Easter Weekend ::sigh::

To reflect on this Easter weekend, I could tell you how cute the boys were when Jon took them to the easter egg hunt at PFHS,

or finding their baskets on easter morning...

I could tell you about the yummy food we ate ALL day on Sunday,
or the great friends (for breakfast) and family (for dinner) we got to spend time with.

I could even tell you about how I happened to dye my hair one of the colors of spring...purple. (more of a mahogany, but still...I love it!)

but that wasn't the best part of the weekend.

It was remembering what is most important in this life, and what Easter is really about.

Our church had general conference this weekend and it really, really touched my heart. Lately I have felt a bit tense... feeling like I really need a vacation from the daily grind (hence, HI). But hearing and watching men and women of God helped me have a change of heart. I was reminded that the "daily grind" is full of blessings and an abundance of love from my little family each day.

There were many talks on the great calling of motherhood, the importance of being in the home and influencing your children and family for good. It made me think about the amazing family I was born into. How grateful I am to have such loving parents, and siblings that have each taught me so much! How lucky I am to have my husband who chose me! How did I ever live worthy enough to be blessed with two breathtaking little spirits to raise with the help of my Heavenly Father?! And most of all, how incredibly humbled I am by the sacrifice of my Savior... for me...and even more so we can live with our amazing family forever. I don't want any to be left behind! It's all that matters.

My heart is so full. I feel so refreshed with an eternal perspective! I am inspired, ready to be the strong woman I know I am and continue trying to be the best I can be each day for me, and for those around me.

What a great Easter weekend it was.

"You're a quarter of the way there!" -Kelly Araneda

This weekend we celebrated Brynne's 25th at

BIG AL'S COUNTRY CLUB!

Thought we'd hit a legit Post Falls hick joint!

The night started out with a pool tournament:

and moved on the country dancin' to the live cover band!

We were accompanied by good friends...

(or should we say crazy Lto R Tyler and Jana Saunders and Carrie and Isaiah Estes)

"Doctor" Mike and Jaylyn Scholes

Us with Zack and Lizzie Simon

Caroline Sokol and Luke Smith-Anderson

Brynne's GIRLS!

We also enjoyed watching people ride the mechanical bull!

On sunday we had the Gatten March bday party!

Brynne made what came to be known as the "demolition cake".

Guess she should stick to cookies... ;)

We also enjoyed a nice dinner on the actual day (Mar 23rd) at Wolf Lodge Steakhouse in Cda. YUM!! Thanks to all the family and friends who made it special.

p.s. She can rent a CAR! ;)

A glimpse into an amazing forever...

I've loved every minute of the last 5 years. Thanks for making them the best of my life, Jonny. I love you more!

We are the neighborhood bicycles. We get around.

We got to caravan with Jon to Seattle for work. Got to stay in a hotel one night, go to pike place market and get fresh clam chowder, donuts and chocolate, and visit Jon's sister Kelly and family.

The weekend after Jon took off to treat himself to some March Madness in VEGAS.
I excused him since he is on track to become rookie of the year with ZOLL.

Jon has been helping lead and play in CHURCH BALL. They almost made it the the finish! But they needed Jon in the tournament. He happened to be in.....



Alaska.

in the mean time we have been trying to squeeze in this (in preparation for May)

and find sponsors and prepare for this (in June):

Yay!

Only in Alaska

Where it's -20, or a foot or more of snow on the ground and it's still a nice enough day to bike to work.

Stake Adult Valentines Dance

We had a blast with a group from our ward continuing the tradition (started by the Chamberlains) of going RETRO to our Vday dance. This yr everyone kind of dressed like their grandparents. ;)

Here are all of the couples at Azteca before the dance:

Us

Amy and Kirk holding.

Don't worry, that's not his real hair...and you can't see his sweater tucked in with his skinny belt. ;)

Jonathan and Nicole Morton

Sara and Tim Jr. Bastedo (love the shoulder pads...and you can't see his snake skin shoes!)
Shawn and Glen Chamberlain
Tim and Kirk with their Azteca spread. Go all out boys!

Some of our group shakin' it to the live band! We definitly made ourselves known...