Random Sampler of English Life lately

Back in March we decided to buy a swingset for the kids. We also decided to put it together ourselves. It took us almost three weeks between life and bad weather. As we finished, we decided the tarp roof that it came with wasn't good enough, so we built a wooden roof and Jeremy decided to paint the inside as well as the outside. The inside is sky and clouds.

We are just glad it is done now. The kids can now jump on the trampoline until they are tired of that and then swing and slide til they want to go back and jump again. 
Logan decided that he really wanted to play baseball again this year. He is the 5th one over with his arm around his neck. His first game, he was the 1st one to be able to hit off the pitching machine and I was so proud of him. He does what his coach tells him and gets along with the other boys on his team. I think it really makes him feel special and he loves that our whole family comes to watch him play. He likes to look over at me and I give him a thumbs up and he gives it back. He is so cute!
This is Mallory's photography skills at work. She asked me if I would add this picture that she took onto our site. Anything artistic she does we try to encourage, because Dad LOVES IT.

Temple Celebration

I volunteered to be one of the team captains for the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Celebration that will be held at the conference center downtown. We had a meeting last night with all the leaders that will be helping, and it is massive! I am totally overwhelmed, but I have faith that it will all pull off without a hitch because the sprit will be there in full force as well as the first presidency of our church.

Part of me is jealous that I didn't have an opportunity like this as a youth. That's why I jumped at the chance to be a leader for it. We have been promised that the lives of everyone who participates will be changed forever. Although it is taking a lot of time away from my family, it is an opportunity I cannot pass up. It will greatly increase my testimony of temples and be a wonderful experience.

I was told last night that it will be broadcast nationwide in real time on May 30th. There will also be a DVD made to distribute for anyone interested in watching this.

Spontaneous Zoo Day!

So, I woke up this morning and thought it would be a fun day to go to the zoo. So, off we went. It was a gorgeous day. It was cool enough that the animals were playing and eating and walking around. And it was warm enough that all we needed was a jacket to be comfortable.

I forgot my camera unfortunately, but the kids had a blast. Mallory is off track, so all three were able to go. The funnest thing for them were the cougars. They were trying to take a nap in their little "cave" and the kids wanted them to wake up. They all started roaring as loud as they could and you know what? It actually worked. The cougars both eventually got up and came in front of us and sat and stared. Then they walked around some more before we left.

All in all it was fun, but of course exhausting for mom. Those hills at the zoo are a KILLER! They wipe you out real quick.

Logan's "Big" Party

Logan's party was a big success. All the kids had a great time and I didn't feel stressed at all. We hired an animal handler to come in with different exotic animals for the kids to see and touch and hold if they wanted to. There was a bearded dragon, scorpion, tarantula, pink cockatoo, two big snakes, madagascar hissing cockroaches, a bunny, and I think that's all.

Jeremy talked me in to holding one of the tarantulas, thinking it would help me overcome my fear of spiders. It didn't work. I am still terrified of them. 

Logan is officially 5 now and is looking forward to starting Kindergarten next year so he can get on the bus with Mallory in the morning.

Sleepy Head!

Last night at dinner, I wasn't paying attention to Lyndie because she was being so quiet. When I finally glanced over at her she was bobbing her head around and sleeping. Her face ended up in her pizza at one point.  We don't let Lyndie nap during the day because if we did, she would be up all night. But, I guess when you're tired, you're tired. 

Happy Birthday Logan! 5 years old!

Logan,

We are so happy that you are in our family! You bring us so much laughter and energy. Our home would be so boring without you in it. I remember the day that you were born and the first time I looked at you is when I knew I needed to be a stay-at-home mom full time. 

One of the funniest things about you, is that you gave me high blood-pressure during my pregnancy with you, and I think that was a good indicator of what kind of child you be for me. You definitely keep me on my toes and I appreciate that. 

You are a great big brother to Lyndie and a great playmate for your big sister, Mallory. Your heart is full of love and it shows as you so willingly help around the house whenever it is needed. We love you so much and hope you have a great birthday, it's a big one!

Love,

Mom

Easter and Draper Temple field trip

This is all the kids in their Easter outfits before church. Mallory felt totally gorgeous as you can tell by her "attitude" pose. We are lucky Lyndie looked up from the pixel chic long enough for me to get a picture of her face.
This was on our drive down to St. George over spring break weekend. Mallory discovered that her foot reached all the way to Dad's head. I was laughing and decided to capture the moment. I'm not sure Jeremy really enjoyed it all that much though...:)
General Conference weekend we decided to take the kids up to the Draper Temple to walk around after all the open house stuff was taken down. It was a beautiful day and the kids had a lot of fun seeing the temple up close since we can see it across the valley from our backyard.