six people in april

April was another amazing weather month. We spent almost every afternoon out in the backyard playing until Jeff came home. These photos were taken one of those lovely afternoons.
Here's the normal scenario: Jeff does his trademark horn honk pulling into the garage. The kids go running to greet him. He joins us outside. We swing and play for another half hour until dinner time. I LOVE this time of year.

At the beginning of April everyone had a clean bill of health except Christian. I was convinced he had whooping cough and spent an entire night obsessing that he would be gone by morning. All mothers do this don't they…worry themselves sick? I took him to the doctor early the next day and he had remnants of pneumonia. We came home with medications galore and he was better within days.

Easter was low key for us this year. We spent the weekend at home together. I love having General Conference on Easter Sunday. it allowed us to slow down and really focus on Christ and feel uplifted in every way.

One afternoon Dallin asked me for money for something. I told him he would need to find a way to earn it. He decided a lemonade stand would bring in some dough. I was skeptical that he would make very much, but he was all gung ho. Jeff, Ella and even Lincoln joined him at the entrance to our neighborhood. Jeff said they shouted their little hearts out to the cars passing by. When a car would stop, Ella would exclaim, "a customer!" They arrived back home with gigantic grins and pockets full of change. It was so great to watch Dallin set a goal, work towards it, and set aside his introvert qualities to achieve it. Awesome!

Ella has been into singing "All the Single Ladies" and choreographing her own dance to go with it. Jeff wasn't too thrilled that she had seen the music video. Me…I really wish I could still dance at all. 🙂

Christian is the master army crawler. He makes a beeline for the pantry whenever he has a chance. We should have had a camouflage design painted on his helmet. That would be the ultimate.

Lincoln's favorite food is a "horn" dog. 🙂 still laughing about that one.

I threw my insecurities to the wind and entered a photography contest. I really had no thought of winning and I was completely shocked and ecstatic to see my photo in first place. I also worked through some lame times trying to battle my weaknesses. The critical voice in my head can be paralyzing. I am so hard on myself. Controlling my thoughts is key.

Jeff got a new position at work that gives him a bit less stress. I am over the moon about this. Late nights and the end of the month took a huge toll on all of us. Hallelujah!

We ended the month with an anniversary trip to the Salt Lake Temple. We haven't been back inside since we were married there. It's amazing how important it is to keep the flame alive in our relationship. Jeff is so good at it. It has taken me almost ten years to get past my shyness/embarrassment when it comes to expressing affection. I've always felt so awkward. But I'm convinced that showing our love is a healthy thing. Not only for me but for our children. They need to see it and feel it expressed in the right ways. Jeff is obviously nodding his head right about now. I am lucky to have him…lucky is a understatement.