Released

Today I got released from the Primary Presidency.

I cried when Brother Barraza called to make an appointment to see me. I knew why he was calling.

I  loved this calling. I had never been in primary before and I learned so much. 

But Brother Barraza could tell I was sad about being released (even though I know I am moving in two months) so he said, "how about the nursery?" And I said "oh, yes, I love nursery!" I thought he was just saying I could hang out in nursery for the next two months, but today they actually called and sustained me over the pulpit! I am so happy! I have coveted the nursery calling for years now, and it's finally mine! He he he! 

And this week I videotaped Sami doing a singing show for me. It was so funny to me. I thought her accessories were hilarious, and she is using a toy blood pressure cuff for her microphone. She made up the song but I think she got the "rock star" part from Barney, because BJ sings about being a rock star (although I can assure you that is not a goal for our children!)  And half way through Janie starts choking on an apple and I start hitting her back. You can only hear it because Janie was sitting by me for the "show." 

This past week Jonathan and I spent four days in San Francisco by ourselves! 

Last December, Jonathan's program asked him to represent their residency in the Arizona ACP chapter contests. So Jonathan did a poster presentation and an oral presentation and took first place in both. So he got a free trip to the national convention in San Fran. Of course I wanted to go to, so my parents came to watch the girls and I got to support my hubby, take some time off, and just enjoy being together. It was so nice. It was also a little stressful for Jonathan to present again and to be judged again. It was pretty intense. But he got to leave the conference every afternoon and do whatever we wanted...nice. 

We went to San Francisco on our honeymoon, so it was fun to return. Although this time we stayed down town, so we didn't get a rental car. I didn't anticipate how much walking we would be too, didn't bring appropriate shoes, and got blisters. But I loved it anyway. 

Jonathan and I have great memories of San Fran because of our honeymoon. We had a somewhat different experience this time however, just because we couldn't explore as much and well, we have three kids and the stress of life, which we didn't have on our honeymoon. But this trip we decided we are good with San Francisco. We don't need to come back. It was nice to re-visit but it is not really a city that I love. 

 But I do LOVE the chocolates made there. Mmm...so good. 

 And I turned 34 this week. 

It seems crazy that I am this "old." I never felt like I would be in my mid-thirties, it's just not an age I ever thought about. But honestly, I love my life so it's totally cool. I do think I will struggle with birthdays in my forties. Just a hunch, but I think that's when I will feel old. Maybe because my mom struggled with aging the most when she was in her forties. (Sami tells me she wishes she was 34 and that I am so lucky to the oldest in the family ☺)

So what's up with the weird cake, you ask? When my parents were here, my mom wanted to have a little party for me. She and the girls planned it out and my mom made the most wonderful german chocolate cake. But we didn't eat all of it. So on my actual birthday, we finished the rest. 

 The girls think these pictures of me blowing out the candles are so funny.

And as always, J spoiled me on my birthday. Bought me roses. He took the day off and made me breakfast in bed, took care of all the housework all day and took care of all the kids. That's pretty amazing for a tired man who isn't home much. He gave me some gift cards and told me to go to the mall, after my two hour nap. It was ah-mazing! :) I also had friends and family come by and call. I went to lunch with Jonathan's mom and sister.  I felt loved and appreciated, which was really, really nice. 34 is going to be a great year for me-it has to be with a start like that! 

Conference and Janie

The more kids I have, the harder it is for me to concentrate on general conference. 

Good thing I can print them and watch them again. 

To their credit, Sami and Janie love conference. But I am not kidding myself here. They don't appreciate the spiritual feast. They love the snack-fest that happens around here. I figure we should make some positive associations with conference. So they get lots of snacks and treats. Some for every apostle. And some in between. And then Jonathan brought home donuts, chips, and suckers. Great. More junk. Oh, well. 

And Janie has been doing some really funny things lately and I want to remember them.

Everyday she picks a new name or title that she wants me to call her. Yesterday it was Courtney, the day before that Sophia, and the day before that Princess Jane. 

For a few days she insisted on calling us Mother and Father (only it sounded like Mudder) and insisted that I only call her Daughter. 

Sometimes when I tell her something, she says "ok, Mother, I understand," in such a cute voice it just melts me. She can wink. She tilts her head to be of maximum cuteness effect.

She is totally into skirts. She begs for tights, that I have to put on her. She loves dress up. She has insisted on pig tails every day.

 Last night Jonathan found her like this. She put my socks on her arms for gloves. 

I am so glad we have her in our family. The cuteness is overwhelming.