Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I'll try again tomorrow."

All the Green Girls are growing up

This is a picture of my beautiful baby sister Emma. She is going to graduate next month.....so crazy. She is such a great example to all of us. I know I look up to her, and not just because she's five or so inches taller than me. She is such an strong person and has a super huge testimony she isn't afraid to share with anyone. She is such a strong person. I know I couldn't have moved to a new school as a sophomore and the one of two members of the church in the whole entire school (entire school meaning k-12). Plus she has harder classes in high school than I ever remember even seeing offered on a class roster at good old Weber High School. Equestrian Science anyone.....?

Way to go Emmy.....We love you!
Plus Jordie took Emma's senior pictures and did a fabulous job!

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

-Nelson Mandela

This is my favorite new Green family picture...

Wild Kingdom....?

So either I'm a little bit of a duck nerd or I have way too much time on my hands. Outside our bedroom window we have a small stream and pond. About one month ago I spotted a pair of ducks in our little pond. I was so excited I had to tell Austin as soon as he got home from work. I really wanted to have little ducklings swimming around, and was super bummed when I didn't see the ducks the next day and then spotted a bunch swimming around in the stream across the street. Austin has been constantly teasing me about "our" ducks and the fact that they left us for better water.

I have since spotted them a couple of times but tried not to get my hopes up (I say them like I can recognize them...however any mallard and hen would fit the description, but don't bash my dreams).

Today I cracked the blinds in our room to let some light in and to my surprise there was a pair of ducks sleeping on the grass next to the pond. I ran to grab my camera to prove to Austin that they were back. When I opened the blinds up all the way they woke up and started moving around. Then to my surprise the hen took off across the grass just as another mallard flew down and landed in the pond. Then I was all nervous like the two mallards were going to battle to the death over the hen. They all headed up the bank across the grass and the new mallard started going after the hen. I had my camera posed and was like," Here we go..." in my head ready for the male ego showdown duck-style.....However all three ducks flew away and my hopes of feathered drama were dashed. Then I realized there was a lady on the sidewalk outside walking her dog....except she wasn't walking and was just standing there looking my direction. I don't know if she was watching the ducks or watching me obsessively taking pictures of the ducks through the window. I'm hoping the ducks.

Writing the story makes me think I may have been to excited today about having baby ducks in our pond....but I really want to watch them grow up right outside my window.

(the pictures are not great since I took them through the window and the screen)

In comes the challenger.

Even if my story isn't how the whole deal was playing out I'd like to pretend I witnessed a little duck soap opera. Thinking of a title....Ducks of our Lives or All my Ducklings. All three ducks flew away....I'm still hoping for some little ducklings in our pond. Crossing my fingers.

Jenkins Easter.....Conference and Easter Egg Hunt

We spent Sunday afternoon with the Jenkins'. We ate yummy food and hung out until the session started. What an awesome last session! There were several talks I felt were written just for me. What a blessing it is we have such amazing instruction from our church leaders.

Hannah, Olivia, Kate, Cameron and Owen playing before the last session of Conference. They were having a great time....plus check out Kate's face.

Kate, Olivia and Hannah.

Kate and Olivia "cheese" for the camera.

The whole crew receiving instructions from Grandma about how the Easter goodie hunt will be run this year.
Starting off with the youngest age category......
(Kaycee, Olivia, Kate and Addison)
Addison's bag was under a pillow on the couch.

Kaycee searching in the curtains.

Kaycee found her bag in the sewing machine box. I have not idea where Olivia found hers.

Kate's goodies were in the Piano.

Kenidee searching the kitchen for her bag of goodies.

Kade found his in the laundry room.

Waiting for Grandma to let them out to search outside for eggs.

And they're off...

Kenidee giving Breann a boost.....and they still weren't quite tall enough. I think Grandpa had to come over and help them out. I'm not a bad aunt for not offering to help them either....I'm just not much taller than Kenidee.

Kenidee had to go to great lengths to get the egg out of the swing set.
(look up high...the green egg sticking out of the top right side).

She got it!

Examining the loot.

Learning from the Yo-Yo Man.

Uncle Erik teaching how to properly use a Yo-yo.

Easter Morning

Everybody needs a diaper picture.

Deacon helping Emma vacuum.

Whit put Hallie's hair in pig tails....I could not get over how cute they were. I bet I took 5 pictures of just the pig tails....obsessive aunt, probably.

Hallie and Jordie.

Kelsee modeling Deacon's gladiator helmet.

Steve, Tyler, Austin & Aaron. I'd like to give Aaron a special thanks since he was the only one to look at the camera.

The boys were in a little bit of a weird mood......thus a group hug.

Austin and Steve teasing Emma before she left to go to conference. Steve enjoys making people feel uncomfortable by giving extra long hugs.
Hallie and Deacon playing with Uncle Tyler.

Blowing bubbles....it doesn't really matter how old you are, it's always fun for everyone.

I love this picture!Where did Hallie's lips go?

Picture with Hallie and Deacon. It was so bright outside....can you tell?