Filling the Spiritual Bucket

My sister in law Melissa and I took a short little vacation this past week. After arranging 8 million things for the kids so the house didn't fall apart completely while I was gone, we were off. Dads on duty! It was so PEACEFUL. We went to the Joseph Smith movie, the West Jordan temple, out to dinner (without saying in an ever escalating voice "let's try to sit still, can you be a little quieter, use your straw, don't climb under the table, don't throw food!") and to a few of the CES classes at BYU. It was awesome. I wasn't feeling overwhelmed as a mom, and I felt like I was hanging in there and even doing ok on housework. But spiritually I have been really behind. These few days were so needed! I can't say enough about the great things I learned in the classes. I have come home endeavoring to be a better mom, wife and daughter of God. I have once again committed to reading my scriptures every day. Why is that so hard?
I have to admit that at first I was a little annoyed at BYU. They didn't have any Dr. Pepper. Just caffeine free beverages. But it was pretty amazing that all the classes and even the play we went to started with an opening prayer. Yes, we went to a play. I had to make sure I got all the girly things out of my system while Melissa was my companion.
While it was fun to go, it was also fun to come home. I was missing my boys. Brian was great! The house was very clean. This past day the boys have been following me around a bit, been giving me lots of hugs. Guess they missed me. :)

Raspberries

There are lots of things I love about my house, but one of the best is the yard. We have lots of room, a peach tree and raspberry bushes. Kyle remembers the raspberries from when we first moved in last summer and has literally been looking forward to them to bear fruit again for a year.
This is of course all new to Blake. But I think he may already be a bigger fan of them than Kyle. As soon as I mention the word raspberry, he is hollering "bee wee!" (berry) and making a beeline for the back door.


Look at that cute belly.


It was worth waiting one whole year.


Thanks big brother.

I was hoping to be able to make jam this year but the berries disappear so fast that I won't have jam. But I do have some cute pictures and the boys will have some fun memories.

A little dirt never hurt

Oh darn...dropped my candy on the floor.


No matter.

Children's Museum

The boys had so much at the Children's Museum. Instead of having to say "no no, don't touch that" I could say "Sure, go ahead!" Both boys were so happy. Kyle was running around so excited. And Blake was so happy he was squealing.

There were big sea shells that they could actually touch.


They have fun together.


Grandma Bonnie came along. It was so nice to have her! She would watch one while I would chase the other. Both boys love to visit her. She is a good teacher and Kyle loves to read with her. And Blake loves to cuddle with her.


Blake! So sweet. I love those blue eyes.