KIDNAPPED!

Back before Christmas my good friend Joleen threatened to "kidnap" me for my 30th birthday. Luckily for me (not for her) she threw her back out the week of my actual birthday in February. She kept telling me that she was going to get me. I have to admit I didn't really believe it. Well, tonight she and many others showed up at my doorstep wearing badges that said "Old Fart's Friend". I don't know who the "Old Fart" is, but she sure has some crazy friends. Anyway, of course, I was in my pajamas (which thankfully consist of my Memphis T-shirt and polar bear pants). They decorated me with a crown, leis, and candy jewelry.

Another group kidnapped our good friend Jamie, who turned 30 in January.

We headed to dinner and had a great time, discussing the usual topics that happen when women get together- clothes, men, and childbirth. The evening had quite the ending also. Since I was kidnapped without my purse, cell phone, keys, etc., I had some trouble getting back into the house after I was dropped off. Dave was upstairs, oblivious to my knocking. I hung out on the patio in the dark, in my crown and PJ’s, with only my candy necklace for sustenance. Eventually Dave came downstairs and rescued me. The night out was just what I needed, although I could have done without the accoutrement (that was for you, Joleen). Thanks, Girls! You're the best! And please don't TP my car!

Happy Easter!

My heart is full this Easter Sunday. As most of you know, it's been a rough couple of weeks for our family. Easter has provided a special opportunity to reflect on all of our many blessings, especially for the life and example of Jesus Christ. I am thankful to know that on that night in Gethsemane, not only did He take on all of our sins and transgressions, but also all of our pain and suffering. He knows how we feel when no one else does. He can bring peace that no one else can. I am thankful to know that the Savior did rise on that third day, that He lives still, and that He knows and loves each of us.

"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.....But He was wounded for our trangessions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5

I also loved this quote from President Hinckley:

"We know not all that lies ahead of us. We live in a world of uncertainty. For some, there will be great accomplishment. For others, disappointment. For some, much of rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow. We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the Polar Star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith. In sunshine and in shadow, we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us."

We are so thankful for the outpouring of love and support from our friends and family. We love you and are so blessed to have you in our lives. Happy Easter!

I HEART MOVING

In case you can't make out the above picture, it's our new living room. Lovely, isn't it? We got a new couch that is completely hidden by all sorts of miscellaneous items. I have no idea where it will all go. Plenty to the curb, I'm sure. Several of the guys from church and Dave's parents came to help yesterday. My parents had the right idea. They headed to Mexico. Chandler is very excited about his new room. He declared the bathroom "widget size", as he can turn on the light and wash his hands without a step stool. Ah, it's the little things that makes it all worth it. Callie, on the other hand, just wants to go "home." Hopefully the new place will feel more like "home" once you can see the floor. We're very excited for the new place and can't wait to get settled. I hope to post an "after" picture. Eventually.