Simplify

My sister gave me a saying that said this simple word a few years ago.  I have it hanging in my room and I think it is the motto for my life.  I saw these cute blocks the other night and loved them too.  

I need to keep my life simple. 

Last night I reviewed my calendar and my to do list and decided what I could eliminate.  

I want to spend more time with my cute kids.  

We love the hammock outside.  

Uncle Nolan gave it to us 11 years ago when we got married.  This may be it's last summer.  

Why do we need such resilient faith? Because difficult days are ahead. Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord “shall suffer persecution.” That verypersecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.

 

April 2011 Face the Future with Faith

Russell M. Nelson
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

One of those moments

This picture is a really big deal to me.  There are those moments where you realize life is going really fast.  Where you think life is going to pass me by before I know it.  

This last weekend one of those moments.  

Tyler's shoes are green. 

Why you may ask?

He helped mow Grandpa Balls lawn. 

I was about 10 when I started mowing the lawn.  My 6 1/2 year old mowed a lawn.  

He felt so big.  His tongue is even sticking out in this picture because he was concentrating so hard. 

This picture was taken one second to early.  It was Seth, Darren and Tyler all lined up. 

I just cant believe how old I felt watching my son mow a lawn. 

When did I get older, and my son get older, and life just keeps going!

Ella was busy terrorizing the rolly polly bugs.  

She did help weed.  

(and kill a few bugs!)

Grandpa dates

My dad had a fun Grandpa date with all the grandkids.  They read stories, played games, colored, played musical instruments and of course had some yummy home-baked cookies.  

Thanks Grandpa.  We had a great time!

Easter Weekend

We had such nice weather over Easter Weekend.  Darren and I got to speak in church about having hope in the atonement.  I shared a special talk my sister in law shared on her blog.  It was about how There are always bad days, Friday was a bad day for Christ ... but Sunday always comes.  Thanks Whit. 

We went for bike rides in the sun, hung out at the bike shop, had Easter egg hunts, 

went for a walk and ate good food.  

Ella was watching a movie on an iPhone at the bike shop.  

I am not sure why she wanted to watch it under the bike jerseys instead of on the nice soft couch.  

I love my kids. They are getting so big. 

Tyler had one egg that was up way high.  

I so remember this as a kid.  Easter and Halloween.  

Opening up all your treats and evaluating what you got!

Early April

We skied a lot this year.  We finished the year with a fun day with Grandpa.  The kids were so excited to show him all the fun runs.  Due to the lack of snow, we had to take some detours since you cant ski on dirt.  But it was a nice day.  Thanks Dad.  

Ella wanted a guitar for her birthday.  So with her birthday money she got from Grandma/pa Harston she bought one.  She plays it a lot.  She crosses her little legs and sings a song.  

And I got a new bike.  I loved my cannondale but I guess it was time to get a new one.  

She is awfully fun to ride.  I have two big 100 miles rides coming up so we will have a fun next few months.  

I want to remember my cute little Ella. 

Ella's 4th Birthday

Ella just had her 4th birthday.  

Darren still calls her his little baby, and her response is always, no I'm your big girl. 

I really wanted to make birthday breakfast cake for her but all she wanted was Lucky Charms. 

so we stuck 4 candles in some play dough so she could blow something out. 

We had a little princess tea party.  She wanted to decorate crowns and have feather boas for everyone. They came wearing their favorite dress.  The table was set.  Lots of fun little princess foods.  

Kate, Tessa, Eliana, Ella, Hope, and Beth

Happy Birthday to Ella! She is such a sweet girl.  

That night we had a simple family dinner.  Sandwiches with Ella's pick of Cheetos. 

 (I helped her pick that! I love my cheetos!) Cupcakes for dessert 

We were lucky to a have a neighbor girl drop in and I snagged her to take a family photo.  

It isn't often you get a family photo. I really want to get one every month this year... and always.