Sertifiticket

"Certificate. Free time with kids. I will help you with the thing that you are doing. Turn back to Max after used 4 times."

Sertifitickets are the key to peace on earth.  Or at least on Tuesdays at our house between 4 and 5:00.

The Most Important Cause

[T]here is no service greater than that which converts the home into a divine institution, and which promotes and preserves family life.

[T]he most important cause of our lifetime is our families. 

Put everything you do outside the home in subjection to and in support of what happens inside your home.

[M. Russell Ballard, April 2012 General Conference, "That the Lost May Be Found."]

Life is Beautiful

I had to share this picture of a top that Haven made for Lydia in her Family and Consumer Sciences Class at school.  So cute!!

This morning, Lydia came to me while I was folding laundry. As if she were telling me what she wanted to do for her birthday, or what her baby doll was going to eat, she said:

“My life. . . my life. . . is. . . so. . . beautiful.”

Mine too.

Flash Cards en Francais

I found this blog called The Graphics Fairy. She offers free vintage images (sorted by category-- architecture, transportation, botanical, etc.-- click on "Search" for categories) to use in any number of decorating projects. Dallin has been very interested in French recently, so I thought it would be fun to use some images of vintage objects to make flash cards, and frame them in the entry way. Easy, fun, cheap, and done quickly. Now I'm eager to use some more of her images!

Come Listen

This weekend we get to listen to living prophets speak. General Conference happens every six months, and it is my favorite time of the year. Our whole family looks forward to being able to be together and feast on the words spoken to encourage us, inspire us, direct us, and lead us to be better followers of Christ. Come listen too-- Sunday, April 1st, 10am MDT.

Branson Break

My mom is wonderful. She is hardworking, thoughtful, caring, practical, funny, and matter-of-fact. She also serves her children tirelessly-- including those of us who have left home to rear our own families. This year we wanted to repay her in a small way. My sister-in-law Holly had the idea for us to take her on a trip to the place she's always wanted to go. You guessed it-- Branson, Mo. I had never heard of it before either. It's an entertainment destination-- like Las Vegas, but without the gambling and other adult entertainment.

We started by presenting her with the surprise on Christmas Day. Hers was the last gift to be opened, and she had to follow a treasure hunt before she discovered the treasure-- a trip to Branson with all her daughters and daughters-in-law for her birthday in February.


Some highlights from the trip:


This little angel sat with me on four different flight almost without making a peep. (The car rides around Branson during which she cried incessantly-- not so much of a highlight.)

Getting to travel with my mom and my sister, Hannah, which turned out to be a huge blessing when our flight was delayed 4 1/2 hours and I couldn't get home until the next day. So grateful for families!!

These gift bags that my sister-in-law, Kristen, put together for all of us as we arrived-- complete with owl necklaces to honor "our wise lady." She is so thoughtful and unassuming. When I grow up I want to be like Kristen.

Eating out with all the ladies. I even got a baked sweet potato with cinnamon butter as a side dish. It was awesome! Thanks to Kandis for soothing Lucy to sleep so I could finish my dinner.

This water, fire, music, and lights show outside the restaurant. Really fun.

Seeing the Twelve Irish Tenors. Afterwards, as we paused to meet them and thank them for their performance, my unsuspecting mom was serenaded by a rousing, Irish-drinking version of Happy Birthday by these 12 Irish men. Happy Birthday Mom! I think those are tears in her eyes. Either she is emotionally moved, or mightily embarrassed.

The Girls with a few of the tenors. "Tag me!" one of them called out as the picture was taken!

Glow-in the dark miniature golf, Splash-mountain style! Thanks to Julie for pushing my stroller during nearly the whole course-- you can probably blame me for being on the loser's side! And to Holly for helping to carry my stroller down the stairs. It was a good type of trip to be on my own with a baby-- with lots of other moms who miss their babies!!


Planking in the Hughes Brothers' Theatre. This was the punishment for the losers in miniature golf. Did anyone notice I was golfing with a real, live, moving baby in a baby carrier?? The Hughes Brothers show was awesome as well-- amazing family!

And lots and lots of chatting and eating great food around this table! Other memories:
Kandis's hand signal that will go down in history.
Kimberly allowing us all a moment to pause to consider our personality colors.
Leaving Melanie off the reimbursement list (sorry again!)
Heidi keeping my lactating self company.
Holly, Julie and Mom's trip to Arkansas while Kandis, Kristen, Hannah, and Kimberly were up to no good.
Julie, Mom, and Hannah singing with me every primary song we can think of to try to soothe Lucy in the car.
Melanie's awesome photography skills in the church foyer.
Late night talks and tons of ideas on how to become better women.
Thanks girls for the first semi-annual Barlow girls trip! (You guys are ready to go again in August, right?)

Certificate of Appreciation

Everyone needs one of these every once in a while. Mine was resting on the dashboard when Jeff picked me up from the airport after our girls trip to Branson, Mo.

Dallin was the author/designer, but he got all the kids to sign it. I'm glad my absence made their hearts grow fonder. I missed them too! What a way to come home!