2012 New Years Resolutions

This year will be the first year I have actually met my New Years Resolutions. Does this mean I am awesome? Or maybe it means as a dear friend pointed out- I just learned how to set realistic goals. Either way, I am excited! What to plan for next year? What are you thinking of for resolutions?

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Visting Teaching

My visiting teachers came over today. They brought some adorable Christmas gifts and I just wanted to share one thing I have learned about visiting teaching this year. Every time my visiting teachers come over, when they leave I always have a more peaceful feeling for the day. Like wise when I do my visiting teaching. I hadn't necessarily noticed this in the past, but it has really come to my attention since moving to Troutdale. I am grateful to have visiting teachers and to be one. There truly is a power in it.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

25 Weeks and Counting

 

This is how I look at 25 weeks. I was super excited to find this maternity dress at Old Navy a couple of weeks ago. It was the right price, long enough, and super comfy! I can hardly take it off on Sundays, I love it so much.

 

Justin felt her move the first time on November 25th. She is getting more powerful with her movements everyday. I have gained 12lbs so far. I started feeling even better this week than I have since before I was pregnant. Together, we are doing great. I am not looking forward to the glucose test at the next doctors appointment though. I just hope I can keep that orange drink down. Ready for Christmas and then March to get here.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Shooting Saturday

Over the weekend we headed out to Corbett to shoot guns with Clayton. He is a student in Justin's Sunday School Class. It was for his 13th birthday. He is a fun kid and he kept exclaiming, "This is the best birthday party ever!"

We had a blast (no pun intended,LOL) as we shot a variety of 22 fire arms for an hour and a half.

This one was my favorite. It is actually Justin's gun, but I had never shot it before.

 

It was one of the best birthday parties I had ever been too as well. :)

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Practicing

I know that we are all told, "Practice makes Perfect," but I just wanted to reiterate this saying tonight. At Valentines day I totally kaboshed a batch of cinnamon rolls. It was super frustrating! Hoping that I could find success one day at making them, I tried again last night. These ones turned out wonderful!

Then today, I made a Christmas pillow case for a friend. This is about the 15th pillowcase I have made in the last year. I was very pleased with how nice it turned out. Is it because I am a fabulous sewer? No, more because I have put in the time to learn how to create a nice finished pillow case product.

I just wanted to share my successes this week and remind myself it just takes time to reach them. I am still working hard to be better at many things so I will keep on practicing!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Work

Justin has been incredibly busy the last two and half weeks with work. He is working on helping launch a new product for his company and the entire logging industry. The first of this product was sold and delivered the Monday of Thanksgiving week. Unfortunately it was not quite ready to go and has had some major issues.

 

These problems have caused Justin to have to spend a lot of time away from home and on the road driving. The logging operation that bought the product is about four hours south of us. It hasn't been a fun two and a half weeks, but through it all, Justin has kept an amazing attitude.

 

His positive attitude about life and work is one of the characteristics I love most about my husband. He was recalling a story last night when he got home. The other person who has been going with him to work on the product was really frustrated on Monday this week. They have been working 12 -14 hour days for 10 days on this thing.

 

Justin said he told the guy, "Well we are like Lewis and Clark. They set out to find a passage way to the West and were not successful. However, they discoverd alot of great things and had good things to report when they got back. We were sent to fix this product, and haven't. But we have found out a lot of important things along the way and have much insight to share when we get back. I would say our work has still been successful, just in a different way."

 

Wow, what an incredible perspective. Grateful to have that type of person to be married to and to be the father of our children.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

LEON

 

A couple of Christmas's ago, my older sister gave me these blocks.

When I pulled them out of the box to look at them I had a major blonde moment or myabe you would call it red neck moment, 

I exclaimed,

"They spell LEON."

Everyone laughed.

Then it hit me, they spell NOEL.

 

 

Justin left before five in the morning on Monday this week.

He made sure that I would remember him that day.

This is what I woke up to that morning.

Thanks babe for the laugh.

We LOVE Christmas time.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Thankful Jar

Each year Justin and I do a Thankful Jar during the month of November.

We use a mason jar with a lid and little slips of colorful paper.

Each day we are supposed to write down one thing we were thankful for that day. At the end of the month we take an evening and read them together.

It is always fun to see what the other has written. I usually have to do more than one a day.

Justin does it when he is home, but this November has been busy for him with traveling for work.

Here are the things we were grateful for this November.

 

Justin's Entries:

The Savior and His Atonement

The Holidays

Sunday Naps

Being Home With My Wife

Spending Time With Family

The Scriptures

I Am Thankful To Become A Dad

Clean Clothes

Cake

Cookies

Joseph Smith

For A Good Job

A Wonderful Wife Who Is Capable And Willing

To Do Alot of Things

Our Baby

Prayer

When I Can Feel Our Baby Move

 

Ruth's Entries:

Indoor Heating

Justin x4

(I put his name in there four times)

Justin's Foot Rubs

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ

Finding a Maternity Dress

Sunshine In The Fall Timex2

Our Baby Girlx2

All That We Have Accomplished In 2012

Buttons

Lazy Saturdays

Little Baby Kicks

Time

Our Apartment

Cell Phones x2

Good Night Sleep

Crispt Cold Air

A Strong Body

My Heavenly Father

Movies

Sleeping In

Basketball

Good Books To Read

My Immune System

Love

The Scripturesx2

Christmas

My Friends

My Callings

Prophets & Apostles

My Right to Vote

Sewing Machinex2

My Mother- In-Law

A Car

My Mom & Dad

Colors

Having A Body That Can Carry A Baby

Our Warm Home

Waking Up With Justin In The Morning

My Grandparents

My Mom

Stake Conference

Garrett & Nicole

 

 



Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Check Out My Niece and Nephew's School

Greenhouse effect: Willowcreek students smooth transition to new lunch program by growing own produce - www.kivitv.com

My niece and nephew are the ones with the red hair. This is pretty cool and had to share.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Thanksgiving Weekend

I have no pictures from Thanksgiving weekend this year, but it was wonderful. The week started off on not such a great note. Justin went to install the first sale of the new product he has been working on and the product did not work correctly. He was four hours away from the shop he works out of, so it made fixing the problem very difficult. He was supposed to be home Tuesday evening, but didn't make it home until Wednesday. This bumped our traveling plans to Thursday morning. I was grateful to have him home Wednesday, and he was glad to be home but was not happy about how the week had gone thus far.

We set out Thursday morning to Ontario. The sun was out and the roads were beautiful as we drove the six hours. Thanksgiving dinner was yummy as always and there were 31 people in attendance at my parents home. This made for a tight squeeze at the tables, but we all survived. Friday and Saturday were filled with shopping, games, movies, conversations and relaxation.

Highlight of the weekend was just getting to be with my parents and siblings and see my nieces and nephes, and of course the pie. My family always goes a little overboard on making pies for Thanksgiving. Then we eat it the rest of the weekend for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not healthy, I know, but it is yummy! Justin went black Friday shopping and we actually got most of our Christmas shopping done.

Things that frustrated me about the weekend- We both got colds and are still fighting them off, BOO!

It was a wonderful weekend that went by quickly. As Justin put it though when we arrived home on Sunday, "It is so hard to leave, but always great to get home."

We are now looking forward to our first Christmas season in the Portland area.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Trail Blazer Game

The weekend of November 10th and 11th my parents came into town. My mom actually was here a couple of days before that for a school board conference the state hosts each year. She was able to get discounted tickets to a Trail Blazer game and decided to get them for Justin for his birthday. My dad drover over Saturday to go to the game with us and then my mom rode home with him on Monday. It was a wonderful weekend.

This was the first time that my parents and Justin and I have spent and extended period of time together just the four of us. The game was a lot of fun.  It was pretty close the first half but the Blazers were ahead at half time. The second half the Spurs came back and won by 3 points. We had pretty good seats and ate lots of popcorn (my dad had bought a bottomless popcorn tub). We ate dinner before the game at Qdoba, a yummy Mexican chain restaurant.

My parents Bruce and Renae- Love them!

 My mom would not love me posting this picture, but it cracks me up. The two previous pics we took her eyes were closed so I told her to keep them open, she did. She doesn't really look like this.

 

 Better pic, but blurry.

 

 

The Blazers!

Sunday we went to church and spent the day talking, playing games, eating and listening to the pouring rain. I am so grateful for my parents. They are such good examples of loving your spouse, and how to treat other people. I really enjoyed the one on one time with them and look forward to maybe seeing them at the same time again next year.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Justin's 27th Birthday

Happy 27th birthday to my dear sweet husband!  We both can't believe that he is this old. To celebrate we went to a really neat home town pizza parlor. They have the biggest sausage you have ever seen on a pizza. Then we went and watched 'Wreck It Ralph.' Super cute and fun movie, we even saw it 3D! Lastly was the birthday cake.

Justin always requests a yellow cake with chocolate frosting. I decided to spice it up a bit this year and do a two layer cake. This is the best cake I have ever frosted, meaning it was the first I didn't have crumbs in the frosting.

We are headed to a Trail Blazer game this week as well for his birthday with my parents.

Great day and a wonderful man. Glad we got to celebrate it together.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

The Belly Growth

Another belly picture. I meant to take this during the 20 week period, but I never looked great when Justin got home and it just didn't happen. Here is 21 weeks and I know my belly grew between 20 and 21 weeks, so to bad I didn't take a picture the week before.

As for clothes, I bought a few shirts that were a size or two bigger than my regular clothes and they are still working. For jeans I just wear my pants that were too big but comfortable before I was pregnant. Food is tasting a ton better now, but I get a nasty taste in my mouth about 10 minutes after I am done with a meal. I haven't thrown up in two weeks. I have gained 7 lbs. so far. Last but not least, I love feeling her move. She can get pretty active at times. I started feeling her around the 17 week mark, now it is more frequent and stronger.

Funny fact, I used to run before I was pregnant, then I got really sick and haven't run ever since. Now I try to walk, well I can only go about half a mile before I have to turn around because I have to use a bathroom. I am grateful a lady in my ward teaches a workout class three times a week at the church. The bathroom is close!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

20 Week Ultra Sound

We went in for our 20 week ultra sound on Monday November 5. It had been a long weekend as we anticipated finding out the sex of our baby. Then we had to wait almost 15 minutes at the doctor office to be called back for our turn. Finally, we got to see our baby. The ultra sound tech started at the head and moved down the body. Checking to make sure the baby had all of the parts a person needs. Everything was there and looked great! It was such a miracle to see the baby and how developed it was. The very last thing the ultra sound tech showed us was the sex. We were ecstatic to hear it is a GIRL! We both thought she was going to be a boy, but couldn't be happier and more excited to meet her. During the ultra sound she was moving around like crazy, which was fun to see.

Justin's comment on everything is so sweet, he says, "Now I have two beautiful ladies in my life."

We have some names picked out we like, but honestly I think we are going to wait until she gets here to decide. We love her so much and both agree she is the most amazing, beautiful thing we have seen. Here are some pictures.

                                                         Her little fist

                                                    

                                                           Giving a thumbs up

                                                      Little feet that I can't wait to kiss!

                                                            She's a girl!

                                                             Face shot

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Temple

We were able to go to the temple for the first time in a very LONG time yesterday. As always, it was such an uplifting experience. I had the thought while there and it was reiterated today in church. We are asked to go to the temple so often to help us remember what life is really about. It definitely did that for me.

We went to Red Robin, Yummmm, afterwards. I really enjoyed the fries. Justin ordered Mac & Cheese with his food. Funny guy.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Fall Ward Party

Our ward party was Friday night. A great time was had by all who attended. There were about 16-20 different chillis to taste for the cook off and other great food to accompany them. The missionaries actually judged the chillis. As always Justin made his white chilli that he always does for chilli cook offs. This year he named it "Diary Farm Special." Why? The only thing I can figure is he did it in honor of our friend Robbie, who is a dairy farmer.

In the past Justin has always gotten great compliments on his chilli at the contest he enters. In fact, it is often one of the first gone. He has never won a prize though.That all changed Friday night. He won "The Most Unique Chilli." We were surprised and excited. Here he is with the super cool award.

 

They also had the children do a parade of costumes. It was great to see them model their characters. Some of the kids were shy and some hammed it up. I wonder to myself, "What will this baby be like?" We will see next year :)

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Pumpkin Carving

We had our good friends Garret and Nicole come over to carve pumpkins last weekend. They were tending some kids in our ward while there Mom was out of town. We had a yummy dinner of Shepherd's Pie in a cup before the carving began. Here is what happened after our dinner.

The Kids

Mia

Chris (sorry about the blurry picture)

Garrett and Nicole

Justin used some power tools to move the job along quickly.

 

Mine was the cookie monster! We put it outside with the cookie in its mouth, it lasted for about a week before the half that was sticking out broke off.

 

 

 

Our pumpkins- for the three of us.

 

We had a great evening and as usual I had forgotten how much work it is to carve pumpkins!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Boxes

 

These are two of the last boxes left over from our big move up here this spring. I am just getting around to getting them cleaned out to make room for the little one that is coming. Oh how I love to get rid of things and organize!

 

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Toys

 

First baby toy from Grandma Blazzard. Couldn't have picked a better one myself.

 

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

A Favorite

 

My favorite place! These pictures are from our stop at my parent's home on our way back from Utah. The first is walking with Justin and my Mom. I love going on walks with my mom when I am home. I get to smell the farm, feel the soil and visit with one of my favorite people. Justin came this time too, so it was even more fun!

 

These trees are in my paren't front yard. I thought they were beautiful and had to snap a picture. They sure do dump alot of leaves to be cleaned up though. That will happen in about two weeks.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Pregnancy Records

 

 These are both a little late, but I wan't to print my blog off at the then of the year, so I am posting them! Not too much of a bump, this dress shows it off the best.

 

 

 

July 12, 2012

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Josh's Wedding

 

We made a trip to Utah last week for Justin's youngest brother's wedding. The wedding was held in Kamas. We are happy for Josh and Brandi and know the future has good things in store for them.

Nearly all of the Blazzard's and the Atkinson's were at the wedding. It was nice to catch up with everyone since it has been a while since we had seen them.

 

A funny portion of the evening was during picture taking. Josh and Brandi wanted a picture with all of Justin's brothers and their spouses dipping and kissing. Great idea! However, a sad side effect of my pregnancy has been that I can't really kiss Justin (it is just gross to me right now). You may think this is weird, however I have talked to many other pregnant woman and they say they have the same problem. Anyways we tried to do the picture, but every time I got close to Justin's lips I just couldn't follow through. The photgrapher got fed up with it and we never got a successful picture, but it was pretty funny. Justin's older brother and his wife are not super affectionate. He wasn't quite sure how to dip her, so as a joke he put her in the baptismal hold. He is too funny!

 

While in Kamas, we sold Justin's truck to his younger brother Brad. Justin's work provides him with a work truck and told him he can use it for whatever he needs, including personal use. It is a great bonus and blessing! Since the Chevy was just sitting around and we live in an apartment, we decided it should probably go. Brad and Riata had been needing another car and wanted a truck. It worked out well for everyone. We were sad to part with it. Alot of our history has stories involving that truck. It was a great truck and hope that it does well for Brad and Riata.

 

 

Notice my heart pajama pants- $6 at Old Navy that week. Thank you!

 

I didn't take too many pictures while we were there. I was still feeling kind of yucky, so I was constantly eating or sitting to calm the stomach. We went target shooting one day, what fun! There aren't any places we know of here in the Portland area to do that. Justin's dad brought a Chinese war gun out and we shot that a bit. Talk about big, loud, and powerful. I could only shoot it three times and then was done. I didn't like imagining people using it for its intended purpose.

 

Another highlight of the trip was seeing the mountains and the fall colors! Utah is a truly beautiful land and at times we miss it. Family, good food, and fun. It was time well spent and look forward to the coming holidays when we get to be with family again!

Random picture of our niece Abbie, but she wanted me to take one of her after we took one in front of the truck. Isn't she a cutie!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Duck Tape Tie and Head Band

No this is not a tutorial on how to make things using duck tape. I will leave that to the young lady in Justin's Sunday School class. She likes to create things out of duck tape. One Sunday this summer she asked my husband if he would wear a duck tape tie is she made him one. He said, "You have to ask my wife."

She asked me at girls camp and I told her only if she made me a head band to go along with it. Well she kept her end of the bargain and brough these to us a couple of Sunday's ago.

While I admire her creativity, I really am not into wearing headbands especially duck tape ones. Justin admitted he wasn't to into the idea either. I did put mine on for my Primary class and Justin did wear his for Sunday School. My primary class loved it and I think the Sunday school kids did too. I remember being into making things out of it when I was her age. Thanks Emily for the memories.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Last weekend was the first time Justin and I have been out of the house on Friday night in about three months. We went to Jamba Juice and Kohl's, it totaled about one hour. I felt accomplished. We came home and watched the 'Shakiest Gun in the West'. Fun movie and great evening, it ended around 9 p.m. I had to laugh at us going to bed that early. Justin is up early (like by 5:30 a.m. at the latest) every morning and I well, am pregnant and can sleep most any time.

I helped Justin make a power point for work on Saturday of the Grapple Processor product his company is coming out with. It was nice to be able to use my brain and creativity again. I am feeling alot better than I was, but still by the afternoon I am struggling. I still am not working alot because of this and while I really enjoy my time to do whatever I want, sometimes I wish I could use my brain more.

I am so glad fall is here. I love the cool mornings and evenings, and occasional rainy days. We are headed to Utah for Justin's youngest brothers wedding in about two weeks. We are both looking forward to a break, change of scenery, and seeing family.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

We Are Pregnant

I haven't posted for a while, until this week. That would be because of the title. Since a week after we found out we would be expecting a little one I have not really felt up to the task of writing. So forgive me. The most exciting thing that happened after that and until now is a trip to Ontario to hang out with my family for a couple of days. My sister is supposed to be sending me pictures of our mad wakeboarding skills, so I will try to post those another time.

Other than that and occasionally going to work and church, I have spent my days at home doing as little as possible to minimize the nausea. I have watched far too much television and know more about people from facebook than I should. I am through the worst though and am starting to feel more like myself. Justin has been so supportive through it all.

I found out July 12th that we were pregnant. I was hoping, but wasn't so sure it was going to work out for us that month. Justin was out of town so I waited until the next day to tell him when he got home. I made a trail of little plastic baby rattles down the hall (from the dollar store) that led to the sign, "Dad, Blue or Pink, What do you think? Either way I will be here March 20, 2013." He was very excited and surprised (which is good because I am not very good at surprising him often.)

Justin and I are so grateful for this blessing and little miracle in our lives. We pray we can be good parents. Here are some ultrasound pics from this week. Baby Blazzard at 13 weeks and everything is looking good!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Baby, Oh Baby!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Thoughts

"We're not commanded to be loved. Just to love. That's an important key to happiness. . . to quit running around trying to make people love us. To stop, take a deep breath, and to truly and sincerely love others, lifting where we can lift, brightening where we can brighten, and comforting where we can comfort. When we do that, it's amazing how full our life becomes of the only love that really matters in the end - the love that never fails."

One of our old bishops wife posted this as her facebook status the other day and it really made me pause and think.

Then, at church yesterday I snuck out of Sacrament meeting to get a drink of water. A little girl in our ward who is about 6 years old ran up, wrapped her arms around my legs and said, "I love you." I don't really know this little girl that well, really, I have only talked with her once or twice and I don't think she even knows my name, but she made me feel loved.

That moment really drove home that quote and how little children are our best examples of it. They don't look for us to love them, but want to love us. Thank you for that lesson Sophie. I am going to try to be better about loving others and stop worrying if they love me.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Clackamas County 4-H

I expanded a test bank last week for the Clackamas County 4-H Master Showmanship Contest. It was enjoyable, but took a lot of time. In fact, mostly my face was glued to the computer last weekend working on it. The plus of doing it once, I now know what to expect for next year and how to make the overall test better. I thought I would throw some of the questions on here. See how well you do and you might even just learn something.

Young male Llamas & Alpacas that have been bottle fed and cuddled, and isolated from other Llamas and Alpacas are likely to:


     a. Threaten to spit, spit without any particular reason

     b. Frequently bump into people, charge a fence

     c. Develop Berserk Male Syndrome

     d. All of the above

(Yes, Berserk Male Syndrome is a real Llama disorder, it means they are excessively aggressive to the point of being harmful to humans.)


 Goats are seasonal breeders, what does this mean?


      a. Estrous cycle occurs every 21-28 days

      b. Estrous cycle only occurs when a buck is present

      c. Estrous cycle occurs during a specific season of the year

      d. None of the above

What cattle breed is known for disease-resistance, heat tolerance, and hardiness?


       a. Angus

       b. Shorthorn

       c. Brahman

       d. Dexter



Answers: D, C, C

I guess mostly  I just wanted to share the random knowledge of Berserk Male Syndrome and that Goats are seasonal breeders. At my fair, goat showman and llama showman did not compete as part of the round robin contest. So, I found the information I researched about them fascinating! I am looking forward to see how the kids do on the tests and the overall contest.



Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Car Keys...... Locked in the Car

Last night as I prepared to head out the door from work at 9:45 p.m. I suddenly realized I could not find my car keys. I began thoroughly searching my lunch box, purse, and pockets only to come up empty handed for the keys. Then it hit me, they were safely locked, inside my car.

I hate that moment when  you realize you have done that stupid thing of locking the doors without a way to get back into them. Lucky for me I have a kind, understanding husband who came to my rescue. We bought the car in April and have yet to make a copy of the key. This being the case, we were forced to do the old wire coat hanger trick, but thankfully it worked and didn't take too much time.

One of my stops today is Home Depot to have copies made of that key for the next time. The last time I had this happen was about two months after we got married. I guess I am averaging about once every two years right now. Not to bad if you ask me. Justin and I are actually equal on our experiences of doing this. That always makes me feel better. Good thing we were half way through the week and it wasn't on a Monday, because that would not be a fun way to start off the week.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Saturday

You know those Saturdays where you can; sleep in until 9, wake up to sunshine, eat pancakes, sit on the couch for as long as you want if you want to, window shop at stores or farmers markets, joke around, go on a hike, and eat yummy food for dinner?

Yeh, today was one of those days and how needed it was! The last few weeks have been great, but a blur. The slower pace of today was such a blessing. We enjoyed spending time together and I even made a strawberry pie to top off this wonderful summer day.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

The Rest of the Fourth of July

Annie and Clay wanted to go to Seaside for the fourth. We rushed home from the half, showered and grabbed a bite to eat and headed out again for the day.

We found a hat store while walking around. They had everything, as you can see, literally every kind of hat you could want, or never even dreamed of. Yes, that is a hamburger hat.

Wading in the ocean. Megan had a harder time getting her pant legs to stay up. By the end, they were soaked and we actually had to go buy her new pants so she didn't have to suffer the rest of the day. Justin and her were trying to beat the tide, but it overtook them once.

We rented this little beautie. A four person bike. It was pretty entertaining pedaling it around. James, my nephew actually fell asleep sitting there on the front.

The fireworks were beautiful. The actual show didn't start until 10, but there were so many others that people were setting off prior to the show we were entertained for about 3 hours.

Everything went well that day, until it was time to leave. Traffice was horrible! If you ever go to the coast for a show like this, plan to stay the night. We didn't get home until two in the morning. Exhausting, but a great day!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard