Ellie's Baptism

We were able to have Ellie's baptism this past weekend while almost all my family was in town for Thanksgiving.  It was a beautiful service.  My family sang together for the prelude music, Ellie's church youth teacher and her uncle Ben gave wonderful talks on baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and her Dad baptized and confirmed her.  We are so proud of Ellie- she is a kind and caring girl who does her best to choose the right.

CTR- Choose The Right

Dave and Ellie before her baptism

Welcome to Crazytown

What a week!  Dave and I hosted Thanksgiving dinner and a mini-reunion for my half of the family last week.  We ended up with 26 or 27 people all staying in our house.  It definitely got a little crazy and chaotic at times but that is pretty normal around here.  It was so fun to have my parents, brothers, sisters, and their spouses, kids, and even a very brave boyfriend join us to celebrate all we have been blessed with. 

Several people made pies- my fav this year was the pecan.  We had so much food even after eating leftovers all week.  Dave and I smoked a couple turkey breasts and a brisket in addition to to a regular turkey.

The pie buffet

Decorating the tables

Some of the many young uns

Dad carving the turkey

Rachie fulfilling her bucket list goal of a "polar bear plunge" very gracefully

Touring the Pima Copper Mine with the fam

We didn't just eat- we played board games, did a puzzle (there's a unicorn within the unicorn within the unicorn!) stayed up late chatting, had a dance party, went hiking, went to the ASU v. UofA football game, watched movies, argued...I mean discussed stuff, planned Rachel's future for her, had Ellie's baptism, went swimming (not me!), roasted marshmallows in our new firepit, toured our local mine, and in general just had a fabulous time together.  I feel like one of my greatest blessings is my family- both my side and Dave's side.  We may be a little crazy but we love each other and love spending time together.  We also love eating pie.

  

A depressing post script to this post: I wore a slightly tight t-shirt today as I was doing nineteen million loads of laundry and putting up Christmas decorations.  Ellie was looking closely at my tummy tonight then announced loudly to all the kids that Mommy is having a baby.  Which would be fine if I was really pregnant.  Sadly it's just pie.

I want my mommy!

It's now been three days without my mom...I don't know if I'll survive...

Seriously though, my mom came to visit last week and it was SO nice having her here.  

She cooked for us.

She helped me can 45 lbs of chicken.

She came up with fun Halloween dinner ideas because I am lame when it comes to things like that.

She went trick or treating with the kids and Dave because I like to stay home and pass out candy.

She got in our chilly pool to play with the kids... and pulled me in with her.

On top of all that she watched the kids so Dave and I could go on a much needed date to the temple which was wonderful.  It was kind of a vacation all week with her around because the kids only wanted Grandma- to read books, to feed them, to put them to bed, and to play with them.  The kids had grandma withdrawals after she left and were disappointed to  find that mom isn't quite as fun as Gma.   Good thing she's coming back with the rest of the family in a few weeks for Thanksgiving.  We love you Mom- thanks for coming to visit!