A Blessing

Today Emma received her Baby Blessing. I am so grateful for the opportunity she had to be given this. It was an absolute amazing experience. Typically the mothers are not a part of the actual blessing, but since Emma is not an infant I got to go up and hold her on my lap. We were a little worried about her reaction to all the Priesthood holders gathering around her and laying their hands on her head. However, as Daddy carried her up there she was calm and sat on the chair with me. Then the Priesthood began to gather around, she looked around a little worried, but the last one to come up was Uncle Gabe. She saw him through the middle of the other men and held her arms out to him in such a warm, welcoming way. As they laid their hands on her head she was completely calm and relaxed. I also felt this way, it's amazing what the Priesthood can do!
This day we are so blessed to have had my sisters and the example of their families. We are so blessed to have been touched so much by baby Shane and his wonderful spirit. We are so blessed to be where we are in our lives today and have a true and growing relationship with our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ. We are so blessed to have Emma and to be trusted by Heavenly Father to bring her up in the light of Christ.

Emma is blessed to have a Daddy that offered a beautiful blessing upon her. She is a sweet, kind and loving little girl that I know will touch many throughout her life. She has a very soft but strong spirit about her. I hope that she will grow to know and love her Heavenly Father and be able to share her love to help others. She is an amazing blessing to us and I am so grateful for her and the way she has touched our lives! What a beautiful gift to have the opportunity to be a mother and to be trusted with such innocent spirits that are in need of the nurturing and truth of the word of God.

Off to the doctor...

So, It's a little silly that I post on this blog considering I only have two readers..... But, when there's noone to talk to, and I'm a talker, I guess you've gotta do something!

I went to the doctor today for a 34 week check up (almost 35 weeks pregnant). I was supposed to see an MD, because of the whole c-section thing. However, I got there about 15 mins. early, which is a miracle, and the lady said I didn't have an appointment, quite rudely. Then she stated that the doctor wasn't even in on Thursday's, but she could schedule me for tomorrow. A little flustered and upset because I just threw away my appointment card, that said 4/30/09 at 8:50 am, I told her I wouldn't come back tomorrow. So, she checked to see if my midwife would see me. All along I had a screaming little 19 month old, because she's sick. When she returned she told me that I was supposed to call to set up an appointment, that I had never set one. Now, I may be a little absent minded, but I don't think I make up appointments that suit me in my head! So, I chose the other side and went along, because of course all humans don't like to admit fault, so I figured she could sit on her pedestal. Of course, all along I was wishing I hadn't thrown away that card just yesterday. My midwife felt bad and understood the situation, but I was still upset, as you can tell. Then of course I had Emma screaming until her face turned blue when they had to check the heart rate and measurements because she hates for anybody to touch me. It was adventurous to say the least.

On a brighter note, Emma dropped her book at the doctors and a lady picked it up for her and Emma quickly signed "thank you" to the lady. I'm so proud of her, I showed her this on Saturday when we were crossing the parking lot, how quick she is to pick up on things! It's pretty amazing. Also, baby looks perfect and my measurements are finally catching up, I was a little worried.

So, on to the next appointment on 5/15/09, I'll be keeping that appoinment card! It's supposed to be a 36 week appoinment, but I'll just be 3 days shy of 37 weeks, which is frustrating considering the c-section is right around the corner. Bummer! Well, off to the internet realm! I vented, it's just not as good as actually talking to someone :(

Emma has amazed me over the past few weeks with her quickly developing ability to communicate. She has become a little girl, instead of my little baby. She is taking on her own independence and understanding of situations. She amazes me with each passing day. I see her growing into her own little person, with A LOT of me shining through!

Tonight as I took our new Foster Daughter to buy clothes, Emma got to stay home with Daddy. When I got home, these are the pictures that I was shown:

Emma and her daddy love sharing popcorn. Just as much, I guess Pooh loves having a little bit too! Ton said that she would dunk Pooh's face in the popcorn saying, "yummy, yummy, yummy". She's just too adorable. A little nurturer at heart, I guess. Everyone needs a little snack once in a while, I'm sure he would have preferred HONEY, but it's the thought that counts!

Easter (A little late, but for the record)

Emma had a blast coloring Easter Eggs! I always tend to get stressed out around these important events because I want them to be perfect and, well, I'm an amateur. I always underestimate how simplicity can bring about fun memories. So, once I let loose a little, Emma was so much fun to watch as she tried to pile the eggs into the dye and spill it everywhere. But, I have to admit hers did come out the best. She's a natural!!
On Easter morning we were a little rushed to get to church by 9:00, so she didn't have time to explore her basket. However, she did find two brightly colored "balls" quickly and threw them across the living room as she yelled "ball". With a frantic and late mommy saying, "No sweety, those are eggs, they break!" It was a fun pre-easter egg hunt in our own living room!
Then, at Mimi's she had a head start to the other teenagers that were there to share in the official hunt. I was a little down because typically Hannah, Eden and Hyrum would be right by her side. But, she had a blast and had to take her stroller to gather the eggs. She was picky though, if it was broken, she threw it back. That's my girl!!

I hope that as my children grow older I am able to incorporate Christ into this Holiday more fully. I had wonderful plans of doing it this year. However, as I mentioned before I get carried away and if it doesn't turn out I am overwhelmed and defeated before I begin. So, throughout the day I tried to keep the true spirit and reason for Easter within my heart and mind. I am truly grateful for my Savior and the suffering that he endured on my behalf. I am amazed at how my relationship has grown through the past two years. Without it, my life wouldn't be as meaningful as it is this day.

Sisters

Words cannot express how grateful I am to have been blessed with SISTERS. They have taught me, listened to me, cried with me, laughed with me and all along been the examples that have brought me to where I am in my life today.

How the Lord seems to work in ways we'll never quite understand. Through pain and heartache, laughter and joy I've seem to become a better person. I know there is a plan for all of us to be happy and return to our Heavenly Father. I know that the hard times we face here are only a mere glimpse of what our Savior experienced. I know that through each trial we are able to experience more joy and beauty that is intended for us. I know as I strive to live each day the best to my ability and knowledge that I will one day be with my family eternally, including my wonderful SISTERS.

Although I may not be physically close to all of my sisters, I know that we are all still connected and that they will continue to influence, guide and help me to continue to grow and learn as a daughter of our Heavenly Father.

Thank you for all you've done, my mind can't seem to grasp how my life would be without all of you in it. The amazing experiences that I've been able to partake in, because of your example, have become the image of who I am. Thank you for being wonderful mothers, wives, servants of our Lord and especially SISTERS. I am eternally grateful because of you and because of you I have the opportunity to be eternally grateful. I love you with all my heart! Thank You!

It's about time...

I know, I know it's about time I posted to our blog. I never have the words to say what I'd like to say, so I begin a post, save it and never post it. I'll try to be better.

It's about time Antonio and I had a little time to ourselves! Our foster daughter left for the weekend in the spur of the moment and Emma already had plans to go spend the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa. So, Ton and I had major FUN plans to clean our garage and go to the dump!! Yea!! Sounds like fun, huh?

Well, I quickly changed those plans, once I realized we had some time to ourselves. I called and got us a room at a bed and breakfast (a miracle on Valentine's weekend) and planned a play and dinner. Well, we didn't make it to the play because we took too long saying bye to our little girl, but we did have a nice relaxing time!

I thought I'd post a picture of the pregnancy. This is me 24 weeks pregnant with Hallie Mabelle. Hallie means "praise the Lord" and Mabelle means "lovable". So, were sure to be blessed with a precious little girl come June! I know... I 'm huge, but loving every minute OR trying!

Although it was nice having time to ourselves, we sure did miss this little girl. It's so much fun having her around! She ended up sleeping the rest of the day because she only sleeps well in her crib, but it was a joy to see her again and have her smile light up our day. So, time alone is great, but time with our family seems to be even greater!

The day after..

We had a good time for Thanksgiving. We spent the afternoon and ate dinner at Mimi and Papa's. It was delicious! There were so many adventures for Emma Rose, she just couldn't concentrate on eating. Between the desire to be with her cousins at their table, because she's just as big as them and all the doors she could find to open (her new found talent), she couldn't concentrate much on the food.




So, I discovered today that the food is that much better as left overs. Between the turkey sandwiches, mashed potatoes and pie we've snacked on all day. Emma has discovered that she enjoys it very much, as long as it is on her own accord. Walking around in her booties and shirt as she stuffs the potatoes in her mouth. Sometimes it's nice to take it easy and relax, we don't always have to be at the table (that's what Emma thinks). Anyway, we typically don't get a Friday to relax as a family! Oh, the joy of the holidays!






We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! --And a wonderful day after Thanksgiving! It's nice to be able to enjoy some time as a family and remember the whole reason for the holidays! Now we can begin our countdown to Christmas and enjoy the Spirit of the season!