Make life worth living.

So the memories begin. Last Friday Renee', Abigail and I surprised Cynthia by coming to Matthew's baby blessing. We had been planning to go about 2 weeks prior to actually leaving and I had lots of preparation to do. With Matt unable to sit on the bench with the kids and him leaving for a conference a day before I was to return home, I had to arrange all sorts of babysitters. I feel blessed to have a family where all are so willing to help! Thanks fam!!! Anywhoo, the day of departure came. We got to the airport in the evening and Brett came and picked us up. I was SOOO excited to get to where Cynthia was because I knew she would be very surprised. We ended up going to a reception that she had made the cake for and was there at the time. So Renee' and I walked in and Cynthia's back was to us. Renee' went up and gave her a hug from behind. Renee' thinks Cynthia smacked her in the head. I saw the whole thing and I just don't think she did, Renee'. Wipe your tears.

Cynthia looked over at me because she couldn't see who was hugging her. She got a blank look on her face and just looked at me for a minute. I just kept looking at her, smiling. She finally realized what was going on and stood up and gave me a hug. For those of you who are wondering, yes, it was just like I had imagined. We all were so excited to be together. I was able to hold Matthew there at the reception. Can we say adorable? Yes, he is. I couldn't hold him as much as I would have liked to because I had my own baby with me but I held him as often as I could while we were there. We had some of Cynthia's scruptious cake and then went to her house. We talked and laughed late into the night.

The next day, we helped Cynthia clean her house in preparation for Matthew's blessing. After we were done cleaning, we went to the store to buy the food for Sunday. We also went to Ross to help Renee' find some good fitting jeans, which she found. I also found an amazing bright purple, velour, hooded, big-buttoned coat. It was AMAZING! I am still kicking myself that I didn't buy it....yeah right. It was the ugliest coat I have probably ever seen. I did put it on for a good laugh from my sisters but I wonder how many other people in the store were gagging as I walked by. I also found a really cute decorative container with zebra print on the sides of it. The only problem was when you opened it, it smelled like the zebra had left it's undesirable mark on the inside of it. I let Cynthia enjoy that smell too. After Ross, we went to TGI Friday's to partake of the sacred sweet potato fries. They were delicious. We again, visited and laughed together for a long time while the two babies slept. That's what sisters do best right? We love to laugh and share stories with each other. When we got home, it was rather late. My intentions were good of staying up to help Cynthia with the soups but I was so tired I felt like I was going fall asleep right there on the counter. I decided that I would go to sleep and then wake up early and help get things ready the next morning.

Sunday morning, I went downstairs only to find Cynthia with most everything done downstairs. I cleaned up a little bit and then we went to church. Matthew's blessing was inspired. What a testimony to me of priesthood power. I knew that the blessing came straight from Heavenly Father. I cried through all of it because I felt the spirit bearing witness to me that what was being said was true. I also thoroughly enjoyed both Cynthia and Brett's testimony. The rest of church, I battled a sleep deprived baby and tried to listen as much as I could. After church, the fun began. We ate and played games the rest of the evening. Brett's brothers like to play games so it made for a fun night. After everyone was gone, Cynthia, Renee' and I stayed up talking again. I knew I needed to go to bed but fought it because I wanted to be with my sisters. We all only got about 3 hours of sleep that night but it was worth it. I love to spend time with my family. I am so thankful that all worked out so I could go and support Cynthia and her family during that special time. I am so grateful for family and the bond that we all share.

I was planning on taking lots of pictures on this trip but, I didn't. I did get one of Abbie and Matthew together though. Here it is. I didn't realize that Abbie was so big and Matthew was so small until they were actually together. Kind of crazy!

I am also grateful for empty seats on the plane. Because it wasn't full, I was able to switch my seat and have Abbie in the carseat for most of the flight. It was bliss!