I friend just emailed me a link to a very inspirational slide show.
Check out the reflections of Christ link to see it.

The MS Walk was a great success!!! The kids all did so well walking, Shawn led the pack. The Wilkey Walkers raised over $1300!!! Thanks to all our friends and family!














Here we are at the World War II memorial


This is where Washington Crossed the Deleware.
It was so great to have Grandma and Grandpa with us the whole trip. We will cherish these memories forever.

A few pics of spring break

We loved our vacation. I could never tell on this blog ALL that happened. So here are the highlights.
Saturday:
MS Walk
Washington Crossing the Deleware park
Sunday:
Philidelphia
Amish Country
Monday:
Gettysburg
Tuesday:
White House Tour
Capitol Tour
Air and Space Museum
Natural History Museum
Wednesday:
The Monument side of the Mall
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Visit to some SUU Friends, the Hardings
Thursday:
Nate and kids went to the National Zoo while
Jen, Grandma and Grandpa went to the temple
Home
















Maybe someday Ryan will understand what we saw on this day.
















We ran into our great friends, the Leavitts when we were in Gettysburg. They were our friends in California and babysat our kids often. It was such a surprise to see them!















This picture isn't that great, but it was the kids' favorite part of our tours from Joyce Bennett, wife of Senator Bennett (Utah), and family friend.
She so generously took us on a tour of the White House and the Capitol Building. It was fun to walk past lines and go places only family of Senators are allowed. This little tram is how the Senators and Congressman get to and from the Capitol from their offices.

3 dollars and what/gallon?????

So the gas light was on for a while today and I finally got to the gas station to buy gas. This is the result! I thought I would have a heart attack. I have NEVER paid $70 to fill my car before. I hope it is a last, too.

I feel like I'm starting to come back from the dead. Friday night I started with the symptoms Shawn had last week. Only, I don't have strep! I think Shawn had this virus on top of his strep. That would explain why the antibiotics didn't seem to help like they normally do.
My friend, Jocelyn took my kids this afternoon to the park. Hence, why I am blogging. I should be tending to the volcano of laundry I have before it explodes, but why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?
Our trip to DC starts the day after tomorrow. I guess we'll have to make it work somehow.
I AM really excited to see my mom and dad and be on vacation with my family. Everything else is extra.

American Idol

So, a friend posted about American Idol and I have to say, I'm such a fan this season. Some seasons I'm either too busy or just not attached. THis year I have them recorded on my DVR so I can watch them even if I am busy. I've been exercising and watching them. I wish I was under 29!!! Not that I could win, but whenever I watch it I think of what songs I would sing- what an amazing chance it would be to be able to do that!! I'm a dreamer- so I'm waiting for American Idol 30s!!
I have a great photo of myself singing at an amuzement park in high school really belting it out. It's quite funny and I'd love to show it to Simon!!

Take the Quiz here!

You are my Shawnshine.

Shawn has Strep throat:( He really doesn't feel well and has had a fever since Friday night that finally went down tonight (Monday).
I don't like having sick kids. I feel so sorry for him. He is really miserable. However, I cherish the moments when he wants his Mommy. Those moments are becoming less and less common. I love my baby boy!! He has grown up so much. I love watching him try new things and find new hobbies or interests. I particularly love to see him devour books. His favorite thing to do with me is to scare me. He is really good at it. It helps that I am almost as easily startled as my mother. One of those things I do and think, "ARGH! I am so much like my mother!!" We loved scaring her while we were growing up and my oldest brother, Steve was the best at it. I guess we're just keeping up with tradition, Shawn and I.
Get well, my Shawnshine. I love you so much!!

Ryan or Shawn?

Shawn, of course! But Ryan would insist it is him.

Tonight we took Nate to an airport just 20 minutes away for a work trip. After we dropped him off we went to a Park on the Beach that we love in the summer. It was windy, but REALLY fun. I am a terrible photographer, but had fun trying to capture the kids!

Happy Easter!!

The kids had a great time finding Easter baskets this morning.

A hunting we will go...

Friday we had a little Easter egg hunt with some friends. Around Valentines Shawn wanted a party. Not wanting to do it then I said we could have an Easter Egg Hunt. Well, Thursday I called some friends and we whipped one together.

There were twenty something kids. As you can see from our clothing, it was not warm! It was beautiful, though and the kids were great sports and the dads did a great job hiding eggs. Thanks for coming!!

Shawn loved it...especially chasing the girls!

What a FULL week!

Monday: St Patricks Day

Wednesday: Cara lost her top tooth. She is way braver than mom, pulling it out herself. I can't even be in the same room while she wiggles it! She insisted on getting it out before going to school. We barely made the bus that morning. No, that is not her tooth! Just a good smile to show it off!

Thursday, Ryan and the other kids had "Spring" Celebrations. The Easter Bunny was really cute at Ryan's preschool.

Thank You for Being my Friend!!

On Friday I had my first annual Soup Exchange Party. That's right, it is going to be an annual event. I loved it! I invited some friends to come to my house with 6 batches of frozen soup and one ready to share with everyone that night.
It was such a success! The soups made were all delicious and different. There was yummy bread, deserts and Julie's cheesecake which is my favorite! I spent the weekend ruining my diet on her leftovers. I hope everyone had a good time. I have such great friends. Best friends I've had since we moved here over 5 and years ago. New friends that I just enjoy being around. Those that have come and gone I miss so much. No one can ever take your place!! I feel so blessed to have dear friends to share my life with.

My favorite friend, Nate took the kids to Horton Hears a Who which the kids loved!

Thanks guys, I love you! Thanks to all of you for being my friend!

Dentist and Pickles....

Sound good? Well, Ryan went to the dentist for the first time today. He missed snack at Preschool because I picked him up a little early. He was so good at the dentist. It was adorable. Here he is smiling for me. The picture showing his cute teeth was blurry. But he's getting ready to try out a deli he and I have wanted to go to because of its name- PICKLES!



Ryan Loves pickles. We thought this would be the best little place for a Mommy- Ryan date today. We got a turkey sandwich with the tasty green things sliced on it. Then it came with a big pickle. He loved it and then carried the bag out to the car by himself after showing his muscles off to the cashier. I just love this little guy! I'm so glad I get to stay home with him! We miss everyone else sometimes- but most of the time, we just enjoy one another. Although, I think it is my hair he likes, not necessarily me:)

Look Alikes

I have spent some good time with my parents on the phone the last couple days planning a trip to DC. We are soooo excited. First, to see them. Then do the Walk MS together. Then go on vacation with them to PA and DC! Mom and Dad, I love you and miss you. Every time we get together is so rewarding!!
We have booked our hotels- Yeah Hotwire.com.
I'll post more when we actually go.

So, In January our beloved prophet, Gordon B Hinkley died. We were sad. But this is a picture of the new Prophet, Thomas S Monson and his 2 couselors. Henry B Eyring and Dieter F Uchtdorf. Our kids love Elder Eyring because he looks like their grandpa:) My dad!!
Here a some pictures- You decide if we're right!

The kids are dancing and singing to Hannah Montana. What amazing face painting, eh?

For the Birds

Shawn made a bird feeder for cub scouts. This morning there were lots of birds out there trying to get some seed. As you can see- it has been well received!

I love you SO MUCH!!

Last night as I was laying down with Ryan at bedtime he said,
"Mom, do you know I love you SO MUCH inside my hawt(heart)!"
Now whatever in the world is more priceless?! I love you, too buddy! Deep inside my hawt.

A World Free of MS

As many of you know, I was diagnosed with MS 4 years ago. I am doing extremely well for which Nate and I are so grateful!! This year my parents will be here for the MS Walk and our whole family will participate. You will get an email in the next few days from our kids. Shawn is the team captain of the "Wilkey Walkers" and will be asking for donations. Every week I take a shot and don't want to wake up the next morning. When I am sleeping in past the kids they say, "Did you take your shot?" This is a great opportunity for them to help me keep going and to see that we have it so easy compared to many with the disease. If you go to nmss.org and find Wilkey Walkers at the Staten Island MS Walk, you can donate to the cause!

Last time I did this we raised $700 and it was such a great feeling to feel supported and loved. Thanks be to Heaven for wonderful friends and family!! We love you all!!