Spring Has Finally Sprung

No school Monday proved the perfect day to recover from our quick trip to Utah.  We went to the pickleball courts twice to play.  Nick is very nice and goes easy on the rest of us.  

The winter garden was harvested, and the summer garden was planted.

Nick had two tennis matches this week.  We love to watch him put a spin on the ball.  He held his own and played well against senior/varsity players.  The children scooter and bike while he plays, Maisie embroiders, and I watch.

This is my favorite tree.  She blooms in the brightest magenta every year.  I want to plant one in our yard.

Eddie wrestled early Saturday morning.  He's a stud.

Ryan played football in the later morning.  His coach put him in no-man's land, and they heartily lost.  Serves her right.  She coaches like a mom.  Austin reminded me not to judge her too harshly.

We hosted Nick's sweet 16 birthday party (we dualed it with Anslie).  They had 30 friends come, and the night was so much fun.  They started at the park for night games, then headed to our yard for treats, gifts and more night games.  His friends were so kind and nice.  

Sunday I had two ward conferences.  Maisie dressed and prepped these lovely people in their summer clothing.  (Ryan needs a belt, Molly needs new sandals, and I need a nap.

The backyard afternoon temps are pristine.  Austin led the children in ball, but Molly and I laid on the blanket and played UNO.

This week we heard very little from Melijah.  Meg is finishing up her final heavy week of projects and classes in college; she graduates next month!  Their 60 baby chicks are growing quickly.

Andy was too busy to be on the phone with us at all.  He had eight trips to the airport and a massive crisis within the mission.  His first taste of disobedience by others really had him frustrated.  I think the hardest thing as a mother/leader is watching agency used to disobey, and that happened weeeeeellllll into my motherhood.  Ugh.  What an opportunity for growth he's having as a leader among peers.  I pray that he's  that as he's learning this lesson as a nineteen year old boy he's drawing on the powers of heaven to know how to minister and love, knowing that he's not in charge of the condemnation, but for the invitation to turn again to Christ.  Isn't that spring at it's finest?  The cold and hard world awakening to the warmth and light that only comes from the sun/Son.

 

A Wedding Weekend

Our weather is still very cold around here.  We read in huddled masses yearning to be free from chill.  

The sky is lit when we awaken.  It's so much easier to get going when the heavens aren't screaming, "It's midnight!  Go back to bed."

I'm getting old and there is nothing I can do about it.  I was hoping a drastic hair chop would get rid of my wrinkles and fine lines.  Nope.

Still, I am enjoying thicker looking and healthier feeling tresses.

Nick needed a massive cut as well.  Before.

We had a wedding weekend!  Weddings wherein I'm the aunt are the best.  I get to see all my family, enjoy all the festivities, but not claim any of the responsibility.  Austin, our children and I spent two glorious days in Utah with family connected by faith.

The reception Thursday night was a treasure.  Melijah showed up in fine form, fine enough that these two alphas were twinnies.

The thirty minute wait in the reception line was a treat -- look at all those family members.  Some things just can't be beat -- being dressed up 

Girl-cousins.

Dentists.

Standies.

Sibbies (plus Austin).

Daddies.

Guymon Girlies.

The reception was the only event in which my children attended -- so it was the only day that bows and manners were on display.

Cherie and her girls were the ultimate babysitters all weekend.  They navigated every little with gentleness and patience.

Boy Cousins.

Besties.

Campbies and Soon-to-be-Parents.

Natalie, the mother of the groom, was sensational in every way.  She glowed and navigated all the expectations of scores of people.  

Friday morning my family went skiing.  We were tickled that Clayton and Mal came, too.

 At grandma's house, this nice grouping of children played cards for hours.

This nice grouping of ladies worked in the kitchen.  I stayed home to help with food prep. We accomplished so much as a team.

Saturday morning Mickey and Bethany were sealed in the Mt. Timpanogos temple.  I ran to the car to grab the wedding party.  They were waiting patiently.

YAY!  I love this picture of the groom

After the family brunch at the church, we spent the remainder of the day outside hunting for Easter eggs, listening to mother testify of Jesus Christ, and basking in the newness and freshness of spring.

Grandma Goodell was present for all the festivities and all the work.  I begged her to plank, boat pose and touch the floor with her palms; she agreed and perfectly performed.  Austin decided that she should be an influencer.  I agree.  It's her influence that created and connected all this family.

Sunday morning -- Easter Sunday -- we attended Cherie's ward with her family.  They had seven musical numbers that were so beautiful: Flutes, violins, voices, the organ and the piano filled the chapel with praise and glory to Jesus Christ for his miraculous resurrection (completion of His infitnite atonement).  HE IS HOPE!

We made it home just in time to watch my mother and her mother (the widow women) walk into church arm in arm.

We were on our way home again when our tire blew.

This is Austin's fourth time changing a tire roadside.  Naturally, I sat in my chair and sent Nick out to help.  Sabbath day worship is actually very cozy in the car.  My ukulele allowed me to sing Austin every Easter song in the children's songbook.  You're welcome.

Home later in the evening, but safe in every way.  Today could have gone so badly, but it didn't.  I know that our safety and security comes because of His mercy.

Elder Babcock continues to serve and love.  He spends transfer days in the airport, weekdays in councils, and weekends with his investigators.  He is often tired when we talk (it's 9pm his time, so that's valid), but he doesn't complain, only suggests that he's found even more ways to refine and consecrate his efforts.  We love our biggest brother because he represents our Older Brother.