Concerts and games

This was a busy week for the boys! (Not that most weeks aren't busy...at least for Dallin.) Tuesday (April 18) was actually the busiest day for me as well! In the morning, Daniel had his district 6th grade track meet. He ran in the 100 meter, 200 meter, and relay. Even though he didn't win any medals, he enjoyed hanging out with his friends and running as hard as he could in the events he participated in. I'm proud of him for giving it his all!

Jonas loved being able to run around too! He is an outdoor boy!

In addition to track (that Dallin is currently participating in), Dallin has started back up with basketball. He is playing in a spring league. It seems like basketball is NEVER ENDING! Still, he loves it! Luckily, Tuesday's games were at SHHS...an hour before and after Daniel's concert, which was also at SHHS. Needless to say, we spent a lot of time at Salem that evening!

It was fun watching both boys doing what they enjoy. Daniel has really come alive with the cello (although he's still not a fan of practicing). I could see his excitement and enthusiasm as he played. Tonight's concert was combined with several other local elementary schools. I have to admit they actually sounded pretty good, especially since this was their first year playing!

On Friday (April 21), Daniel had another concert. This concert was just his elementary school orchestra and choir. I am proud of both the boys! It's not easy to dedicate yourself to something. It isn't always enjoyable to spend the countless hours of practice it takes to refine their specific skills, but both boys have done so...and continue to do so! Way to go boys!

**Danny's last concert of the year was on Monday, May 1. It was actually more a "show case" rather than a concert. The orchestra played for the upcoming 6th graders as a way to entice those students to join orchestra. They played many of the songs I'd already heard, but Danny did an amazingly fast duet in addition to his orchestra pieces. I was quite impressed with how far he's come and how much he's learned. He is obligated (by his mean old mom) to do at least one more year of orchestra, but I truly hope he decides to continue.

Easter!

Happy Easter! Have I mentioned that I love this time of year? It was seriously the most beautiful Spring day to celebrate such a sacred holiday. On Saturday (April 15), we invited family and friends over to color and hide eggs. Prior to that, the kids decided they wanted to take a ride up West Mountain. Now that the weather is warmer, I envision many more trail rides!

After the kids got back, we indulged in a scrumptious BBQ lunch before letting the kids decorate eggs. Jonas even joined in; however, he would only put the eggs in the dye for a brief second before taking them out and placing them in another dye. I think his hands were more colored than the eggs were by the time he was through!

Our Easter "basket" dessert (sugar cookie cups)

After coloring eggs, I provided each of the kids with 8 eggs of the same color. It was then their responsibility to switch eggs with someone else and hide the eggs for that other person. I think this makes the hunts a little more interesting. We had eggs on the roof, in trees, in pipes, locked in a car, etc! It was hilarious (and a little time consuming) watching them all search for their eggs.

Finally, the kids decided they wanted to have an egg-bashing tournament. This was when we discovered (or rather confirmed because we suspected earlier) that the eggs we colored weren't actually the eggs we boiled! What a mess! But the kids wouldn't stop until one was declared the winner! Johann (a friend of Laurin's and Sahar's spouse) won!

The rest of the day was spent enjoying each other's company. We played baseball, ate candy, watched movies, and more. I loved spending the day with my family! There is no greater blessing I have than the family I am privileged to be a part of.

On Easter Sunday (April 16), the kids woke up to find the Easter Bunny left Easter baskets by their doors. Jonas got a new tractor, a book, and a coloring book...plus chocolate! All the kids got their traditional "bunny tails" (white powdered donuts) with chocolate milk plus other goodies. The family received a fun puzzle and Moana.

After our sugar-filled morning, we headed to church to focus on the true meaning of this hoiday. Today Laurin spoke in church to report on her mission. I sat in awe as I listened to her testify about her relationship with her Savior. She declared the reality of His life and the vitality of His atonement. She truly came to know her Savior in Kansas. As I listened, I wondered about my own relationship with my Savior. Do I truly know Him? The answer I felt was a resounding, "YES!" I don't know if I could have said that a few months ago. I feel like I go through periods in my life where my knowledge of the Savior is superficial at best, but I have been blessed with experiences, opportunities, and trials that have given me a deeper understanding of His love for me and the power of His atonement. I don't profess to understand everything. I couldn't give you a logical, medical explanation for his resurrection or how it's possible for one man to take on the sins of the world, but I feel and know in my heart that it is true. I have felt my Savior wrap His arms around me as I cried at the loss of another pregnancy (in February). I have seen His light as I have sat in fear about the uncertainty of the future. I have felt His strength as He has lifted me off my knees so that I can take on the responsibilities He has given me. I know He lives! I know He loves me! I am grateful for this Easter holiday when I am able to slow down and truly reflect on the majesty of His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. I pray that my children will know Him and feel His love in their lives. I am grateful that my Savior hasn't given up on me. I am grateful that He looks beyond my mistakes to see the thoughts and intents of my heart. I am most grateful to know that because He lives, I too can live again with Him and my family for eternity! Happy Easter indeed!

My handsome boys! I never got a picture of the girls. Laurin was busy finalizing her remarks and Amber wasn't quite ready on time.