Fin Hansen

The highlight of Drew's field day last week was catching his very own goldfish. His name is Fin.

Dear Jeffrey, Brandon, Camille and Alexa,
You all did so well on your piano solos for your recital tonight. You make me so proud. Thanks for all your hard work. I love you!
Sincerely,
Mom

Band Concert Last Week and Choir Concert This Week

End of school stuff is so fun! Brandon and his percussion buddies. The Jr. High band

Jeffrey and his trumpet buddies

Acapella Choir during the number that Jeffrey accompanied.

Chamber Singers and Jazz House Big Band

Happy Birthday Alexa!

Mother's Day 9 years ago was a happy day indeed. My little Alexa came into the world at 1:30 a.m. That was the happiest Mother's Day ever! Alexa has been the gift that has kept on giving. She is so sweet! Last night, very late, we were up making cupcakes for her class. She spontaneously said, "I love you Mommy!" I love you too Alexa!

Crawford Cup

Last night Jeffrey played his trumpet in a fine arts program. They had 4 divisions: Vocalist, instrumental, piano and art.

We were all excited that Jeffrey took 1st place in instrumental and won $100!

I'm so proud of you Jeffrey!! Congratulations!

Sidebar: Mr. and Mrs. Crawford (on the left in this picture) started this event in 1981. Mrs. Crawford is the daughter of the Bennetts from Preston who sponsored the Bennett Cup. I played the piano one year in the Bennett cup so last night brought back a few memories. Mostly memories of me shaking like a leaf while playing my piece and being able to hear the whispers of the audience about how bad I was shaking ("Look at her foot!!" Yes, I could hear that! I have true empathy for people in that situation.)

Drew & Mary

They are so cute together. In fact a little too cute, as they flooded the bathroom together last night (no pictures--our worst flood yet--there have been 3 since this!)

Weekend

Friday and Saturday Brandon had a ball tournament (new post to his blog coming soon!) He had 2 games on Friday and 2 on Saturday. Then Friday night he and Jeffrey also went to the Boy Scout Jamborall.

My parents were able to come to a game on Saturday.

The girls had fun making a tent.

After the games we went to Whitney.


We went to church and then had dinner afterward in celebration of Mother's Day.

Chickens--mm mm good!Dad always mashes the potatoes and does some sort of potato sculpture. Ha ha!

I was a yummy feast. And good company. Thanks Mom for all your work!

On the way home we stopped in Inkom to say hello to Dennis' sister and brother and their families. Sadly, I did not get any pictures. But it was a lot of fun to see them all!

Snow!

I am as anxious for spring as anyone but I could not help but notice how beautiful everything is this morning with a skiff of snow.

Living

Yesterday I made some cards. When I pulled out these flowers and overwhelming feeling of love came over me. I know it seems weird so let me explain. Last year at this time I was going through lots of stuff that was not fun. But I felt such love from earthly (and probably heavenly angels too). These flowers were sent to me by my sister during an especially hard time. I love to open a certain drawer because it smells wonderful and reminds me of another gift that a friend sent me:

The feelings of love and gratitude are so powerful when I smell these wonderful scents because of the love I felt then when the gift came in the mail.

I have tons of reminders like these all around me in my home including my home itself! (We were given enough money to finish our addition--oh what a blessing!! !!) Isn't it so like our Heavenly Father to leave reminders everywhere of His love?

Now when I look back on those hard months, I remember the total peace I felt. I remember the kindness of the people around me. Even though I could not wait for the pain and stress to pass, looking back, I can see that I was living in a memorable and even a happy season. I'm kind of surprised that my memories are so sweet.

I remember walking around my home and being happy to be able to accomplish very small tasks. I could not do much but I was grateful that I could load the dish washer and other simple things. I did everything slowly and it made me grateful for the things I could do.

I have sweet memories of being lovingly cared for by Dennis. He had to take me to Idaho Falls so often for appointments and even for a few emergencies. He was always there for me.

I remember that my prayers for peace and healing were answered. At one point I wrote a pleading prayer in my journal. I tear up when I read about those days. The peace was so incredible, even overwhelming at times.

I'm all better now and happy to be. But it is amazing to remember the love and kindnesses that were done for me--many, many things. That is mostly what I remember about those difficult months. I want to tell all my family and friends thank you so much for loving me and for the wonderful memories you have given me that will last my whole life! I love you!

Mormon Youth

This is the Mormon Youth Choir and Symphony in 1992. Dennis was encouraged by a friend in his ward at BYU to try out for it. He made it and it was a wonderful experience for him. He could only be in it for about a year because of his schedule. But he got to sing in General Conference twice (he has actually sung 3 times in G.C. because he was also in a choir from Ricks that sang once.) In this picture he is just right of center. Click to enlarge.