A day for blessings

We had such a day yesterday. We blessed Joey. Dave's parents and youngest sister Lauren came into town last week for the occasion. We have spent the week with them up in Deer Valley (thank you, it was good to spend so much time with you guys!) coming back on Saturday to spruce up the house a bit and get ready for the blessing and get together after. Dave's other sister, Missy, and her family were driving up from Houston, leaving Friday. It was iffy at best for them to make it to the blessing, or even Utah, before Monday. But Matt really wanted to participate in the blessing and they drove straight through. Thanks Matt.

We were surrounded by loved ones. Dave did a great job, very emotional for all of us. Joey, who normally isn't the most content of children, smiled through the whole thing.

We had a brunch after at our house, waffles, fruit, oj. It was great to be able to spend time with family and friends. Three people in particular, Ben, Linds and Josie. Ben and Linds were best friends with my little brother Joe, who our Joey was named after. The have continued to be close friends of mine. I don't know that they know how much this means to me. They are only in town for a little while before they move to Trenton, NJ so Ben can wear a uniform. He has always wanted one. Their daughter Josie has got to be one of the most adorable babies I have ever seen. She is always smiling. I don't know how she can be so beautiful and feminine and still look like her dad, who isn't feminine and beautiful but ever so handsome.

We loved having everyone spend the day with us. Having Dave's parents and sister up for the week was great for us and for our kids to spend time with them.
Of course, my family was there. Mom and Dad, Sam, Melissa and Gavin, thanks for all the support. My cousins, who are like my brothers and sisters, my aunt and uncle. It was good to spend time with all of them. Oh, I am getting sappy!

Speaking of sap:

Overnight Waffles

Make 4-6 servings

Time: 8 hours, or more, largely unattended

1/2 t instant yeast

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 T sugar

1/2 t salt

2 cups milk

8 T (1 stick) butter, MELTED AND COOLED

1/2 t vanilla extract (optional)

Canola or other neutral oil for brushing on waffle iron

2 eggs

1. Before going to bed, combine the dry ingredients and stir in the milk, then the butter and vanilla. The mixture will be loose. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside overnight at room temp.

2. Brush the waffle iron lightly with oil and preheat it. Separate the eggs and stirr the yolks into the batter. Beat the whites until they hold soft peaks. Stir them gently into the batter.

3. Spread a ladleful or so of batter onto the waffle iron adn bake until the waffle is done, usually 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your iron. Serve immediately or keep warm for a few minutes in a low oven.