Spring Slowly Starts

We were so eager to get outside today after conference and naps and feeling bottled up inside. It was still a bit chilly, especially when the sun hid behind clouds but the kids enjoyed the fresh air and playful atmosphere. Can't wait for warmer, sunnier outdoor days!

Thursday Afternoon in the House with Cares

Bentley had an olympic size nap yesterday while Caroline had a tiny one. This left lots of free time for the two of us to play together and for Cares to explore without a toddler blocking her way or trying to "hug" her every 10 seconds. One of her favorite places is under the kitchen table where she fits just perfectly.

We also played hair salon and I put the tiniest rubber bands in her hair to create her very first pigtails (symmetry not required for 10 month olds!) I got such a kick out of her as she puttered around looking like a big girl. At one point she climbed up on me as I lay by her on the floor and then balanced standing up several times in a row before she'd lean into me to keep from falling. She's getting pretty brave!

Grazie!

Next time you talk to Joe ask him about his "grazie" story. Anyway, I just want to thank you all for a fabulously, wonderful, golden birthday (28 on the 28th)! I really loved all the calls (and messages), cards, emails, blogs (and blog comments), gifts, meals and company. Birthdays are so fun and they remind me how lucky I am to have the family and friends that I have. I spent the day getting totally pampered from breakfast in bed to shopping at Nordy's and getting a makeover done for the first time in my life--different but fun to venture into the world of makeup. I finally remembered to get a picture taken at dinner last night. It's not the best but shows off my "new" face at least a little. Heid--what do you think? Thank you all again for making me feel so special!!

Happy Birthday Ben

Happy Birthday Ben! Gotta love these March birthdays--guess that means July is one hot month :)

Ben is just so fun to hang out with--he loves to be the life of the party with his quick wit, love for all things silly, and his easy laugh. I remember the first time I could tell that Heidi had really fallen for him. Cec and I were at lunch with her down in Provo and she described in detail her first few dates with Ben and how much she was looking forward to their next one (I think it was the Keith Urban concert--is that right Heid?) Anyway, she had the simplest joy about her as she spoke about him and I knew she loved him. And when Ben spoke at their wedding dinner, 7 months later, and shared his feelings for Heidi it was the most tender, sincere and devoted thing I have ever heard--I knew he loved her too.

Ben gets super excited about little things and makes little things super exciting. He is a very hard worker and I love that he follows goals he set as a small child. I love how playful and fun he is with my kids and his other nieces and nephews--he will be one fantastic daddy! Thanks for making my Heidi laugh every day and for relating so completely to my hubby's silliness. You are wonderful and I hope you have a fun day!

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday Mom! I have always loved that we have birthdays so close--sorry to have burdened yours 28 years ago when you were ready to give birth any second!

I love that my mom is so smart. She rules Trivial Pursuit and crossword puzzles but also works hard to stay up to date on current events. I love that she reads all of the newspaper every day (unless she had been out of town and then has to catch up!) I love that she loves to be outdoors to garden, run, hike, golf, etc... In case you didn't know, my mom is THE TJ Maxx queen! She finds the best shoes, skirts, baby clothes, and tableware on her visits there. I also love that my mom finds simple pleasures in staying up late and sleeping in.

I love that my mom has always been proud of me and helped me succeed in all my pursuits. It means so much to me that she came to every Nutcracker audition and every dance concert I performed in--even when I was in grad school and lived in Phoenix. My Mom has always been a really great listener and during my teenage years I remember countless nights coming home around midnight and heading up to her room to tell her I was home. She always asked about my night and would let me go on and on about my friends and boys and first kisses and other high school drama. I look back on those late nights fondly and hope that my little Cares will grow up feeling that safe and that loved to share her life with me, cozied up on my bed at night. I love that my mom can find the spiritual aspect of all things and is easily moved by the spirit. Her testimony is significant to me because she searched it out and found it through the missionaries--a blessing that has molded my testimony and desire to be close to the Savior. Thank you for being in my life and making my life possible! I love you mom.

Happy Birthday Flori

Happy Birthday Flori! As the oldest child in her family, Flori has set an amazing example. I know that Joseph has always been very proud of her and the goals she and Rob have accomplished together. When we were in the midst of planning our wedding, Joseph took me to meet tiny, newborn Eloise. I remember walking into their Orem apartment and feeling so much love and peace and happiness. It was so tender to see Maddie and how much she doted on her baby sis. And I could see the devoted love between Flo and Rob. It made me so hopeful for the future and eager to have that easy joy in my home.

Flori is one fantastic cook and always seems ready and willing to invite family, friends and neighbors to dinner. I love to hear Flori laugh--it is totally contagious (especially if she is laughing at her brother's comments and jokes!) I love Flori's tender heart and that she is still so connected to her family even though she lives far away. It's fun to see how excited the family gets when the Christensens will be in town--we all adore them so much and are so grateful for the memories we can make together. I hope your family pampers and spoils you today Flo--have a fabulous day!

Spring Picnics

The past few weeks have been filled with perfect spring days. We have been trying to make the most of them by enjoying the fresh air and warm sunshine. The kids have been loving it outside and they always take killer naps after a picnic lunch in the yard or at the park--always a good thing! Enjoy the pictures of our outdoor adventures.