How do you like us now?

So, what do you think of us the new look? I wish I could take credit - but I am still just not completely with it on the computer yet - still learning! I can thank my wonderful sister-in-law Cheryl for the look. Thanks Cheryl.

I'm not sure how many people actually look at my blog - and what they think of it. So - if you are someone who just looks - will you please leave me comments once in a while? I know my own kids look at it occassionally, but only Jo makes comments (thanks Jo!) Also - Cheryl and Jana - they usually have something to say - thanks girls! My dear ol' husband doesn't even look at the blog - unless I show it to him. I guess I won't thank him. I would like to get some feedback from the rest of you- good or bad! For those of you out there who do look - do you blog? Do you have a blog that I can link to mine? I feel so friendless and lonely, not very many links. I would like some new friends - will you be my friend?

Another note - I have been tagged again - this time a different one. I have to come up with 7 random things to tell about myself. I am still trying to do that. I don't have very many interesting things to say about me. I know - I live a sad life. It takes a lot of brain power to think of something when there is really not much to tell! I'll get it done soon though - so be looking for it (if you are interested that is!)

Easter Fun

The Easter Bunny made it to our house-which the kids were very happy about!

Here are Kristi, Dani and Carson in their new Easter outfits. (Like Carson's tennis shoes with his nice outfit? His sunday shoes were too small - and I didn't get any new ones bought yet. He doesn't care though.)

Mikel helping Carson find the eggs hidden in the house for an Easter Egg hunt.
Dani with her stash!
Hey - check out Jeremy/Jo's link to their blog. Jo has some cute pictures of Dani and Kristi on it in their Easter dresses. And of course - an adorable picture of EmmaLee! Hope you all had a Happy Easter!

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!