Stand in holy places

This year's YW theme was perhaps my favorite ever. We took the theme and ran with it for YW in excellence last week. We have started in the last year giving the girls more opportunities to speak (to shine, really).

Each of the girls brought a pair of shoes and talked about how they stand in holy places. We heard about Trek, modesty, sports teams, the temple, etc. I was so moved by the strength and courage of these girls and when it was my turn I told them how much better they are than I ever was. 

Like I said, the whole theme was shoes. I talked about not letting your testimony go "flat." Sometimes flats are comfortable, but there are times we need to push ourselves a little. (Ha...like I am one to talk.)

Our wonderful secretary made the most incredible high heel cupcakes. She saves our bacon a lot, I am telling you. Danielle (1st counselor) had her baby girl the night before, and had to miss. But her baby is stinking cute so all is forgiven.

Such a fabulous night!

a birthday

First birthdays are so fun. Perhaps my favorite. The babies don't care at all...until you let them have some cake.

We call Sadie our piggy for lots of reasons. She is no longer a chunk but let's just say that sometimes I feel like she is a piggy in a mud bath... So I decided to do this pig pen cake based on others I have seen online.

I love how it turned out! I made the pink pigs two days prior, as they needed time to harden. The cake was made of two standard 8 inch cakes, with chocolate frosting and lots and lots of kit kats around the outside.

 

Sadie just watched us as we sang to her and she ate her cake with two fingers, very slowly. At the end she finally got a little bit messy. Perhaps the best part of the day for her was getting 4 balloons to play with. Or getting a peppermint milkshake from Chick-Fil-A. She was happy and pleasant the entire day and I am just so thankful for this little girl.

I love birthdays!

To my baby

Sadie,

You get to be my baby forever. Because you are the youngest, this is how I imagine I will refer to you, even when you are a teenager. And when you are an adult. I wonder how much it will bother you and how much you will like it.

Today you are ONE. A year already! When you are happy (not as often as I'd like), you have the most FUN personality. You get in front of me and grin your big 6-tooth grin. You yell and smile, practically begging me to mimic you. That game could go on forever. The other day when the doctor asked me if you clapped yet, you started clapping for her! I love when other people see how smart you are.

I am wondering if you have an ear infection. You haven't had one yet. Stay tuned...

You are a horrible sleeper. (What else is new?) Good thing you are cute.

Your siblings ADORE you. And vice versa. I love when you see them running to you across the playground - you pretty much jump out of your skin. And you finally like your dad. Oh thank you for liking your dad.

We made the nursing thing last 10 1/2 months. That was the very most I could muster. You like to pinch and scratch my neck, and I got mastitis 3 times with you. So, DONE. Hallelujah. I'm still sad about it deep down.

I love love love your hair. And your eyes. It is fun to get stopped every day by strangers who want to stare at you and admire you. It's my favorite. Unless we are in a rush.

Happy Birthday little lady. We made it.

(Just so I have it down: 20 lbs 5 oz and 29.5 inches long
3 words: Hiiii, dada, mama)