Pioneer Trek

We have been learning a lot about temples at our house since the Kansas City temple would be arriving soon.  And you can't really learn about temples without learning about the early Mormon Pioneers.  The kids have loved hearing the pioneer stories but didn't quite comprehend what they really went through (I mean none of US really do).  But they wanted to walk like the pioneers did and we happen to have access to a handcart.  Greg and I knew we would be the ones doing most of the work so we kept saying, Yeah thats a great idea but not really doing anything about it.  Well the girls wouldn't drop it so we actually planned it out and went on a mini pioneer trek as a family.  Here are some pictures:

Greg and the girls heading into our camp site

 Ellie and Jaren got to ride in the back most of the way

Me and my pioneer children

 Brylie's fish she caught (she wouldn't touch it)

 The fish Kaden caught (she wouldn't touch it either)

 Cooling off in the lake (it was so HOT)

We walked in some grass that was almost as tall as the kids.  Ellie didn't make a peep the whole time.  Only our diva (Kaden) and the boy who's scared of grass (because he NEVER gets to even go outside) cried.  It was hard work and I can't imagine how the pioneers could do that day after day. I am so thankful for my car and all the other modern day blessings we have!

Mothers Day

I had the greatest Mothers Day this year!  The day before, the kids and Greg needed me to leave the house so they could get ready.  So, I went thrift store shopping for 2 hours!  It was great to get to look through everything and not have to keep my eye on a baby and leave when she was done even if I wasn't.
I had breakfast in bed with all my favorites.  You would think a wonderful breakfast would be sausage and eggs or whatever, but my kids know me better then that.  For breakfast they made me brownies, cookies and lemon bars, my 3 most favorite things!

We went to church and the girls wore these matching outfits.  It is hard to find them matching clothes at these ages and Kaden will usually not wear anything if Brylie is wearing it but for Mothers day they matched for me!

I got to take a nap after church and the kids stayed so quiet.  The girls were so nice to each other, I don't think I heard any fighting all day.  For dinner Greg made steaks and my favorite potatoes and peppers that he cooks.  We all layer together and watched a movie afterwards.  It was the best day ever!!!!

 I am so glad that I get to be these 3 girls mom.  I have been so blest to have these souls entrusted to me.  I try hard to teach them the best that I know how.  My whole job on this earth is to raise these girls to be understanding, loving, capable, virtuous young women and future moms of my grand babies.  Its a tough job, I never thought it would be this hard, but I just keep trying!

Kaden, Brylie and Ellie - Mommy loves you with all her heart.  I would do anything for you!

KC Temple Dedication

We had an awesome weekend!  We got to celebrate the dedication of the new Kansas City Temple!  On Saturday night, Kaden, Brylie and I got to attend the youth cultural event.  We got tickets at the last minute.  Kaden got to sit up close with Gma and Gpa.  Brylie and I actually ended up with really good seats though too!!  We were one section away from where the Prophet was sitting.  We were to his left side, so we could see him the whole time.  It was awesome!!  Im not a cryer, but certain parts of this event may have caused a tear to fall.  The kids from the Joplin stake had a particularly heartwarming story about their loss due to the tornado.  We got to see Taylor perform, we could actually find her in the crowd of over 3,000 kids!!  I wish I would have had my camera (I figured there would be no pictures allowed) I would have gotten the best pic of Taylor.  During one of the songs, the Prophet was standing up and when we were looking at him, Taylor was right on his right side looking back at him.  It would have been great!  Here is a pic of Taylor:

She is front and center with a pink scarf on.

If you click here, you can watch a short clip with some pictures of the night. (I did not make this video):

You Tube video


Then on Sunday morning, we were up before the sun to get to the temple and wait in line so we could try to get close to the prophet during the Cornerstone Ceremony.  We were the 3rd people there.  The girls were the only kids that waited for over 2 hours to see the Prophet.

Sunrise at the Temple

Brylie and Kaden before the action started

The Prophet came out and we were so close to him.  It was awesome.  The kids got to move up to the front and had a great view.  They made the Salt Lake paper in this picture:

 Here is how close me and Kari got

And then of course there was the actual dedication that we got to attend.  Kaden and I went to that, Brylie isn't old enough, she missed it by about 7 months.  It was a great experience.  I am sure that we will remember this weekend for the rest of our lives.  I am glad that the girls got to experience this with me.

Here is a poem that Kaden wrote about the Cornerstone celebration along with a picture she drew:

Music Concert

Brylie had a spring music concert last night.  She wants to be a singer when she grows up so she was very excited to showcase her talents.  She did great and had a wonderful time.  Here are a few pics:

I love to see the temple....

...we got to go inside the other day.

What a great blessing to have a temple so close.  We had a great time touring it and talking to the kids about it.  Hopefully there will be more visits soon!

TEAM KALE

TEAM KALE has been busy this month.  At the beginning of the month we attended the walk for the Northwest Missouri Autism Alliance.  We got new TEAM KALE shirts made and were the awesomest group there of course!

 Then at the end of the month, Kales school had a Walk/ Run.  Once again TEAM KALE was in attendance.  Some of us enjoyed the one mile walk, while others ran the 5K (Nicole, Curtis, Taylor and Jake).  It was a great time.  We raised lots of money to donate to Kale's school.

A special thanks to B/E Aerospace and Energizer 

(and everyone else who donated)!

Spring Soccer Season

Soccer season has started again.  Brylie was so excited to sign up again.  She is on the same team as in the fall.  Her team are the Green Gators!  She is a little fireball on the field.  She attacks that ball and is great at it.  

Kaden decided to give soccer a try this season too.  She plays on a team that includes 3rd - 6th graders.  She is the smallest one on her team!  She has done a lot better then I anticipated.  She gets out there and gets that ball!  Her team is the Gray Timberwolves.

Both girls are #12!

Brylie

Brylie

Kaden

Kaden

 Kaden

Kaden

And of course Ellie loves to come to the games and cheer on her big sisters.  She likes to try to make her own goals as well...