Sweet baby Gracie

One more important post for today. Our friends, Tom and Michele Gledhill had their fourth child a week ago today. They knew before hand that little Gracie had a heart problem. However, I'm not sure anything could have prepared them for what they are going through right now. I can't imagine being in their shoes. What a tough time this is for them and their family. I can't get them out of my mind. Poor little Gracie had surgery on Monday, and things haven't gone real well. She has a 50/50 chance to make it. So many are praying for her and the family. It is amazing to see the love that everyone has offered. Being away, I only hear bits and pieces of the many things that have been done for them---so many acts of kindess in words, prayers, meals, cleaning, gifts, etc. This is why we are here---to be the Lord's hands to help and serve others. Our Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us and knows what we need. You can't help but feel the love for sweet Gracie. Check out their blog-Gledhill Family-and you will see what I am talking about. A friend Kim, on a coment on Gledhill's blog, had suggested for people to share what "Gracie's gift" of life has meant to them. Pretty amazing what an impact one special little one has, and how many lives she has touched! She needs all the prayers she can get! Hope to see a "good news" update tomorrow!

Kindergarten Round Up!

Today was a very exciting day for Matt. It was kindergarten round up day at the school. He got to do some crafts and meet with some of the kindergarten teachers while I filled out the necessary paperwork. He is so excited to be at the same school with Sam and Shelby. I loved his face in this picture. He is the cutest little kid! He's our "ham"! We always joke that he will make us a ton someday with his acting. He still lets me kiss and hug him whenever I want--even when he is busy at the computer or playing video games. I'm glad he is only going half day so that I can spend one more year with him. Can't believe we will have all the kids at the same school next year. Wow!

Easter!

OK, I'm not so good at this yet. I have not had time to sit and figure this all out, but thought I would just post and move on and deal with all the fancy stuff and details later. (otherwise, there may not be another post for a long time! ) We had a great weekend. The kids were very excited for the neighborhood Easter egg hunt on Saturday. Matt was so fun to watch. He was just going as fast as he could to get those eggs. We had a great Sunday also. Sam and Shelby sang in our ward's children's choir. They did a great job and really enjoyed it. Then we were able to have the neighbors over for dinner and had a great time. We were grateful to have some spiritual teaching moments with the kids also. It always amazes me how much they know and can really understand. Sam was so cute because we read a story about the first Easter and he went on to elaborate some more and then had us all turn to our scriptures in Matthew, where they had read from in his primary class. He remembered the book, chapter, and verse. He has such an amazing memory! So fun to watch him when he gets excited about something. We also enjoyed this month's special Ensign. How blessed we are for a loving Heavenly Father and a loving Savior, Jesus Christ.

Shelby lu lu la la!

Shelby gets the 1st official post because she made sure I remembered the camera for her season opening soccer game--and she is the Birthday Girl! She just loves soccer and when you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up--she replies, "a soccer coach". She just turned 7 last Sunday! Wow, how time flies when you're having fun!! She loves to play sports and be outside, however she is definitely a girly girl too. She loves shoes and is already particular about what she is going to wear and how she wants her hair. She is such a sweet girl and likes to help me around the house. She also likes her "girl time" with me and chatting at bedtime. She is full of hugs and kisses. She is so fun to be around and loves to laugh! She likes spending time with friends playing house, cheerleading, dancing, make-up, dress-ups and fashion shows. She has fun with Sam and Matt and has learned how to keep up with them and hold her own, and likes to be their "other mother". :) She is excited to be reading chapter books and just loves school. She also loves her music class and likes to sit and play the piano. We ended up celelbrating her birthday as a family yesterday. She got to pick what we did all day. First we went to see "Horton hears a who", Pei Wei for lunch, hang out at home, and Red Robin (singing and free ice cream!) for dinner. (Can you tell we like to eat out too much!--We need to work on that!) :)
We love you Shelby and are so glad you are part of our family!!

Here I go!

Ok, I am finally doing this!! My good friend Wendy is helping me. So, hopefully I can figure this all out!