...Starring Carson

Thursday was Carson's choir performance and all I can say is...a star is born!  Of course, I'm prejudice, and I probably didn't look at anyone else, but in my opinion, he stole the show.  And a lot of other, non-prejudiced people said the same thing.  It was so fun watching him enjoying himself.  He sang his heart out, especially during his solo in the beginning of "Man in the Mirror".  But, I think the part I loved the most was watching him move.  He was right there with every step and movement, right on the beat, and with such enthusiasm.  I hope this is the first of many concerts for him...he's a natural.

Like Father...Like Son

As I was scrapbooking this page yesterday, I found myself smiling at all of the wonderful pictures.  Only the one with Todd and Luke was staged, all of the rest just happened.  I love both Tayson and Carson "helping" their dads with the yard work.  I love Wyatt having the same bathing suit as his dad.  I love Todd and Carson kicking the leaves while we were trying to get family pictures taken.  And I love that these two men are such wonderful examples for their sons.

Monday's Memory--Heads

Heads, you say?  Yep, heads.  When Todd was in Mrs. Koto's  4th grade class, they made bigger-than-life paper-mache heads and dressed then in clothes smuggled from home as a surprise for the parents.

  







Two years later, Amy was in that very same class.

If your know me at all, you know that I have a hard time throwing anything away that my kids made.  So for years, those heads have been proudly displayed on the top of my bookcase.  Finally, when I was ready to re-do my room, I needed to to something with them...so a picture was taken and the heads were trashed!

Easter

This Easter caused my testimony of the "plan of happiness" and the resurrection to grow.  I miss Ann.  And as I was thinking about her, I was overwhelmed with gratitude that I know we live on after we die.  I know that our life here has a purpose.  I know that Jesus Christ made it possible for us to live forever.  I know that I will see Ann again.  I am so very thankful for a loving Heavenly Father that was willing to let His son suffer and die that I might live.  And I am so grateful to Jesus Christ for His sacrifice.  He didn't have to.  In the end, I think he didn't even want to.  But NEVERTHELESS...He did...for me.  Thank you.

Meatloaf Anyone?

Wyatt and Emma love to help in the kitchen.  In  fact, their classroom published a book about what they wanted to be when they grew up, and Emma said a chef! Anyway, the other day, I was fixing meatloaf for dinner, and they wanted to help.  Owen woke up from his nap before we got it finished, so he joined in the fun. What could be better than getting your hands all gooey, diving right in to mix it all up?!

Monday's Memory--5 Generations

My dad's side of the family is long-lived.  My grandma died at the age of 91 and my grandpa made it to one month short of 98.  I realize that grandpa doesn't count because he's not dad's biological dad, but I don't care.  He lived a long time!  They both were living in their own home with just a little help until the very end.  Anyway...When we were up in Utah for Tayson's blessing, we made the trip to Twin to get a 5 generation picture with grandpa.  It was pretty funny, because we had to keep pulling the pacifier out of Tayson's mouth for the picture and then put it back in to stop the crying.  Luckily for us, grandpa was still around that next summer, when Tayson was almost a year old, to get some better pictures.  I love this one.
On a sad note, two years later, a few weeks before Carson was born, grandpa passed away.  As I said goodby to grandpa, I told him he had a great-great-grandson just waiting to come down to our family...to be sure to say hi. 

I Love to See the Temple

I love the temple.  I love the feeling I get when I'm inside it's walls.  I love the peace I feel while I'm there.  And I love the lighter step I have as I'm walking to my car when my work is completed.  This past week, I went to the temple just to take some pictures.  What amazed me was the happiness, calm, and peace I felt just being on the temple grounds.  The older I get, the greater love I have for that magnificent building and the ordinances performed within.