No More Diapers!

At least, for one of my kids. Sayer is finally potty trained! We started around Christmas so it's been about four MISERABLE months. I just about gave up a few times because he just didn't seem to be getting it. But last week, I realized one night that we were out of diapers so he went to bed in underwear (he's been sleeping in diapers this whole time). He did have a few nighttime accidents, but that seemed to do the trick and he's only had a couple of daytime accidents. The last four nights he's been dry! The big thing is that I don't have to remind him anymore; he just tells me when he needs to go. Yay for Sayer! I never thought I'd be so happy to see him out of diapers :)

I just can't help myself...

So Kandice and I finally got around to doing Sari's pictures. We invaded my mom and dad's house today since they're in HAWAII (brats!) and they have a nice, big, empty bedroom with great natural light they haven't filled yet. Kandice is experimenting with a trial version of photo editing software and still has to finish some other pics she took a few weeks ago, so I knew I would probably have to wait a day or two before I'd get to see some.

But she couldn't wait.

And neither can I.














Aren't these awesome! Kandice got the brilliant idea to pull out my wedding dress and do a few with it and the wedding rings...I was so excited I just had to post these! More to come!

Sari's Blessing

This weekend was Sari's blessing day. We had about fifty people there to share her big day and almost all of them were immediate family! It was fun to get everyone together; all of our families were there except for one of Jake's brother-in-laws. The blessing circle was pretty big and one of the counselors in our bishopric joked to me that he felt like he was in stake conference and not just testimony meeting because there were so many visitors! Jake did a great job of blessing her and I was reminded once again of the blessings of having the priesthood in our home.

My mom and dad offered to host a dinner for everyone afterward, so we got to test out the new digs once again. It was quite a test with all of the McBride's and all of the Lilya's, but there was plenty of room and we all had a great time visiting and enjoying each other's company.

Here are some fun pics of the big day:


Say giving "Sissy" kisses


Sari was far past being amused by the uncomfortable dress at this point.


Sari with Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Lilya


Grandma and Grandpa Lilya


Grandma and Grandpa McBride


Aunt Jen and Sari-this was the first time Jennifer really got to spend time with Sari. It was also the first time my brother Boyd had ever seen her so the two of them had a few arguments over who got to hold Sari :) They had a lot of fun together! Plus, Sari got out of her blessing dress and was much happier in this pic.


My Grandma Louise and Grandpa Gene were able to come down for the blessing as well. It was really special to have them there, not only because Gene was able to stand in the circle, but because Sari is named after Grandma Wowo and it was really important to me to have her there for Sari's big day! She wasn't feeling well and almost didn't come, but she was a trooper and made it. I was so grateful and made sure Kandice got some pics of the two "Louise's" and it's something I'll always treasure.




Grandma was so funny; anytime Sari made a sound she got this look on her face. It was cute.


Kandice made sure to get this four-generation photo too. My middle name is Lou, which is a tribute to both of my grandmothers (Louise and Luella). My mom was also named after her grandmothers.


These are some pics Kandice took a few weeks ago. I love this one of Sari's face! She is so cute. I also like how my mom's nails match her outfit :)




It was a great day and we had a lot of fun! Thanks to Kandice for sharing her talents with us :)