Train depot and Jersey's

The Boys LOVE the train depot in our city.  It is an old depot that is now a visitor center for the city. They are friendly with the staff as we wait for a train to zoom past.  This wait can be short or long, you never know.  As we were leaving for the depot this particular time I wished i had a grab and go snack handy. Then I thought of paper bags of popcorn!  Genius.  The boys were content waiting for the popcorn to pop. I filled paper bags with popcorn and we munched away outside while we waited for trains to go by.  This is a memorable day for the boys.  Not only was the pop corn a hit but there were 5 trains that round.  Compared to the 1 or 2 or sometimes none.  (I set a time limit on how long we watch for ; )

Best buddies!

Kansas City MO Temple

The Temple was announced in 2008 conference!  The same session as the announcement for the Calgary Alberta Temple!  It was quite the thrill.  All the family phone lines were going!  It is a stunning temple.  This is the open house.  Toma was visiting during the open house time so she too was also able to attend with us.  I need to upload pics on here from that amazing visit with Toma for the weekend. I still can't believe that dream came true of she and I spending time together from so long ago 1999.  That is a long time ago when you consider the distance to Russia.  I always knew we would see each other again but didn't know when.  

The boys did well during the tours.  I took them with another friend Gretchen on a different day too. 

It is a huge blessing to have a temple in our area.  So thankful.  It will be dedicated on May 6th.  Which is also Kya's birthday.  Easy to remember for us how old this temple is from now on.  There was a great attendance to the open house by members and non members of the church.  I am always glad for these kind of opportunities in the community to dispel and clarify misconceptions and  thoughts of the Church.  So positive! I love the temple and the beauty and peace that I feel there.  I am thankful for the covenants I have made and the blessing it is to return again and again.  The temple is for everyone. I feel so close to my Heavenly Father there and feel of His love for me and his great love and concern for ALL past and present. 

Kya : ) we love you!

The Hearing when Kya was adopted - will be unforgettable for me.  The feeling of love, relief and gratitude was tangible.  Family love.  Even the Judge was teary and personable.  The attorney was crying with joyful humble tears throughout. Really I doubt there was a dry eye in the room.  The spirit was so strong.  We all felt a beautiful peace and comfort and love there.  The Judge had her go up to where she sat and allowed Kya to use her microphone for the questions she asked.  Kya was so sweet and confident.    I think a precious moment that is etched into my mind is when it was all said and done Kya along with her parents Chad and Amy were asked to stand and could turn to all of us seated behind them.  Kya turned into Chad and was sobbing.  Amy encircled them and the 3 of them together - it just seemed like we were so blessed to be able to witness such a tender moment.  Then Mia and Eli joined them and now this family was complete!  This pic above is this moment! 

That Kya has got a smile that lights up her entire face.  

At Grandmas Sanners home after Kya's baptism and confirmation!  Another special day for her!

At the Winter Quarter's Temple for Kya's sealing! Yet another special day for her and her family!

Attending the Winter Quarters Temple will not be as likely anymore...considering our new Temple district will be the Kansas City Missouri Temple!! I have fond memories of this Temple.  I am sure we will return someday...I hope.

All the family headed to Jimmy Johns for lunch after we were at the Temple. 

Our boys travelled so well and we didn't regret bringing them along at all. 

Wade actually said that he was SO glad that the cousins and rest of the family there

could be together - That we did the right thing coming as a family.  I'm thankful too! 

Eyelashes? I take it as a compliment

If you are looking for someone to help you, I'm not into this personally, but I recommend Leon for your eye care needs. He squares up and while breathing loudly and rhythmically he focuses with slow precision while his chubby little fingers begin honing in on fluttering eyelashes.

It is hard to say if he believes they are in need of thinning out or if it is merely an exploration to ensure ones eyelashes are clean, clump free and at their longest lengths possible. He's good.

This skill has been developed at age 10 or 11 months on his first client, me his mother. Then his client base grew thereafter. His father, while they wrestled he found it imparitive to pause briefly for this "lengthing" or the untimely "thinning". Another client is Kent, his brother. Playtime can turn into worktime, when Kent is holding still long enough those eyelashes are ripe and ready and Leon won't let the opertunity pass him by.

I forgot to mention his focused determination turns to a grand satisfaction, the reward of a job well done. He's good.