voted

We went together to vote today. It was Karlee's first time. She was a little nervous. I remember those days. It's most times I vote! It's often in a new location, or the voting booth is different, or just because the options aren't very good. That's how I felt this time. I'm not looking forward to who might be our presidential candidates. I'll be voting for the lesser evil...still trying to figure that out.

There was sun after piano lessons!! After 6pm! Yay! Spring break is close and summer days are almost tangible. I'm ready!!

memories

If you remember, Mason went on a camp out last weekend. He was hit with a frisbee and had a small cut. It was swollen for a couple days then by Wednesday he had a nice bruise. He got all kinds of attention at school. 

I received my 2015 blog book! I love getting my new books and thumbing through them. Carson has already started reading it. 

The other day Karlee had a question about what McKinzie wore to her senior prom. I quickly grabbed my 2009 blog book and I was able to show her exactly what she wore. It was awesome! 

Here's a sneak peek of what Karlee is going to wear for Mormon Prom. Saturday we spent another 5 hours at the mall looking for a dress. At one point there were tears and overwhelming frustration over the entire process. We took a break and had some lunch. We were able to refocus and she made a decision. I think she choose well. 

McKinzie sent these pictures of Adam to me today. His dad's sister got married and he was the ring bearer. He looks so handsome! He really needs to stop growing...

"Stars"

This morning we had "Breakfast with the Stars" as Karlee received an award from her Adaptive PE class. She, along with the other PE leaders, were being recognized for the way they handled an emergency during class. 

As the teachers talked about all the students my eyes started to tear up. We have some amazing students here! 

Her teacher and her fellow PE leaders. 

Once all the kids were at school I headed to the temple. Brenda was able to send me names to do initiatory work. I believe I did 12 names. I really enjoyed it. The temple workers make it so pleasant. 

Then after school I decided to walk Stella. We walked about 3 miles and I noticed that a home in our neighborhood, across Burr, must have maple trees. Those buckets are collecting the syrup. So cool!!

Later today Brian realized his truck still wasn't working right. It didn't have enough battery power. He talked with a couple mechanics and they all agreed it needed an alternator. More money... Well this one mechanic located the part, had it delivered, and replaced it in less than 30 minutes! Amazing!! Brian offered to buy them lunch tomorrow and they refused. So I made them cookies for Brian to take to work tomorrow. I am sooo grateful! There are great people everywhere! 

Then tonight Carson and I went to watch his friend, Hayden, in his school play. The play was so fun! They all did a great job. There's a chance Hayden will come see Carson in his play next month. Carson has his fingers crossed. 

26 years!

Today is our anniversary and I woke up to this on my mirror. "Today you will find my heart everywhere around the house. Know I think of you often and love you always!  B  26 hearts for 26 years"

There were hearts everywhere!! When the boys woke up they were trying to figure out what it was before we even found all the letters. It was fun!

After work I made Brian cookies and dropped off balloons and cookies at his office. I gave have him cookie dough too. He was surprised and grateful for the treat. 

On Brians's drive home from work, which happened to be earlier than usual, his truck died...on 64. Someone from his office saw him and a mechanic was able to give him a jump and get him into a parking lot. I headed over to help while he went and bought a battery. Our fingers were crossed that a battery would fix the problem. And it did!! So glad that's all it was. 

After I dropped Mason off at church we had dinner at Chili's with CJ. It was a little crazy of an anniversary, and lope key, but overall it was nice.

You're my best friend Brian!! I love you! Always and forever!!

glorious sun

It has been a wonderful day today. I ran 6 miles this morning...outside!! Then I cleaned a few flower beds and look what I found...tulips!  There are so many coming up. They're earlier than last year too. I'm so glad spring is on it's way. 

Most of the afternoon I spent gathering tax papers and filing a years worth of bills and the kids school papers. I really shouldn't wait so long to sort through it all. It just kind of happens. Although, watching 4 episodes of Grimm helped pass the time. ;)

Then Karlee shared with me about free pancakes at IHOP! Yummy!! That's what we did for dinner. Everybody got a free short stack, which is always enough for me, and we shared a couple orders of bacon, eggs, and hash browns. It was perfect. 

Another great day with the family. 

I almost forgot to share. One of Karlee's fish died today. So sad... But yesterday she got a 93 on a calculus test! First "A" in calculus. Wahoo!! She now has a solid "B" in the class. Only 10 1/2 weeks until graduation but who's counting. 

sharing

This has been a wonderful Sabbath. Fast and testimony meeting was amazing as usual. CJ shared his testimony, so did I.  He's been sharing his testimony every month for almost six years. The first time was the Sunday after Mom's funeral in Dad's Ward. He didn't ask about sharing his testimony he just walked up to the stand. I was shocked! These last few months he has shared experiences or stories. I love listening to his testimony and watching it grow. 

I was asked, along with five other moms, to share "how the Savior has strengthened me through trials" during YW's today. I thought and thought of what I wanted to share. I decided to share how we all struggled with our move to Illinois. I was surprised how hard it was for us all. I shared how I prayed A LOT. I was so worried for the kids, for Brian and myself as well. Nobody wanted to be here for along time. I know prayer works. I was comforted at times that all would work out. I felt Christ's love for me many times. I hope I was able to express that to the YW. I hope they felt the Spirit as I shared.  

This evening Brian and I went on a two mile walk. The sun was just starting to set as we headed out. It was cooler than I had expected but it was enjoyable. I miss waking with him. We talk about all kinds of things. I love him so very much. 

Karlee prepared the lesson for FHE. So often it's something easy from the New Era or The Friend. Tonight it was more. There was more planning and thought. As she was closing and sharing her testimony the Spirit was strong for me. It warms my heart to know my children have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I love my family!

ups and downs

The Friday Bailee went on a field trip to Jackson Hole! I'll admit I'm a little jealous. I'm so glad she's having fun at school. She might never want to come home though.  

Friday night Mason went on a camp out while the rest of us went to Fiddle Fest. 4th grade and up, who play a string instrument, are invited to play. Parents and grandparents are invited to play as well. Carson was so excited to play. He loved it! There were over 425 musician playing. They sounded great! 

I was getting a picture before the concert and his teacher jumped in. She's awesome!!

Today Karlee and I were out from 8:30-3:30 looking for a prom dress. No luck... I'm not sure what we're going to do.