Easter

(a pre-Easter egg hunt with Avery and Mason, at the YMCA)

This year we celebrated Easter with a big festive dinner enjoyed by our friends and family. And, to end the evening...a giant Easter egg hunt. The children ran, giggled, and tossed many candy filled eggs into their baskets. I love to watch their big smiles and quick moves as they look for the hidden eggs. What a joy. However, I am most thankful to know that true joy comes from knowing the Savior. I am grateful for the gospel and the knowledge we have to learn of Him and celebrate His life and Resurrection. We had a delightful night, and here are just a few pics from this Easter season.

It's your party...

Wow- sa-yow-sa! April is one big celebration in our home as we are busy with birthdays and parties. The month of April hits us as hard as December, with less preparations, equal stress, and over the top time spent celebrating. Jeff's birthday is April 13, a few days later the twins celebrate on April 17. Then, usually Easter falls somewhere in the middle.

To celebrate Jeff's birthday this year, we kept the plan simple. He loves a casual night of friends, food and fun. So, we threw a very "spur of the moment" get together. Thanks to the Pattersons for letting us all gather at their home for dessert and good times. Jeff and I started his night out at a nice Italian restaurant. Then moved on to the Pattersons home to finish the celebration. I told him Kimberly had made some of her famous banana bread pudding....I just didn't mention that all his friends would be there. It wasn't' the typical "jump out and yell surprise" yet, it was fun to watch his reaction.

Enjoy a few pics....shame on me for not capturing more of the festive moments. Oops.

The night was a sweet treat for him...Thanks again, everyone!

Happy Birthday, to my sweetheart.... and theirs! My children love their daddy.
Their hearts belong to him.
Through and through.
True love.
Best Friends.

Undeniable and unmistakable admiration
for the man they call daddy.
I love him a lot, too!

Thanks for being the man that we fall in love with day after day.

Happy Birthday from from all of us.
We love you clear from "Disneyland to Omaha"

I know, I know...

I have a lot of catching up to do....I will start with Jeff's birthday.

stay tuned.

A Belated Birthday Wish for my Dad.

Forgive me for getting this birthday wish up late, we have had Internet problems and I am just now getting back to the computer. Dad, we love you and can't wait to see you in a few weeks here in Omaha. Happy Birthday. We are blessed because you are an amazing father. Thank you for enriching our lives. Avery made you this card. I thought it was so cute and couldn't wait to show you. Here it is. A birthday wish for you. Hope you find your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow someday...We love you clear to the moon and back!
P.S. That little green guy is a leprechaun..."little Louie" the leprechaun says Avery.

A weekend away

It's been a while since my last post. It looks like life has gotten in the way of recording life here on my blog. Boy, I need to catch up. We went to Denver last week and had a wonderful time. We ran off and left all of our school, work, meetings, church and activities behind. We escaped it all to visit Gigi, Papa and Uncle Robby. Yes, Uncle Robby and his girlfriend, Kat flew in from NYC. So, we piled in the car and rushed out to meet them in Colorado. The twins love Uncle Robby (Avery's not sure what the fuss is ....just kidding, Robby) They love to hang on him and snuggle up to him. But now, I must say the kids are smitten with Kat. Actually, we all loved meeting Kat. She endured the extra attention and constant "oogling" from my kids well. Thank you, Kat. The weekend went exactly like we planned. Jeff and I escaped the kids and had several dates and outings ALONE.
We are thankful to Gigi and Papa for being on "babysitting duty". We went out to dinner, shopped and got a massage together, we were spoiled.

And, still plenty of time spent playing with the whole family. While we are home, we always do a few traditional things that are required on a Denver visit... lots of games, stories, movies,wii, eating out to dinner,(Los Dos) a big slumber party for the kids, and of course, lots of shopping! Ellie was performing her lipsynch to Taylor Swift. I loved watching her. These are the things we look forward to when we are at Gigi and Papas house. Thanks so much for a time well spent. And, a double thank you for tending the kids.
It's always hard to say to goodbye. Usually Zachary's tears start flowing several hours before we depart. This weekend it was especially hard for the kids, they hate to wave goodbye. We'll be back soon and until then, goodbye Denver.

Our party planner in training...

Ellie and a few friends planed a Valentines day party. They organized the details, treats, crafts, games and decorations without any help from me. Truly a practice in self control on my part. Oh, how I would of loved to of made the invites, prepared"cute" valentines food, and taught clever games. But..., I restrained and let Ellie ( & company) go at it alone. This is her party planner. I love it. Looks as though she has thought of everything....except who is going to pay for this shindig. Ah ha, finally a need for her mama. We kept everything simple. Handmade invitations, few paper hearts for decoration, banana splits, crafty bookmarks, and of course Taylor Swift playing in the background. I wish everyone could witness the "cuteness" that is 7 girls making up dances together. Once again, acknowledge my restraint in keeping the video camera tucked safely in the drawer instead of recording their every move. Oh, how I wish. I did capture a few pics with Ellie's camera under the guise of "hey, it's YOUR camera not MINE." All through the day and night, she thanked me for allowing her this opportunity. It was a fun day. She's in training to become a great party planner!

Performing...

Friday night our ward hosted a talent show for the children. It was a night dedicated to kids and a chance to showcase their unique talents. We watched everything from piano solos to "How to make an egg sandwich" (my personal favorite). I loved it, nothing boasts a child's self esteem more than oodles of adults "ooh-ing and ah-ing over their hard work. At first, my children decided against performing on stage (no surprise there) and instead prepare a display. Ellie made friendship bread, and Avery made a craft. Avery worked on her Chinese lanterns for several days before hand. Ellie made a delicious loaf of bread and gave out copies of the recipe. Cute ideas.

However, when we arrived Zachary was bit by the "stage bug" and decided, spur of the moment that he and Jeff should sing "little parakeet" Wow, no coaxing, pleading, begging...just desire to sing. I wasn't prepared to feel such pride. Overwhelming love for this little brave boy. He got up on stage and sang, sang loud enough for all to hear. He looked to his daddy for constant reassurance but he... performed...on stage...in front of his peers. Congrats to the Zee man for a song well sung.

While Zach occasionally throws us a curve ball like singing on stage unprepared...Ellie never does. She is terrified of the stage. She has been since her first (and only) dance recital. I couldn't imagine what it would take to ever convince Elle to freely perform again. I underestimated the power of friendship! A group of her girlfriends quickly concocted a plan to lipsync and dance together for the last number of the night. Viola. The girls shined on stage. Our beloved Ellie had done the impossible. My heart was happy, even bursting at the seams. She conquered her fear and had fun doing it. I admire her will and applaud her efforts. I can learn a lot from that girl.

A memorable night for us.

My love

Happy Anniversary.

I am never happier than right by your side.

I love you now and forever,

Laurie

We are sad to see them leave ...

But we want to wish them well.

Our dear friends, the Enlows are moving home to Dallas. Sun night we gathered together for a party to send them off in style. A party they deserve. We met the Enlow family 2 years ago and instantly became fast friends. We connected. Kimberly is genuine. She inspires me. She shares her sweet spirit and generously gives love and compassion. I am thankful for her example. But as much as I have been touched by their kindness, no one more so than Zachy. Zach has a friend in Cole. Cole shares, teaches, and walks beside Zach with the same love that his parents have undoubtedly taught him to share. We feel blessed to know such caring children who have changed our little boys world. Thank you Cole, Spencer, Luke and Carson for giving so freely your friendship.

These are the kind of friends I wish for everyone.

Sunday night we met at the Keiser's beautiful home for a dessert after dinner. We enjoyed each others company while I walked around and snapped photos of our fun friends. We are determined to keep the "Omaha crew" alive in the minds of Kimberly and Jasen for a long time to come.

Lucky for me ...I love to talk ( oh, really) I plan to spend many afternoons chatting on the phone with my dear friend. Our love to the Enlow family and best wishes with your move.

Kimberly and MiaThe boys: Cole, Spencer and Easton
Jenifer, Kimberly and Rebekah
Shane and KeresaKimberly P. and DaveWendi and Mason Rebekah and Dave The Dudes

The little dudes Saving the best one for last...Zachary and his favorite Kimmie.