The Never-ending Winter

Well it will be April in 2 days and we have not seen hardly anything of spring. I guess we did have a few days a couple of weeks ago where it was warm and the snow was starting to melt. Elva loved going out onto the back porch during that time. She was always saying "up" and then pointing to the door. Caeleb and her had a lot of fun playing in Caeleb's jeep and their playhouse on the porch. We got zoo passes and have spent a few days at the zoo on those warm days. The Elephants are leaving in April and Caeleb needs to get a good dose of his favorite animal before the 3 of them leave.

But, then it started snowing and the temperature started dropping again. As I look out Chris' office window right now, I see the snowflakes coming down. I think everyone in Calgary is ready for the spring. Our primary music conductor, sister Blum, today mentioned that she thinks the reason it is still cold and snowy is because of all the kids watching the movie "Frozen" and singing the songs from it. Caeleb, for one, loves that new movie. He could watch it everyday, several times even. He sings "Let it Go" and actually knows quite a few of the words.

Elva does not sing yet but she loves to dance. She will point to the radio in the living room and make her noises until we turn it on and she can start dancing to the music. I think she likes 80's music best. Already she loves to twirl in a dress. She has a smile to light up a room and she continues to be a very determined and strong-willed little girl.

We celebrated Dad's/Papa's birthday last week. All 11 of us were at the farm - well 12 if you include Nathan's good friend Barb. Mom prepared a yummy Turkey supper and German chocolate cake for dessert. Dad got some cozy warm slippers. Caeleb and Sterling sang happy birthday and helped Papa blow out the candles on his cake. It was a simple, peaceful, and wonderful day. I worked the night before so I was tired and not feeling well but nonetheless it was so good to be with family.

I guess I need to enjoy the winter while it lasts. We made a little snowman the other day and we have had some fun times sledding this winter. I love movie nights after the kids go to bed or curling up with a good book. I love sitting in the rocking chair in the living room and watching the snow come down or people walk by the house all bundled up in their winter clothes. I am looking forward to the spring but I do love the winter and its pure, fresh beauty as well.

Caeleb's first scripture and prayer in Primary!

Just a quick note to give an update on the kidlets. Caeleb gave his first prayer and scripture at church 2 days ago. He did an awesome job. Especially on the Scripture (we had been practicing). He repeated about every 3rd word I said for the prayer but when Chris helped him with the scripture, he went right up to the podium, blurted out "Heavenly Father" and then clearly repeated Moroni 10:18 as Chris whispered it into his ear. I am so proud of my little boy and his sprouting testimony. I want him and Elva to know of my strong and ever growing testimony in a loving Heavenly Father and Mother, a Savior and Atonement and an eternal purpose to our existence on this earth.

A quick note about Elva. She is getting big. Her vocabulary is "up, te (there), hi, nana, mama, dada, na (Nathan - she love him and waves at him when he comes and goes and she goes right up to him all the time for hugs and wants to go downstairs with him when he comes home from work). I put her hair up in pig tails (well at least the front straight part of her hair) last Thursday and I attempted to do it again on Sunday. She does not like them but they are adorable and I hope to have more successes in hair dos for my little girl in the future.

Chris and I were able to go to the Temple tonight. I have not been in about 6 months. It was wonderful and I think the thing I reflected on most was the fact that I do not need to keep beating myself up about my imperfections but that I can put the past in the past and use each new day as a clean slate to become more and more like My Heavenly parents and my Savior. I do not want to waste another day in the past. I want to live each day to the fullest.