A Picture says a Thousand Words....

And this one says it all. When I was pregnant the second time and we found out it was a girl, I knew right away what I was going to name her. I have always loved the name Eloise and thought the nickname Ellie was cute too. Ben didn't object, so it was settled. Before she was born I started collecting the Eloise books, not really having read them before. Now that Ellie is two, we have read the books several times and discovered that she has quite a lot in common with the main character. They are both quite a handful, have their own way of doing things, and most of the time think the world revolves around them. I have actually in one day mopped up a lake from my kitchen floor, wiped poop off the bathroom walls, and scrubbed marker off her bed with a magic eraser. I can hardly go to the bathroom for two minutes without this one getting into something. Ellie is so full of sass I often think she was suppose to come to Karen or Molly. I do love my little Eloise though and know that life without her would be pretty dull...but here's hoping she settles down before the teenage years start!

FHE with the Witches

For family home evening this week we went to see the witches at Gardner Village. I've taken the kids before but this was the first time Ben got to see them. It was so fun and the kids loved meeting a real life witch! I have absolutely LOVED this weather and hope it sticks around a little bit longer.

Pumpkin Cousins

We never lived near our cousins growing up, so I never had that really close relationship with them that a lot of my friends did. I'm so glad my kids get to grow up with their cousins. Gracie is really lucky because there were four cousins born at about the same time this year. They are going to have SO much fun in a couple of years - watch out!

Sisters

I have five sisters and wouldn't trade it for anything. Sure the bathroom was crowded growing up and my clothes were always disappearing, but I love that I'm related to my best friends.

Karen is the funny one - there are things she says that have me laughing for days. I always wished I had her sense of humor or quick come-backs. She also has the best taste in clothes & decorating. Someday I'm going to afford to hire her as my personal shopper.

Anna is the "picky" one - and by that I mean that she always takes the time to make things perfect. Her hair is always perfect, her makeup beautiful. She has lovely clothes that always look great on her(and so does Jane). Her house is beautiful - the nursery is straight out of a catalog. I wish I had her patience to make things in my life just as nice.

Sarah is the sweet one - she is the most loving, patient, kind person I think I have ever met. Any time she shows up the kids just smother her.

Maddie is me, just ten years younger. She falls up the stairs just as much as I do (yes, I said "up") and it makes me feel good. She is also one of the happiest people I know......and was willing to pay extra to keep her license plate that said so.

Molly is the sassy one. She also has a quick wit, but don't even think about touching her unless she gives you permission before hand. She won't hug you, but she'll do just about anything else for you. She is also enjoying being the only kid at home - she prefers you to call her Princess Molly. Ellie loves her Aunt Molly and follows her around whenever possible......I'm afraid they came from the same mold.

My sisters make me want to be a better person - and I love them!

Mr & Mrs Richard Holman

The big day finally arrived - our little Sarah is now a Mrs! Sarah and Richard were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple and had a lovely reception at the Heber C Kimball home at This is the Place state park. It was a beautiful day full of family & great memories. We are so exited for them both and wish them all the best!

Mr & Mrs Tony Jenkins

This last weekend was so much fun.....Thursday night we all went up to the mountains for our first and last cookout of the summer. The kids loved cooking hot dogs and roasting marshmallows over the fire & eating the biggest cheetos ever. I enjoyed eating the best smores I've ever had.....I still think about them. There is something about the mountains that is very peaceful & relaxing. It was beautiful but once that sun goes down it gets down right COLD!




Ellie enjoying one of those HUGE cheetos....







Luke really loved the fire....should I be worried??


Molly getting a face-full when Mom went for one of those HUGE cheetos......Our sweet baby Grace with Aunt Sarah.......

The Groom-to-Be......

On Friday we all headed to the Jordan River Temple to see Karen & Tony married. It was wonderful to see her so happy and witness the beautiful ceramony. I don't think I'll ever forget my sister's face as she leaned over the alter and grabbed Tony is the biggest bear hug ever. Karen's been through a lot the past couple years, and it's awesome to see her so full of joy. Tony is just fabulous and I can't wait to see what they can do together. Karen also made the most beautiful bride I think I've ever seen. It's not really fair that she is the whole package.....maybe in my next life I'll have that hair.

The blushing bride......


The happy couple......


A moment without the babies......


We clean up pretty good.......



Sarah & Richard are next....only a month until their big day!!

Saturday was Karen & Tony's "party". It was actually their reception, but they both wanted something casual and fun. Everyone came in their casual wear, wore lais, ate great food, chatted, and really had so much fun. Ben and I think it was the most fun we've had at a wedding reception ever.

Ben and Ellie enjoying the festivities......


Me and the kids - they actually held still for a moment......

Ellie keeping the sun out of her eyes......

Luke was given an entire can of Root Beer......he was in heaven!!!!

First Day of School!!

Okay, so it's the second day of school, but I'm still excited. Luke started preschool this week at Miss Elke's Princess & Pirates Preschool. He goes three days a week in the afternoon. He has already fallen in love with his teacher (she is wonderful!!) and all the new friends he has made. The girls both take a nice afternoon nap, so Mom has fallen in love with a couple of hours all to herself. I can't believe we'll be sending him off to kindergarten this time next year - AHHHHH!!

Three Months Old!

Time really flies when you're having fun.....I can't believe Grace is three months old already. She is still the best little baby with the sweetest personality. I can't wait to see what the future holds for her!

Mighty Max

He must have been lonely up there without the girls, because just a week after Jane was born we welcomed Max to the family! He shares a birthday with Aunt Anna, August 1st! Dan and Maddie are doing great and their little bundle of joy weighed 6 lbs 4 oz and was 19 inches long. He is adorable and we can't wait for him get a little bigger & come play!

Jane Catherine

Welcome Jane Catherine! Anna and Dane welcomed their new little girl on Thursday, July 24th! Our little pioneer baby came in at 7 lbs 6 oz and 20 inches long! She has tons of black hair, the cubbiest cheeks around, and the cutest dimples. We are so happy she's here!!

And That Makes 22!

The weekend started off Friday night with a marriage proposal from Tony to Karen. They have been dating for the past two years and we couldn't be happier! We love Tony and he's finally going to be an official part of the family. He proposed to Karen at Snowbird and Anna & I went up to deliver a beautiful flower bouquet from his mom (okay, we really went to see the whole thing go down - you can't do anything in this family privately!!). The setting was beautiful and so relaxing.

Saturday started off with a 9:00am parade in Draper. My parents moved to Draper seven years ago, and since then we've always celebrated Draper Day's. It is held the Saturday before the 24th, and is our family's way of celebrating the 24th since not everyone has it off work. The kids loved the parade, and came home with more candy than Halloween. We headed home for naps (it makes all the difference) and then went back to the folk's for a delicious BBQ. One thing about my family is we always do food right - thanks mom! I love getting together with my family and just sitting around talking. It is one thing we do really well, and Saturday was no exception. After dark we watched the wonderful firework show. Draper has always amazed me with their fireworks, and you can see them great from my parent's back yard!

After the great fireworks show, Richard proposed to Sarah! She was completely caught by surprise and we loved it because we were all there (again, nothing in this family privately!). Richard is a wonderful guy and treats Sarah with such love & care. They are a great match and again, we couldn't be happier about having him as a part of the family.

With all the babies coming this year - Grace in April, Baby Jane any day, Max next month, and Mic & Megan's little one in October, and the two weddings taking place over the next few months, that brings our family total to 22!! Boy it happens fast, but I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Karen & Tony last May.......

Sarah & Richard, with Grace, at her blessing......

Grace Elizabeth

Grace Elizabeth was born April 30, 2008. She is our third child and second daughter. She, like the others, came a month early and only weighed 5 lbs 4 oz. She has quickly caught up to where she should be and constantly amazes us with her sweet disposition. She is already sleeping through the night, hardly cries during the day, and smiles at everything!

She was blessed on July 6, 2008, by her father. He has helped by my grandpa Chuck, my dad Kurt, and uncles Mic, Tony, Dane, Richard, Dan, and Greg. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such valiant men in my life. I love them and appreciate the example they are to my family.

It was a wonderful day filled with family, love, and, of course, great food!

Here Goes Nothin'

That's right - the Piercy's have a blog page! I'm really excited about sharing our adventures with friends & family, although I don't know how exciting our lives will seem all written out. I have to warn you though, the journal writing thing has never been my strong point (last entry dated September 14, 1998), but I've heard this is easier & completely addicting. Here's hoping and make sure to check back soon!!