Easter 2010

Here it is the day after Easter weekend. I feel so blessed. I have a wonderful family. I love them dearly. I am so grateful for my husband and sweet children who teach me each day how to really LIVE, how to LOVE, and how to ENJOY the small things in life.

I feel like conference this past weekend was directed right at me. I learned so much and was edified. The talks about motherhood and family spoke to me and sparked in me a desire to change for the better, to enjoy my calling in life as a Mother, more than ever.

Being a mother is the most important job I will ever experience on this Earth. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to raise these sweet spirits, these treasures I've been given fresh from our Father in Heaven. In the past 5 years I have grown so much and learned so much from raising these children. They have taught me how to serve, how to love, and how to forgive as He did.

Being Easter, I am again reminded of my Savior's love for me. He spent his life in service, asking for nothing in return. He was persecuted and mocked. He had a hard life, a miserable, painful death, yet he never complained, he never gave up, he stayed strong, he overcame death, he suffered for us, that we might not have to suffer if we but repent and come unto him.

His great example helps me to stay strong, to keep my chin up, to enjoy my life and all the blessings I receive from him each day.

Here are the kids dyeing Easter eggs the other day. They loved it. I wasn't exactly excited about the mess, but once we got started, they had a blast, so of course, I enjoyed it and felt it was worth the effort! Maybe I'll try more "organized" crafts in the future. It takes effort, and I'm pretty lazy, so we'll see....

Grant watching from afar...just enjoying life....smiling away every chance he gets!

The finished product....

Mason woke up late from his nap and was lucky to grab the last three eggs that needed dyeing. He was overly excited and rough with the eggs...gentle, gentle, I would say....he couldn't help himself, it took him all of 10 seconds flat to have all three eggs colored, a bit cracked, and then set aside to dry. He was quite efficient!

Easter dinner was Wonderful! We headed over to our Cousin's house for some fun! Here are the "older" kids at their table....the two babies sat with us adults. We always have a great time with our cousins. I am always amazed at how well all the children play together and get along.

All the cousins....I wish I paid better attention to the bad lighting coming through the fence and casting crazy light on all the kids, oh well. Next time I'll know better. Anyway, still a priceless picture in my opinion. LOVE these kids!!!

Mr. Grant, 9 months.

"Work it buddy!"

Me and my sweet babe.

Mason getting off the trampoline.

Jack showing me his "owie."

Hayley and Grant.

Sharing.

I had fun "practicing" with my camera. Our sweet cousins made great subjects.

Hayley, 2 years old. What a sweetheart she is.

Myles, 10 months.

Parley, 4, with his homemade rocket he made with Grandma.

Mr. Myles again holding mamas hands.

Miss Emmalyn, 6 years old.

Charisse, my great friend. She's amazing. Seriously. Amazing. I feel so blessed to have her and her family in my life. We've had PLENTY of good times together! I will sure miss her when we leave Colorado. Don't even get me started. This is a happy post....I better keep it that way :)

This one's for daddy...(he's deployed right now)...check out those buff arms!

Hope you all had a Happy Easter. We sure did!