It's Easter. This has always been my favorite holiday. Yeah, I like Christmas and Thanksgiving too, but Easter has always been my favorite. Little did I know in years past how much I would really come to understand the significance and importance of this holiday. It's because of what our Savior did for us, a couple of thousand years ago that makes it possible for us to live again after we die. I have always known this truth, but it hasn't been until this past year that I have come to truly believe in it as I do now. I miss Jake so much each and every day, and some days it's very hard to want to get out of bed. But - the knowledge that I have about life after death is something that I can never deny and because of that I go on. I am also extremely blessed to have such wonderful kids and a husband that loves me, and I want to be the best I can for them. I came across a quote the other day that I want to share here too, cause I shared it with the ladies I visit teach and on facebook. "Part of the reason the Savior suffered in Gethsemane was so that He would have an infinite compassion for us as we experience our trials and tribulations. Through His suffering in Gethsemane, the Savior became qualified to be the perfect judge. Not one of us will be able to approach Him on the Judgment Day and say, "You don't know what it was like." He knows the nature of our trials better that we do, for He descended below them all." Glenn L. Pace, Ensign September 1988. I love my Savior.

Derick left for South Africa yesterday morning. Because his plane left at 6:50am, we decided to stay at a hotel by the airport so that we didn't have to get up at 3am to be ready to leave our house by 4am. Derick and the kids went swimming in the hotel pool Thursday night and they had a great time. I guess our kids are kind of spoiled when it comes to going to hotels, cause Zane had just asked the week before if we could go to one, so he lucked out:) We went to the dentist yesterday too, and that's down in Salt Lake as well, so it worked out perfect. None of us have any cavities - YAY! After that we went and visited our friends the Potter's. We haven't seen them since Christmas so it was about time! Ingvild and I talk a lot on the phone, but it's way better to see her in person:)

I am very excited for Derick to have school behind him. It has been a lot of stress for him to balance work, school and home. All work and no play can be very stressful, so I hope he is able to relax and have a good time in Africa, even if he is traveling with people he probably wouldn't pick himself to go places with.

Well, the kids are still awake, so I need to stop for now so that I can get them to go to bed. McCall is giving a talk in primary tomorrow, he is going to read an article out of the Friend about Easter, it's the easy way out for me;-}