A story that will soften your heart...

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have with the Young Women, to learn, grow and teach.  I am becoming a better mom, teacher, and friend. Words cant's express just how much these girls mean to me. I found this video as I have been preparing to teach this month about the Atonement and had to share.  I don't like to be preachy, the gospel is such a personal thing to me. It is something everyone must find, nourish and grow between them and the Lord. People get offended  but it isn't the church. People are human and they make mistakes.  Some way more severe than others, but nevertheless, I'm not God and I'm so glad I am not the judge.

This man is an INCREDIBLE example to everyone!
 

St Patrick's Day

I got up early, I mixed up some yummy apple cinnamon pancakes...that were green of course. Topped off with a rainbow of fruit. The boys were too hungry to wait, thus no picture proof of my efforts.  Half eaten just isn't that appealing, you know?  I failed in the gold coins dept....not as easy to find when you need them at the last minute. Honestly, with our latest dental episodes we do not need more treats:) Then Baked cookies and finished preparing my lesson for Young Women's. I also failed at the traditional corned beef(yuck) and cabbage(double yuck) traditional meal that Andy really loves...but he forgave me because I saved him some super awesome cookies. So we are now onto the next week of adventures...and I might even remember to take some pictures occasionally ha ha!

I haven't updated these in a while-

Funny Max-isms:

-Mom, how did I get the English in my head?
-How am I going to get the Spanish in my head?
-How do I ask a girl to marry me?
-Max- mommy, guess what! I have a new way of saying hello...I combine hell and no and that makes Hellno. Then I say oh Hellno to say hi to people cool huh! *Oh my goodness, he's so innocent and sweet, it's hard to explain somethings to him!
-The "whys" of a five year old are the best and the worst in public settings. "Mommy, WHY isn't my dad Iron Man?" ... And "Why don't we know if Frankensetin has a penis?... What mom, I don't know because they don't show it in the movie!"
-Why why why do we have hair all over our bodies?
-"Mom, let's talk about this guy for a minute, cuz I like him." Said while holding a picture of Jesus.

Gavin-
Gavin- "Hey mom, I saw this naughty book while I was at grandma's house, it had a naughty girl in it. I read it. This girl tried to touch a stove and that was naughty. She almost burned her hand. I'm glad I know not to do that." .....I'm so glad this story went the direction it did! Ha ha!

Trying to get a better habit here

I am trying to make more of an effort to document the ups and downs and every which ways in my little families life again, mostly because it is the only real journaling I ever accomplish. Warning, don't get your hopes up, but here's to trying.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of crazy.  We of course battled more sickness, pink eye, ear infections, colds and blah blah blah, we had a fabulous Valentines Day. Complete with a surprise delivery of Sherry's Berries-um so yummy!

A cliche dinner and a movie*thanks Grandma and Grandpa for babysitting! I will take any time with Andy I can get. Fun filled Valentine parties at school!  I will forever cherish the opportunities I have to be in the classroom every week for my boys.  I love it, the parties are even better though.
Max made me this Valentine-super cute and creative Robot Heart

He finally joined the toothless club...by dental force/aka super long roots/must be pulled because permanent teeth are coming anyway.

Andy also started a new job with lots of opportunities and excitement to come.  I am really proud of the things he has accomplished so far, and cannot wait to see how things go. His last day at England they pranked him good.  An employees boyfriend spent three hours 'sticky noting" his entire car.  The front was made to look like a Nintendo and Mario scene. Hilarious.

My heart was turned upside down with another great and unexpected loss in the family.  My awesome, big hearted Uncle Dave returned to his Father in Heaven after a heart-attack. Max and I quickly drove to Cali to be with family and attend the funeral. Andy was starting his new job, and Gavin has a hard time if he misses school.  Max, well it's kindergarten and that schedule is nuts, so we took him along to brighten everyone's day with his smiles, hugs, endless questions etc. Wow, do I admire the strength of my Aunt Mary!  She is incredible. My heartaches for the road ahead, for her sudden loss.  I know what it's like not to have that final goodbye. It is tough. I'm am always so grateful for just how awesome my family is.  They are so supportive, helpful and loving, especially at times like this.  Stuart, I wish everyone could give hugs like you. To Uncle Dave, thanks for always having a smile on your face, for being a loving husband, and for raising some pretty amazing kids/cousins.  I love them and hope they know that you are continuing the Lord's work on the other side.  Please give Eric the biggest hug for me...and maybe tease him a bit for me too! Until we meet again.  I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true!

Little notes like these are also the best when you are having a not so good terrible day :)

We did make time to run around at Griffith Park at the train Museum- made this boy so happy!

To brighter paths, to sunshine and warm springtime, and being grateful for the many blessings that get swallowed in the middle the negativity too often. I have awesome kids!  I have a hard working amazing husband! Marriage has never been easy, but it is constantly growing, learning, sacrificing, communicating and forgiving that has got us to where we are. I have unbelievable friends, and neighbors. I am blessed!