HOPPY EASTER!

April 13, 2009

We had a lot of fun celebrating Easter this year. Last Thursday night we went down to Josh and Kenzie's house (my bro-n-law and his wife) with my mother-in-law Jann. Josh made us dinner and we visited, then we dyed Easter eggs.

On Saturday we had a Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt, and I am constantly reminded that we live in an area with lots of young families. There were SO many kids there. Five houses in the neighborhood hid Easter eggs around their yards and the kids were sepparated by age groups and got to hunt in their designated yard. Then we had sweet rolls, muffins, cupcakes and juice for breakfast.

On Sunday I taught the Easter lesson in Young Women's-complete with quotes from Elder Holland's talk he gave in General Conference (It was perfect for my lesson). Then after church we went to my parent's house and Natalie dyed eggs again! We had a yummy turkey dinner with my parents, my brother and his girlfriend Sam. Then the kids went on another egg hunt. And now we have enough candy to last until Halloween.
To make our Easter complete we had a visit from one of Brandon's long-time friends (she's of course my friend too) Amanda, who came in town from New York for Easter! She and her sister Andrea stopped by and visited with us for a bit.

All in all I'd say that Easter this year was really fun. Samuel is old enough to run around and search for eggs (kind of) and Natalie is not quite old enough to deny helping him, so it worked out well!

A HAHAHAHA WIPEOUT!

On my list of things that I'd like to do before I'm 30, I listed that I would love to surf, yes surf. Now for those of you who know me, you know that I have a tiny fear of water. Especially water that has creepy crawlies in it, BUT I have always found surfing to be totally cool and intriquing. When in Maui, I got to check off Surfing from my list. Yes I actually surfed. I stood up on the board, and rode the waves...mind you they were only two foot waves, but waves non-the-less. I loved every stinking minute of it-minus the rash on my legs from sitting on that darn board, and the cut on my back from my Wipeout. Needless to say, it was so much fun. And I didn't really think about my fear of the water with all the "rules" I had to think about while surfing. Arch back, right knee, left foot, feet flat, arms out, stand up.

My fear of the water was met head on, however, when I strapped on some snorkel gear and slowly waded my way out to sea. I didn't really like it too much at first and I'd creep myself out if I got too close to some rocks or coral, or went out where it looked dark, but after a while and seeing all those beautiful fish, AND following a turtle, I began to like it and realize that it's not so scary. NO, I'm not completely cured of my phobia, nor am I an excellent surfer, but I definately have a new respect for the Ocean. . .AND the killer bodies of all those wave riders.

Next on the list...SNOWBOARDING-I know, can you believe I learned to Surf before Snowboard. Where exactly do I live again?

To see more pics of Hawaii, scroll to the bottom...I know, all the way down there.

April 2, 2009
A very special woman and an inspiration in my life, Janin Jackman, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday. For those of you who may have known her, the shock of losing such and amazing woman is beyond belief. She was a "mom" to everyone who knew her and treated everyone kindly. She was an example as to how I wanted to grow up, and the kind of woman I wanted to be.
I will always remember her laugh, which she never seemed to be without.
We had an inside joke which started when I was 17 and quickly became my trademark, and she never saw me without calling me "Princess".
Janin's family, especially her daughter-in-law Sarah, are very dear to me and my thoughts and prayers are with them as they face this very difficult time.
All of us who knew Janin were inspired by her, and she will surely be missed.

ALOOOOOHA!

Monday, March 23, 2009
No-I'm not trying to make you all jealous by posting a pic of where I'll be for the next week...I just wanted anyone who was wondering why I wont be blogging to know the reason! I can't help it if I'll be far too busy relaxing on the beach, or learning to Surf to hop on the computer and update. But don't worry, when I get back I will certainly be blogging again in no time, complete with pictures that, will in fact, be meant to make you Jealous! tee hee.
Ok honestly, don't be too jealous because I might only bring back photos of rain drops since it's supposed to rain there ALL next week! But lets be optimistic people. Help me out and think Sunny thoughts. Most of us in Utah are REAL GOOD at thinking sunny thoughts!

With a li'l bit of LUCK!

Thursday March 19, 2009

My two little green Leprechans!

Uncle Dominic lets Sam just walk-uh...crawl all over him!

BIG LOVE WHO?!

On Sunday we had Stake Conference and Elder L. Whitney Clayton from the Quorum of the Seventy was there and spoke to us. He talked a lot about the types of "things" we're inviting into our home such as movies, TV shows, books, and internet sites. And then he said something that must have been talked about around the meeting tables of the Quorums. He didn't mention any names, but he spoke about "the World" and how certain people may do things that would cause us Mormons to become alarmed...ie Big Love, the HBO series. Well, he gave such a great message that as Members of the Church we need not burden ourselves with these people. We don't need to write letters, or pass around gossip or protest. We just need to continue to be steadfast Saints and do the things the Lord would have us do, and all will be taken care of. It was such a moving message and I, like many who were there I'm sure, felt relieved to hear it, and to know that just because some jerks want to show, or talk about, something that may be sacred to us, the First Presidency isn't giving it another thought. The church will still move forward, and be around LONG after Big Love is off the air so don't fret people, ALL WILL BE WELL!

Snip Snip, cut cut, wiggle wiggle!

March 14, 2009

Yesterday we took Sam to get his first haircut. He sat on my lap while Megan (our stylist) attempted to cut his hair. Right away he knew something was up, and didn't want to have much to do with it, but then-after much bribery from toys and graham crackers-we finally found the solution...a bottle of water. He had the whole opening in his mouth and though he was quite funny and completely forgot that Megan was there. He certainly is our little wiggle worm. 

I can't believe he already had to have a haircut...I don't think Natalie had her first haircut until she was like 2 1/2 maybe 3, of course she didn't really have much hair until she was 2.