The Kite

The Soaring Kite

This weekend I attended stake conference. One of the topics that was covered is the reason for having standards and commandments. People often feel that their freedom is hampered by them and hat we would be better off and more free without them. So I learned the analogy of the kite that could be used for a FHE activity.

Take the kids out to fly a kite. There are three important elements, the Kite, the wind and the string. Once the kite is in the air let each person hold the string and feel how he kite pulls against the string. It appears that the kite is being held down or restricted by the string. To allow he kite to really soar, it appears, it would be best to le go of the string so the kite can be free to really soar. However, when we let go of the string, instead of soaring higher, the kite will immediately begin to spiral and fall to the ground. Why? Didn’t everyone feel how the string was holding it down and how the kite pulled against it?

The string, like rules, standards and commandments, gives our life resistance that, like the string, allow us to fly and soar higher than we can without them. In fact, without standards and commandment we will do as the kite and fall below our ability to soar and to reach the heights we are intended. So I am grateful that Heavenly Father gave us standards and commandments that we have the ability to fly high and soar toward Him.

Proverbs 4:4 …Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments and live.
D&C 93:20 For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fullness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father.

Jade's dance review

Grandma's special showing of Jade's dance review.

Jade and Madi in their Easter dresses at G&G's waterfall.

Emma's first taste of ice cream

Grandma giving Emma her first taste of ice cream :-) Dexter and Ashlyn enjoying "their" ice cream cone. And Mindy and the girls at Cassi's graduation. What a full week!!

Cassi's Graduation

Ashlyn in the backpack

Ashlyn didn't get a nap today and while Dad was cleaning the kitchen with Ashlyn on his back, she fell fast asleep. This one's mainly for Mom since we were on the phone with her when it happened.

Happy Grandmother's Day!!!

Please click HERE to listen to a musical number for grandma!

A blank new window will pop open. Be patient while the file loads (propably 30 seconds).

Sisters who laugh together, stay together.

Ashlyn was making Emma laugh so hard. Just wanted to pass this happy moment along.

 

New pictures and furniture at Maiden Lane

Cassi's Graduating!!!!

I'm not sure if Madi can stay upright holding on to that big basket full of eggs.

Jade is putting all her effort into opening her Easter present.


Easter Fun in Wenatchee

We really had those eggs surrended. None of them got away either.

Fun times!

See you soon.

Easter at Bud's (cont)

With all those fun pictures of the kids, I had to include a couple of the parents and Grandpa Bud. We had a fun Easter, too!:)
 

Easter with Grandpa Bud

Dexter, Eve, Ashlyn, Truman, and Emma are anxiously awaiting their Easter Egg Hunt in Grandpa's "backyard".
Mom and Emma pose for a "windy" Easter picture.
After a successful hunt, the kids show off their spiffy sunglasses (please note Eve's glasses).
The picture says it all.:) 

Easter Presents from Grandma & Grandpa

Thank you Grandma & Grandpa! Love Ashlyn & Emma

Our Favorite Girls

Emma has discovered her feet, and we love it. This is one of Mom's favorite "Emma Positions".
Isn't she cute?
Almost every morning begins with Ashlyn waking up between 6:30 and 7:00 and joining Mom and Dad in bed. Emma wakes up soon after to have breakfast in bed with Mom. The morning ritual usually ends with Ashlyn holding Emma. Though it may be early, as you can see from the picture, it makes for a pretty enjoyable morning. Who wouldn't love waking up to these two adorable faces? 

Grandpa's Workshop

Hi gang! Itook a couple of pictures to show Grampa Bud what my shop looks like so I thought I would share them on the blog as well. I now have a place for all my fun power tools and a place to make fun things for my kids and grandkids. I am now in the process of organizing my tools and stuff in the right drawers, 16 feet of cabinets and peg board wall. Fun, fun, fun! You all need to come up for a guided tour. Love you all. Dad

Springer Potpourri

This one is for Dad! Thanks for your help! Scott left on a business trip and I was left to tie Garrett's tie all on my own. Had to call Dad for emergency tie tying lesson. It is way too short, but there was no way I was going to do it again! These are the kids matching Easter outfits! So much fun!

Our trip to Whistler, Canada (although not FRANCE! WOW to the Pope's!) Was very fun and a total blast. I think our favorite part of the whole trip was sleeping the whole night, without any interruptions, traveling 9 hours in the car without a single fight, or "she's touching me" (well, except the one huff I got into because I thought Scott got into the slowest lane at the border crossing.... hey I didn't say that all 3 year old behavior got left behind =). We skiied, ate great food, enjoyed a fantastic room, and all together celebrated 10 wonderful years of married bliss (well, 98.7% bliss)

Aubrey had a great princess birthday. Mom and Dad, Ty and Adria and Family came down for the festivities. All the kids dressed up in their Princess (or knight in Garrett's case) best. What fun!

We had a leprachaun visit our house on St Patty's Day. It turned all our food green! This picture was just a classic, had to share!