Today we did some cleaning up around the house.  Then we spent some time with the Waites.  We had been wanting to do some service so we made cookies for the firefighters in Melissa.  We dropped off the cookies and thought it would be a rushed visit but we were at the station for over an hour.  The firefighters were great!  They showed the kids every compartment in the big trucks.  Showed them how to use all the tools and let them climb in the truck.  This little act of service turned out to be a great evening of fun!

We started out Spring Break with a trip to the Dallas Zoo.  We loved seeing animals we hadn't seen before like kangaroos and kuala bears.  The Dallas zoo had huge tortoises and fun Lego exhibits.  We enjoyed the ant eater and the flamingos too.  

All about McKenzie Ann Hendrickson
Favorite things to do outside:  Ride bike
Favorite game:  Tenzie
Favorite color:  Blue, red and pink
Best Friends:  Emery, Mia and Alisha
Favorite Song:  Some Where out There
Favorite Holiday:  St. Patrick's Day
Favorite place to go:  KFC and Oregon
Favorite family activity:  Soccer
Things I do well:  Art, theater and soccer
Favorite food:  Salmon
Foods I'd rather avoid:  Escargo
Favorite chore:  Help mom and bathrooms
What I want to be when I grow up:  ME!
Favorite part of last year:  When Erika came
Favorite sport or activity:  Soccer
Something I did that I am proud of:  moving
My favorite part of every day: School
Something new I'd like to learn: to play the piano
My favorite book to read:  A Story to Tell

What a sweet, sweet, special girl we have in our family!

I can't believe it's been 8 years since this darling baby was born.  She is such a gift in my life.  Mckenzie is always willing to go with the flow, go without, help out, smile, hug, blow a kiss, be a friend.  I love that she lives to spend time together.  Families are so divine.  How do we get the opportunity to live with and live such incredible people.  Today, I am extremely greatful!  Happy birthday miss Mckenzie I hope you know how special you are!!

This little darling was born 8 years ago. It's so hard to believe.  She is such a joy to have in our family.  McKenzie is kind.  She is loving.  She tries so hard to be her very best and to serve others.  McKenzie is a friend to EVERYONE!  She stays clear of drama and knows when someone needs a helping hand.  McKenzie has a fierce testimony of the gospel and a great knowledge and understanding of truth.  She works very hard to be good.  She is a quiet example and a quiet leader.  She doesn't demand the attention of the room or group but people look to her.  I can't imagine a single moment of my life without her.  Happy birthday my little angel baby!

For her birthday breakfast McKenzie asked for crepes and bacon.  Taylor and Hallie had practices after dinner so we had "cake" at breakfast. She got scriptures for her birthday.  McKenzie was so excited to read and mark in her new scriptures.

McKenzie is such a good cook that she made a marble cake with butter cream frosting and chocolate dipped strawberries.  It was delicious!

In one Nephi chapter 5 verse one Soraya rejoices for the return of her sons inverse to it talks about her murmuring sync your husband was a visionary man. When Nephi returned with his brothers she said now I know of a surety that the Lord has commanded my husband to flee into the wilderness yay I also know of a surety that the Lord has protected my sons and deliver them out of the hands of Laban and giving them power whereby they could accomplish the thing which the Lord has commanded them."I feel as though I have done simmering in my time and I hope that I will change the tone of my voice and speak after the manner of rejoicing.

I started a 90 day read of the Book of Mormon yesterday!  I'm anxious to feel the spirit of the book change me.  I'm also trying hard to pray more fervently and earnestly.  I'm hoping I can illuminate the light of Christ more.  I once did and I feel as though I have dampened a bit in the last bit.  I am thankful for the ability to draw upon the powers of heaven to help make me better.  Writing is important to me and something I have missed a great deal.  I am hoping as I put pen to paper so to speak  my thoughts will be better sorted in my head.  

I received a text from Joyce Haner yesterday.  It touched my heart so deeply.  "I had to teach a lesson on service today in relief society. The whole time I was prepping and teaching I was reminiscing on all the service you've rendered me. It's is truly inspirational. I had hundreds of examples of when you've lifted me up but I couldn't share any because I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it. You are such inspired and so in touch with people it! Had to share! Miss you!"  

This makes my heart so happy!

It's been nearly a year since we ordered an airplane from Portland Oregon to Dallas Texas. I cannot say this year has been easy. In fact, my heart still aches to be with friends and loved ones so far away. We have met good people here in Texas. Our lives are blessed. But it doesn't make up for years of close associations and proximity to my family. The children have adjusted well and most days seem OK with being here. There are moments however when I know their little hearts are breaking and I see their grave little souls trying hard to keep on keeping on. Rendell is convinced this is a good place to be and his fellow affirmation after reaffirmation of this. I am willing to lean on his inspiration at this time. Well I am not convinced this is not where were supposed to be it's still hard sometimes.

Going to bed some nights is like going to battle for this little one. Each night she has to arm herself with "sake puppets". Tonight she even needed the extra "protection" of a rice pack. Oh how we hope this eczema goes away soon!

How is team just completed the regular season. The team was undefeated! Hallie has really enjoyed being with such fun friends and playing a game she loves. We are also happy for her!

McKenzie was in the newspaper this week.  It was a well deserved tribute to a little girl who works very hard to do well in school. Two weeks ago I had really been praying that McKinsey with you sir receive some recognition that she deserved for the hard work she puts forth into her educational pursuits. Not many days after I begin this prayer I received a phone call from the newspaper getting my permission to run this article about McKinsey. The write up they read to me was more thinking than the one put in the paper. In the previous right up, it explained how McKinsey not only does well academically in achieving 100% on all of her benchmark tests but that she also offers to serve and help her teacher and her friends. I couldn't be more proud! And I couldn't be more thankful, to this answer to prayers! 

We spent the day fasting that we will find answers to Evelyn's skin problems.  Oh how I hope.  

We haven't had hot water since Thursday.  It's crazy the things we find ourselves unable to fully function without.  Rendell made a little contraption with our camp shower so we survived.

Evelyn's prayer today after childbirth talks  around the table... "Heavenly Father please bless that I never grow up!"