Samantha's Birthday

Samantha is such a joy in our family! 

I can not believe she is 3!

 Look at that girl! She was so excited for her day and yet she spent it at a friend's house because I went on a field trip with Arabella. 

Miss Melissa treated her to Chikfila for lunch and some tsum-tsums. 

 Peter was really sad that he did not get to maker her a birthday cake but we had a few crazy days and so I went with a store bought one and she picked the one with the carrots. 

 She did not really know what to think about the carrot when she ate it. 

 New swimming suit from her cousins. 

 New letter magnet toy from her brothers and sisters.

 New bike from Mom and Dad.

 It is a birthday party year for our family and so Samantha had her first party! 

 It was fun to do an Easter egg hunt since her birthday was just before Easter. 

She was so excited to deliver the invitations to her friends and then to have them come.  

She of course enjoyed the gifts, treats, and cupcakes but I think most of all she loved being the center of attention. 

I am a bit sad that I only have 2 years left with this little chickita! I am looking forward to next school year when she and I will have some free days each week to play and go on adventures.  I pray that I will make the most of this time. She is truly my joy! 

General Conference

I love General Conference. 

I love spending two days with my family. 

I love the snacks and treats and traditions.

I love that my children are learning to listen more and play less.

I love that they are picking up on what the speakers are saying. 

I love that I gain insight, inspiration, and strength. 

I love the gospel!

March Ends

At the end of Spring Break, we went camping overnight with our friends the Miller's. It was super windy in the afternoon but it slowed and turned into a lovely evening. 

 We camped next to the scout troop, so Joseph slept in his own tent and ate his meals with the scouts.  It was a really fun weekend! 

 That Saturday was my birthday- 38 years young! 

Peter made one of my wishes come true. I always said that when I grew up I would make a batch of Oh Henry bar mix and eat it without cooking it (there are no eggs). When I came to dinner, this bowl full of Oh Henry mix was sitting at my place. I did eat some healthy food but I thoroughly enjoyed my mix! 

 Peter's sister Lindsay and her 4 kids came for a visit and we loved having them here. 

 The sandbox and our new swing set kept the kids super busy. 

We found some time for fun at the Zoo! 

This random jar of sand, rocks, and water was an object lesson I used during a family council.

I learned it in my Self Reliance Course I have been facilitating on finances. The jar represents our income- it is a set, fixed amount.  There are 2 large rocks that represent savings and tithing. Small rocks and sand represent all of our bills.  In the course, it talks about how if you put the sand in first (ie pay your bills and needs and wants) and then try to fit tithing and savings in it does not all fit.  But, if you pay your tithing and save first (ie put the big rocks in first) then you can make all of the sand fit as well.  The scripture about tithing and the windows of heaven being opened to us and the blessings being poured upon us came to mind (Malachi 3:10).  So I added the water to represent those blessings.  It was amazing to see how much water fit in the jar with everything else.  If we are obedient and let God into our lives and even our finances he will work miracles. 

 All of the kids were able to come on an adventure to the Perot museum. We had a great time!

Arabella's first General Women's Meeting. I was so excited for her.  I gave her a notebook to take notes and she asked me what sort of things she should write down. I explained what I do and I loved watching her trying so hard to recognize the promptings of the spirit while she was listening to the speakers and then recording those things. She is a great daughter or God and she teaches me all of the time. I love her! 

And then there was this! A crazy hailstorm that caused all kinds of damage.  I was at work and we did not even get a drop of rain.  Peter said it sounded like someone was taking a sledge hammer to our roof.  We are getting a new roof and a few other things repaired to the outside of our house.  

Peter's truck did not fair too well. He has a new windshield and needs a new hood and a roof on his truck.  It was intense.  

And then there is this lovely photo.  She climbed up next to the mannequin and insisted I take her picture.  She is so funny! 

March Middles

Wacky Wednesday at school lead to not just inside out and backwards clothes but some wild and crazy hair! 

 And what big sis gets, little sis wants in on too. 

 Who does not wear fur coats while watching mom workout in the garage?!

 80's family dance at church! Can you believe someone gave up that awesome track suit?

 My beautiful children! 

 I spent the first 2 days of Spring Break taking lifeguard training so that I can be a lifeguard at Girl's Camp this summer. It has been years since I spent that much time in the water and it was cold and wonderful at the same time. The class was really well taught and gratefully I was not the only older person in there- I could have been the mom of the 4 teenagers. So glad I passed! 

 And this happened during Spring Break...

 There have been many mornings with tears when brushing her hair or even getting it into a ponytail.  I told her more than once that we could just cut it off.  Then when I cut my hair short in February, I  mentioned something about donating your hair.  She was fascinated and fixated.  She kept asking me everyday and so I made an appointment and we did it. I just last week finally remembered to mail the hair off to Wigs for Kids.  She loves her short hair and so do I. She looks so cute! 

And I loved this moment when I asked Jon to go outside with Samantha and he willingly and happily played with her and joined in her imaginative play! My heart is so happy when my kids are loving to each other. 

March Beginnings

The first weekend in March I spent in Chicago with this amazing family! 

Kelsey had just had sweet baby Lucy and I was able to go for a few days of snuggles and driving kids around to their activities and some fun family time. 

 Seriously, how adorable is this sweet, precious baby! 

I love this family! Kelsey is one of those amazing women that I am in awe of. She has had her share of challenges in her life but she faces them with such an amazing faith and a new found openness.  With this most recent pregnancy she was very open with people about her past struggles with depression and anxiety and I am so thankful for the many people in her community (neighbors, church friends, social friends) that surrounded her with love, support, food, help, and encouragement. She is an example to me that we allow ourselves and others to grow when we are honest and open.  This same honesty had caused some added stress in other ways but she had faced it with courage and a mindfulness of what is best for her well being.  I pray that she will always be able to know and understand just how amazing she is and that she has more strength than most of the women the world views as strong. I am so thankful for the days I was able to spend with the Booth family!