General Conference Preserves

Cutest idea ever! My visiting teacher dropped off a small mason jar with a lid and tag that said "General Conference Preserves May 2013." It was filled with small papers that had quotes from several of the General Conference talks. I loved looking through all the quotes as they reminded me of the different topics covered and I was then prompted to start reading those talks. Here are a few of the quotes I loved-

"As daughters of God we are each unique and different in our circumstances and experiences. And yet our part matters-- because WE matter." - Elaine S. Dalton

"Too often we think that the word sacrifice refers to something big or hard for us to do. In certain situations this may be true, but mostly it refers to living day-to-day as a true disciple of Christ." - Erich W. Kopischke

"My promise to you who pray and serve the Lord cannot be that you will have every blessing you may wish for yourself and your family. But I can promise you that the Savior will draw close to you and bless you and your family with what is best." - Pres. Henry B. Eyring

"In the happiest marriages both the husband and wife consider their relationship to be a pearl beyond price, a treasure of infinite worth." - Elder L. Whitney Clayton.

Thanks to a visiting teacher, I was reminded of the words I need to be studying and pondering in hopes of changing to be better person. I think I will try this idea for those I visit teach at the next General Conference.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Memorial Day Weekend

Justin and I are not really great about getting out and doing things. I finally pin pointed that as a weakness for me this year and have decided to change it. I think it mostly comes from being raised in families where mostly what we did was work and our recreational activities were things like wake boarding, snowmobile riding, motorcycles and camping. Since we don't have things like a boat, snowmobile, and motorcycle right now and probably won't for a couple of years we are having to create new hobbies and events we enjoy doing together. Memorial day weekend was one of those attempts.

We decided we would head to the ocean since we hadn't been there in about a year and it is free. We stopped off at Camp 18 on the way there. This is a logger themed restaurant and museum area. I loved the feeling the restaurant created and the food was great as well. Everything was very large, since you know Loggers are usually large men. The historic equipment they had to walk around and look at was also neat, but I don't think I appreciated it quite as much as my husband. He knew about all of it, what it was for and why things were set up that way. I enjoyed listening to him explain it all. Isn't it awesome to hear people talk about their passion? Natalie was not as much a fan of the day because it broke her schedule and required a lot of riding in the car seat. We will keep practicing with her because one day I know she will appreciate going on family trips. Nursing at home is not a big deal at all. However, when you are trying to accomplish something else during that day outside of your home, you come to realize just how much you do it and you wish more places had nursing lounges.

 

 

 

Sunday night we played Yahtzee and both rolled a Yahtzee one right after another. Don't worry, it has only taken us four years of marriage to each get a Yahtzee. Monday we rearranged the bedroom situation at our house. Natalie took over our room. We decided it would be warmer since there is only one window and the rooms positioning in the building design. We moved our Shrek bed to the smaller room with better air flow which will be extremely nice for the summer time. It was a ton of work, and isn't completely finished but was a huge success. Natalie is now comfortably sleeping in her crib and I have no problem feeding her at night in her room. Another huge milestone is sleeping for six hour chunks at night. AMAZING! It doesn't happen every night, but it is getting more consistent. I hope it stays that way. She is also growing and getting pretty strong. As you can see she holds herself up quite nicely in the bumbo for a couple minutes at a time.

 11 weeks old

 Grandma Blazzard's birthday was this week. We sent her a cute picture.

 
Justin and Ruth Blazzard

2 Months

 I totally LOVE this girl.

- Has found her hands and loves to suck on them- Smiles and goo's quite frequently, especially when   changing her diaper
- Is starting to sleep longer at night, 4-5 hour stretches
- Still nurses really well
- Loves her bath and is filling out her little bath tub quite nicely
- Has a hard time at church (probably over stimulation)
- Her eyes are starting to look more brown
- Hates tummy time, but it is paying off- she is getting strong
- Loves to kick her legs while lying down and when we hold her she loves to push off of us with them
- Likes her alone time
- Is definitely showing more and more of her personality, you might say she has strong opinions
-Screamed like a banchee when she got her shots, but did pretty well the rest of the day
- Weighed 11 lbs. 15 oz. at 2 month appointment
- 22 3/4 in. tall

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Give Me a Break....

Sometimes, the monotony of life is hard. I didn't realize that real life doesn't have breaks like you get in school. You know; Summer break, Fall break (college), Christmas break, and Spring break. We could sure use a May day break. Last week Justin was down in Roseburg Monday thru Thursday. Thursday night when he got back someone stole his tools out of the back of his truck. (He uses these nearly every day for work.) Friday he drove back down to Roseburg. I was looking forward to Saturday and spending time with him. That didn't happen, guess where he had to go? Yep, Roseburg. It was craziness. Guess where he is coming back from right now? Roseburg..... (For those of you who aren't savvy with Oregon geography, the job site in Roseburg he is working at is 4 hours away).

I am not complaining, I guess maybe a little. More just recording this for us to remember in the future. I am just worn down from working as a single mom. Tomorrow will be better. Justin is a great provider and robbers are jerks. We will really enjoy our Memorial Day Weekend coming up. The end.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Finally

Natalie changes every day. She is so much more alert now and wants to let us know this.Saturday was virtually a no nap day for her. You can see why I was so excited at the end of day when she did this.

                                    

Beautiful girl. Love her so much.

White Dress

 

 

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Natalie's Blessing Day Continued

Pictures from the luncheon. 

We had a wonderful lunch after church at a neighboring park.

The weather was perfect and the company was fun.

 

Not only did our immediate families come, 

but some second cousins I have that live in the area joined us as well.

We saw them a lot when I was growing up, 

but it had been a while since I had last seen them.

They were a major help with the luncheon 

It is hard to have those who are traveling bring things like salads.

I can only imagine them spinning the water off of lettuce in their hotel rooms....

 I always get super stressed planning these family events.

Of course they always turn out wonderfully.

Mostly because we have awesome families that aren't looking to be impressed

They just want to spend time with us.

Hopefully I can relax in the future and enjoy myself a little more.

Justin hopes so too.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Natalie's Blessing Day

I never realized how loved and how much joy I brought my parents until being one. Natalie's blessing day was such a special day and the Spirit that was there is written in my heart. She looked beautiful in her dress.

Natalie actually did not wear the bonnet for the blessing, but rather a white flower headband. My great aunt crocheted this dress and bonnet for her and wanted pictures. I snapped these pictures of Natalie before church to send to her, but unfortunately I didn't get another chance to get one of what she really wore.  It was a really busy day with having all of the family there from out of town and by the end of the luncheon she was tired. I plan to take more pictures of her soon, but this shows you how adorable she did look in the dress.

Listening to Justin exercise his Priesthood power and give her a name and a blessing was beautiful. It was also neat to see the men in our family and our close friends be able to stand in the circle as he did that. The Priesthood is an incredible gift from God that truly blesses families.

I can't think of a better way to spend my first mothers day. It was rather interesting. This week a past teacher forwarded me a job posting. If I could make up a job, this one probably would have been it. It kind of made me a feel a little trapped in my situation knowing there was no way I could apply for it. This was strange to me because I never have found a job that tempting before. I guess the adversary really knows how to get to us at certain times. After hearing Natalie's blessing on Sunday and the words that were spoken during Sacrament meeting, it was reaffirmed to me the most important job I will ever do is being a mother. I know I am where I need to be at this time in my life and that is with my baby girl. I love this job and want to do good work.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Saturday

Saturday began with meeting up with the family coming into town for Natalie's baby blessing.

First to arrive were Blazzard Grandparents and Atkinson Great Grandparents.

They drove 12 hours... that is a long way. 

Trust me, I have driven that far before.

We decided to show the Atkinson Grandparents the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.

This is Lauterall Falls.

Minimal hike (more like a walk) and beautiful water fall.

Grandma Atkinson wasn't sure she was going to be able to make the walk down.

It had some steep parts...

She did really great and got to enjoy the beauty closer up.

 

Relaxing after the walk back up. 

The day was rather hot, 

so the shade and coolness of the waterfall was very nice.

Did I mention we live in a beautiful area?

That evening we met up with the Corn side of the family.

Dinner was had by Blazzards, Atkinsons, and Corns at

Tad's Chicken and Dumplings.

A yummy hometown joint on the Sandy River.

It was really busy and because of that was rather loud.

Natalie didn't like that very much, 

especially since evening times are hard for her anyways.

Justin and I took turns taking her outside so the other could enjoy their yummy dinner.

Dumplings and gravy are so good. 

I wonder why my mom didn't ever make them for me.... haha

We really did have a great time with all of the family,

best surprise of the day was my little sister and her new husband showing up.

We didn't know they were coming and were actually the only siblings to make it.

I felt very loved and realized that Natalie is one loved and lucky little girl.

She has a great heritage behind her.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Ms. Kari

The year following graduation from high school I served as a State FFA Officer. Five other individuals served on the team and we became friends for life. Friday night one of those individuals stopped by to have dinner with us on her way home to Hermiston from Seattle.

Kari and I had known each other before we became State Officers together because our older siblings had also served on a team together. I always thought she was really quiet and hard to talk to. She thought I was loud and bossy. We soon realized that we both probably fit those descriptions, but there is much more to both of us then just that. We did some reminiscing about some mischief we caused as State Officers. Our poor leaders who had to put up with us at times.

 

It was really enjoyable to catch up with her. She serves as a worker for her church, kind of like a missionary. Her experiences are different then many friends my age and it is always interesting to hear her stories and insights. Introducing her to Natalie was really neat. Kari knitted an adorable sweater for her that she should be able to wear this winter.

Hopefully this summer we will make it to Seattle to tour around and visit her.





Justin and Ruth Blazzard

One Month Pictures

These are almost a month late, but I took them and edited them and by darn I am posting them. :)

Same outfit she wore home from the hospital (pictured below), it fits much better now.

About Natalie at One Month:

- Eats about every two hours, sometimes will go a three hour stretch at night

- Great nurser

- Very calm demeanor

- Mostly grunts not crys when she wants something

- Loves to snuggle into moms shoulder and fall asleep

- Likes to be held

- Blue eyes and red hair are still present

- Got a real belly button at about three weeks old

-Hates having her arms in the swaddle

- LOVES her bath time. From the time she was four days old to now, Natalie enjoys having water

poured on her, especially her head. I wonder if she will be a swimmer?

- Everyone comments on how beautiful she is

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Weekend

Justin's job requires a fair amount of travel during the week. Friday nights are truly a treasure for me now because it means the return of my husband and I get him for an evening and two full days. I thought it would be easier to have Justin gone once the baby came. Experience brings great insight, it is much harder. I admire single moms and all those women whose husbands travel for work constantly. It is hard, but I do appreciate and value my time with him so much more.

Our weekends are usually never anything fancy, but rather a day to recoup and get errands and laundry done. Sundays are always wonderful because of church and the opportunity to rest.

This weekend we did this:

 Her hat is still a little to big.... but oh so cute.

We went on a walk at a park primarily for those with dogs. We had a baby- the dogs liked that. The weather has been beautiful here the whole week so we really wanted to enjoy it. We are trying to go and do or see something every weekend. There is a lot to see around here and we are not really great at getting out, but we are working on it. Wholesome recreation is what we strive for. What do you do on the weekends?

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

What is in a Name?

 

Natalie Lois Blazzard

Natalie: A name that Justin and I have loved since we were engaged. I first heard it as a teenager and thought it was beautiful. I knew that one day I wanted to name one of my daughters it.

Lois: I was persistent at suggesting this as a middle name and when she was born Justin felt this was the right middle name to use for our sweet daughter. It comes from the lady pictured above. This is my Grandma Corn and she is the kindest lady you may ever meet. She always makes you feel good about yourself, never says an unkind word, smiles a lot, can work with the best of them and loves to read. All traits I hope Natalie has. She is a true gem.

Blazzard: A long heritage of wonderful people trying to live life to its fullest.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

St. Patricks Day

 I should have posted these long ago, but something about having a new baby 

and trying to balance life got in the way. 

I thought for sure our baby girl would be bigger than she was when she was born.

Being 11 days early she was good size, but pretty small.

Justin insisted I go buy her some clothes that actually fit and didn't look like a sack.

The clover outfit was on the clearance rack 

and since St. Patty's was in two days, I couldn't resist.

She got lots of kisses and no pinches. 

Cute clover girl.

 

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Birth Announcement

If I could I would send one of these to everyone.

However, we still need to feed and clothe this child

and one day send her to college,

I am posting it for all to see.

Enjoy

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

My New Favorite Picture

 

"The family is ordained of God. 

Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.

Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony,

and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.

Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded 

upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of

faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work and

wholesome recreational activities.

By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness

and are responsible to provide the necessities of life

and protection for their families.

Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.

In these sacred responsibilities, 

fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

From

 The Family: A Proclamation to the World

The world teaches individuals to put off marriage. Once and if you do get married, put off having children, that is if you even feel like having them. I have done the opposite in my life as I have tried to follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost. I have found the greatest happiness in my life in being married and welcoming our first child to our home. These things have been on my mind a lot lately, especially with the craziness we see on the news every day about marriage and morals. 

I once heard a bishop counsel us youth that if we wondered about a certain principle or commandment of the Gospel to simply test it. Try living it and see if the fruits of it are what you are told they are. I feel like in my short experience so far of living these commandments, I know they are of God and we find our greatest joys in living them. I pray and hope that I can continue to live worthy of this blessing of having a family here on earth that is striving to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Road Trip With a Baby

My little sister got married last Saturday, April 27th. This required a six hour drive for us to if we wanted to be present. I was a little worried about how Natalie would do riding in her car seat that far, being held by a ton of different people, and sleeping in a new place. Now that the trip is over, I realize there was no need for worry and she is actually a better traveler than me.

I was so excited to get out of town and introduce Natalie to my side of the family. No one except for my mom had yet seen her in person. We left in the afternoon on Thursday and stopped twice, once in Boardman and once in LaGrande to feed her. Grandpa and Grandma Corn and Aunt Rachel waited up for us. She slept really well that night and we started the dry, sunshiney day off great.

I hung out at my parents house with her all day to give her a rest and let her adjust. I even got a nap in that afternoon, which is rare. That evening my brother-in-laws parent hosted a pit bbq dinner for the wedding festivities. It was super yummy and all of my family was there. The reception area was all set up for the next day and we got a sneak peek at the beautiful decorations Rachel had chosen. We also got the opportunity to meet Jed, my older sister Mary's boy friend. I had heard a lot about him over the last year, so it was nice to finally meet him. He is an excellent person.

Saturday we hurried around to eat breakfast and get ready to drive to the Boise temple. The ceiling room was beauitful as always and Rachel and Ty looked so happy. I am so proud of them for the decision they made to get married in the temple and staying true to that decision. I felt the Spirit so strong there bearing witness of the importance and sacredness of marriage.

This picture was taken in the morning. I wanted to know why Ty was wearing a hat with his suit. My father and husband informed me that that is what men do. So they all put their hats on to make fun of my question. I had to snap a picture.

The bride and groom with the bridesmaids. I really enjoyed getting to visit with the bridesmaids on our drive over to Boise.

After the ceremony we took several pictures. One of which captured the three babies born in the Corn family this year. David - January 5th, Natalie - March 9th, and Trey April 20th. I love that you can clearly see which sibling family they belong to. When we laid them down together they all looked a little confused at what we were doing.

We ate at Fudruckers for lunch. Yummy food that tasted even better because I was so hungry. It was then straight to the stake center for the reception. The rest of the evening  was spent visiting with people from the community I grew up in and eating oreo balls and chocolate mints. Natalie did amazing through out the day and wasn't too fussy until we got back to my parents that night. We both slept really well.

Sunday everyone was beat, but we made it to church. We also traveled out to my grandfather's grave and placed some left over centerpieces from the wedding on his grave. I specifically dressed Natalie in her John Deere shirt for this trip. This Grandpa is the reason I love John Deere. My niece Cadi and nephew Michael tagged along with us and kept us laughing.  After the cemetary we visited Grandma and Grandpa Lasley and finished off at Cadi and Michael's house.

During the drive Justin was teasing the kids about going to Kalamazoo. Michael promptly told us he hauls his sugar beets to Kalamazoo and knows how to get their. Silly little boy. He also wanted us to drive him to our house in Portland that day. He promised he wouldn't even eat anything there.

 

 Great Grandma and Grandpa Lasley. Yes, she has red hair.

That evening Justin's family who was visiting for Rachel's wedding, my parents and my siblings got together for dinner. We ate leftovers from the pit bbq and the reception. I got to visit with two of my older sisters for some time. It is always nice to swap ideas and insight. A great game of chase was played with all of the nieces and nephews.

The dad's of these two cute babies were watching them while everyone else was eating. 

Monday it was time to leave. We spent the morning packing, cleaning, preparing and nursing. When I first got married it was always so hard to leave my parents house. Over the years that has slowly gotten better and less bitter. When it was time to go home this day I was happy to be returning to my home. I love my parents and family and had a wonderful visit, but feel as though Justin and I have established a good life where we live in Troutdale and we have a beautiful baby girl in our family of three. I enjoy it and feel at home here. Next big family event is only two weeks away with Natalie's baby blessing.

 

Families truly are heaven on earth.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard