A feeble attempt at arts and crafts

Since John and I married he has lovingly encouraged me to find some sort of crafty hobby that I might enjoy. Those of you who know me well, know that I am definitely not gifted with a creativity. However, recently I went to the store to find bows for the girls hair and discovered that a decent bow cannot be bought for less than eight dollars. So, I decided to try my hand at bow making. This is a picture of the first bow that I made for Caitie. Since this is something that doesn't take a lot of time or talent maybe it is the hobby that I have been looking for :)

the only constant is change

For the 4th time in 5 1/2 years the Spring Creek Ward boundaries have changed again. Bishop Fisher was also released with Bro. Driggs being called as the new Bishop. (with Todd Williams and Blaine Bates as counselors)

It seems a bit strange to think that the Flakes and Hills will no longer be in our ward, but it is exciting to see the church grow so much in this area. The stake president also mentioned that the Parkway Ward, which encompasses many of the new neighborhoods along 249 on the way to Tomball, has over 500 members.

Like Dad said in his recent post, I hope that I am a help and not a hindrance in the growth of the kingdom.

This past week the kids and I went down to Lake Jackson to enjoy some time with family. One of Brian and Caitie's favorite activities there is "swimming" with Papa in the hot tub. Brian was very proud of himself when he learned to dive underwater with the scuba mask.

Motherhood.

It is hard to believe that it has been a month since Anne-Lorenne was born. It has been a month of adjustments, learning, and reflection. I guess one never knows the impact a new life will have. Throughout the nine months of pregnancy we anticipate all that a new little one will bring to the family. I know that I was particularly concerned about the feelings Bri and Caitie would have about the changes which took place and I prayed that the transition might be made easier for them. Thankfully, things have gone smoothly, for the most part.

With the birth of each of my children I have pondered the trust that my Heavenly Father puts in me as he sends me His children. I have wondered what each of them have to accomplish in this life and how I might help them accomplish this. I feel great responsibility and inadequacy in this role. I often wonder what I can to to help them have a firm understanding of who they are. I hope and pray that I might instill in my children a love of the Lord and a love for all that is good and right.

What an incredible privilege parenthood is. Elder Faust said, "While few human challenges are greater than that of being good parents, few opportunities offer greater potential for joy." How true this is. As I continue to reflect on what I might do to properly nurture my children I will constantly be grateful for the opportunity that I have to not only teach them, but to be taught by them.

The first weekend in March Anne-Lorenne was given and name and a blessing in our ward. We took the opportunity to spend some time with family members that we don't get to see very often. Joy came down with the boys from Austin. Matt and Natalie, Sam and Ethan came from Dallas. Saturday night we were able to celebrate John's birthday with a Mexican dinner and a yummy eclair cake (thanks Joy!!). John and Matt spent some quality time together by playing Mario brothers into the wee hours of the morning.

On Sunday the Ellis side of the family was joined by my parents, my sister and her husband who were visiting from Arizona, and two of my brothers. Before church we had a luncheon with all the family and a few close friends. We are so grateful to have such wonderful family and friends to celebrate life with!!