Halelelujah!

Not a misspelling. Hale-lelujah is what we always cheered when I was growing up when someone in the family did something great. (If you didn't know me pre-2004, it's a play on my maiden name.)

This time my parents did something great. These globe trotters have been to Kenya, New Zealand, Kiribati, Mexico, and most recently Australia on missions for our church. Last week they made it to Memphis, and we were so glad to have them.

Most days went a lot like this:

My kids were so thrilled just to sit on grandpa's lap or next to grandma on the couch and watch vidoes of ninja cats on youtube or read their favorite books together. My parents are way more hip to hilarious online videos than I am. The girls went to bed one night saying, "Did you see that cat?! It was like clear across the room and then when he opened the door again, it was like right there!!! Hahahahaha!!!!!" I loved seeing the girls bonding with them over peals of laughter.

We also went to the zoo. . .

and went disc golfing in the woods. . .

I have an appalling lack of photos to go along with these outings. I was just enjoying the company, which is probably good. I don't know why, but it means a heckuva lot to have my parents come see me and see how we live and how we're doing and to know they think we're doing alright. Like I did a good job cleaning my room or something. 

Anyway, Mom and Dad, we were so happy to see your beautiful faces and hug you tightly. 

Come again soon.

Olivia is 4

If you've been anywhere in the vicinity of this girl, you'll have heard about her pending birthday for the last six months or so. (Isn't that the most important thing on a little girl's radar?) At last the occasion arrived. Here are some moments from her big big day.

Breakfast in bed-

  "Happy Birthday Olivia. Moo."

Olivia wanted "a rainbow glow in the dark party with the cousins and Josh," so that is what she had. We put on some dance music and boogied with our glow gear. We like ta boogie.

 Olivia has been bringing me lighters and practicing singing the song and blowing out the flame for weeks, so she was in great wish-making shape when the time came.

Olivia's besties enjoying cake after the dance party.

 This sweet spunky little lady just keeps getting better. We love you Birthday Girl.

Peace

 This message helped this morning, after going to bed feeling anxious/sad about this crazy world.
 Prayers, Boston.

If you need me, I'll be here:

This is what peace looks like to me.

Waiting

Waiting. No matter what it is you're waiting for, it can really stink.

Last week we trained that potty girl, indeed we did. She was awesome.

I call it divine intervention, because I'd rather have my toes nibbled by zealous weasels than go through another potty training like some of the ones I've been through, and I think heaven knows that.

And I am grateful, because one time it took two years of waiting, and worrying, and wondering if it was ever going to be over, and more waiting. It started to define my day, and it started to define our relationship. And it hurts now to think about how upset it made me and how very little perspective I had about it all, and how I might have made my child feel because of that. And sometimes that is a pattern with me.

Thank heavens for chances to make those things right. I'm working on that.

 

I don't want any more days or moments or relationships to be defined by my inability to wait patiently.

So here's to waiting for all those things we're waiting for.

(Emme tuckered out by a long day of hard work, and waiting.)

On a lighter note: until yesterday, Emme preferred going sans-undies and wearing dresses to have quicker access to the potty. In such attire (and non-attire), and waiting til the timing was just right, she observed Caleb lifting Olivia on his feet in the air for an airplane ride, then promptly bum planted on his face when there was nothing he could do about it but scream a muffled scream. 

Oh the things we never knew we'd get to experience as parents.

Conference Highlights

Oh how I love general conference weekend. Uplifting and inspired messages, our traditional conference donuts, and church in my pajamas in the living room with my kids making crafty messes on the floor in front of the tv. So so good.  I am looking forward to reading and watching the talks again in quiet moments over the coming months.Loved this one about strengthening our marriages. And of course my always-favorite speaker did not disappoint with this talk today. I needed that. 

Conference weekend is like my reset button. I am reminded of what really matters, focused back on the Savior, and filled with hope and conviction.

A few photos from our weekend:

Malan's conference chalk art-

 Caleb's method for staying awake while watching conference (poor guy does NOT get enough sleep, really ever.)

Emme's chalk dominoes.

Olivia in a box.

If you were able to watch, I hope you found the tidbits you were looking for.

And if you are seeking peace and truth in your life, these messages are a wonderful place to start.

Easter

Our Easter Sunday was sweet.  Had a bit of a tough time getting through the Easter lesson in my 4 year-old sunbeam class without getting choked up every other sentence. Grateful for the sweet and simple truths of the gospel. 

The rest of the weekend was full of time with family and friends, and that is always good.

An egg hunt:

Baby chicks! What!? our dear Amanda brought them over to share with us on Easter Eve:

they're so fluffy!!!!!!!! oh, the cuteness.

And baskets, bedheads, and bunny ears on Easter morning:

 Happy Easter.

Making Plans

I have plans. Oh do I have plans! My plans have plans. Plans for decorating my house, plans for educating my preschoolers, plans for simplifying our busy, oft times too worldly life, plans for emergency preparedness. I have plans for a big, beautiful garden that will supply my kitchen with all I need to prepare healthy, natural meals, planned at least a week in advance.

But somewhere between homework and laundry and soccer practice and regular old cooking and cleaning, most of those plans stay just plans. And it can be pretty darn tempting to let all those unrealized plans make me feel less than great about how very little I seem to be able to accomplish most days. 

Then every once in a while one little plan becomes more than a line in my notebook and it's just enough of a boost to keep me making plans, and keep me trying not to sigh over the ones that will have to wait for another day.

Today, it's raining. Our plan to plant our garden will have to wait for another day. But two new little peach trees have been planted and are (hopefully) putting down roots. Malan dug one of the holes all by herself and all the girls helped fill the holes, tamp down the soil, cover it all with mulch and give our trees their first watering.

There is something so wholesome and good for the heart about planting things and hoping they'll grow. And if I can somehow manage to keep the proper perspective, I think that such is also the case with making plans.

Goggles

Memphis has been unseasonably cold. For memphis. Yes I realize there is still snow on the ground in my home state, but if I have to put up with 105 degree summers, I should get some early springs to go with them. Right? 

My girls put away the winter stuff and dug out the summer box 3 weeks ago. They, too, are eager. We have our crates and soil just waiting for the temps to rise enough to get our garden started. Tt snowed at soccer practice this week. Come on, sunshine, we are just itching for you!

Til then. . .I guess we'll be wearing our goggles with long sleeves and blue jeans.

Goggles. Always funny.

Tell me, are you as eager for Spring as I am? What warm weather fun do you have planned?