~Fun at the park

 Jett's bloody nose, Noah smiling for the camera and Simon being silly.  Sounds about right :)

~My little mischief-maker

Friday I had to run to the church to pick up some paint that I had left there.  Being in a hurry (as usual) and only giving my actions a brief second thought, I put a box of acrylic paint in the backseat by Jett.  Minutes later I hear, "mommy, I painting!"  Yep, Jett painted the window and his carseat.

Another fun day, with Jett, was Sunday when he got kicked out of nursery for being too energetic while his teacher was trying to give the lesson.  Believe it or not, that's a first for our family.

This is what I know about Jett.  He's 2 and a half.  He's got lots of energy.  He's curious and he's full of love.  Even though he's hard to handle sometimes...I still love my little mischief maker!

~Greater Insight

I got an assignment from the stake to be a guest speaker at girls camp this year.  I taught mini-classes last year, but this year I will be speaking to all the girls as one group, close to 150 people.  I am to speak right before the stake president (PRESSURE!)  Anyway, last year, I taught rotating classes with much smaller numbers.

Since I got the assignment I've been praying about the topic, which is "self-worth and self-esteem."  I've known it to be true other times, but it has been confirmed to me again.  Experiences are given to me, to help give me knowledge and insight on what I've been praying about.

At 34 years old I feel like I should be past the social obstacles of youth, but I found that sometimes life is still hard.  It wasn't until I had the second experience that my eyes were opened and I realized that I was gaining greater insight on what I've been praying about.

Looking back, at the two very recent experiences where I had my self-esteem challenged...where others cut me down and I felt discouraged...there were also others there to lift me up (that's the greater insight).  It took me feeling bad twice to realize there were more to these experiences than the "bad" part.

After the first time, I received love and acceptance from my husband.  He listened, dried my tears and told me he loved me no matter what.  He told me that it doesn't matter how other people view me.  All that matters is that I am happy with myself.

The second time, a simple gesture from another...more mature person (I might add)... helped me to understand that I DO have friends here in Alaska.  Sounds simple-minded, but everyone needs a friend, right?

In both cases, I was reminded that there are people who care and then there are others who don't.  Surrounding myself with genuinely good people who are considerate and caring, is better than spending time and effort on those who only look out for "#1".  Also, I know there is opposition in all things.  But with the bad...there is also good.  Look for the good.

I love that Heavenly Father gives me little reminders of things that I've forgotten.  He knows me.  He loves me and He cares about my well-being as His daughter.  He hears and answers my prayers and blesses me with the things I need...like helping me with my girls camp assignment.

It's pretty cool.

~Levi 2 month update

My little cuddle-bug

  14 pounds

23 inches

 Levi is a very easy-going, content baby

Smiles all the time

Is sleeping in about 4 hour stretches at night, though we did have one 6 hour stretch (which was really nice)

Levi is the chubbiest baby I've had, but the most happy, I think.

I love this little guy.

~Mr. Creativity aka Noah

Noah has an artistic/creative side.  I believe that comes from his mama...which makes me happy.  Actually, out of all my boys, Noah is most like me...in so many ways.  Anyway, we recieved a letter from the school stating that Noah's artwork was being submitted to a contest in the school district.  The winners would have their artwork displayed in the Mayor's office.  About two weeks later we recieved another letter from the Mayor's office congratulating Noah for being one of the few chosen from his school to have artwork displayed.

The Mayor's office had a nice little ceremony for the selected artists and each got a certificate.  It ended up being about 50 kids from all over the school district from Kindergarten to High School.  Noah's little cat was displayed with 3 other pictures drawn by kids at his school.  When I asked him about all the designs on his cat, he told me they were Star Wars fighters.  ha ha...  I guess if you have an assignment to draw a cat, that's one way to get through it.

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The same week, Noah's class also had a poetry reading and art show in the commons area of their school. Noah did a great job reciting the poem, "Notice."  He also had some pretty cool artwork displayed there too.

~Simon - double whammy!

Simon lost 2 teeth in one day.  The first one came out in the morning.

 And the second, came out that evening.  Simon was one excited boy!

That night the tooth fairy brought Simon $2 and 2 toys.  Wow!!

~Easter Weekend

Random pictures from Easter weekend.

 There were a thousand eggs thrown out into the snow at Santa Claus House park.  The egg hunt lasted about 60 seconds.  It's always funny to me that we hunt eggs in the snow.

 Easter morning.  Levi looks thrilled with his bunny.

 "THE CLAW." 

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. - YW's Activity

Last night for our combined yw's activity, the presidency dressed up (obviously) and lip-synced to Aretha Franklin's RESPECT. It was so funny. The girls got a kick of us being silly and I think we had a good time too. The theme for the activity was "Being Respectful." Sister Averett and Sister Ames spoke and did a fantastic job. Overall, I think the evening went pretty well. We had all but one girl show up.
My favs...
Sister Rhoton's shoes(even though you can't see them)and boppy ponytail
Sister Hardman's skirt and bling
Sister Abbott's gold egg earrings and hat
and my glow-in-the dark wig with the big pink flower, ha ha!!

Levi and Captain Jett

Levi 2 months old
Notice Noah's cute freckles.

Jett dressed himself up the other day and was running around like this. It was so cute I had to take a picture!

Grandma's visit

We LOVED having mom visit.

My favorite picture of her while she was here.

The week went by way too fast.

Here are a few pictures of the fun times we had!

Grandma's first day with the boys. It's been 2 years since Noah and Simon have seen her. They were so excited! Can you see how silly they were being? They were so happy. She was so tired because of flying all night but was wonder woman and powered through!! In the first hour she was here, she delivered gifts, played slap-jack and uno!

Mom kinda worried that since Jett had never met her, he would be scared of her...NOT! He acted like he sees her everyday. Instant BFF's! He kept putting his arm around her neck and cuddling with her on the couch. It was so cute!

Also, on Grandma's first day here, we took her to the Ice Park. Fun times!

It was a little cold, but Grandma survived. The ice sculptures are always pretty cool to look at.

Another adventure...The Knotty Shop

The snow was pretty deep, but Grandma was a good sport and trudged through it so we could get a picture. Simon wasn't heavy enough so he was able to walk on top of it.

We also drove G-ma out the Chena Lakes and drove down the boat ramp onto the lake to show her where we go ice fishing. This is one of the shacks that you can rent. Grandma is actually standing on the lake. She's being very brave!

Chena Hot Springs

Grandma enjoying the outdoor pool. The perfect combination of hot and cold.

Other fun things with Grandma included Grandma spoiling everyone with goodies, Noah and Grandma playing slap-jack 1000 times, a few games of UNO, cupcake making, Grandma's tacos, staying up late looking for the Northern Lights, lots of baby holding and Simon playing restaurant every afternoon with his best customer...Grandma!

I was a bawl baby when we dropped Grandma off at the airport. I usually don't miss family too much, until one of them comes to visit. Then I just get the urge to pack everything up and move home! Having Grandma visit made everyone super excited for our trip to Arizona in October