Happy Easter

It is truly a beautiful Easter Day here in Arizona. Today on the way home from church I asked Ryan what he learned about Easter. His Sunbeam class talked about new life using examples like eggs and flowers and butterflies. "Mom, Jesus was like a butterfly, he went into his racoon and came alive again." We went home and watched the church DVD, "Finding Faith in Jesus Christ." It was perfect for the boys. However, I think my brother Greg's Easter idea was by far the best. His kids woke up and searched the house only to find the empty boxes from their chocolate bunnies bearing a note saying, "He is not here, HE IS RISEN!" After a good lesson about Easter, they handed out the chocolate.

This week has been a stressful one. I have spent much time pondering the mysteries of life and death this week. Three of my dear friends have been spending a great deal of time in the hospital with a parent. Cindy, Jeremy and Kelly--our prayers are with you.

I think Easter is one of the most best holidays of the year: good chocolate and the promise of new life. Who could ask for anything more?

All for the love of Jill

Well, we knew that the crawling would not satisfy Jill for long. She has been trying to stand since she was tiny and has now disovered that she can pull herself up on just about anything. She's having trouble sleeping because she would rather be standing up in her crib playing with her fishy mobile than taking a nap. So, here are some new pictures especially for the Salt Lake grandparents. We're issuing fair warning--Jillian is likely to be walking when we get up there in June. Make sure you stash your valuables!

Josh and I were both just commenting how much having a daughter adds to the dynamic of our family. In a family full of boys we truly thank heaven for little girls!

Why Kids Grow Up

Today at 6 AM my oldest son came into my room bearing a tray with a bowl of Cheerios, a glass of water and a note reading:

"Dear Mom,
I'm sorry adout the car. We can get new paint. Happy Brekfist.
Love Alex"

(I have left his spelling intact)

Yesterday I backed our new car out of the garage and came too close to Josh's car. I heard the bumper hit Josh's car and panicked. Instead of braking, I hit the gas. So...I really crunched the back bumper of our beautiful car. (Luckily Josh's Ford POS can't look any worse than it already does.) I ran in the house bawling and must have really upset Alex. He decided that breakfast in bed the next morning was the way to fix it. Despite awakening with a stomach ache, I downed a few bites of Cheerios and basked in the love of my thoughtful son.

Now we have to find a good body shop in Arizona, any suggestions?