Dose of Cute For You....

Sometimes, when Winnie takes a bath, I give her delicious suckers.

 Delicious, bubble gum flavored suckers.

That's all. 

You're welcome.

Happy Birthday to my Mom!

Also known as Grandmama! Since I almost always procrastinate when it comes to mailing gifts, I asked Charly to write some of the things she loves most about her Grandmama, whom she is very close to. This is what she wrote....

Grandmama's The Best!

My Grandmama is one of the best people I know. She always helps me when I am mad or sad.  She makes me feel better. I know she loves me and I love her! She likes to say to me that I'm special because I'm the first born. I also like her because when I come to her house, me and Grandmama like to cuddle. My sister Piper doesn't like to cuddle. That's why Grandmama likes me to. She's really helpful too, like, whenever she comes to my house she always cleans me and my mom and dad's room. She is helpful. She even does it when my mom says no because she wants our house to be clean! And when I was born she was there, and she held me there. She's always nice to me! And that's why I love her! Happy Birthday Grandmama!

Mom, I love times like these, the ones that don't cost a single penny! Picnics in the front yard, dancing in the street, and all the things in between that you kindheartedly share with us!

We love you!

Oh, and Winnie of course loves her some Grandmama and wants to wish you a happy birthday!

Once in a Leap Year

I should preface this by saying, I am not a kid party person, so it should come as no surprise that Charly's 8th birthday is not a usual occurrence in the Campbell house. In past years we have played it pretty low key for birthdays. However,  since this was Charly's 2nd official birthday that also happened to fall on the year she was baptized, we decided to indulge her in a party of her own.

It was a huge success and the company that came was terrific! The gifts were so thoughtful and Charly really appreciated every single one.

I especially liked the homemade cards, and reading the kids handwriting. definitely keeping these for the books. Notice the lady in the rocking chair on the porch? That's me.  So cute, right?

 Nothing like a game of Red Rover to get the party started!

Charly adores all those who were there to wish her a happy birthday! Can you tell? It's a good thing the 29th only come every four years, this much excitement every year would throw us in happy coma!

Baptism

Yesterday morning as I was getting Charly ready for her baptism all I could think was, the next time I get her into a special white dress will be on her wedding day. *Gulp. I'm sure it will be here before we know it.

My heart is so full as I try to collect my thoughts and feelings.  I am still spilling over with the love  felt from all those whom we adore that were there to share in this special occasion with our family. 

Charly was lovely, she was radiant and beautifully beaming. We are such proud parents of the special girl she is becoming.

Our whole family was so very touched, and our testimonies strengthened, by the love that surrounding us yesterday. We were especially touched to see our friends and neighbors of different faiths come together to support Charly. It is such a blessing to have these people in our lives, we are honored to be a part of this community and to have so much love all around us. We could not ask for better, more caring neighbors and friends. 

We will of course remember how lovely Charly's baptism was for the sacred covenants she has made with our Heavenly Father, but we could not possibly forget the overwhelming spirit we felt being surrounded with all who were in the room. We are eternally grateful for all those who came.

A Honey Grove neighbor was generous enough to let us use her beautifully decorated porch for some of these pictures. I love small towns, pretty much all you have to do is smile when you ask someone something and they will more than likely say yes. I'm sure it helped tons to see a sweet little 8 year old girl all dressed in her freshly made baptism dress.

 Is it just me or did she instantly change overnight when she turned eight.

A special day indeed, shared by some of my family, but felt by ALL of our loved ones.  I am overwhelmed with gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the countless blessings I have seen in our family. 

I know with all my heart that this Gospel we are trying so hard to follow leads us to eternal families, and it's comforting to know that these children we cherish so much are forever sealed to us even after death. It's a good thing too, because I can't even imagine living without them!