April Showers bring BABIES (cute ones)...

On April 21st at 12:02, Josie Mae Heward was born into this world. I was teaching, as all good teachers should do, when my mom was sending me updates via text message. I looked at my phone every 3 minutes, as all good teachers should not do, and when I got the word tears filled my eyes. 

I was able to spend Wednesday night, Thursday, Friday night and Saturday with Candace, Grant and Josie. They are a complete family and Candace and Grant are already naturals. 

Welcome Josie Mae, we love you more than you can know!

April Showers bring FAMILY from far and wide...

For a surprise to top all surprises, Laura, Molly and her 3 cuties (Quinn, Max and Mae) drove from Rochester, MN to give Ralph the best birthday present ever. They arrived unannounced, as Ralph was pruning the apple tree in the back yard. With balloons in hand, they snuck around the fence and began singing "Happy Birthday." It was such a great moment. And we haven't stopped having great moments for the past 2 weeks. 

We have grilled much food. We have gotten little sleep. We have shared many great conversations. We did a little swimming in outdoor hot tubs in Park City. The children have jumped on the tramp for more hours than we can count. And their trip got over all to soon. 

We loving having family close. Especially when they come from so far. We look forward to the summer where we can relive all this togetherness. 

April Showers bring RECITALS...

On April 15th Ty performed his Senior Recital. He shared his big night with a great friend, and peer who he has studied music with for many years. Robyn and he played some "rockin and beautiful" pieces. 

I love to see him play. He has such a natural ability, and it is fun to have others come to appreciate this. The Whitesides and Mcdonalds were in full force. And it is great to have everyone together. Thanks for all those who were able to make it. We loved having you there. (Sorry there are not more pictures, I was too busy reveling in the talents of my husband to snap photos.....)

Congrats to you Ty! You are well on your way to becoming a college graduate!

April Showers bring PARTIES....

We celebrated my cutest mother's "1st Birthday." Marking one year since she had surgery to correct the aneurysm. We surprised her by having family and friends meet us at Sweet Tomatoes for dinner. It was great to celebrate with her. I am so grateful that she is around 1 year later, and for a lot longer.

We also had many parties to welcome Candace's little one. I met a few close friends at this great bakery in American Fork, Flour Girls and Dough Boys. They had this great back room where we secluded ourselves to eating, talking, opening gifts, and we even did a little creating. Everyone in attendance added a little somethin' to a Onesie for little Josie to wear when she comes. 

We had great fun. I love to celebrate. And I especially love to celebrate my twin. She is such a great friend to me and many other people.