Birthday's and Random car projects

In March we celebrated the birthdays of Kelli Lundberg and Ann Hendrickson.  For birthday in our  neighborhood we have gotten together to celebrate.  It has been a lot of fun.  I don't know if we will do it next year because there are so many people we have become friends with that we don't want to forget anyone. 

Above if Ann, and she has been such a great friend to me.  I feel like we were able to instantly connect.  She was doing a drawing in our ward for help with organizing a certain room in our home.  I had felt super unorganized in my office  since moving and I didn't feel like I was able to get everything organized. It was so fun to be able to work with her and in doing so, we became fast friends.  Thank you Ann.  After working with her I got the bug and finished the whole home.  She was so great to help.  When I was having a problem I would call her up and she would give me ideas and then would come over and check my progress. 

This is one of the random cars that Matt likes to work on.  Every since we got married he has been always working on a car.  He started when he was a teenager and he has loved doing it every since.  At first I didn't understand where this love for cars came from and thought it was very silly.  But over the years I have realized how happy it makes him to work on cars and how much he enjoys it.  So if he is ever upset or acts  like he needs some time alone, I can usually find any out in the garage which is  his, "cave."

Redwoods National Park---Spring Break

For spring break in March 2011, Spencer, Armin, and Brian decided to go to Redwood Forest for a lot of adventure.  It was right after there was some flooding and a  lot of rain.  They had a great time and saw a part of the beautiful world we have to live in.

My dad turned 71 today!

My dad is 71 today. At least, I think that's the right age. I might be off by a year. I can't really think about it long enough to figure it out. It makes my heart hurt too much.

I don't see him as 7, but  as 51, the age he was when he died. The age when he left this world for another. But again, I can't really think about it too long.

For the last 20 years, I've never been sure what to do with this day. Proceed as normal? Whisper a happy birthday with my eyes shut tight and a wish to rewind? Nothing feels quite right. Maybe there is no right to be found. Hope and loss seem to float hand in hand.

My dad had a passionate view of family. He placed it above all else. He loved us most. That love has settled into the core of my soul. It has laid the foundation for who I am today and tomorrow.

Love is stronger than grief. I often forget that. It's brighter and more courageous, and has arms that reach wide. Love never wavers. Grief and sadness shift and move. That's why they catch our focus. The shifting hurts. At times, it's all we can see.

But Love stands ready, simply waiting, never moving. Today I reach out and grab her and let her arms hold tight. My heart hurts less when I stand still long enough to let Love work it's magic.

Happy Birthday dad. I think of you every. single. day.

Love with arms open wide.

Kara's play, "There is a Monster in My Closet"

Kara was in the play, There's a Monster in my Closet. She played the mom and she did awesome.  She sang several songs on stage  and had  A LOT of lines!!!  The play was put on by the West Jordan Youth Theater.  She had a ton of practices!!!!  Practices are not close to our home at all.  There were days towards the end that I felt like I was having an affair with the car.  I know that sounds crazy, but that is where it FELT, like I spend all of my time!!!!  Anyways, Kara did an AMAZING job!!!!  Earlier this winter she was in another play called, Thoroughly Modern Millie!  She literally was already starting one play while still not being finished with the other play.  Back to back play practices, lessons,  homework and other fun activities have kept this girl very busy!!!

My camera was on the wrong setting, I bet you couldn't have guess that, right?  But I didn't take a lot of pictures so  here is what I got. 

Kara's school project!!!

Kara and her friend needed to work on this school project for hours. It involved a lot of items from our home and a lot of laughter.  This is the kind of projects that I will never forget!

Coby turns 23 on March 8th

For Coby's 23rd birthday party we drove down to  Coby's apartment in Provo to celebrate. He had already had some birthday celebration that day and he had more planned after we left.  For his birthday we gave him money for his study abroad program he is dong in July.  We went out to dinner at a restaurant similar to Braza Grill in Orem.  It was absolutely delicious!!!!

Happy 23rd birthday!!!!  Coby you have been so fun to watch grow up!  I am so grateful that you were  my oldest child.  You have always been such a good example to follow. I love that you have always cared so much about family and I love that you are such a hard worker.  I  love your sense of humor, how knowledgeable you are in so many things.  I love that you like to have fun and especially that you know how to do it.  I have always been impressed as I watch you follow your dreams each and everyday.  I love you and I am glad that you are my son!!!!!!