Kung Fu Wisdom

I was running errands this weekend, of course had the DVD player going in the car as bribery for my kids, this quote from Kung Fu Panda made me stop and think:

Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery
But today is a gift, that's why it's called the present

That Master Shifu really knows his stuff!

Spring Break

I was glad to have the kids home for a few days over Easter break. We did lots of fun stuff. They had friends over every day it seemed, a play date at Jumpin' Jacks, movie night each night and of course sleeping on the blow up mattress in the front room each night.

When I asked them what the funnest part of their break was, it was hands down the 6 hours they got to spend with Uncle Steve and Aunt Brenda. They made playdough, colored eggs, played the Wii and who knows what else those two did to entertain them. They loved it and thought it was "so awesome!" Thanks guys!

WICKED...Wicked Awesome That Is!

I have heard how incredible this production is from many different people. So when I heard it was coming to Salt Lake I had to get tickets. Conveniently, the tickets went on sale around Christmas so Jeff and I gave my mom a ticket to her as her Christmas present.

This production was incredible. From the music, the costumes, the set, the storyline for sure ( I love the Wizard of Oz references) it was pretty amazing. My favorite song is defying gravity. I down loaded it on my IPOD so I could listen to it in the car. Then I realized just how incredibly talented those performers are. Even with the music in the background I still sounded like a drowning cat trying to belt those lyrics out. But it didn't stop me I still kept singing. My only regret was not getting Abbey a ticket to see it too. She would have loved it. The singing and dancing is just what she loves.

After the show I was driving in the car and started to analyze the story a little more. Elphaba was a woman who was never loved by her mother or her father. She was an outcast because of her looks. She just was trying to help those who couldn't help themselves and then accused of betrayal by her best friend. I felt kind of sad for her and then I realized I shouldn't feel bad for her. Through all of that, she found who she was and stood up for what she believed in. Way to go girl!

Elder Holland is a Stud!

I always look forward to hearing Elder Holland talk conference weekend. This past conference was no exception. I usually am drawn to the talks that are more life experience based than scripture based, however his testimony and account of the atonement really spoke to me. He has such a firm knowing belief when he bares his testimony, I can't help but be inspired and want to do better.

Monsters vs. Aliens...You Be the Judge!

This was the year Ryan got to have a friend party (we rotate every other year) and he wanted to see the Monsters vs. Aliens movie, so we made that the party. He invited seven of his friends and they all had a blast!

8 Things I Love About Ry.

1. He is very lovey. He still gives me a kiss and a hug every week when I go into volunteer in his class.
2. He is a good friend. Ryan loves to be with his friends. And pretty much everyone is his friend. He is very social and loves to include everyone.
3. His soft spot for his sisters. Okay most of the time. He doesn't like to see them cry or hurt it makes him feel bad.
4. His smile. This is one all his own. It reminds me of his baby days when he would snuggle with his #1 (nickname for his blanket) suck his thumb and go to his happy place.
5. He wants to be like his dad. Ryan is turning a new corner. He is wanting to hang with dad more and more. To celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. day one of the projects he did was write down his dream for himself. He put go to a great college and have a great time, that I will be a father and have a wife and have kids. I know the last part of that is because of his great example he has at home.
6. He keeps trying. Ryan hit a few small speed bumps this year in school. But he kept trying and doing what he needed to do to catch up.
7. His laugh. I love that bottom of the belly laugh that comes out when he thinks something is funny. Usually what he finds so funny comes from some bodily function and then he of course has to tell Abbey all about it and they can't stop laughing together.
8. That he is ours. I couldn't think of a better son to have then my Ry. He is the glue for his two sisters and a reminder of answered prayers for Jeff and I.

Welcome to Cub Scouts

Today was Ryan's first day of cub scouts. He has talked about going into scouts for about six months now. The theme for this month...BIRDS! Here he is with his bird feeder he made out of a pine cone, peanut butter and bird seed. Yes, I did actually let him hang it in the tree. I've decided to adopt the philosophy keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer!