Self Esteem

I've never met a toddler that didn't absolutely love themselves. They seem totally enamored with their own toothless smiles, chubby tummies, and wild hair. What happens to this unabashed joy in self as children age? Wouldn't it be lovely if each adult you met embraced their own talents, bodies, and thoughts without the need to lift themselves up by demeaning others? Imagine. . .

The Great Outdoor Challenge

We've been participating in The Great Outdoor Challenge this month. The goal is to get outside every day, regardless of the weather and take a picture. Going outside isn't a challenge for us, but remembering my camera and taking decent pictures is a different story. One of my personal goals is to make it outside with Persy every single day and we pretty much keep that commitment unless winter air quality has us home bound. I think spending time in nature is vital for both children and adults. It has such an impact on our physical and emotional health and is the perfect playground and classroom for young children.

Ant and bug observation is very popular right now. Persy poked at these ants and then bent down to give them an enthusiastic kiss before I could stop her.

Feeding the Ducks

In Our Community Garden: We are getting ready to join with two other families to plant a scrumptious garden of tomatoes, cucumbers, beets and other healthy fare.

Persy proves that learning can happen anywhere and nature can be found even on a small apartment balcony. We had a little discussion about grass since she is so fascinated by the gardeners who come to mow the lawn.

A Beautiful Spring Sunday Walk in Our Neighborhood

So Long, Farewell

I had to say good bye to one of my childhood friends this week as she prepares to move her family to Boston. Rebecca and I have been friends for nearly 20 years! When we were in Jr. High school she moved away for a couple of years to Arizona and I remember sobbing dramatically before she left. This farewell was less teary, but I still felt a pang of emptiness as we departed. I really hate good byes.

At a Mad Hatter's Tea Party a few years ago, Rebecca is standing next to me second from the left.

Breakfast before Boston with the same group of friends.

Easter Cutie

We had a happy Easter spent with extended family. We enjoyed listening to many messages about Christ and Family during the LDS General Conference on Saturday and Sunday.
Persy Dying Eggs with Daddy

Persy had no competition for her egg hunt, so she brought in quite the haul. I filled her eggs with toy farm animals and stickers since most Easter candy is off limits with her nut allergies.

Holi: Festival of Colors

When I was a freshman in college I had a boyfriend from India that would charm me with exotic tales about festivals and wedding celebrations in his country. I could listen to him talk for hours as we gobbled up egg curry and ate it with our fingers. (His fingers always had the lingering delicious smell of spice.) He told me about the Holi festival where people would run around throwing powdered dyes at each other. It sounded like so much fun. I was thrilled to find out that Utah has its own Holi festival at the Hare Krishna temple in Spanish Fork. I went to the festival with my adventurous friend, Megan and we joined thousands of young college kids to throw dyes into the air and at each other. My pictures don't do the event justice, since I was reluctant to take my camera into a multi-colored war zone. My best recommendation is to google the event or check out a video on YouTube.

BEFORE: Wendy and Megan



AFTER: Even my boogers had turned magenta.