Happy Veteran's Day

Here is my dad returning from Operation Desert Shield after three months in Saudi Arabia when I was 16 right before Thanksgiving 25 years ago. (That's me on the far right in the blue coat.) We took hundreds of yellow balloons to the airport and we had hung yellow ribbons along the streets leading to our home!

 I still remember the day in August 1990 when I found out my dad was to be deployed in the coming week.  That night I got to carry the American flag onto the football field at the Tooele High School football game with the color guard-- I was an emotional wreck! That night as the band played "The Star Spangled Banner", with tears streaming down my face, is when I felt a true love and devotion to the great United States of America. I'm sure all the football players wondered what my problem was that night as I passed all of them after the flag ceremony since no one else knew at the time. Ever since that night, my heart swells with a love of country and a land of freedom.

My grandpa Peterson (WWII), my sister Rachael, my dad - Ron (Operation Desert Shield) and my sister Rebecca!

My dad with my little sister!

Scott's Dad-- Mario Joe Ropelato (Korean War)

Thank you to all who have fought to preserve the freedoms I hold dear to me! 

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!

Rachael's Tribute:
Growing up I was always taught to honor all of our Veterans and our country. I am grateful for the many men and women who serve or who have served our country. I have many examples of what a true hero is. A man who had to leave his wife and 8 children for 3 months, but at the time did not know exactly when he would be home. This is my hero....MY DAD!!! He has given his time for his family, his church, and his country. There is nothing this man would not do for anyone. I am grateful my grandpas also served during WWII for our freedom. I love and miss both of them, but I know that they are watching over each of us.

Rebecca's Tribute:
I am so grateful to be an American, grateful to all those who have, are, and will fight to keep it free!! I am especially grateful for my Daddy who served his country, here he is returning home from Desert Shield in 1990. He left his wife and 8 children for his country and I am Proud to be his daughter. I am grateful for both of my Grandpa's so served in WWll.

First Snowfall of the Season

Today was quite the day! We woke up early to get ready to go to Kevin's Homecoming and snow was falling everywhere! Mallory and Hayley were soooo excited for the snow! We left pretty early so we could get a SOFT seat at church in Hooper. When we arrived, there were only about 5 other families in the chapel--we totally had our pick of seats (and yes, we did get a SOFT bench)! Kevin's talk was wonderful! I especially loved it when he threw in a Spanish word or two here and there because I could totally understand him (yes, even after 12 years of being home from my mission--WOW time flies).

After Kevin's homecoming, we walked out to the truck and there was 5 or 6 inches of snow that had fallen in the 1 1/2 hours we were in the church. We went over to Larry and Dawn's and Scott helped the girls and I into the house (he then took off for his meetings with the Young Single Adults). We ate lunch and visited for awhile before I packed the girls up and we were on our way again.

We headed over to Larry and Diane Davis' home. Brother Davis was the Branch President of the Hooper 9th Branch were Scott and I met. He and his wife just returned from a mission to New Zealand. I didn't even try to go to their sacrament meeting because it was right after Kevin's. I knew my 3 little girls WOULD NOT make it happily through two sacrament meetings (and I knew Scott would not be there to help on the second one) so we just went to their house afterwards. It was still really snowy and icy and we made it to the Davis home and I was able to get all three girls and myself in the house without anyone falling (plus a bowl of Chocolate Chip Cookies). I was so glad we went!! I was able to see several friends which I have not seen for many, many years!

We loaded up again and this time we headed for home so Brittney could have her nap. Mallory and Hayley wanted to go outside sooo bad and build a snowman. I had to convince them we would go out after Brittney woke up because they (and I) needed a little quiet time. When Brittney woke up, we all got bundled up and headed outside. Brittney was not content to sit in her stroller and watch us build a snowman, she had to sit on the ice, cold cement and eat snow!!

Brittney eating snow!!! YUM! YUM!

Brittney, Mallory and Hayley eating snow! YUM! YUM!

Scott arrived home from church just as we were getting started on our snowman. He made it outside just in time to start piling our snowman together!

Mr. Snowman Ropelato

Erin, Hayley and Mallory

Hayley, Scott and Mallory