Jet-Setter

A carved ceiling in the Louvre

Sacred Heart Cathedral

CLASSIC

TOURISTS!

Those naughty English...

One of many beautiful English gardens

Bridge along the Princess Diana Memorial Walk

Authentic English phone booth

So Bill flew straight from La Jolla to London on Sunday and I joined him on Tuesday for a quick European tour. We stayed in London for 2 days and Paris for 2 days. It was beautiful, mesmerizing, and delicious. It was the first time I had traveled abroad (besides cruising) and I loved it. The plane rides were long but the jet lag wasn't too bad. I can't wait for our next adventure!

La Jolla 2009

Oh, how we love La Jolla! It never disappoints.

Easter

Easter is filled with egg dying, egg hunting, and lots of candy. We are also grateful for the reminder of the Savior's Atonement and sacrifice. We are blessed to members of His great gospel and to know of His plan of happiness. We find comfort and peace in this crazy world because of the knowledge we have that we can be together forever through the power and blessings of the priesthood.

April Birthdays

We celebrated Bill's 38th and Taylor's 11th birthdays this month. For Bill's birthday we went to Marley's for sliders (he has an obsession with mini-burgers) and picked up sugar cookies from Smart Cookie. Taylor had a mini-celebration with her friend Kaitlin. They went for pedicures and saw the Hannah Montana movie. Another year older and hopefully wiser...

Bake-off

Bill's attempt at "authentic" homemade bread

My attempt at healthy pizza frietes

A few weeks ago I was making dough in the bread maker for pizza frietes. Bill then decided that he wanted to make bread the old fashioned way. The contest had begun, his muscles against my machine. I decided to bake my dough instead of the customary frying method. It turned out okay, fried of course tastes much better. Bill's bread was great for his first attempt. It wasn't very pretty, he will work on his presentation next time. I'm so lucky to have a husbad who desires even to try to bake, maybe a desire to do laudry is not far off....

Pathetic, I know...

My American Idol Top 5

5

Allison Iraheta

Has talent, but seems too 'weathered' for only being 16 years old.

4

Adam Lambert

A real 'artist', but I cannot like him based on my no crazies principle.

3

Lil' Rounds

Has tremendous talent, I just don't care for her style of music.

2

Danny Gokey

Used to be my #1, but sings every song the same way, needs to switch things up.

1

Kris Allen

Love Him! Has originality, talent, and stage swagger!

As for the rest of last night's performances : Scott's was the best for him so far, I still think the pity vote will wear off soon and somebody has got to tell him to wear sunglasses. Megan was AWFUL! I hope she goes tonight. Anup sang well but I just find his performances boring. Matt was okay, but I think forgettable just like he was last week. I know that a woman in her mid-thirties SHOULD have something better to do than handicap a reality t.v. competition, but I don't! Let me know what you think.

Our Future

This morning in the car...

Tate,  "Mom, Taylor Rose talks a lot."

Me, "I know, most girls do."

Tate, "No Mom, I mean A LOT!"

Congrats Trace

Trace made the American Fork Jr. High Lacrosse A-team! 

Too bad I have no idea how to play or what the rules are, time to do some studying...

Look what I did...

BUT NOT TOO CLOSELY!

Much to my astonishment (and that of Bill & Kids) I was able to reupholster my dining room chairs yesterday! They aren't perfect, but I think they're pretty good. Just a few more touches and the living & dining rooms will be officially decorated. Next is the master bedroom.

Lessons from Gracie

My heart is heavy as I post tonight.  My every thought is with Gracie and her family.  I cannot begin to imagine how they must feel having said goodbye for the last time.  It has been my privilege to love and serve them throughout this journey.  

My family has been strengthened through sharing this experience.  As I came home from bootcamp early yesterday morning I found Trace and Taylor in the office anxiously reading Gracie's blog. Their hearts were touched as they read the loving words posted  by her mother.  Later that day while driving home from school,  Tate turned to me and said, "I know Heavenly Father is so proud of Gracie for trying so hard to live here on earth.  She must be so happy to be in heaven now."

  As for me, Gracie has taught me so many things, if I were to list them all my post would never end.  Most of all she has taught me to enjoy the journey.  As a mother I find that I choose to spend so much of my time trying to erase the fact the my children exist.  I am constantly cleaning, straightening, checking things of the 'to do' list, trying so hard to control life.  Instead I need to appreciate the fact that if my house is filled with happy chaos, if there are crumbs on the floor, and sticky spots on my counter, it means that my children are here.  That instead of running around picking up after them, I need to put down my Windex and run with them. 

Thank you Gracie for reminding me what is most important.  May you and your family be encircled about eternally in the arms of His love. 2 Nephi 1:15