Easter

Easter came with so many expectations this year. We were asked to celebrate more fully more joyfully just more. That is a hard command to check off. I ordered some decorations but not all I had laboriously found. I did make some cards with the kids to share with family and friends. We visited friends after church like we do at Christmas. We went to the temple to celebrate and worship. 

It was lovely. We were invited to go in support of one of John's high school classmates who joined the church. Its always good to be in the temple with friends. The kids did baptisms switching taking care of Jake. That is nice too to know  all is taken care of.

We made Easter cupcakes. Alia insisted we could make them from scratch. She had found a recipe in the cookbook. She was right they were good. She made the coconut frosting before asking how... she added more green than I would have and we all had green teeth for a bit after eating them but they were tasty and fine. We had pizza after the Saturday sessions of conference. I had purchased some special treats for conference: grapes, mandarin oranges, gogurts, robin eggs, jelly beans, chips, peeps, chocolate bunnies. These are not normal purchases but went with the trying to celebrate more the day and event of gathering for conference and celebration of Easter.

Andrea and Marilla found dandelions and used them as face paint. They are a pretty little flower and so fun for little fingers to pick and pick. 

The kids also dyed eggs that were used for Sunday breakfast. 

Grandma Saunders and Alena are the picture of industry always busy in one way or another. They are working on this picture quilt. The treco fabric is nice to quilt but challenging as it snags easily. This bright puprle enlivens the senses. The amount of time put in to hand quilted heirlooms is hardly understood by those who don't participate. 

And we ended the festivities with an Easter play. This was new and a bit challenging and entertaining to say the least. Cousin Natalie is a veteran actress and knows how shows should go. The rest of the cousins not so much. Some were ok with dressing up- thankfully the Christmas costumes worked just fine in this application. Some were more reluctant. And one was downright vibrant. His joy at having a shepherd’s crook was evident and made us smile.

I loved the idea and think it was good to review and think about Easter too. 

Bruce had declared he wanted to be the apostle Peter because he had a sword. There were no swords or ear cutting. Aunt Rachel suggested grandma could teach him as she had cut her brother ear off on accident, as a child. Such witty siblings I have. Alas no swords which was for the best after the enthusiasm for the cane from the littlest apostle. 

We had enjoyed a lovely dinner with over 60 in attendance. We continue to grow in number and that is a blessing. I hope we can each keep choosing to forgive and gather. That becomes harder as more years pass but I hope there is enough good memories to want to come back together. 

These two were enoying grandmas flowering trees. Afton had fashioned a crown for Andrea. 

They hunted eggs thanks to Aunt Mary and went home with bags of candy and full tummies. We received a phone call as we were leaving that a friend needed some help eating soft serve ice cream. We are all about service so we rushed to their house to finish off a very full day with more food. Thankfully ice cream just squishes around what else is in your belly. We are blessed to know Jesus lives, that he suffered and died for us and did indeed conquer all. The great gift of His gospel is peace, hope, and joy. I am thankful for this understanding and faith. Life is so good. 
 

Home Learning

 Jake discovered himself in the mirror in March. I was attempting to get a picture of his full size legs. He is a snuggle bug. I read that maybe babies who demand so much holding are to teach moms to slow down. I've come to a near stop with Jake I have short bursts of activity followed by hours of meeting his demands. 

Andrea at the shop with Lexi and Harold. She is a cutey as well independent nowadays and very imaginative. 

Oh my Bruce. Raised by Reed to be a no nonsense tough guy not a "Baby." He's strong and capable and funny to listen to. HE gets things on a deep level and knows the gospel. Here he's clearing weeds to burn. He can do most things I'm always impressed how the younger ones just step up or are pulled up by the older ones. 

Our spring has been inviting to work outside. Afton is working to cover the peas Andrea and Alia planted we are still waiting to see them come up but it was a hope filled evening when we planted rows of peas and beets. 

At home we had a good stretch of school for Merle and Andrea. Coloring is much more fun but more engaging than constantly practicing writing. So I would draw pictures for them to color. 

Some we shared and some just enjoyed here. I love artprojectsforkids.com. I have followed her tutorials for years and have been successful enough the kids knew what I drew to color it correctly. 

We were doing so well then life happened. So again we shall try to get Merle reading and counting confidently. The writing is much harder for him. He's my youngest son to go to school. I know these tasks take time. So we wait and work at it little by little. Life is good and full of Mr. Jake's demands or cries it's my choice which I listen to. We are blessed. 

Track

This year an April Johnson a professional photographer provided her skills to capture the track team. Can you spot the crown on Addie’s head? She did not come

Up with this photo idea but obeyed the instructions. 

Oh how the years have flown by with these ladies adding friendship and the good part of growing up. They are strong and fierce competitors. Addie loves the addition of these determined hard working women to her love of running. Track is just a good way to end the school year. 

 

So funny and so blatantly out of character for Addie. She is indeed highly respected and noticed but humble about it and much more concerned about others than herself.

Reed is really growing right now in strength and socially. 

Sports gives you time together with peers contributing to the team goal of winning and testing your own abilities and limits. It’s good to work together. Both guys Bannock and Mr. Stewart are serious competitors with years of experience. Reed is learning by watching.

The best part sharing the experience. Addie knows the routines and encouraged Reed to try.

In his first match he placed first as the meet ended early due to lightening. Still a win is a win. Reed is strong and agile he will be a bonafide winner if he keeps practicing.

Track is coed so more social experiences and learning. And the competition can be fierce. We have an excellent coach who encourages experimenting and finding what you can excel at. Another journey begins we are very blessed. 

Mom and Sons

I was honored to be able to attend the bi-annual mother son event with Bruce. He was much more willing to participate this year. Maybe because we rode with friends, maybe he has really grown up? Proably both. The only picture because he would not take one at the photo booth. I use to be quite the dancer I danced with him, and two of his peers whose mom's were not there or busy with their brother. It was fun. Thankfully there were some really good mom dancers to follow as I didn't line dance much in my past. 

A lot of geese have nejoyed our cover crop this winter. Merle and the dogs went to chase them off. 

Merle ran the full pivot cirlce getting rid of those geese. He is so strong and healthy. We are blessed. 

Livy home from working with dad. This is an intense season of homework. While I grind my teeth watching I also know it's the purpose of education. We must be pushed to high expectation to really grow. 

Back to the boys Jake is getting better by the day with his hands. He was able to grasp his bottle for the first time one day a while ago. 

He is just so cute. I see the clothes he is wearing in these pictures and can say he has outgrown them in the month that is past. He wore the 6-9 mos size for about 4 weeks maybe. 

He loves to suck on his fingers. He has his own unique look. We sure love this little/ big guy. 

A jacket for a day. 

Moving into pants as he needed more room for his ever lengthening torso. The rose is from my evening out with Bruce. It bloomed so nicely. 

My oldest son got himself a fiancee. She is such a nice gal. Andrea tells me she is going to have a new sister. She is really excited. 

They went up to Twin Falls Idaho behind Aunt Kristi's house and then she took some confirmation pictures to share with family. 

When Reed is home he takes a turn holding Jake and playing with him. I think this was Reed/Greg's birthday evening. 

 Mark called early one morning to tell us he broke his collarbone in a bike accident. He was racing on his bike when wash out mud was too much and he slid and fell. His bike tire is destroyed and the tip of  his left collarbone is fractured. Thankfully he can walk and keep working. He had obeyed his mission president wearing his helmet and is thus spared any head damage. He is also aware of the protection and safety he was granted to only break one side of his body and not his dominant side at that. There is protection in obedience and the holy garments we put on each day. Those may seem routine or too simple but such are the promises of God. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. 

On the stateside front this missionary had a p-day vehicle check. His companion is such a good sport. I think they are having a great time. They have another person on date for baptism so about 1 per transfer. 

They had a zone conference where eah elder was asked to paint a square for a mural. John with his distinctive water bottle. Not a mistake it is prominent on the table. "Look busy Jesus is coming."

Merle resting with dad while watching general conference. 

Most of my sons and the lovely Anna in one shot on p-day phone calls. 

And John in the city. I miss these guys and their strong unique personalities and yet my heart is bursting with gratitude for the solid young men they are. I hear there testimonies, I watch them support and challenge each other, and I see the paths the blaze. Moving forward making new covenants, desiring to build independent lives with their abilities, faith, companions, and skills. This is what we planned for. 

We are thankful for each. We are so pleased with the trails they have blazed and marked and established for those following behind. We hope they continue to forgive, love, and have kind relationships with each other as they impact the world they live in. These guys my back up and muscles have moved on and yet their bantering and smiles on phone calls is just the highlight of my week. I am truly blessed. 

Addie State Convention Officer Experience

Prior to convention I had an hour long listening conversation to a mom who's child had been a state officer a few years ago. This information filled time was key to being prepared for Addie's run for state office. The end result was not a surprise I knew she was prepared in every way possible, but it is still a bit of a surprise she is in fact a prestigious Oregon FFA state officer. 

PRior to convention I asked family and dear mentors for letters of encouragement. They happily wrote inspiring and uplifting messages for Addie. I was impressed and humbled as their visions of this daughter we have raised. Her sweet teacher/friend gave her this necklace for a good luck charm. She wore it throughout the experience. Aunt Rachel make-up lessons another step in the preparing for next level leadership. 
 

We watched her get the announcement she had made top ten. It was amazing and nerve wracking to wait. I'm thankful they stream-lined the process this year to ease some of the waiting tensions. 

After she was elected we met back stage all of us. This was such a reconciliation moment. After months of distrust, distance, hurt, and confusion these three were able to hug and take a moment to hopefully begin a next chapter of it's working out. Her two advisors the old who trained her so well, and the new who has also trained and taught new lessons. The one in the middle the glue and peace that steadied a very rough road this year at her high school. Not only in the Ag classes but the student body as a whole has looked to her as a constant source of happiness, calm, and confidence life is and can be good. She is going to be sorely missed and she is going to miss the daily mingling and caring about the student body. 

Chapter friends post Ag Issues presentation. Addie gave her spot to her brother Reed. They did well and participated which is the best part of FFA places for everyone to try new skills and activitities. 

Trying to loosen her up after a very long two days of interviews. This is after the top ten was announced. Mom can be silly. Addie is pretty serious. Mom being a goon. 

Addie is a no-touchy kind of kid not many hugs or physical contact so a kiss is a HUGE No. anyway we do love you Addie and accept you as you are. 

A frustrated Addie mom how could you invade my space!

The next day the final officer vote. They each gave speeches. Addie was by far the most energetic and engaging. She had the crowd play simon says after an moving "Good morning Oregon FFA quick intro." She stated she wanted to be their friend and that they do in fact belong in FFA. She moved up a spot from sentinel to reporter in teh official nominating committee placing. Most people from our side of the state serve as reporters. 

The installation ceremony on stage. 

Ending the session with the new team. 

Final photo finish with the last gavel tap until next year. And then we watched clean up met the officer parents, had a luncheon info session and finally drove home. It was a very long weekend with a lot of stress and uncertainty. It was nice to take a quick detour and partake of the sacrament after the election session. We went in jeans and left after the sacrament was passed. We attended that ward last year. The heavy uplifting feeling of the Spirit when we entered the chapel was unmistakable. 

As I stood and watched voting I knew she would be elected. The spirit whispered "it will be ok and all work out." I was thankful for this sure witness of divine attention to this big responsibility. While there are many aspects I am worried or wondering about I know she is a dynamic, prepared, hard working young lady with a unique drive and ability to connect with others. She is very innocent, but not silly or unwise. She is rising to the occasion with grace and poise. Another opportunity to learn and watch our kids become great. It is a humbling experience to parent these mighty spirits of God. Life is very good and we are blessed.