Underground

We decided to visit Inner Space Cavern, which nearby. The children were most excited to ride the "train" (cable car). Once inside, they were more nervous and Rebecca even wanted to leave. We thought it was amazing to see. I think it is strange to think there are big caves all over the place underneath us. Since there is limestone all over this area. They even gave us a chance to feel what total darkness is like.

Maryann and David looking at a map of caverns all over the nation.

Clark and children waiting for the cable car.

A rare family photo. You can see Rebecca isn't very happy.

Far Away, but not so Long Ago...

I feel so far away from my roots this Memorial day. As I remember past traditions of visiting cemeteries and being with family and remember those who have passed on, I feel like time is a blink of the eye.
We spent this day with just our little family making Memorial day memorable for the children, but I was sad that we really didn't help the children remember those who have gone on before us.
Here are a few people that I usually remember and that have a special place in my heart:

Both my Grandpas have passed away, and I miss them both so much. I felt closer to both of them than most of my other extended family. They were both full of life and love. Their testimonies of Christ shone brightly through their happy eyes. I love them and am thankful for the great examples they have set for me.

Grandma and Grandpa Carr

Grandpa Rowe riding his horse

This is my father's little sister. Even though I never knew her, she holds a special place in my heart. I know that she is still alive in spirit and that someday I will meet her.

Lorette

As my Grandma Rowe always says, "Family is everything". I know that even though it is hard to miss those that have passed away, it isn't the end. I know we will all rise in the resurrection and be with our family and friends again. All made possible through Jesus Christs atonement and resurrection. Through the blessing of the temple, we can be sealed to our families forever.

Fast Learner

Wednesday evening we were sitting enjoying time together when Clark decided to take the training wheels off David's smaller bike. David was nervous and Clark helped him by giving him pushes to get started. Then suddenly David figured it all out and was doing it all by himself! David is such a fast learner!

All this fun even made Rebecca want to try riding a bike as well. Some people collect cars or other things. We seem to have a number of bikes in our garage. We have toddler bikes, these little bikes, a bike a little bigger, etc. They do have fun riding.

One Foot Shorter

I have been watching and waiting wanting to cut my hair as the weather gets warmer, but I just have a hard time going somewhere and doing it. I have been thinking for about a month that I might want to try cutting it myself. Circumstances seemed to line up that I had a few hours by myself and I decided to take the plunge.

Here is my hair just before

I measured to see just how long my hair was and divided it into two pony tails.
Then I chopped them off, it was a lot harder than I had envisioned. I was worried I had cut it very uneven.

Clark came home as I was evening my hair and snapped a picture. I asked him to check the back and even up what I couldn't see. He really helped a lot!

Here is the end result, a little short for my taste but I thought it turned out well enough that I won't have to go somewhere to fix. No need to cut my hair for another two years...

I might want to do this from now on, even if it was harder than just going somewhere; it was a lot more fun!

Little Artists

We have been a little worn and tired lately and as a result only did something small for Grandmas for mother's day. I had the children paint pictures and I was amazed at the fun things they came up with!

David did this with his watercolor paints and paint brush. He came up with the circles and designs himself and only used his paint brush. I thought it looked like it would make a nice design for a card.

Rebecca did this one and she is the master of color. She meticulously painted open spots with different colors. I love how colorful everything always turns out!

These pictures below were a "thank you" to the family that let us stay and visit Corrizo Springs.

David has been drawing bouquets of flowers and hearts in most of his art. The black dots make up a picture of one of their dogs.

Here is another example of how colorful Rebecca's art is. She likes to use most of the colors and fill the whole page.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day

My sweet family surprised me with flowers this morning. Flowers that they made together. Best of all they are flowers I can stick on the fridge OR wear. David and Rebecca chose the big purple one for me to wear today. I truly am grateful for the chance to be a mother, it is a wonderful blessing.

Getting ready to pin the flower on.

Just opening the gift.

Thanking Benjamin too for sharing in the morning. His gift was sleeping well at night.

The night before I was able to give all three boys hair cuts! I was excited to finally get that accomplished. Now Benjamin looks even more grown with his little boy haircut.

Accomplished Accomplishment Night

We had an amazing Enrichment night last night. I have to say that if I hadn't been assigned to help with the Enrichment board a couple of years ago, I probably wouldn't attend as often as I do. For some reason when there are activities I get "socially" nervous and feel I would be more comfortable just staying home with Clark. Since I was assigned to help a few years ago, I have really come to see that I love Enrichment and always have an uplifting experience. Someday when I am not assigned to help, I now have the foundation set that I will continue to attend this meeting even if I am not involved in making it happen.

Last night we wanted to focus on each sister's talents and abilities and allow sisters to display their talents or accomplishments. Later we played a service game similar to the White Elephant Gift game. Once again I always get worried about playing games too, but once I join in I always have fun. All of us were laughing most of the time, it was a great game. Of course we did sing the song I posted about and it turned out beautifully. The eight sisters that helped did an amazing job singing, even after only two times of getting together to practice (or less for some of them). My prayers were answered as well with my part in the song of accompanying, and I was able to play the song with the Spirit and not make noticeable mistakes. (although I know I did make a few mistakes they were very minor) I was filled with so much gratitude to my Heavenly Father that everything went so well.

I left the meeting filled with love for the sisters in our Relief Society and a greater desire to serve. The Relief Society is a divine organization and is inspired and led by the Spirit. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am filled with love, peace, and happiness when I am doing my best to be His disciple.

Enrichment night is Here

I am a bit nervous. Tonight will be a night on accomplishments and talents. I am part of the Enrichment board and we decided to have a musical number. I volunteered a beautiful song that Clark bought sheet music for me a while ago. I am nervous because this is the first time I have accompanied for something besides the normal Hymns and Primary Children Songs. The song we chose was "As Sister's in Zion and We'll Bring the World His Truth: an EFY Medley". I love playing this song at home and singing to it, and I hope that all will go well tonight with playing for some sisters. If you would like to listen to the music here is the link to the site of Michael R. Hicks who made the arrangement:

http://www.michaelrhicks.com/sisters.html

Enjoy this beautiful piece of music, and I will let you know how the night flows.