Welcome Spring!

^^^Some days, I’d rather be at the beach, too, Gabe, but I’ll take this gorgeous weather any day! ^^^  

 ^^^ It seems like I had a lot of play-dates growing up.  I was the only girl in my family, so I’m guessing my parents wanted to make sure I had plenty of girl time, haha!.  I’ve been trying to do a little better in that area for my own kids.  Sometimes it’s just easiest to be us, but we’re lucky to have great neighbors and a large primary full of children my kids’ ages. ^^^

^^^ Red looks good on you, Luke! ^^^

^^^ The traditional Golden Egg…full of silver coins!  My maternal grandparents sent the kids this surprise in the mail the other day.  Per tradition, the Golden Egg has always been an important part of Easter Egg Hunts when I was growing up.  I have so many fun memories of all the cousins desperately trying to find that Golden Egg. ^^^    

Thank you for being on time this year, Spring!  We’re loving the sunshine and beautiful blossoms.

Monday Encouragement and Easter Weekend Fun

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.  And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.  If you haven't found it yet, keep looking.  Don't settle.  As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.” - Steve Jobs

I’m grateful to be a wife and a mother, and I believe both of those things are a great work.  I’m also grateful to be actively involved in my church.  I love all the people and children I serve with each week.       

Egg-stremely egg-cited (corny, I know) about her finger nail polish coloring technique (flicking finger nail polish on the surface of shallow water and then lightly skimming the egg atop the swirled colored water).

Carlie played a great game on Saturday.

After our Sabbath meetings, we enjoyed a yummy ham dinner w/cheesy potatoes...and a beautiful Easter sunset. 

EASTER & the general women's conference

The General Women’s Conference last night was just awesome.  I look forward to it all year long…especially now that I get to take one of my daughters with me!  And I love that it fell on Easter weekend this year.  We attended the broadcast in our stake center next to the Columbia River Temple.  The overall feeling I came away with was that service needs to be our purpose in life…ever reaching out to those in our circle of influence.  I especially loved the question to consider — “What if their story were my story?" 

Cheryl A. Esplin said, "We live in a contentious world. We give service when we don’t criticize, when we refuse to gossip, when we don’t judge, when we smile, when we say thank you, and when we are patient and kind.”  

Another favorite came from Niell F. Marriott:  “What does the Savior do continually?  He nurtures.  He creates.  He encourages growth and goodness.  Women and sisters, we can do these things!"

Happy Easter!  The promise of the Resurrection is real!  I find no greater joy than in my efforts to be an honest disciple of Christ.  I need Him every day, and I’m grateful to revere Him now and always.