A Morales Minute

That's right! I traded in the old swagger wagon for a new one. I've now had my Toyota Sienna for 3 months and am happy to say I still love it! It was quite the experience for me. We'd been saving money for some time because our Dodge Grand Caravan was starting to act...suspicious and we weren't sure how long we had until we needed to dump money into it. I was ready for something new anyway, so the search began. I actually studied and read critic reviews and consumer reviews on multiple vans. I was always drawn toward the newest style of the Sienna but I wanted to make sure I'd like it all and not just the look. I test drove different vans. Being a teeny tiny person that I am, finding a driver's seat that feels real good for me isn't always easy. Sometimes the lumbar support on the seat is in the middle of my back...not too comfy. As soon as I sat in the seat of a Sienna it felt right. I wanted something that'd be easy for my kids to get in ...

We all have those times that we feel down and sad for whatever reason. A couple weeks ago I was having a moment like that for reasons that don't need to be explained right now. I had been praying for answers for something that I could do to help a situation and was feeling a bit lost and sad. I wouldn't say I received an answer to what I was praying for, however, I received an answer that was specifically for me. One to help me feel better and realize that this burden I was carrying wasn't going without notice by my Father in Heaven. I know He recognized the love that I was feeling and why I was so troubled. You know how you hear of people having been able to open the scriptures and just open up to a verse that answered something for them? Well I had an experience similar to that...one like I've never had before. I didn't open my scriptures, rather a hymn came in to my mind suddenly out of the blue. I started singing some of the words out loud and the Spirit hit me...

Lindsey had her first piano recital. She did a wonderful job and memorized her pieces well.  Her teacher Sheri Christensen Thanks to all those who came to support Lindsey! And this picture of Aidan during the recital was just too cute. He wanted to be like Grandpa Morales and wear his sunglasses on his hat. Kids definitely watch what grown ups do. 

This past week has been a pretty laid back one. I've been getting things done on my own schedule...whenever I feel like it. Haha! Took the boys to the library, I've been making time (a.k.a. not working) to read a book for my own enjoyment, planted some flowers, made a few trips to the park with the kids, done a bit of shopping (grocery shopping at Winco is a lot of work with just me and the boys and I really have to gear up for it.), and I have been playing Sorry and Hi Ho Cherry O with Aidan quite a bit. So I have been busy just not with the normal stuff that keeps me busy on a daily basis.  I love browsing Costco with Jaime and my kids in the evening of a week day. It's not very crowded then. If there's a fun movie on the TVs we like to stop and watch a little. We stopped to watch a bit of the Avenger's in 3D...hence Aidan's glasses. :) I spent a day at Mom's with the boys. It was fun to be there with her and visit and do stuff like we used t...

My kids tend to be leery about trying something new. Lindsey was older than most kids when she let us take the training wheels off her bike and now the same with Olivia. She's 7 and still using training wheels. Well last week she was riding her bike and she had me listen. She could ride it and the training wheels weren't even touching the ground! So on Friday I took the training wheels off while she was at school. It wasn't until Monday that she decided to ride her bike. Sort of. Jaime was in charge of activity for FHE. After the lesson he said we should go out and get Olivia riding her bike. She was VERY hesitant and against it. When bed time was mentioned she decided it was okay to go try it. So I go outside with her, she hops on her bike. I hold on to the back of the seat as she climbs on and she rode off! No holding the seat as she struggles to balance, just off on her own in one second. Yep, those training wheels needed to go a long time ago! Now she's been ridi...

Happy Mother's Day! I had a great one. Sweet gifts and cards and pictures.  I love my family. I'm so blessed to be close to our parents and siblings that we can celebrate days like this. It just makes it all the more special. I'm so grateful for my mom and mom-in-law. They are wonderful women and I'm grateful for the examples they are to me.  It was good to see them both on this day to let them know how much I love them.

We always seem to get busier when it gets warmer outside. It seems there are more errands to run, more activities, more get togethers, more work around the house. It makes my days go really fast but I've actually enjoyed it all! We've been gardening My Tomatoes have blossoms already, beans look great, cucumbers, and my peas have finally sprouted. We also decided to try watermelon...kids are very excited about that! My lil helpers through it all.  The new library by us just opened a few weeks ago. I was so excited to have one so close. I take the boys to story time. I wasn't sure Tyler would sit for it but he does! They do songs and activities and it keeps Tyler engaged.  The boys enjoy getting their books and reading them over and over. I like having different stories to read to them too. My favorite is when Aidan reads the stories to Tyler.  Going to the temple. Look how excited Tyler is! It is a good feeling being there with my kids. ...

The kids had been asking to go to the temple. Even Aidan. He's been enjoying primary so much with his new teachers that the temple has really peaked his interest. So we went for FHE  Jaime shared his first experience with the temple. He told them how he touched the temple when he first started learning about the Church. Everyone had to touch the temple then.  I'm grateful to have a temple so close to us and that our children are beginning to understand the importance. The girls have been learning a lot about temples as well. I appreciate the moments I have to share these special moments with my kids.