Mitchell's Baptism

So that Steve's parents only had to make one trip to Texas from California, we planned Matthew and Rachel's baptism the weekend before Mitchel's in San Antonio. So here we are the next weekend at Mitchell's baptism.

We aren't used to attending Stake Baptisms and I have always been a little, actually a lot, partial to just having your own baptism, but this was nice. Uncle Scott baptized Mitchell and then his brother Chris was able to confirm him. How sweet is that? It was really a special blessing and a special day.




As per Mitchell's request, we all went to IHOP for brunch. {Thanks a lot Uncle Scott & Aunt Kari} He looks so handsome in his cute little sweater vest. I only wish my boys would wear them.

Sweet Matthew

Dear, Mitchell
I hope your excited Mitchell.
This is a special moment for you.
When I was baptized I felt glad and happy.
And I hope you will to.
Let me tell you about my baptism I thought it was the best choice id ever made in my life.
Getting the Holy Ghost was all so the best gift id ever gotten in my life.
The Holy Ghost will help you in your trials
and when you need it to help you.
When you get baptized by Scott your dad
you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost after you get baptized Mitchell.
Be for this ends id like to say a scripture its in mark 16: 16 its says
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved
but he that believeth not shall be damned.
in the name of Jesus Christ a men.



Love Matthew

Matthew sat down at the computer a few days before Mitchell's baptism and started typing this sweet letter. He did it all by himself, only having to ask me how to spell a few words.

And it is perfect. It made me cry and he said it is sure to make Aunt Kari cry.

After Baptism Visitors

After the baptism our family all came back to our house for a carnitas lunch, which is turning into a tradition now. We love having company.

The kids were thoroughly entertained

I must have just followed baby Matthew around all day with my camera.





My brother Scott and his family were able to stay a while longer, so we were able to spend some good time with them. Steve & Etan took Scott on a nice bike ride at Stephen F. Austin State Park, while the rest of us went to watch Matthew play another basketball win. And then we were just able to relax the rest of the evening. Wow!! that was nice.

I am not quite sure what these girls were doing, but I am going to call it "Princess Training" by Rachel.

I love this picture, Kassity is the limber princess.Rachel and her court of princesses.
Here is proof that Steve, Scott & Ethan had a good time riding.

I love what the Wii can make you do. You're looking good Scott.

A Valentine's Day Baptism

I have had so many thoughts in my mind and feelings in my heart that I haven't known how to begin writing them down. Now that it's 2 1/2 weeks later, lets see what I remember.

This was another "cry and laugh at the same time" moment. {The first time was when I found out that I was having both Rachel and Matthew, TWINS.}

We had been trying to prepare Rachel & Matthew a while now, well actually 8 years, to make this decision to be baptized, to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, to have all their sins washed away, to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, to covenant with their Heavenly Father that they will choose the right, be good examples, share the gospel, help others and when they fail to be able to repent and to ask Heavenly Father for forgiveness or for help.

Wow, that is a lot for an eight year old. However, they stepped up to the plate with lots of questions but with no doubt that they will be blessed and knowing they will someday enjoy the blessing of eternal life.

What a tender, sweet and proud moment this was for me. There were many tears of joy rolling down my cheeks. First, seeing Matthew & Rachel and Steve all dressed in white standing in front of a picture of Christ getting baptized. Second, feeling the spirit as my Dad & Mother-in-law shared there testimonies of the truthfulness of the gospel. Third, watching two of my children enter the waters of baptism. Fourth, hearing Rachel say she feels "different". Fifth, watching a slide show presentation we made of the two of them growing up. Sixth, seeing my husband, my Dad, my Father-in-law, my Brothers and my Brother-in-law standing in a circle, around Rachel and then Matthew, assisting in the confirmation. Seventh, listening to my husband, who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood, give such beautiful blessings. Eighth, feeling the love of all my family and friends who were in attendance that day. I guess "8" is a good number to end on, "8" is great.

This makes me wonder how the next 8 years of their life is going to be. I pray with all my heart that with the many challenges and trials that may come their way, that their faith will keep them standing strong. My heart is full and I am so grateful for all that I have been given. I know that what has happened this day is pleasing to our Heavenly Father and I know he lives. I am so grateful for our Saviors example and I know it is through him that we may be saved.

Thank you Matthew and Rachel for being you. I love you. Mom




Matthew & Rachel with their special baptism cake. I have made a few of these cakes for other people and they had to have one for themselves. This time a did something different. The Bee trails are actually President Hinckley's 9 B's: Be Grateful, Smart, Clean, True, Humble, Prayerful, Still, Positive and Involved. I also put hearts around the side, since it was Valentine's Day.

Grandma & Grandpa Cannon

Grandma & Grandpa Spendlove Uncle Eric, Aunt Mandi, Cailie, Isabelle, Macy & MaxUncle Scott, Aunt Amy, KaDee, Kassity & baby Matthew

Cousin Chris, Emily & Mitchell. I don't know how I didn't get a picture of Uncle Scott & Aunt Kari.
Chris & Emily sang a beautiful song, "When I Am Baptized."

Cute pictures of the girls: Rachel & IsabelleKaDee, Lauren, Kassity
Just thought this was a nice picture of the two Mother-in-laws standing over the cake chit chatting.

One last picture with each special one.

Valentine's with Lauren

Here is Lauren at another Party at Preschool, but of course you have to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Then she was off to a Valentine Cookie Party at her friend Clara's house where there were a lot of her other friends.

For some reason I had to take a picture of the girls standing in line taking turns washing their hands.
The party girls hard at work decorating their Valentine's Cookies

One Partied out CuTe LiTtLe GiRl!

Blue & Gold Banquet

Our Pack meetings consist of 3 different dens. So they are pretty well attended. I think 50 pizzas were ordered and all the scouts were encouraged to bring a cake they designed and decorated with their dads. Ethan and Matthew's cakes were #27 & #28 and we weren't the last ones. So there was plenty of dessert. I should have gotten a picture of all the cakes.

It was a nice evening. Matthew got his first belt loop and Ethan received the Best Scout Themed Cake Award.



Steve and the boys did a great job on their cakes, with only a little help from mom. Ethan and Matthew came up with their own designs and just went for it.

The next project is Pinewood Derby cars.

Freezer Meal Co-op #1

Well, I am trying it again. A friend of mine,Kelly,is the courageous organized one who put this all together. But there are probably about 20 ladies involved now in our Freezer Meal Co-op. I have been very pleased with how it has all turned out our first time around and it's all tasted good too.

This was what I was assigned to make for our first meal swap, Italian Pork Chops. I bought 46 pork chops that I had to brown. It actually wasn't that bad. I did it all in an evening with all my kids home.

Our next go round I get to pick my own recipe, but have been assigned Fish. I need some recipes!

They're ONE!! Happy Birthday Austin & Isaac

This is a picture of the twins with the twins at Christmas. They are 7 years apart. And aren't they all so cute? We sure do wish we lived a little closer so we could get more Austin and Isaac time. It is hard to believe that they are already 1. Happy Birthday to you two good-looking baby boys! 2/8/09

Rachel & Matthew's "Getting Ready for Baptism" Pictures

We just had these pictures taken of the twins, thanks to my dear friend Carolyn, in preparation for their big day. Yes, on February 14, Valentine’s Day, at 10:00 am they are getting baptized. You can consider this an official invitation. We are all very excited for this special moment in their lives and would love to share it with all of you.

I love these pictures. At first Matthew wouldn’t even get a foot near Rachel. But you can tell by the pictures that he eventually loosened up a little. I love his bright blue eyes. Rachel had no problem posing for the camera. She is so good at it and so beautiful too. When we got back into the car after our photo shoot, Matthew said he was really embarrassed being all dressed in white out where everyone was watching him. So, I understand being dressed all in white and then being expected to show affection towards his sister was a lot to ask for. But thank you Matthew & Rachel for these sweet pictures that I get to treasure forever. And another big thanks to Carolyn for her patience, time and talent.

Picture #1

Picture #2
Picture #3

Picture #4

Picture #5

Picture #6


Here are some of my favorite pictures of them by themselves.

I know they almost look like wedding pictures, but I love them.