Madelynn Sue Baptism

November 26th, 2011 was one of the most special days this Campbell family will ever have. Madelynn Sue was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  We are so proud of her, and her choice. 

About two weeks before her baptism, we went to the Temple and I took her picture in her white dress.  It was sweet to see her there, and know that someday we will be at the Temple and she will be in her white dress and she will be married.  The pictures turned out sweet.

Da and I were both pretty emotional.  It is unreal that she is 8, and here we have this beautiful little girl with her own testimony. 

Da of course baptized her and confirmed her. My mom gave the talk on Baptism, and I gave the talk on The Holy Ghost.  We had two musical numbers.  Bud,Cass, Luke and Lara sang "Learn of me", which Maddie chose, and than Maddie and her cousins sang a primary song. I really don't know the real name of the song, but my kids have always called it "The song of a bird"  I have sung it to them before bed for years and years.  Its a family favorite. Grant and my Dad were the witnesses.  Liz said the opening prayer, my Dad the closing. Heath led the music.  It was really a special baptism. One really wonderful thing about our ward is that the baptism is very individual for the child, you don't share your baptism with another child.  Maddie chose the entire program. The spirit was strong, and it will be preserved in our family's mind forever. 

I love this family picture.  Seems pretty real as Jack is trying to run away! Well this is what it's like with a big family!  :)  You never get a great family shot.

We took this picture of my entire family at the church.  Of course it's already out of date with Bud and Heath's baby on the way.  You think my parents have a big family?

A few random shots of our family after the baptism. I love this little Pay!

Look at this cute little girl, I love that dress!  :)   I am such an awesome Aunt, Liz is so lucky that I love to yard sale and I am always buying her darling little clothes and shoes.  :)

This is little Bear. He is such a sweet little baby. I like his shirt too, came from my boys.  :)

This is Parker.  He is Maddie's good friend, and the bishops son.  He was so cute.  His mom told me how worried he was getting ready for Maddie's baptism. He wouldn't let his Mom tie his tie, only his Dad, because he does a better job. He was all worried about his hair, he told his Mom that he wanted to impress Maddie.  Is that so cute? 

This is a cousin shot, all my parents grand kids. 

Maddie looked so pretty.

The guys in the confirmation circle.

Bishop Hansen, John McNamara, Grant, Dad, Da, Luke, Brent, and Bud. 

We have one beautiful baptized girl. We love you Maddie Sue!  We could not be more proud of you.  

One down, three to go.

Thanksgiving 2011 rocked

Thanksgiving 2011 pretty much rocked!  We had 18 house guests, a new record for a home.  We loved every minute of it, especially the kids.  My parents and Jared were here, Luke, Lara(her first visit to the south, I think we have them convinced to move here) Bud, Heath, Pay, Ashlyn, Grant, Liz, Hallie, Cass, Brent, Kierstyn, Reese, Ellie, and Bear.  Is that everyone? I think I have not forgotten anyone.  It was so much fun.   We ate tons of food and played games and talked late into the night. The kids played outside and inside and made so many memories with their cousins.  This was the first time I have been with all my siblings, ans spouses and kids in a long time. You really have to cherish these times as you get older, as it just doesn't happen much.  Thanks to everyone who made the trip! We love you! We love that you love us enough to stay at Hotel Campbell which was overbooked, but full of love and fun! We love that you love Maddie enough to come and share in her precious and special day!

Thank you Aunt Lara for sitting at the piano with Maddie for many hours last week and re sparking her love for the instrument. It helps to keep practicing knowing an awesome Aunt can play too!

Yes, Jared is a full blown teenager now. Who else can sleep on the couch with 23 people running around? Only a teenage has this gift and talent. Its Bud all over again.

I had this dress laid out for Ashlyn because it was too small for my girls, but Hallie found it and wore it every day she was here!  What a little girl.   Even my mom said how much Hallie reminds her of Maddie at that age.  

Of course we went to the swamp, one of the really cool things about the south. 

We also went to the lights  but I forgot my camera that night, and Heath took a bunch of pics for me, but of course I forgot to download her camera before she left, so unless she emails them to me, you will just have to imagine the fun and beauty without pictures.   Since I have had Kev, I seriously have no brain! It is sooooo bad!

Yes, after everyone left, I did laundry for 2 days straight, and I am positive we hit a record with this folding pile!  Much LOVE and appreciation to my wonderful and darling Husband who folded all these clothes.   He folded and I put away!  I love him!!!

Blessings

I have really been grateful for all my many tremendous blessings I have been given lately.  I love that I get to stay home with these sweet and precious little ones. They fill my heart(and my time) to overflowng! I am so grateful for a Husband who works hard so that I can be a full time mom.  We have taken some cute pictures recently. I am not feeling to creative with words tonight, so the pictures will have to speak for themselves.  The above picture is of Jacks preschool class after they made Indian vests.  It was a big hit!

This little Kevy just cracks us up.  Whenever he sees a camera, he hams up this huge smile and says  "cheeeeeeesssssseeeeee"

The girls with Mckenzie

Our rolling blading super star!  She is getting pretty good.

 We decorated the Christmas tree last night.   Sa told me the best part of Christmas is decorating the tree. 

 Maddie is mad in this picture because she didn't get to hold kev!  SORRY!

Kev is getting older and bigger and the boys are playing more and more together.  Yesterday they were in the living room wrestling and Kevy was cracking up.    

 About 2 weeks ago the leaves starting falling and for several days the kids would go outside, rake up the leaves into a small pile and jump in them.  I loved it as it would entertain them for hours.

 Isn't it great that they all happened to be wearing red shirts that day?  Kev was napping. 

 These three get along so well (sometimes) They tied themselves together and walked around the house like this for at least an hour. 

Stay tuned for a wonderful Thanksgiving with a beautiful baptism.