My cup runneth over

First of all, my good friend Jill surprised me with this cake at a Book Club meeting we had at my house last week.  How sweet is she?  Jill is so crafty and talented.

Ryan and I spent our anniversary having a bunch of fun with the kiddos.  They were off school that day, and I told them it would be a technology-free day.  After many groans, they agreed that a game of baseball or kickball outside would be fun.  They worked hard to finish their chores, and I called the Napiers and Simmons to ask if they wanted to join us.  As soon as the chores were finished and the kids were excited . . .it started raining.  Instead of cancelling our plans, we decided to head to the church and play a friendly game of kickball in the gym.  The Napiers and Simmons joined us and we had a blast!  I wish I would have taken pictures.  I'm glad I could prove to my kids that exercise and time together can be even more fun than technology!  After a rambunctious game of kickball, we all went out to dinner together.  What a perfect celebration of my 15 years as Mrs. Ellefsen.

Last week was a very sad time as our friends, the Lucas', held their baby Carter for the last time and began to plan his funeral.  The "Celebration of Life" they held at their church was a beautiful service, but (in my opinion) left a lot of words unsaid.  Their preacher did the entire service, including any prayers or songs.  Although the Biblical words about peace were very comforting, I felt like jumping up and saying, "Yes, this is right!  And there's so much more!  I wish I could help you understand the whole plan.  Carter is perfect and alive!  Families can be together eternally, and there are so many more beautiful scriptures that can bring you peace!"  I'm so grateful for my knowledge and understanding of my Heavenly Father's plan, and I cherish my personal relationship with Him. 

While Ryan was traveling for a couple days last week, I decided to be spontaneous and take the boys to see Star Wars 3D in the movie theater.  They ended up being the only people in the theater, so I left a couple times to do nearby errands.  Brevan kept in touch with me over his phone and took very good care of Logan.  I couldn't stop smiling at my baby boy wearing his 3D glasses upside down!

The girls felt quite left out that evening, so after the movie and took the girls out to dinner.  They brought Lilly and Amelia along, and we all enjoyed some yummy Mexican food.

There have been so many exciting announcements about the Kansas City temple dedication!  My oldest boy gets to perform in the cultural celebration for the Prophet!  I took him to a fireside last night where they discussed the MANY upcoming practices and couldn't stop tears from falling from my eyes.  What a wonderful, life-changing experience this can be for these tender youth.  And how incredible to be involved in witnessing a temple built RIGHT HERE IN CLAY COUNTY!  The early Saints will be cheering along with us as we celebrate this momentous occasion.  The theme of the cultural event is "Of One Heart in the Heartland" and I will get to be involved with the planning and production since I'm in a youth presidency.  The cultural celebration will be performed on the evening of May 5th, and our Stake will be hosting families and youth from all over Missouri.  I hope I have a basement full of guests with us that weekend!

Ryan's parents get in town on Wednesday, and will be here for almost two weeks!  The first week will be spent with our whole family, and the second week they will be watching our kids while Ryan and I jet off to Puerto Rico. 

I've had the most spiritual 6+ months of my life.  The Spirit has literally flooded me and I have never had such an abundance of joy.  My cup runneth over.  :)