Eleyna's blessing

We blessed Eleyna on Sunday, July 6, 2008. It was such a special day. I got teary eyed watching all of the men I love walk to the front of the chapel to bless my little girl: my husband, my dad, my Grandpa George, Tyler and Grandpa Rassmussen. What a wonderful bunch! The blessing Bryson gave her was beautiful. I had the opportunity to bear my testimony during the meeting and express how lucky I feel to be the mother of two. I am amazed at the faith the Lord has in me to give me such precious children to care for. He must think I have real potential. :-) It is strange to me that the world might think I am exchanging the best years of my life for drudgery as a stay-at-home mom. I'm not saying that I don't have hard days-I DO! But it is worth it. One of my young women came up to me after the meeting and told me she really needed to hear what I said in my testimony. That meant so much to me! Grandpa George bore his testimony too and said a few things about Hunter. The thing he said that stuck out to me the most was that most people come to earth to learn, but a few people come to teach-like Hunter. So true! It was a very sacred, beautiful meeting. I love my ward more than I can say! After sacrament we headed back to our house for food and visiting with the fam. My mom, Janeen and Leigh all helped me with the food so I didn't have any stress on the big day. Thank you so much girls!

The Big 3-0!

On Tuesday night we celebrated Bryson's 30th birthday with a big party! We barbequed hamburgers and hot dogs in our backyard and rocked out to 80's music courtesy of the dj I hired. After everyone ate, the plan was to do some karaoke. Sadly, only the kids and I were brave enough to sing for the crowd. I picked Goodbye Earl by the Dixie Chicks-which, looking back, definitely wasn't the most appropriate song choice given the fact that Bryson isn't a wife-beater, so there was zero sentimental value involved. Anyway, after cake and ice cream, the party was still swingin', but we had to kick everyone out to get Hunter ready for bed. (That's when you know you're "old" I guess.) Thanks to all those who helped me get the party together and to everyone that came! It was really fun hanging out with all of the wonderful family and friends that love Bry.

Duke game

We had such a great time on our trip! Bry and I flew in to Durham Wednesday afternoon. After several long hours on the airplanes (especially for the pregnant lady) we cruised to the hotel in our rental car, a red Mustang, and took a nap. That night we had dinner at a TGI Friday's near campus. After dinner, we drove a few blocks, parked and walked to Cameron Indoor Stadium. It was very cold! We were following the crowds, since we didn't really know where we were going, when suddenly we found ourselves in front of the arena. I never would have guessed in a million years that a basketball gym could be found in that building. It is very small inside and only holds 9300 fans. However, I feel like I can guarantee that the opposing team feels as though it holds 3x as many Cameron Crazies as that. The students are a riot! The game ended up being pretty close but my Blue Devils came away with the victory in the end, 71-58.

The next morning, before heading to the airport, we drove around the Duke campus a little and discovered Krzyzewskiville. (That's what the last picture of the tents is of in the next post.) I did some research and found out what it is all about and I have posted more info for those interested. After we took some more pictures of the campus we drove back to the airport. It was a short trip, but one I will never forget.

Cameron Indoor Stadium - It looks like a castle!

New calling and shopping

Today Bryson was released as the Course 15 Sunday School teacher and sustained as the Young Men's secretary in our ward. He is excited for the change and we are proud of his willingness to serve. Unfortunately, he was unwilling to pose for a picture to go with the big news.

In other exciting news, I went shopping for the first time yesterday for our little girl. She got two dresses, a skirt and a pink sweat outfit. We are really looking forward to her birth. The next project is redoing the nursery for a girl baby. I am excited to decorate a "big boy" room too, since Hunter will be moving out of the nursery into the bedroom next door. I was thinking the other day that right now is a great time of life. I'm not always crazy about the sleep deprivation factor, but it is thrilling to be bringing babies into the world and raising a family!

I guess Bry made up for being camera shy earlier by posing for this picture. I can't wait to see him as a daddy to a little girl.