Spring Break update with Jenn Jam....

I can't believe spring break has come and gone. I guess when you are grown up it just does that.
Guido's Pass of All Passes was expired and luckily a friend hooked me up with the most killer deal. Normally the pass is $49.95, I scored it for $9.99. So awesome, especially because the pass already paid for itself this week alone. Can't beat that. Even better, I love that the boys just say we are going to Trafalga. There is no more, can you take us to Trafalga? Gotta love when the friends can drive themselves. 

We had the usual houseful for Easter weekend and we had fun the entire time. We dyed Easter eggs and made a lovely mess of the kitchen.

The Egg Head

Ave and her princess

Tiko and his Rock Star

A little out of order but self explanatory =c)

It is so much fun to take the entire crew to church.

On Easter Sunday it was extra special and was so nice to have everyone there 

because it was a special day for Guido. 

Since he turned sixteen he was interviewed and found worthy to be ordained a priest. 

Me and my sweet boy

The teenagers

The newest addition...he was lovin' the six-lets

This Saturday I had a fun filled Girls day out. It started with a matinee at Capitol theater with Katyana and Mikelle. We saw the Little Mermaid. It was so amazing.

We then slipped down to City Creek Center for lunch.

Mikelle, me and Katy'

I then had a wonderful date with my Mother-in-law to attend a session at the Jordan River Temple. 

What a beautiful temple and what a peaceful time. I cannot believe how much I love going to the temple. Each time I go I get such a wonderful sense of peace. I don't know why I am surprised that each time I enter the temple I am in awe of the beauty and this time it was no different. What joy I have found.

After the temple it was back to the ballet with Katyana to see Emeralds with Petite Mort and Paquita. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I love the ballet!!! I can't wait for next season.

He has risen....

Because the tomb is empty 

My life is so full...

May you and your family 

Have a wonderful day

Happy Easter!!!

Behind the glass....

I have always wondered what was behind this beautiful window....

Now I know it is sweet and beautiful peace!!!

The cupcakes are here.....

Now our girly day can officially get started. 

Ladies day will officially begin!!!!

Salon, Shower and then off to the Ballet.

 Pictures to come.

Wordless Wednesday.....

Word of the year.....

I have spent the past few weeks pondering what I would have for my word of the year this year. I never really landed on a word but a phrase that I really felt would be my guide to help me. Definitely through the next several months and for sure through out the year.
Since I have been attending group with my sister every week, one of the main lessons being taught is that you cannot handle and heal everything. That you cannot take on everyone else's problems, bad feelings, and issues as yours. That you have to learn to own what belongs to you and turn everything else back over to their rightful owner.
I have learned this year to have tremendous faith in my Heavenly Father. I believe that faith has helped me learn so much about myself and has helped me heal so much. This year I will continue to heal and everything I cannot I will....

http://www.hollylanedesigns.com

It's a girl....

Saturday was such a crazy busy day, but one I wouldn't take back for anything. I was first honored to be able to host a baby shower for my cousin Torann. She is such a sweetheart and we had a great time. We had a great group of people show with all of the Great Aunts, and many cousins. She got some adorable things for her baby girl.

Then it was off to the bridal shop's to try on wedding dresses. I couldn't believe how emotional I was got just seeing beautiful Katie Bug walk out of the dressing room in a wedding dress. Although her mom isn't able to be with her during this time, I am so glad that I can be there for her and that she wants me to be. I am so excited to see her and Carson sealed together as husband and wife and to be a part of their special day. Having a son I never thought I would be spending a Saturday afternoon looking at wedding dresses but I guess I was wrong.

After 15 dresses, we never found one. So the dress hunt will continue on.

To be continued.....

It's beggining to look alot like Christmas.....

I promised I would post some pictures from around the house so here they are. Since we have hide away shelves in the garage, that I can't reach, I have to be very patient with Eric as I ask him to get the many bins down to get everything out and then get the bins returned until they are ready to put everything up. He has been good about me saying, I can't find this or that can you find me this bin. I am still missing a few things but that goes with the joys of moving.
 Anyway, our halls our decked and we are ready to celebrate this joyous Holiday season.....

Daisy's favorite spot

A friend of mine made that tile last year for me and our Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

The Tree

The front hall

My cookie jars...now I just need to get baking, or I guess I could just buy some cookies and pretend I made them.

Singing, dancing, and talking toys.

When Eric and I first got married I began to collect Nativities. I have purchased or been given one every year we have been married.

From Germany

Little Elvish Nativity

I got this at the Festival of the Trees 

Add caption

Stained Glass

Celtic Nativity

Crystal Nativity

Nativity from Africa

The Newest Addition- The Peanuts crew, under the Charlie Brown tree

My First Nativity

My Gingerbread Nativity

We are looking forward to family time and lots of wonderful memories. That truly is what it is all about.

Welcome back T......

Today I learned how strong I have become and how much others draw from my strength. During group we are asked how we are feeling and what we are thankful for. When my sister said she was thankful for me and the strength I have given to support her, I was so proud of her. She has struggled so much in the past few years and for her to even be able to say that to me, let alone in front of a group of thirty people was pretty amazing. I have seen her change in the past few weeks. She is getting stronger and more stable each week and as she begins to open up she is letting out all she has been keeping in for so long. I see a light returning to her eyes, that light  I remember.
I have questioned why I have gone through the trials I did in my life and how I have been able to process them. I know now that Heavenly Father gave me that strength so I could be there to support my sister and her family through this trial and difficult time in their lives. I know that when  it is all over I will have my sister back and that is worth any amount of pain I have had to go through.

Peoria, Illinois....

That's where Guido will be headed for his mission next week. When we drop him off at the "MTC" he is headed to Illinois. It has been a long few months preparing to get ready to go and tonight was the culmination of it all.
Tonight as we filed into the Stake center for a fireside it was amazing to just feel the strength that was in that room. The chapel was overflowed and the gym was filled to capacity. To see all of those youth there, so excited to be taking part in this experience. The testimonies shared by our stake leaders and then beautiful words from President Monson made the evening so very special. It is such a testimony building experience for all of us and I am so thankful to be able to share this with my son.

32 minutes.....

That is all it took for my frequent visitor to be back on my blog once I un-privatized it. I just wanted to share with her that if she is searching for some sort of drama she can stop, she is not going to find it here. Stop stuffing the hatred. Watch the video I posted on my previous post. Let things go, it's time for her to heal. It must have been horrible all of these weeks she has been sitting, watching and waiting for me to open my blog once again.
I hated having my blog private and will never go that route again. Welcome back to all...I missed those of you who didn't visit while I was away.

Happy Halloween.....

I love Halloween and am so glad that although Guido is getting older he is still willing to celebrate. I hope he always will. I guess if he is anything like his mom we have nothing to worry about.

"Phil, the Zombie apocalypse survivor"

The Three Amigos - Guido"Phil", Calvin "The Nerd", and Malcolm "GI Joe"

and a extra special shout-out to our nephew Kyler. We hope you had the happiest of birthdays. We love you!!!