Staycation- Spring Break 2013!

Busy and fun week! I was a little sad at first that for the first time in many years, we weren't going somewhere for Spring Break. I still wasn't feeling too hot (just the trip to Yakima was exhausting), it was harder for Jon to get the time off since one of the other doctors was going to be gone, so we just decided to stay home. Instead of just moping around all week, watching the kids play on the computer or be bored, I decided to make it a fun "staycation"- where we do things like we are on vacation, even though we are sleeping at home. It was a success! Luckily, my energy has returned a bit and I am feeling better (I'm past the 3 month hump!), so going out to do something fun each day was great! The kids were amazed at all the fun stuff we did-- it was a wonderful vacation!

We started off Easter weekend by going to see "The Croods" at the movie theater on Friday- - of course the kids loved it. Then on to the rest of the Easter festivities with family (see last post)! I felt the absence of my parents this week, though, since they were in the midwest- makes me remember again how awesome it is to live in the same city . . .

Monday, the first day of April, dawned warm and beautiful- it ended up getting up to 75 degrees that day! The first half of the week was gorgeous weather, then it rained at the end- but at least we got some fun in first . . . Again- I woke up feeling a return of energy and vowed the beginning of spring would bring a more "with-it" mom. We started Piano lessons again and we are slowly but surely getting back to better household habits and rules.

So, for this first beautiful day we started our River Front Park (or Front-front park, as Tyler calls it) season with our neighbor friends.


That evening we headed out to the Moran's (one of the other doctors Jon works with)- they gave us their playground structure since their kids have outgrown it. Although they were out of town- they told us to just come get it! We had a nice picnic dinner while Jon took it apart so it would be ready to transport. A good portion of Jon's time this week was also getting the spot ready and moving a few things around in our yard (and de-winterizing, cleaning up our yard) Friday Jon and Gary (our neighbor) went out with their truck to pick it up- and a good part of the weekend was setting it back up! I am super excited- we are going to have kid heaven in our backyard- and things are starting to come to life- I love spring.



Tuesday the kids played outside with neighbors most of the day as I got caught up with laundry and whatnot, then was rewarded with a visit from Bev Whittle and Brooke Whittle- - two of my best friends from Sunnyside/ Yakima. In the evening Jon took the kids to Pattison's to skate. Wednesday Jon took the kids skiing at 49 degrees north for their free spring break deal- although it was warm there still was good snow! It's funny, when I asked Marcus how it was- he said "hot!" It was over 60 degrees on the mountain! They had a fun time, though- and Cynthia had her first REAL day of skiing- and did great! She was skiing the whole mountain by the end of the day!!!



Wednesday evening Jon and I went on an awesome double date with Brooke and Troy Whittle, who were still in town- to Applebee's for dinner and to see "The Host" at the movie theater. We had a blast catching up and enjoying a good movie!! I miss that family so much- I'm just glad we get to see them every once and awhile still since Troy's parents live in Chattaroy (only 15 minutes from us).

Thursday was interesting- - Lisa (the neighbor) and I walked ALL the kids to Rocket Bakery for a snack or treat (a fun tradition we have started). The kids had a blast, although things got a bit stressful as we were leaving and they were running in the parking lot (some lady came and chewed me out for it). I swear I don't handle things like that well, especially when I am pregnant! A few other things were said about my kids that day that just kind of set me on edge- - combined with rain and my mood was definitely off. Believe me, I know my kids aren't perfect all the time- but it is hard to hear critism of me or my kids. Feeling judged isn't a good feeling. Oh well, I can only do my best and what I feel is best for my kids, and know that although I'm not the perfect mom, I am a GOOD mom, and I can't change the way I parent just because of what others think.

Anyway, we went on the Mobius Science Center for the afternoon to escape the rain and meet up with a few friends- fun, but boy I was so tired by the end of the day!



Friday we finally spent a few days at home, although Jon (who had taken the day off) went shopping for a lawn mower and to price out options for our "playground" area (we decided on chipped rubber bark- though we will have to wait until our sprinkler system is in, in a few months).

Saturday morning was the Deer Park Family Fun Run, which we helped at, then went to pick up the rest of the play structure, and then out to lunch at our favorite Riverside joint- the Ram (best Huckleberry milkshakes . . . ).
Helping at the roundabout- Lillian loves taking pictures:


It was also General Conference Weekend- such a spiritual feast! As I posted on Facebook last night:

"LDS General Conference was wonderful as usual, the power of the words spoke right to my heart- confirming my resolve to love and follow my Savior, love and be my best for my family, and to just overall be a better person- - without guilt for my shortcomings, but with all the hope the Gospel brings knowing if I do my best, the Lord will make up the difference."

I am so grateful for the direction and encouragement the Gospel of Jesus Christ is in my life. The last few months have been hard- and I didn't always feel like I was doing what I needed spiritually, individually and as a family. I am resolving to do better. This is the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that with the Lord's help, and the Saviors atonement, I CAN move on and do better- and I don't need to stress over past mistakes or lost time. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of Hope- because I am filled with hope for the future- no matter the mistakes I will make or my shortcomings- because the Savior's atonement will help me move on and do better each time. As I said - the Lord makes up the difference! Direction and strength are given when my heart turns towards God- and I am so grateful for this, and the incredible love of God.