A Blessed Blessing

Abigail was Blessed on August 22, 2010. Grandma Charlene made the beautiful heirloom dress she wore. I knew that I wanted eyelet fabric for the dress. Nothing too frilly or fancy. Grandma is good at smocking, but I am not very fond of it. This dress turned out perfect.
Gretchen showed me the fabric what was used. It was originally purchased to make decor for her oldest daughters nursery 13 years ago. Gretchen had held on to the leftover fabric. I don't know how they decided to use it, but they did. Honestly I was nervous and worried when she asked me if I wanted to see it. I saw it and almost started to cry. It was PERFECT! Grandma also made the slip. The lace trim was the very last of what remained from the previous family dresses she had made. Grandma did do smocking on the dress. It was just the right amount. I love the delicate little pink flowers at the neck line. The blanket was made by Carl's maternal grandmother, Grandma 'Tilla. We received that while expecting Brady.
I made the headband using pink ribbon and an oh-so-delicate crochet flower. In the center of the flower is a pearl that I collected from my maternal grandmothers belongings after she passed.My mother crocheted little booties. Aren't they adorable?!? Oh I just want to eat them up! And the little feet in them! It was a wonderful day/event. We had a lot of family in town. It was also the weekend that Carl's brother moved here. The blessing, of course, was a sweet one. The circle was much smaller than you might see in a Utah ward, but it didn't matter. The intimacy of the event made it sweet. Just like our little girl is. She is a blessing. Everyday.

3rd Annual Christmas Rockout

If that doesn't work and you really want to see it click here

Well Dressed Little Girl

Here is a more clear photo of the dress Aunt Tiffany designed for Abbie.

This Grandma loves her granddaughter.

This granddaughter loves her grandma.

Grandma Charlene made Abigail's BEAUTIFUL blessing dress. It has a wonderful story to behind it. There will be a post later more fully dedicated to the wonderful heirloom work of art that was created for her.

Carl's Aunt Reneé came to visit us druning this special time. We thank her for taking time to come out here. Abbie slept right through all the undressing, dressing and photo taking. We are thankful that Carl's mom came to visit with us, even though her time here was cut short. We are grateful she makes the opportunities to come and see her kids and grandkids. We are always welcoming visitors!

The reason my house looks lived in:

Babies Don’t Keep
by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She’s up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I’ve grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping’s not done and there’s nothing for stew
And out in the yard there’s a hullabaloo
But I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren’t his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.

Sneaky Peeky

A photography-hobbist friend came over and tooks some photos. I can't wait to get the rest! I bet YOU can't wait to see them!

River Walk in Memphis

Memphis has this pretty neat museum about the Mississippi River. We took at day to visit Memphis and spent some time here.

This big waterfall wall with lots of states on it.

Brady walking in the scale replica of the river. He and Grandma Julie raced "boats" (leaves) on the river.

It was such a hot day! We were glad to have that water to walk in!

Even Abbie got out to dip her toesies.

We rode the monorail over the river. Doesn't compare the the Disneyworld monorail, but still neat to go on.

It was pink day.

How do you keep a 2 year old interested in walking across a VERY long bridge? Have him spot all the squares. 14 year old aunts are very good at keeping that game interesting.

14 year old aunts are also very good at playing on the escalators.

Good times were had by all.

They Came, They Saw

The Bruderer Household came to town.

Aunt Tiffany designed matching dresses for Abbie and herself. SO MOD!! Grandma Julie made them. Excellent work ladies.

Teaching Brady about touch-screen phones/iPods. Just the other night, Brady said he was thankful Aunt Tiffany played Tic-Tac-Toe with him on her phone. This Grandpa loves his grandaughter. And she loves him.

We went swimming with some cousins. Tyrza and Sadie got Aunt Tiffany to go under the water.

Not sure who enjoys who more, Grandparents or Grandson.