Childhood Memories

It's moments like these at the park that you as a parent are so glad you captured on film. The pictures that capture the moment speak so many happy emotions! I always hope that when my kids simple childhood is part of the past, that they will look back and think that it was a happy one full of lots of love. sibling love that happens every so often
This one tickles me and expresses the new found excitement every time we visit the park.

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

He Loves Me!

So this vase/pitcher sits next to my sink. Most of the time it's empty. I mentioned to Nathan casually one night that I prefer it with flowers. The night I came back from my RS Women's Retreat a couple of weeks ago, he presented me with these flowers. I guess absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Nathan really is wonderful about 'professing his undying love for me!' ha! ha!

Well, my vase is empty again but my kids are really dolls about picking flowers for me.
Lantana's will have to do!

TIME OUT

Yes, sometimes Mom's need a Time Out too! Lucky for me there is a special weekend dedicated to uplifting and inspiring women - Time Out For Women. Bernice and I were able to escape for a night and one day.

Friday Night we skipped out for Sushi:)

Because we didn't eat dinner before we left for the night!

And because it was way over due birthday present.
It was better than I ever remembered sushi to be.

Saturday morning we were both lets say-wanting to really be with our families more than a large group of women. Well the day got better and better with each passing speaker and singer. I knew Hilary Weeks would be there and I was really excited to hear her inspiring music. To my most amazing surprise the first speaker was Virginia Hinckley Pearce. I could not contain myself. She was not planning on being there and came on last minutes notice and is her 1st Time Out ever. I couldn't believe it was happening. We raced down to her during the first break and I poured out my feelings of adoration and love for her family and the book "Letters". I'm sure I was a complete loser but I couldn't pass up the chance to be near her. Okay, corny I know but I really don't care. Then during the next break I went up to her again to have her sign another book she edited about her mother, "Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley".


Bernice and I with Hilary. Bernice said we were acting like people do at Disney Land waiting to take pictures with all the characters and get autographs.
In the end, it was worth being away from the fam for a day.

Kylin's Big Day

Kylin waited in anticipation for her First Day of Preschool!

12:30 could not come soon enough today.

My heart just melted for Andrew today. He got his backpack on, followed Ky right into preschool, put his backpack and shoes into the bin just like her and then ran off to the preschool room. When I called him over he gave me a big hug and kiss and then ran off again. He was convinced that he was staying for preschool! One more year Big Boy.

Today starts the weeks when I get every Tues. and Thurs. afternoon all to myself. What to do for 2 hours without kids? Blog, Clean, Read, Think Clearly:)

Surprise at the Front Door

My friend Alisa came over and showed me this creature at the front door. Apology for all the bug stories. I just got a kick out of watching Alisa try to catch this Preying Mantis. The kids thought is was fascinating. We fed it live bugs, watched it climb a chop stick, and most likely gave it a slight concussion from shacking it around so much. We set it free after a couple of days to go live out the rest of it's life in peace. I think that the female praying mantis' eat the male ones. Jalyne begs to differ. What do you think?