Life is good1

G and I went on a little vacation, or at least I did. We went to a school board conference in Orlando. We went a day early and enjoyed the Disney animal park and Magic Kingdom, so I guess that counts for his vacation too. Although the rest of the time he spent the majority in classes. We did go to Epcot, and enjoy our evenings together. But mostly I got the vacation. Relaxing by the pool, reading a book, shopping, and taking care of some business stuff on my computer. It was a great break, and very enjoyable, but now it is back to the regular busy-ness. Thanks to my sister B for taking care of the kids. Although she did a great job, and the kids had fun, I don't think she liked the instant family. Okay, not so much the family, just the craziness with life of teenagers that makes is difficult for a two year old who isn't particularly fond of being in the car, and being woken up from naps to pick up someone. The true test will be when I ask her to do it again! Thanks B!
So the vacation is over, and it is back to track, play, and baseball practice, violin and voice lessons, cub scouts, and young women's. And that is just the kids. School board with budget cuts, meetings, and more meetings with me for community and parent involvement in the schools. And we can't forget church meetings. But such is life, and I don't know what I would do with free time if I had it, probably just waste it. So I will just keep swimming!
Dad gave us a scare this week. We had some type of a stroke, just like he had a few years ago. Although he lost his short term memory for a while, and one whole day, they think he is doing okay. More results will be back on Monday. Thanks for family close by to take care of Mom and Dad and various other things. Unfortunately the stroke means he has to lay low for awhile. No branding, riding his horse, and taking the cows to the hills, all of which my Dad lives for. But at least I still have a Dad around, with at this time no real serious side affects of a stroke. Sometimes we just have to be reminded of what is really important.

Good things:
1. Dads
2. Sisters
3. Ability to have a crazy life

Thouights of a restless mind!

As if just celebrating a birthday doesn't make me old enough...K just got asked to the prom, and she is actually old enough to go. Where does the time go? Didn't I just go to my first prom? The Dad of the boy did say I could save him a lot of grief if I didn't let her go. Not such a bad idea.

Yesterday was a great Easter. Warm weather, friends, and family, and good talks. I am sure many of you heard the same story I did yesterday of the little boy with Down's syndrome who was supposed to fill his egg with something that reminded him of Easter. He left his egg empty, signifying an empty tomb. I am so thankful for an empty tomb. And the chance I have to see a little boy who taught me so much again. What a great blessing. Also today at church, I chatted with a friend who told me the secret of life. We don't have to carry all of the burden. It doesn't do us any good to stress and fret over something we can't change. We just have to do our best, and give the rest to God. He will help us if we ask! (Did everyone else already know that?) I guess sometimes things just make a little more sense at times.

D has been busy getting ready for the pinewood derby. He enlisted the help of his fishing buddy to shape the wood block, and he has been sanding, sanding, sanding. Fortunately D has more of my competitiveness than G's. He and I are just hoping for wheels that don't wobble this year.



Good things:
1. Beautiful daughters (I think)
2. Blessings of the atonement and resurrection
3. Friends willing to share their wisdom

Spring Break

Spring break is happening this week, and I like the break! We are enjoying a week at our timeshare doing not much of anything. Although it isn't a full break for us. A little back and forth for church and G working part of the day in offices closer to here, two cars and track meets, we are enjoying it. Sometimes it is nice not to have to do anything or go anywhere.
Things are picking up speed for us. (Did they ever slow down!) D will be starting baseball practice this week. He is very excited, and wants to try his arm at pitching. B is Bertha in the school play (April 24-26 if you are interested) and K is enjoying track. Yesterday her 4x800 team took first. Thanks to her in part for gaining in her leg of the race.
Also while we have been on break I got another year older. As I am sure age comes with wisdom, I am getting very wise! I am starting to take that old saying "You are only as old as you feel," to heart. Since I haven't slept in my own bed for a few nights, I feel pretty old this morning. But I still can't believe I am old enough to have a child in high school, almost two. Soon, a driver, and a dater. I think that alone must make me old!

Good things:
1. age and wisdom-mostly the wisdom, ok, maybe it is just a little more maturity.
2. mineral hotsprings
3. laying in bed until I have to get up

Good Things

1. Not having a full time job (other than Mom)
2. signs of spring
3. FHE - We are teaching one of the girls friends

Good Things

1. freshed baked pretzels
2. intervention
3. "I love you"'s

good things

1. happy endings
2. babies on the way
3. bill pay

Good things

1. Austin Branch
2. New friends
3. Family

Today we went out to speak at the Austin branch. What a treat that was! Everyone was so kind, gracious, and welcoming. It was really neat to see how a branch functions, and feel the wonderful spirit that was there. D was one of 4 primary children, and K and B made 6 young women. Later we had dinner with the branch president and his family. It was so fun to get to know them and enjoy their company. We had a great time, and would love to go again. What a great day!