8 years

It was a Friday morning just over eight years ago, I was living in Los Angeles and had made an impulsive decision to make a quick trip home to Arizona for the weekend. Little did I know that my father would be called as the new Stake President. I remember that Saturday so well. I remember the panic, the surprise, and especially the feeling of the spirit in our home. I remember eavesdropping at the top of the stairs as two men in suits came to our home and issued the call.  I remember the phone call my dad made to my older brothers Sunday morning before Stake Conference and before all of our lives would be changed and truly blessed.  I especially remember the words my dad spoke that conference to his Seminary students...telling them to hold strong to the iron rod. It was truly a spiritually uplifting few days.

Last weekend, I was able to feel all of that again as my dad was released. Elder Pace and Elder Anderson from the Seventy were there to make the change. Two very different men, but both with incredible strength and spirit. It is an amazing experience to hear and know of the inspiration that takes place when extending a call. It was emotional. Emotion driven from feeling the truthfulness of the Gospel, the strength of these great men and their even greater wives, and emotion from the love felt for the Stake and the love we all feel from the members. 

(the original six)

(my dad with counselors)

(incoming presidency, outgoing, and presidency before my dad's...such STRENGTH!)

It was a great weekend, especially great for me with NO kids!!  All 6 of us were able to be there, which was a surprise for my Mom.  It was a lot of work and got pretty tricky at the airport, thank you to Colorado's snowstorm, but we made it happen...it was awesome. Of course it wouldn't have been an Ogden weekend without QT, 2 Fredirico trips in ONE day, lots of politics, and a few yoga poses from who else but Brett and Todd. The sessions were great, my mom gave such a beautiful testimony and my dad spoke of counting our blessings.   Elder Anderson spoke of Faith and Elder Pace gave a talk on our Heavenly Father...a talk he had worked on for 6 months.  The imagery he left us with will be with me forever.  We celebrated after church with hamburgers and fried candy bars....yes, FRIED!  

I am very grateful for my parents and their examples. They have an exciting 3 years awaiting them!

Earth Day

While sitting at lunch today, Emma noticed the microwave door was open.  I know that my daughter is slightly OCD when it comes to the placement of things, but I thought she was being a little too overreactive to this open door. She insisted on closing it, and as she pulled up a chair and reached as high as she could she turned to me and said, "we need to close the door, we want to save power, mom!". What? Papa would be so proud. I asked where she learned that and her response, "Special Agent Oso".  Huge smile.  A minute later, "we don't want to waste energy, mom!".  Got it.  Thank you Special Agent Oso.

Happy Earth Day!

Easter Sunday

We started the morning off with an Easter Hunt around the house...the Easter Bunny started a new tradition this year, a new pair of jammies and a new book in each basket.

Next up, a picture in our Easter best...I think it was at this point when I knew things were not going to go our way.  There were lots of tears, drama and unsuccessful bribing.

Church was great, a time to really reflect on our Savior. 

We spent the rest of the day at Chris' parent's house...Emma had a huge egg hunt all to herself, we enjoyed a big turkey dinner, and we finished the day off with dying some eggs, a favorite this year.

We hope everyone had a Happy Easter!

The Easter Bunny

Visit #5:

And it never got old for them...the girls loved this Easter Bunny.  Emma would get silly (as pictured above) and Taylor did this funny "oohhh" laugh. Every time without fail! Lots and lots of fun!

There's nothing that reminds me more of hot Arizona summer days then homemade juice popsicles...I'm so glad you hung on to these for years and years Mom! They are getting lots and lots of use!

P.S. I love Springtime!

Adcock Vacation Spring Break Style

Last week we vacationed with the Adcock family at Capistrano Beach...it was so great to have everyone together and to be in such a beautiful setting. We miss you all already!

If Emma had it her way, which most days she does, she would have built sand castles all week long with Aunt Jennifer. Others were completely fulfilled with digging life size holes while some were content to just pile rocks! It didn't take much!

Faces too cute to resist!

Late night bonfires on the beach...strawberry marshmallow anyone?

Birdhouses with Grandma and the girls...Grandma gave some tips for painting which Emma respectfully ignored and went to town even adding some color to her neighbor's!

The final product!

Posing, sand animals, and making feet disappear!

Then Erin arrived from college and things got a lot more crazy, loud, and a lot more fun!

The scene Friday night, our last night. Because it is just too good, I had to show a few close ups...

We miss this!

Thank you Grandma and Papa for the wonderful trip!

Presidents

This morning while watching General Conference, I tried to explain to Emma who President Dieter F. Uchtdorf is. I explained that he is a leader in our Church and that he's from Germany and that he talked to Grandma and Papa about their mission. She popped up excitedly and exclaimed, "like President Obama!".

Not quite.