Wednesday, May 5, 2010

~Eight is Great~


Lexi got baptized! :) What a special day! Jahde baptized her (you're awesome Jahde!). And Dave confirmed her a member of the church (You're awesome too, honey :). Sadly, I didn't hear much of the confirmation, because when I told DJ to please keep quiet so dad could give Lexi a blessing, he said 'that's just stupid' over and over. Not my favorite moment! I wish I had thought to bring duct tape with me! DJ is typically a good boy,not perfect, gets into things more than any of my children ever have, but obedient and kind, this was not characteristic of him and seriously made me crazy! --begin random veer-- I have been known to say "I'll spank you so hard your mother will cry", it makes me laugh!--end random veer-- Anyway, Lexi has been looking forward to this day for months! Originally she was going to be baptized on her birthday and had said "getting baptized on my birthday is the best present I will get"....she's a sweetie! Since I'm only a step-mom, I don't get to be a part of things as much as I'd like, or even get to spend the time that I would like..... so I'm going to post something for Lexi here, and hopefully she'll have access to it her whole life :)
Lexi,
I am so proud of you and the decision you have made to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Being a member of this church can be the very best blessing in your life. It gives you opportunities beyond measure. You have the chance to be with your family for all of eternity......that's a long time! Having the gospel in my life, and knowing I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, has really carried me through some hard times in my life. I am so grateful. I know that if you do what is right, you will be blessed. Life wont always be easy, but there are lots of people around you to help you, who love you very much. And most importantly, Heavenly Father loves you, and is always there for you, always ready to give you peace, comfort and guidance in your life. The gift of the Holy Ghost really is an amazing gift! Take time to listen. Take time to pray. You are a special daughter of God. You have a talent and beauty that can, and will, touch the lives of others. You are such a joy to be around... so happy and full of life. You are loving and kind. You help make our house a home. Dad and I love you so much. I am so happy to be your mom and be a part of your life, and I will always be here for you.





Please don't make fun of this cake! It really isn't my best haha..... and I cut the 'dog poop' on the coconut grass lawn out of the picture too! lol I had these great ideas in my head, but once I put it all together, it was BLAH! Lexi loves dogs..... so a doggy dish, itty bitty edible doggy bones.... in the backyard coconut grass, with a cute little chocolate rock path through the grass..... and who owns a dog and doesn't have dog poop in their backyard at some point and time, right? lol OK fine, I'll add a pic of the poop! (make sure and compliment Brandon on his poop decor skills lol) But don't say I didn't warn you about this lame and crappy concoction! (pun intended)

~we love cousins~

Top to bottom, left to right:
Brandon, Kyle,
Annabelle, Lexi, Ethan, Toby, Benny,
Lily, DJ, Jeffrey, Kimi, Dallan, Gracie, William, Abel:)


My sweet sister Kristin and her family (who we very rarely get to see) stopped in for a visit on their way through - moving from Minot, ND to New Mexico. It was so great to see them!!!

Dave and Nikki and their kids came to say hello to the Schlenske's, so we took the photo op! Jahde wasn't with us that weekend, cuz he had a hot date :) so he's missing in these photos...... so is Hannah, Isaac, Gideon, Miriam, Andrew, Lucy, Rachel, Joshua (David and Susan's) Porter, Bradford and Darcee's pregnant tummy :) and Kianna, KC, and Corbin (Kirk and Cherrie's). We love all of our cousins!!! I wish I knew how to photoshop them all into the picture........although it's a wee bit crowded haha

It's amazing how big our family has gotten. It all started out so slow!!!

And I just have to post this sweet note that I found. Toby wrote it, obviously back in early December. It's so sweet! I had him go leave it on our neighbors porch(months later, but better late than never right?), so had to get a picture for my memory :) Dave was in China and it wouldn't stop snowing... I spent many hours outside shoveling, but already had a LOT on my plate (Dave gone, mom and dad totalled our suburban etc...) and one morning, when I was getting ready to go shovel, saw our kind neighbor helping out! So nice!!! Our home teacher ended up helping too. I was/am very grateful!