A Week of Grands

Trichelle and TJ went to Costa Rica and so I got to have their cuties for a week.  We had a lot of fun and the kids were so good.  My brother is in town and so Thursday when I picked Behr up after bowling I took him to my moms.  He was so cute and warmed up to Bennett pretty quickly.  Behrenger was being so silly and had us all laughing.  I was really glad he didn't hurt himself as he ran around.  It was fun spending a little time at my moms.

 We still had Macie on Friday and we had a good time but I think Macie prefers her Fridays with me by herself.  She kept telling me that Behr was tired and needed to take a nap.  He also kind of pushed Macie a few times but for the most part they enjoy each other.  I just thought it was funny that they didn't really want to share their gramma.

We went to Arctic Circle one day after school and then Kimleighel took the boys to the Park to play some more.  These kids are fun and prefer being outside.  We had Ivy off and on throughout the week.  She stays at her dads on Mondays and Thursdays and so we didn't see her much those days.  Maybe just for a few hours.

The kids entertain themselves pretty well.  They like the ipad, lego's, basketball, cars and little house with people.  I usually had toys all over the front room floor but the kids were also good at helping pick them up every night.  Behr is a climber and even when I moved the chairs away from the Air Hockey table he found a way to still climb on it.  The heater on the wall worked out just fine for him to climb on.  He was pretty careful though when he was on the table but I was also right there watching him.  The boys loved playing on my bed.  They were good to ask for permission.  As I watched them hide under the pillows and run around and act silly I tried to imagine what their thoughts were.  Oh the joys of being a child.

I did a lot of running around picking up kids.  Ivy stays after school often for activities and she also had dance on Wednesday.  We managed everything just fine though.  The kids went to bed good and woke up great.  Behr only had one night that he woke up and wanted to play.  It was Sunday night and I had taken some cough medicine and so I was pretty out of it while he was awake. The rest of the time Behr slept good and went down nicely.  I love when they are easy.

We did a lot of playing and watching movies.  I didn't accomplish much but I did enjoy just having the grands over.  I love their cute faces and listening to them laugh and jabber.  I love seeing Ivy grow up....well kind of....I would prefer her to be little ....but she is a really cute, fun girl who might be taller than me now.

We all went to Church even though Zaden doesn't really like to go to Church.  I let Zaden and Ivy come to class with Jared and I and they were great.  Behr enjoyed the nursery.

We went to Kevin's one night to check on the kids.  We were there when they gave the twins their breathing treatments.  It's quite the ritual and take about 45 minutes.  Kevin and Julie are such good parent.  (I think all my kids are)  Everyone was doing better which is such a relief.

I really enjoyed our week.  I enjoyed the calls from Trichelle and TJ and seeing pictures of them posted on facebook.

Hats Production

We have been practicing for our Production the last month at Special Needs Mutual.  It's about Hats and what's under them.  The songs are great. Everyone has a different hat.  I really like the hats they have for the leaders....so funny.  There are a lot of speaking parts and I hope the audience can follow what is happening.  I can but I've been listening to everyone for weeks.  There isn't any dancing this year.  Everyone just stands and sings the songs and does a little bit of hand motions.  The participants seem to really like it and so it's perfect.  I wasn't going to be there on the Friday performance but after seeing how frustrated our Specialist was with the leaders I decided I will make sure I am there and supporting this both nights.  Carla and I joke that we fit right in.  We don't know all the songs or actions but seriously I don't think it matters.  I did sit on the back row though and had Carla sit on the row in front of me...hahaha ☺  It's going to be fun!  I love this group of Special People!

I love being able to drive with Barbie to and from mutual.  We usually stop for a drink before and food after since she has grands with her that enjoy coming and don't eat dinner first.  I know my time is getting close but if Barbie has her way I'll still be in for another year.  I'm okay with that!

Pampered Chef

Kelsi, my cute daughter in law stared selling Pampered Chef and so I had a party for her.  Hosting parties is not my favorite thing to do these days.  I worry about people coming and them being good.  Kelsi told me that it didn't matter and to not worry.  I kept getting texts from friends that they couldn't come.  A few wanted to order and even out of those that said they wanted to only a few really did.  I did have people show up though and the party was a success.  I'm getting new pans.  The pans I have are from Pampered Chef from way back when and they need to be replaced.  The pans that they sell now though are life time guaranteed and so I will have them forever.

Kelsi had everyone help in different stations.  I liked having everyone be involved. We made a yummy veggie pizza and a scrumptious cookie pizza dessert.  Larry took the grands to dinner and to Braxton's to play.  They had fun too.  It was a fun night and even a fun day.  

I didn't stress at all today getting ready.  I even prepared the sample crafts for girls camp.  It was a great day.

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.