Sorrow

Easter has come and gone and I found myself reflecting on life. Life- what does that mean? Is it just a mortal existence? Is it compiled of trials, mistakes, joy, pain, love, and happiness? It's so much more. Life, stretches so much further. I know that this mortal existence is just a small segment of my life. I was so touched this Easter in a way I have never been touched before. As I watch my children grow and struggle, I often times loose my patience, use guilt to make a point, and scold them. Is that what the Savior does to me? Absolutely not! Life is challenging and often times we loose the war but fight to win the battle. Our Savior teaches us with love and forgives us freely. It was through His sacrifice that my life is full and I can be forgiven and live my entire life beyond the grave with Him again. 

Often times when Ryan is driving and I am in the passenger seat, I give driving advice. It annoys Ryan, so I have learn to sit quietly while he drives, even if I know he missed a turn or should have changed lanes so that he wouldn't miss the off ramp on the freeway. It eats at me at times, especially when he drives slow. Every once in a while he will forget where he is going (he gets lost in conversation and misses turns), and I will speak up. He then will ask me why I didn't say something earlier. I've become almost afraid of giving driving advice because of past experience. Recently I spoke to Ryan about this. He was surprised because he didn't realize he was speaking unkindly to me when I was offering help. Recently a loved family member has made serious transgressions and has headed down a dangerous path. It's broken my heart to see the pain decisions have made. As I have reflected on the years of poor decisions that have gone unresolved, I think of driving with Ryan. Have I sat quietly and said nothing? Have I given advice and been scolded because of it and consequently stopped trying to help? Yes. I saw the writing on the wall. I saw the pain up ahead. What could I have done? I don't know. I think of my family member and sorrow engulfs me. I feel such a sense of sadness and hopelessness. How do you help someone that has lost their way? The answer is love. Just as our Savior teaches and forgives with love, so shall I. I am far from perfect and make mistakes daily, but I know my Father in Heaven loves me and my Savior died for my sins. Just as I have been forgiven and learn to grow, so can we all. 

I resolve that I will love more freely. I will forgive more freely. And I will emulate my Savior. This Easter has been a difficult and special one. I am grateful for life's lessons and that we can all change. What an amazing gift we have been given.

San Fran sisters trip

Last week I went on the best trip. All my sisters and I went to San Francisco for four days. Here is a quick over view of what we did each day:

Day 1: Chinatown, the palace of fine arts, the Golden Gate Bridge. This was so fun. We walked around the city, ate Chinese food, and saw the beautiful architecture at the palace of fine arts.

Day 2: Muir Woods and Sausalito. I've been there many times, but this time was the best. We went on the trails off the main paths. It was a great hike and so peaceful. Sausalito was a fun city to walk around. It's right on the coast and had a really casual feel to it.

Day 3: the Marin headlands. This was such a cool place. It looked like scenes out of an apocalyptic movie. They are old bunkers and kind of ruins from ww1 and ww2. They were so neat. We hiked around them. We also went to the lighthouse there. It was amazing. I loved it!

Day 4: church and Oakland temple. This was so nice. After sacrament meeting we went to the Oakland temple visitors center and watched the movie meet the Mormons. It was very moving and inspirational. 

This was a really great trip. I love my sisters and I am so grateful we do these trips!!

Happy 3rd Hank and Millie

I can't believe they are three!!!! 

Hoogle Zoo

We had the best day yesterday at the zoo. I can't believe how active all the animals were. The zoo was empty too, which was awesome! The kids had a great time and it was fun to be together. 

School is back in session

I love doing preschool with my kids. It's a lot of work, but spending the one on one time with them is priceless, and I really do mean that! I love being with them, even when I'm tired. We have been learning colors lately. The kids love to finger paint, so this has been fun for them. 

Last week we also make rabbit ears, for the letter R. They loved making them and then hopping around like rabbits.

Preschool adventures

I have loved doing home preschool. With the cost of sending kids to preschool and having 3 still at home, there was no way I could afford it, plus who doesn't want an excuse to sing silly songs, finger paint, and read books with their kids (and not feel guilty about putting off laundry)? I have loved doing school with my kids! I'm not going to lie, there are days I would rather put on a movie for them and lay on the couch, but being with them and watching them grown smarter is very rewarding. I love doing preschool with my little people!!!

Is there anything better than a sleeping baby?