This is the place

Last weekend we took our kids to This is the Place Heritage Park.

There was a lot more to do there than I thought. I was pleasantly surprised. My kids enjoyed it and so did Dave and I.The kids made Candles and Snakes

The Baby farm animals were a hit.






The kids got to do laundry the old fashion way
The mini train was another a hit!10 children lived in this one room cabin- my kids couldn't believe itMy kids came home with a greater appreciation for what they have.
I highly recommend this Park!

90 degrees and loving it!

Even though I hear that being pregnant in the summer is not fun--

I LOVE SUMMER!!!!

It was so nice to feel Hot!!

Bree's Sabbatical

I am one of those people who tried violin and piano lessons but didn't take it very seriously. And yes not a day goes by that I don't wish that I had stuck with it longer. So- I am a mother who has a hard time letting my kids quit things. I know that everyone has different gifts, but being able to conquer something that is hard is something that can build self-esteem. Now, along with that I also feel it's important to find something for each child that they feel good at-- to counter-act the frustration of the hard thing they are trying to conquer.

So, when Bree decided to take a sabbatical from violin lessons I had very mixed feelings about it. She has been showing signs of burn out in all areas and we knew she needed something different. So trying to put aside everything we have invested in this particular hobby, we let her make the decision. Ugh. I think she's enjoying the break. She has started taking piano lessons for fun. And she's also started doing quite a bit of babysitting. (She has never been one to just do nothing.) We just hope that we are making the right decision as parents.

It's not that she's given the violin up completely. She still plays with a trio once a week. They call themselves the "Classical Chicks" and recently performed at a music festival at WSU. (It's been so fun for her to play her violin with others her own age.)

She also tried out for the city's Talent Show. She made the finalist list, but the actual talent show is part of the "Concert Series" at the amphitheater and isn't until June.

We abosolutly love being the parents of this girl but, It's so hard to know when to push and when to back-off. Maybe by the time #5 is at this stage we"ll be better at this. (But probably not, they are all so different.)

Egg Hunts in the RAIN!

The traditional egg hunt at Grandma's was wet, but the only ones bothered by that were the grown-ups. The kids had a ball. And yes, thanks to grandma they all ended up with their own silly puddy. yippy!!!

My favorite Easter tradition is making chocolate covered marshmallow eggs with my Mom. We made about 50 this year and I think I ate 30. But since I'm eating for two... we each got 15 (that sounds better)

Girls Night Out!

Last night I got to go out to the Olive Garden with my dear friends. We used to be neighbors, but now we've scattered in different areas. We try to get together at least three times a year, and it's something I really look forward to. I could easily write a page on each of these girls- they are so talented and amazing.(but I'll spare them) I love hearing about their lives, even if it does make me feel like the boring one of group. I hope that 50 years from now we will still be getting together for girls nights-that is- assuming they let me out of the "old folk home".

Back to Life!

I find my last post ironic. I can't say that I loved the last 3 months, but I am loving that they are behind me, and I am where I am now.
I don't remember anything about Christmas, or the 4 family birthdays that past by--but I do know life does go on..... and next year has to be better. (right?) I know we all have our turn to be stretched to the point where we think we are going to break. This is when we experience growth. I just hope for a break between those growth spurts.

Now- I must say, I am so blown away at the kindness and inspiration of others. We had so many meals brought to us (with and without the relief society involved). Some nights two meals would show up. (from people that make me wonder "How do they have time?") My favorite was getting a random call by someone who had just made too much for their family to eat and if they could bring some over it would help them out. I have so much to learn from these people.

Next- I have to say I am married to SUPERMAN! Don't get me wrong he can pull off a pretty convincing Clark Kent, but when "Our Metropolis" is in trouble- he is super human!! He has been both Mom and Dad...cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, school spotlights, science fair projects, book reports, daily homework, practicing, & lessons, while clocking in 40 hrs a week of engineering, and his bishopric meetings. (unbelievable) Now that I'm feeling better... I see more Clark, but I don't mind-- he will always be superman to me! Honey- if you ever read this. I LOVE YOU!

It is so good to be feeling better, and I know my Mom echos that. She has made a remarkable recovery and I am so thankful to still have her in my life. Thank you everyone for your fasting and prayers on her behalf. It worked!!!!!

Here's hoping the next 3 months are more lovable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well Done Thy Good and Faithful Servant

Elder Wirthlin has been a favorite of mine for a while now. I will miss his cute, funny personality, but he has indeed earned his rest from this mortal life. His last conference talked "Come What May, and Love It" was so good and just what I needed this year. One sentence from that talk stuck out and rings in my head at least once a day.

"If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness."

I love that he played football (even if it was for the U) and loved sports. He was so down to earth. He reminds me so much of my grandpa who also lived to see a busy age of 91. What great examples these men are. He will be missed, but I smile when I think of where he is now.