McKenzie's 12th birthday party

McKenzie had quite the birthday party yesterday. We went swimming and then came back home for dinner, presents, cake, and "a movie." There were 16 girls in all (which was about 10 girls too many :o) I don't know what we were thinking expecting 16 girls to quietly watch a movie (Only 3 girls ended up watching the movie, and I felt like time stood still for 1 1/2 hours!) Needless to say, we were quite happy when the last parent picked up her child :) The girls had lots of fun swimming, and I had two good friends help drive and chaperone - thank goodness for friends!

We had a wonderful time celebrating Easter today. In the morning the kids enjoyed searching for their Easter baskets and getting to eat chocolate and Fritos before breakfast! We also dyed our Easter eggs (finally!) I spent some time reading the Bible and making a list of what God does for me every day: He watches over my way, hears me when I talk to him, fills my heart with the greatest joy that can be found in this world, helps me not to be afraid when things seem to be against me, and lets me take refuge in him. I'm so thankful that the Bible helps me get through every day! Peter, the kids and I all walked and rode scooters to Starbucks. Peter and McKenzie spent lots of time talking with each other which was really special. We had Easter dinner at Jim and Amy's house. We had a delicious dinner with yummy desserts (thanks to Mary!) and had fun playing Apples to Apples. We feel like the luckiest family alive to have such a wonderful family.

Little Jack

We were in heaven yesterday babysitting our little cousin Jack! It's been a long time since we've had a 1-year old at our house, and we treasured every moment with him. It was so fun to see how excited and curious he was to look at flowers, feel rocks, watch the school bus bring Kelsey home, and throw rocks in the stream. Spending time with Jack helped remind me to appreciate the little things that I so quickly pass by now that the kids have gotten older. Jack was a great eater and kept saying "mo hoop" for "more soup!" at dinner :) We can't wait to spend more time with him again soon!

Over the past two weeks, I have been on a cooking craze, trying many new recipes from my favorite magazine. We have had Thai Coconut Curry Shrimp, Steak with a Shallot sauce with homemade baked french fries, a new chili recipe, and Spicy Peanut Chicken over Rice. The most exciting thing of all is that the whole family is liking almost everything I'm making which is a definite bonus.