Today it is Easter Sunday. We were lucky enough to be able to attend church as a family today, even if it was just for the beginning of it since Lester has to work. I've been thinking a lot about all the sacrifices we've been making lately for our families-Lester especially. Between work, church and everything else we don't get to see him as often as we'd like and sometimes I feel discouraged from this, and from being away from all our friends and family. I find myself asking why we have to make so many sacrifices...but days like this remind me why.

We are trading in something of worth to us-our time and sometimes our talents-for something worth so much more. Just like our Savior did for us-but his sacrifice was so much bigger, and because of that so much more all-reaching. We read in the scriptures how he suffered pains, sufferings, disease and death to make this ultimate sacrifice. So much so that he bled from every pore. But he followed through with it, and he sacrificed for us. This day we celebrate our utmost joy in his resurrection-he conquered and loosed the bands of death as a result of this sacrifice. All this so that in him, we might find life and a way home. Today is a day of resurrection, newness and joy. Even the seasons rejoice this time of year as they bring forth sunshine, flowers and happiness. They testify of him, as do I. I know my Savior lives, and that he loves me. I'm grateful he gave his life, and was resurrected for me and for all mankind. I'm grateful for this day and this time to remember that because of him, even though Lester and I can't be together right this second, we can be together forever in the eternities. It gives me hope and it gives me peace.

Addy turned 5 months last Friday, so I want to make sure I record a bit about who she is at this age. She is so full of personality and spunk that we are loving every bit of it.

When I was a kid one of my favorite people to study was Jackie Robinson. Although he played for the Dodgers, he had so much in him that I respect and admire. He was a man of conviction, bravery, and endurance. Yet, in the midst of his trials, he was not applauded-he was treated with the hate and disgust of hundreds. He never gave up though-an although he may have seen some measure of what his monumental sacrifice did, he probably couldn't have guessed he would someday be lauded as a hero and have a movie made about him. Trials are like that I think-we put our head down and push through them, without daring to look up because we can't think about anything more then the step in front of us without getting overwhelmed. But he took all those steps and made it through, and our nation can be forever grateful for that.

One thing that has been a LIFESAVER for us here in Oklahoma is video calling. For the most part, we use Skype, but sometimes we use Facetime. It has made the hundreds of miles of distance between us seem more bearable, and helped us all to remain close. I love the fact that when we go home someday somehow, Addy will know who her family & friends are since she talks to them every day. I also think its adorable how when she sees the computer now, she smiles, lunges forward and starts babbling, like she's waiting for somebody to be on the other side. Typically, we talk to my sister Hillary and her hubby daily, along with my parents and siblings at home. We talk to my sister Mariah, Lester's parents and my high school friends fairly often to. So again, we're grateful for our families, friends and we're grateful for the technology that makes it possible for us to see them often.

Confession: I am one of those mothers who takes to many pictures and thinks her kid is the best thing this world has ever seen. But I am unapologetic about it-I hope all parents feel that way about their babies. A perfect example of this is I get excited just thinking about planning her first birthday party already haha! Every time I start to get into it though, I stop because I want it to be centered on her at that specific time-who knows what she will be into! I've heard of kids into princesses, garbage trucks, puppies, etc etc. I thought Addy wouldn't start exhibiting stuff like that for a while. But I was wrong! Lately she has been loving bunnies of all things. We have a bib that has a bunny on it, and she seems to do better with that one on. She even eats her baby food better! She also has this little bunny my Auntie Maya and Uncle Matt gave her that she just loves to cuddle with and hold. Who knows-by the time her first birthday comes, she will probably have moved on and not even care about bunnies. But while she still does, I am going to enjoy it as much as I can!

The other day we checked off another bullet on our Oklahoma bucket list. We went to a Thunder game! Even though the Jazz got spanked, it was still very fun. I will say this, I don't think I will ever take a baby that young to a pro basketball game again [at least without noise cancellation headphones or earplugs]. While she loved the lights and people, the sudden cheers and jeers definitely scared her in the first half which made me feel bad for her. But by the second, she was a bit more used to it and she did fine. It made me think what a cool girl we have-she goes all over the place with us-to movies, restaurants, long walks, parties at friends, church, and a million other places, mostly without complaint. If anything, she just smiles and babbles-we get surprised comment all the time on how well behaved and sweet she is. So thats why when I could see the noises scaring her, I felt really bad-because she isn't normally like that. I think we are born in the order we are for a reason-Addy is wonderful to have as our first child because she makes me want to have more someday haha. Anyways, you live and learn I guess.

Addy has been showing all the signs of being ready to try baby food. You know, trying to grab our food as we're eating it, crazy excessive drooling and sucking on her hand like theres no tomorrow. So, we thought we'd start small with rice cereal. The first time was kind of a dud-we followed the instructions and tried to spoon it to her, but the consistency was to watery and it was a huge mess. We put it in her bottle instead and she drank it right up. I tried again today and made it more of a mush consistency, and while it wasn't quite as bad, she still didn't enjoy it. I can't blame her though-I would probably cry if someone tried to give me that haha. I think we'll try some actual baby food in two weeks or so, like carrots or peas or something. We will see how she does with it then!

Anywho, all that crying can sure make a girl sleepy. So, she quickly conked out in her Bumbo after a quick bath. Oh how I love watching this cutie pie grow :)

I've talked before about things that bring us comfort-like comfort movies, comfort food, etc etc. Tonight I was thinking about the association that goes with them. Or in other words, what MAKES these things comforting enough to soothe our souls. There are the obvious ones that most people share, like fleece or a chicken noodle soup or hot chocolate. But I think I just want to share a few unusual ones for me. 

Today I turned 25. Or as Lester & Luke like to keep reminding me 'a quarter of a century' haha. It is funny to think look back on the so far of my life and see who I was then and who I am now. It is definitely reflected in the ways I celebrated and the things I think about. For example, I think this year was probably one of the most low key birthdays I've ever had. But I find myself also feeling more contented then I ever have-calm, at peace and fulfilled. If you knew me back when, you would realize what a huge statement this is! But I love it with all my heart.

I got to sleep in a bit, and I got the joy of waking up with my husband next to me, since he didn't work today! This in itself was wonderful. Addy was in a great mood the entire day, all smiles, cuddles and giggles for me. I opened my present from my parents right away and it was a blue ray version of Cinderella [we're trying to stock up on Disney classics] and the movie Chocolat. There were also sweet notes and some delicious Ghiradelli chocolate. They know me so well. Addy and I watched Cinderella while Lester ran some quick errands for birthday stuff and when he got home my sweet friends took me out for lunch at an Italian restaurant. It was my first time out without Addy. It was nice to not have to worry about her crying or needing something, but weird at the same time-I felt like my right arm was missing haha. But it was good. When I got home, Lester was working on my annual homemade cake [mint chocolate chip ice cream cake] and had gotten me 2 bouquets of beautiful flowers. That boy still gets me. After spending some time together doing other things, we went to Cattleman's Steakhouse for dinner. The steak was delicious and it was a fun family date. We came home and enjoyed getting together with some friends for cake and games. We finished out the night skyping with my family and then watching Wreck It Ralph which I loved.

It really was just an all around good, chill, fun day. I felt special and loved and contented, and that is what every girl looks for. I feel like Anne of Green Gables, when she said "I am happy Dianna-and nothing is gonna hold me back." I didn't see it before and its taken quite a while to get back here, but I am coming to the realization that I am happy-and I am not going to let anything hold me back. Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it. 25 is going to be a good year for me. I just know it.