Log Cabin Get Away

A couple of weekends ago, we escaped for a little log cabin get away down in Nauvoo. It was absolutely wonderful! We have been wanting to go down to the temple but have had so much going on...finally at the last minute, we had an open day and we jumped at the chance to go to one of our favorite places. The cabin we stayed in was so much fun and the kids loved it! I went to the temple on Friday night and then we all went to the show "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo" which is put on by the senior missionaries. When I lived in Nauvoo many years ago, this show was one of my favorites...and it did not disappoint. It is so catchy and the kids were just loving it. The next morning (after Casey's doughnuts, of course), Tod headed to the temple. We then saw several more of the sites before going on to Carthage Jail. It was the first time we have taken the girls there. What a place. It is such a powerful reminder of all things that were sacrificed for what we now have.

Last Day

It's hard to believe another year of school has come and gone- good bye preschool, 1st grade and 3rd grade. The girls really had fabulous teachers this year and really great classes. They learned a lot! The last day of school was cold and rainy, so we had to get back out the long pants and jackets. We are all looking forward to summer!

Second Hand Rose

Regan loves dancing! At her recital, she danced to a song called "Second Hand Rose". It was seriously beyond cuteness!!! I didn't know how she would respond to being on stage but she loved it! My favorite part of the dance was when they all made their pouty face. We were so lucky to have Grandpa Steve and Grandma Cindy here with us for this event. After the recital, we told Regan she could choose anywhere to go and eat lunch...her choice was McDonald's...we weren't all that happy about it, but who could resist this girl, especially in this costume!

Regan's Pre-School Graduation

Can't believe that this little lady is graduating from preschool! As luck would have it, her graduation was the same night as the piano recital. But she had the special treat of having Grandpa and Dad take her to her special evening. She has been at her little school for 2 years, and it has been perfect for her- wonderful teachers and a safe place to learn and grow. Next year, Regan will be attending a different preschool, and I am secretly so glad that I get one more year with her before kindergarten!

Spring Piano Recital

Even a last minute, unexpected change of venue (from the Butterworth Center to the Deere-Wyman House) couldn't ruin this spectacular night! The Spring Recital is always such a whirlwind of emotions- excitement to show off progress and also lots of nerves. Each of the students performed 2 songs- one classical piece that I had chosen and one popular song that they got to select. All of my students did such an amazing job. I was so proud of them. My two favorite students were especially super. Jordan played "Sleeping Beauty Waltz" and "If I Were a Rich Man", while Asthon played "Spring" and "Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead." Teaching piano is sometimes a challenge with our busy lives, but it is also VERY rewarding. (I was a bit frazzled this evening and didn't take as many photos as usual. In fact, I nearly forgot to play my own pieces that I had prepared for the recital!)

Mother's Day Thoughts

Of course, Tod had to be at church early...but a Mother's Day photo is a tradition....so we resorted to the self-timer. So funny! After that, the girls decided to try their hand at photography. I thought I would end up deleting most of the pics...but I LOVE them. To me, they are the perfect representation of my life right now- on the go, slightly off-center (okay, a lot off center!), trying to stay on top of things and failing some of the time....but so extremely happy and thankful for each day!!!!
It goes without saying....I LOVE being a mother. For me, this day can be hard as I remember my own mama and wish so much she was here...but I can't be sad for too long, because I have these children to love. I can't believe they are mine. My mom gave me many gifts...among the greatest is that she LOVED motherhood and made sure that we knew it every day. I hope that my kids know this too (even when "crabby mom" comes to visit and stays a bit too long!)

Happy Easter!

Looking at these pictures I took of the kiddos before church on Easter Sunday....can't believe how much they have grown and how much I LOVE them!