Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Winter Wonderland

I love Christmas decorations!!!
This year I had a blank slate, our new house!
Decorations from our apartment days were recycled throughout the house; however there just wasn't enough to go around.  I went shopping and idea hunting. 
The fruits of my labor...
Three times handed down Christmas tree

My less than tradition Christmas tree topper

Our stockings are hung in hopes that St. Nicolas will come!

Window in TV room and front door
Table Decor

Front door adornment made by me :)
(Instead of a wreath)
 
PLUS

EQUALS...

For and overall look of...
(Instead of a chandelier)

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

The Blessing


We blessed little Grey in our home on Sunday (12-12-10). What a wonderful occasion to have a very large gathering of family and friends in our home. This was the first time that most of my family had seen our home, and it looked so cute decorated for Christmas!


I had my dad, Todd Tanner, conduct and bless Grey.
Grey's great grandfather, Dick Vail, gave the opening prayer.
We were joined by our new wards Bishop, First Counselor, and Elder Quorum President.
Also in attendance was my old bishop, Terry Smith, he also married Colby and me over 4 years ago.
We had a large circle of righteous Elders, so large that not everyone could touch Grey. The circle included those mentioned above as well as other great grandfathers, uncles, and great uncles. I couldn't have been prouder of all the men who shared in this spiritual experience.

Grey, my usually happy smiling baby, except when he gets tired (fusses only a little before falling asleep) decided that he would use a new "scream" cry the entire blessing, instead of just going to sleep like normal. It could have been all the people, the noise, the hot room, or another thing that made this moment a little less than desirable. None the less I could feel the spirit and my dad gave him a wonderful blessing! (He went to sleep very shortly after the actual blessing was over, of course) I spoke a little afterwards sharing some spiritual experiences and of course I cried. When I was done shedding tears, Colby’s Uncle Mike gave the closing prayer and blessed the food.

We had a great assortment of delicious foods that were kindly prepared by family and friends.
Soup was the main attraction; minestrone, cheddar potato and enchilada. There were breads of all assortments, a large array of fresh fruit, a berry salad, veggie tray, and tons of delicious desserts! So with a crowd of ~54 people we did a number on the food, actually it was the perfect amount (not too many left overs).

It was so great to have so many people supporting our little family and making the time to share in this experience with us. I am so lucky to have loving family and friends. My husband is amazing, he and Grey have a special bond and I love watching him with the babe. It was a delightful and exhausting evening but will be very memorable.

I have been blessed with the most adorable little guy who brings a smile to my face so often that my face gets tired ;) He smiles easily and loves to have or be part of the conversation. What a blessing and trial motherhood has been, but i wouldn't change these experiences for anything. Sending loves to my little one!

Some photos from the event...

He is cute...I am...yuck!
 
Our little family
 
Some of our supporters 
  

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The Photoshoot

I had Black Pearl Photography (Jenny) do Greys newborn photoshoot as well...

The adorable results...
(there are a lot, but I couldn't resist)


 MY FAVORITE (above)
 Last but not least!