Musical Monday

On Sunday I subbed in Primary. The lesson was on D&C 25 when the Lord commands Emma Smith to compile a book of hymns. The lesson was really all about the hymns of our church. I loved the lesson. I took a lot from it, probably more than the two eight year olds that I taught. It was my turn for the lesson for Family Home Evening. I decided to share the same lesson and talk about music. I love music. I love the hymns and the primary songs of our church. I think it is one thing that I take for granted often because I have had them my whole life. I am also grateful for a mother who sat my sister and I down to sing by the piano so often. It is always a good memory for me. I want my children to love music as well. I have been impressed by Lucy over the last few weeks. I guess I didn't realize how much she really has taken in. James and I sing to her daily and every night before she goes to bed. And you know what??? She knows all of the songs we sing to her. She won't sing them out right, but you can stop at any word of the song and she will sing the next word. Amazing!
Anyway, back to Monday night. I brought out all the musical instruments I could find, and I made James play the trumpet and harmonica for us. The kids loved it.

This is what Lucy did yesterday while Molly was napping

One more year at Remington Canyon (that's our apartment complex)

Last month we signed on for another year in our apartment. We celebrated by finishing decorating, putting up curtains and a light that will turn on when we flip the switch in our room. Things we should have done ages ago. The complex also payed to have our carpets cleaned and we spent all of one night inhaling alcohol fumes as we cleaned our couches. It makes me more excited about staying in our two bedroom apartment for another year. It's treated this family well.

Sunday Cake and Icecream (or milk) at Grandma's

Another great and beloved tradition I enjoyed growing up was cake and ice cream at Grandma and Grandpa Sullivan's. All of my Aunts, Uncles and cousins would show up for a good chat and some delicious cake made by my Grandmother. Nothing better. Most of us drowned our cake in milk like my Grandpa, a few preferred ice cream on the side, but however you liked it that's how Grandma served it up. I remember taking orders like a waitress going around the room asking which flavor of cake everybody wanted and how they wanted it. Then bringing the orders back to Grandma to fix up. Then I got to deliver them. I sort of loved it. She is not able to serve it up like she used to and would like to, but she still makes her cakes and it is mostly my siblings and their kids that gather, but I do have a few cousins that will show up on occasion. When it is nice outside we usually just stick to the porch to visit. The kids will usually start a game of "Andy-I-Over" and run around and around the house. This was the end of a really fun break and what better way to end it then surrounded by family on a nice day. So thanks Grandma. I don't know how much longer this will happen, but I cherish each time that we get to partake in the tradition.

Harry and Molly

 These two cousins were born just 10 days apart. This is only the second time we've had them together. It's sad that we live so far away.

 This is only just a few of the pictures from Grandma's photo shoot. 

 I'm sure they will be best friends. 

Easter Picnic/ Grandma's 86th Birthday!

When I was young we would meet my cousins out at the farm for an Easter picnic on Saturday. The food was always the same, someone brought the chicken, my Aunt Gay made her baked beans (still my favorite) Grandma made her famous potato salad, and... well that was the memorable stuff. My grandma or grandpa, would always do a great Easter Egg Hunt for us around the farm. The "eggs" were individually wrapped Robin Eggs that they would hide in holes, by barbed wire fences and under dry cow pies. Oh my goodness it was fun. Just thinking about it now puts a smile on my face. I loved my time on Grandpa's farm. Back to Easter, we have for a couple of years now gotten together at my Aunt Joice's for a similar picnic/hunt. The food has gotten a tad more elaborate, and the eggs are plastic and filled with jelly beans, but it is still so much fun to talk to my cousins and breath in that farm air. I really have always loved the smell of silage and hay because of my memories out at the farm.
This year, Easter Saturday fell right on my Grandma's 86th Birthday, so we all got to celebrate with her as well. I sure love my Grandma. I have great memories of time spent with her whether it was at her house, the farm, or even the Dixie College Bookstore, she always treated me like I was her most favorite grandchild. (I probably am, but she wasn't about to let that secret out with 21 or more other grandchildren to love). She's older now and not as able to do what she'd like, but she will do her best to do whatever she can to help you out or make you feel loved. She sure is great. So Happy Birthday Grandma! So glad I know you!

My beautiful sister and Harry

Grandma rented this jumpy castle for the kids. It was a hit. 

The grub!

Laynee is my oldest niece. Lucy LOVES her! She helped Lucy with the egg hunt. 

My entire family. (Don't tell Molly but she was in sleeping and I wouldn't wake her up. James is holding a stuffed monkey wrapped in a blanket). 

The Birthday Girl and Harry

The motley crew waiting to find those eggs. 

A few of my happy places

 At the park with these two. 

 Anywhere with this gang.

 Snuggled close to this chunky monkey.

 This is really Lucy's HAPPIEST PLACE: Playing in water!

 Having a tea party with these gals.

 And even tea party's with these guys. 

This was the group picture Lucy took at the end of our tea party.