A calling.

Today is a day that I don't think I will ever forget. It is a day that signifies some major changes in the life of our family for many years to come. Today Marty was sustained, ordained, and set apart as Bishop of our Ward. 

Marty and I have known this day was coming for a few weeks now. We have been quietly trying to prepare our hearts and minds for what The Lord needs him to do. It is humbling, overwhelming, and exciting all at the same time. When the Stake President sat us down, he told us that this call was not just approved by him and his counselors but that the First Presidency had also approved Marty's name. How truly humbling to know that even the Prophet of God has been praying and pondering over the name of my husband and the needs of the people in our area. 

This day was also bittersweet because our Bishopric changes came about as the result of boundary changes for our ward. There are several wonderful families that will now be attending different units to help strengthen other parts of the stake. But we have faith in the Lord's plan and His greater understanding of why these changes needed to happen.   

Even though I knew what was happening in our Sacrament meeting today, as I heard the Stake President announce Marty's name over the pulpit and ask the members of the ward to show their sustaining by raising their hands I started crying. They were not tears of sorrow or joy for the moment, but perhaps tears for the sorrow and joys that I know lay ahead. Marty hugged me and kissed me goodbye and took his new place on the stand. Even in that moment, the mantle that is to be his for the next several years began to settle upon him. 

When I was given the chance to stand and bear my testimony, I spoke of the heart and how it has such a capacity for growth. Marty's heart will always be for me, for our family, and, of course, our Heavenly Father. But his heart will expand to hold a little part for every member of our ward. It is truly remarkable. How grateful I am for his willingness to serve, his righteous holding of the Priesthood, and for his faith in and love of the Gospel, our Savior, and our Heavenly Father. 

A new adventure awaits. 

Drop everything kind of day.

We woke up this morning with a check list. We had farm and rabbit fences to rip out, laundry to hang up, the hardware store to visit, an oil change to fit in, and the potential of a hike to preview for a future Young Women's activity. 

But then we went outside. It was gorgeous. So gorgeous that we moved our oatmeal, toast, and eggs to the front porch to start soaking up the sun as soon as possible. As we ate we decided we should at least start working on fencing and see where it lead us. 

By lunchtime we had finished the front garden and the day had only gotten more beautiful. We threw the rest of the plans out the window, got everyone in the van, and headed to the beach and Audobon. 

I suppose we still accomplished a hike, just not the one that still needs to be done:) Back home, we pulled the bikes out of the basement for the first ride this spring. And the day just didn't seem like it would be complete without our first fire of the spring to roast hot dogs and marshmallows. 

The kids were so tired going to bed tonight that one was snoring before we could even finish saying family prayer. That is the sign of a happy day.

Oh, how we love the spring!

Springy.

We had a slow start, but spring is finally here! I love seeing the signs of spring surround us as the days continue to warm.

Inside we can finally feel the springtime with the last butternut squashes being roasted up. The basement had emptied out of our winter stores, just in time to start thinking about new foods to fill the shelves.

Outside we are finally seeing new growth with the daffodils and rhubarb pushing through the dirt.

And the animals finally get more space to roam as the pastures open up and the grass fills in.

I love these weeks and months when fresh things are happening, but the garden is not yet overwhelming us. The children crave the sunshine and spend as much time outside as possible--and the house stays the cleaner for it. Oh, spring, we love you.

That time.

I love that time of night when Marty and I get to lay down in the dark and discuss the day or just life in general. There never seems to be much time for it anywhere else except in those few minutes before sleep.

Tonight was an exceptionally sweet night of discussion and reflection--no doubt fueled by minds full of powerful General Conference talks. As we spoke, we found ourselves overwhelmed by how incredible each of our children are to us and what a gift it is to watch them learn and grow.

As I feel another life stirring inside me, I cannot believe how blessed I am or how rich I feel. How grateful I am for the opportunity to be a mother. 

Overheard:

"You're my best best best best BEST friend" --Dot to Lucy

Such a tease.

It's one of those sunny, 50 degree February days that almost makes you believe winter is over. And for today, I'll fall for the trick. 

We started the day wrangling animals and mucking barn stalls to birds chirping and sunshine on our backs. Then we headed off to a winter farmer's market I discovered about 30 minutes away. I was in heaven, floating from vendor to vendor, trying wonderful samples and filling our bags with goodness. For February in New England there was an incredibly diverse spread of products available. 

When we got home, we couldn't help but have a picnic. Our new jar of salsa from the market was pulled out, along with some other nibbles from the fridge. The big people sat in peace while the little people tromped through puddles, tried to cut apart pinecones, and drew pictures of what they saw around them.

Oh, winter. Please don't over stay your welcome. I'm catching spring fever.

Painting.

With all this snow, we've been doing a few more indoor projects. Dorothy and Lucy particularly love watercolor paints. Dot will ask, "mommy, what should I paint next?" I will give her an idea, and off she runs with it. My recent favorite was when I asked her to do a bunny (we've been on a bit of a Beatrix Potter kick lately), and she came up with this:

She calls it "a bunny dancing in the moonlight." It was partly inspired by all the bunny tracks she can see in the snow every morning now. She must imagine them out partying in the late night hours:)