Book Club

Today was our book club.  That month went fast and I only read a few chapters of one of the books that I borrowed last month.  It didn't matter though because no one even talked about books today.  I didn't see anyone bring any books either so I was glad.  We went to El Matador and the place was packed.  We had to wait to be seated for quite a while.  We even waited until 1:00 to meet which was a good thing because people were starting to leave by then.  We talked a lot about the new ruling made by the church....that children with gay parents can not join until they are of age. (18) I was with Susan and Kathy when I first heard about it (on Kathy's birthday) and at first I couldn't believe what I heard and had questioning thoughts.  I knew not to say too much though without listening to the right source.  I knew that there was good reason behind this.  I knew this was decided out of love which is exactly what it is about.  Love for all families and the protection...NOT exclusion....for the children. Decisions like this really get to some people but I think it's because they listen to the media and don't pray about it to understand why.  I've heard people say that it weeds out the weak...I'm pretty positive Heavenly Father doesn't want to weed out any of His children but times like this can define us.  We have to move one way or the other.

We also shared our opinion and thoughts about things happening in politics.  I enjoy these discussions and the insight I get from listening to others.

I bumped into a friend from school.  Darrel is an adventurous guy.  I saw him at the drive inn a few years ago but see all his adventures on fb.  He travels all the time.  He is a pilot and is always going and picking up little planes. (reposing)  He spent a month in Africa and told me that I could go with them next time since they still had room.  I wouldn't volunteer to go to Africa though...I'm too spoiled and enjoy the conditions I live in.  But I do admire those that do go to help others.

Today our little Macie was scheduled for another surgery.  She was going to have her Uvula repaired because it still had a little split in it.  The appliance in her mouth that helps with the hard palate was lose and needed to be adjusted too.  Kind of simple compared to the previous surgeries.  They gave Macie some medicine so that she was calm and willing to go with the doctors.  The picture shows her ready to go.  Macie is a miracle baby....the prayers being said in her behalf are being answered so clearly.  It's need to see.  The doctor looked at Macie's mouth and decided that instead of doing anything today he was going to wait for three weeks and close the hard palate.  Normally little ones have to wait until they are three or older before the palate is ready but little Macie's has grown and moved and healed so well that she is ready now....a full year early.  Miracle of Miracles!  I'm so thankful for Our Kind, Wise, Loving Heavenly Father...He loves Us and Does Answer Our Prayers.

Food 4 Thought Friday!

Food 4 Thought Friday! 

A little feast without the calories!! 

Feel free to play along for some yummy fun!Go HERE to JOIN IN!!! 

Food 4 Thought Friday ~ This week's questions:

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Breakfast ~ What was your most embarrassing moment this week? I don't think I got embarrassed this week.  However, one of my most embarrassing moments was when I got a colonoscopy.  I was waking up and not feeling good.  I knew I was going to throw up and sure enough I did.  With all the pressure from throwing up I also passed a "bomb" of gas.  Holy Crud it was loud and I'm sure that everyone in the office heard it.  You're suppose to pass gas before you can leave and when the nurse came into my room she did a good job at holding a straight face as she asked me if I was able to pass gas. I was so embarrassed!
Lunch ~ Did you ever get in trouble at school?  Explain. A few times actually. I remember in elementary going very close to a line that I wasn't to cross and getting in trouble.  I probably had to stand with my arms out.  I remember having to stand with my arms out a lot but with the whole class.  The worst trouble was when my older brother stole lunch tickets when I was in 7th grade.  I was called into the Principle's office and questioned about them.  The Principle didn't believe me and kept asking me about the tickets and where I got them. I kept telling him that my mom gave them to me.  She did, my brother gave them to her and told her that he had bought them with the lunch money. I didn't like the Principle after that because he never apologized for treating me like a liar.  
Dinner ~ Have you ever had a poem or song written about you? Actually I have.  A friend from school wrote a poem about me and compared me to Sandy from the movie Grease. haha  Dedicated to you?  when I was young the song Delta Dawn was referred to me a lot.
Midnight Snack ~Have you ever been frightened for your life? When we went to Israel I was scared the whole time.  There were guards everywhere with machine guns.  Larry kept reminding me that if the BYU Jerusalem center was open that we would be safe. 
Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)  Have a Gratitude Attitude.  When we recognize our blessings we will notice that we have so much more than we usually think.  

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Jodi...Our Speaker

About a month ago I asked Jodi if she would come and talk to the Special Need gals about Gratitude.  We had "life skills" scheduled but there  aren't leaders for that anymore and so we have been coming up with our own.  I kind of like doing it this way. Anyway, Jodi was gracious and said that she would come. I knew that she would do a wonderful job because she always does.  The girls really liked her and a few of them had a comment for everything she said.  I think they felt safe and loved and knew that we would listen to them.  I ended up "shushing" them towards the end so that Jodi could finish....the shush worked on one but not the other. ☺

Carla wanted to come with me when she heard that Jodi was talking.  It was the perfect talk for us all and I think it was spot on for Carla today.  Carla was struggling today and fighting the depression that she gets sometimes in the Winter.  It's gloomy outside and I think that has a lot to do with it.  Heck, I feel tired and don't want to get up either but have too much to do which forces me up.  Carla was good though and came bowling and even went to DUP (daughters of Utah Pioneers) with me. (we're both members now) I taught her to "tap" when we were bowling and I could see her countenance change.  Tapping seems silly and I can't explain how it works but I know it really can help.  Maybe because we tell ourselves that we love and accept ourselves and just by saying those words our mind switch tracks.  It's amazing what our thoughts can do.  It's so important to focus on the positive and find, recognize and be grateful for all the good things around us.  It really is the "secret" to a happier life.  Another "secret" is to Smile....it seriously changes your brain and puts it on  happy mode.

I really appreciate the love and support of my friends.  I'm so grateful that Jodi took time to prepare and teach us about gratitude and for sharing a few "secrets" with us all.  I like those kind of "secrets"...they're worth sharing.

(Jodi you might not like the picture on the bottom since your eyes are closed but it made the collage work better and you remind me of Meg Ryan in it and I think it's cute)

Girls Night Out

I love going out with these ladies.  There was a time that we were all in the same ward and interacted a lot but that was years ago.  Tammy moved and ward boundaries changed and separated me from Judy and Suzie.  Once a year or so we plan a night out and visit all night.  Really....All Night.  The last time I told Larry I would be a few hours and he got a bit ticked off because a few hours was really about five hours.  When he asked me when I would be home tonight I told him that I would be home before he left for work in the morning.  I gave myself plenty of leeway.

We started out at ABC Mandarin and ordered Larry's favorite so he could have my left overs for lunch. (thoughtful huh?)  We went to Village Inn after having to leave ABC so they could close.  We knew that Village Inn stayed open all night. haha It just so happened that it was free pie Wednesday with any order.  We all ordered a drink and got a free slice of any kind of pie we wanted.  Usually they only have certain pies that you can get for free but the guys liked us and let us have whatever we wanted.

Tammy told us lots about her fun Trip to France.  She was there for three months and had a lot of cool experiences.  She shared some miracles with us that were pretty cool. I enjoyed listening to her tell us of her adventures. I'm so glad that she went and didn't worry about things that seem to occupy us so much.  Suzie, Judy and Tammy are all so wonderful and I admire each of them for their strengths.  I cherish these friends and always learn so much.

I got home just after the clock struck twelve which was way earlier than I had told Larry. There's something wonderful about having friends to share your life adventures with.

Tuesday Date Day

I really think I'm going to like Larry having half a day off on Tuesdays.  We have been going to the temple and then to dinner.  It's fun and I feel good knowing that we are helping our extended family.  The last few weeks we have been asked to be the witness couple.  We're usually the young ones at the time we go (around 3:00) and I'm guessing most people are single that come at that time. I like going to the Temple with Larry....it's better than going by myself.

Today the weather was crisp and cool.  Larry's bald head didn't like the bite it got when we walked out of the temple.  Larry didn't like that I made him pause for a picture.  It really was cold.

We went to the Blue Lemon and had the place to ourselves.  It's nice going out early and avoiding the crowds.  I enjoy our time together!

Happy Birthday Kathy...again

I got to take Kathy to lunch for her birthday today.  This girl makes me laugh.  We didn't go anywhere after because she had to study....she's going to school again.  I admire Kathy for going back to school...she just likes learning and is really smart.

Kathy is always busy with something.  She's the gal that got me up early to play tennis years ago. The one that started me walking in the mornings even though she only went a few times.  She taught me to play racket ball.  We've bought wigs together and had pedicures. We rode a mechanical bull at the fair once. (harder than it looks)  She talked me into taking golfing lessons which was a blast.  Actually anything I do with Kathy is a blast.  We have gone to New York a few times together and have lots of fun memories.  We've cheered for our hubbies at the Senior Olympics. Kathy just makes every thing more fun.  I love this girl and I'm glad we're neighbors and friends.

Family Picture Day

With this many kids and their busy schedules it's really hard to find a time that we can all meet for family pictures.  The last few years I have just been taking them on a Sunday when we are all together.  I have set up the tripod and set the timer and ran and counted down.  I have set up the tripod and had gramps push the button.  Last year Julie's sister, Jen, came over and took them for us. This year Roger and Carla were happy to help us out.  I have been happy with the results.  I really like that I can order my pictures and have them on the wall the next day if I get them edited that soon.  I also like that it doesn't cost an arm and leg to have updated pictures.  I adore my family!  

The Original Ropelato Family

Trichelle's Family

Justin's Family

Kevin's Family

Braxton's Family

I forgot to get individual ones of the kids at home still....too much to remember sometimes...so I improvised.

Jaydan

Kimleighel

 Jared

The Grands

Ivy Marie

Mya Pearl

Kamryn Lynn

Zaden Joseph/Alan

Parker Joe

Macie Marie

Jordyn Jo

Sadie Lou

Behrenger Scott

Having a little fun while taking pictures

Larry and I with our Grands

The Whole Bunch of Us

I love this fun bunch of people!  They are my favorite and I love them all the most!