Swim Team

After watching Raea do swim team, Ethan is finally old enough to join this summer. The first day was nerve racking. He was even concerned he was having a heart attack because it felt like "my heart is beaping out of my chest."

He is doing good and told me tonight that he wasn't going to quit. You should see him in the team racing shorts, he looks so fast!

My Sister's Wedding

It provided a great photo collection; I just can't wait to see all the images from the professional photographer.

Class of 2010

Congratulations Jose.

Milestones

The boy's room is now fully functioning after my adventure at Ikea. Herston has been successfully sleeping on his bottom bunk for a week. There are no cribs in our house!

Raea finished second grade. She was a Math Master for another quarter. (She is even going to math camp this summer.)

Raea also received the Winning Worker award. I think she is amazing!

Ethan finished pre-K, and he is officially ready to go to Kindergarten. His mother on the other hand...

For Ethan's last day of school, he had a party at the park.

Larissa finished preschool, too. She had a swim party the last day of school. She will be doing pre-K for spring semester next year.

Family Drawings

Growing up I loved drawing pictures of my family. For our last Family Home Evening taught by Raea, we drew pictures of our family.

And yes, it is May and Raea wrote, "Santa please come."

Raea's Spring Photos

And yes, the teeth are coming in nicely now.

Mother & Daughter's Weekend

While the boys (including Herston this year!) went to Father & Son's Campout, the girls will play. We got our nails done, watched movies in bed, and all slept in my bed.

However, I really miss Grant. If he were here, the dog wouldn't have escaped three times, and I wouldn't be scared and call the police at 2am.

Fun in the Sun

I take turns volunteering in Ethan's classroom, and when I signed up for today last August, I didn't know it was going to be "fun in the sun" day. Ironic I think now. Today is the day I am waiting for my skin biopsy.

Two weeks ago, a large pink neoplasm appeared on my chest. Almost exactly 3 months after Grant took a picture of a "suspicious" mole on my back. I have imagined every scenario. Analyzed all of my risk factors, including my desire to be the tannest red-head as a teenager. And accepted the fact I may be overreacting.

People get biopsies all the time; do they all feel like this?

When the dermatologist asked where I grew up, I claimed Arizona next to a sister I think would claim Utah. It is different. I don't think Utah has water days at the end of the year because the sun is shining so bright, waiting to be played in.
I hate waiting.

The Gila Vally Temple

The Gila Vally Arizona Temple
open house 2010

In 1993, I went to the San Diego California Temple open house. I was 14, and I went to hang out with boys in California. At that time in my life, I didn't care about going to church, but I did make a half-hearted promise to one of my leaders that I would try to go to as many open houses as I could.

Seven years later I reevaluated my life and my faith, and a wonderful man was able to hold my hand as we went during the process together. In 2002, when I was pregnant with my first child, we easily took a small trip to visit the open house at the Snowflake Arizona Temple. It was a beautiful place with a beautiful spirit.

Fast forward to 2010 and The Gila Valley Arizona Temple is having its open house. I am working on Saturdays to save money on babysitting for 4 kids, and Grant is working during the week. We couldn't find a convenient time to make the 146 mile trip to No-Where (PIMA), Arizona. Unfortunately, I couldn't get rid of the nagging feeling that I needed to take my kids and the voice of an unforgotten Young Women's leader. The temple was open until 9pm, so on little sleep from working a night shift, I dressed the kids and packed the car, so we could leave as soon as Grant got home. (We returned late the same night.)

Before we left, my neighbor randomly brought us dinner. They didn't know we were in a rush; they didn't know of our plans for the night or our lack of plans for dinner. I know they were prompted. I know the Lord provides a way. My Heavenly Father knew that my kids needed to see the temple. He knew that we needed to take some time out for Him.

As soon as we walked inside the temple, my kids gasped. Ethan said he thought we were walking on glass. Larissa held me hand the whole time, and Raea walked a little taller. Tears gently flowed down my cheek when we walked into the bride's room. "Raea, this is where you can stand when you get married in the temple."

I am so blessed to have the temples and to have shared this experience with my kids. I feel closer to my children and a greater responsibility to teach them in the way of the Lord.

The next ones are the Gilbert Arizona Temple and the Phoenix Arizona Temple. Everyone is invited to the open houses, and you can guarantee that our family will be there again.

San Diego California Temple
Raea and Ethan
2007

Mother's Day Week

I am been enjoying the Mother's day festivities with my children. On Wednesday, Ethan sang me a song and made me cry at his Mother's day tea in his class. Today, Larissa had her Mother's day tea. It has definitely felt good to be a mom lately.

Raea

My Mom is special because she is nice and cool mother.
I like it when my Mom buys me things.
My Mom can do many things! I think she's best at playing soccer and doing puzzles.
My Mom has a pretty smile! I like to make her smile by being pretty.
My Mom is as pretty as a flower.
My Mom is smart. She even knows about nursing and times and my homework, too.

Ethan

I love my Mom because she gives me hugs and kisses, and she tell me stories.

Larissa

My mom is 20 years old. She is 9 inches tall. She has black hair and green eyes. She weighs 5 tons. Her favorite color is pink. I think she's pretty when I play with her. I think it's fun when she helps me clean my room. I like it when she cooks crackers. She's funny when she goes to the store with me. She likes to hug and kiss me. It makes her happy when I clean my room all by myself. She is the best mom because she gives me treats.