Easter

 We had a wonderful Easter this year. Per the advice from President Neslon, I worked really hard to make it special and more of a season then just a day. We decided our kids were old enough to remove the commercial aspect of the holiday. We didn't do Easter baskets or any egg hunts. I got them a few boxes of candy, but that was it. And you know what, it was fine. The kids were fine. Instead,  we followed the Holy Week and learned about each day leading up to the Resurrection. It was special and the week felt very reverant. At church, we sang "Joy to the World" as our closing hymn. I thought it was strange until we started singing. I listened to the words in a new light and it was just the praise I needed to sing. After a week of learning about the Savior, his life and sacrifice, it felt good to sing with such joy and love for the Ressurection. It was the perfect end to the week and I hope it becomes a tradition for our family. I am grateful for our Savior and the reality of the Ressurection. 

Lunas Enuculation Week One

 Last week, we removed Lunas eye. In November, she woke up blind. We couldn't get her in to our regular vet, so we went to our old one. They diagnosed her with an infection and she never gained her sight back. Fast forward to a few weeks ago and her eye became very swollen, sore, and she couldn't keep it open. Afraid the infection returned, we took her to the vet. 

This time, it was our regular vet. She looked at her and decided it was not actually an infection, but glacoma that she had likely been fighting since Thanksgiving. Not only could she not see, it was incredibly painful. Again, we tried eye drops, four times a day, but it was difficult to keep up with. She would have to be on the medication the rest of her life, and she was still in pain. 

Ultimately, we decided the best course of action was to remove her eye. We knew it was best for her, but it was a hard decision to make. We finally made the appointment and my heart broke for her. 

Turns out it was the best decision. She has been so happy and back to old self. She has been running, jumping, and playing again. Its been a joy to see her pain free. Her stitches still look pretty gnarly, but they're getting better every day. Shes only a week out from surgery, but in just one more week, she shoud be fully healed. It will take some time for the hair to grow back in, but I'm sure she'll be as beauitful as ever when it does. 

We love this dog. She means the world to us. I'm hopeful she'll lead a normal happy life, even if she only has one eye. Shes our one eyed wonder and we love her so. 

Tulip Festival

 My friends and I had the best weekend in Utah attending the tulip festival. I have been blessed to have such a supportive group of women around me. I loved spending time with them laughing, chatting, and relaxing. We stayed up way too late, ate too much food, but had just the right amount of fun. I love these ladies! 

Track

Beckett is having a great track season, He is throwing shot and discus and doing long jump. He is only jumping this year because his coach is requiring a three events, but he's doing pretty well. While he does well in shot also, he is really excelling in discus this year. He's gotten first place in the last three meets and is first in the district. 

 

Minecraft Movie

While the big boys were playing, I took the little boys to see the new Minecraft movie. It was fun to spend some time with the little boys that aren't so little anymore.

 

Junior Black Orange Belt

Cache moved up to his next black belt patch. He is now a junior orange black belt. We’re proud of this accomplishments.

Graduation

I did it!! 20 years in the making, I graduated college! I graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a degree in Elementary Education.

It has been a trying four years. Lots of driving to and from Rexburg, countless assignments and endless juggling balance school and family. I am so proud of myself for not only finishing, but finishing with straight A’s.

I could not have done it without the support of my family. They were so helpful and understanding. The boys were great to get ready for school in the morning so I could get myself ready. They spent lots of afternoons alone as I drove home from Rexburg. They helped me with my homework and encouraged me when I wanted to quit.

Scott was an amazing help as well. He picked up the slack at home, stayed home with sick kids, and was my biggest cheerleader along the way. I’m so thankful for him.

Graduation Day was great. Jodie took some beautiful pictures to help remember the day. We did the graduation thing and then went out to dinner with the whole family, grandparents and all. It was fun spending time with everyone!

Car Swap

We decided our car situation wasn’t suiting us anymore. It was great when the kids were younger, but as they’ve grown and gotten bigger, our needs have changed.

First, we sold Scott’s truck and got a Tahoe. He was driving it across town to work everyday and we were only using it to tow a few times a year. It was also the vehicle we took to Ashton. We barely fit! All six of us and two giant dogs in one truck was highly uncomfortable and boarder line unsafe. The Tahoe we got will tow the trailer and we have so much more space! It’s now my main drive. It doesn’t get great gad mileage, but I

Next, we sold the van and bought a Kia Optima. The Kia gets great gas mileage and is Scott’s main drive. We also use it when we need to run errands and drive around town. Basically, if there are four or less of us, we drive the Kia.

This car situation is working much better than the truck and van. And we’re all looking forward to our trips to Ashton in the Tahoe.

Kyle Turns 10

Kyle turned 10! Double digits...my baby. All my kids are in the double digits. It blows my mind. I can't believe we have entered this stage in life. His actual birthday was pretty low-key. He went to school, and I finished up student teaching. After school, I had a meeting and a track meet for Beckett, so I didn't see him until later in the evening. We went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse and returned home for ice cream. He doesn't love cake, so he was happy with a big tub of ice cream. 

Kyle is a great kid. He is fiercely loyal and feels all his feelings really big. He is strong-willed and stands up for what he believes in. He loves hanging out with friends, 3D printing, and riding his skateboard. He will play football in the fall and is excited to try something new. He looks up to his brothers and wants to be just like them, even though they tease him. 

We love our fiery caboose!