palouse falls

Cooper is 12

Happy Birthday my sweet Cooper James. You have always been my tender mercy, from the first time I saw you 6 weeks too early with that NG tube up your cute little nose. I'm still amazed by your giant feet, big brown eyes and innate empathy. You have grown out of being cautious in risk taking, but still have a gentle grace in all you do. I get awfully upset with you for eating melted marshmallows for breakfast, or sneaking boxes of sugar cereal under your bed, but inside I applaud your naughtiness. Your brothers and sister adore you and would do almost anything for your attention You melt your aunt's and uncle's hearts and your grandparents couldn't be more proud of you. You are Dad's great hope for a basketball star. You are the calm after the storm my gentle soul, my sweet baby boy. I love you Larry.

silver mountain

Our Silver Mountain Ski Weekend is always so much fun, but this year was the best for one reason: COUSINS! It was so great to have all the aunts and uncles and cousins (we missed Tyler and Chelsea and fam of course). I am so proud of the skiers. All the Lundbergs skied proficiently and Addy, Corbin and Kimball were awesome. I was particularly excited for Corbin because he was a little nervous, even for the gondola ride. By the end of the day he was feeling pretty proud of himself and even announced that he would like to try waterskiing this summer. Addy was a skiing maniac. I think Tony has forgiven Cameron for taking he and Wilson on a double diamond run. Tony said he got snow rash when he fell so hard it took his jacket up over his head. Jeff and Stacey were really good sports even though Charlie hollered all night and Evalie threw up 4 times. It was fun just to be together, especially before Mom and Dad leave.

On Friday night Dad shared with us the scripture in Alma when he is talking to his son Helaman before he leaves on his mission. Alma explained that if Helaman will have faith and rely on the Lord he will be held up in his trials and tribulations. It struck Dad because since their mission call they have had financial problems, kidney stones and Mom's worsening health. They know they will be held up, like Alma said, if they have faith, but that there will still be hard things to bear.

My very favorite part of the vacation was Wilson. One month ago I thought he (or I) was headed to the psych ward or jail. This trip he was an amazing help with all the little kids, respectful and talkative with the adults, and just plain fun to be around. I love that part of his personality. I'm not at all sure what turned things around, but I'll give most credit to Mom and Dad's temple and missionary service. I hope it lasts long enough to get his grades up!

The timing of our vacation could not have been better for Tony. This last week was the hardest he's had since we've been here. On his 6th night of being awoken at 3:00 in the morning, I thought he was going to break a window he was so overwhelmed. The other two docs were out of town and he really got hammered with OB calls and a flu epidemic that even closed the school. He works so hard.




I'm home from church today with Max, Eliza and Marcos. Hopefully our flu shots will ward off the greater evil.

I was appointed to the school board this week. I think it will be an adventure, a great learning adventure. I hope I can learn to keep my mouth shut more than open, not my particular strength.

some like it hot

The recital on February 26 has officially marked the end of dance lessons in the Lundberg house. 3 out of 5 kids have represented our family on the dance stage, none of whom demonstrated any particular talent in the area. Not even Max who everyone assumed would have some genetic gift of rhythm. Eliza had the best arms in the class, hands down, but was pretty much clueless about the choreography. Still, the costumes are awesome and teacher Angie was worth every penny. Both Max and Eliza are looking forward to trying Karate this spring.