We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

 We love General Conference! Twice a year, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gather to hear our leaders testify of Christ and instruct us in ways to become more like Him and build families that will create more goodness and light in this world.  It is a special two days. We set up camp to feast on the uplifting messages. I laid out a healthy lunch/snack bar and gave each kid a book of stickers. We had a posterboard with categories outlined. Each time they heard one of those words, they put a sticker on the paper. When they each use up all their stickers, our family gets to do something fun. They've already used them up and it isn't even Day 2 yet! Bowling trip. . here we come!

 Emma can't read, so we gave her pictures. Every time she heard Jesus, she put a sticker on His picture!

 She also had a picture for Prophet and Scriptures.

This is our board at the end of Saturday's sessions. If this doesn't prove that we believe in Jesus Christ, nothing will. Clearly He is the focus of our faith, and we will try more earnestly to make Him the focus of our lives.

Home Again Home Again. .

Isaac was determined to get a picture straddling the border. 

Wish granted.

More BV fun

 Our rooms in Buena Vista were great. They are much like SVU--some real spots of beauty, and some hodgepodge elements that don't quite make sense. But, you can't beat the price and the location and every time we go there we want to stay just a bit longer. This trip was based on exploring job opportunities in the area. We didn't feel like it was the right time for a move, but we haven't learned how to tell the future yet, so we'll see where life lands us.

 Cuddle-Bugs!!! Lucy is the cuddliest kid ever. I mean that--I don't think anyone could top her. I'd enter her in a contest if there were one. Every morning she tiptoes into our room. But, she is a very polite snuggler. She will not get in bed until we force ourselves awake enough to ask if she'd like to join us. She is so full of love!

Remember Us??

If I could take a picture of the newest member of our family, I would. But since it is sort of impossible to take a picture. . . of a camera, you'll just have to trust me. We bought a camera!! And now we have photographic evidence of our family happiness and joy. Yahoo! We bought it on our most recent trip to Buena Vista, VA. The kids were thrilled with the posing possibilities. Behold:

 Why can't I be this cool?

 We love our visits to Buena Vista. We get to stay (for free!!) at the Alumni House across the street from campus. It has a kitchen, two bedrooms, and cool architecture that makes me pine for my own Victorian home.

 Easter Girl #1
Lucy wasn't quite feeling the glow of Easter Morn. She had a bad case of Oppositional Defiant Disorder that day. But she sure did look pretty. . and even prettier later in the day when she started smiling.

 Easter Girl #2

Emma was all over the posing. This girl has a future as a professional colorer. She'll pioneer the industry. She was giggly and grinny, until we told her to stop eating candy. Watch out.

 Is it a bird?

Is it a plane?

Is it SuperFutureSVUStudent?

Perhaps.

I love this picture 

 

 Can anyone else spot the biggest ham of our three lil' pork chops?

 This picture captures our three rascals so perfectly. Man, I am one lucky mama. Emma copies Lucy endlessly (except for when she takes a break to tease her mercilessly.) She adores her. I love that she is trying to strike the same pose. Lucy's eyes are so bright and the smile brings me my own. Isaac is a goofball that directs these girls with a insatiable desire for silliness and play.

 Isaac and Lucy love the slow-motion punching game. Until Lucy starts to hate it. . and Isaac takes it just a step further to make sure she really, really wants to stop playing. She does, Isaac, she does.

Three Little Angels