Glimpses of Easter Weekend

Tulip Run

We kicked off our holiday weekend by participating in the Skagit Valley Tulip Run; luck was obviously on our side as it was one of the most sunny days of our spring, thus far! It's a race that I've done many times (almost every year); it has a 2-mile option, rather than a traditional 5K (3.2m). So, it was a bit easier to persuade Dave to do it with me, especially since it was his very first road race. Well, it's primarily a trail run, but road race sounds so much more impressive, right? Anyway, I had done exactly ONE training run this spring, so even though it was a short race, I couldn't keep pace with my super-athlete, Dave, who finished the race at about 19 minutes... while pushing the stroller! Regardless, it was a beautiful day and I was happy with my finish time of 21:10. I was just glad that I didn't collapse in exhaustion and the Search & Rescue folks positioned around the course didn't have to haul me out on a gurney. Yep, with nearly zero training miles logged in, I'd call that a success! After our amazing run, we went home and promptly zonked out. Because I was so exhausted, we opted for Thai take-out for dinner, which was awesome. After the boys fell asleep, I stayed up sewing an Easter skirt for myself while watching various videos on Easter and other church topics via YouTube. Unfortunately, I made a big mistake when I cut out the fabric, but forged ahead and finished it. It was a good lesson to learn, even though I was up until the wee hours of the morning learning it!

Easter Sunday

Benjamin got a little Easter basket; once he discovered that there was chocolate inside the eggs, he was totally on board. Although, his favorite part was definitely the miniature "Thomas the Train" engine & attached freight car; honestly, if it was the only thing in his basket, he still would have been over the moon. Church was lovely, with the highlight being a youth speaker who spoke beautifully about the Resurrection and the primary number, which I'd never heard. We have so many kids that they packed the area & two, timid Sunbeams didn't know where to stand so they ran back to their families in tears; I felt badly for them but you kind of had to chuckle because they were so cute. We joined up with the Goodwin-side of the family for Easter dinner, complete with spiral ham, scalloped potatoes, fresh fruit, rolls, green beans and dessert. And, after everyone had their fill, we headed outside for the Great Easter Egg Hunt of 2012. Unfortunately, Benjamin has two very competitive parents, a trait which has been amplified by two; he snagged nearly as many eggs as Lucy, his 5 1/2 year-old cousin!

Can You Say "Happy Easter"!

Our Hunters & Gatherers

(Benjamin got so excited, he started jumping up and down... and promptly tossed all his eggs.)

It was a beautiful weekend and I found myself thinking a lot about the blessings of the Resurrection and the Atonement. It's hard to really wrap your mind around how acutely Christ suffered and sacrificed for each of us; it's equally difficult to understand how incredibly encompassing the gift of the Atonement is, but I felt like I started to understand a bit more this year.

Cultivating the Arts

"Be Thou My Vision" comes to Life!

This is the final week of the production, filled with hours and hours of rehearsals, followed by three nights of performances. As it comes to a close, it's nice to see how things have come together and how people are thriving from this unique experience. Best of all, it is something that will happen more often. Per the new handbook of instructions, our stake presidency is eager and willing to support these types of activities in the future.

Handbook 2: Administering the Church

PURPOSES OF CHURCH ACTIVITIES

"Cultural arts activities provide opportunities for members to develop their talents and interests. These activities also nurture creativity, confidence, communication and cooperation. They could include talent shows or performances in dance, music and drama. They could also include the celebration of local or general Church history."

Goodbye Sunday, Hello Monday

It's funny how Sunday is called a day of rest. Since Dave was called as YM President, his Sundays have been jam-packed. Yesterday was no exception with things planned from morning to night. Here's a glimpse into our yesterday:

8:00am - Dave starts getting ready for the day

9:15 - PEC meeting

9:30 - Michelle & Benjamin prep for church

9:45 - Ward Council

10:55 - Michelle & Benjamin arrive for church and slip into the saved pew with daddy

11:00 - Church begins (Mill Creek building)

12:55pm - Duck out of Sunday School and snatch Benjamin from Nursery singing time

1:00 - Head to Beverly Park ward (Lynnwood Stake Center) - Benjamin conks out in his carseat en route

1:40 - Dave participates in the blessing of Aria Walchli, Chris & Tam's new addition

1:45 - Jump back into car and head back to Mill Creek building

2:10 - PPI with Bishop

3:00 - YM Presidency meeting at our house

4:00 - Priest Quorum meeting at Bishop's house

5:00 - Dinner with my family in Stanwood

5:50 - Actually arrive in Stanwood, because of meetings running long

7:45 - Hugs & kisses to Grandma & Grandpa, then head for home

Somewhere around 8:14/somewhere around north Everett - Benjamin conks out in his carseat for the 2nd time today

8:30 - Kiss and then gingerly place Benjamin into his crib, Sunday clothes still on

9:00 - Hot Fudge & Caramel Sundae Party while watching The X-Factor

9:10 - Dave & Michelle slumped on the couch, in an ice-cream-induced slumber

Even though the day was busy and hectic, I feel blessed that we were able to spend a lot of it together as a family. And, shockingly, I was able to take away some good lessons from church too. As I knelt to say my prayers, I gave thanks for those things.

Despite my best efforts, Monday morning came as swiftly as ever. The buzzing of the 5am alarm was so startling, my heart was beating out of my chest. After getting ready at a little less than warp speed, I packed my gym bag, computer bag, purse, lunch and Benjamin's bag, and then we all hopped in the car.

I managed to catch a bus, but with an especially bad traffic morning, buses were running really late. On the packed 532, with at least 20 people standing in the aisle, someone's bag continually pummelled my shoulder as I read my scriptures and caught up on Facebook. My friend Jeannie's FB status read , "Ugh, Monday - again!" I kind of chuckled & nodded until I read someone's comment: "Just be grateful you are alive and able to experience another beautiful day." It's all about perspective; while I was waxing fairly positive this morning, I desperately needed that shift.

Later, while eating an egg-white omelette, I caught up on a very long list from my Google feed reader. The Nie Nie Dialogues posted about a trip to New York and their interview with Glen Beck. If you have a moment, check it out. The interview made me happy to be a woman, happy in my own skin, happy to be alive; grateful for the Gospel, my faith, my family & friends, my body and my crazy, blessed life.

If that's not a great mindset for a Monday morning, I don't know what is.

Chillin' Before Church

Our little foppish dandy

This is a past picture, probably two weeks ago. Despite the fact that we always seem to be running late, we manage to always get him bathed, dressed and brushed first.

After getting ready for church, Benjamin usually reclines in a comfortable pose in his fancy duds and catches a last-minute update on the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse while waiting for mommy & daddy to get ready.

I love that tweed hat; kudos to Brent & Azzlinn for picking out such a fun one! Typically, Benjamin will chuck a hat faster than anything. But on this day, I was amazed that he not only let me put it on him, but he didn't rip it off a second later. I'd say he wore it a good 30 seconds, at least.

Did I say I loved that cute hat? Oh, and not to mention the little hat rack just beneath it.

Conquering Senior Citizens in Space

Belay, On!

With names like "Senior Citizens in Space", "Magic Fern" and "Battered Sandwich", one might think they were in store for a lovely afternoon at a local, indie film festival. But instead, those names refer to various trad rock climbs at a section of Mt. Index called "Private Idaho", located a short distance off of Highway 2.

A few weeks ago, this series of climbs was the destination for our fearless 4th ward/Mill Creek youth leaders and their motley crew of young men, all of which were eager to take on these rough, granite pitches in search for the prize of reaching the top... or at least, the highest point in the climb. Armed with carabiners, harnesses, quick draws - not to mention a bit of moxy and courage, they attempted to scale the rocky terrain with a wide range of skills and experience.

Dave (L) - Bondy (R)

Waiting their turn

YM climbing the crack of Battered Sandwich (L) - Bret (R)

Dave cleaning the route

Amongst them was my husband who was recently called into YM (again). He would be the first to tell you that someone else should be with these boys, but I know he secretly relishes the adventures which serving in the youth program - especially YM - affords. So, while he may not feel that he is a good fit for the calling, this calling fits him like a glove... or at the very least, a well-fitting Arc'teryx harness.