Spring Soccer

Gracie and Hilary played spring soccer for the first time this year. They had a great time and did super. The only bad thing was the weather...it was like they played outdoor WINTER soccer because it was FREEZING!! Gracie posing in her gear

SISTER Soccer players


BUDS!

We're Cool!!

I got to be Hilary's assistant coach with Barbara Leak. Even though neither one of us knew a whole lot about soccer. Barbara did a great job. We figured the main thing was to get them to go in the right direction (that was sometimes impossible).

Carter is THREE!!!

The day Carter was born, he brought excitment to our family and lives.You would never know this little guy at St. Luke's in Boise hooked up to EVERYTHING would turn out to be this handsome guy at three.

Carter wanted to pose on the "rock mountain" in front of our house.

I think one thing he has learned from his sisters is how to pose for pictures. Gracie got him ready for this shot.

John had a basketball tournement in American Falls so my sister-in-law Gwen was gracious enough to let us use her house for a little party with the family.

Carter changed his mind constantly about what kind of cake he wanted. First it was John Deer tractors, next Cars (which he got), then as we were picking it up he saw a basketball cake and he REALLY wanted that one.

Carter blowing out his 3 candles.

Carter was "wowed" by every little gift!

Some things we love about Carter are:

*He has taught us the difference between "boy milk" (2%) and "girl milk" (skim)

*He uses a special frog-like voice for some reason

*He is ALL boy!! I think they just come knowing how to make sound effects, wanting to wrestle and karate chop.

*He loves his sisters. It melts my heart when Hilary is getting ready for school and he will say,

"Hils you look cute"

*He is a tease. We sometimes love this.

*He is only C-dog on the Wii. Please don't call him that at any other time :)

*He loves basketball, any ball, tractors, cars, and yes...cows!!

*He loves riding in the truck with his dad.

WE LOVE YOU CARTER!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Easter!!!

John spent his Easter in Georgia at the Masters Golf Tournament. He was there both Saturday and Sunday. It was a great tournament. What a chance of a lifetime to be on the world famous course in Augusta. It was a beautiful weekend for him to enjoy that fun experience.
Shoshone Falls on Easter

The water was released at full throttle over the falls this weekend. The kids and I decided we should check it out. It was amazing. The mist was everywhere.

Hilary, Abbey Care, Carter, and Gracie at the Shoshone Falls

My cute kids Easter morning.

General Conference and New Apostle

I love when it is time for General Conference. I am always ready to be rejuvinated by the spirit and counsel I receive. This was a conference anticipating the new apostle. I just knew that it was going to be Elder Neil L. Andersen, John's uncle. It seems lots of others had that same feeling. I feel so blessed to knew him. John and I were lucky enough to be sealed by Elder Andersen in the Salt Lake Temple. He is an amazing man. I always enjoy the stories he tells us about the prophets. It makes those men so real. He is such a great speaker.

One experience or memory with Elder Andersen was almost exactly three years ago on Easter. He dedicated the temple grounds for the ground breaking at the Twin Falls Temple. We had Stake Conference in Carey the next day and he was coming. I was privileged enough to have him, his wife, grandma Andersen, my in-laws and several other family members come to our house for Easter dinner after. I had been having contractions the night before with my fourth baby even though I wasn't due for several weeks. I didn't want any one to know I wasn't feeling so hot in fear they wouldn't come. We drove to Carey in a blizzard (remember it is EASTER...love Idaho springs). As I sat through conference the painful contractions came back. I got up and walked around. A few seconds after coming back to my seat, the Stake President stood and looking right at me said, "Now we would like to hear Sister Caroline Andersen bear her testimony". What a great experience. We have learned that if Elder Andersen is visiting and sitting on the stand, watch out you might be called on. Carter was born the next day.

In the news conference, I loved the answer he gave about there being MANY men worthy and able to serve in this capacity but that it is a calling from God. They do not seek it.

I hope through his even busier schedule now, our family will still get to have great experiences and memories with this amazing new apostle who was called of God.

Joys of 1st grade!

Nobody loves losing their teeth more than Gracie.
I think it is because she loves money! She even tried to trick the tooth
fairy last week telling by leaving her a note explaining she missed placed her lost
tooth (that she really didn't lose).
She wanted to show Gram and Poppy in Utah her new smile.

David Archeleta Concert!

Abbey, Gracie and I got to rock out at David Archeleta's amazing concert in Pocatello. We went with our good friends, the Driscoll's.
He was even better then I remember him on American Idol (but he is so tiny). We had so much fun!!!

Good Friends!!!

Jenn Hobbs, Mari Heimuli, Me, Kristy Feller

I have been blessed with the greatest friends ever. We meet in Salt Lake for a much need rejuvination get together. I feel so uplifted after I have spent time with these amazing ladies.

One more spring break experience

My cousin Kim and her new baby Amelia

The kids and I were able to go to Temple Square. My cousin, Kim Easton and her husband Nate were sealed to their beautiful little Amelia. She is the third child they have been able to adopt and seal to their family. It was such a special experience for me to be in the sealing room with some of my family and witness this blessing. Amelia is so sweet and adorable.