Blessing Day

So since I was lucky enough to have so much family come see us and Hallie we thought we would be brave and bless her at two weeks old. Living far away you can only do so much to take advantage of family while they are here and we most certainly have been doing so. My dad and father in law were able to stand in the circle at Hallie's blessing and I will never forget the words that were spoken by my husband that day.
I know we are not supposed to record any blessings except patriarchal but all I can say is how grateful I am to have a husband that holds the priesthood. Todd stood up there this past Sunday and spoke the most beautiful prayer I have ever heard. Granted, I probably don't listen as intently as I should during baby blessings but from this day forward, I will definitely start paying better attention. Todd gave Hallie her name and promised her a number of things that make me cry just thinking about.
Moral of this story is; and I'm sorry I'm not sharing more, I am so grateful to be a member of the church. I can't count the number of times it has blessed my life in ways that nothing else could. I'm so grateful for the power of the priesthood. That we as human beings can take a small little two week old infant into our arms and give her a name and blessing through the power of our Father in Heaven. I'm so grateful for the blessings of an eternal family. Ty and this new, precious baby girl are the apples of my eyes and without them, I would truly be nothing. I'm so grateful for a husband who is a worthy priesthood holder. I may not show it as much as I should but I love him so, so much. And last but not least, I am grateful for all the members of the church that bless my life every day. The overwhelming amount of love and support that we have been shown since Hallie joined our family is truly overwhelming and I only hope to be able to show a fraction of the amount of love and kindness to others as we have been shown. I know I don't post often and when I do, as I was reading back, it sounds a little 'preachy' but I'm am unaware of any other way to express myself. So to those who read, thanks for all the love you show us.

Baby Hallie

Hallie J was born Friday, March 26th at 11:40am via c-section. She weighed 7 lbs. 3 oz. and was 20 inches long. Words cannot express how happy we are that she is here. After nine months of complaining from me, I couldn't be more satisfied with the result. : ) She is a great baby. She not only looks just EXACTLY like Ty but seems to have the same little personality he did; content and happy. Ty is adjusting so well. The smiles on his face have not left. Every morning he used to come snuggle with Todd and I in bed, now he just looks for 'baby sister.' He loves her and the bond between them brings me to tears every day. The miracle of life never ceases to amaze me and I am so grateful for a beautiful, healthy little baby girl. Thanks to all for the kind words, gifts and love and support. We are so blessed to have such great family and friends.

(And I'm not sure how you're supposed to decide on which of the 2 million pictures of your newborn you're supposed to post, but here's a few.)









- Marci, I have every intention of completing your tag but have been trying to think of things to complete it. My mind just isn't the same on pain pills but I promise, I'll get er done. : ) Love ya.

Lucky

Just when you think you can't do it anymore...your dad (who lives ten hours away) comes to the rescue. We moved into a home we are renting and between my husband's broken foot, my big belly and the plain old stresses of moving, I was feeling a little overwhelmed. Last week I wasn't feeling the best and on Friday afternoon, my doorbell rang. Much to my surprise it was my dad and Katee. I don't know how they did it but I hope and pray and I can have the parental instincts that mine have. I am so grateful for the short time they were able to spend. My dad didn't stop working for a minute other than play times with Ty. My house now feels like a home with a little new paint. Thanks Todd and dad for the hard work and love you always seem to show me. I'm so grateful for the blessing of friends and family.




We weren't able to snap many pictures but as grandparents do best, Ty was spoiled with some fun new presents for him and the baby sister. (Sorry to those who are waiting for baby pictures...she'll be here next Friday if not sooner)


And you can always count on Todd for a good time. Yes, this is a motorized cooler. Please, don't ask. :)

Christmas, Wedding and Such

And here it is, three months-ish since my last post. I love reading other people's blogs and trying to keep up that I just forget about my own but here's a few pics from our Christmas time. Aly got married and made the most beautiful bride. We had a great and fantabulous Christmas in Utah and we have been trying to catch up with the new year ever since it came. Hope everyone is doing good! We love ya.

Buzz Lightyear

So sorry about the delay...I'm still not very good at keeping up with this. Ty guy was Buzz this year and his cousin Lawson was Woody. Last year they were Thing One and Thing Two, which totally fit them, so we're carrying out the tradition of dressing them alike while they don't care too much. We had a great Halloween and tons of fun. Love this time of year! (Even if it is too blasted hot)

There is Always, Always, Always Something to be Grateful for

Due to current economic times, the pressures of life can at times feel truly unbearable. I fell in love with the quote/title above (thanks girls) and have decided I, personally, need to take it to heart. My heart has been extremely touched over the past couple weeks and I feel as if there are so many areas in my life I need to work on. The main being, to be grateful for all that I have. The list of things I am grateful for could go on for literally, five pages. However, there is one face I cannot block out of my mind when it comes to things I am grateful for.







This little angelic face and the child behind it are/is/forever will be something that touches my heart in a way only a mother can understand. He makes me happy when I am sad, makes me feel better when I am sick, makes me laugh when nothing else can and always makes me feel like I have done something right in this life. He is as close to Heavenly as they possibly come and I am so grateful for the person he makes me want to be. Don't get me wrong, we have our days too but I don't think I would be making it through the days that I am without my little Ty guy.

To make this blog almost an unreadable length, I have to put down in words a few other things I am thankful for to help myself feel a little better. The gospel and all it entails, my husband, my testimony, our friends, our health, a roof over our heads, a job, food in our bellies and in our cupboards, and my family. I miss them so much I could pull my hair out. : ) Thanks to all who read for the love and support you offer to me and my family, even if you don't realize it. We love you so much.

Where do I begin...

After a fun filled summer with my sister living with us and more pictures than I know what to do with it's hard to decide where to even start. Now I sorta see why people post so often...it's to keep up. We did a lot of fun things this summer; beach days, Disneyland, Utah, San Diego, Lake Mead, Tom's Farms, Balboa Island, Coronado Island, farmer's markets, movies...the works. We're very blessed to live here and love seeing all the new things in California. However...I'm really missing that beautiful Utah fall weather and dying for some relief from the heat here. But, it will come, eventually.
We're loving our new ward and the people in it and continue to be amazed by the church and it's strength. Life is hard and times are challenging but it's so nice to find comfort through the testimonies and experiences of others.
As for news...Aly, yes my little sister, is engaged! We're so excited and happy for her and Brian. They're getting married in December and we can't wait to attend! Wish I could be there for all the fun wedding plans but...not this time. Todd is working hard at Premier and loving every minute of it and as for me well, I'm slowly but surely getting over my hermit crab ways and feeling a little better every day. We can't wait for our new little addition next March! And yes, it is a girl. (Thanks Coral!!)
Ty...where do I start with him. He is the best thing in the whole world. I love watching him grow and love even more at what a good boy he has been while I've been a terrible mother hunched over the toilet. He takes such good care of me and although he has his two-year old moments, he has the sweetest little heart. We love our little guy.