Historic General conference

We were so excited to listen to General Conference this year for many reasons....We got a new prophet, President Nelson with President Eyring and Oaks at this side in the first presidency. What incredible men they are!

Whenever a new prophet is called, we get to participate in a Solemn Assembly where the whole church gets to stand and sustain our new prophet, as do his counselors. It was a very powerful moment and I was told by the spirit that he was called of God. 

                                         
They showed his face at some point during the sustaining and it looked like this. So humble, so grateful and so full of love.

Then, 2 new apostles were called! Elders Gerrit W. Gong and Ulisses Soares. They had a chance to share a short testimony again, the spirit testified this is where they are supposed to be. Another historic change for the church as they are the first Chinese and Brazilian members. 

                                           

We had heard rumors about other big changes being made, but didnt know what. At one point during the morning I had a thought come to me that what if they got rid of Home and visiting teaching and called it ministering!? As soon as it came, I pushed it away, thinking Naaaa....They'd never do that. Durring the Saturday evening session when the prophet announced that exact thing I was shocked! I felt incredibly blessed that I was able to receive a tiny bit of revelation before that big thing was announced. I knew the second the words came out that THIS is exactly how it is supposed to be in Christs church. He would have us be ministers to one another.

As Chad and my dad went off to preisthood session, more changes were to come! Half way through Chad text me to confirm more big changes were announced. They have decided to do away with the high priest group and combine ALL the priesthood into one big Elders Quorum. Chad, who was the current president, was released along with all high priest and EQ callings immediately.

Later that night someone sent this to my dad and it is TOO GOOD not to keep around!!! HAHA!

Chad was re-called as the new EQP and we are excite for this historic calling as he gets to start this program from the ground up almost! He will be so great and I know it will give him so much spiritual strength and bless our family. When he was set apart, he was told by the stake president many cool things, but my personal favorite was that our family relations would improve and our family would be blessed and that Chad and I's relationship would be strengthened. I'm grateful for this opportunity to serve so we can receive blessings.

Jordan River Temple rededication

One of the best things about living in utah is we have atleast 5 temples within an hour radius around us. Still, I wish we had one in Tooele, and it wasn't the most popular place to go to the temple, but yes, I am grateful. And even more so that we get to take our children inside so many of them through dedications and re dedications. The Jordan River Temple was reconstructed and updated and so we had the opportunity to go through it as a family. It was fairly plain, but the ART work through out it was my favorite! And we all loved the incredible chandeliers! 

 WE ALL LOVE TO SEE THE TEMPLE!

Easter

Easter festivities started off with a preschool egg hunt at Ms Lori's house. Brielle was beyond excited to hunt for eggs. She was also able to color eggs and peel her own carrot. She was so proud of herself!

 And just because this is too cute to pass by, here is Rylee wearing some Barbie boots! She was so pleased!

 We tried, and tried, and tried, and TRIED to get a nice family Easter picture, but after 19 tries I gave up and we ended with...

 THIS ONE! Sigh.....maybe next year.

 Two cute girls enjoying some treats!

 G&G Reed came for Easter this year and it was so fun having them around! The kids woke up to candy filled Easter baskets and they all got a shirt for Disneyland!

 Between sessions of General Conference we had an egg hunt at our house that Grandma filled eggs for. The kids are all in PJs since it was conference sunday, but who cares, we enjoyed ourselves.

 All the kids and their eggs.

 Everyone then took turns showing off their tricks while they gobbled up candy. Dad even got in on the fun.

Grandpa Reed continued a tradition that Grandpa DeGiulio always did for me and my siblings, he stuffed a $1 coin in an egg and gave them to each kid. It was a special gift and a tradition I'm glad will be continued! :)

We had a great Easter and loved that we got to hear from our new prophet and feel the spirit of Christ. What better way to celebrate Easter. I love my Savior. I know the Atonement is real. I find that I am always learning about what it can encompass and conquer. I'm grateful he loves me and that he paid for my sins. And for the sins of others that affected me. He is my brother and friend and I love him dearly.

Buddies

One of my greatest desires as a mom is that my kids grow up having good friends. I truly believe it can make you or break you. We've been spoiled by the Ogilvie family too many times and we are so grateful to call them amazing friends! This first picture was at Brightyn's unicorn birthday party. It's a blurry shot, but so so cute!

 We sometimes escape to Target together and try on all the accessories and take pictures.

 And pull out the over sized animals!

And take a little nap with them right in the isle...totally normal.

These girls are two peas in a pod. They get along so great and have the cutest little imaginations.

 But there's more! Rylee and Remington have become quite the little buddies too while they wait for their big sisters at dance class.

 I think they could pass for brother and sister! Remmy is 6 months younger, but just as big as Ry!

We love having GREAT friends!!!

60 years YOUNG

60 is definitely not as old as I USED to think it was! This year my dad turned 60! He is still young and fun and active and I'm so glad! All the kids (except Tony) met in Pocatello at Jordan's place for a surprise party! I'm sure dad suspected it, especially with how many things mom packed in the car for a simple over night trip! All the grandkids ran and gave him a big hug when he got up the stairs!

 We arrived early to hang up a few decorations and here is Rylee holding one of the 60 sucks suckers.

 Here's the man of the hour! (or weekend)

 We took some group pictures....

And then it was off to play!!!! Grandma splurged and paid for everyone to go to an arcade place with laser tag and mini golf. 

 Bri LOVED her little fan she got to buy with her tickets. It lasted a whole 5 minutes before it ripped.

 I had planned to sit out for laser tag but at the last minute I hopped in place for Brittney. I was glad I did! It was so fun getting to play with my kiddos!

 When we were all tired and had spent all (grandmas) money, we were starving and headed off to a nice dinner at Texas Roadhouse! Here's grandpa with his oldest grandsons.

 Rylee missed her nap and slept clear up until we were able to get a table and order food. I was glad she got that because a late night was on its way!

 A fun tradition at TR is you get to ride the saddle if its your birthday! Dad was a good sport, saddled up and wove his napkin like a true cowboy.

 Dinner was deeeeelish!

After dinner, it was back to the Cove for some good fun! Grandma had a surprise for the kids. A penny candy store! They all got a turn to go buy a bag of candy with some money she gave them. This is something mom and dad looked forward to as kids. 

Me and Jus were the store owners. 

 After this, we got to all take turns asking grandpa some questions about his life. It really was a neat time and I hope its something the grandkids will remember. We then put the kids to bed and the party continued!

 I made a jepoardy game for the adults to play and then we sat around talking and continuing to learn about dad. There's so much of his life I don't know about and I was glad for the opportunity to celebrate him and have the focus be on him for a change. He seemed to enjoy it as well. :)

The next morning we rolled our bums out of bed to make it to 9am church with Adam. We came home to a yummy turkey and potatoes meal that mom prepared and then before it was time to finally do cupcakes! Sure love my dad and the big role he has played in my life. I've always felt his quiet love for me and have never felt judged my him. He is such a fun grandpa and I think he is happiest when he gets to spend time with them. Happy 60th Dad! Hope you have many many more surprise parties to come!