands.  They all love each other so much.

Ivy was up pretty early anyway since Kimi and Jared did have to get up to go to school.  We enjoyed the morning and then I made her favorite breakfast....pancakes...with chocolate chips. (at least that's her favorite at my house)  I made big pancakes so she would only need one.  It filled her up. ☺

 The only thing I wanted to do today was take a little gift to an old friend of mine.  When I delivered Kimleighel two other mom's were also delivering baby girls.  Kimleighel was the only one that was born breathing....the other two passed away before their birth.  Larry had seen the father of one in the hall.  He knew Dennis and came back to my room with tears in his eyes and told me what was happening in the other two rooms.  We had monitors in our rooms that also showed what was happening in the other rooms and Larry and noticed that the other two rooms only had one monitor that was active.  (it makes sense...the baby monitors had nothing to monitor) Later I had heard that a childhood friend of mine was the other mom.  Recently I reconnected with Julie on facebook and messaged her asking if that rumor was true.  She told me that it was .... Julie was the other mom.  Knowing that for sure made me sad all over again for Julie and the other mom.  My heart grew bigger and had more compassion, sympathy and love for all mom's that loose their babies and especially those two on March 23, 1996.  I felt strongly that I should express my love and sympathy to Julie and so Ivy and I went and found a sweet Willow Angel and a Single Rose.  We took it to Julie's and left it on the porch.  I received a sweet message from Julie later.  She said that when she saw them she just had a very strong feeling....even a little voice tell her that they were from me.  She said she just knew before she read the card.  I think that's pretty cool....I know that same little voice told me to do it.

I took Ivy to Kneaders after since she had never been there.  It was fun spending the day with my cute grand.  I can't believe how fast they grow up.  I loved it when a lady walked by us and told Ivy how pretty or cute she was.  Ivy smiled and I told her that people did that all the time when she was little.  I'm so thankful that I get to enjoy my grands so much.

Weekly Tidbits

***Tuesday I ran and got a pedicure.  I went to the place close to me because I was in a hurry and because they will use a razor on the dead skin and sometimes I need that.

 ***Wednesday I house sat while a family attended their fathers funeral.  I didn't know the man who passed away....I do know his son in law.  I was glad I was asked.  It made me feel good inside to be of service to someone in such a small way.  I tidied up a little and then read the book I brought. (Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech)

 I really enjoyed their dog, Molly.  When I first got to the house the little boy (around 11) told me that Molly wouldn't bite me much.  I totally laughed...Molly is a kind dog.  I loved how relaxed she was and that's why I took so many pictures of her "chillin".

 No burglars came and the house was safe.  I just had to open the door and hold Molly back when people delivered flowers and when the accountant came.

I hugged Trish (the wife) before I left.  We have met a few times but I don't think she remembered me but I didn't care because of the day.  She didn't want to let go and my heart went out to her.  I said a silent prayer for her and her family during that hug.  I left her home feeling good inside.

 ***I do a lot of laundry during the week...my bed is the folding place.

***Larry and I took Kevin and Julie out to dinner for their birthdays.  We went to the Brick Oven.  We all enjoyed the meal where they bring the pizza to you so that you can try everything.  It also included the salad bar and Root Beer.  We were all satisfied and full when we left.  It's so fun visiting with our kids one on one.  I love our birthday dinner tradition.

***Some of the neighbors went to breakfast.  I have good neighbors and we decided that we need to get together a little more often with more of us.  Teri just moved in by Kathy and it was fun meeting her.  I like her already.  I made sure I had my camera and then forgot about it until Kathy and I were leaving. (brain fart)  Hopefully we will do it again soon and I will get a picture.  I love my neighbors...I just live on a really good road...everyone is kind.

I went with Kathy to get a pedicure.  Since I had just got one I enjoyed sitting in the massage chair while we visited and laughed.

***Kimleighel and Jared were involved in the "Shine the Light" cultural celebration for the rededication of the Ogden Temple.  They have been practicing for months and on Saturday they were able to perform.  It was such a spiritual experience for them....they loved it.  They loved being so close to President Eyring.  Kimi was hoping to see President Monson or Elder Bednar but they had both attended the earlier program.  Both the kids really enjoyed being able to perform and be a part of this special event.  I know they both wrote down their experiences when they got home.  I love that our church does these celebrations.  It gives the kids an opportunity to give back a little to the Lord and to have a spiritual experience that they will be able to share with their kids.  I really love how our church involves our youth....the youth are special and our Church makes them aware of that.  I felt the spirit so strongly as I watched both performances.  The first performance I couldn't stop crying...the second one I noticed Larry having a problem with the tears.  It was so wonderful!  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is True and Good and adds LIGHT to us All!

***The Ogden Temple was rededicated on Sunday, Sept 21, 2014.  It was a beautiful meeting with the Spirit testifying to my soul again that this is the House of the Lord and the true church.  The spirit brings light and happiness to my spirit and soul.  I know the things that happened today are true and good.  I know that Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost knows each of us and loves us.  I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live.  I love the Temple and I'm so excited to go to this temple again.  I have really missed it.  I always feel loved and safe inside the temple and I know it's because it is God's house and only good abides inside.  I felt so inspired during the dedication....so full of "Light".  Everything seems so plain and simple when being led or taught by the Spirit.

I'm so thankful for Temples.  I'm so thankful that I can go inside and enjoy the blessings there.  I'm so thankful that Ogden has been given a Spiritual Boost by having our Temple remodeled.  I really do believe that Ogden (and surrounding places) needed a boost and having the Temple remodeled did that.  I know many visited the Open House and felt the spirit.  I love turning the corner from my mom and dad's house and seeing the Temple perfectly in front of me.  What a blessing the Temples of God are!

***I love Sundays because I get to see more of my kids and grands.  The girls love playing with my shoe and old purses.  Parker creates his own entertainment...which is entertaining to everyone.  (Larry was really asleep while Parker decorated him)

For My Funeral....or Larry's

Whenever someone around my age dies I start thinking about what might be said at my own funeral...what I will be remembered for.  Today I sat at a home while a cute family said there see ya later's to their dad who by the way is six years younger than me.  The family is a friend to Debbie Widdison...actually her son Bryce married into that family.  I was happy to house sit...it made me feel good to serve just a little.  It also made me think a little.  Actually I didn't really think too much about me passing until the Ward brought the flowers home.  I placed them around the house so the table was still available to use and sit at when the family got home.  I sat and smelled the beautiful flowers and admired the gorgeous plants and that's when I thought.....I don't want flowers sent when Larry or I pass away. (I guess if Larry goes first...I guess if I'm gone I wouldn't care)

I'd rather have a card or balloons.  I would like a celebration...not a sad service.  I like balloons...they make me happy.  They might "POP" or float away but that is better than watching them die or try to keep them alive like you would experience with flowers and plants.  I enjoy flowers and I love getting them from Larry but having them surround me...overwhelm me....wouldn't be good.  I think it would make me sad to see all that beauty that cost so much slowly die.

If Larry goes first I will buy balloons and have his collection of stuffed animals on display.  Larry loves stuffed animals and brings one home when we go anywhere on vacation.  It makes me laugh and our room looks cluttered with the big basket over flowing in our corner but that's okay with me because he loves them....so do the grands.  

I would hope that if I go first the same would be done for me.  Balloon instead of flowers...fun music (the Happy Song) and Heartbound to sing...family pictures displayed (there's more in the pantry on the top shelve on the far wall)....fun memories!  I would want my Blog Books displayed and memory pages too, and the book under the computer that has cards and little notes that I have saved because they brighten my day when I need them to.

I hope I am creating a good legacy.  I know I have made plenty of mistakes but I feel like there is always way more good in one's life than mistakes.  I hope my kids and family know that they have always been my favorite.  I hope my friends know that I have always cherished their friendships.  My friends and family are the one's who listen to me. My friends get crazy with me because they know it doesn't matter what others think.  My family and friends build me up.  All my family and friends make me want to be better...they encourage me to be my best.

I hope my "dash" is enough....actually it is enough....I've done my best...am doing my best.  I believe we all do our best.  It is satan that whispers in our ears that we should be doing more...that our best isn't enough....pooh...it is too!  Sometimes I think these times of reflection are good....we always have time to make our "dash" our lives better...it's never too late to be happy or make things better!  The past is past but the future is bright with so many possibilities.

Julie's Day for Celebrating

I'm so glad we have this girl in our family.  Julie adds so much and shares her talents with all us Ropelato's.  Julie is a planner and likes doing things.  However, she usually invites or includes others in her plans.  She reminds me of Larry and I back in the day....maybe a little still.  If we are going to go have fun we would invite others to go with us.  Julie likes to be active and makes life fun.

I was really impressed that she invited Jared and her nephew over on a Friday night to celebrate turning 16.  I think most people would want to have their Friday nights to themselves but Julie knows that 16 is a big deal and wanted to do a little extra for the boys.  The boys had a great time and played at Julie and Kevin's until after 1:00 am and when the boys said they were done Julie brought them home.

Julie is an organizer and she is always the one that helps clean up when dinner is over.  Her talents are different from the other kids and it's nice having so much talent when we are all together.  I love this girl and I'm so happy that she thought my Kevin was cute and wanted to date him.  I'm glad Kevin thought the same about her.  They are a great couple with some very cute little's.