Easter Weekend

Saturday night was Ella's first dance recital. She has been taking from the same teacher that Gillian and Kaitlin had at Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy. The studio did a Disney theme. Every dance was done to some Disney movie. Ella's dance was from The Jungle Book and the song was "Trust in Me." She was a snake. We all went to watch her perform. Kaitlin and Gillian also work with some of the other students so they wanted to see the show. The Payson High School auditorium was so full that they had to bring chairs to set all along the aisles. The crowd was great! It was a very fun peformance. Gillian did Ella's hair and makeup. Don't they both look cute?

Ella hadn't felt well all day long. She had a fever and was very sad. Amy gave her some medication for a fever just before she was to go on stage and Kaitlin stayed with her until it was her turn to go on. She was a pretty sick little girl. We weren't sure she would go on, but she did. She did her part and was really cute to watch.

Ella is the one in the middle with her head down.

We were all really proud of the fact that, despite feeling so rotten, she went ahead and did her dance. She felt a lot better today (Sunday).

We all got together for dinner about 5:00 p.m. Jess and Jen and family came up and so did Gillian and Kevin. Kaitlin has been staying here until tomorrow when she can get into her new apartment. Ammon loved holding and playing with cute little Austin. Can I just say that I've never seen a better, more pleasant baby than Austin? He smiles constantly, rarely fusses and seems to just take it all in.

We had a great meal with everyone pitching in.

It is now the end of a very fine day. The talks in church were outstanding. The music brought a great spirit to the meeting (Adam was in our choir and Jess sang with his). I have reflected all day long about the meaning of Easter. Ammon asked me this morning what the picture of Jesus coming out of the tomb that was on the cover of our program had to do with Easter. We have taught him over and over what the meaning of Easter is but I think he got a little confused with the Easter bunny and the real meaning of Easter. It was my privilege, once again, to explain what Easter stands for and why it is such a sacred holiday to me. The atonement has been in my mind all day long as I am trying to internalize what I teach and talk about. It is possible for the Savior to take my burdens and make them light. It is possible for me to see Him again and behold the scars in His hands and feet. It is possible for me to partake of all the blessings in Heaven that have been promised. Now I need to find a way to really internalize this and turn my faults and shortcomings over to Him, knowing and feeling that repentance brings true joy and peace.

I love my Savior.