We got a Culvers!

When we lived in Illinois we discovered their glorified burger joint with yummy custard called Culvers. They have great customer service and that is a big plus in Marty's book! We just got one that is on the way to the grocery store - bad location for me. Too accessible. No, we have only been once, but it is very tempting. It costs a lot more than Wendy's so it is hard to justify it. Anyway, welcome Culvers! Jack had fun with the straw - he was funny.

Conference again!

I look back to when I was a teen and remembering when Conference weekend would approach. I was sad to be missing out on teen outings, long naps, or nice dates on that Saturday that Conference was held. Fortunately I have matured some. I have such an excitement for Conference weekend. I looked forward to it. I didn't sleep through any of the talks and I was prepared to feel the spirit. I feel blessed to have this opportunity to listen to the words of our living Prophets and Apostles. I am re-motivated to live life to it's greatest potential, I am reminded of my self worth, and my testimony of Jesus Christ and the truthfulness of His gospel given to us in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and by revelation has been strengthened. I know our living Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, has been called of God to lead Christ's church on earth. I have so much joy and peace to know this. I love knowing the truth about my premortal life and the potential I have to be like my Father in Heaven. How grateful I am for the joys of knowing I can have an eternal family. Thank you to all my leaders who spoke at Conference for your worthiness, dedication, and love! I hope all of you enjoyed Conference as much as I did. If you didn't get a chance to hear it, you can click this link and watch it. (Look at the bottom right of the page where is says 177th Semiannual General Conference). It is wonderfully informative and uplifting!

3 Easter Egg Hunts

Sunday dinner and egg hunt with some friends. There must have been a hundred eggs.




Our home made eggs. Oh, and just so you know, that pink and white striped shirt is her favorite. She wants to wear it every day!



Preschool party. They had so much fun.

Jack was happy with just his raisins.




Neighborhood egg hunt. Massive chaos! Yet, Celie dominated - obvious from her winnings. Oh, look, her pink and white shirt again.

Grandma and Nanna visits!

Thanks again for watching our kids Grandma! Our little ones still miss you.

Sunday walk. Wish we could have spent more time with Grandma!




Nanna at the temple.

A day in the sunny backyard, yes, in February!


Trip to the park.

The famous Muskrat! If you have talked to Celie on the phone in the past month or so, then you know the story of the "attack of the muskrat". This thing is huge. As big as a large cat! It would walk right up to us and it had enormous red teeth. Luckily we gained something useful from meeting this beast. Celie is now more concerned about brushing her teeth so they don't end up like the muskrat's.

So, right after watching these beautiful little ducklings swim by, Jack fell into the marsh! I was supposed to be watching him - sorry Jack. We had to strip him to his diaper and wrap him up in my jacket. Nanna was nice enough to grab the camera to document this embarrassing moment - thanks Nanna. It was actually pretty funny.

Thanks for the visits. We really loved having family here!

Sweet Bunny

We had an Easter party with preschool today. Celie had a blast! As we were driving to the party she reviewed the rules of an Easter hunt over and over. "First you wait, then you run, run, run (she showed us how fast by swinging her arms vigorously), and you pick up a lot of eggs!" She's got it down! She got to hold a baby bunny too. She loves animals. I can't wait until the frogs come back to our house so she can have friends any time!

Cruise!!!

So, I only have a few minutes to post a couple of pictures, but I'll elaborate later. We had so much fun on this cruise! It was wonderful to be able to relax and enjoy each other's company. I think that I am more appreciative of God's creations now that I have gone from couped up in a house to floating on the sea. The blue water, the beautiful sun, sandy beaches, colorful fish, and neat coral! We feel so blessed to have had this opportunity to "take a break" from life and spend some time together. I've decided that I really like Marty! It is amazing what you forget about a person over the years. I love you sweetie!

I loved dressing up and dining. It was fun to get to know the other people at our table. Not to mention a six course meal! Marty got two entre's every night and I wasn't far behind him.




This is in Cozumel, Mexico. We went snorkeling for hours. It was so much fun. We came to the shore a few times while snorkeling so Marty could take a rest. I didn't want to come in at all. We got some underwater pictures. I'll post them if they turn out good. We saw other people swimming with the dolphins - ya we're not that rich. I took some pictures; I'll post those later too.



This first picture isn't our boat, but is a sister ship and it looks identical to the Ecstasy. We really liked the cruise!



When we stopped in Progresso, Mexico we traveled a couple of hours to see one the of the 7 wonders of the world; the Mayan ruines in Chichen Iza (not sure if I spelled that right). I have a lot of pictures, but this one is the main and largest pyramid. Amazing!!

IT'S A BOY!!

We are so excited! Celie on the other hand still wants a sister. She'll warm up. We are so grateful for this sweet boy and the opportunity to have him in our family. I'm sure he will love his siblings! And they will love him.

During the ultrasound it was hard to get a look at his face because his knee and hands were constantly in front of it. He loved to rub his hands on his face. We even saw him yawn - it is so fun to see the ultrasound!!

What happened to the naps?

I just need to vent! I am struggling with my sweet Jack! He doesn't take naps very well any more and I need him to sleep for his sake and mine. He acts so tired all day, but can't get to sleep. There are 2 1/2 year olds that take 2 to 3 hours naps!! But my kids sleep for 10 minutes to a half an hour - why? He is transitioning from the two naps a day to one, but doesn't that mean it would be a longer nap. I think he is teething and that is making things worse for him, but rrrrr, I am frustrated! I'm sure this phase will be over soon, but I start to worry about my little #3 coming and having a 2o month old not napping! Scary thought. I remember when Jack was on his way and Celie stopped taking naps 3 months before he was born. It is like they are torturing me! Maybe this is one of those things that I will look back on and laugh.

On a happier note. Today was beautiful weather, I found out that my Mom is coming to visit, I tilled my garden getting it ready to plant, and I took care of my rose bush. It is good to remind myself of things I am grateful for.