Lowther Family: May 2009

Friday, May 22, 2009

May Oh My

As you can tell so far, May has been a fun, busy month for us. But there is still more to report. Mother's Day was more than just celebrating Mothers around here. Mark also blessed Janie and Harrison, and McKenna was baptized. Mark's mission companion, Wesley Walsman, flew in from DC for the weekend to be here with us. Mark's brother and sister and their families were able to be here as well. Mark gave two beautiful blessings to our babies during sacrament. They were both really good and didn't make a peep. Although, I have been told that Harrison was a little rumbly down south. Oh well! Anyway, after church was McKenna's baptism. Lora Leigh spoke about baptism and Grandma Susie spoke about the Holy Ghost. They both gave fantastic talks that really brought the spirit. But our Primary President is the one who got the tears flowing. She gave such a special, simple message to McKenna and I think it touched everyone's hearts. And I can't fail to mention that Mark forgot his white shirt and pants that day. All they had at the church was an outfit either skin-tight, or one that was the biggest size they make. Well he opted for the larger one, and we all got a good chuckle at how it fit him! After church, we went to my in-laws house for a steak dinner. It was great. The whole day was wonderful and we couldn't have asked for better!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Happy #8

May 4th was McKenna's 8th birthday. She was lucky enough to have both sets of grandparents here to celebrate it with her. Scooby-Doo was the theme for the second year in a row. She chose to have tacos for dinner, and wanted a Scooby-Doo cake. Mom and I sure had some MAJOR stress with that cake. Nothing, I mean nothing, turned out right on that cake. But mom improvised and I thought it turned out great! McKenna loved it, so that was all that really mattered. I can't believe she is 8, but at the same time, it seems like she has been in our lives forever. She is such a great helper and does whatever I ask her to. She is at the top of her class at school. McKenna has such a tender heart and cares for everything and everyone around her. She is a phenomenal big sister and can always get Joseph to calm down when Mark and I can't. Put McKenna in a crowd and she is silent as a mouse, but get her home and you can't get her to stop talking! She always asks questions and wants to know more. Learning comes natural for her. She loves to be outside and can swing a wicked bat. (I have got to get her enrolled in softball this fall). I must admit, she was an awful baby! But she has turned into a wonderful little lady and I love her more and more every day. Happy Birthday McKenna. We love you!!!

Visit

My parents came into to town from April 30th to May 12 for a visit. They hadn't been here in a year and a half, and we were so glad to have them come! They were able to be here and see the twins for the first time, for McKenna's 8th birthday and baptism, the babies' blessings, and Mother's day. They were so helpful while they were here. Dad did a million little projects around our house that desperately needed attention. Mom and I shopped a lot, but did manage to get a birthday party put together and Mom made Janie's blessing dress (more to come about that later). We visited Spring and Callawassie Islands which were absolutely beautiful! As requestsed of Dad by Dale Murphy, we went to Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House. It is a family-style restaurant that is only open 5 days a week from 11:00-2:00. It's famous and the line to get in is about 30 minutes long or so. They seat you around a table that holds 10 people and just have all the food on the table in bowls. You serve it just like you were sitting at the dinner table with your family. The bowls didn't match, the chairs didn't match, it was a tiny place, they make you clear your own plate, and the food was freakin' awesome! We met Mark's parents there, took the twins, Joseph, and Kaitlyn and had a blast! The menu? All southern food. Fried chicken, barbecue, okra, collard greens, rutabagas, mashed potatoes, beef stew, butter beans, pickled beets, macaroni & cheese, candied yams and more. Awesome awesome awesome!

Mother's Day was a fantastic day. All of Mark's family, except Cindy, were able to be in town, and my parents of course, and Mark blessed the twins during sacrament. They were beautiful blessings! Then immediately after church, Mark baptized McKenna. (I will post pictures of those events later). After the baptism, we all went to the Lowther's house for a steak Mother's Day dinner! Mom decided to go relax in the hammock and got attacked by 6 kids. I think she still hd fun though!

We had such a great time with them. Dad taught Joseph how to yell "touchdown" with his arms up in the air and to say "yes" with the appropriate action as well. He was biting everyone's ears as usual and torturing the kids with his shaving-cream face. You all know the one I am talking about--where he comes and tries to get a kiss from someone right before he shaves! We played some pretty intense games of Scrabble almost every night. Mark and I didn't do too terrible for two amateurs pitted against two pros--or at least that's what we keep telling ourselves. Mom and dad helped me feed the babies, cook lunch and dinner, clean up around the house and so much more. I was completely spoiled and I loved it! Thanks for all you did while you were here. It is much appreciated. Love you tons Mom and Dad! You're the best!