Preschool graduation

Maddie graduated from preschool the middle of May. Sammy, Danson, and my mom drove down for her program and by the smile on Maddie's face you could tell it made her day to have them there. She kept standing up and waving all through her program. They sang songs about things they learned throughout the year, then Maddie's teacher told stories about some of the kids. One of the stories was about Maddie. She asked her teacher if she could come to our house and play. She told her we have three seats in the back of the van so there would be plenty of room for her to ride with us. Mrs. Willden was a great teacher and really helped Maddie get excited about learning.

kindergarten graduation

Zack is now officially graduated from kindergarten! His kindergarten class performed several songs that they learned throughout the year. Zack sang his heart out, especially when they sang his favorite song "small packages". He practiced singing it all the time at home...some of the words are "good things come in small packages, small packages, like me....good things come in big packages, big packages, like you...." I guess the saying is true...you really learn all you need to know in kindergarten. Way to go Zack!

After his program we went to Dairy Queen and celebrated with ice cream. The kids stood and waved to all the cars going down main street and had a great time.

Bubbles

We have a furry new addition to our family. The kids have all been begging for a pet (especially a dog) but we do not have a fence and did not feel up to the responsibility of a dog yet. Alex's best friend had two litters of bunnies and the kids convinced us that they needed a bunny if they couldn't have a dog. He has been a fun addition to our family. The kids love taking care of him and letting him hop around the yard. I have even enjoyed sitting in the backyard watching the sunset and snuggling with him on my lap. Even Jim has admitted he likes our new furry friend.

baptism

Ellie was baptized on June 6th by her dad. Jim performed the confirmation and gave her a beautiful blessing. Ellie was so excited to be baptized. As I was helping her get dressed after the baptism she asked if she could go do it again. She prepared well for her baptism and has been a great example to many. She invited two of her friends, who are not members, to come to her baptism. It was a very special experience for all who attended.

5K

Ellie and I walked/ran a 5K on April 25th. Ellie brought a paper home with the race information and asked if I would run with her. We did not have much time to train properly so we planned on walking the race and preparing for one later this summer that we could run together. Ellie came in 4th place in her age division. We had a great time despite freezing cold temperatures and strong wind. I was really proud of Ellie's desire to be healthy and her dedication to her goal. Way to go Ellie!!!

Easter

Easter has always been one of my favorite times of the year. I love springtime and the beauty that it brings. I love reflecting on the atonement and our Saviors love for us. I also love watching my kids dye easter eggs and then go hunting for them. There is a magic about all the beauty and the excitement of children that I cherish! My mom and two of my sisters came down to visit for a few days over their spring break. On Sunday we went to Jim's parents in Hurricane and had an easter egg hunt in their yard. The kids had a great time hunting for eggs in grandma's big yard. We had delicious food and the cutest bunny and carrot cupcakes that our sister in law Jenny made. Happy Easter!!!

missionary farewells, old friends, and family

On the weekend of March 22nd we traveled up to Tooele for a missionary farewell. Connor England, my sister's "boyfriend" is headed to Australia for two years. Connor was so great to my kids while I was single and helped fill their need for good male role models. Jim and I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Englands for setting us up together. It was great to hear Connor speak and see how much he has grown and changed already. As I sat there listening, I got to thinking that in the next 10 years we will have one on a mission and one getting ready to go.....

It was great to see many of our friends from Tooele. Jim enjoyed seeing many people he grew up with, as he was in the 13th ward with the England's for many years. I was reunited with a friend from my grade school days....Lisa used to live around the corner from me and we spent many hours dancing and singing in her basement...They moved away when we were still in grade school and we kept in touch for a time but I have not seen her for 20 years or more. She was there with her parents and her brother and they recognized me but it took me a few minutes to recall who she was. After my initial embarrasment at lack of remembrance we enjoyed getting reaquainted for a few min.

Also, while we were visiting we recieved a suprise visit from one of my best friends since Jr. high. Kelley and her family came out from Arkansas for a visit and we enjoyed seeing her and her cute boys. What a great suprise!

As always the kids love seeing grandma and grandpa and we are so glad we live close enough to drive up for a weekend.

I couldn't help reflecting on how blessed I feel to have so many good friends and such an incredible family. I have had so many people touch my life in incredible ways and just wanted to say THANK YOU to each one of you!

read-a-thon

Last month the kids had a Dr. Suess read-a-thon at school. Ellie decided to read an hour or two (or more) every day instead of the thirty minutes I required. She took second place in the second grade and won a new backpack, folders, several school supplies, and a bucketload of candy. She was also awarded a couple gift certificates. I was very proud of her for being so disciplined and dedicated to her goals. Way to go Ellie!!!!

lunch duty

Alex came home from school all excited the other day because he got to be a lunch helper. One of the boys that was supposed to help came with a blue mowhawk and got sent home to get a hair cut. Alex said the only bad part was that he had to wear gloves and an apron. I had to get a picture of him in his hat because he was so proud that he had been able to help out. He has been a great helper at home doing the dishes too. It is so nice to have kids who are old enough to really help out...especially one's that are willing. Thanks for being a great helper Alex!!!!

loose tooth(s)

Ellie and Zack both lost their front right teeth within a day or two of each other. Smile!!!