April 2008

It has been a great day! We are celebrating Miriam’s birthday, the real Christmas, the anniversary of the organization of the Church, and just finished watching conference. Each message was so timely and inspiring. I’ll have to say that my favorite part of conference was when President Monson wiggled his ears in the Priesthood Session. Everyone in my stake center (and probably all around the world) just burst out laughing. I think it further endeared him to many. That moment, along with so many witnesses from the other apostles and seventy, along with many witnesses from the Spirit confirms to me his calling as our next prophet. I had been seeking for that witness so that I could say “I know,” and now I feel that assurance. I hope each of you has also had that witness at some point over these past two days.

We had a fun family party for Miriam this morning. She received all sorts of art supplies and activities – crayons, markers, paints, etc. that will keep her busy for hours and hours. She had her friend party on Friday afternoon and Becky did a wonderful job of putting on a fantastic “pony party” complete with a rainbow cake and a My Little Pony piñata. Jenny was also a great help in preparing for the party, and it was great to have Collin, Grant, and Katelyn there to join in the fun. As we have done with some of the other kids’ parties, I set up an obstacle course in the back yard – except this was a pony course. Each of the kids got a pony that Becky and the girls had made out of stuffed pant legs of old jeans. She put eyes and yarn manes on them and tied them on to a swimming “noodle” and each of the kids had to ride their pony through the course, going around and over obstacles, stopping and smelling daisies, stopping to eat some oats (Cheerios), and lassoing a post while saying, “Ride ‘em cowboy!” and then hit the piñata at the end. For the older kids we had timed them to see who could get through the course the fastest, but for some reason the competitiveness just wasn’t there with this age group. ☺

Brenda came near the end of the party and capped off Miriam’s state of happiness. Then she and Jenny and kids headed up to Rexburg. We sure enjoyed having them here for a few days. Our kids were sad when they left. I’ll claim a personal victory in getting Katelyn to laugh and smile at me as she was in the car waiting to leave. It’s amazing what a little chin tickling can do.

It’s amazing to think that Auriana will be starting Junior High next year. She anguished over what classes to sign up for and now may be doing it all over again as it appears she may end up going to the charter school instead. It looks like she might have a few more friends there and some additional options for music and art classes, but whatever decision she makes, we’ll be happy with it. She’s such a good student and such a good person, that she’ll excel whatever she decides.

Isaac and I have been trying to plan another trip up to Washington to visit his cousins, Daniel and Jacob, but can’t seem to figure out a time that works for everyone. We’ll get up there eventually though. In the mean time, he is enjoying soccer and trying to spend as much time as possible with Tyler and Landon Shumway, his good friends that will be moving to Texas in May or June because of a reassignment for their dad who is in CES. It’s hard to believe Isaac is now 10 years old. He got his Bear award in scouts a couple months ago and is attending Webelos now and really enjoying it.

Natalie is playing soccer too, and this year Becky and I are her coaches. It has been a blast so far. We had our first game on Thursday in the biting cold. It’s a little bit different experience coaching girls than boys. For instance, when I was coaching Isaac’s team a few years back, I never got the question, “Can we do a ballerina spin before we throw it in?” Its great to see them having so much fun. Their exuberance is contagious. It’s also cool because now since I’m the coach I get a treat after every game. ☺

Enoch is getting better at recognizing letters and sounding out words. He’ll be reading full sentences before long. Kindergarten isn’t that far away. Enoch had a blast with Collin and Grant. I was the paper airplane maker for an entire morning – they sure had fun using their imaginations with those planes. We really enjoy Enoch’s sense of  humor around here. He can be pretty silly sometimes. We are also grateful for his ability to focus the attention of his younger sisters onto something fun and constructive. The other day Miriam and Ellie were at each other all morning and as soon as Enoch got home from preschool they all starting playing together happily.

Ellie is no longer a baby. That is for sure! She is acting so grown up lately with certain attitudes and the things she says. All of us are constantly entertained and surprised at what she says and does. Definitely times to treasure and remember. Becky took her to the store yesterday so she could spend some money that we had saved for her from Christmas. She went from one toy to the next loving each one more than the last. Then she saw a cute outfit, and with an “Ooooh!” decided that she wanted that most of all. Two years old and already she’s a crazy shopper. She also got a haircut recently. She had been twirling her finger in her hair so much that it was getting tangled to the point that Becky couldn’t get the tangles out and had cut big chunks out on several occasions. So she finally decided just to cut it short and now it’s just above the shoulders and cute as ever.

It was great to have Mom and Dad down for Easter. We felt lucky to have them in our home for a short time, as their lives are so busy with their service in the temple. I was grateful they made the effort to come from Burley in time to attend my Easter concert in the Provo Tabernacle. It was a fun concert – a great place to perform. We also enjoyed time with Alan and Konnie and kids and enjoyed Easter dinner with them and Brenda and Karen and Andrew. I could say a little more here, but I think I’ll refrain for the time being. ☺

Becky was just released from the Primary presidency last Sunday. She served for about 3 ½ years. I look forward to seeing how they will use her next. She is so capable and dedicated in her Church service. Hearing Elder Ballard’s talk in the afternoon session about young mothers made me appreciate her all the more. She truly does “make” our home.

I have made a couple of presentations to the City Council in the last month and it looks as if this Cultural Arts and Heritage Center may actually happen. Of course there’s a long road ahead – a lot of organization, hard work, and $15 million to raise, but having the city leadership on board was a big hurdle to overcome. Work continues to be busy as ever, but I think I’m learning to work a bit smarter bit by bit. I went golfing for the first time this season and got an even 100. Hopefully I can improve on that a little bit through the next few months. With Chad promising to pay for all my golf from now on, I’ll have to make sure I give him his money’s worth. ☺  

Congrats, by the way, Dr. Chad. I know I’ve already told you on the phone, but we’re sure excited for you, and excited for us that we’ll have you so close. We wish you the best of luck in finding a home and making the move. Best of luck to Jen as well in having that baby during such a busy time. Our prayers are with you.

Happy Spring to each of you! May your garden planting be successful and your hay fever minimal.