YES, We are still here!

My how time flies when you are having fun.

I can't believe how quickly the weeks fly by. We are so busy right now that I fall into bed and then wake up the next morning and start crossing more things of the list. Here is a very condensed glimpse of what we have been up to for the past six weeks.

Mollie started softball and loves it. She has enjoyed moving up a level and having live pitching instead of coach pitch. She is working on being a pitcher and does a great job playing catcher. I am one of the coaches for her team. I love being outdoors with the girls but sometimes she may wish her mom wasn't the coach. For the most part we enjoy our time together and she loves it when there happens to be a game on a night when Dad can come. Other than softball she tolerates having to go to school and is very much looking forward to summer.

Megan is playing high school softball and enjoying it. Their team has gone undefeated. She mostly plays second base but occassionally gets a chance to try out a different spot. A few weeks ago she hit a home run. It is definitely the highlight of the season so far. Aside from softball she is super busy with school and of course her social life. She gave a great talk in stake conference this past week and is practicing her clarinet in preparation for her tryouts for wind ensemble.

Sam tore his ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow about a month ago at his last wrestling match. He is doing better and it appears that he does not need surgery but I am trying to figure out how to fit all of the physical therapy appointments into our schedule. It is healing and now he has to work on getting his range of motion back and rebuilding his strength. It doesn't seem to bother him too much when he is picking on (teasing) Mollie. Sam registered for high school a few weeks ago. It didn't phase him at all but it sure sent me into a frenzy. I can't believe he is that grown up.

Lets see, I have been busy at work as usual. This spring I ordered, received, prepared, packaged, and delivered over 15,000 living "things" to more than 150 teachers across the district. I am very tired of coming home feeling slimy and gross. Work will be busy this spring but at least the "alive" part is slowing down. Other than that I kept plenty busy this last month making sure everyone got to were they needed to be. I played the piano for a musical number in stake conference. It was great to practice and spend more time on the piano. It had been a long time since I had played. Thanks to a lot of prayers, and preparation, the number went great.

Mike continues to go to school and do homework. He has started umpiring "professionally" and enjoys it. He is doing high school softball and NSA tournaments. Occassionally he sneaks in a game of Mollie's (see picture above). A few weeks ago we had a real treat. We were able to go to a concert of Rhonda Vincent. Mike loves blue grass music. It was a fun evening.

The kids and I headed to Montana for spring break and had a great time. It was fun to see all of the family and get away from the chaos for a few days. It was unfortunate that Sam was hurt. He was not able to enjoy some of the activities, like skiing, but we still had a great time. We are hoping the next vacation dad can come with us.

Lets see here, what else. We had a fun easter. Jorelle, Andrew and the kids came up to color eggs and hang out. It was a great day. On Sunday after church we headed over to Mike's parents house for dinner.

I have had many opportunities over the last month to be thankful for the many family members and friends who do so many wonderful things to support us. We love you all.