Easter

Happy Easter!!  I have done a lot of thinking about Easter and the resurrection this week.  In the past I always focused more on our Savior during Christmas than Easter.  I don't know why, but Easter this year really became a time that I reflected on the resurrection and all that means to our family.

My parents had a wonderful Easter celebration at their house.  They are the most generous, welcoming people I know.  Their home is always full of people, food and love.  They had friends over, Heather invited her friends, Danny invited a mission companion who just moved to San Francisco and the house was full of kids, food, fun, laughter and love.  It reminded me of the celebrations we will someday have in heaven with all those we love.  Those who have passed on and those who will pass on are only gone for a short time until we are with them again.  And that is all possible because of Christ and the resurrection.

I know we will be with Carl again in heaven. We are able to allow Tyler to live a normal childhood because we are not fearful of his heart condition.  It is such a marvelous miracle that we will all live again.   I am so grateful for that knowledge!  And thus so grateful to celebrate Easter which reminds us of this wonderful gift!

Kira and Blake's BD party at Grandma and Pop's

Good times with Grandma and Pop.  The kids were very involved with the candle and happy birthday song.  We had to sing it a few times so they could take turns blowing out the candle.  As usual, Pop's cakes didn't disappoint.

Kira and Blakey's BD

Kira turned three on Wednesday.  Grammy got her this sleeping bag, which she loves.  The kids pitched the tent in the front room and Scott left a note that said, "Don't tear down the tent, Dad."

They have slept in it several nights already.

Blakey turned one on Thursday.  He isn't aware of birthdays yet, and he has enough toys, so we just sang to him.  

 Kira's into painting her nails, so she got a multicolored kit.  She had me give her a mani/pedi yesterday and after one color went down, she'd say, "Now DIS one."

Tyler goes, "I want to take my picture with Kira."  Check it out; he's got his arm around her.  Sometimes he can be really nice to her.

 For her birthday, Kira wanted to eat at McDonalds.  I think the boys helped influence her decision.

One hand on the touch-screen, the other on his food.  

Happy birthday, Kira!  Happy birthday, Blakey!

Some pics

 At Grandma and Pop's 

 At Lyle's

 At Kim and Scott's

My fav:  In our garage.  Check out those overalls.  A craigslist bargain.

I had to add to Danny's captions....Danny refers to the overalls as Blake's coveralls.  Doesn't get much better than that.  Grateful for a husband that is able to teach our kids mechanics.  And willing to spend time with them on his projects.  Never too young to start learning and hanging out on projects together. It will be so fun to see the kids personalities and interests develop. It will be interesting to see who, if any of our kids, will share similar interets.  As for now I am saying Blake and Scott are mini Danny's.  Kira is a mini me and Tyler is probably more me.

Visit from Aunt Rita

My moms best friend came in from New Jersey to do an equestrian clinic in CO and judge a horse show in Sacramento.  She had a day in between which she spent at my parents.  It was so fun to see her.  I wish she lived closer.  She is an incredible friend to my mom and we are blessed to have her in our life.  It was a great evening.  Here the boys made sand sculptures that she gave them.  

A Dentist

Tyler cried out in the night for me to sleep with him.  This almost never occurs, as he always cries for Mommy.  I went in his bedroom and got under his sleeping bag and fell asleep.  Tyler's bed has quite a nice mattress, so sleeping in it is not so bad.

In the middle of the night, he said, "Daddy, I want to be a dentist, just like you."  I asked him some other questions and he seemed coherent, so the next morning, I said, "Still want to be a dentist?"

He scowled and grunted.

Picture Day and Spring Sports

Scott is on the Boston Red Sox this year. Today was picture day that a friend took him to pictures and practice since I was at a ward function.  So grateful for mom friends!  Danny took pictures right before he left instead of ordering them from the company.  I love how they turned out!  I think Scott looks so cute all dressed up in his uniform.   

Scott loves sports and friends. It makes me so happy! I love seeing a smile on his face as he is learning new skills and playing with friends. We are again blessed with the best coach!  Don't know how we get so lucky.  So supportive, encouraging, uplifting and a great coach. It amazes me how much they can learn from one year to the next. I enjoy going to practices and playing with Tyler, Kira and Blake at the park with the other siblings. Tyler doesn't want to do sports which I am so grateful for but loves to go and play.  

When you have a heart kid you are sad that you will have to say no and wonder what to do with the sport dilema.  I know our situation is probably not everyones situation, but Tyler knows what makes him feel good and what doesn't.  Running around a ton or on demand doesn't make him feel good.  I ask him if he wants to play and he always tells me he just wants to watch or play at the pool with friends.  It all has just worked out for us.  I know that might change with time and age, but I am hoping that as he gets older he will find things that he enjoys doing.  His cardiologist suggested golf and since we live on the golf course maybe I will look into that or drama or music or art or the many other things available for kids.  


As soon as baseball started swim clinics started which i teach twice a week. Of course they have been on the same day. Last thursday we decided to go strait from school to the pool to the park which actually worked out. I am hating rising gas prices so trying to be more conscientious of my driving routines.  Tyler and Kira got to swim in the hot tub while Scott did some homework before sports started. Reminds me of my youth. I am really enjoying coaching. I have a small, great group of kids that already have learned so much. It is so rewarding to see the kids improve in such a small amount of time. Looking forward to a summer by the pool, picnics and friends. So many friends have or are joining our gym which I am so excited about. The kids love it and we love it!


Danny has been way more diligent in actually working out than me. He is swimming a lot and likes his pilates class. He wishes it helped his back more but at least it isn't hurting and is getting him in shape. Constantly praying that his back and hips give him some relief.

What is your favorite thing about sports?