Ellie's Blessing Day

The last Sunday in February was Elizabeth's baby blessing. Tom gave her a beautiful blessing and Tom's Mom and Dad were able to be there for it (my parents are on a mission so they couldn't come). She wore the same dress that Amberly wore and looked stunning. We are so glad to have her in our family. What a blessing it is to have four healthy children. Here are some cute pictures that we took after church.

Reili's Baptism

Reili's baptism was such a great spiritual experience for our family. I felt really bad on Sunday morning in the shower when I realized that we hadn't taken our camera and gotten any pictures (I will regret that for years I am sure). It wasn't the only thing I forgot either. When I got to the church I realized I hadn't brought the music for the opening song or TOWELS! Well, luckily, my friend Kari came to the rescue with the music and the towels and we just had to switch the opening song with the closing song. I don't know how I'd make it through life without people around who pick up the pieces for me. Thanks Kari!

The baptism itself went wonderfully though. Tom's Mom and Dad were able to come for a visit during that time and that was really special. Tom's Dad gave the opening prayer and his Mom gave a wonderful talk on following the Savior's example and being baptized. After the baptism, my friend (and visiting teaching companion) Michelle Boehme, gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. She talked about his different responsibilities using the "hats" he wears for his jobs. For each responsibility (i.e. comforter, member of the godhead, etc.), she had a different hat with a picture on it representing that responsibility. What a great way that was to help Reili (and all of us) remember what the Holy Ghost does. I was thinking there weren't going to be many people there, but it was amazing how many of our friends came and the whole Relief Society room was full. We felt so loved and supported. I will never forget it and I am so proud of Reili for choosing to be baptized. I can't believe my little girl is growing up so fast.

This is Reili modeling the special dress we bought for her to wear after her baptism and at church the next day. Isn't she the cutest!

When PopPop comes to visit the kids just love to play with him. They wear him out.

Somehow I missed getting any pictures with Tom's mom and baby Ellie (Sorry Mom!). It makes me sad, but I think she is sneaky about getting out of pictures. Here is PopPop and Elizabeth anyway.

2 months already?!

Ellie (that is now our official spelling of her name) is already 2 months old (as of last Sunday). I can't believe it! Time seriously flies after they are born. I took a few minutes Sunday evening to take some pictures of her on her 2 month birthday. I decided to put them up before I recap the rest of February. I am having a hard time getting around to that. One awesome thing that has happened for the last 5 nights in a row is that Ellie has slept through the night. From 9-6:30 or 7. None of the other kids ever slept through the night this early. In fact I don't think they ever slept through the night until like 4-6 months or something. I am counting my blessings for the moment at least. Now that I've mentioned it she will probably stop. I can't think of anything I have done differently with her than the others....so she just must be a little angel. Yep...that's definitely it. Just look at her!

8th Birthday Party

In celebration of her 8th Birthday, Reili got to invite 12 of her friends to a party at MD Equine Center (the place where she had horse riding lessons). She hadn't had a birthday party since turning 4, so I figured it was about time. They all had a blast riding horses, getting a tractor ride, eating hot dogs and birthday cake, and finally doing a pinata. Whew!

The cake I stayed up until 1 a.m. making the night before.

Reili enjoys her friend the bunny.

Ride 'em, Cowboy!

Our fashionista!

When can I open presents, Mom?

Friends wait for the tractor ride.

February - Reili's Birthday

The whole month of February seemed like one long celebration of Reili's eighth birthday. Of course, turning 8 is important, and who minds celebrating as long as possible? Here are pictures of some of the celebrating:

We celebrated her birthday the Sunday before (because Tom would be gone to a conference on her real birthday) with a family dinner. Reili chose to have a very interesting combination of cocktail shrimp, sweet potato casserole, and corn for dinner.

MMM.....corn!

We celebrated with home made carrot cake (the first I have ever made because it isn't one of my favorites).

While Tom was out of town, my sister Lenore was able to come visit to help me out with all the kids. It was so great to have her here and have help (and company). Well...she really came to see the new baby.

Reili's special breakfast on her birthday was her favorite toaster strudel.

YUM!

Reili modeling some stuffed animals she had been wanting for her birthday. Cute Girls!

Finally...pierced ears...her favorite present she's been asking for years for this.