Ropelato Family Christmas Party

Tonight we had the Ropelato Family Christmas Party.  Jerry and Darinda let us have it at Jerry's new place, White Cloud 3D Printing.  It was a great place for a party.  There was plenty of room and lots of fun games to play.  The older kids interacted a lot because there was more to do.  It was so much fun for me to see everyone mingling and getting along.

After Darinda and I set a time and place I got things organized.  I asked each of my sister in laws to be over something and everyone was very willing to do whatever they could.  I ended up getting to make the food arrangements but it came together nicely.  I was able to text everyone their item to bring and everyone was quick to respond.  I liked knowing that they got my text and was willing to help.  I kept it easy.  We had lasagna, (3 and dad's big pan) salad, (4) rolls, (8 doz...4 people brought 2 each) and doughnuts. (same as rolls) We did have some left overs but I still think that was an okay amount of everything. (Darinda had peanut butter sandwiches for the littles if they wanted)  I ate a doughnut first while everyone was getting their food and I was holding Behr.  I usually say no to doughnuts but they looked really good and so I started off with one.

There was lots of chatting and visiting going on.  I love seeing everyone and visiting with them if I get a chance.  I really hope that we will continue to get together even as the families continue to grow.  I love our Christmas Party Tradition.

It's so fun seeing my grands interact with Darinda and Tami's grands.  I think its so important for them to all know each other.  I think family is so important.  I seriously enjoy watching them all grow.  It's fun for me and I usually take my own little trip down memory lane.

The Nativity is a big deal!  We have always done it and I think the kids look forward to it.  It's fun thinking back over the years remembering these kids parents being in the Nativity.  I am so thankful for memories and traditions.  Darinda is a champ for always heading up the Nativity.  She has a basket full of costumes so that everyone can be participate.  These little's make me smile and sometimes my eyes sweat.

Santa finishes off the fun.  This year our Santa was very interactive with the kids and I thought he was wonderful.  The little's that are about 1 1/2 weren't too sure about our Jolly Friend...but everyone else quite liked him.  Santa gives our kids socks and every year they get excited about them.  I just think it's the gift they like.  It's all very fun for me.

We had a lot of help cleaning up which was a good thing because there was a lot to do.  I'm glad that others pitch in and help...it sure does make it easier.  

The party was fun and I'm so happy that we took the time to get together.  The Ropelato Family is seriously one of the best!  I love being part of them!

Celebrating Carla

Today I took Carla to breakfast to celebrate her birthday that is really this Friday.  Carla will be going to Spokane on Wednesday to spend her birthday with her daughter and grands.  Both Carla and I have Family Christmas parties tonight and so that's why we decided to go early. I had heard that Warren's has a good breakfast and so we went there.  They had us sit at a table and a gal came and took our order so it was really like a little diner.  It was as good as I heard it was.  Carla and I both got french toast and it was really yummy.

Carla has also been going with me to the nursing home to help the Relief Society do a little program each Monday this month .  It's fun having her go with me and I think she is enjoying it as well.  Today we helped Lorraine back to her room and she told us that she has eight children and none of them come to visit her.  I am going to give her kids the benefit of doubt and a little credit for doing more than their mother says.  I bet they come but just not often enough.  Carla and I felt bad for her though and we were glad that we could help her a little.

We went back to Carla's and got some things ready for her Party.  We prepared the beans, rolls, and cheesy potatoes.  Then I left because Carla's daughter was coming to help and I needed to run to a friends to get some vinyl for some gifts.

Today it snowed and everything was a beautiful and white.  I loved it!

Linda Love made me vinyl pictures to put on my kids Yetti cups they are getting for Christmas.  She had me bring the cups and helped me put the vinyl on them.  They turned out cute and it was really fun visiting with Linda and spending a little time with her.

Book Club Christmas Celebration

Oh My Word....I love my book club!  We have made so many fun memories over the years.  I continually learn from these brilliant ladies.  Sometimes they even learn something from me and today that happened. (I can't remember what but it happened while we were talking around the little island)  I always look forward to book club and I'm glad that I can attend even if I don't read a book.  I am trying right now really hard to finish a book I borrowed two months ago (I borrowed two and am still on the first). I have noticed that when I try to read in the evenings its as if I just attached a huge family magnet to me.  No matter where I am my kids and hubs finds me and I am certain they do not even notice I have a book in my hands and that my eyes are focused on the pages because they all will just talk to me as if I don't.  Last night Larry even came into our room while I was sitting on the bed reading and he just talked and talked to me, then got ready for bed and turned off the light. He never noticed once that I was reading!  It's funny and frustrating.  I am determined to get this book read this week.  I really do love to read and I guess I need to read in the mornings when everyone is gone.  I just like to get things done first thing in the mornings though and would rather relax in the evening.  Oh well....I have learned to be flexible over the years and it's just time for me to adjust and change my time up a little I guess.

Our lunch to day was delicious!  I ate way more than I should have but all those flavors were just so yummy!  We all pitched in and brought things for our yummy salad.

Our gift exchange is always so much fun.  We all give to each other and then we exchange white elephant gifts.  Loretta brought us all back some homemade earrings from Africa and a cute Hippo figurine.  Kathy gave us all cute Reindeer soap dispenser that I put mine right by my kitchen sink.  Susan was super creative and got us all a dish washer and dryer. (dish cloth and towels) Suzie helped a friend make hard tack candy and we all got a jar of that and a cute apron that went with the little book she gave us last year.  She had the book for a few years and wanted to get or make us all aprons but it wasn't happening and so she ended up just giving us the book anyway.  This year she found such cute little aprons that went perfectly with her story.  Shanna found cute bags that fold up and fit in a little bag that will be great to have in the car just in case anyone needs a big bag for carrying things.  I gave everyone aloe infused, fuzzy, Christmas socks.

The white elephants gifts are always a favorite part of our party for me.  These ladies can get pretty creative.  Kathy was a little disappointed that the gift she ordered to bring had not made it yet.  She came up with something else though and will ready for next year.  Susan got the gift Kathy brought and it was a bell that sing ring for toilet paper, and some decorated toilet paper.  I hope Kathy likes Justin Bieber because she got an album and magazines of him. (Loretta came up with that)  Loretta got some Coal and an Angry Birds game. (Susan's gift)  Suzie and I ended up with each others gifts.  Suzie became a Sweet Santa with her candy beard and fuzzy hat.  I have a little squirrel and nuts to go along with the crazy, busy holiday when we all might feel a little nuts.

It was a super fun lunch and party.  We did talk about a few books but Susan is the only one that brought one share.  Shanna ended up borrowing it and I know I will want to read it to if I just finish the others first.

I had to leave so that I could go get my hair colored...the gray was shining through too much!

Food For 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!!! 

 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
HOLIDAY FAVES  

 

Breakfast ~ What is your favorite part of the holidays? I love all the get together's with friends and family. I love the Lights, Music, Decorations, treats and wonderful movies. I pretty much like it all  Least favorite? ok....I actually don't love Christmas Day only because it means it's all over.  It's kind of a let down for me.

Lunch ~ What is your favorite treat of the holidays? I would have to say Fudge.  It's almost the only time of the year that I even eat fudge.  I love fudge and there are are a few really good recipes out there.  I also like peanut brittle and think of it as a holiday treat.
 
Dinner ~ What is your favorite tradition of Christmas? I love our family Christmas Parties.  I love giving each family a new Christmas Book each year.  I love driving around and looking at all the pretty lights on others houses.  They make me happy!

Midnight Snack ~ What is your favorite Christmas song? I don't think I have a favorite.  I love most of the Christmas songs I hear.  I love the fun ones and the spiritual one....I love them all.

Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)  If you can't or don't do something then it probably doesn't really need to be done.  I think we worry and stress too much about things that don't really matter.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Those Special Girls I get to Serve

Tonight a lot of wonderful things happened.  I asked Dyan last week if she would check into seeing if we could get our Girls to the Heber Valley Girls Camp for next year, 2017.  She did not waste time and we are going to that wonderful camp in 2017!  I think right now might be a great time to say that the long wait for my two counselors was worth it.  They are perfect and I could not have asked for anyone better.  I love how Barbie and Dyan have just got right into helping the girls and loving them.  They are very helpful to me and do anything I ask of them.  I couldn't be happier with their service.  Virginia was a continued blessing and I am thankful that she will still be with us for awhile.  Mona Ruth is always very loving and helpful with the gals.  Oh and our cute piano player, Lori is more involved this year and helping us each week.  I really appreciate her for just coming in and joining us. She sees who needs a little help and just does what needs done.  It's a perfect group of ladies to work with.

I feel the spirit guiding and directing me weekly and sometimes I almost feel like I am an outsider looking in and marvel that I am even able to do what I do.  I adore these special needs ladies I get to serve.  I love that they know it too.  I get a few that come up from behind and pat by back or others that make sure I see them. I'm getting lots more hugs lately too. These gals are so loving and they respect me for being their leader at this time.  Jessica D....didn't want to quit hugging me tonight and it's all because I told her that her favorite leader of all time was coming to camp with us again this summer to help cook the food.  Jessica was so happy and I was the one the reaped the reward by her wonderful hugs all night.  I think Heaven must feel like nights like this.

Tonight Dyan had the gals dip caramel pretzel rods and almond joys.  Dyan had everything ready and was very organized.  It went well and the girls all had a great time dipping their yummy treats.  I was very impressed with the evening.  I had to laugh a little when Dyan asked me what our budget was and showed me a bill for almost $100.  These treats were a little costly but hey it's Christmas time and these girls our worth it.  I actually am not sure what our budget is and until I am told more specifically I am not going to worry.  We are usually pretty conservative.  I did make everyone a little Christmas gift too.  A little popcorn covered to look like a snowman with some warm gloves as his hat. The girls were all so excited and very appreciative.  It was such a fun evening and to top it all off Dale got pie for everyone!

Merry Christmas Our Wonderful Friends!

Daughters of Utah Pioneers

Today after bowling we had the Daughter of Utah Pioneers Christmas Luncheon.  Shanna had it at her house and went to a lot of work.  She cooked Turkey, potatoes, rolls and had a yummy salad bar.  I was really glad that Kathy felt good this month and was able to join us.  It was fun having her there with us.  I really enjoy DUP.  I learn a lot about different pioneers and find the stories interesting.

I really enjoy the other ladies that I am getting to know better as well.  It's fun and I'm glad that I finally let Shanna talk me into joining.  My dad's grand grandparents were pioneers and that is why I can be a member.  Carla doesn't have pioneer ancestors and so she can only be an associate....that's what my mom is too.

I didn't get a picture of the cute cupcake pin cushions that Carol Earl made for everyone but they were darling and displayed so cute.

At the end of the lesson we went around the room and shared a Christmas Memory with everyone. It was fun hearing from everyone.  I shared the time that I went to answer the door and Santa jumped in.  When he asked me what I would like I told him a baby doll and he brought me a Pebble's baby. I loved her.  I also mentioned that I Still Believe in Santa.  When my kids got older and questioned me about Santa, I told them they could believe what they wanted but I still believed in Santa and he was as real as they wanted him to be.  Santa is a magical symbol of Christmas.

Carla shared about her Christmas Tree Birthday Cake that she would get each year since her birthday is the 18th.  Even when her mom passed her nieces, daughters and brother would still make sure she got a Christmas Tree Cake.  Sara told Carla to make sure and bring the Tree Pan when she goes to visit next week. I love that!

Kathy shared how in the evening when her kids were young they would hear Santa's bells.  The kids knew that Santa was making his rounds and that they had better go to bed and to sleep.  She also shared that she had to tell her youngest when she was going to a new junior high that Santa was different from her beliefs because she didn't want her to be teased.

I love this time of year!  I love all the wonderful friend and family gatherings.  I love the lights and decorations and all the yummy food.  I love the "feeling" in the air that is an abundance of LOVE!

Sick

I was sick all through the night!  I spent part of the night on the cold bathroom floor because I didn't have the energy to get to my bed, or back if I needed.  I hate being sick and I'm very glad I don't experience it often.  At one point Larry said it was 3:30 am and I responded "good".  I was so glad that I still had a few hours to get better.  I had a big day planned.

I was planning on taking Larry's mom to the Airport so she could go visit Shari.  Carla was going to come with me because I was also going to take her to lunch for her birthday since she will be at her cute daughters on her birthday.  Well when it was closer to that time I knew there was no way I was going to be able to pull myself together.  I was improving but not fast enough.  Trichelle ended up taking Grandma and I rescheduled with Carla.  I washed the sheets and towels to wash away the yucky germs and that wore me out.  I made my bed again and decided that I was just going to have a day at home to rest.  Jaydan and Kimleighel went and got me some sprite and crackers and I rested the entire day.  I did get up after a few hours and put a few ornaments on the tree.  I just hadn't taken the time until today to do so.  I read and napped and after a few hours I was feeling a bit stronger.  I still ached a little and so I took a few pain relievers. I rested a little more and then decided I was done being sick. I showered and got ready to go with Carla to Debbie's Cookie party!

 Carla and I decided to combine our cookies and split the ones we exchanged for. I made banana cookies and Carla made oatmeal chocolate chip.  (my two favorite cookies)  We exchanged for  a bunch of different kinds. Carla gave me more of her oatmeal cookies for my family and they were the first to go.  I think the cookie exchange is a good idea but I prefer not to exchange.  I would rather just go and visit and that is what I have done over the last several years if I have been able to make it at all.  I know Debbie makes plates up for her neighbors but I don't and so the exchange isn't wonderful for me.  Carla is using the cookies for a treat tomorrow for the DUP luncheon.  I enjoyed visiting with Lynn.  Lynn is funny and she is the one who gave up her spot at bowling so Carla could bowl.  Lynn didn't exchange this year.  She just came to visit.  I guess she stayed until 11:00.  Debbie messaged me a thank you for coming and added that I always light up the events that I attend!  That sure made me smile.....like a big smile! ☺

For a day that started out "crappy" it ended pretty sweet!