Easter And Such

Hi Elder Penrod,

I hope that you are doing well. I probably won't have much to talk about since we spoke to you on Sunday.

How are you doing? How is your week going so far? How is your companion? How are your friends doing?

We had our usual Easter Egg Hunt at Lisa's on Saturday. It was fun and they were able to convince Beth and Cameron to hunt for eggs with the promise of vending machine money . It was fun to see Rylen (Liam's boy) and Ethan hunt around for eggs. It sounds like Rylan is going to be a big brother in November. Josh Burger's wife is also expecting, they will be having a boy in September. So lots of new babies on the way.

Yesterday and today the deck guy has been here at the house installing our deck. I am so excited to have it, I think it will look great! We just have to figure out how we are going to barricade the dog in until the fence can be attached to the backyard. Dad has plans to do the siding but we have the wrong trim pieces so it may be awhile until we can get those.

We have a new dishwasher (we have the worst luck with dishwashers). Dad installed it last night, so that is exciting.

The weather has finally warmed up and it feels really good outside. We just have to watch that the snow doesn't melt too quickly. They are showing snow in the forecast for Thursday, so that should be interesting.

Beth is doing a Utah Studies essay on the "Murder Among the Mormons" documentary. So she has been researching that and preparing to send it in for her teacher.

Cameron is reading through the drivers manual to get his permit but he may need some poking from his older brother since he gets sidetracked. He does say he wants to drive, especially when we are going to church.

Curtis has an appointment to go to Primary Childrens in May. So, we are letting him go to practices until then, no tournaments though.

I told you a little bit about Janna's talk on Sunday but I found it interesting because I was having the same thoughts a couple weeks earlier when we were studying the Lord's Prayer. He does ask for blessings but mostly He seeks to align His heart and His will to Heavenly Father's will. I do say prayers for safety and for blessings and I don't think that will change but I have added to my prayers that I will be strong in the face of challenges and faithful, humble and meek when things don't turn out exactly as l had planned. It was a good reminder for me that we are not here to serve our own desires and wills but to serve our Heavenly Father and though it is good to have goals, ambitions, and directions, we always have a need to acknowledge Him and what He wants for each of us.

Well. that wraps it up for our week. The kids have no more school breaks until Memorial Day and school ends so they are in the long haul days where it is super hard to focus because it is so pretty outside and summer is soo close. Wish them luck.

I hope that you are doing well and looking forward to chatting with you tonight.

Love ya tons!!

-Mom