School is Out

The kids all had another great year in school. They all got high marks not only in their classes but on their state tests. We just have a bunch of smarty pants around here. We love our kids and couldn't be prouder of them.

They all had absolutely FANTASTIC teachers this year. I can't say enough good things about them and how they have had such a positive influence on my children. We feel so blessed.

Riverdance

In May our oldest three got to go with us to see Riverdance!!! It was such a dream come true. My kids have been watching our video tape of Riverdance since they were two. It was such an exciting show to see live. Wow. What a cool experience. A huge thanks to my friend Leanne who helped make the dream a reality!

Third Tri

The oldest two participated in their third triathlon in May. It was a lot of fun to watch them this time because they both had trained, they looked strong and had really fast transitions. Mr. M was the first out of the transition area to start the biking. Lady K caught up to him at the end of the bike and the two of them ran their mile together, stride for stride. They kept each other going and finished strong, tying for first. Way to go you guys.

Easter Party

My friend Kristen invited our family to a fantastic Easter party last Saturday. It was decorated so nicely and the activity for the kids was so original. After they had grabbed as many plastic eggs as they could, they were given paper and pencil to make words out of the letters on their eggs. They loved that added fun. Later in the party the kids put together a game of Red Rover. I had so much fun watching them try to crash through each other's arms...that is until J Man clotheslined himself. He didn't cry though, just kept playing.

We are so glad to have so many awesome friends here. The kids have so many wonderful friends who are not only great playmates, but great examples to them. I love our friends.

Kristen, thanks for being such an awesome hostess and for putting so much time into your Easter party. We had a blast!!!

Slowing LIfe Down- A Story From My Life

A couple of Saturdays ago I had a TERRIBLE mothering day. I am pretty sure that from noon on I didn't have anything nice to say to anyone and I was just hurting my children's feelings right and left. After they were in bed and I had time to reflect on the day I realized just how awful and unkind I had been and then I had a meltdown. I had so much stress and anxiety built up and felt like I was running around crazy all of the time. It was pretty dramatic and I am so grateful to Dad for listening to me as I went on and on.

By midnight I still couldn't sleep so I go up and decided to read my scriptures. I came across a fantastic chapter where Alma and his people are being persecuted and given heavy burdens. The words that touched me were, "...be of good comfort," and "...the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease." (Mosiah 24:13-15.)

After reading I started writing things in my journal, ways that I needed to change and slow my life down. I wrote about nine things and then at the very end I had the distinct impression to quit my job. I had kept working after Richard got his new job, just to earn some extra spending cash. At that moment I realized that working when I didn't need to was not good for my family.

After making that decision I had ideas come to my mind of what I could do to build my relationship with each of my children individually. I appreciated the impressions so much. I knew that the Lord was trying to guide and help me.

I am happy to report that life has slowed down so much for me and I am feeling a lot more peaceful and happy since making those changes that I had written in my journal. I am so thankful for personal revelation and a loving Heavenly Father that guides and strengthens me.

Turn Around- A Story From My Life

Last week I had the goal of finishing the garden boxes so that we could start planting. Dad had already put together the second box and it was all ready to be filled. On Friday the sun was out and so I decided to go and get the dirt and finish the job myself. I had said my prayers that morning that I would be guided and that the Lord would help me in everything that I was doing.

I got the dirt, put on my gloves and set to work filling the wheelbarrow and hauling it to the backyard. After my second load I was walking back to get more dirt and had the distinct impression to turn around and look at the boxes. As I turned around I saw that the second box was in full shade and it was 11:00 in the morning. I felt like this was such an answer to prayer. The Lord was guiding me to move that box out of the shady spot. With only two loads of dirt in the box I was able to relocate the box before filling it the rest of the way.

This was a simple thing but to me a profound example of how much the Lord cares about the small things in our lives and wants to bless us, especially when we are striving to do good.

School Talent Show

This month the kids participated in the school talent show.  They decided to all play piano pieces and the music teacher put them back to back in the show so now they are known as the piano family.  They had so much fun participating.  My favorite video is of J Man.  He flips through some book at the beginning and then stands for the applause at the end for a loooong time.  It made me laugh.  Way to go kids!!

Lady K at the talent show with her basketball coaches, Ashley and Jordan and some of the girls from the team.

Mr. M, the sound system dude.