The past few days have been full!
My sister Aubrey blessed her new baby at our home on Wednesday. Aubrey and I grew up together and it was so sweet for me to spend the afternoon with her as we prepared for this special event. We had a houseful of people to celebrate his arrival with lots of brownies, ice cream and hot fudge to boot!
On Thursday I hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our home. It's the first time I've done every bit of cooking, and I loved filling my table with yummy food and people I love!
Disclaimer: I made Dallan handle the turkey preparations. I promise I'm a strong stomached gal, but there's something about handling a turkey that looks so much like a.. well, turkey, that is gaggy to me. Dallan in all his man-ly-ness pulled on some of Caleb's medical gloves (laugh) then took out the neck and the giblets (gag) and then saved me when the bloody ice water started pouring out onto my socks. Josh was watching our antics and said "Well, I think I'll go throw up now." Once we had it on the pan, though, I was just fine to butter it , season it, and wrap it in a turkey bag. The end result was YUM! The dinner was delicious and the company was just as wonderful!
On Friday my little sister Ashley was married. She and her husband Hyrum are such a sparkly couple. I lived next door to Hyrum for 10 years, and I knew he was special when I first met him at age 11! I introduced the two of them in the Spring, and they hit it off right away! (Yes, I would have been a much better village match maker than a village turkey plucker.) Their sealing was beautiful and their reception was golden- just like they are! I love you Smash.
On Saturday, my new nephew Bradley Joel was baptized! He looked heavenly dressed in his white clothes. He was so well prepared and excited. Matthew gave a talk about the Holy Ghost, and I got to play the piano. The luncheon that followed was amazing! My sister in law Martha is a great cook. She and her family make the BEST Mexican food. I'm still drooling when I think of that guacamole.
Today we put up all of our Thanksgiving decorations and put up our Christmas tree. My heart is so full as I've reflected on the special times I've shared with my family over the past few days. I am so thankful to have been a part of events with such eternal significance, and I am looking forward to this Christmas season to continue the celebration!
