Erin's 9th Birthday

I can't believe Erin is 9! WOW! She had a really wonderful birthday yesterday. We went to the Skate Deck and had a Roller Skating Party!!!! First off, she had the most amazing birthday cake on the planet!!

Our dear friend Nicole vonTrotha did an amazing job on this cake! I was thinking, "oh, cut a 9x13 into the shape of a boot and maybe add two ding dongs for wheels". And she presents Erin with thhis beautiful masterpiece!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!

I still haven't figured out how to do the slide show, yet. So, I'm just going to insert some pictures of her party. It was hard to get pictures of people skating with the dark lighting, but they had such a great time! This was Erin, Katelyn, and Ian's first time on roller skates and I was amazed how quickly they all picked it up, especially Ian. He didn't want to be held on to and he was out there in the middle with the older kids just doing his own little rhythm. Too cute! He was the only one brave enough to do the hokey-pokey out in the middle. He was hilarious! We all had a great time!

My New Hair-Do

I went to my hairstylist today for a cut and color and I love what she did to my hair! The gray is starting to attack me! And while they are not heavily consentrated in any one area, they have to stick straight up so I have to use massive amounts of product to glue them down ! Not fun!

She blended two colors together for me and so I'm SLIGHTLY darker, and she gave me what's called a stacked bob. It feels so good and light, and easy to take care of- just the thing for our trip to Paris next week! We can't wait!! I'll update with pictures when we get back!!

It's T-ball time!!!

Katelyn has been so excited to play tball this year! She is a great hitter and has a power arm on her!! Paying attention to what she is supposed to be doing can be tough, though! :) At yesterdays game, she got a great hit and got to 1st. As the next player hit and was running to 1st, instead of running, she catches the ball from the other team with her bare hands!!

It is great fun to watch all the kids...kicking dirt, talking to the other players, admiring their uniforms, and throwing their gloves up in the air and trying to catch it! But that's what makes T-ball GREAT!!

Thoughts on Conference

What a Weekend! For those of you who do not attend our church, every 6 months our church holds its General Conference. We get the opportunity to listen to men we revere as apostles and prophets. They speak on a variety of subjects, all bringing us closer to Christ!

It was very special to get to take turns standing to raise our hands to the square to sustain our leaders. The kids loved being a part of that! Ian even paid special attention as he noted how reverent his dad was being about the whole event. I hope it is something they remember!

Spencer came home from the Priesthood Session so glad that he went! He noted how different Pres. Monson sounded. We've always loved his talks, He sounds like he's telling a bedtime
story. Spencer noted the difference. He was funny and personal , but also serious and direct and "just had the aura of a prophet".
He said he had no doubt that he was now the Lord's prophet. I felt the same way the next day as we listened to him speak in morning conference. I felt the spirit and know that he is to lead and guide us!

I'm always amazed at the blending of so many topics: the Atonement of our Savior, Prayer and getting answers,Safeguarding and building Strong Families, the Scriptures, and so many more... I know we all have our favorites and I can't wait for the Ensign to come out.

In one of the first talks of the Conference, a woman spoke about "traditions" in our homes. I want to thank my mom and dad for making General Conference a 'Spiritual Tradition" in our home. I still remember going out to Jacksonville for the Sunday sessions and having a yummy picnic lunch in between sessions. I remember dad taking the boys to the Priesthood session and then having ice cream if they could answer questions for paying attention. I remember mom taking me to the young womens broadcasts. They always made sure we knew how wonderful it was to hear from our leaders! I hope we are carrying on this tradition and of giving our children opportunities to feel the spirit.

Well, enough sermonizing from me. It was a wonderful weekend and I know I felt the spirit testifying of truth and I am soooo grateful!