The Dirt on Talks

I was asked to be a companion speaker by a high councilman in our ward this Sunday. Does it ever get easier? The thought of what to say and how to say it kind of looms over you like a dust cloud on Charlie Brown's friend Pig-Pen.

I do have to say, there have been countless times in my life where I was given a topic and I knew it was postively meant for me. Everything I study and learn about gives me direct insight onto how I need to improve, which is the best part of it all.

My topic is recognizing God's hand in our lives, with a Primary perspective. It's a fun topic because really it's very joyful thinking about all the miracles and tender mercies that fill our lives. I have been reading some pretty amazing stories and scriptures and feeling very appreciative.

Preschool Graduate

Today was Noah's last day in Preschool. It's been a wonderful experience. He asked me this morning if he still gets to do play dates with his cousins/friends now that school is over. I told him that pretty much all of summer is one big play date, and he seemed pretty satisfied with that answer.

The graduation program was very sweet. I love that they sang a few songs. I could hear Noah sing the words so loud and clear. Noah also got to lead the class in the pledge of allegiance. His teachers, Ms. Delores and Ms. Bernadette have been very loving and kind. I am happy that his first time in school was so positive.

Word of Wisdom...yay, yay, yay!

 On Monday we had a lesson about the Word of Wisdom. It was inspired by the constant begging for sweets. The kids needed it and I needed it perhaps the most. So we talked about what to feed our bodies and how to take care of them. We talked about the blessings associated with living the principle and we decided to make a stronger effort to be more grateful by eating a little healthier.

This included a new goal of morning family exercise. Yesterday and today we walked around the perimeter of the 1.7ish acre property. Three times around is about a half mile, I think. So we started first thing once everyone was awake. We walked together, ate a healthy breakfast and got ready for school/work. We also got all this and our scripture reading done with plenty of time to spare.

Obviously we looked a little stange walking around the house some still dressed in our pajamas and tennis shoes, so Damian, who saw us from his house, asked Aaron what we were doing. Then this morning when he saw us again he shouted out his window "Word of wisdom, yay, yay, YAY!" The kids kept repeating his phrase as we walked. It was so cute.

Mary and Noah decided to run and beat us back inside. They ran an extra lap too. When we arrived at the house this was the sign they left for us on the step leading to the porch:

"Noah and Mary went around 4 times. We're inside."

This is going to be a fun summer.

And by the way, my allergies have almost completely left...halleluiah. I didn't have them at all in California and it's heavenly being able to breathe, see, and not feel tired.

Best Cousins

Annie earned a trip to the Family Fun Center for being awesome at home and we got to enjoy her achievement. Tiffany took Mary with her and then took pictures so I didn't have to worry about using my camera to capture something interesting at home. How thoughtful. These cousins sure love each other. The photo booth has frames around the pictures. They thought they choose one that said Best Friends Forever, as it turns out they picked the one that said, "Marriage is a wonderful journey". It made for some cute giggles.

As it turns out...

...traveling with out children is super easy. Plus, I got to talk to Aaron the entire way which made it a dreamy weekend date. We told ourselves this would be our Anniversary celebration which is next week...NINE wonderful years...can't believe it!

When we came home last night, my parents (with the help of my fabulous brothers and sister-in-laws) had cleaned the house so it looked better than how we left it. There was a yummy dinner waiting and a ton of sweet hugs and kisses from our children. Pure heaven.

 I found this note from Mary on our pillow. I love it!

The Sealing

Words can't express how beautiful the sealing was yesterday. There was a lot of love in that room and tons of tears on my end. I am so grateful to see Kirabo connected as the newest link in the Nadauld chain.

It's a good chain to hang on to.

Final Day of Soccer

Tiffany sent us a couple pictures of Mary and her undefeated team (again!). She scored a few goals that were pretty good, I hear. Noah also played very well. I don't have a picture of his team, but the whole Idiart family came and cheered him on in our absence. So sweet.