A Magical Activity

Tonight I was over the activity for Special Needs.  I had everything prepared and was excited.  Before the activity I let the girls know that I had been released and that Barbie was the new President.  I then let them know that I was called to be the new Camp Director and so I would still be around.  I know they liked that as much as I do.

I had kits placed around the tables and ready for the activity. We were making a cute Nativity to start this Season off.  Carla and I had spread the big pillows we made them for Christmas around the room and they were excited to put claims on theirs. (these gifts were from all the leaders...everyone went in on the stuffing)  We painted first and then they got to pick a pillow.  While we were painting we had a few issues come up.  Right away a new gal named Amy said she didn't feel good.  She took a pillow and laid down on the floor. Then on the other side of the room another gal, Jessica said she was going to pass out and so she was on the floor.  Everyone else pretty much continued making their craft.  I am so thankful for all the leaders that help ... everyone gets in and does what needs to be done. The leaders really help things run as smoothly as possible. We were getting to the end of the night and Holy Heck...Things shifted gears.  We had the men in assisting the girls on the floor. (I didn't realize they needed assisting)  Soon a call to 911 was made because Amy was having a seizure. WHAT THE HECK?  I was being asked personal questions about her...how old is she?, what are her special needs?  I didn't know the answers.  I only knew her name.  I looked around the room and realized I couldn't answer those questions for any of the girls.  I don't know their special needs...I just love them.  During all the commotion, Kay ran out of Oxygen and was having a hard time breathing.  I was frantically trying to find her inhaler.  Oh my....this was not how I pictured this evening ending.  It wasn't as magical as I had imagined or hoped it to be. It was crazy! I teased that this is what happens when we make changes.  (this has never happened before...tonight was the worst)

I was really thankful that the men leaders were there to help.  The old leaders would have left after their activity and we would have been on our own.  This group of men always come to see if we need any kind of help before they leave.  I was so glad they were there tonight and were able to help us with the girls that were having problems.  They took right over and handled things great.

I'm a little worried about what might happen at girls camp.  I might have to talk to a few gals and make sure they are prepared to have a caregiver come with them.  I might even have to talk a few out of coming.  The last few months this kind of thing has happened five times and I'm pretty sure it has been with the gals.  I think it was a good time for me to be released.

(I didn't take pictures because I forgot and was pretty busy)

Celebrating Susan

Today after bowling I met my cute friends at Applebee's to celebrate Susan's birthday.  She will turn 70 tomorrow.  I have been friends with her and my other neighbors for about 25 years and we have a lot of fun memories together.  I love traveling with Susan and Kathy because they are so much fun.  Susan has so much energy and likes to see everything.  Susan is very talented and can do anything.  She's a super cook, a  mighty hunter, very crafty, an organizer, a speaker and a wonderful friend.  I love her to pieces and love making memories with her.  I've learned a lot from watching these women and I'm a better person for following their examples.  I'm so lucky to have such wonderful neighbors and friends.

We chatted a lot today and just enjoyed being together.  We talked about missions and how Susan might put in to serve again.  We talked about the Temple and how blessed we are to have them. We talked about values and the things we have learned and how those things aren't being instilled in the women today.  We also talked about judging and just being obedient.  I mentioned it's not fair to judge and Heavenly Father loves us regardless but Susan reminded me that obedience is a big thing and we will be blessed for being obedient.  So I guess it's normal to notice differences in others and maybe not agree with everyone's choices but to realize it's about being obedient and doing what we feel is right.  What's wrong or right for me isn't necessarily the same for another.  Life is Good!

Temple and Pedicure

I decided to go to the Temple again with my friends today.  It was funny when we were getting off the elevator as the doors opened one of the Sealers was right there and stopped in his tracks with a great big smile on his face when he saw us.  It made my day.  I love that the Sealers look forward to us going as much as we look forward to seeing them.  I love the spirit of love that fills the Temple....it's always there.  Today there was a guy named Pearlia.  I think it's a pretty name but not so much for a guy.  America was the middle name of one of the women.  I like that and think you could get a few cute nick names with America.  One Sealer complimented me for being the perfect proxy for daughters.  He liked that I smiled while I was being sealed.  Being involved in sealing families seriously makes me happy and so I am going to smile...besides...I like smiling...smiling is my favorite. ☺

I was happy that my calendar didn't have much on it today.  I was ready to meet a friend but she cancelled and so I decided to go get a pedicure.  The rest of the month is filling up fast and so I took the opportunity today to go relax and be pampered.  I even got to enjoy a free paraffin wax treatment.  My feet are soft and I am happy and ready for the Holidays.

Orson Gygi's

Ever since Lisa showed me how she does caramel apples, I have been wanting to go to Orson Gygi's.  I know that I could probably get most of what I need around Ogden but Lisa likes the white chocolate from Gygi's the most and so I wanted that kind.  I looked at my calendar and this week was the best time for me to go.  The timing was all contingent on the weather and when it was clear today I decided I was going.  I text Carla and she was in.  Then I thought I should see if Jodi was feeling spontaneous.  Jodi was eager and it worked out great since her Harp lesson was today and she was down this way already.  Carla and I picked Jodi up in Kaysville and off we went.  This store really shouldn't be this fun but when you are with the right crowd it just might be hilarious.  It sure was for us.  We walked around the store a few times trying to see everything.  We had little carts and they were filling up.

The aisle with the cake pans just might have set us off.  It started with the fine apple pans that Jodi found.  We all knew exactly how to hold them! ☺  We tried taking a selfie but couldn't get Jodi's pans in and so we asked for help.  People are usually willing to help us out.  I think we make them laugh out loud.  I was giggling so hard.  It's all in how you display the pans....oh my!  The last one of Jodi with the muffin tin doesn't look as funny until you mention the word "cow"...then it's a crack up! ☺

Do you know what's funny?  ....... We Are!  It's even funnier that we crack ourselves up!  I like our company!  I love being with others where I can be silly and just be me without holding back.  That's exactly why God lead me to these fun girls and a few others that I like to laugh with.  He Knew!

There were Chef jackets just hanging there and so of course we had to put them on. I actually kind of liked them.  Carla reminded me more of a Doctor...Dr Carla!  Jodi and I looked like we could go cook at Kobe's or Teppanyaki's.  Jodi found the chocolate. I'm pretty sure her nose led her right to it.  I actually bought a bar of chocolate that big a few years ago.

After checking every aisle out a few times and adding to our carts we decided it was time to go.  Each of our totals were over.....I decided that I won't share but they were all close and more than I planned on spending.  But, heck I have caramel, pans, flavorings, paper cups, sticks, clips, chocolate, sprinkles and everything I need to make some awesome caramel apples for years!

On the way home Carla and I stopped and bought some apples and then we quickly went to her house to make a few caramel apples.  We hurried and they didn't quite turn out as pretty as the ones I made with Lisa but we figured out why.....we were hurrying to much.  We cut the first one up and it was yummy.  Lisa has had years of practice and I had one lesson and so I know we will become good at it quickly.

I had to rush home so that I could go to the Temple with Larry.  Larry just started getting half a day off now on Tuesdays and so I think we will be heading to the Temple more often again.  Tonight it was the Ward Temple night for the ward he's over and we figured that was a good reason to go.

Christmas Card and Family Letter

Hello Family and Friends,

Wow...does the time fly by or what?  I'm not complaining though because there is so much good that continues to happen.  We are truly blessed as a family.  I love this time of the year to reconnect with loved ones and focus more on our Savior, Jesus Christ...it really is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! 

Well nothing too much has changed for Larry or I.  We still have the same callings as last year and are wearing the same clothes. (whew) We don't have any new hips, knees or teeth so I'd say we are great.

Trichelle and TJ sold their little rental in Ogden and Trichelle is working part  time from home.  Their kids; Ivy, Zaden and Behrenger are getting big and learning lots all the time.  Behr was our earliest to walk and was popping up off the floor and cruising around before his first birthday. Ivy and Zaden are doing well and Zaden can now talk to Ivy in Spanish if he wants because he knows how.

Justin and Natalie are still really wanting to build by us but for some reason they are where they are suppose to be for now. (Roy)  Their little's are doing great.  Mya was baptized and Parker is in school all day which means Macie gets all the attention and pretty much loves that.  (I forget she's only two)

Kevin and Julie built a new home in Hooper and became the proud parents of twins in May.  Kamryn and Jordyn adore their little siblings, Brynlie and Briggs.  They are both really great big sisters.  The babies are doing great and growing perfectly. Kam was baptized and for their Wards Primary Program she gave her part in Spanish.

Braxton and Kelsi stay busy chasing their cute little Sadie around.  Sadie is learning so much right now and is getting ready to be a big sister in March.  A little guy will be joining their cute family. ☺

Jaydan is on his own and living in Roy.  He is really into Crossfit.  He works for Larry part of the time and gives massages the other part of the week. He is still single and looking. (I bet he'll love me for adding that)

Kimleighel is now a lunch lady at the Jr. High and is loving it.  She recently cut her hair into a cute pixie style and looks cute no matter how long her hair is.  She still helps with the little ones when she can.

Jared is a Senior and will be able to start his mission papers soon.  He's a big help to Larry with absolutely everything.  He feeds the cows and works at the shop after school when needed.

We enjoy our time together with the family.  We try to make opportunities for togetherness as often as possible.  Our family is blessed!  We are thankful for You and glad that You are in our lives.

We pray that you will be blessed this upcoming year and that many wonderful blessings will come your way.

Merrry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love, The Ropelato's

Thanksgiving

I love having friends and family together to celebrate Thanksgiving.  We were missing a few of our kids this year.  They are always missed but I don't mind sharing.  We were happy to have Scott and Erin's family join us this year as well as Carla, Roger and my mom.  Larry's mom came just in time for a group picture and was able to stay and visit for quite awhile.  Her and Clark prefer going out for Thanksgiving Dinner....it's easier for Clark.  Everyone enjoyed a wonderful meal, football and visiting.  The girls played games and the babies were never left a lone.   I love watching Mallory, Hayley and even Brittney love on Brynlie and Briggs.  They love babies and are so cute with them.  I was just like them.  I have always loved babies.

Larry's football team won their game.  The Lions were behind in the 4th quarter like they have been all year and came back to win.  They have been famous for coming back in the fourth quarter which is a good thing if you are a Lions fan.

I thought today was relaxing and nice.  I started preparing in the morning but was able to take breaks in between.  I didn't feel pressured or stressed.  Everyone brought yummy dishes to share and we had plenty of pie to choose from.  I always wish I had the ability to eat like I did when I was a kid on Thanksgiving.  I get so full so quickly these days but I still manage to at least sample a few different pies.

Everyone helped clean up and so everything turned out perfect.  Our Family is Very Blessed!

Grateful

Today I was invited to share a Thanksgiving Dinner with Kevin's cute little ones.  I thought I would make it but wasn't able to.  I sent Ivy in my place with Gramps.  I was having my eyebrows touched up at Trichelle's along with her and Debbie.  I went last and so we hadn't even started mine by the time the lunch was being served.  I'm glad they took a picture and sent lunch home for Larry.  I am thankful I was able to get my eyebrows touched up and that she used a lighter color this time.

Sadie was still at our house because Kelsi had to work and Kimi and Jared were tending her.  I was so glad that she was still there because she lights up my life. Sadie is so cute and happy.  We all thought it was a short day for Kelsi because we didn't take time to really think about what day it was and so instead of putting Sadie down when she was starting to get tired we went outside and played.  Sadie and I wiggled around the driveway while Ivy scooted on the scooter.  It was kind of cold and I think it was while we were out there that it hit me, it was a regular day for Kelsi.  I asked Sadie if she would like to go Nigh Night and she did.  She wasn't as sure when I actually put her down but I knew she was tired and so I let her fuss for a minute.  I let her know it was alright and soon she was sleeping. She was a happy girl again when her mommy picked her up.  I'm thankful for grands and their cute parents.