New Blog!

I've been wanting to create this for awhile, but with a really cold Pennsylvania winter and our computer in the equally cold (and windowless) basement, I've been procrastinating... I have an aversion to cold (and dungeon-like) surroundings! So, we just moved the computer to our nice warm, sunny living room and I have a new lease on life!!! It just takes a little change to motivate me. I'm calling this Simple Life because "simplify" has always been my motto, and with the craziness all around us in the world I have an even greater desire to live it. Living on the edge of Amish country, I am frequently reminded of the dedication of a religious community to take this idea to a complete way of life. Actually, our favorite bread of all time comes from the local Amish Market just a few miles down the road! I can taste it now...

Just last week we had the privilege to sit at home all weekend and watch General Conference as a family. Our kids know that the first weekend of April and October we clear our calendars and expect everyone to be at home and ready to listen to our church leaders. President Monson's closing remarks were the ultimate in simplifying (and inspiration)... Our future is as bright as our faith. It can't get much clearer then that.

This past weekend we had some time off (Conan and kids), so we took a day to go "somewhere"! We hopped in the car and drove a few hours south to visit the historic home of one of the great founding fathers. George Washington's Mt. Vernon. Wow! It was incredible! The drive between Alexandria, VA and Mt. Vernon (about 13 miles) is unbelievable! Bordering the Potomac and lined with blossoming trees, it is absolutely breathtaking, as is the entire setting of the estate. It had a sacred feeling to it. Emma and Elizabeth especially loved touring the mansion and observing the sheep with their new lambs scurrying behind. That was pretty sweet! We finished off the day by getting to know the freeways around D.C.- Conan was amazing with that map... and we found P.F. Changs in Arlington! That was my birthday dinner!

Our Easter Sunday was lovely as well... So nice to be able to share my birthday with Easter! I got some beautiful hand made cards and gifts and an amazing necklace from my mom-a unique handmade silver rectangle with four rows of stones, three in each row that she acquired in Israel a few years back. It represents the 12 tribes of Israel and is a priceless gift. Just as priceless are the sweet cards and presents crafted by my children and husband and given in love! The happy birthday wishes from family and friends are treasured as well! The amazing dinner prepared by Conan, with help from all, our traditional Passover food and family favorites let us all cherish the day reserved for our celebration of our Father in Heaven's ultimate gift to us, our Savior and Redeemer. I am so grateful; for the gifts of Easter, the blessings of life and renewal, and the love of family.