Here's A Birthday Shout-out to Lil' Russell

Happy Birthday, Little Russell. . . we've been calling you that in our house for so long now, but I'm not sure it will fit you for long. What a great boy you are. We are so sorry that we didn't talk to you today. Not as an excuse, but just so you know, we had been waiting to call you when all the girls were home from school. As soon as they got home, Ane started throwing up and I rushed everyone into the car and on to the doctor's office. So, I was distracted and forgot. So Sorry!!! But, we hope that you had a great day. We'll try and call you tomorrow. Other families should be so lucky to have such a great cousin and nephew as you. You're caring, concerned for others, funny, handsome, imaginative, creative, spiritual, so smart, and an all around great boy. We sure love you Russell. Happy Birthday.

Church at Home

Well, I was hoping it wouldn't happen, but it did. In the middle of the night Ane started coughing. We tried our hardest to keep them away from each other, but it was inevitable. So, we're watching Ane very closely. As a result, we stayed home from church today. Naki and I decided that we wanted the girls to realize that it was still a great opportunity to focus on all things spiritual. We assigned Eli to give a testimony, Line and Malia were assigned the musical number, and Lose and Dad gave the talks. Dad talked on the Atonement and Lose spoke on the Holy Ghost. It was so rewarding for me to see what the girls chose to speak and sing about. They are such great great girls. It brought me back to the times growing up when we were snowed in and couldn't get to church. Those moments in the piano room when Matt and Dad would bless and pass the sacrament to us were so special to me. It made the gospel very real, and even more it made the priesthood real. We didn't do the sacrament at home today, but I still felt those same feelings that the gospel is real and is for each one of us. It is something we can access anywhere and feel always.

We're back to this. . . again

Third time's the charm?

Oh man, our poor little Eva. This will be her third time on breathing treatments. It really came on fast this time. . . we had no warning. But that labored breathing is instantly recognizable to us by now. Poor little babe. Her breathing is so labored. . . keep her in your prayers.