"Fathers are so Special"

The children and I had a fun week preparing for Father's Day. Clark is always so good at surprising me and I really wanted to surprise him this time. We bought some shirts and each of us took turns painting our hands and painting the shirts, even Benjamin joined in. We worked on them while Clark was away at work and finished in time to mail the two out to Grandpas.

David and I took a secret trip to the grocery store to buy ingredients for a special treat for Clark. Clark loves baking desserts and we wrapped up ingredients for a Chocolate Cheesecake. Clark made a delicious cheesecake. We have been nibbling on it ever since he made it.

We are so thankful to Clark and Grandpas. We love them very much and are grateful for all their hard work in building our family.

Twisting

I think we had the best Family Home Evening last night! Clark gave a fun lesson and told a story. David was so excited about the story having a fishing pole in it that he went and pulled his fishing pull out to demonstrate the story. David and Rebecca sang songs at their makeshift podium (which is standing on a chair behind our bench). Then I was in charge of our activity, Twister! We had so much fun together. I love when Family Home Evening ends with us feeling so uplifted and full of joy and love.

Song of the Heart

For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.

Doctrine and Covenants 25:12

I love music. I find I sometimes sing to my children more than I talk with them. Music is the easiest way for me to express myself. I find it is the quickest way to bring the Spirit into our home as well. I love playing the piano and having my children come sit by me and hug me because they feel the Spirit touch their hearts through the music.

The other morning I had a song in my mind, "Strength Beyond My Own". I decided to listen to it while we ate breakfast. The children listened closely and wanted to know what the song was about. We were then able to talk about the temple and how I love thinking of this song when I am at the temple and see the beautiful light flowing through the windows.

Music truly is the song and testimony of the heart. I love sharing that with my family.

The Month of May

Clark updated our family photo page. I find it takes too long to upload so many photo, so if you want to see lots of fun pictures from May, click here.

Happy June!

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.