Update

It certainly has been awhile since we last posted! Lots to catch up on! Life has been busy, as always.

Family: We took an Easter break trip to southern Utah. We stopped at Zions National Park for a couple days (beautiful!) and hiked around. We then continued on to Las Vegas where we spent easter weekend; went to church with my sister and her family, and had a BBQ.

James: Stays very busy with work; not too much travel recently. Is slowly learning the guitar, and has picked up biking as a new hobby to help stay in shape.

Michelle: Has finally fallen victim to scrapbooking. Is doing a great job organizing our family history, and the whole family has had a wonderful time looking at old photos, videos, etc.

Justine: Continues to excel and progress in dance. She has had several competitions, and her team does very well. Loves being in Young Women's and adores her leaders. She is growing up fast. She is very independent, and has lots of friends. She doesn't seem to need to have friends around all the time. She is very confident and secure, and is comfortable with her family. She does have a teasing streak like her dad, though.

Emilie: Has moved on to baseball, and loves to play! Her true love is going to be basketball, I think. We bought her a hoop recently, and she begs to play Jr. Jazz. Who knows? Maybe Emilie and Rylee Holmes will be running the Lady Jags backcourt one day. C'mon Stacy...lets get Rylee going! :)

Emilie taught me a great lesson the other day. We were over at the Sandy park watching cousin Austin play baseball. We wandered over to the skate park and were having fun watching all the kids skate, bike, blade, etc. After a few minutes, we started to head back and passed some boys playing b-ball without shirts on. She immediately turned her head and said "I am not going to watch those dudes with no shirts on!" A few seconds later, one of the boys made a comment about smoking, and she immediately covered her ears. She had made some pre-determined decisions about how she was going to respond in those situations. She is a strong little spirit!

Maddie: Is a little Justine. Loves to dance, since, color, and is overall a happy little girl! She is excited to start kindergarten next fall.

Our bishop shared a scripture in Welfare Council today...D&C 6:36-37. It talks about trusting the Lord and his atonement. I really felt the Spirit as he taught. Alma taught that Christ experienced all, so that he would know how to succor us if we turn to Him. It has helped me to remember that I need to rely on Him as I face decisions and challenges in my life. As Elder Holland so beautifully taught in General Conference: He walked the road alone so that we would not have to. I love Bishop Woodruff...he is humble and truly cares for our ward members.