Till we meet again

April 5-11, 2015

Sunday, April 5 - EASTER
We woke up to an Easter miracle. It was snowing. In a valley so desperate for moisture we were grateful!

Cindy called that morning and asked Kurt to come over and give Grandpa Miles a blessing that he would be able to pass on. After Kurt gave the blessing he went and visited with Grandma Romans and then to Boise to be with his dad. The kids and I watched the first session of conference 

and then headed over to the hospital to see Grandpa Bill. We stopped in Ontario at Grandma Romans' but she wasn't there. We had plans to do an egg hunt. Austin already had all the eggs hid by the time we figured out she wasn't home. We let Jane find them before we piled back into the car.

Happy Easter at St. Al's

We visited in the family waiting room because there was more room there. Grandma Cindy gave Kurt a bunch of quarters so the kids could each pick something out of the vending machine.

Spencer and Kurt stayed a few more hours before coming home. On the way home we saw a rainbow. It was the perfect Easter reminder of God's love.

Monday, April 6
That morning at 5 am Grandpa Miles passed away peacefully in his sleep. I know the reunion in heaven is sweet. Grandma and Grandpa are reunited again, dancing for sure. It is unreal to lose to such great men in two days time plus Grandma just a month before. My prayers are pleading for strength for Bill and Cindy.

After dropping off the kids at school we got groceries for us and Cindy. Then breakfast with our favorite peeps at the Plaza. Followed by a hair cut for me.

We met Kurt at Grandma Romans. He was loading up Ken's chair for Bill to use - in anticipating he would be released from the hospital soon. Kurt took all of the groceries up to Cindy also.

Marti was headed to Boise to visit Bill and so I picked up Braxton & Brooke and they hung out with us after school. We put Brooke straight to work during Girl Scouts as we all weeding the flower boxes at school.

Then we headed over to Fruitland to watch Austin's tennis match. He was at the very end. We are learning that that is how it goes in Middle School tennis. Start with 8th grade and work your way down. Thankfully the match was at Mesa Park and all the kids enjoyed playing while we waited. Austin's partner was Cayson Young and although they didn't win, they had fun together.

This girls LOVES to slide. She does it all without help. Over and over again until it was time to go. 

By the time Austin's match started it was getting cool. Thankful for a jean blanket in the car!

Ice cream cones for all these cuties to celebrate greatness!

Tuesday, April 7
Jason Ruf had pink eye so that met Tyler and Bryler came to play. Towards the end they came to see what was going on during preschool. But mainly they were good playing buddies. When Marti came to pick them up she convinced me to let the girls come too in exchange for helping out at Cub Scouts for her. No problem

Drum and Piano lesson before heading over to Cub Scouts.

Spencer made a tool box in Bears. So grateful for these patient leaders!

 I realized during CS that I would have to take home all the boys who lived in Willow Creek. I was counting and that was 6 boys plus my 4. YIKES! Party wagon

After we got home I quickly changed and got the kids lined out. Then Jamie and I headed to the temple. I was so glad she was able to go. It had been quite a while. The entire session was signed, that was interesting. We were starving and had breakfast at Denny's afterwards. We got home at midnight pretended like we were young and whatnot in the middle of the week.

Wednesday, April 8
We started the morning with Austin's 12 days until I receive the Priesthood countdown. There is a morning devotional and evening activity for each day. He was genuinely excited. I love this boy.

Ruth had her 7 year old check up that morning. She is doing GREAT!

 Even at RUTH's check up you can see that it is still always all about Lucy. Oh dear.

Since it is the EIGHTH I picked up Spencer from school so we could have a mommy date. 

He was surprised and pleased I remembered. Glad we make time for these things. 

The first priesthood countdown activity was an article of faith game. We took Cayson with us {his birthday is 2 days before Austin and I had made him the same countdown.} After the game I gave them these grabbers and explained that the priesthood is an extension of the Lord's hands so you can help & serve others.

 Hopefully not too sacrilegious and just fun. 

 And surprise, surprise Jane spent the entire time sliding ;)

It was our turn to drive the Star Dance carpool. Ruth had ballet at the school so Kurt picked her up and took Austin to tennis. We finally tried out the Mexican restaurant across the street from the dance studio. I love the decor but Chavalitas food is better!

 Then we took Spence to our favorite penny pig library. Olive bit him. 

Silly boy shouldn't stick his fingers in the cage!

Cool puppets though.

Other exciting news is that I've been working with Miss Amber to bring a dance camp to VALE this summer. She is going to stay at the lodge and hold it at VES. I am so excited for this opportunity for the community! Miss Amber has a great heart and I love her influence on Emma.

Thursday, April 9

Spencer wasn't feeling well and stayed home from school. Jane was happy about that.

Check out this pretty princess on a random Thursday at preschool.

I left Spence at home with the little girls while I went to pick up the kids from school. Jane was napping. I met up with Maria for 30 minutes too. It was really nice to visit. I'm grateful when we make time for our friendship. I had to smile when I saw the "note" one of the kids added to her contact.

Austin went to tennis practice while we went to clogging. They got their new shirts.

The rest of us went to clogging. It was a beautiful day so we hit up the park in between classes. Guess what, Jane was in slide heaven. Third time this week. Haha.

Meanwhile this chicka had a mini photo shoot at the park.

 "Mom pretend we are at the temple. I want to get married."

 Friday, April 10
Grandpa Ken Romans' Funeral

I woke up and arranged 12 vases with flowers for the luncheon before getting everyone ready for the funeral.

I loved this display the daughters put together. 

 Most of the great-grandkids. Missing 2??

Grandkids. Missing 1

 Jane loved Hallie's tombstone. She was there for quite a while.

 Saturday, April 11
Grandpa Junior Miles' Funeral

 Grandkids - missing 2

I've sat down to write something about the funerals multiple time but nothing comes. It was a overload of funerals and tears. They were good men that lived a full life. While we will miss them and many tears were shed we are eternal grateful for the gospel knowledge that Death is not the end!And it allowed us the opportunity to visit with family and share cherished memories and make a few new ones.

~~~Romans Reflections~~~
Emma completed this in her Girl Scout photography badge

- Every time we pass an American flag Lucy says the pledge of alligence.
- Lucy was questioning my knowledge: "How do you know? Because mom's know everything right? Ok, what's 9+9?" When I answered 18 she was so amazed!
- Ruth was giving me a report about Spencer, "The girls chase him at recess. That's a sure sign they like them."
- We turn on Lee Road when we pick up Cayson for school. The kids always say, "Dont' forget the key Lee." {inspired from the song, "50 ways to leave your lover."}
- Lucy made her own chant that she sings when we pass Valley pivots, "McKenzie's dad builds 'em. My dad sells 'em."
- Kurt in his best Nacho libre voice asked what was your favorite color. Jane piped up immediately, "purple"