Happy Easter!

After a whirlwind trip to D.C. and getting home about 11pm the eve of Easter, we were tired, to say the least! We were so happy to be home and thrilled to see the kids. It's amazing what a little time away can do for your spirit as a mom and wife! We were so grateful to be home and to have had a safe trip and that our kids had a safe trip. We were so grateful to our wonderful parents who had the kids while we were gone. We just wanted to stay up and play and talk, but it was late and the Easter Bunny still needed to come! And he did! Some candy for the kids, some coloring stuff for the twins, a Jub-jub for Connor and the movie, "Enchanted". The kids were as pleased as punch. We were just happy to be with them and to be able to celebrate Easter together.

I love this time of year and the symbolism that Spring has in our lives in reference to the Savior and His Atonement. The renewal of the earth-- coming out of the dreariness of winter into the light and warmth of Spring; the newness of life all around: flowers, trees blossoming again, baby animals being born, the grass and hills and mountains coming to life again-- turning green again. That is what the Atonement can do for us. Our lives, once cold and dead and dark can be revitalized! We can have newness of life, we can begin anew! What a miracle the Atonement is and I am so grateful for it and hope for myself, in this season, I will understand the Atonement more and use it more fully in my life. The gift has already been given, it's up to us to use it.