The Big Race

Today Hyrum and William ran in their very first race. It was a kids 1k (about a half mile). We've been training on Saturday mornings for the big day. The boys were so excited to wear their new
t-shirts and a race bib with a number 1 on it. It was fun for me to run along with them. They did great and even had energy to sprint to the finish. After the race was over I asked Hyrum how is was and he replied, "That was so much fun!" I'm glad they had a positive experience.

Emily's Blessing Day

Yesterday was Emily's special blessing day. I'm grateful that Dave was able to exercise the Priesthood authority which he holds, to give Emily a name and a blessing. It was a tender moment for me, as a mother, to watch as Dave held Emily in him arms so lovingly. He adores her just as much as she adores him. Our Bishop told us afterwards that Emily just stared right at Dave and smiled through the whole blessing. Their daddy/daughter relationship has already begun.

Here is the story behind Emily's blessing dress. My mother was a seamstress and made beautiful blessing dresses for both of my nieces. I always knew that when I had a daughter my mother would also make her a special dress. When my mother passed away one of the things that brought me great sorrow was thinking that my daughters (if I had any) would not have a special blessing dress made by grandma. I don't know how to sew very well and so I told myself that if I ever got married and had a daughter I would learn to sew her a dress. Well, I got married and had 3 boys so I didn't have to worry about it. Then Emily came along and I knew I wanted to keep my goal of making her dress. A sweet friend walked me through each step and though not perfect, this was the final product. I love it and hope that one day Emily will love and cherish it as well.

Such a sweet and innocent face

smiling for daddy

It's a nightmare trying to get these 3 boys to look at the camera and smile at the same time

smiling for daddy once again

and just for fun...

a picture of me in my blessing dress

Beautiful Angel

I'm a bit late in posting these pictures, but they are just too precious to keep to myself. My good friend took them when Emily was only 4 days old. They really capture the sweet innocence of our little angel daughter.

Happy Easter