Sunday, May 29, 2011

school's out!!

the boys are excited to be out of school.  wesley did a great job this year at the first grade program, he even did the chicken dance like a pro

ian graduated from kindergarten with flying colors.  i love this picture.  fiona was so excited for him and he tried really hard to look like he wasn't pleased with her affection.  they have a funny relationship.

ian and grandma.  what lucky kids to get grandma as their kindergarten teacher.  fiona and lydia can't wait for their turn.

Who I look up to

Today we had a combined Relief Society and Priesthood meeting and as I listened to the teacher I started thinking about the great people I have had the blessing to come into my life.  So many good people have blessed my life and helped me to make it through many difficult trials or uncertain moments in my life.  My cousin Ashley has always been one of my heroes with her great sense of humor and kindness to others even when they don't quite fit in.  After high school I met Melanie and she is amazing at making others feel like they have great worth, she's also so much fun.  On my mission I remember one companion that NEVER said anything unkind about anyone.  I was amazed by this talent and have tried to develop it in myself (it's harder than it looks).  Now in our current ward I have met an incredible peacemaker that helps everyone work together and feel like what they have done is contributing in some way.  I could go on and on mentioning so many people and I hate the thought of leaving anyone out.  I have been so blessed by so many and their good works. 
As I thought of all these good people, I also started thinking about the amazing men and women in the Book of Mormon that have been an inspiration to me.  I hope to raise children like the stripling warriors who have unfailing testimonies to see them through the dangers ahead.  I strive to have a willing spirit and do all the Lord will ask of me like Nephi.  I want to strengthen my faith & hope to be like that of Mormon's & Moroni's as they worked to protect the records for at that time an unimaginable goal.
There is so much good to be done and I want to be a part of it.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

first tooth

Ian finally lost his first tooth.  He was so excited.  That night he even caught his first fish at their fishing class.  When he went to bed he told us it was 'THE BEST DAY EVER!!'

Monday, May 2, 2011

being a positive influence

Yesterday we had the greatest lesson in Relief Society.  Jodi prepared a lesson about being a positive influence and the power we have to lead others.  She shared a clip she found on youtube about the influence we have on others.  It had me laughing and thinking about my own influence and how I should wield such great power.

honestly, the cutest kiddos on the planet....



(even when they're pouting)
I made the boys bowties and I just couldn't get a great picture of them, but believe me they were handsome.  I found lots of different tutorials for the bowties, but this is the one that I liked the best.  It seemed to take the least amount of material (big concern for me at the time) and was really easy.  I made 3 of them in just a few hours.