Mesa Temple Pageant

Since Matt and I are both part of the youth program we were able to attend the Easter Pageant with the Youth this year and take Leah to her very first pageant! It was a little late for her and she screamed the whole way there (Stress City) but she was very good during the actual show. I love the pageant and especially love the end where the cast sings and Jesus appears. So glad we live where we can view a church production each year. The pageant helps bring the spirit of Easter.

 

 

 

The cast members bring around some of the animals used in the show but Leah didn't seem to care! I left the pony's eye red for dramatic effect!

YW Auction 2013

I guess a lot of people loved the fundraiser last year because it was suggested that we do it again! We did everything the same this year; silent auction, dessert auction, and Mexican dinner. I was in charge of the silent auction again and it was really easy compared to last year since I had everything saved on my computer. This year we sent around the auction sign up sheets a month in advance and then they disappeared into thin air. So a week before the event we sent around another sheet and I was thinking we wouldn't have any sign ups since people had already signed up but no the ward pulled through and we had SO much more than last year! Our ward is very generous. We had a great turn out and the girls did a fantastic job at donating their own services, setting up, serving, and cleaning up. They earned more than enough for camp!!! Matt and I donated a movie basket (dolphin tale which was hard to part with haah) and Matt made an Owl cake. The cake went for $38!!! Impressive. We bought a wreath, hair cut, cookies, and insulation upgrade (which we have had done and I already see a difference!!)

 

 

I was so busy running around and Matt was the auctioneer so we seemed to forget about Leah most of the night!! I know horrible parents. Good thing she is loved by so many and every time I would look for her someone else was holding her :)

Matt's owl cake. Talented hubby

Matt and two others from the ward did a comedy sketch much like the 3 stooges. Here you can see Matt riding a tricycle around the stage haha

Matt hissed and groaned about being the auctioneer again because he said he wanted to bid against people and antagonize others haha. However he finally agreed and did a great job!

Leah's Blessing

We blessed Leah on March 10, 2013. Those in the circle were Matt, Jordan (my dad), Max (Matt's dad), Bishop, Josh Hedgecock, Mark Daynes, Doug Degraw, Steven Connors, and Chad Willoughby.

We decided to wait and bless Leah until she was a bit older because my dad was coming out to Scottsdale for a conference and I really wanted him to help bless her. However, a week before the conference the bank canceled his trip but he already had the plane ticket so he came out anyways! The blessing was beautiful and I remember Matt blessing Leah with a strong spirit. After church we had a yummy dinner and my aunt and uncle came by to celebrate. Thanks to all who traveled to be here on Leah's special day :) and a special thanks to Poiette for lending the pretty bow and bracelet so Leah could look extra cute!

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was almost impossible to strap her in with this dress on! I bought the dress at JC Penny's a few days before. It was the only dress left and it was on clearance! 

 

 

 

Karen made this delicious Peanut Butter Cheesecake. It was sooooo good.

We tried to do a photo shoot but Leah would not smile!!

 

 

This bonnet type hat came with the dress and I had to try it on her haha

Matt's Award

Matt was awarded Leader of the Month at Banner Thunderbird back in February. Leah and I were able to attend the award ceremony and we actually surprised Matt! He had no idea he was getting the award and just thought someone in their department was receiving recognition. His boss called us up the day before and invited us to attend. Congrats Matt, you deserve it!

 

2nd Photo Shoot

While we were in Ridgecrest we had another mini photo shoot courtesy of Karen. Leah cooperated for some pictures but she was not a happy camper being out of her clothes! She despises the cold like her mom haha. This time she had her eyes closed for some and they turned out really cute. We also took some family pictures. I'm not loving my hair in the pictures but I do love the setting. Thank Karen!!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Katie and Cami come to visit

My cousin Katie and her baby Cami were planning on a visit back in December but Cami had a very bad cold so they decided to change their tickets to February. It worked out better because Leah and I were much more happy to go out and party! We had fun with a visit to downtown Glendale and ate at a yummy burger place and saw the cute shops. We also went to Petsmart to see the cats!!, ate at Paradise Bakery, watched a movie (Wallflowers, which was depressing), and watched Signing Time every day!! We also went to Matt's award ceremony at his work. Katie helped so much by doing the dishes every day and sweeping, mopping, vacuuming and watching Leah while I worked! It was great.

It was fun to have visitors. They are now back in Virginia and we can't wait to see them this Summer in the Outer Banks!

 

 

 

Cute Historic Glendale

 

 

Love Leah's face hahaha

Cami's saying, 'Leah don't cry'