An update from court...

The judge had a change of heart. Instead of focusing solely on the father's rights, he is now very concerned about ripping the girls from their home. Yeah! He has ordered a 60 day continuance. While they are not out of the woods yet, more time is always beneficial to my friends' case. Prayers have been answered, today. Thank you.

Just for laughs...

Christie Smith, Emily Burton, me, Ang, Patti Barna

Last Saturday, was my old boss, Angela Burm's, 40th birthday party. Just for laughs, here's a picture of the old ladies from Bloomingfields. (Chances are, if you are from Mesa, one of the ladies in this picture made your wedding bouquet.)

Please think of her...

Almost two years ago, a dear friend in my ward was introduced to two brand new baby girls that needed a family. Luckily for her, and these sweet babies, they took the babies into their family and raised them as their own with the intention of being a family forever. Unfortunately, this good family had no idea what they were in for.

While the mother was steadfast in her desire to adopt her twin girls out, their grandma wasn't so sure and decided to fight for the girls. Then, "Dad" got out of jail and decided to step into the ring for a chance at them. "Dad" has already given up several children with this same "mom" and has a history of selling and abusing drugs.

What a blessing for these girls that they came into contact with this sweet family that loves them so much. This family that brings them to Church every Sunday. This family that they have had Christmas, Easter, Birthdays with for the past two years. This family that wanted to take on baby twins when their own capable mother didn't want to.

And several court dates later, this amazingly strong woman finds herself at tonight. The night before the court date that threatens to take away her girls and give them to their "reformed" father. A father that these TODDLERS hardly even know. Imagine toddlers being taken from their family of 5 and sent to live with a single, strange man.

I write this post because all this woman, her husband, her 6 year-old son and these two little girls have left are prayers. Please remember and pray for her, tonight.

I'll keep you updated.

Easter Pics

My mom's absence was difficult this year at our Easter festivities. Last year, we were at my house getting ready to leave for church to bless Lila. Mom was in a lot of pain that morning, but, being there for that special Easter morning was very important to her. That day, I was able to bear my testimony from the pulpit and I will be forever grateful to have had that tender day with her. I love her so much.

This year, my sweet sister, Sara, took the reigns and had us over after Church. The kids had a blast with their cousins and we just enjoyed talking and laughing with eachother.

Our Spring Break Album

Happy Easter

Today is Easter, but because of my advanced level of procrastination skills, that is not what I am posting about this evening. However, Happy Easter to all of you and I hope that today each one of you felt the love of and gratitude for a Savior that sacrificed so much so that we all would have the ability to live again with our Father in Heaven. I think that the lesson that was taught on an Easter morning, so many years ago, is the most important lesson that can ever be learned. It is the promise of resurrection that has carried me through the last six months. I pray that should you ever have an hour of need, it will carry you, too.

Last weekend, we had a first. Our first child was baptised. Wow, are we really that old, Shannon? The morning of the baptism I asked Cade if he was excited and he said he was but he was also a little nervous. He asked me if I was nervous when I got baptised and it brought me right back to being 15 and nervously sitting in the front row of what I think was the Relief Society room of our stake center. Yes, I was nervous, but for many reasons that Cade didn't have to deal with, my hair getting messy, my non-member family feeling comfortable with my choice, and yes, my CRUSH standing in the back of the room (you know who you are). But, most of all, I was so excited. Cade was excited, too.

After the baptism, we were driving home and I asked Cade if the water was warm or cold. He answered, "A little cold, but, it felt like the best water that I have ever been in,". How sweet it is to be a mom to that little man.

Then, on Monday, we left with the kids and drove to Las Vegas. I know many of you are probably cringing at the idea of taking children to the Strip these days, but, we had a great time.

We stayed at the Excalibur, not the poshest, but totally kid-friendly with their big arcade and castle facades. The kids loved it. The first night, we ate at the Rainforest Cafe at MGM Grand and we spent the next day in the dolphin and white tiger habitat at the Mirage. My kids were in heaven! We also ate gelato as we watched acrobats in the palazzo at the Venetian and swam in the hotel pools. Really, for something other than Disneyland vacas, Vegas has a lot to offer families.

But, back to Cali, Wednesday we drove the 4 hours from Vegas to Dana Point for a little cousin-time (Greg and Heidi and their kids were there).

This time, we did Knottsberry Farm and beached it. It was fun as always. Alas, Spring Break is over and back to the daily grind. It was fun while it lasted, but, truth be told, our day to day life is really where my heart is. Hope you all had a fun week.