and appearing as the March Hare...

Davis Brown!! 

The kids did an amazing job with this year's production.  It was great fun to see Davis really get into his part.  He even had a small solo singing part which took me by surprise.  He sounded so professional!  It made me a bit emotional...
The after party was quite the celebration.  Davis has a wonderful friend who's mom makes cakes.  And not just any cakes but INCREDIBLE cakes.  Like the one pictured here.  She said the hours that were put into it were crazy.  And then she cut it up and served it!  How can you seperate the blood, sweat and tears of building something like this from the pure enjoyment of slicing it up and eating it??  I obviously won't be on the Ace of Cakes any time soon!!

Good times for sure : )

I love to see the temple...

 It was a wonderful morning sitting next to Brent with Maddison and Davis beside us.

Given we had the sweet opportunity to participate in the dedication of the newest temple here in Arizona...

I wanted to post a couple of pictures I took from our trip to San Deigo last fall.

A temple is a glorious sight.

And Maddison had the chance to go to an early morningside with all our Stake Youth.

They sat on blankets in the fields where our new Gilbert Temple will stand in the near future.

They heard the words of our Stake Presidency inspire them and guide them to be worthy to enter the doors of the temple that will arise from the dirt they sat upon.

What a blessed Sunday.

The Greatest

pause my playlist please : )

Kenny Rogers was my very first live concert.  I was about 10.  I cried when he came out on stage.

I've been a fan ever since.

This particular song has been a favorite of ours since it first came out.
Bet you can't guess why...

Sweet song.
Better message.

Have an amazing day : )

Thanks for reminding me of this Hailee - love you!

in the breeze on mother's day...

Because the desert won't

really allow me to
successfully have this...

I chose this to keep her close to me.

Last year I thought I might never enjoy the beauty and sweet fragance this little flower gives.  I got plenty of beautiful green vines, but hardly any blossoms.

I have been keeping my fingers crossed especially hard this year.





And it has paid off.

The


timing


 was


 perfect.

Every time I walk out to my porch a little smile crosses my lips.
And I take a deep breath.
Because in the breeze there is a whisper...
 my mom's love filling my lungs, my head, my heart
with what I miss.

is there a light at the end of the tunnel?? oh yeah - it's there! I just have to squint : )

Every year at this time I feel the same...
I can't possibly do one thing more!
And then
I give thanks that there are three reasons to love it all!

My New Life by Stephanie Nielson

I've posted about this inspiring story before.
Here is another look at this courageous and faithful latter day saint woman.
Please pause my music.