Ropelato Family Christmas Party

We had our Ropelato Family Christmas Party tonight.  I love that we still get together with Larry's parents and siblings and their families.  I am so glad that Jerry has a nice, big place to host our party and that Darinda organizes everything so well.  Those two really do take good care of us.  This year instead of me assigning everyone things to bring we made it simple.  Gramps makes such BIG pans of lasagna that we had him do that.  We also asked Erin to bring one just in case his isn't enough...it was enough.  Erin makes a yummy lasagna where us older sisters might prefer to just buy one. ☺  We then just had everyone else bring a salad, rolls or dessert.  It worked out great!  We had plenty of everything and no stress.  I made jello jigglers this year and they were a hit.  The food was yummy but the company was better.

I rotated around the tables so that I could at least see everyone.  I like staying connected and wast to be sure to take advantage of these times since they don't happen but once a year now.  Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.  Larry's cousin, Wendy and her hubby and son with his family joined us tonight.  Larry's other cousin Dan and his wife did as well.  I am glad they did...the more the merrier.

 After dinner, Darinda got out the Nativity costumes and the little ones dressed up.  I love looking up and seeing all the little angles.  Our family is short on boys this generation...we only have a few and so this year even Joseph was a girl.☺  I love including the Nativity in our Christmas Celebration since that is what Christmas is all about.  I think the little's enjoy it too.  Larry was the narrator and was prepared with his reading glasses.  Darinda has asked him for years now and so he came prepared.

 Santa visited after the kids did the Nativity and the only little that wasn't real thrilled was our little Sadie.  She was frightened and hid her cute face in her mommy's shoulder until he was gone.  I remember last year the little ones that were about her age were the same way.  (she's 20 months)  Santa brings the kids cute socks which isn't really a surprise to them but they all enjoy getting their gifts.

Everyone helped clean up...or at least were suppose to help.  Actually we got off easy this year because Jerry had us leave a lot of the tables and chairs up since he was going to use them in the following days.  It was a fun night.

I love watching everyone grow up and interact.  My cute niece, Kaylee made my night.  She came up to me and started talking and mentioned that she had read the book I wrote about Jared's experience and ours.  She was touched by it and made sure to tell me.  She doesn't know how much that meant to me.  I always remember who approaches me and especially when they compliment me.  I left feeling happy and thankful.

Sista Christmas Party

Oh my heck...I have such fun friends.  We met at Carla's for our Christmas Party.  Since I learned to make caramel apples from Lisa it was decided that I should teach everyone else.  I was okay with that because since Lisa taught me I have made over 20.  I know what I'm doing.  I tried to remember all the tricks Lisa taught me so I could teach everyone else.  I think that lesson went well.  The apples were made and looked lovely by the time we were done.  Have I mentioned how fun my friends are?

We had a little lunch before we got started on the apples.  We had pizza and salad and a few desserts.  I made Carla a rice krispie cupcake since her birthday was yesterday and she loves rice krispies.  

A few weeks ago Carla and I bought everyone a Christmas Stocking and  we had them hanging on the chairs.  We all brought gifts to fill them. I really thought that was a fun idea.  We had a fun variety of gifts.  The gift I had bought didn't get put in the stockings because I didn't think I had enough.  I did have enough though because a few gals that said they were coming didn't show up.  I decided I will give them to those that came anyway.  They were little fans you plug into your phone to cool you off.  A "cool" gift for gals my age.

 After enjoying our lunch I demonstrated how to make the caramel apples.  We washed the apples before in vinegar water to help remove the wax.  Everyone made their apple as we went.  The caramel was soft and worked really well.  Getting the caramel on the apples went much smoother than it has for me.  Next we dipped and sprinkled cinnamon sugar on them.  I melted the white chocolate and explained that you didn't want it too thick but nice and creamy.  Everyone dipped their apples and the chocolate remained good for them all.  Jodi double dipped her apple and so her chocolate was much thicker.  She wanted it smooth. I have noticed that sometimes the apple isn't as smooth as I would like but once they are done it isn't noticeable.  Piping the colors on the top was hilarious to me.  It isn't as easy as it looks.  However, the sprinkles kind of disguise that too.  I think they all turned out well when we were done.  We put them in cute bags and added ribbon and they were perfect for gift giving.

We had to take a few more pictures before everyone left.  I love having pictures though because they help me remember all the fun we had.  Those cute aprons we are wearing were in our stockings along with a pillow case, chocolate cinnamon bears, chocolate bar and Santa bell, a pez dispenser, a chocolate wand from Harry Potter world in Florida, and a mitten coin purse. It was pretty fun having a stocking full of surprises.

  

I love my friends and I'm glad that we all enjoy making memories together.  I think getting together with family and friends is one of the things that makes this time of year so wonderful.  It's about Love and Sharing it with Others!

Spiritual Sunday

I must say at this time of year there is so much to remember and sometimes I forget.  Even if I have written it down because if I don't remember to look where it was written then...you know...I don't remember.  Today that happened.  I went to church and enjoyed listening to Heidi Mead report about her mission.  I have watched this cute girl grow and I was even her visiting teacher for years and her mission has been so good for her.  She is so much more confident and out going.  She will always be a bit shy and reserved but it's evident that she believes in herself.  The spirit was great and I loved hearing her message.

Immediately after our meeting we left to go listen to our cute niece, Jackie Ropelato report on her mission.  As we were driving I mentioned to Larry that Justin had mentioned that he was speaking in his ward today.  He didn't invite us but had just told me yesterday when I told him about Jackie speaking.  That's when Larry reminded me that Jaydan too was speaking today.  I had written it down on the calendar and even put it in my phone about Jaydan but that was a few weeks ago and I didn't remember.  Dang...I felt so bad.  Jaydan's church was a 9:00 and so it was over.  I text him and told him that I was sorry and that I just didn't look at the calendar and my mind has been on overload for a few weeks.  I'm sure Jaydan and Justin did great because they are great kids.

Jackie's ward was interesting.  They started late and didn't get through with the sacrament until 20 minutes to the hour.  They had 12 deacons passing the sacrament and still had to prepare and bless a few more trays of water.  There were a lot of people visiting that ward today. Not only was Jackie reporting on her mission but they had another Sister Missionary talking that was just leaving.  That gal talked until 12:00 which technically left Jackie with 5 minutes.  I was anxious at the end of the other gals talk...I wanted her to end and she even said she needed to cut things short but I didn't notice it happening.  She thanked each person in her family in detail.  My blood pressure was rising.  I really wanted to hear from Jackie.  When Jackie did get to speak she did a great job.  She didn't seem stressed about the time being gone and she reported on her mission very nicely.  She took about 15 minutes and I was glad.  Her talk was perfect and her spirit was strong.  She served a great mission.

I love listening to others speak about how the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes peoples lives.  I love seeing it happen.  It's true ... it does!  When we are following Christ and letting God guide us and direct us, life is pretty darn good.  I love the Gospel and Know it's true!  No Questions About It!

***Larry and I stopped by the Meads later that night and had a nice visit with their family.  As we were leaving a few nice things were shared with us that sure made me feel good.  Lorraine shared that when her and Kevin went to get his visa for his mission, my sister in law had helped them.  She told Kevin that she was the gal that Larry talked about when he told the young men not to have girl friends before their missions.  Larry's brother married the gal he left home just weeks before Larry got home.  Kevin pondered that and then said something like...Larry got the better deal.  Kevin just smiled as his mom told me and I high-fived him.  Then Lance told me that he had always thought I was one of the better looking Lakette's in High School.  Sweet!  It was nice hearing and I can't imagine ever getting tired or bored of hearing nice things.  It's those little acts of kindness that matter just as much as a big one.

Lakeview Ward Bishopric Dinner

Larry is the High Councilman over the Lakeview ward and so we were lucky and got invited to their Bishopric dinner.  We went to Ruby River.  I got coconut shrimp because I wasn't very hungry.  I think they had to go catch the shrimp because it took forever for them to bring them to me.  Cute Megan next to me was waiting for me to get my food before she would eat and finally I just told her to eat before her meal got cold.  It was yummy though when it finally came out.  This is a fun Bishopric and I felt very comfortable being around them.  I know they all love Larry....what's not to love? ☺

Larry drove by the lights in Roy because he knows how much I love the lights.  I was stretching to see them and so he drove around the block and drove right to them.  The Christmas lights do something magical to my soul.  The lights represent the Light of Christ...I love them!

It was a fun night with my cute hubby!

Crazy Kid

This child of mine cracks me up. I bet the cross fit gym he goes to enjoys him.  In fact, these pictures were sent to me from my friend that goes there too.  Jaydan is funny and creative.  He was going for the look of the Grinch.  Jaydan is also very strong and works hard at getting stronger.  I love my little green boy!

Food 4 Thought Friday!

Food 4 Thought Friday! 

A little feast without the calories!! 

Go here to JOIN IN!!! 

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HO-HO-HO! 

Breakfast ~ What is your favorite part of Christmas preparation?  When everything is up and finished, bought and wrapped. Least favorite?  I don't like having to carry in all the decorations or return the boxes to the garage.

Lunch ~ What one thing would make Christmas just not Christmas for you? If there weren't any Christmas Lights...I Love the Lights. Or traditions..I love traditions!

Dinner ~  What is your favorite Christmas song? I love all the songs...I seriously don't have a favorite. Maybe it would be "Mary Did You Know?"   Movie?  Elf and Miracle on 34th Street...and The Grinch. Treat? Fudge...and sugar coated corn pops. Tradition? I love our family parties, cereal for the kids at home and grands, new ornaments reminding us what our Christmas was about, and Christmas Cards.

Midnight Snack ~ How do you fit in all the extra things that have to be done during the holiday season? I try to start early.  I like having my cards ready to mail after Thanksgiving.  Decorate early and have gifts bought..I feel a sense of peace being organized early.

Recipe for the Week ~  (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for the week?) Enjoy The Now!  Slow Down and Focus on all the Wonderful Things!  

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Terrific Thursday

Today at bowling we celebrated Carla,  I took Rice Krispie treats for everyone instead of cake because I know that's what Carla would prefer.  She loves Rice Krispie treats!  Our team is in first place and we have two weeks to go.  Hopefully we can stay on top.  I like my team...they're fun!  I really could care less if we take first but I know the rest of my team wants to.  I go for the fun and so I can see all my wonderful friends that I have grown to love that like to bowl.

We had a Christmas Party immediately after with the DUP group.  Shanna hosted and it was really nice.  We had Hawaiian Haystacks which Carla admitted she has never made.  She's going to though because she liked them and they really are so easy.  A few of my grands request that dinner on the Sunday's they come.

 After the Daughters of Utah Pioneers party it was about time to leave for Special Needs.  The Tremonton 10th Ward was coming to host our Christmas Party.  They love to come every year because they love our group of friends.  It was fun and very organized.  They had a table where you could frost and eat Christmas cookies, a table to play Bingo, a table to make a cute ornament and then they had Santa come.  I loved that Santa was there the whole time.  The participants could go visit with him when it was convenient for them and didn't have to stand in a line.  It was a fun night.

 I love being with these people...they truly are pretty darn wonderful. In fact, one of the Adults from Tremonton got teary eyed as he told me how he was telling his youth that they were standing in the presence of Celestial Beings.  He is right about that!  Tonight some of our friends brought gifts to share.  One gal, Crystal Cluff had a big tote full of cookies and treats that she had made for everyone.  She was wearing an elf shirt and hat and had a huge smile the whole night.  She told me she had a blast making everything.  She bagged everything so it was easy to give away and share.  I got cookies and chocolate and cards from a few others.

The nice thing about tonight was that I didn't have to stay until everyone left.  I helped clean up a little and took off.  I can do that now since I am the Camp Director and no longer in the Presidency...I like that!

I took the Nativities that were left a few weeks ago and gave them to some of the girls that hadn't come that night.  I got a call the next morning and Jess told me that they were hers and Emily's.  I wonder why she hadn't called me two weeks ago...or even last night when I still had them.  I told her I gave them away and she was fine with it.  I also told her I would make her and Emily another one since I do have enough wood.  I had one kit left and a piece of scrap wood that will be enough for a Mary and Joseph.  I will have to buy some heads for one set but that's all.  I appreciated her attitude when I told her I gave them away.  She was fine with that but I do want her to have one too.