What a Blessing!

Yesterday we blessed Bethany at Church, and finally, I think I have the whole routine down. These big family events used to stress me out a little, and now, they are pure delight. I remember back when Ashley was blessed, and we had a dinner in the clubhouse at our little condo, and I wanted everything to be perfect. I had matching vases of flowers at the center of 5 color-coordinated tables with matching cloths and cloth napkins. I urged all of my sisters to loan me their matching china and goblets and gold silverware. I had to have the perfect menu. Yes, I was stressed.
Yesterday was heaven. We don't have church until 1:00, so the morning was leisurely with a few "Jesus movies" as we call them. The kids got ready on time and kept the kitchen clean! Bethany ate at all the right times to put us right on schedule for a content baby during the actual blessing. We had a lesson on Temples in Relief Society that was a nice prelude to Sacrament meeting. John gave a beautiful blessing. Mom took short-hand so we can have a copy. After, John and I bore testimony, and probably the only low-note of the day was me not preparing for what I wanted to say. I'm not very good at expressing myself off the cuff. Oh well. Andrew also bore a sweet Testimony. Here is a picture of the gorgeous dress my mom made for Ashley, that all my girls have worn for their blessings.

After Church, we all went home, and Andrew posted the cutest note on the front door (I didn't know until later, because I came through the garage.) I think he did it because the Stake had a little guest sign-in for his baptism.

In case you can't read it, I love the part where it says "I'm sure you will make new friends!"
For dinner, I wanted to do pot roast, because it was fast Sunday, and hey, nothing says "break fast" like pure beef (and nothing says simple like letting your oven do all the cooking while you enjoy the day!) But there wasn't any stress this time. I sprung for the clear plastic utensils and plates and cups, but the majority of my plan was simply getting all of my kids to clean up after themselves on Saturday and getting them over to Grandma's house with me so they wouldn't undo all our cleaning! All I had to do was throw a few roasts in the oven on Sunday morning, and the extended family did the rest! It was beautiful.
Of course I didn't get any pictures of the buffet, but Mom did amazing homemade rolls and carrots, Tiffany had wonderful garlic mashed potatoes, Carrie did yummy green beans with bacon, Becky brought corn, Jeri and Natalie wonderful salads, John's mom a fabulous Jello, Sally some amazing cut up fruit, and Jennifer every drink you can imagine! Amy and Marshall couldn't be there ;) but notice below the beautiful blanket she knitted! It was a nice addition to the blessing!
Of course we topped it all off with cheesecake! What an amazing day.
Here's another of my little princess.

I love her so much. It's funny, but by the time we wanted to get pregnant, there were days I wondered if we could handle 6 kids. But now, she has somehow made my life a little easier. She really is an angel. She sleeps through the night and has since about 6 weeks, and has just a very patient personality. All of the other children adore her, and that is where so much of my joy originates...watching all of them snuggle and take care of her. I feel so blessed. Life is good, and I have everyone else around me to thank for those little day-to-day joys in life.
Thank you to all who add a piece of joy...and you all do...whether you're cousins that I see once a year at best, or a sibling I see quite often, or a child I cuddle daily, it all adds up to one huge fulfillment. I am blessed.