1 Year and 1 Day Now!

I can't miss this one. All the rest of the fun to report will have to wait, but this one is a must!


My sweet baby boy finally reached the 1 year mark on this special Easter day. His birthday won't fall on Easter every year, but it was special to know that his first birthday was Easter. You all know what a remarkable and important journey we traveled to have this little spirit join our home. So, I think that it is a special blessing to have his first birthday on Easter. I am reminded of how much our Savior loves us, and how much he has done for us, and continues to do for us. I know that our Savior lives and I see his hand in my life daily. But none has been more obvious to me, then to look upon this beautiful little boy. He truly is a gift from heaven.

I tried to keep him a baby,
but he just wouldn't have it.
Eager to learn all that life offers,
I think will be a theme for him.

Walking, and talking
are more than a glimpse today.
He sparkles with laughter and
ponders on what big brother says.
Sister's tumbling, he must try.
He can't wait till he can ask why?

The beauty of the outdoors entice,
I wonder where this will take him.
I see a future full of wit and will.
Will I ever be able to keep him still?

I'm sure I cannot, for a long time he did wait
To be here, to love, to live, to know.
A little boy on his journey to be a man.
May he love his Savior,
and may his path be with Him
Wherever he goes!

Happy Birthday my Esaias!
Easter Sunday!

This was the best we could get of all three. Some years it works, some it doesn't!

Can we say mischievous!?!

I had to throw in the "bonding with Uncle Marcus" pictures. Esaias was so tired at the end of the day on Saturday after his birthday party. Marcus was holding him, letting him experience the music coming from his earphones. Esaias loved sitting and relaxing to some tunes!

And then again... can we say cute!?!

Easter Weekend

Due to General conference this weekend we didn't attend church, so last Sunday they got to wear their new Easter Sunday outfits. But also due to meetings and getting Danny off to DC we didn't get any pictures taken. So the next time they wear their new get ups...I'll post a pic.

We've had a fairly eventful week, or at least the kids have played a lot, considering my condition. I wanted to keep things pretty low key, and I sure have enjoyed the weather. It's definitely felt like spring. I can't complain. I suppose that's all I would've really asked for...some rest and relaxation and for the kids to have been able to have some fun.

The kids were able to spend @ 3 days with my sisters kids, (which meant I got some time with my sister too) have a sleepover with Grandma Layne, attend the theatre, hunt for Easter eggs, and much more. And you saw Danny's eventful week. So, we're all happy. Never sure how ready we are to go back, but we're happy! So like I said, what more can you ask for...

a new baby maybe???

Danny helping to get ready for the hunt.

All the kids lined up and ready to go!
Jade, Erica, Jose, Marina, Isaac

Marina off to hunt!

Isaac working on his Science Project: Tennis Balls and Temperature
Getting ready to tackle the dry ice.

Mary Poppins at the DCPA!

The True Meaning of Easter by Isaac Sandoval...

HAPPY EASTER!!!

I'd like to share a little experience that my family had this weekend. On the way home from dropping Marina off at gymnastics Friday afternoon, Isaac asked me, "Which is more important Jesus' birth or Jesus' death?" It is always interesting when your children ask you questions like this. You often have to ask yourself, "Am I prepared to answer this?"
Our conversation spanned from discussing the events that came before Jesus' birth through the resurrection. Anyway, when I recounted the story to Danny later that evening, I made the comment, that maybe Isaac was sorry he asked his question as it led to a 20 min. conversation. But, I was grateful for the opportunity to share my testimony with my son.
It's funny how these conversations can sometimes carry over for a little while. So, it stuck with me, and at church listening and pondering on our Savior this Easter day, I realized even more that maybe the question had really been for me. Testing my faith and knowledge. And I became even more appreciative that this moment had occurred.
I then went on to share this experience with my 16 and 17 year old girls in Young Womens during our lesson. We had quite a good little discussion about it, and again I felt grateful for the inspired conversation the Friday before Easter.
Then as if that's not good enough, we were on our way home from church today, when Danny said he presented the question to his class of 14 & 15 year old boys. And Isaac from the backseat, blurted out, "Hey, I shared that story in my class too!" So, I asked Isaac, "What did you tell them the answer was?"
He replied, "Neither is more important. Without His birth He wouldn't have lived and died. And without His death, He couldn't have been resurrected." I was moved to tears, then when Danny said that one of the boys in his class first answered by saying, "Your son is smart! Maybe smarter than you, Bro. Sandoval."
Wow, how profound are the youth! I would have to agree, that somewhere Isaac's question (spanned from the innocent pondering on the differences between Christmas and Easter. That felt brave enough to ask his mom) blossomed into a great testimony building opportunity for many of us. And I would have to agree with the young man in Danny's class, "Isaac sure is smart!" Thanks Isaac for teaching us all about the true meaning of Easter this weekend.

This is what happens when you send Daddy out to take pictures for Easter! :)