Monday, March 31, 2008

Spring Break Trip!

Well, we are back! We had a fabulous time. We are so thankful that we had a safe and good time.
We went to the Denver Museum of Natural History. This is such a great museum We use to take our kids there when we lived up in Colorado. But had not taken our younger 3. They have tons of Animal Dioramas. These are some of my favorites. It's amazing to see how big some of these animals really are. And a little terrifying to see the black bears and Mountain lions! ( If you know me at all, you'll get this :) )



















































Unfortunately there were atleast 10 school buses in the parking lot and only a couple places to park in the parking garage! So it was packed! But we survived and still managed to enjoy it! We also saw an IMAX film while at the museum. It was on the Eiger in the Alps. Stunning! I can not believe people are able to climb this mountain face! When we were hiking in the flatirons on Saturday Little A asked if this was as steep as the Eiger. MMmmm .... Probably not :). But the hiking was a blast. It was really windy when we started down in the open. The wind was so crazy. You could hear the gusts coming and Little A would run to me and I would have to hold onto her. It would actually start to pick me up a little. And then the wind would bring rocks and gravel with it and it would hit the back of our legs and sting really bad. But you know it is all part of the experience and we had so much fun! Once we got into the mountains we were sheltered enough that it was wonderful. The kids did great!













































We swam lots in the hotel. So much fun!



























And if you know Colorado this next one will not be hard to believe.. We woke up to snow on Sunday morning before we left. Ahhh .. Colorado.. You've got to love it! And we definately do. As Double A says, "It is part of me, I belong here." We all love Boulder! It is Gorgeous there! How could you not?

The car rides there and back were great. We played lots of games and asked "Are we almost there?" probably 1000 times. But hey, it is all part of the experience and I loved every minute of it.
Unfortunately Tiny A got what I had on Easter. She threw up all the way home. I am grateful that I was sick now, because I knew exactly how she was feeling and what to expect. Poor little thing. Atleast she is able to communicate with us now. So every hour or so we would hear a little one saying, " Momma, Need bag I'm going to throw up." We didn't always get the bag to her quick enough but it definately helped. But on the bright side, Her car seat now is sparkling clean. It needed a good washing anyway, this just got me on the job a little sooner than later.
We hope you all had great spring breaks!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Hi Ho, Hi Ho...

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Off to Boulder We go..
We'll play all day and sleep all night,
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Hi Ho.....
We are off in the morning to Boulder. Woo Hoo for Spring Break! We are so excited! I absolutely love having my kids home with me. This is definately the best time. So we are excited to get away as a family and really enjoy some quality time together.

When we were packing today, Double A realized her jacket was in her daddy's car. So the silly girl made herself a note. Isn't this just like her? Anyway it is really silly so check out her pictures...

We Love you and we will see you when we come back....

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Our Easter...

We had a great Easter with our family, or so I am told. I came down with the flu for the 2nd time this month! Yuck! So I was able to get myself up to go to church on Sunday for the Easter program. My dad was part of this and I didn't want to miss it. And honestly I wouldn't want to be anywhere else on this sacred holiday.....Anyway, it was wonderful, very beautiful. When we returned home to my in-laws I crawled into bed (in my dress) and fell asleep for the whole day, I woke up for brief moments and stayed in bed pretty much until 7:00 the next morning. So I missed everything....the Easter dinner with family and friends ....the Easter egg hunt. M did his best to capture it all on film for me. And for that I am very grateful. It breaks my heart to miss these precious moments with my little ones (okay, I know they aren't little anymore but they will always be my babies!) So the kids had a blast with their cousins and Aunts and Uncles and Grandma and Grandpa.. Thanks to you all! Especially for stepping up to the plate and helping M while I was sleeping the day away. And To my dad~ it always touches my heart to hear you bare your testimony! Thank you! It was wonderful! I Love You! And to mom~I was feeling so sick when you gave the goodies to me for the kids that I forgot about them until we were on the way home, so it was a sweet surprise for them! Thanks a million to you all! We hope you all had a wonderful Easter!

Friday, March 21, 2008

HAPPY EASTER!


We are getting ready to go down to Socorro for Easter. So, I wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Easter. This is one of my favorite holidays. I wanted to share this picture. It was painted by one of my favorite artists, Liz Lemon Swindle. She captured so much in it. The first time I saw it I was in Deseret bookstore and I was looking through the paintings and when I came to this one it sent such emotions through me. I Love it. I hope we can all remember the true meaning of Easter and what it truly means for us....


" But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou?....."

(John 20: 11-16)


How fitting that one of His most devout disciples was the first to see Him after He had risen! Mary Magdalene knew Him well. She had followed Him throughout His ministry and loved Him deeply, yet in her grief she didn't recognize Him. Was it her tears that blurred her recognition? Perhaps it took a moment to recognize Him because of the glory of His resurrected body. We don't know.

Aren't we all a bit like Mary? When we struggle the most, we are reluctant to look up and see His face and let Him bring us peace and comfort and direction. possibly one of the greatest lessons we can learn in life is to know He is there and to go to Him immediately.

I Love You all! Have a wonderful Easter! We will be thinking of you.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Cutting Back on Vegetables?



Hmmmm...... Cutting back on vegetables probably isn't the wisest thing to do but never the less, this is what our 5 year old, Little A, told me tonight. She came into the kitchen as I was cutting vegetables up for dinner and said " Just so you know, I am cutting back on how many vegetables I eat." Oh really", I say. " Do you think this is a good idea" " Yes" Little A says." We have had a lot of them lately and I don't like them so I am just going to cut back and then I won't have to eat them"

But just so you know I want healthy children and little A didn't cut back on her vegetables, atleast not while I was looking! :)

She is such a silly little woman! And I absolutely love her to pieces!

And... this cute little lady loves the camera if you can't tell. I am always finding pictures when I download the camera that I didn't even know were taken. Including this one taken by herself blowing a kiss!

Monday, March 17, 2008

What a sweetie!



Okay, So our two younger kids have been fighting off a pretty high fever this last week, so I had not gone to see Meredith's new baby yet. That is until last night. And let me just say I am totally in love! There is just something about a sweet little baby who has just left our Father in Heaven. They are so sweet and so pure.......I love these sweet spirits which our Heavenly Father has sent to us. They are so special! Welcome, welcome new little one!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Welcome Baby!


Congratulations to our good friends and their new baby! She is so cute!!!!! Big, too! 9lbs. 10oz. . Way to go M, You are the toughest woman I know! I can't believe you did this with no epidural! You Rock!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Big A's first track meet of the season........

Yesterday was Big A's first meet of the season. He runs the 1600 meters. He did great! He had his personal best at 6:58. That is GREAT! We are so proud of him! Great job, Big A! You did AWESOME!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

On a Personal Note~~

I stumbled across this and thought it was worth sharing. It wraps up very nicely how I felt about this man I so dearly loved and respected.....

Monday, March 10, 2008

Walk Tall.....

In our church the girls age 8-11 are in a group called Activity Days. They study scriptures learn songs, do service and basically just learn to love each other. They meet every other week. It is a wonderful goup of Young Ladies and they have equally wonderful leaders. Yesterday these sweet girls sang the most beautiful song during our sacrament meeting. I tried to find a video of this song but was unable to find what I wanted. I am posting the lyrics below.....They are lyrics that are comforting to all.... Just imagine them being sung by these sweet young girls and their sweet pure voices. I don't think there was a dry eye in the chapel. It was trully beautiful! Amazing job girls!

Walk Tall
(Your A Daughter Of God)
words and music by Jamie Glenn

Right now I have a prayer deep within my heart,
A prayer for each of you there is a special part.
That you remember who you are and him who lives above.
Please seek for him and live his way; You'll feel his love.
(chorus)
Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God,
Be strong and remember who you are,
Try to understand, you're part of his great plan.
He's closer than you know,
Reach up; he'll take your hand.
Long before the time you can remember,
Our Father held you in his arms so tender.
Those loving arms released you as he sent you down to earth.
He said, "My child, I love you. Don't forget your great worth."
(chorus)
Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God,
Be strong and remember who you are,
Try to understand, you're part of his great plan.
He's closer than you know,
Reach up; he'll take your hand.
This life on earth we knew would not be easy.
At times we lose our way his path we may not see.
But remember always that you are not alone.
He'll take your hand, He loves you!
He will guide you home.
(chorus)
Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God,
Be strong and remember who you are,
Try to understand, you're part of his great plan.
He's closer than you know,
Reach up; he'll take your hand.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

The Weekend.......

We had a great weekend which started off with three soccer games. All of which were won. Great job Pinkerbells, Sharks and Blue Magical Princesses. Yes, I know that last team is a mouthful to say. That is Little A's team and as you can probably guess they came up with the name themselves and what else would a bunch of 4 and 5 year old litle girls name their team. For short we call them the BMP's. Anyway all kids played great and the weather was fairly agreeable. A little too cold for the 8:30 game but for that game we can park the car close and watch from there. Yes, we are wimps! Okay, I am a wimp, M never sat in the car. He likes to be on the sidelines to see the action up close.
We also no longer own goats. Don't worry no one is too sad over this little fact. M had been wanting us to try to get rid of them for a while now....they were initially suppose to be weed control for our yard but lets just say that they had a more expensive pallate and preferred grain and hay. So even though they were very cute and fun we let them go to one of M's co workers. She will give them a fabulous home out in Placitas. We know they are in great hands and they are even going to have more goat friends. What more could they need? So, Thank You , Rebecca, for taking on our little hairy friends and helping them find a new home! We really appreciate you doing this!


We also did a memorial run for one of Pinky's neighbors and good friend. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after Christmas but it was already very advanced and was given 6-9months . Well, Heavenly Father must have needed her before that and took her home with in 6weeks of her diagnosis. She left behind a loving husband and 3 beautiful girls. So we were able to go and give our support for the family. There was a huge turn out. This family is greatly loved. It was a great experience for the kids. They all ran the 5K. Even our 5 year old. They all did great! Pinky's son, B, broke his leg skiing so he rode in our Burley with Tiny A . So everyone of our two families were able to participate. What fun!

We are so grateful to be able to do things as a family and with our friends! When I am with them Life seems brighter and easier. I LOVE YOU ALL! And Fantastic job on the run !

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Poem......

There was a supplement to this months Ensign (Church magazine) on our Beloved President Gordon B. Hinckley. I have very much enjoyed reading through this special tribute to him. What a wonderful example he was of how to trully be more Christlike....The part that touched me so deeply was on the back cover. As most of you know President Hinckley loved to write. He wrote several songs and poetry. I am sure much more than we even realize. But this poem I had never heard or read before. It brought me to tears.

WHAT IS THIS THING THAT MEN CALL DEATH
By President Gordon B. Hinckley
(1910-2008)

What is this thing that men call death,
This quiet passing in the night?
'Tis not the end, but genesis
Of better worlds and greater light.

O God touch thou my aching heart,
And calm my troubled, haunting fears.
Let hope and faith, transcendent, pure,
Give strength and peace beyond my tears.

There is no death, but only change
With recompense for victory won;
The gift of Him who loved all men,
The Son of God, the Holy One.