Haley's Baptism

Haley Marlena Helms was baptized on her birthday, June 16, 2012.  We were very fortunate to have so much family come and participate.  Grammy and Nana gave Haley special jewelry to wear and Aunt Katie sent the flower for her hair.  Haley was baptized in the dress that Nanny Helms made.  It's the same dress that Aunt Callie and Catherine Bailey were baptized in.  Because the entire bishopric was out of town, Pop Pop conducted the baptismal service and Brent performed the baptism and confirmation.  Nana played the piano, Grammy gave a talk, Papa gave the prayer and Allie and I performed a musical number.  The entire service was performed by family.  It was a very special day!

We are so glad Mamaw could come for the baptism.

Haley and Allie with Grandma and Papa.

Brent's been looking forward to this day for a long time.  He spent lots of time talking with Haley about what it means to be baptized.

Grandpa and Nana

Grammy and Pop Pop

Emily wanted her picture taken too!

Aunt Kathy with the princesses.

Happy Birthday Haley!

Sarah Kathryn tried to blow out the candles too.

I DID IT!

I DID IT! I finally published a new post!  Obviously, much has happened since May.  Some of which will be included in later posts with the accompanying pictures.

In August (I think), we visited Uncle Ric, Aunt Kat, and Tootie in Atlanta.  It was the most relaxing weekend Brent and I have had in a long time.  Kat is notorious for her hospitality and as usual her cooking was excellent.  They put up a pool in the back yard for the kids, which the kids are still talking about.  Joseph even swam without his floaties on.  The kids jumped in and out of that pool as much as they liked all weekend.  We had a bbq and just enjoyed the company.  Uncle Ric had me burn our names in my grandparents swing that he built.  Joseph and Emily keep asking when we're going to see "Unka" again.

Here we are with our crew!  We don't get very many of these pictures.  I should blow it up, print an  8x10 and consider our family photo done for the year.

Joseph is so good to Sarah Kathryn and she loves her big brother.  She likes to play with his toy dinosaurs and make growling noises like Joseph does.  She's definitely watching him.  Joseph watches to make sure Sarah Kathryn doesn't eat things off the floor.  He tells her, "No No baby" and gives her a toy she can plan with.  In the picture below I caught them behind the chair.  Joseph was "reading" Sarah Kathryn a story.

Haley made this crafty little door hanger for our house which she was very proud of.  She loves that Sarah Kathryn has her blue eyes and blonde hair.  Haley calls the baby her "Mini Twin."

Allie continues to enjoy cooking.  Lately she been swiping my new issues of "Southern Living" looking for new recipes.  In this picture she's eating a piece of the vegan sweet potato pie she made.  It was excellent.  Her next project is caramel apple tarts.

I just want you to know that sacrifice brings blessings.  I know that some grandparents will consider this new post a blessing.  The sacrifice is that I've been listening to the kids squealing and screaming with delight while they've been jumping on my bed for the last 20 minutes, which means my room is a disaster, the baby has been crawling on my bathroom floor and there's clean laundry everywhere.  I hope you enjoy it!