BriLynn is FOUR!!!

Our baby girl is FOUR today. She is a girly girl and it was so fun to watch her opening gifts. We planned a birthday party but had to cancel because she got sick. She wasn't too hurt about it which was good. I figure we will have to do one when she is five. We LOVE our BriLynn!

Parenting Wo's

I really thought children would get easier as they got older. I'm finding out that you just face different challenges. We have struggled with our kids bickering. Sure they always play fight but now they can really hurt each other and it turns into real fighting.  Kevin and I went to the temple tonight with full purpose. The answer we received: Love them more. Praise them more. 

It's so hard to do that when they are doing something that drives you crazy.  When I can't think of anything nice to say I think of what Glen Lathem says in his book The Power of Positive Parenting. "GOOD BREATHING SON". 

Our new family scripture: D@C 121:43

So there will by more hugs and love shown by this Momma and more complements/praise.

I CAN DO BETTER

I WILL DO BETTER because

OUR CHILDREN DESERVE BETTER.

Jump Zone

For our FHE activity this week we went to the Jump Zone trampoline park. Holy cow it was fun! 

 Andrew thinks it's fun that we both can back flip together.

 At a couple of the foam pits they had a camera that would replay a minute or two after so you could watch yourself jumping into it.

 We had a good game of dodge-ball. Although maybe it was more of an attack daddy game.

 Even little Johnny had a great time. 

We will definitely be doing it again.

Piano Guys are amazing!

Danika and I went to the Piano Guys concert tonight. It was supposed to be a date night for Kevin and I. We decided to take Luke and Danika since they are in piano lessons but when I called to get tickets for them they were sold out. 

Danika is suppose to attend two concerts for her orchestra class per trimester. We planned on her using her recital but, she couldn't count them and since the trimester was ending next week Kevin said she could take his ticket. (I have the best hubby ever) 

We were on the third row....wooo hoooo

It was kinda fun too since they asked if there was anyone in the audience who was a professional Jazz piano player and Kevin Olson (The Youth Conservatory director, that's where I take the kids for piano) Got up and played with Jon. 

It was great too because we were the first in line to talk and get an autograph from Steven.

He said he started out as a violin player which we though was neat.

Jon played upside down for the kids. Danika got a kick out of that as well. 

Seriously the BEST concert I've ever been to, it was so entertaining. 

Problems keep coming

I have had an overwhelming feeling of sadness lately. There are so many problems going around with family and friends. Financial, physical, emotional problems. I wish I could fix it all. I've told Kevin many times how I feel guilty because we've been so blessed.
I feel like Satan is trying harder and harder to break families apart. A couple of friends have recently divorced. I feel for their children. I see contention rising in our home and it scares me. Everyday I pray for the guidance of the Holy Ghost.
Then there is sickness. There is absolutely nothing you can do to help with this but it's hard to see those you care for in pain. I just pray for them, that they will be healed. 
I may be sad about things but I know Our Heavenly Father  wants us to be happy. I know Satan would want me to dwell on the problems. I'm not going to let him win.