Nicolas and Elle's Baptism Photos

Nicolas and Elle's Baptism was beautiful today. Our aunt, uncle, cousins, and many close friends came to witness this special occasion.  It was so neat to create the tradition of having Elle and Nicolas Baptised in the same Church that they were Baptised in 1982.

Nicolas and his parents.  Doesn't he look so adorable in his suit and hat?!

Elle (who can't stop biting her fingers ~ teething time!) and her parents



I baptise you, Elle Julianne Everett, in the name of The Father and The Son and The Holy Spirit

I baptise you, Nicolas Kenneth Hughie, in the name of The Father and The Son and The Holy Spirit

With LaLa

With Nana and Papa

With Uncle Bo

Elle wore the beautiful baptismal gown that my mom made.  My nephew Andrew also wore in in 1993.  I look forward to my future children wearing it at the dedications.

My Uncle Howard and Aunt Ginni (my brother's brother and wife) have 4 daughters and 9 grandchildren .  All 4 daughters and many of the grandchildren were all here to celebrate Elle and Nicolas.  Here they are with their daughter Melissa and family.

YAY!  Thanks for stopping by to see our baptism pics!  The party pics will follow!!!!

Water Babies

Nicolas is living the life in his bumble bee floaty

And now a turn for Miss Elle

Mama Sonia and her sweet boy.

Both Nicolas and Elle take swimming lessons with their parents so they are super comfortable in the water.  I was in the pool starting at 3 weeks old (we had a pool in our backyard in Houston and my parents wanted to get me comfortable as soon as possible) and have videos of me under the age of one dunking myself!  Elle must take after LaLa (and her mom who was also a fish!)

And up she goes!  No fussing at all!

In their element

We had to do everything we could to keep Jake out of the pool while the babies were enjoying the water.  But a football and such inviting water?  He accidentally joined us a few times. 

Big smiles with Papa 

And perfect conditions to perfect one's tan

Andrew and Uncle Bo chillaxin'

All of the fun in the sun led to tired babies and grown ups too.  Tomorrow is Nicolas and Elle's Baptism.  It's so great to have most of our family under one room to celebrate occasions like this one!

Handsome Nicolas

Forgive the low res on these photos ~ I had to some copy/paste action and the quality is lost.

Nicolas Kenneth, my 7 month old nephew is also visiting California for his baptism.  Both Elle (my niece) and Nicolas will be baptised on Sunday in the same Church where my siblings and I were baptised in 1982.  

Nicolas continues to be such a laid back and sweet baby.  Like his mom and dad, he loves the sun.  Something that there isn't an over abundance in Portland, Oregon.

I love how he will sit back and just take everything in.  He's found his toes too...

...and his tongue!

Relaxing in the shade.

Getting some love from Nana Oregon.

So great to have Nicolas here in California.  A weekend full of family and fun!!!

Elle Belle

Elle Julianne ~ 11 months old and visiting us in Southern California to celebrate her baptism.

Happy girl Elle modeling her Rosary from Aunt Janice and cute outfit from Genie.  She's so excited to get to go swim in the pool!

My favorite pic of Elle from the weekend.  Oh how I love that brown eyed girl!  Both Elle and Nicolas have beautiful brown eyes... a trait not inherited from the Hughies.

And look at all of that hair!

Styling shades

I love how intently she is looking at Timothy ~ her Uncle Bo.

She's studying his expressions and asessing the situation.

 And now she's eyeing the pool!

 But first a little love from sun Godess, Aunt Sonia...

...and a quick squeeze from Uncle Ken.

We love you Elle Julianne!  So glad to have you with us in California.

Easter in Memphis with My Girls~

I'm grateful that Taylor and Brittnee got to spend Easter with their Special Godmother.  As luck would have it I've had the chance to spend several Easters with my sweet girls, despite living across the country from one another.  Last year Brittnee joined me in California for Easter and a couple of other years I've been able to be in Memphis for the Holiday because of work meetings.  We attended their Church for a great celebration of Our Risen King and enjoyed a quiet afternoon together.

And, as is becoming a tradition, I brought a suitcase full of clothes for the girls compliments of some of my friends who have daughters the same age as B. and T.  I love watching them squeal with delight and watching the impromptu fashion show commence when they see their new wardrobe selections.  

Brittnee wasn't much for photos this morning.  Something about being a teenager and having a cell phone and texting friends... but Taylor was all about posing for a few in her true Taylor form.

I consider in pure joy that God has placed these treasures in my life.  

Never lose that smile, sweet girl!

I did get a few of the dynamic duo. 

Brittnee and Taylor both got to be a part of the movie The Grace Card. 

That's Taylor on the left.  She plays a lead characters girl.  I loved seeing my girl on the big screen!!!

Synopsis of the movie:

Everything can change in an instant ... and take a lifetime to unravel.  When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God ... and just about everyone else.  Mac's rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he's partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man.

Mac's home life is as frightening as anything he encounters on the streets of Memphis. Money is tight and emotions run high as he constantly argues with his wife and his surviving son Blake, who is hanging with the wrong crowd and in danger of flunking out of school.  Sam Wright also never expected to be a police officer. He has a calling—to be a minister like his Grandpa George. But leading a small, start-up church doesn't always put enough food on the table for a young family, so Sam doubles as a police officer. With his new promotion to Sergeant, Sam starts questioning if his real calling might actually be police work rather than the pastorate.   Can Mac and Sam somehow join forces to help one another when it's impossible for either of them to look past their differences—especially the most obvious one?   Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God's grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD ... and never underestimate the power of God's love.

It wouldn't be Easter Sunday Church in the South without a photo of a woman in her big hat!

Happy Easter friends, and family!

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:8-11



My Dinner Dates!

My friend Tommy picked me up from the Memphis airport and took to me to pick up our dinner dates.  Two very excited girls were waiting at the door to join in for some good 'ol Memphis BBQ. 

 How is it possible that in just a few months Britt and Taylor can grow up years?  Please stop the clock!!!



Engagement Photo by Philip Charis

Timothy and I were given a very special gift from my sister Janice and her family.  Philip Stewart Charis, is a world renowned photographer who specializes in Renaissance like formal portrait art paintings.     We had our photo taken and Mr. Charis created an oil painting for us.  It is something that we will treasure and hope will be a family heirloom. 

Mr. Charis took a photo of me when I was a toddler.  It is framed and my favorite childhood photo.  I was so excited to have a photograph from the same artist 30 years later!

Thank you, Janice!