1.31.2010

Daddy Post

I should do this more often. I gave Gabriel a bath today after he threw up AGAIN! Well he was happy to be in the water. It is amazing to see how much he has grown and matured even over these past couple weeks. He is starting to do this funny cock his head to the side thing which is hilarious. And he is discovering new consonants and ways to make noise. He is getting so curious grabbing at things and starring inquisitively. And of course, as you can see, he loves bath time.



*Ross

1.13.2010

pictures!

Now that I'm working for my dad, I've acquired a new laptop that allows me to actually update my blog! Wondrous! We had a lot going on over the holidays, so I wanted to make a quick picture post. Gabe is growing up so fast, and it seems like he's changing from day to day. He loves to mimick us, and he's a champ at saying "mama" and "dada". We're not sure if he knows what they mean, but he seems to repeat "mama" over and over again when he's fussy and wants to be held. Who knows?!


I turned on the TV the other day and saw that Regis and Kelly are having a beautiful baby contest. I figured I'd snap a few shots of my own beautiful child to see what I could come up with. This is one of my favorites.


One of my dear friends, Maria, had a voice recital/concert right before Christmas. She's in grad school in Colorado, so I haven't seen her in a year and a half. Our voice teacher joined her for a few duets, which is how we found out about the recital, so we surprised her! We had so much fun catching up, but I miss this girl so much! Love you Maria (I know you're blog-stalking me)!


She'd never met Gabe before, but he obviously loves her!


This is Hannah, me, Elise, and Gabe at a little Christmas get-together. We were laughing because the power had just gone out and we were in complete darkness. You'd never guess Ross couldn't see a thing when he took this picture!



Hannah matches the blanket on the piano, Elise and I match one another... and then Jordan is just off to the side enjoying a cup of cider. We were trying to sing carols while Hannah played the piano and Elise held a flashlight. We were laughing because Elise ended up proving that she couldn't sing and hold a flashlight at the same time... which is why I'm helping her:)
I thought I could post more than 5 pictures, but blogger isn't letting me. Can anybody give me a few tips on how to load more than 5 at a time??? I still have more pictures to share, so come back soon!
*T

1.12.2010

paradise

Our Home Teachers came on Sunday and gave us the lesson based on Elder Uchtdorf's message "Hold On a Little Longer". During the lesson (taught by 16-year old Daniel), we were asked why it was even worth it to endure through trials. The first thing that came to my mind was a scripture found in The Book of Mormon in Alma 40:12 :
"And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow."
I then explained that, during my mission, we taught many lessons about the Plan of Salvation. This particular scripture refers to the Spirit World and those who will be rewarded with "paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace". Those of us who endure the trials and continue to live in righteousness will be received in this state of happiness. No matter how difficult our trials may become, if we just hold on a little longer, we will know the worth of enduring to the end. I then likened this to childbirth. During my pregnancy, I (like most women) endured just about every pain and heartache typical of carrying a child: nausea, heartburn, weight gain, back pain, swelling, heightened emotions, headaches, stretchmarks, and the overall discomfort of being pregnant. But, like most women, I endured through the pregnancy, labor, and delivery (involving even even more pain and discomfort), only to receive the most wonderful reward: my sweet son. My work was only beginning, but enduring the trial of it all rewarded me with one of the greatest blessings of my life. The same goes for our journey here on this earth; no matter what trials may come, if we but endure them in righteousness we will soon enough rest from our troubles, and from all care and sorrow. I know that there will be work to do once we cross through the veil, but it will be the most important work we can do. Life is a test, but we are not alone. We have help from family, friends, church leaders, and our Father in Heaven. Stay faithful, my friends. Stay strong, and you will receive your reward.
*T