Jared's Announcements

I made Jared's Graduation and Mission Announcements up and got them ordered.  I like doing them myself.  I'm proud of this boy and will be the Happiest Mommy when he graduates...he's close.  Jared's a funny kid, if he isn't interested in something he just doesn't do it.  But, when he is interested in something he talks about it all the time and puts his whole heart into it.  Needless to say English isn't interesting to him. YIKES!  My stress levels are high right now and will be until I see that he is passing.  He does't enjoy reading or writing and so he doesn't. He did so well last quarter that I wasn't even concerned. I have had many talks with this boy about having to do things in life just because.  I mentioned he would be reading a lot on his mission and actually his response gave me peace of mind.  He said "I understand and enjoy the scriptures."  Whew...but come on son....liken English to running and do it even though it's hard. (he loves track)  I can't wait to see his thoughts on School in a few years.

Jared's a good kid.  He has a heart of gold and he really does try to do what is right.  Sometimes he's a little hard on himself and compares himself to his older siblings...their strengths/his weaknesses.  I know Jared will do well in life.  He is smart and a hard worker.  I know he will be an awesome missionary.  He lights up whenever his mission is brought up.  I love this kid!

When Justin was leaving for his mission the photographer had me get a picture with him and so it's became a tradition.  I like to sneak it in their luggage and I have one out on a shelf to look at for the two years too!

Charles (Chuck) L. Ropelato

Larry's Uncle Chuck passed away this week.  He is gramps older brother!  I remember Chuck always smiling and so pleasant.  Him and Louise always supported our kids if they were invited to anything.  I'm happy for him but I know he will be missed because he was truly loved!

Connor

Connor, our buddy has been after us for months to come see him at his group home.  Life is so busy but we finally made it.  It was kind of hard getting in and I regretted it right at first because the smell was very unpleasant.  It's not that the place was dirty but there are a lot of adults and diapers. Connor was excited that we finally made it.  We suggested we visit outside which is what we did but then Connor wanted to introduce us to his friends.  Everyone in the place is his friend.  Connor's behavior has changed a little...I heard him cuss at a friend.  I also heard him tell an older guy that he needed an enema. haha  Larry and I were told a naughty joke by one of the guys. (I think Tony)  He looked at me and said "I know why you can't get pregnant"....then he pointed at Larry and said "because he has a Halloweenie".   Oh my goodness...we just laughed and moved on.  I was anxious to leave and I probably won't go visit Connor there again.  I think the workers are Angels and I really hope that they treat the occupants nicely.  I ask Connor if they are nice and he says they are.  I love Connor and I'm glad he's living with a bunch of friends.  He likes being home best though but knows he needs to be here to be taken care of.  His Uncle was an occupant here years ago.  Connor's grandma needed a break after years of caring for her son and Connor.

Park Ward Program

My good friend, Kellie Cooke who is the RS President of the Park Ward was able to get Tylinn Tilley and Tiffany Stoker to come and speak to our Stake Young Womens and Relief Society about their Bear Lake Experience a few years back.  These girls were with their friends having a start of summer party when the winds picked up and sent their boat tossing.  These two cute girls were able to survive and so was the mother of the girl who was having the party.  The dad, little sister and two other young girls did not survive.  It was a horrific experience and these girls did a fabulous job of telling their story.  They likened their story to Christ several times.  They recognized the tender mercies of God that they received.  They are true disciples of Christ and their testimonies are strong even though they are still challenged at times.  I loved listening to them.  Tylinn's older sister also spoke of her experience.  She was on the other side of the rescue.  She assisted on the beach as they brought the others to shore.  I loved how loved and supported they were and still are.   

It was a wonderful meeting and I was glad that Carla attended it with me.  I felt the spirit throughout the meeting and was really hoping that Carla would also and that she would recognize it.  I know she enjoyed the meeting but she struggles with her beliefs.  

***a little funny that happened.  I was sure the meeting was at 7:00 and so I picked Carla up just before 6:30.  We got to the Church and the parking lot was full.  It was raining and I thought it was strange that so many would be there so early.  We went inside just as they opening prayer was being said.  So, instead of being about 25 minutes early we were actually 5 minutes late.  We got good seats though even though we walked in late.

Pedicures for the Girls

Kimleighel and I went to the store today to see if there was any stuffed bunnies discounted for next Easter.  Everything was really picked over and the only thing I picked up was a cute book about the Atonement.  That just might be what the Easter Bunny leaves next year on the porches.

Trichelle called us to see if we wanted to get pedicures and it was on her.  I just had one and so I went and visited and enjoyed the massage chair.  Trichelle is getting ready for Costa Rica and wanted her nails done.  I always enjoy whatever time I get with my kid and try to be available when they ask me to join them.  I love these cuties!

My Monday!

I was so giddy and excited for Jodi today!  She is living her dream and running in the Boston Marathon.  The girl has worked HARD and put in so much time to be ready for this day. It's so exciting!  I'm so happy for her!  When I heard that this was happening the day after Easter I knew there was no way I was going to be able to be there with her.  Trying to get a missionary off is costly and I would have felt too guilty putting that stress on my hubby...plus I couldn't be away on Easter...I just couldn't.  But....I might have been one of her biggest cheerleaders..there or not!  I thought of her all day and kept checking the news.  I'm not kidding Jodi was on my mind constantly even with so much happening. I'm ecstatic that she is doing what she has worked so hard to do.  Yeah Jodi!!!

I was thrilled that so many of the "sista's" were able to get away and go support her in person.  I was worried at first but once one made the commitment the others jumped right on board!  These gal's are awesome!  Jodi's family were there for her too....I think that is so cool!  It's because Jodi is so wonderful and easy to love and support!  What an accomplishment!

 I got to enjoy Braxton and Kelsi's little's today for a few hours.  I sure adore them and loved snuggling on little Jack.  Sadie is just fun to watch.  She is great at entertaining herself and has a cute little imagination.  What joys these little ones are!  I love being a gramma!

When the babies went home, Carla came over and helped me get things for Girls Camp organized.  I had everything put aside but we got things in containers so it's more organized and will be easy to pull out at camp as we need it.  I added a pillow and a few sheets and dish towels to this pile and I'm set.  I don't have to worry or think much about camp now except for getting permission slips to everyone and back again.  It's going to be fun!  Oh...I guess I still need to make a few crafts for examples...but whoopie!  I'm Ready! Woot Woot!!!

I invited Carla and gramps to dinner and made a pork roast.  It was yummy.  Carla and I went with Larry to a widow's to turn her water lines back on and then to Dale Widdison's to discuss the menu for camp.  I turned all the food over to him because he's the best at knowing amounts and how to cook for crowds. (our group is not a crowd to him at all)  I'm feeling great!

My Favorite Sunday

Easter Sunday is my Favorite Sunday of the Year.  I love the feeling I get on this day.  I love thinking of Jesus Christ and the love He has for each and every one of us.  I feel sad about all the things that happened the last week of His life but those things also bring me peace. His love and life give us all hope....hope of returning to our Heavenly Parents again and being with our families forever.  I love the thought of the resurrection...what a glorious thing.  This holiday probably doesn't get enough attention for what a HUGE event it represents.  I enjoy the fun traditions we have but really as a whole I don't focus on the greatness of Easter like I really should.  Maybe I need to change things up a little and do a few more things before Easter to give attention to this day.  It's such a special day!

I remember as a little girl I knew that this day was special.  Even then I felt a difference in my soul.  It's a reverent feeling...so surreal....and one of beauty.  I love attending Church and hearing the messages of our Savior on Easter.  It's truly my favorite.

We didn't have a house full for dinner today.  Jaydan and Gramps joined us but it was enjoyable having them over.  Since it was quiet and we had time we decided that we would go visit Larry's mom.  We had a nice visit with her and then as we were leaving I felt like we should go check on the twins.

When we got there they were getting the kids ready for bed and I guess we just missed a lot of  tension.  Kevin said he was just thinking that the twins could use a blessing since they were both feverish and he was thinking about calling one of his brothers or dad.  Then the thought came to him that it would be cool if someone got a prompting and just showed up.  Hmmmmm....about that time we knocked.  Jared and Larry helped give the twins blessings and we came home.

Larry had another prompting today.  He felt like he was suppose to invite a young, single mom that lives in our ward to church along with her little girl.  He put it off but kept having the feeling he was to invite them.  Finally he text Erin and when she text him back she thanked him but also told him that Reese was at her fathers and the pick up time was during that time.  Larry told me about it and said he wondered why he felt so prompted to invite him.  I thought of my experience earlier this week and told him "maybe to see if you would."

Trichelle's kids on Easter!

Justin's kids on Easter!

Braxton's little one on Easter!

This is what our baskets looked like this year!  I didn't fill the married kids for the first time.  I think it's time to give them their buckets to enjoy in their homes now.  It's always so weird knowing what to do and when to stop doing.

MORE COMING WHEN I GET PICTURES!