Thoughts from the Hearth: September 2010

Saturday, September 25, 2010

A Special September Day


Avalon can't believe I haven't blogged about this yet!

The first Sunday in September was a VERY special day for our family. And we were so glad we got to have Granna come and share it with us!


		Bonny, age 12

First of all, Bonny turned twelve that day, and so she got to attend Young Women's for the first time, wearing a beautiful Indian-style birthday dress Granna found for her at the Goodwill.

Eryn, Lliam, and Bonny

Then, our handsome Lliam-- who turned fourteen in August-- was ordained to the Priesthood office of Teacher. I think he and Brennan are happy to be together in the same quorum again. And I'm so grateful he is worthy and willing to perform his Priesthood duties. He's growing up to be a wonderful young man!

Eryn Mildred

And last, but certainly not least, our sweet Eryn Mildred received a name and Priesthood blessing from her daddy. While this is not a "saving ordinance" in our church, it is still a special occasion. Once they are blessed their name goes on the records of the Church.

Her blessing dress itself is also very special. My Southern Gentleman grandfather, whom we lovingly called Big Daddy, bought this sweet hand-embroidered dress for me when I was born. So I was blessed in it, as were my two sisters, Gina and Abby.

When I had my first baby girl, being the sentimental soul that I am, I couldn't think of any dress more beautiful and special to bless my Morganne in! And now all seven of my daughters have worn this dress for their baby blessings. As an added bonus, my sweet Mama has embroidered the name and year of each baby girl's blessing along the hem of the dress.

Grayse thinks Eryn looks pretty adorable!

Eryn looked beautiful in The Dress, and received a sweet, simple blessing from her Daddy. She's now "official"! *wink*


A Special Day, September 5th, 2010

All too soon, it was time for Granna to go back home to Pa and her busy life. We sure loved having her with us for two whole weeks!


Eryn will miss Granna!


One last picture before Granna hops on the plane.

I think the following quote describes my mom pretty well-- don't you?:

“Spread Love everywhere you go, let no one come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness. Kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, and kindness in your smile." ~Mother Teresa

(Come back soon, Mama! We love you!)

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Gratitude!

Once upon a time...

I had three little children, ages three and under (two of whom were thirteen months apart), and I was convinced that I was DONE having kids. I was ready to "move on" with my life, and get down to the business of raising the three that I had, so that I could do the "important things" I wanted to do. (Can you hear God sniggering?)

Then I got to be humbled when I received a Priesthood blessing from my dear husband. In the blessing, Heavenly Father told me that I should NOT prevent other babies from coming to my family, and that the next little one would be a great blessing to me.

And oh, how she has been!!!

That little one has now grown to the ripe old age of TWELVE, and she's my right-hand woman! She cooks, she cleans, she is organized, and keeps me in line. She is obedient and efficient, and I just can't imagine how my life would be without her. God truly kept His promise to me!

WE LOVE YOU, BONNY DIANNE!

Thank you for being willing to join our family, and for being the light in our lives that you continue to be.

I'm so grateful for you, Bon-bon! :-)

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Fun Summer Stuff

We recently celebrated the birth of this person, Child Number Three. (Mister Lliam!)

He's excited that he's now reached the ripe, old age of 14.

Lliam may be thirteen months younger than his older brother, but they are now the same height. Wow... (Another thing he has in common with his brother, is an allergy to getting his photo snapped. Sorry, son!)