Emma's Special Weekend

Emma was officially baptized on December 6, 2008 by her daddy. She's been anxiously waiting for her baptism for a very long time, so she was thrilled when she finally turned 8 years old in November. She was prepared and ready for her big, special day.

The baptism program was lovely and beautiful. Emma took an active part in planning the program. She loves making choices and being involved. She picked out the speakers, who would say the prayers, hymns, who would be conducting the music and playing the piano, and who would sing the musical number.

My mother and sister flew in from California to be here for Emma's special day. Susie's lovely soprano voice filled the room with a sweet and beautiful spirit when she sang the "The Light Within," by Janice Kapp Perry. Following the number, Brad gave Emma a gorgeous blessing when he confirmed her. Brad always does an amazing job with blessings. He makes me cry every time. Overall, the entire meeting was a wonderful, spiritual event, and Emma loved it.

We had a large birthday party/lunch at our house after Emma's baptism. Emma had a wonderful time opening her presents and blowing out the candles on her birthday cake.

Emma got a Princess watch from her Aunt Susie, a kitchen set from her grandma, a baptism bracelet from McKenna, and her very first scripture case and quad from her daddy and me.

After the party, Scott and Emma went to visit their cousins while Brad and I took my mom and Susie to Wheeler Farm. We loved seeing all of the animals there, and seeing the old farmhouse and barns. After leaving the farm, Brad and I took my mom and sister to SAMPAN's Chinese restaurant for dinner. I was craving Chinese food bad, and the food and service there was wonderful.

I love my little mama! She's such a sweetheart.
Cute piggy bottoms!

After dinner, we drove up to Temple Square to meet up with Scott and Emma and Bruce and Loralee's family. All sixteen of us had a wonderful time looking at all the beautiful lights on Temple Square. The weather was cold, but not nearly as cold as usual for this time of year. It was definitely the best night for us to go, minus the huge crowds and lack of parking spaces.

Overall, we had a wonderful weekend! I loved seeing Emma so happy, and visiting with my mom and sister again. I cried hard when they left, mainly due to the crazy baby hormones I am now experiencing. I hope to see them again soon.

Emma and Susie at the Christmas party on Friday night.

I love you, Mom and Susie!

The Highlight of my Day: November 2008

Something good happens each day. Here's what happened in November:

November 1, 2008: Tonight was our family Halloween Party! All of the grandchildren came over!

November 2, 2008: We had a wonderful weekend taking care of Aksel and Charlotte, and now they finally went home. It's nice having some peace and quiet, too!

November 3, 2008: My highlight was being together for FHE tonight. We talked about voting for goverment leaders.

November 4, 2008: I voted this morning! It was nice having election day come and go again. I'm getting tired of all the politics.

November 5, 2008: I found out that Proposition 8 passed in California! HOORAY!!!

November 6, 2008: Watched old Disney cartoons with my family while drinking hot chocolate with marshmellows. Yummy!

November 7, 2008: We babysat Aksel and Charlotte tonight. They sure are funny little kids.

November 8, 2008: Brad and I opened up savings accounts for Scott and Emma.

November 9, 2008: Brad and I took Scott and Emma to visit their cousins tonight. We had a nice time with them.

November 10, 2008: We went to the library tonight, and I got a couple of movies that I've been wanting to get for a long time. Maybe Brad and I can have a movie night tomorrow!

November 11, 2008: Brad and I had our movie night. We watched "Juno." I kept crying during the movie. My hormones are wacked.

November 12, 2008: I had my first prenatal appointment today! I saw my baby in the sonogram and I heard the heartbeat for the first time. Beautiful!

November 13, 2008: I bought Scott and Emma cute winter sweaters at Kohls today.

November 14, 2008: My highlight of the day was cuddling in the dark with Bradley while listening to love songs. It was romantic and sweet.

November 15, 2008: We had our family pictures taken today! I'm excited to see how they'll turn out.

November 16, 2008: Scott and I had a great time playing with playdough together. I think he liked me making rats the most. Lots of laughs!

November 17, 2008: Scott finished reading "The Tale of Despereaux." The only complaint he had was the negative portrayal of rats in the book.

November 18, 2008: We went to parent/teacher conferences tonight. Scott and Emma are doing wonderfully in school! I'm so proud of them.

November 19, 2008: I love the alone-time with my Bradley! We had a wonderful evening.

November 20, 2008: Emma turned 8 years old today! I made her some brownies and we sang to her. We'll have her big celebration on her baptism date in December.

November 21, 2008: Brad and I went on a date to Jamba Juice! We both got the Strawberry Surf Rider smoothie. Mmmm... lemons and strawberries!

November 22, 2008: Brad and I bought Emma a white dress for her baptism date, and we also got her scriptures! Brad and I also went to see "Twilight" in the theaters.

November 23, 2008: I like getting emails from my aunts on Sundays. :) I like hearing from them and keeping in touch.

November 24, 2008: Amanda and Zach came to visit us tonight along with Charlotte and Aksel. Aksel and I played with Halloween decorations together. We had lots of laughs!

November 25, 2008: Brad rescued me! He bought me soy milk, sherbet, popsicles, and lactaid pills. Apparently my pregnancy has caused me to become lactose intolerant.

November 26, 2008: Getting ready for the big day tomorrow! It was nice preparing things and watching Margaret plan things out. She's a wiz!

November 27, 2008: It's Thanksgiving! We had all of Brad's siblings and their families come over today. It was wonderful being with everyone.

November 28, 2008: Brad and I took the kids to watch "Bolt" today. In the evening, we went to visit Dan and Marnee Hill at their new house. It was fun visiting with them.

November 29, 2008: We brought our Christmas boxes home from the storage unit today! Time to decorate!

November 30, 2008: I was reminded today once again of how wonderful my husband is. He's so loving, cuddly, thoughtful, and sweet. I love my husband and our marriage very, very much.