Happy Easter 

 I hope you all have had a wonderful Easter.  I was bemoaning the fact yesterday (to myself), that I didn't get the Easter lights, or Easter eggs on the tree on the front porch (still has the red and pink Valentine's Day lights on), nor did I get my Easter wreath hung (yep, still have the Valentine's Day sign up), and I didn't even get the Easter baskets down this year. The last couple of months have been a little crazy - But actually this has been a really great Easter day.  Yesterday, after conference, we went to the Easter Presentation set up by the North Stake. We went last year too, and it is just so amazing!  They have the cultural hall divided into each day of the Holy week - it almost looks like it is done professionally. It just really sets the tone for the real reason we celebrate Easter, and I am so glad we could go.  Today we watched conference, and the talks were all so good.  I am attaching a link here for the talk this morning by Sister Emily Belle Freeman. She talked about having good days and bad days - something we are all familiar with.Emily Belle Freeman. If you didn't get to hear it, take 8 minutes and watch it - 

What our Family Has Been Up to This Week 

  Hollie spent the weekend in Denver at a Culinary Competition and she was awarded a silver medal.  WAY TO GO HOLLY!

 I'm not sure what this is that she made, but it looks like it has chocolate in it, so I know it is delicious!  

 Gordon Ramsey would say, "Well Done, you're on your way to being the next Master Chief"! 😋

 Paul was invited to Prom this weekend - probably his last one!  He had a good time, and it looks like a cute date !

Time is going by so quickly, before we know it, he will be on his way to Vancouver, Washington ❤

 Sayre got to go to a friend's birthday party this week, finished up swim lessons, and is getting ready for another soccer season. 

Kate and Jonathan are on a mission to teach him to expand his taste buds.  Apparently, he only likes foods that are beige 🍞🍦🍰🍳🍪😄. Kate said he ate a couple of bites of ham tonight, so that's a great place to start. 
 

Kim and Chris have had a busy week, but not so busy that they couldn't see Spencer tonight.  I am looking forward to our May trip to Chicago and hopefully will get to see his new apartment.

Chris and Blythe visited the University of Tampa this week, and made it official - Blythe is going to be a Spartan! 

Kim and Chris also got to host Zack this week, as he was passing through Chicago on his way to help Emma move to a new job.  She has been working in a tiny little town in Iowa, and now will be making Wisconsin (or Minnesota?  I can't remember) her new home.

AND it is official! Kim has earned her Bachelor's Degree and can happily put her computer to rest for a while 

 We got to have Jake on Friday because his school had a teacher's workday.  We always love it when he comes - he teaches us so many things! 😁  We were trying to find the store he wanted to go to that had soccer cleats.  I thought I knew where I was going, but I had the wrong store in mind (and of course, I left my phone at home), so he told me not to worry - he got on Google Maps and navigated me there 😳

 Lily also had a game this weekend, Adam coached, and their team won 9 - 0.   

FINALLY - the best Sunday Selfie 

Max was able to get tickets to the afternoon session of the conference today, so he, Amelia, Max's good friend Levi, and his Fiancée were able to go.

So happy for all of them! Levi will be getting married this summer after his Academy graduation ~

 A little on the sad side this week - 

 My sweet friend Helma passed away on Wednesday evening.  She had declined so much over the last few days that it wasn't unexpected. I will always remember how much she loved it when I took grandchildren to visit - Jake, Emma, and I think Eilis.  

 

 Also, Shannon has had a hard week - She has an infection in one of her lungs, the doctor considered surgery, but decided against it, and now they are just trying to keep her comfortable.  I will keep you all. updated when we get more information.

I am so thankful for my Savior.  Today reminds me of how thankful I am for His life, His Atonement, and His resurrection.  Without these, life would be worthless.  I love Him, and as was repeated so many times this weekend, He loves all of us, no matter where we are, what we are doing, or the choices we have made.  He is always there for us❤

                                           LOVE YOU ❤