Will it help if I sleep in her bed?

So Jaden is currently on her second week of visiting cousins and spending quality time with her grandpa Lynn in Okinawa, Japan. We definitely missed her the first week she was gone but what we did have going for us was Miriam and Lexee visiting--which kept us on-the-go and plenty busy. Contrarily, this week has slowed to a crawl for all of us back home. In fact, the other night I couldn't easily find Ty when getting ready for bed. Finally, I found him in Jaden's bed, face buried in her pillow, crying. That night he slept in her bed.

We miss you terribly Jady Lady!

Here are a couple of pics that I've copied from my sister in-law's blog to give you an idea of what she's been up to. I'm sure she has barely enough time or energy to think of us back here in the states!

Yes, this really is Jaden holding a python! We went to a place called Okinawa World that is kind of like a museum/park where you can learn about Okinawan culture. She wasn't sure at first that she wanted to hold the snake, but after holding it with her cousins, she decided to go solo.

The other really cool thing at this bath house was the "Doctor Fish." They are little fish that like to eat the dead skin cells off people's feet. If you put your feet in the water the fish come and nibble on your skin. It tickles! Jaden was really hesitant, and she only dipped her feet in for a second or two.

Savannah and Jaden in front of a tree full of "prayers." When people receive a bad fortune from a Shinto Shrine they tie it on to a tree in hopes that the fortune won't come true.

Position Available: Chef, Nanny, Maid, Friend, Sister. . .

Essentially the title of this post is exactly what I have enjoyed for the past 7 days--a live-in nanny, chef, maid etc. My sister Miriam and her daughter Lexee came to visit--and no longer were my services needed 'round these parts. It was awesome! Except for when she left and my family had higher expectations of me. Danget. No I will not have fresh from the oven cookies and crisp, cold diet cokes at the ready, before you can even think you might want them. And that's just one example.

One other position available: a built in playmate for Reese. Lexee and Reese hit it off like never before. And I don't think it's just because they have similar hairstyles. It was really adorable to watch them interact and ask for each other first thing when waking up. Two peas in a pod.

You will be missed.

Thanks for coming to visit.

We had the best time.

Easter Sunday

Loved that General Conference and Easter coincided this year. It made the day more relaxing which made it easier to focus on the real meaning of Easter. As well, it was just really nice to have someone talking at me while in the kitchen making the Easter feast. Can't remember a year when I was more excited to listen to the Prophet and Apostles--I'm so mature. I am very grateful for their wisdom, insight and presence on the earth today. Specifically, I loved the recurring theme of parenting advice.

Another favorite song and video of mine depicting Christ's life, ministry, death and Resurrection, that I struggled to upload, is found here: http://www.eastvalleyproductions.com/blog.cfm?postID=31

Spring break at Grandma and Grandpa's house

Day One: The kids and I drive 6 hours to Little Rock, Arkansas and stay over at a hotel a couple blocks from the Capitol.

Day Two: We continue the trip by driving 7 hours to Grandma and Grandpa's in St. Louis, Missouri--no one wants to see pictures of that day! Actually, the ride was very uneventful and my kids behaved sooo well--easiest trip to St. Louis that I can remember. But my SUV did look like a bomb had gone off inside.

Day Three: No plans (other than the plan to not drive anywhere). Begin soaking up Great Grandma Rowe, Grandma and Grandpa Johnson, Matthew and Elle.

Day Four: Indoor Swimming at Elle's place. That night we introduce ourselves to Incredible Pizza.

Day Five: St. Patricks Day. Five hours at the Magic House (no pics forgot my camera). Dinner at Grandma's.

Day Six: Butterfly House. Red Robin.

Day Seven: Visit the Arch. See Lewis and Clark Movie. Kyle flies into St. Louis.

Day Eight: Ty's Birthday!

Day Nine: Pull away from Grandma and Grandpa's at 6:30 a.m. Arrive in Houston 8:30 p.m.