Easter Weekend

 Saturday morning Matt and I ran/ mostly walked the Running for Risa 5K. Risa was diagnosed with a very rare cancer about a year ago and sadly passed away on March 31st. The proceeds went to help her family pay for medical costs. We didn't know Risa or her family, but we went to support them anyways. There was a happy feeling there and tons of people. Besides my shins killing me and having to walk like a grandma when they seized up, we had a great time. And my dear husband stayed by my side the whole time. Even when I made us go really slow. He must love me lots. The good thing is we finished. And we didn't come in last. I'm glad, since that would have really made me feel like a Grandma and I'm sure Matt would have been really embarrassed.

 We went to the tennis courts by our house and played some tennis as a family. We pretty much stink at it, but we had a FUN time!

 On our way home we stopped by the park with it's new spinny toys. We now call it "The Spinny Park". It almost makes me sick just watching the kids go round and round and round. I'm such a wuss. I can't even swing without feeling the need to barf.

Then it was time to go to Grammy and Papa's house for an Easter party.

Dying Easter eggs.

(cute, amelia )

Oh look, the Easter bunny!

 The Easter egg hunt.

( cool cinderella cake made by madelynn's very own mommy)

Celebrating Madelynn's 2nd Birthday.

(rylie-12,sophia-10,eli-8,ivy-5)



Easter morning picture on the stairs.

I love these kids. I really do.

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Both Matt and I had the opportunity to teach lessons at our church meetings on Sunday. Matt bore a beautiful testimony about how the gospel has touched his life. He talked about how amazing it was to him that families can be sealed together forever. He expressed his love and appreciation for his family and as he did so he looked deeply into my eyes. I could feel his intensity and sincerity. I LOVE him. Later our friend said to me, "Wow, he loves you so much. If he would have been a cartoon character little hearts would have been shooting out of his ears." I laughed. She was right.

Easter Sunday was a wonderful experience. I was spiritually fed. I am grateful for my Savior who took upon himself my sins. Our sins. He knew that we would fall short. That life would be hard. But he never intended for us to have to figure out life on our own. He lives. He is there for us, if we seek him. I feel Him in my life. I recognize his influence all around me. Because I choose to walk with Him I am a better mother, wife & friend. I gain strength and insight beyond my own as I try to seek His will and pattern my life after Him. And this gives me joy. True happiness. The ways of the world might be flattering and enticing, but they are shallow and will never keep us satisfied for long. I know this. I have experienced life both ways.

God is real. He loves me. He loves you.