A Tribute to my Mom

Here are some fun pictures I gathered that are of my mom or of something she made or something that represents her. Like the dolls she made and I have a goal to make them too one day. Or all those sugar cookies she made and frosted for Relief Society and the people she visits and teaches. Or the time she spends with her grandkids and daughters. My mom is always helping or serving. Something you may not know is that she is artistic. In art and in words. She has a talent for transforming her thoughts and feelings into beautiful words and poems.
I recieved and e-card from her today that was very touching. It made me view Mother's Day in another light. Instead of seeing Mother's Day as a Day for ME to have a break from my normal motherly tasks, I saw it as a priveleage to be a mother and to be grateful to my kids...that I have kids and without them I wouldn't be the mom that I am today. I wouldn't be the person that I am today. I know some time ago I felt like I was losing my identity. But what really is happening is that I'm becoming the person I'm meant to be.
My mother helps me grow and be more compassionate towards others. Instead of judging, she likes to give people the benefit of the doubt. She always looks for the good in others. She is the kindest person I know. I 'm so grateful to have a mother who has taught us how to be like the savior through her example.
I have alot of improving and growing to still do and I can't imagine how much more I would have if I hadn't had my mom to help me get this far.

I love you mom! I miss you. Wish you lived closer so we could go on walks and have "gramma school"

Goofy pics

The kids like to pull out the oven mits and rags from the bottom kitchen drawer on a daily basis. Here is what Ginger did with them today. Goofball!

We set up the trampoline. We are all loving it! Gretchen's hair was just too funny to not take a picture of .

We broke out the picnic table and ate outside. It was so fun to be outside. The temperature it just right. Warm enough to be out but not enough for the flies to eat you alive or to stick to your food.

I had to take a picture of Jack. This is the first time I've sent him to the corner. It is no longer a punishment to send him to his room. He just goes and plays in his room. So, now it's the corner!

We planted trees!

On wednesday we got 6 trees from Parks and Recreation. We had them planted alone the sidewalk on the front and side of our house. They are Flowering Plum Trees. I'm excited that they are already starting to flower a bit.

here's a tip. If you want trees but want to save some money, get them from Parks and Rec. You can get them for about a third of the price and they'll even come out and plant them for you!

Singing at Stake Conference

I don't think I shared this little story on the blog yet, so I'll start at the beginning and try to keep it short.

I came across a song a couple years ago that I just loved and dreamt of singing in sacrament meeting. It's an old american hymn called "Whispering Hope". Turns out that it is one of my gramma's favorites. Anyway, two years went by and I finally mustered up enough courage to get with a pianist and start practicing for the big day. Little did I know that Ginger was paying close attention and had learned the song. I found her one day in the kitchen singing the song just as I had so many times before. Then thought came to mind. "How cute would it be for her to sing the first verse". We were two weeks away from the big day. We went to the church and practiced twice. She did great at the practice...singing nicely and not to close to the mic and all that. I didn't know if she would actually go through with it once infront of the whole ward. Turns out she did just great. She smiled and stayed the calm the whole time singing.
Later that week she recieved two cards in the mail from ward members. That was a big deal to Ginger. Because of that she has gone on to sing at her Gramma and Grampas mission farewell (with the hopes of getting more cards in the mail). The choir director in their ward loved her and asked if she would sing for Stake Conference. I told her if she sent Ginger a card in the mail asking her, that she would have better chances of her agreeing to sing again. So she did just that and with me telling her that we love to hear her sing and that if she does again, she might get more cards, she agreed to sing at stake conference.

Ginger sang the first verse to "Teach me to walk in the light" and then I sang the second verse. (we couldn't convince Glen to sing with us on the third verse)

Elder Chambers from the seventy was there and met Ginger. It took a few minutes for her to warm up to him but she was soon telling him about her little My little Pony and about the dress that Gramma Faye gave her. :)

Today Ginger received a letter from Elder Chambers. It wasn't a "pretty" card, but the words were beautiful and it was mail and for that, she was excited.