In addition to the wedding festivities for my cousin, this weekend I also attended a wedding shower for one of my favorite people in the whole world--Sunny. I am so happy that Sunny is getting married that I am practically gushing, you would think it was my own wedding. So anyway here are some snapshots of the shower.

Introducing Sunny Shalese Drysdale soon to be Crawley. Notice the beautiful yellow shirt she is wearing and the lovely yellow flower I just happened to capture in the picture. I think they are both appropriate for such a sunny person. She is one of those people who has a personality that definitely matches her name.

This Mandy and Ava enjoying their lunch. I think Ava is starting to warm up to me a little more and even like me a bit. She sat on my lap while I read her a story for about 30 seconds, which I think is record for a toddler, I am definitely growing on her. Soon I will have to be winning the affections of Baby Boy Wheadon. I wish he would hurry and get here.

This is Marcinda Drysdale. In the vein of "Its a Small World" I will explain my connection to Marcinda. Marcinda whose maiden name is Lyons grew up next door to my grandma's house and I used to go over and play with her and her sister. Fast forward to about 15 years later when I became friends with Sunny Drysdale and met her brother Fred. Fred ended up marrying Marcinda and so now I know the whole happy family.

Lastly here are my girls. It's hard to believe that we've known each other since high school. I am blessed to have had such good friends for a long time. Happy upcoming wedding Sunny.

My Cousin's Wedding--Hey Could this be a Movie?

So this weekend was a busy one for Matt and I. First and foremost and in all actuality what I am blogging about is my cousin's wedding. My cousin Neil Sheffield met a lovely girl named Cheryl Petersen and they got married on March 9, 2007 in the Salt Lake Temple. Matt and I commemorated the occasion by taking a millon pictures. Luckily for my trusty readers I have narrowed the pictures down to a few of my favorites.


This is the first picture out on the temple grounds. Kaylyn and Jon look so happy. I think it is because in a few months they will be going to the temple themselves.

This is my lovely cousin Lacey.

Here is a shot of the happy couple and their parents.

I loved this pose. Smart photographer. My Aunt Miriam and Uncle Craig Sheffield are on the left. My cousin Neil and his new wife Cheryl are in the center and her parents, the Petersens, are on the right.

This is me pointing out the direction Matt should be pointing his camera, instead he was taking pictures of me. As you can see he follows directions very well. By the way that is my cousin Amber standing next to me.

So this picture is a testament to the fact that you get what you ask for. I said, "Kaylyn make a funny face" and she did. I wonder if she could fit her whole fist in her mouth.

The next couple of pictures are from the wedding reception that night. Do Spencer and I look like we should be on Star Trek? We jad a lot of fun at our cousin's wedding reception. We were definitely the most classy people there :).

Here is the matriarch of the Sheffield family looking lovely in the blue dress she made herself. (Tyra I think my Grandma would totally drool over you new sewing machine, but the funny thing is she still uses her old sewing machine from like 30 years ago.)

We had a great time at the wedding and the luncheon at the Joseph Memorial Building was delicious. Anyway, hooray for Neil and Cheryl!

Happy Birthday Matt!

This is the cake (German Chocolate) I attempted to make for the occasion. I don't know if holidays and celebrations are inherently fraught with dessert peril, but for me they definitely are. You will notice that this cake has only one layer. Strange for a round cake, no? Well the other layer although given the equal opportunity treatment of having its pan greased and floured decided that it would come out of the pan in two pieces. How's a girl supposed to frost a cake in two pieces? I still don't know the answer as you can tell I just went with the one layer. It's a good thing baking isn't my profession.

And people think I am dramatic? I think if you hold your fingers like that the flames go out easier, they must be afraid. Although, I can't imagine why Matt would need the extra help I didn't even put the full 32 candles on. Instead I opted for the placement of the candles in the shape of 32. It's a considerably lower risk for fire that way and seeing as how we are renters I thought it was only polite to consider the other apartment dwellers.

He looks thrilled doesn't he? Matt likes to have music when he is getting ready, so I decided he had to own a shower radio. You gotta love the name brand--Rock It. That's terribly original isn't it?

I just love the fact that Matt humors me when it is picture time. Here is he is holding his new sheets. These aren't just any sheets they are 300 count. Why you ask? Matt doesn't like rough sheets, so hopefully these will accommodate him. I am just glad that he is secure enough in his masculinity to put up with a present like this and to have the present blogged for all the world to see.

Anyway I just wanted to post a big Happy Birthday to my best friend. He always stands by me despite my constant ability to overreact to totally undramatic situations. I hope this year brings you a host of new memorable moments and blessings.

Groundhog's Day

Happy Groundhog's Day! Who says this a holiday that shouldn't be celebrated? This year Matt and I spent the evening with my old college roommates and their husbands and kids. This was our dessert brought to us via Mandy. They looked great and tasted great too.

What a cute little mop top. I don't know who wouldn't kill for curls like this.

Isn't she an angel?

Lauren and Ava love to play in the toys. They stopped just long enough for a picture.

Lauren and Ava know how to give hugs. This hug led to the great baby crash. Apparently after you hug you have to let go or it becomes a WWF take down.


Here are Lauren and Ava playing on the bike. I don't think Lauren is really loving the sharing. Lauren thinks, "Where did I get all this extra weight in the back, my speed has definitely reduced."

The parents trying to catch all the kodak moments of their little kiddies. You have to have a fast trigger finger with these girls. I have to admit about five of my pictures had the subject missing because they had mysteriously moved.

Jake gets a little show from Lauren. She is so smart she can get her pj shirt undone all by herself.

Aren't they so adorable? Nothing says fashionable man like a red snow cap and pink hippo sunglasses.

The dads like to play dress up even if they don't want to admit it. Lauren thinks, "Hey dad those are my glasses."

The moms traded babies for a little bit and the girls didn't seem to mind at all.

Look Baby Wheadon modeling his new clothes.

Here is the whole group together minus Lauren who needed to go to bed. What a fun group! I just have say that I am so lucky to keep in contact with such good friends.

Snow Anyone?

If Utah has the greatest snow on earth we sure got a bunch of it last week. Spencer and my dad decided if you get a mountain of snow why not build a mountain in your backyard. Here is Spencer working hard on his creation.

This is my dad lending a hand to the igloo construction. Spencer and my dad actually slept in the igloo overnight in temperatures around 10 degrees (apparently this is for fun).

Ta Da!! A little snow, a couple of shovels, and some hard work and look what you can get. Who doesn't need an igloo in their backyard?

Kaylyn's Engaged

Introducing Jonathan Buck (aka Johnnie, my nickname for him) and his soon to be new bride Kaylyn Sheffield. Jon proposed this week to Kaylyn at the place they met-- The Layton High Football Field. After all of the romantic gestures they ended up going back inside because after all it is only a balmy 17 at nights right now. I just love weddings and now we can look forward to one in May.

So here is the ring! The engagement is official. The light on this shot is a little too bright, but I think you can see the little diamonds on the side better. Just as an FYI the center stone is round and has six prongs rather than the traditional four.
So I am not up to par with Jamie on the photography ladder, but I wanted to show the ring of in a couple of ways.
Well Best Wishes to the new happy couple and I will keep you posted on the upcoming wedding festivities.

The Sheffield Family Songs

Every New Year's Day my dad's side of the family has a reunion. There is always good food, fun, and company, however there is one part of the event that leaves my family shuttering. It is a tradition that has existed as long as I can remember . . . It is the family songs. I thought I would enclose the lyrics to both just so you can have a taste of the blessed event.

The first is the "Sheffield Family" Tune: "Solomon Levi" with Words by James Francis Sheffield and Dagmar Sheffield.

1. We are some loyal members of the Sheffield family, We're here today to say hello to you, and you to me, To sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, and cousins by the score; To eat, to drink, to laugh and play --how could one ask for more?

CHORUS The Sheffield clan, sir, the Sheffield clan are we The Sheffield clan, sir, and proud indeed to be.

2. We have a line of ancestry, came from that British Isle Where first that family tree took root and grew and grew the while; Some branches green grew over the wall, and on across the sea, To fertile soil Promised Land - there sprang up you and me.

3. Grandparents heard a gospel preached, unpopular and new, Thought "Mormon" was the common name, it sounded fine and true, Unlike the way that they'd been taught, its principles were clear, It is satisfied their questioning minds and gave them naught to fear.

4. With children six they joined the Church, made plans to leave Homeland, Dear England, old and critic friend, to join that Mormon band. They sent their son, the eldest one, to go and pave a way To meet the saints in Utah State, where they could go and stay.

5. By land and sea they traveled far, to reach America, That freedom land and home of brave, a land of liberty. Like pioneers, they journeyed on to Kaysville and Brigham town; Their courage high and faith increased, their happiness profound!

6. They met the saints and President Snow, who gave a helping hand To find a home and work to do 'longside that Mormon band. United Order was the plan by which they were to live, So on to work with shoes and nails, their best efforts to give.

7. The children soon established homes, as each one chose a mate; So that is how their family grew, distinguised and sedate. There's Heber, Will, Ellen and Frank, Sarah and brother Jim; That number multiplied so fast --filled house to the brim!

8. Our story could go on and on, but we'll just say adieu Until another day like this, again we'll sing to you.

So that's the first song and really it is not so much that we have a song, but the lyrics of the song are quite interesting coupled with the fact that some of the words don't fit into the rhythm of the song.

Up next is the second song that comes from an old version of the hymn book.
1. Verdant spring and rosy summer, Golden autumn, all are past; O'er the face of nature frowning, Lonely winter comes as last; Yet she brings us many pleasures, Many scenes of festive cheer; Now with joy our hearts are glowing,

While we hail the bright new year, While we hail the bright new year.

2. Sliding, skating, laughing, shouting, Down the rugged hill we go; Hark! the sleigh-bells gally pealing O'er the white and downy snow! Can we think the winter dreary, When such merry tones we hear? Now the cup of pleasure sparkles,

While we hail the bright new year, While we hail the bright new year.

3. Tho' the forest shades are silent, And the birds have flown away, We can warble sweetest music, We can sing as light as they. Happy season, happy greeting! Friends and kindred far and near, Take our best and kindest wishes,

While we hail the bright new year, While with hail the bright new year.

So this song is special because as you say the last line "While we hail . . . " you have to stand up like it is a cheer. Here is the picture depicting the event. Unfortunately, it doesn't show the whole room, but it is hilarious.
I just have to mention that I didn't tell Matt about this tradition until a couple of days before. No sense telling him about the weird family traditions to soon. Happy New Year everyone!!!