FEATHERVILLE; MAY 2011

We were able to go to the cabin with some dear friends. We absolutely love the Forsberg family! They are the kind of people who know how to make others feel good. They truly emulate Christ-like qualities in all of their actions. I learn so much about how to be a better person simply by being in association with them.
I am so blessed to have so many good friends who teach me to be more like my Savior. As I ponder on my life, and the associations I have been blessed with in my life, I am amazed. Heavenly Father truly knows what we need, and he sends us friends to deliver us that message! To all of my friends--I am grateful.

A FEW PICTURES FROM A WEEKEND OF FUN:

Jake's favorite activity is to throw rocks into the river. This time he recruited some friends!

Iron Rod. The summer prior I put together a night hike which was centered around Lehi's dream in the Book of Mormon--the tree of life. Justin was our bishop, and had mentioned that he would love to have his kids experience the night hike. So, in an effort to do just that--we created the same experience for our children. This is a picture of Hailey holding to the "iron rod".

Here Amber is by the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life represents Eternal Life. It is through holding to the rod (reading scriptures and listening to the prophets) that we are able to traverse through this life and make it to eternal life with our Father in Heaven.
My children loved this experience. They learned that there may be temptations along the way (mommy trying to make them let go), but if they hold to the rod--they will be safe and they will make it home again!

LIFE IS A DANCE

Amber loves to dance. Ever since she was able to walk, she has been walking around on her tippy toes. She would walk for hours with her toes being her only support. I remember cringing as I watched her pretend she was a ballerina. I also remember her "showing off" her uncanny abilities to my in-laws--she loved the reactions she received. This ability revolved into a determined dancer at heart. She began being extremely opinionated as to her attire. She wouldn't wear any shoe that didn't "tap", or wear a skirt that wouldn't twirl. Each and every item purchased had to be examined prior to purchasing as to its tap or twirl worthiness/capabilities. Most of the time I thought this was completely endearing...all except for the times when she would all of a sudden decide that something was no long tap or twirl worthy, which meant that she could no longer wear that item. And she wouldn't. It was quickly disregarded, and no matter how I bribed, pleaded, or begged--I would always find myself giving it away. And then all of my frustrations would melt away as I watched my twinkle toe daughter dance through the house.

I hope she keeps dancing--not just literally, but symbolically. Life is a dance.

Here is Amber on May 21, 2011, at her dance recital:

Best Friends

I love that Bryan plays with my girls. It is one of the reasons he is so endearing. He cares more about what my children think then what anyone else thinks. It doesn't bother him to act a little crazy while onlookers watch in a bit of amazement. I absolutely love it!

We celebrated Amber's accomplishments at White Water Pizza!

SPRING SOCCER 2011
All three kiddos enjoyed soccer this season. Both Jake and Amber wanted to play for the first time this year, which made our Saturday's busy. Jake played through the Tots program with a neighbor and friend; and, Amber played on a rec. league team. Hailey continued with her same rec. team that she has been playing with for years. There were a few more girls this year, which really added to the team. At the end of Hailey's season, she was invited to play on the competitive team for FC Nova. It would require a lot of travel, and it would cost a lot. In addition to time, and travel, we were concerned about "Sunday" play. The coaches promised that she wouldn't be required to play on Sunday; however, we still felt some hesitations. In the end, Hailey decided she wasn't ready for the competitive team. She didn't want soccer to become her whole life--she liked being involved in all kinds of activities. Bryan and I are proud of her and her decisions. She definitely made a grown-up decision.

Hailey's Soccer Team

Amber Miller First Season-14 Goals!

Amber's Team

My friend, Jen Tobler, took all of Jake's pictures, so we have a lot more pictures of him than any of the other children.

PIANO RECITAL; MAY 2011

WICKED

On May 12, 2011, Bryan and I took Hailey to see the Broadway play WICKED. It was a fantastic evening. Hailey absolutely loved watching a Broadway play, holding hands with mom and dad, and enjoying our undivided attention. Prior to the play, we went to dinner at PF Chang's complete with dessert--their GREAT WALL OF CHOCOLATE is so GOOD!

It was such a fun night! Hailey talks about this night all of the time. I am grateful for moments shared together. This moment will be a definite treasure in my memories.

~A WALK WITH THE SAVIOR~

I absolutely love Easter! I love focusing on the most important thing in my life, and hopefully the lives of my children--Jesus Christ. We spend a whole week reenacting Christ's last week of life. Using the Gospel are Pictures from the LDS Resources we have a mini-devotional, and activity every night. Here is a list of our week's activities:

Day 1-Christ's Triumphal Entry (Dye Easter Eggs)

Day 2-Cleansing of the Temple (Serve someone in the family by helping them clean somewhere in the house.)

Day 3-Last Supper (We have an authentic Jerusalem Dinner. I absolutely love this night! I love sitting on the floor, eating the foods Jesus would have eaten, and talking about His life and ministry. There is something about reenacting His life that brings the spirit of love and peace into our home.)

Day 4-Gethsemane (We read a story called, "You Are Priceless" and we talk about what it means.)

Day 5-Betrayal of Jesus (On this night, we serve a friend by playing "bunny" for the night, and leaving Easter eggs and candy all over their lawn. My children love the excitement of ringing the doorbell and running, and then checking back to see if the family received our gift.)

Day 6-Crucifixion (On this night, we turn off all of the lights, and talk about the Nephites and the three days of darkness. We leave the lights off for the night.)

Day 7-Jesus Burial and The Empty Tomb (This usually lands on Easter Sunday. We enjoy a day centered on Christ. We eat cookies, which represent the empty tomb [they are empty on the inside], and we have a devotional complete with testimonies.

In the midst of all of this activity, our family also celebrates the traditional Easter Egg Hunts, Easter Bunny, and everything fun life offers! It is a fantastic week!

Dying Easter Eggs is a favorite tradition in our home.

Amber at the ward party on winning in the sack races. Hailey a close second.

After the ward Easter Egg Hunt!

THE TOMB IS EMPTY

New Easter Dresses