Easter = Christ and Candy (What Could Be Better?!)

The Easter bunny came, and left the goods.

But he came yesterday, because we want to focus on the reason for Easter, on Easter. Today, I am especially grateful for my Savior, the Resurrection, and the Atonement. There is no better gift anyone can give - except maybe chocolate. =)

Rednecks for a Day

Which means the Pima County Fair was in town!!! All of your problems seem to disappear when you surround yourself with family, fried foods on a stick, animals, and rides.






I love how different children are. Sariah is a little dare-devil! She wanted to ride EVERYTHING and wasn't afraid of the wind, the heights, or the fast speeds. James on the other hand, stuck to the stroller. He was perfectly content watching his sister! Maybe as he gets older, he'll venture out a little. But if not, that is quite alright, too.

Cool Shades, Dude!

With the summer approaching, the sun is rising earlier.

Which means my children were rising earlier.

Which means I bought some great black-out shades.

My sexy handyman and his assistant put up the new shades.

Create, Imagine, Explore, Be

I always wonder what is going through children’s minds when they explore places like this. What are they thinking? What are they learning? What are they realizing? Developing brains are a wonder to behold!

I think Sariah’s got the idea.

Cars, and Trucks, and Things That GO!

James will crawl into any car, stroller, or wagon and have fun for a long time. Seriously. Don’t you wish you could do the same?!



I always wonder what is going through children’s minds when they explore places like this. What are they thinking? What are they learning? What are they realizing? Developing brains are a wonder to behold!

Makenzie Sue - We Love You!

We had a BLAST for an entire week with Makenzie Sue!! Adventures, imaginary friends, awesome naps, running around, and parks were visited. Can’t wait until she returns!

A Day

What do you get done in a day? What do you WISH you could get done in a day?

I thought it would be fun to share 24 hours in our home, in pictures.















And still managed to get 5 loads of laundry done, folded, and put away. Cooked dinner, helped the kids pick up the house, and wrote 3 units of curriculum last night. No wonder I was ready for bed at 9pm.

It was a good day.

Angel Lexi

Meet Lexi. Lexi had it hard growing up. She was abused, and used as a bait dog. She had to fight for her life - literally. She came from the kind of family that gave PitBulls a bad name. She was taught to fight, was beaten, and starved. And then she was dumped in the desert and left for dead.

Until Angels for Animals found her, rescued her, and saved her life. Lexi came to our home to rehabilitate, and get well.

Lexi knew she had been given a second chance at life. She LOVED everyone she met - sometimes too much. She felt she was a 60-pound lap-dog. She snuggled, licked, and couldn't get enough of people. But do you know who she loved the most? Children. She followed my children around all day because they adored each other.

Unfortunately, Lexi's fighting instinct never went away. When she saw another dog, her instinct kicked in and she felt she had to fight for her life. Instinct took over, and her rationale disappeared. We discovered this as we went along, and knew that whatever home she found (she was a foster at our house), she would have to be an only animal. She just couldn't ever be taught to love other dogs because she was taught to kill them. How do you change that? You don't.

Sunday afternoon, it was warm and breezy. The front window was open and we were enjoying the last bit of the afternoon session of conference. A dog walked by on the other side of the street. Lexi feared for her life, pushed against the screen, broke it, and fought for her life. Jared and I ran out there as fast as we could. Lexi had a hold of this other dog and wasn't letting go. We got her off, Jared wrestled her to the ground, and the other dog was tended to. No harm done to this other dog. None. Lexi had her collar in her mouth. Otherwise, this dog would have been dead.

Jared put Lexi in the garage, police and Animal Control were called, and I sat with this woman who's dogs were just brutally attacked. This woman adores dogs, too, so her heart is softened towards animals who were abused. But when she looked me in the eye, and with tears in her eyes admitted, "I want that dog put down," all I could say was, "You're right. She will be. This can't happen again."

Angels for Animals was called, and Margie (one of the founders) came out. She agreed that Lexi had to be put down. This can't ever happen again. It shouldn't have happened in the first place. As I sobbed, Lexi was taken away. I wasn't sobbing because I didn't want it to happen - I knew it had to happen. I sobbed because this was inevitable. By 6pm, she was an Angel.

Damn you animal abusers who forced her to be like that. She was an amazing dog, and would have lived a long, happy life, had you not created a monster. YOU are the kind of people who give pitbulls their reputation, not the dog themselves. She couldn't help herself! She didn't know any better! I am so angry at you. There is a special place in hell for people who abuse animals and children. You WILL stand accountable one day for your actions - and you better believe I will be there, testifying on Lexi's behalf.

We will miss you Lexi girl. More than you know. I am glad you are free of your physical rage towards other animals, and can play until your heart's content.

I have seen the neighbor's a few times since, and they are all doing wonderful. The dog doesn't even need to go to the vet because she's just fine. Tender mercies.