Spring Photoshoot

I go running through the neighborhood next to us and they have a cute little nature trail by a cornfield- well these tiny yellow flowers sprung up last week and it is breathtaking. I always think while I'm running that I should bring my camera one day and take pictures. Well this morning I loaded Elise up in the car and we just drove over there to do a little photoshoot. She enjoyed herself and so did I- I  love this new computer's iphoto features. I waste a lot of time now=) I hope you enjoy the pictures- Elise is so much fun at this age! Her new favorites include singing the itsy bitsy spider, watching the movie Cars and laughing at Bry's dancing (I thought he was choking..but he was actually dancing..) Life is wonderful.

Easter and stink bombs

This Easter was wonderful.  I am pretty sure Elise enjoyed the foil covered chocolate eggs the most. We were at our neighbor's house and Elise snatched a few from the table and just ate away- foil and all.  When we tried to take off the foil she was devastated-- strange, strange child!  

I am still undecided on how to handle the whole Easter Bunny business- we didn't really talk about him with Elise because in my mind it takes away from the whole point of Easter- the Resurrection and Atoning Sacrifice of Christ.  In the future I think we might do a fun Saturday and then Sunday start traditions which point towards Christ. I do love Easter because of the feeling of renewed hope, love, and brightness it brings.  It's sad when that message is blurred by the commercialized world.  It's a blessing to have Elise and Bryan and my family to celebrate Easter with because they strive to show the Christlike love that should be emulated at this season.  Reading the scriptures and learning about His life also bring me a clearer view of what I'm celebrating and it means something that truly can't be bought. I have definitely found that my testimony of Christ grows stronger as I make efforts to simply put Him first. I try to read my scriptures before I start my day and just the mere mental effort it takes for my scattered brain to refrain from doing dishes, going running, or thinking about tasks of the day helps me bend my will towards His.  It probably sounds ridiculous that that seems a sacrifice for me, but it honestly is. I have noticed more of his love in my life- it has probably been there all along, but I seem to recognize His hand so much more- so I am blessed - literally blessed for my obedience. I do love Christ- I love the life that he led and the life he still leads now. I can't wait to meet Him and thank Him for the happiness and eternal gifts he has bestowed to me. I am thankful for Easter to remember Him.

I wasn't planning on making this such a spiritual outpouring- but it happened--  So to lighten the mood here is a video of Elise making her "stinky" face and some pictures of Easter. Enjoy!