County Fair.

My friend Kathryn Kimball happened to give us some free admission tickets for kids' day at the Mclean County Fair.  I've been trying to be braver and better and getting out of the house so I decided to go.  Dad stayed home and worked while Roo napped.  Aimee was a good sport sleeping and being strolled for most of the time.  You two, Brie & Alex, got in free and I think I only had to pay $6.  We watched the pig races, checked out the various animals (roosters, hens, ducks, rabbits, cows, horses, sheep, etc.), got cherry limeade, had your faces painted and balloon creations made, and got your picture taken in a giant tractor.  All in all we had a really fun time.  I'm glad that we went and think it'd be fun to come back next year.

Pioneer Children.

Oh my cuteness :0)

We specifically made our Utah travel plans such that we'd be home in Illinois for Pioneer Day.  We loved dressing up, making biscuits and butter, having a meat & potato type dinner with cherry cobbler and hand-whipped cream for dessert.  The evening was perfect for 3 legged races.  It was a lovely day!  I'm grateful that we can be reminded of our great pioneer heritage and help give you kids a little glimpse of the lives that led and all that they went through for their posterity.  How blessed we are!

P.S. Mémé got us the matching bonnets and Aimee's adorable dress was made by Dad's cousin Katie Ashcroft for Brie when she was a baby.

Aimee's Blessing.

"blessed"

We indeed feel so blessed to have you and for this special occasion of officially giving you a name and a blessing.

Bompa, Uncle Matt, Uncle Jon, Uncle Walt, Dad, Uncle Rex, Uncle Randy, Great Grandpa Stevenson and Grandpa Graden

For whatever reason I see the baby blessing as being the capstone to the pregnancy, birth and postpartum.  A celebration of the life that has been created, carried, and brought into this mortal existence.  It's a special occasion for a baby to receive a name and a blessing, the first ordinance on the covenant path as a disciple of Christ. 

Aimee, we were able to have your baby blessing at Grandpa & Nana Julz's house in Orem.  You were surrounded by a room full of people there to support us and show their love for you.  There were great grandparents, grand parents, aunts, uncles, cousins AND some of mine and Dad's aunts & uncles and cousins.  We had it in the late afternoon so that everyone could attend their own church services.  Dad gave you a sweet blessing and then proudly carried you around the room for everyone to see his beautiful Aimee :0)  Afterwards we had a spread of appetizers for everyone to munch on.  Also on the table were some pictures of you and a few beautiful bouquets from Matt & Erin's reception the night before.  I of course had to get some pictures of your special day and you were such a trooper, though undoubtedly hungry and tired.  Mémé and Nana Julz looked so lovely and I could only imagine Grandma Vicki smiling down from Heaven.  You did look beautiful in the gorgeous white rosette dress that Grauntie Elaine had picked out for you.  I was grateful she was at least part of your special day in that way, especially because of the meaning behind your name...

Aimee means beloved.  You are named after two women who are very beloved to me, My Aunt Elaine and Jeannette Lefevbre from my mission in Québec City.  Both of these dear women were never able to have children and I wanted your name to honor them.  Alecia is from my middle name, Sarah Alecia.  For several months we talked about potential middle names (the runner up was Angeline) but didn't feel settled on any of them.  A few weeks before your birth on two occasions, Dad mentioned that he wanted to pass on the name Alecia so that you'd be named after me.  I thought that was so sweet and in the hospital we decided that it was the name we'd use.  Aimee Alecia Graden.  How beloved you are to us, dear girl.

Flower Girl.

Uncle Matt & Aunt Erin were married in April and had their reception in the Summer, partially because they thought we wouldn't be able to make it to their sealing.  Both of them were as taxed as they could be (moving, school, work, pregnancy, etc.) and really had little energy or time to give to their reception.  So Erin's wonderful Mom, Barbara, Mémé, Aunt Emmie, Aunt Rachie, Starla and I stepped in to help them pull off their reception in 2 weeks.  Blessing and curse of being a Sheets is that you RUN with things.  And when I say run I mean RUN with all the creative juices, resources and energy that you've got.  It can be an intense, stressful and exhausting process.  Reception planning and having Grauntie on hospice about gave me a nervous breakdown.  My poor heart fluttered from all the anxiety for almost two weeks straight.  BUT it got done, we had some good times in the process and it turned out beautifully.  My favorites were:  the late night run to Winco with Emmie and Uncle Tim being our impromptu server (quesadillas and nachos, lemon water for Alex) during one of our planning meetings, making flower bows/pins for the girls, and seeing it all come together afer hours of planning, prepping and  collaborating.

 We were so grateful for the family and friends that helped out the night of.  It's amazing how much work it takes to pull off a big event!!  Once the reception started I think I was finally able to relax and enjoy...well while still playing mom and photographer ;0)  Aunt Rachie had little busy Lij as her date, Alex ran around the yard and was mesmerized by the tea lights and Uncle Tim was Brie's handsome date.  Light appetizers were served along with an ice cream bar.  The Creamery ice cream flavors were delectable (German Chocolate Crunch, Graham Canyon, Cherry Cordial,  and LaVell Edward's Vanilla) and the variety of toppings were fun.

 Have I mentioned what a gorgeous evening it was?? And Bompa and Mémé (and Uncle Matt) had worked so hard to get the yard in tip top shape.  It was just lovely with the hanging flower baskets (Erin & Matt suggested hanging pictures in the trees. It added a fun and personal touch), garden and all.  They make a great team with beautifying the house and yard. The weather was perfect and reminded me so much of the night of our reception.  Although this this time I was glad that we weren't in line all evening and that we got to eat the food, mingle, dance and chat.  

 I just loved seeing you kids run around the place all dressed up and looking fancy :0)  Lij, you wore a little black tux that I had gotten from the Goodwill Outlet, Alex wore a new suit coat with his "tie up shoes" and Brie and Aimee, you were in beautiful dresses that Aunt Emmie and Mémé had picked out for you.  A family picture was of course in order.  This one was snapped in the exact location we got pictures taken on our wedding day.  Crazy, here we are a family of six.

There was music and lots of dancing throughout the evening.  I really enjoyed watching Brie and Dad dance together and watching Alex and Brie was a close second.  And I loved slow dancing with Dad, with our cute little hip attachment, Aimee :0)

Brie was the official flower girl, rose petals and all.  She sprinkled and threw petals around while Uncle Matt & Erin danced at the end of the night.  You just loved having that job and were SO excited about it :0)  Everyone had pretty much left before "the wedding dance", throwing of the bouquet and cutting of the cake.  But it turned out being fun to have it laid back with just family around.  Erin threw her bunches of flowers inside to Rach, Em, Starla and Brie.  To finish things off, Matt & Erin cut their mini cake, then Dad & I and Bompa & Mémé took turns cutting the cake.  It was great!  What a delightful evening and joyful occasion.  We're so happy for Uncle Matt & Aunt Erin...and their baby girl due at the beginning of next year.

TWO babies.

When I found out that Aunt Heather AND Aunt Julie were expecting (just a few weeks apart), I really hoped that I could help throw them a baby shower when we were visiting Utah!  What TWO wonderful reasons to celebrate :0) Together Nana Julz and I spearheaded a baby shower brunch.  She hosted and took care of all of the yummy food and I did invitations and decorations.  Thankfully the morning of Aunt Heather came early and helped to set up (we were a bit behind and were running around like crazy women trying to get all the final details in place ;0)).   It was simple but such a fun occasion: we had brunch, did a cute questionnaire game that Aunt Julie put together, chatted and opened presents.  I just love those sisters (-in-law) of mine and was so happy to be celebrating their soon-to-be babies!!

Brie came along last minute and was my little helper and Aimee of course came too.  I was so touched that I was even given several gifts for Aimee (from Grandma Stevenson, Kim and JoLynn).  What an awesome family I get to be a part of :0)

According to Motorola, 5.

Life leading up to Aimee's birth...

Trying to get one-on-one time with my little man.

McTeacher Night at McDonald's.  We went so you could say hi to Mrs. Kauten, and all shared a large fries.

Dad strumming up a song to teach fire safety to the cub scouts.

European pique nique for Dad & Me.

New King bed (thanks Mom & Dad) and comforter set in the guest room.  Come visit!

You boys listening to classical music.

Centers in Brie's class.

Alex helping his little brother get a drink.

Windblown look.

Alex helping me to frost our carrot cake.

You kids have sweetly been bringing me dandelions :0)

Reading a book with Roo.

Brie at our Spring Celebrations dinner.

Dad using the vacuum to suck up things that had fallen behind the oven.

Lij, Dad & I didn't end up being able to do a big brother date with you before Aimee was born, BUT I did have a morning with you all to myself.  We went to the library, to the post office (where you found tiny treasures) then I took you to Petco to see the animals :0)

Beautiful Brie.

Balloons from my baby shower and a laundry basket full of cute PINK baby girl paraphernalia :0)

almost 38 week baby bump.

We finally got our closet cleaned out and organized!

Alex trying on Dad's glasses.

You kids have been playing "puppy dogs" lately...here is Brie's doggy bed.

Alex initiating his new-to-him umbrella.

An impromptu indoor picnic for lunch.

Roo snuggling Dad after work.

Brie's first official time to the dentist.

Alex doing his thing at Occupational Therapy.

38 weeks, 2 days.  The last baby bump picture that I got, 4 days before Aimee's surprise birthday.  

A cute little story that reminded me of Tiff and her soon-to-be-born little guy.

Brie helped me prep stuff for Alex's birthday.

You boys are so cute, especially when you're being sweet to each other.

Centers and Earth Day.

Waffle bar after my Stake Primary Training.