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Sunday
Nov022008

Celebration Sunday

The house is finally quiet, after a long day of celebration. We started off this morning with Phoebe’s blessing, a blessing that is given to babies when they’re a month or so old. We went to Shalae and Jon’s church, and Jon gave her a wonderful blessing.

(By the way, I wanted to thank you all for your kind comments after my post last week about my religion. In keeping with that, I don’t want to preach, but there are things I sometimes mention that some of you have asked about. If you have questions about baby blessings or family sealings or missionaries, please visit lds.org, a web site hosted by my church. You’ll find lots of information and answers there.)

After church, everyone came to our home for lunch. The house was packed—Jon’s family came, and all our girls and grandchildren were here, except for Shanna and Sara and her family. However, one of the highlights of the afternoon was Skyping Sara’s family. The cousins spent tons of time talking to each other and getting caught up. While it wasn’t the same as actually having them physically here, it was certainly better than nothing!

My dad and Justine were here as well—it’s wonderful that he’s out of the hospital. While he still has to go to the hospital every day, apparently a hotel bed beats a hospital bed hands down! He’ll be up here for several more weeks, and he’s anxious to get back to his home, but we’re so thankful for the progress he’s making.

I love it when our children and grandchildren are together. It’s true what they say about being a grandparent—it’s absolutely fantastic! Our grandchildren are so cute and fun and patient with each other.

I loved this photo of Tanner putting his little baby cousin to sleep. Tanner held Phoebe for hours! What 11-year-old boy would do that?!

Later in the afternoon we celebrated Kona’s third birthday. Although he was a little clueless about what was happening, he did love all the attention--and the gifts--he received. The horses were by far his favorite!

While the day was incredibly fun and wonderful, when everyone left tonight, the peace and quiet was nice too! Now I’m off to bed, a little earlier than usual, but I’ve got a hot date early tomorrow morning with my grandson Ashton and Potty Scotty. Wish me luck—and I’ll give a full report tomorrow!


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Reader Comments (22)

We missed all of you today!! It was fun to chat with everyone over the computer...I told Tanner I was jealous he got to hold Phoebe for so long (since I haven't even seen her in person yet)! We love you tons!

Sara

P.S. Good luck on the potty training!
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered Commentersara douglass
What a great family day!
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterWanda
What a very beautiful family you have! Blessed for sure.
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterCheryl Miller
What a wonderful day! That was a "blessing", indeed! Good luck with what sounds like it will be potty training!! :)
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterStaci Miserlian
Shelli,
You have such a great family and whether people are the same religion or not, I hope you will continue to share these glimpses into your family life with us! It looks like it was a wonderful day --you are so fortunate to have such a special group of people surrounding you! My mom says the same thing about having grandchildren ;)
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKathyC
Shelli,

Can I ask where the horse and cowboy came from taht Kona received? My son, Ethan, is 4 and received a horse, Sonador, for his Make-A-Wish. He has cancer and is a "true cowboy" and he loves anything to do with horses. I don't think I have seen these horses before with the saddle. If you happen to know and could e-mail me that would be wonderful.

Thanks, Alicia Weiman twoengrs@adams.net
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterAlicia Weiman
Shelli,

I so enjoy reading your blog and getting glimpses into your family life. I can identify with your enjoyment in watching Tanner. My son, Cooper, is twelve. He's our youngest and is usually a ball of energy. But I love to watch him with little kids and babies. He's so patient and gentle and caring. A side of him we don't often see, since he has no younger siblings to watch over.
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterNan Goerlitz
It is wonderful to see family celebrating so much, often there is no time to do this. God bless you and yours.
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJamie
Shelli,
You have a beautiful family. There is nothing more important than family. I also share in your beliefs and there is nothing like having a family FOREVER!! I have been a demonstrator since 2000 and LOVE it! Hopefully we can all pray for the economy to pick up! Thanks for all you do for us! Happy Hollidays! Love, Pam
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterPam Braithwaite
thank you for sharing this wonderful day with us. my mom used to say it's great having all the grandkids come to visit but, after having them all there all day, it was also nice to see them go home.
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered Commentercarolyn mcdonell
I just love reading your stories about the family get togethers. Coming from a small family, we never had what you would call BIG celebrations. The pictures of the grandchildren are fantastic. I just love Kona and his horses!
Sharon
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSharon Bridwell
TFS. What a blessed day for all of you. Can't wait to hear about Potty Scotty & why you have the "honors" of training!
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSHH
Shelli,

It looks like you all had a fabulous Sunday! Blessings are such sweet moments in our lives.

Miss you!
Robyn Cardon
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterRobyn
I really enjoy your Blog. It inspires me so much!

Kim McKay
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKim McKay
You HAVE to let me know how the potty training goes! My 4-year-old daughter just decided one day that she wanted panties. My 3-year-old son, however, is content to wear pull-ups forever.

I love the pictures of the kids together! Too much fun! :)
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterAbra Leah
Wow, lots of activity but sounds and looks so fun! I miss having a housefull of family chatter when I lived in Texas - one of these days I'll get back out there!
November 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterElizabeth
Shelli, you have a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing your heartwarming stories!
November 4, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKathy/Elgin IL
It sounds like a wonderful love-filled day!
November 4, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKathie Tice
How truly wonderful it is to have a big happy family! Shelli I commend you and Sterling! Well done!

I am not close with my family and at times it is hard - but my friends are my family!

Thanks for the awesome photos. Phoebe just looks darling in her blessing dress!

Lisa :)
November 4, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLisa Martin
Aww thanks for sharing your family moments with us Shelli! Phoebe is getting so big! Your whole family is just gorgeous! I smiled when I saw this post because I actually spent the weekend with my husbands family at a baby blessing in Cedar City.
November 6, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSharon C.
It angers me that you feel you have to defend your religion or that you worry about offending people of how you choose to worship because Jesus is so much a part of your life. It is He who defines you, blesses you and has given you your company so that the light of Christ may shine to others through you. God is first, not what others think or their feelings. Don't lose sight of that. I realize I made very bold and completely politically incorrect statements, but I won't defend the name of Jesus. I'll proclaim it, but I won't defend it.

I enjoy your blog and you have a very lovely family.
November 6, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterCindy Coutts
Shelli,
I especially enjoy reading your postings about your family! The photo of Tanner reminds me of my 11 yr old son, Tyler, who also loves babies. I have pictures of him holding his nieces and nephew, and he too will hold them for hours. It is very touching to see generations of boys and men who will spend time just holding and cuddling babies. What blessings!!!
November 6, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterBonny O

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