EASTER PICTURES!!!

Easter was great for us. It was our first Easter in Washington and it went pretty well. The Saturday before the girls and I went to the Primary Easter Activity. I was in charge of the cookie decorating station. It worked out pretty well until Lydia woke up and wanted to be held. Arlee took her time decorating her cookie. I didn't mind since I was still trying to figure out how everything was going to work once she was finished.

Hans was working that day and wasn't available to help me. Luckily, I have some friends in the ward that offered to help me with Arlee. While Arlee was at a different station Lydia had a blow out and people needed help with cookies still. Thankfully the rush was pretty much over when I discovered Lydia's blow out. As I was changing her diaper and clothes they announced it was time for egg hunting. So I hurried and got Lydia cleaned up and in the backpack all bundled up so we could go out with Arlee. 

Arlee went out already with some friends and started hunting. She was so excited and thrilled to be out and about. I tried getting a couple of pictures, but Lydia wasn't having it. The wind was hitting her right in the face no matter what I did. Then the Easter Bunny came. Arlee wasn't having it! It scared her so bad. So no picture of the Easter Bunny with Arlee. The Easter Bunny started walking around to each of the kids and it was fine as long as it was about 20 feet from Arlee. She scared enough that she wouldn't even put her back to it far away so I could get him in the picture. Oh well, maybe sometime she will grow out of it. 

We went inside and started cleaning up. While we were cleaning up the Easter Bunny came inside and caught Arlee off guard and she started screaming! Man, this was way more than I anticipated. Arlee has never liked Santa, but I thought maybe she would be okay with the Easter Bunny since she hasn't seen them before, NOPE! It is okay though. I did feel bad for her. I am pretty sure I was the same way- so I can't say much. 

Ward Easter Egg Hunt and Activity

Pictures of The Girls on Easter Sunday

This picture reminds me a lot of an expression that Hans makes.  

 Arlee making kissing sounds while Lydia was a little fussy

 Holding her hand so she can be happy.

 I just love her hair.

AHHHHH....

We hope you all had a wonderful EASTER.

Love,
The Hoge Family

Oh how blessed I am!

It was conference weekend this last weekend. As I was listening to the talks I couldn't help but think, 'I am so blessed.' I feel His love all the time and I see His creations everywhere I look. All I need to do is open my eyes more. I have to admit; some days it is harder to see things clearly and I get a little discouraged in the fog of life.

I can't remember who it was speaking, but all of the sudden, it hit me. It was exactly what I needed to hear. He was speaking right to me and I totally felt the spirit and His love for me. Conference was just what I needed and I am so glad to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I know I would not be the person I am today with out the examples of those around me and the gospel in my life. I especially wanted to thank my mom. She has been such an example to me of strength and leadership. Not to mention her faith in the gospel.

The gospel helps me see the big picture. Most of the time I get caught up in my earthly life I forget to see the big picture. So this weekend was a great reminder of how I can be better and how I can be a better latter-day saint. Not to mention a better mother for my children and a wife.

I feel blessed to have the priesthood in my home and a husband that is very supportive in his role. My family has been sealed in the temple for time and all eternity. I have two beautiful girls. My family is my world. Our friends are supportive and encourage us to be the best people we can be. Here in Yakima I have felt at home-most of the time. I am sure our ward has a lot to do with that and I am so grateful to them. Especially, the ones that treat us like we are family. I am so blessed to have all these things in my life. Having my prayers answered and knowing that I can turn to anyone for help. Especially, my Heavenly Father.

I look forward to the next conference in October. I am going to continue to clear this foggy view of mine. By focusing on what really matters makes all the difference.