Business trips, brothers and small African islands

Jacob had the opportunity to travel on business the last week and a half. And while that isn't necessarily
 notable in and of itself, what was pretty cool is that he spent that time on the island of Mauritius,
 a country he hadn't been to before. Even more noteworthy than that though, was the opportunity to
work closely with his brother Justin, both on that work project and while in Mauritius. It reminded me
 a little bit of this crazy experience many years ago, albeit on a much larger scale. Cool stuff for sure.

(And a double bonus on this trip, as Jacob was able to spend time with his parents in Paris
on the way to and from Mauritius, with Justin joining on their way home. I'm so very glad.)

Easter Sunday

Grace said it best in our family prayer this morning.
“We’re thankful that Jesus could be resurrected. And that we can be too.”

Happy Easter dear friends. Hallelujah indeed.

A field trip with our Grace

Fourth grade field trip with this darling girl. I sure love seeing her in her element--so happy
and kind and curious and excited--all while being surrounded by such fabulous friends
and amazing teachers. It was a long day, but a good day. I'm grateful I could be a part of it.

The sweetest of brothers

Our beautiful dancer

Our beautiful dancer in her recital tonight. Just so proud of this girl and her hard work,
her incredible heart and how brightly she shines.

Another year of district book battle

This little love participated in another year of district book battle yesterday—a competition
between schools in our area, which consists of reading many a book and then answering very
specific questions about them to see how much you can remember. Grace loved qualifying
 for it again this year and was on such a darling and funny team of four. Proud of this girl
 and her hard work and brilliant mind. And the fact that she just really loves to read.

These darling siblings

These two darlings went to see Jonah Kagen in concert tonight. I can think of almost nothing that means more to me
in this life than the relationship my chicklets have with each other. There really never was a girl as blessed as I am.

I told you she was pure sunshine

Man, I love this girl.

Our Mexico vacation

Grateful for time away with Jacob’s coworkers and their wonderful spouses. Snorkeling, beach time, sailing on
the ocean, dinners visiting and laughing, church in the language of Jacob’s heart—all made for a really beautiful
few days. I’m so thankful for our darling older kids for making it possible for us to go and especially for Jacob.
 Of all the people in all the world, I often can’t believe that I’m the one that gets to be his wife. Just forever the luckiest.

Matt's 20th birthday trip

For Matt's 20th birthday, he decided to take a trip to Joshua Tree to go rock climbing with a group
of friends. So that is where he spent several days last week and into this one. I love these pictures he
shared with me and am so grateful he has such fabulous memories of a really cool birthday adventure.

Celebrating this tremendous guy

Twenty years ago this very day, our family became infinitely more happy, exciting, hilarious and
good because our Matthew was born. He is one of the most genuine and thoughtful people I have
ever known. Not to mention brilliant, handsome and athletic. And kind. Matt is so deeply kind.
Oh, and did I mention absolutely hilarious? Plus one of the most clever and quick thinkers in all
of forever. The combination of which makes for truly hysterical one-liners on a regular basis (all
said with an absolutely straight face, of course). I just can't get over my Father in Heaven loving
 me enough to allow me to be Matt Allen's mom--a privilege I will never stop thanking Him for.

Happy Birthday my amazing Matt! We love you something crazy.

This guy we just really love

Happiest Birthday to the man that makes everything about my life better, brighter, happier
and more full of adventure! Who he chooses to be as a husband, a father and a son of God,
still blows me away. Even after all these years. I guess most especially after all these years.

The world is full of more kindness and love and brilliance and goodness because Jacob Allen is in it.
He works hard, plays hard, serves hard and loves the hardest, because that is just who he is as a person and
a disciple of Christ. He goes about doing good. And when he is done, he goes about doing good again.

Happy Birthday Jacob Ethan! Thanks for being born and thanks for being mine. I’ll never stop
thanking God that both have given me a life that has exceeded every expectation I never knew to have.

A pretty fantastic (and cold) afternoon for Ben

We’re not really going to talk about the absolute insanity of today’s Real Salt Lake
soccer game or the long delays or the crazycakes weather or the fact that I’m just
barely beginning to truly warm up (we’ve been home for more than three hours).

And instead, we are going to talk about Benjamin and about how he and his
comp soccer team were one of the teams honored during half time because of
how well they did in a big tournament in January. Pretty cool stuff for sure.

Love our Ben so much, so deeply proud of the unreal work he’s done behind
the scenes to be such a tremendous soccer player and mostly, just so amazed by who
he chooses to be as a person and a son of God. It is something incredible to watch.

Grateful

Oh March, you are my very favorite. Because you include a certain Jacob Allen’s birthday
(plus one of my darling chicklet’s day of birth), spring starts showing up more often
 than not and mostly, March Madness. March Madness folks. Oh the happy!

But I’m grateful for a good February, where the Lord insisted I rest more than I almost
ever have in my life (in a not so subtle way of getting my full attention) and I was just
able to be with the ones I love most in the world. And watch with wonder as God
performed miracles in the lives of people that are some of my dearest friends.

It’s a good life I have. I’m so very grateful for it.

Indoor soccer and incredible dads

Friday night, just almost exactly an hour before Campbell had an indoor soccer game in Provo,
Jacob came to me and said he wanted to take some of the kids and start driving, to see if he could
make it to Campbell’s game in time. I wasn’t able to go myself, due to some health issues
right now, and Jacob had originally thought it wouldn’t work with all he had on his plate.
But decided at the last minute to do whatever he needed to make it happen.

That is the kind of dad he chooses to be. And I’m so grateful.

Sure love that incredible boy of the blue shirt, his beautiful wife, his darling siblings
and especially his handsome dad. Goodness, I’m one lucky girl.

7th grade

The most handsome of boys officially registering for seventh grade.

Good gravy, time is the thiefiest thief I know.

Forever my valentine

Forever the luckiest.