SURPRISE!! Heather

This year for Heather's birthday, we went for a surprise party.  Heather's birthday generally falls on or around spring break which means most people go out of town and few friends show up to celebrate her birthday.  When I realized this was going to happen again, I decided to have her party a week early and give her a surprise.  I worked with her school teacher and we managed to invite Heather's school class without them knowing.

Before friends began arriving, James took Heather out to run errands.  At the appointed time, the guests all gathered to yell "surprise."  They got to have a practice run when Luke and Lindsey returned from school and walked through the front door.  I wish I would have gotten pictures of their faces too.  A few minutes later, Heather came in and was greeted with a lot of noise, confetti, and blowers.  She was truly surprised.

We had fun with her classmates eating pizza, watching a movie, and playing games.  Heather has a fun class, they all seem to get a long.  Her teacher even stopped by to wish her a happy birthday which was exciting for the kids.  I think it was a great success.

Later the next week, we celebrated Heather's birthday on her actual birth day, April 5th.  She got her annual breakfast in bed and lots of gifts to open.  She wanted clothes this year-- she is leaving the toy stage and entering the clothes phase.  I actually think it is easier to shop for toys because no one seems to like the clothes I pick out.  I took Savannah with me to the mall and I guess we did a good job picking because Heather wears what we bought.

We love Heather and we're so thankful she is in our family.  She is the calming force.  She is always looking out for everyone else and wanting to make others  lives easier.  She is an example to me of service and compassion.

Ashlyn's Blessing Day

Ashlyn was blessed on March 25, 2012.  It was a wonderful day full of family and friends.  She was blessed by her dad who blessed her with love for her parents and siblings, a desire to serve the Lord, a love for the scriptures, opportunities to serve a mission and marry in the temple, among many other things. 

I have realized, once again, with the birth of Ashlyn what a wonderful blessing it is to have children.  I am also very aware that they are Heavenly Father's children and I have the privilege of helping them become who He wants them to be.  It is easy to forget their spiritual nobility when they are fighting or making messes, etc, but it gives me perspective when I do remember this.

We enjoyed having so much family in our home.  My sister, Nicole, flew in from Texas with her daughter, Emily, to attend General Young Womens' Conference.  It worked out we were blessing Ashlyn that same weekend.  It was great to go to that conference with Lindsey, Nicole and Emily.  It was also a godsend having Nicole and my mom here to help me get the dinner organized for Sunday afternoon.  We had fun visiting with all the cousins, aunts, and uncles.