Baptism day

Well, it has been a crazy couple of weeks, filled with things like a baptism, a baby blessing, visits from family, home projects, a sick baby and just day-to-day life. But I've decided it's time to get back into my habit of occasionally posting about our life. So my first choice was to post about our sweet Hannah's baptism.

It was such a neat day - she was the only person who was baptized that day and I loved that it got to be all about her. It started off with a sweet prayer by Charlie. I honestly think his words brought the Spirit like nothing else could've. He prayed that Hannah would "have a good baptism" and also that "everyone on the whole earth can know that Jesus Christ is our Savior." What a sweet boy! Then Grandpa Wolf gave a talk about baptism. He reminded us of the words in the scriptures immediately following Jesus' baptism and said to imagine that Heavenly Father was saying those same things about Hannah. "This is my beloved daughter in whom I am well pleased." Then Hannah was baptized and it was really emotional (for me at least - but then, I cried most of the time we were there). It's hard to believe she's old enough to be making covenants already, ya know? Anyway, then Grandpa Larson gave a talk about the Holy Ghost and then Hannah was confirmed. Afterwards, we came back to our house and feasted on egg rolls and fried rice (thanks mom and Millie!) It was a really great day. I also have to thank everyone who contributed to her baptism book. It came together really nicely and I love that she'll have it to look at for years to come. Here are a few photos of our special day:


I wish someone had mentioned to me that my beloved J.Crew prison-stripe sweater was NOT flattering on a post-pregnancy body...)

Hannah and UIL

So this post is long overdue. But back when it happened, I was just coming home from the hospital with a new little baby.

Anyway, Hannah had been staying after school once a week to practice for UIL. I don't know what it stands for, but basically, it's an academic competition for all the schools in our district. We found out just after Christmas break that she'd been selected to represent her school in the actual competition at the end of January. We were really happy and excited for her - and she was really proud of herself and her hard work. The competition was held a few weeks later. She competed against about 40 other kids and then found out that she'd been chosen to compete in the finals. Only 10 finalists compete and after all was said and done, she placed 8th! She got a little medal and it was such a big moment for her. We are so proud of her! She is a great student and really loves school and learning. I think she inherited that from her dad...

12 years

Twelve years ago today, I entered the Salt Lake Temple as a single person, a little bit nervous but also so happy and excited. When I left, I was married - sealed forever - to the love of my life. In the past twelve years we've experienced a lot together. Here's a very brief look at our life together in numbers:

1 awesome trip to Europe (and countless other amazing trips together - including Hawaii!)

2 major moves (from Chicago to SLC and from Draper to Houston plus a few minor moves inbetween.)

3 houses (well, 1 condo and 2 houses)

4 kids

5 cars and 1 fishing boat

6 college degrees (okay, not quite but it feels like it sometimes - and only one of them is mine!)

(so, I was going to try to count up to 12 but it's getting way too hard)

1 hurricane.

2 trips to Disneyworld and 1 to Disneyland. (When can we go again?)

1 major career change.

3 memorable canoe trips (Starved Rock, Hallstadt, and the one here in TX - remember all those turtles and the OWL?)

1 car break down on Match Day in Chicago

4 trips to Sea World in San Antonio (and a few to Austin too - I still want to move there...)

5 (or more) seasons of "The Bachelor" and "American Idol." I know they're your favorites.

1 very scary high ropes course at Aspen Grove.

Countless memories of building our life and family.

There's no one else I would ever want to do this with, C.J. You are a great dad and an even better husband. I love you and I'm so glad I married you 12 years ago. I would do it all over again! Here's to the next 12 (or so...)!

P.S. When you get home today, can you show me how to scan photos? I wanted to put one of our wedding pictures on here!

Brothers