Jocelyn's Baptism & Our Albuquerque Trip

My sweet, oldest niece got baptized earlier this month. (By the way, how on earth did I get this old?) Originally Jason, Emee, and I were going to fly to Albuquerque to be there for Jocelyn's special day. However, there have been some recent struggles with Jason's health that made us rethink our plans. I decided to put the nix on it all. Jason wasn't up to traveling and I felt bad leaving him behind so I could go. I toyed with the idea of hitching a ride down with my parents and Todd, but I felt like the drive would be torturous for my energetic, active little girl. I was so disappointed I wouldn't be there. Jason knew how much I wanted to go, and a mere week before, he told me he had found me a plane ticket that he was going to buy. Yay!
We had a great time. Emslee adored playing with her cousins, and I adored spending some much-needed time with my sister and her sweet family. Jocelyn looked absolutely gorgeous on her big day, and oh-so-grown up. I just love her!

 My mom, Katie, and I made these super-fancy butterfly cupcakes for the luncheon after Jocelyn's baptism. They took some time, but we had a lot of fun with those hours we spent chatting in the kitchen.

 My sweet mama and Katie, in the middle of cupcake mania 2011.

The last photo of Jocelyn before she became a member of the Church. (Don't mind the silly face she's making, the sun was hurting her eyes.)

 

For the luncheon my dad made homemade root beer. The kids were fascinated by the dry ice. So fun!

 Isn't she simply b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l? My mom made her dress, and was so nervous it wouldn't fit. Thankfully, it fit Jocelyn just like a glove. Amazing.

 

Little Emslee playing at Jocelyn's luncheon.

We are so glad we got to come play. Thanks to the Troumbleys for having us!

Happy Valentine's Day!

For Valentine's this year, I thought it would be fun to let Emslee make Valentines to send out to our family. I love getting something handmade, and I figured they would be more meaningful than something I printed off the computer on my own. Ems had a grand time coloring, gluing, and putting stickers on the Valentines. I made her this super adorable skirt for the love-ly holiday. What a fun day!

Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Parker

On January 6th, we were able to attend the wedding of my beautiful sister Karyn and her husband Ryan. They chose to get married in the Oquirrh Mountain temple. It was a freezing, beautiful day. It was so amazing to be able to attend the sealing of a sibling (my first).
We are so excited for these two! Congratulations you cute couple!

Jake and Emee, waiting outside the temple.

Ryan and Karyn, kind enough to let Ems sneak into one of their photos.

The photo display at the reception. Karyn and Ryan asked me to take their engagement photos and Karyn's bridal photos, as well as design their wedding announcement. We had so much fun!

The wedding cake Katie and I made for the happy newlyweds.

Merry Christmas!

We had a fabulous time this Christmas, spending time with several friends and family. The only downside to our festivities was the fact that one of our favorite families, the Troumbleys, were unable to come and celebrate the holiday with us.
They were missed, but we still had a jolly ol' time!

Emslee in the Christmas dress I made for her. This was by far the most difficult pattern I've sewn to date, but I sure was happy with the result. She looked gorgeous!

Emslee, feeding her new baby before she even got her out of the box.


For Christmas Grammie Jo and Grandpa gave Ems a song bag they made, filled with toys and trinkets that go along with nursery rhyme and primary songs. Emslee adores it! Here she is with the "sunbeam" on, singing Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam. So cute!
Jason, unearthing the treasures Santa left in his stocking for him.

Um, Todd....Need I say more?

Oh goodness...

So I knew I was severely behind on blog posts, but I had no idea it had gotten this bad. I logged in and looked at my blog to find.....it has been FOUR months! Gross. I have never gone this long without some type of post, no matter how menial.
I know I could make excuses for myself, but if you know anything about what the past few months have been like at our house, I'm sure you already understand. :)
Happy reading!