Trip to Utah

Jason and I got to run away to Salt Lake City, Utah in early April.  The excuse was to attend Jason's mission reunion.  But we really just wanted to get away for a few days.  We spent time touring church sites downtown, eating good food and reconnecting with friends.  We were able to get tickets to the Saturday morning session of General Conference.  It was worth waiting in the cold and snow to sit with fellow Saints to hear the words from our prophet and leaders.  My favorite talk from that session was Sis. Lifferth's talk on "Respect and Reverence."  But the best part was standing for the intermediate hymn and singing with thousands of Latter-day Saints and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  That's one experience you can't have sitting in your living room and watching Conference by satellite.  

It was so amazing to go to Jason's mission reunion.  Although I didn't know any of them, I loved meeting these men and women who shared that time of life with my husband.  Pres. Barrett is an amazing person and it was wonderful to finally meet him and his wife.  

All in all, a great trip.  I have to say a super thanks to my sister- Suuuuuuuuuuuusan, her awesome hubby- Dave and cutie-patootie daughter- Caroline, for watching my home, dog and kids while we were gone.  It was such fun having them here.  You guys are the bestest!

Baby No More

My baby is five years old!!! How did that happen?

Lucy's party was a complete success, at least in her eyes. And here's what we did right . . .

#1- I read a rule somewhere that the number of guests at a party should equal the age of the birthday child. Lucy thought of five friends she wanted to come and they were all able to make it.  That was just the right amount.

#2- One of those guests was Lucy's sister. Emily is 11 and was such a huge help to me. She was so good at choralling wandering kids and keeping them entertained.  It was almost as fun to watch Emily act as a surrogate mommy as it was to watch the birthday girl. (Notice a head behind her.  She's managing to pose for a picture and restrain a little girl at the same time.  What talent!)

#3- We splurged on the party place. Lucy wanted to go to Build-A-Bear. I felt this was justified because it was her first party, and we don't do parties for our kids every year. While I choked about the amount of money we forked over, I didn't have much to prepare for or recover from the festivities.  And my house and ear-drums stayed intact.  That's worth any price in my book.

#4- We held her party on a Tuesday night, which I don't necessarily recommend, but it turned out great.  The mall and Build-A-Bear were empty and most importantly, her cousin could come.  It was hard for Jason to leave work early, and I'm very glad he made that sacrifice.

#5- It was a girl only party.  Nothing wrong with boys.  But those girls loved being girls.  I enjoyed it because I was able to focus attention on our princess, instead of hearing "I'm bored" from her brother.  Not a very "family-together" activity, but it was very peaceful.  Her brothers gave her gifts on her actual birthday and she enjoyed having two special days.

It was fun to watch the girls pick out new stuffed friends. I think everyone had a good time. I know I did. Lucy has carried her new rabbit, Cinnamon, every where- getting her dressed in the morning and putting on her PJ's at night.

Maybe it's my imagination, but Lucy has grown up so much since her birthday.  She sleeps in her room by herself.  She has been getting dressed AND putting her clothes away (my only child who does!)  She cheerfully helps me when I ask for help.  I've been around the block a few times and I know this isn't going to last forever.  While I mourn the loss of my last baby, I'm enjoying this Big Girl who has come in her place.