Emma's Baptism and Bella's Blessing

The weekend of January 2nd was a busy one for us. On Saturday, Emma was baptised and on Sunday Isabella was blessed. None of my family were able to make it due to my brother Ben's wedding reception and other obstacles, but many of Joe's family were there, which we were grateful for. Joe's dad confirmed Emma a member of the Church and gave her the gift of the Holy Ghost. Isabella was given the name Isabella Carma Prete, the middle name is after her grandmother, Carma Prete. When I was shopping for these two dresses, I was reminded of the song about 3 white dresses. The song, in my mind, is a bit cheesy, but I was a bit sentimental to think that the next white dress we buy probably will be a wedding dress (especially since I'm such a spendthrift and am planning on these dresses to last for all the following baptismal occasions that we have - and any blessings too, of course). While that purchase is many years down the road, I am realizing that it will come much more quickly than I would like it to.

Uncle Garth

I have an uncle here in Las Vegas (Garth Abbott) who has recently been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Because he is uninsured, they have struggled to get funding for his treatment. His daughter in law is doing an online auction to help raise funds for the family. Up for auction are a whole myriad of things that have been donated: legal, counseling, medical services, wedding cakes, murals, hair bows and headbands, different crafts, meals, pest control, baked goods... on and on. Many are for the Las Vegas area but some can be mailed, etc. Take a look at her blog http://thedailyabbott.blogspot.com/ to see what they've got. It is a great cause and you can get some really good services at a good price!