The Park

This week we made a couple of trips to the park - what with the weather being just great and being spring break. Wednesday is a day some other ladies get together with their kids at the park, so Kristi, Dani, Carson, and I went. I took my camera, but wouldn't you know, the batteries died after a couple of pictures. Then, on Saturday, Doug, Kristi, Dani, Carson and I went on an Easter picnic. And - I FORGOT THE CAMERA! Can you believe that? Bummer! We can hardly ever get Doug to the park with us to play or for a picnic. Anyway - here are a couple of pictures I took on Wednesday. The first is Carson in the swing. He likes it okay - but loves the slide and climbing more. He really just loves to run around in the grass - freedom!

The second picture is of Kristi and Carson in the swings. He likes being with someone in the big kids swing better! (The camera died before I could get a picture of Dani - sorry Dani!)

Letter to Carson

Just over a month ago, Carson got a letter in the mail - it was from Dani. She had written it at school. It was such a cute letter, I had to share. I tried scanning them in - didn't work. I took pictures, which worked okay for the first page, but not the second (as you can see). Hopefully, you can read the first one. Just click on the picture, it will enlarge it. Let me know if you can't read it.

The second page reads:

I love playing with you. You are lots of fun. I love you so much. I don't love you just because your funny and stuff. I also love you because your in my family. Love, Danielle
Don't you love it! I do.

Happy Birthday Pam!!!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful sister-in-law, Pam. Our family really was blessed when Kevin married Pam! She is one of the most giving women I know. Whenever I need someone to talk to, I know I can call Pam. She always listens and is very supportive. She is always willing to help out with anything and everything. She is so talented - especially in music and sewing. Not only that - she is just a FUN person to be around. She's a great friend, mother to her kids, sister-in-law - just a fantastic person. My kids adore her - and so do I. We love you Pam. Happy, happy birthday!

Here she is with Lucinda (Tyler's wife)

Here are Pam and Jeanene - two women I totally look up to and hope to become like them someday! Pam and Kevin with their beautiful family at Andrea's wedding

Wearin'of the green and bowling

Spring Break is here! Well, I guess I should say - spring break is here for the younger kids. Matt and Mikel had spring break last week! Anyway, Doug and I are trying to find things to do with all the family to have some fun this week (since he doesn't have the time off work). Monday we took the kids bowling - all except Jason. He is having his spring break in Mexico with a friends family. Do you think he missed our bowling outing? There are a lot of pictures - so be prepared. Hope you enjoy them. We enjoyed our time!

Here is Carson - he can't bowl, but thought he would try his hand at another game. Wasn't quite tall enough.

Dani thought it was hot in the bowling alley - so made her pants into shorts. Creative girl!
Kendall was keeping Carson occupied. Isn't this a cute picture!
Matt playing around with Dani. It is so much fun to see the interaction between the older kids and the younger ones!
After we were done, we went back home to enjoy our Shamrock cake made my Mikel and Kris. Here they are again - at the bowling alley.
Dani was really hoping her ball would keep going & hit down some pins. Would her leaning help?
Doug and Carson enjoying watching everyone. Carson would clap anytime any of us would get excited. He seemed to enjoy himself - especially with the popcorn and pop!
Matt and Kendall waiting their turn - with Mikel and Kris watching the bowling.
Here's Krisi!
Let's see - Doug won the first game (no surprise) and Matt won the second, which he was happy about. When we go bowling, the kids goal is to beat their dad! We had six people on one lane, and Dani and I on another. Dani is just learning, and well, I am too - left-handed that is. My right hand is having problems again, so I am trying to do some things left handed. Bowling wasn't easy. But, you know boys - Matt, Kendall, and Kris all had to do some bowling left-handed and show me up. Thanks alot guys! What a way to treat this ol' lady!

After Relief Society comes......

As some of you know - and some of you might not know - last Sunday I was released as Relief Society President. I had been in just a few weeks short of 3 years. I knew this day would come. In fact, a few months ago, as I sat in Relief Society and was looking at the sisters in my ward, the thought came to my mind that my time was up real soon. So, I had been preparing myself. It was still harder than I though it would be. Not because I still want the job, but when you have that mantle and you serve so long and have that worry and concern for all the sisters - it's hard to let that feeling go. So, I left the calling with some gladness, but with some sorrow too. It will be strange not to get those calls anymore about Sister's who are in need - physically or spiritually, to get the call of a baby being born, or someone passing away. To not go into the homes and offer your time and service. Not that I am giving up on service - but to devote so much into it before, and not so much no will be a lonesome feeling.

Now - what happens next you ask? I was wondering too, but didn't have too long of a wait. Wednesday night I had a visit from the 2nd counselor. I am now one of the primary girls Achievement Day leaders. I am also one of the rotating pianists for Relief Society. As for Achievement Days - I will get the opportunity to work with Danielle! It will be my first opportunity to work with one of my daughters. (Well, except being Mikel's visiting teaching companion. I assigned us that while RS president. One of the perks!) Anyway - I have never had the chance to be in Young Women with Mikel or Kristi. So, I am looking forward to working with Dani - and she is excited to.

Life moves on. The last 3 years as RS president has been a blessing in my life. I have learned and grown from that experience. I must also say - it has been one of the most challenging times in my life - not just because of the calling, but because of so much that my family went through during that time. How thankful I am for the blessings that came to me and my family during those years of service. As for now - on to my new adventure working with the 8-11 year old girls. Quite a difference from the women in the ward!

Heeeeeeere's Carson!!!!!!

Here are a few random shots of Carson from the last couple of weeks.

He found some chocolate and really enjoyed himself! He seems to have a nose for it. He can find it anywhere!

He is enjoying the sand toys he got for his birthday in our back yard.
Carson loves to play with Oscar's toys. We always have to take them away and give them back to Oscar. Well, Oscar took his toy into his crate. Carson decided he still wanted it, so he went in after it. Problem was - after he got in, he couldn't figure on how to get out!
Dani had her dress up box out - and Carson found it. Of course, he had to empty it!

Here come the Suns!

About a month ago, Kristi entered an essay contest. The grand prize was a trip for the child and a parent to Boston to watch the Phoenix Suns play the Boston Celtics, and to tour the Boston area. She was a little disappointed not to win, but she did win 2 tickets to a Suns home game. Thursday night, she and her dad attended the game. It was Kristi's first Suns game. She was very excited to attend! She loved it all. Doug enjoyed it to - he got to see Shaq play in person!


Here's Kristi! She borrowed Mikel's Steve Nash Jersey. What a Suns fan!!!