Always Racing To Catch Up...

Awesome April went by much the same as Marathon March...no surprises there as most people are busy, busy, busy these days. We did enjoy some warm weather ~ and some snow?! Here in good ol' Idaho WE HAVE IT ALL! I don't mean that in a negative way, we really do have it pretty good here in the gem state. :) Anyhow, May is well under way...

Here are the highlights of our life since my last entry:

Mckay is home. We are proud of his desire to serve a mission and his efforts in the field. He will report tomorrow. I hope he remembers that although life doesn't often go as we plan, there are blessings in all things.

I have had some health issues for what seems like FOREVER. I went to Boise twice in the last month to get some answers. I have been referred to a great doctor and look forward to feeling better. However, on the days that the migraines leave me stuck in bed and behind in life, I can't lose a pound despite my determined efforts, and my face is broke out ~ I get down. One day this beautiful arrangement was delivered to my school. My husband was trying to cheer me up, and I was extremely surprised and yes, cheerful. It really is amazing how flowers can make a girl feel loved. They smelled so great! My house was fragrant for over a week!!
I love to give homemade gifts. I do admit that they are not always perfect, but nothing is. I love to make these quilts for new babies. This is my latest one for a darling boy born a couple of weeks ago. His dad works with Michael at Mickelsen Construction ~ so I found a cute fabric that displays a construction motif ~ and his mom and family love to ride and be outdoors ~ so I found the cute ATV/4 Wheel Drive fabric. I actually got this idea from one of my former students. I thought her blankets were so adorable that I would try one, despite the fact that I really don't know how to sew. However, after making a dozen or so, I'm learning.
Tyson is such a GOOD baby! I love all of my nieces and nephews a ton. That is why it was a delight when Kaitlyn asked me to watch Tys for a few hours (three on the dot to be exact, she could barely wait to pick him up!) a few weeks ago. He never cried, just cooed and smiled. We all just loved on him and had so much fun. Every time we see him, week to week, he just grows so fast! He already looks so different from this picture!

Olivia is DOUBLE DIGITS!!! We can't believe she is 10!!! My mom made her this amazing chocolate checkerboard cake topped with chocolate dipped strawberries. Olivia is off sugar for a year, but has a few free days ~ which includes her birthday obviously ~ and wanted her grandma to make her this confection for her big day. When you cut into it, it was pink and chocolate cake in a checkerboard pattern. YUM!!! We took her to Carino's with a friend the night before for birthday dinner and then had both sides of the family over for cake the Sunday of her birthday. Later she will join her friend, Alli (whose big 10th is June 4th), for a joint celebration. Alli lives in Utah, and they are WAY pumped about meeting up to PARTY! This is a picture of Liv opening her surprise present: tickets to The Stadium of Fire ~ featuring THE JONAS BROTHERS!!! She is just a little excited!

My GOOFY girls. Abby is always dressing in creative outfits. Livvy is loosing teeth...lots of teeth. I just LOVE these two!!!

This is our new favorite thing: The Oven Puffed Pancake

Sarah informed me it is also known as a German Pancake...but I'd never tried one.

This is the easiest, yummiest thing. You should try it. I woke this morning to Abby jumping on my bed chanting: "Puff Pancake! Puff Pancake!"

EUROPE: I've made 200 carmel rice crispy bears to help my students earn spending money for our educational trip to Europe. They are $1 a piece...want some? Let me know ~ I'll be making about 200 more shortly:). Also, I'm working to help another student earn funds for a worthy cause. Heather Callister has won a prestigious art contest that allows her work to be hung in the White House! This is the second year a student from SR has won!!! (Thanks in large part to the talented teaching of Mr. Jason Coles.) Airfare is gifted for the trip, but she need nearly $1000 for hotel and other expenses. We are selling goodies to help with this, but donations are indeed welcome.

NYC: Wanna go to New York in June of 2010? That is the next student tour I'm heading up. Adults are welcome. I'm working to organize this now.

School is almost out! Now it's time to head full force into my masters program...goodbye April, May will be over in a minute, and June is on the horizon!

Tomorrow is Mother's Day,which also happens to be Haizer's birthday. We are meeting at the barn, in the arena he so loved to release balloons in his honor. We miss him.