Shopping roles of the sexes....

Wesley: Kafwyn, Are we done yet?

Kathryn: Where's the shoe isle, mom?

Spa Party for Grace & Caroline

Grandma Ilene is a skincare professional. She's sold for Jafra Cosmetics for decades and knows her stuff. SO, one of the plans we made for her trip east was to throw a simple and sweet spa party for Grace & Caroline. The girls had fun having their "foot pamper," and Grace wanted cucumbers on her eyes, so Gma said, "well then we'll have to have a mask too." Perfect!

Grace's toes were TICKLISH!!!

Ama painted the girls' toes oh, so pretty....

Aunt Sherry worked her magic with personalized cakes for each girl. Her fondant is made of melted marshmallows.

Crystals hanging from the light fixture and strewn on the table were from Michael's, as was the glitter cardstock I used to make the chargers.

Goody bags were filled with mints, a personalized washcloth (thanks, Jan for embroidering those for me!), the headband the girls chose to wear for their facial, and peppermint patties.

My friend Lee made these cute scalloped tanks. The girls wore them right away.

Thanks, cousin Mattie for the nail polish!

Happy, Happy Birthday

to our "twinners" born exactly 2 years & 5 minutes apart!

XO,

dad, mom, Nina, Bub & Wes

Heaven on Earth- Grace's Baptism

Grace was baptized on Saturday, August 7th, 2010 in Northborough, MA. Grace's friend, Josh was baptized that evening as well, and it was truly a blessed event. Ama traveled from UT, Aunt Sherry, Michael & Kathryn drove from KY, Uncle Matt, Aunt Heather & their kids flew in from FL. Friends came from the Arlington Ward, and my heart was FULL to overflowing to have my father there. He and Grandma Ilene flew from CA to be there for Grace. Schedules were altered & sacrifices were made by many in order to attend, and loving, helping hands were there in abundance to make the baptism a beautiful experience. Grace was so happy to have so many friends and family at her baptism.

Early that day, as I thought of my mom and of her promise to be there at special events such as this, I felt her overwhelming pride and joy for me as her daughter, and for fulfilling my stewardship as a mother in helping Grace be ready for baptism. I'll never forget that priceless feeling. I know loved ones who have passed on who are looking out for us were there to celebrate Grace & Josh's baptisms.

Grace was so happy to be baptized. Her already joyful disposition was absolutely beaming when she came out of the water. She has thought a lot about her confirmation; her many "missions to fulfill" & "glorious opportunities" that will come through her obedience and ability to follow the Spirit. We've talked about Grandpa Ellsworth's talk on baptism- how we can say we believe, but we make covenants like baptism to show we truly believe, and to show our love for Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. The yellow blanket that Grace's former primary teacher, Sister Hutchins made for Grace will always remind her of the blessing of the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I feel so honored to be Grace's mother---one of my greatest joys is helping Grace recognize the Spirit in her life.

Each baptism gift, tangible or not, meant so much to Grace. This birthday really was set apart and made special by Grace's dear family and friends who support her in her eternal progression.

I fasted and prayed that Grace's baptism would be an experience she would always treasure; that the Spirit would be there in abundance....my prayers were answered as our little corner of the Vineyard in Massachusetts felt like heaven on earth.

Aunt Sherry, Grace & mom just after Grace's baptism....JOY!

There WILL be fun in heaven!

Mixed in with our family- To the left: cousins Michael & Kathryn & Aunt Sherrill Moody, Center: Ama

Right of center: Grandpa Ellsworth & Grandma Ilene

To the right: Uncle Matt, Aunt Heather, cousins Mattie (left of Grace) & Reddin Menzie

....more pics to come!

16 years

Wayne and I celebrated our

16th wedding anniversary in Newport, RI.

It's amazing how a simple 24 hours of

"just the 2 of us"

time was like a second honeymoon...bliss.

We can recommend:

• the Hyatt at Goat Island (used Priceline for a killer deal)- we ordered lunch at Pineapples on the Bay (by the pool) and ate on adirondacks overlooking the bay
• The Black Pearl tavern for delicious clam chowder
• The Adirondack II schooner 11am sailing time....perfect!
• window shopping through downtown Newport

Such a great little getaway....

...so in love after all these years.

Potty training....

...is always an adventure. One of us seems to be enjoying this.

Caroline's primary talk

Caroline, age 5

Recently Caroline gave a talk in Primary. She showed some pictures of Jesus' life and told how she can be like him by being kind to others, helping others, forgiving others, etc. Then she read her sweet testimony....