Easter 2012

As I have gotten older Easter has become one of my favorite holidays. Easter bunny came on Saturday as usual and kids found their baskets pretty quickly (next year we need to make sure they are hidden better). We went to the neighborhood egg hung by grandma and grandpa's and had lots of fun with our friends.

Easter morning could have been better on my part. I was already stressed at 8:00 a.m. :( I thought I had the sour cream for the potatoes, but didn't so I rushed over to mom's who luckily had extra. I was worried about having enough time to finish the potatoes, get the kids bathed and ready and make it to choir practice. But when we pulled back into our driveway I saw this cute little decoration in our flower bed. The Easter bunny had surprised us again! The kids were so happy and I cried a little bit at the kindness of our new neighborhood.

After church we headed over to mom's where I did my first attempt at resurrection rolls, which turned into quite the conversation piece.
Against my better judgment I included this picture of myself and my two chins, but my little sis is so cute I figured you could focus on her instead of me.

Coloring the eggs

The rolls :) I am retarded and couldn't get a picture of the finished product, but they turned out well and Brother kept asking where the marshmallows went.

My grandparents came down and he humored us with hiding eggs. I told brother what a great egg hider great grandpa is and he kept asking if great grandpa had hidden the eggs and if he could start looking yet.

Sister had so much fun and was dirty pretty much the whole day!

We finished off the day by decorating cookies (because we definitely hadn't had enough sugar yet . . . . ) Thanks to A for putting everything together :)

Conference 2012

I know some of you probably think you have the best in laws ever, but you'd be wrong, sorry :(. Mine are the best!
They drove out for the weekend, bringing over tools and cute hats. They got some tickets for general conference, then donated them to me and the hubby since I had never been and watched our kids for us.

I am really hit and miss with pictures. But I have witnesses so I will tell you that I made half an attempt to be a good mom. We cut out pictures of the speakers and colored what their ties looked like. Put pennies in cups when we heard "Jesus" and "love" and played conference bingo.

A couple of highlights-
Papa playing guns with Brother. Ammunition of choice was mustard and pickle juice (all pretend of course). Then I about died laughing when Elder Holland actually said pickle juice in his talk.

Papa to brother-"Thank you for letting us sleep in your room."
Brother-"It wasn't my idea."

Hearing Papa sing to the kids in Italian.

Reading books with Nana and Papa.

Having grandparents around to humor the kids and take them to McDonald's.

Brother and I cried a few tears when they left. So thankful they made the effort to come out and see us.

There were so many good talks this session. I probably think that every time, but seriously! Specifically, Larry Wilson's talk was an answer to prayer. I will be printing that one out as soon as it is available, studying it and putting it into practice.
Elder Holland's talk was also amazing, like always. Elder Scott's talk is one that I need to work on as well.

What was your favorite?

Children's Museum

I wanted to go to the Children's Museum one more time before our pass expired and we had a great time. We went in the afternoon and it was awesome. I think our best visit so far. There were not very many kids. The only thing that could have made it better is if Mary could have made it (it would be nice if kids didn't get sick, wouldn't it?)

I love these little stinkers. So grateful to have them, even on the hard days. I have been making a conscious effort to notice "perfect moments." Perfect days are impossible, in my opinion, but there are good moments if I am looking for them.

See you soon

We are boycotting "goodbye", such a sad word. It will be replaced with "see you soon" until further notice :)
Lindsey was gracious enough to host a house full of craziness and I'm grateful that she did. With life how it is the small moments frequently mean the most. That afternoon meant a lot to me. I am so thankful I got to see Anna before she leaves on her next adventure.

As we sat around talking about life and being women we all agreed on what a wonderful place Colorado is and how we all feel that it is home. It is full of people that influenced me in ways that I never imagined. Lessons and examples taught that I hold precious and give me light on dark days. It was a special afternoon to get together with women who helped make our area the place that it is and who were also touched by it. I wish I could articulate it better, but it is a unique bond that is created which cannot be broken no matter how far we go.

To those Hampden Hills folks who are still there-
I am eternally grateful for all of you. Thank you for being who you are and being such an influence for good. It is kind of like a training ground and since we have moved I feel like I can draw on the things I learned to share with those around me.

To my dear Anna-I am so happy for you! All those folks in Sweden-those who already love you and those who will come to love you-are so lucky! I have missed your laugh, your wonderful sense of humor and your honesty. You have a special gift of listening and strengthening those around you. Thanks for being wonderful. I count myself very blessed to be able to be your friend. Our friendship will be even stronger the more that it gets stretched. Love you!

I hope that in heaven I can sit down with all the amazing people I know and relax because our earthly trials are over and we will never be separated again. What a happy day that will be!