This Week

-  My husband has been home the past two nights! It has been amazing and almost as good as vacation.

- I hit the third trimester and am feeling pretty good with the pregnancy. I have to do my glucose test on Thursday and am looking forward to getting it over with.

- Natalie is talking up a storm. She loves to copy cat and is a very agreeable child. We ran errands all morning and she was very content to sit in her stroller or cart and wait patiently for me. We will see if that lasts.

- Got the fourth book in "The Walk" series by Richard Paul Evans from the library today. My goal is to finish this series before the baby gets here. I need some good reading time.

- Have been working diligently on a wheat order for our Stake and doing lots of food storage research. I forgot how much time and effort it takes to learn, but it is always worth it.

-  I planted seeds in some pots on my porch last Thursday. They are beginning to sprout through. Last week at a Relief Society Activity the speaker described her seeds sprouting as "magical." I agree, it is amazing what something so tiny can do with proper care.

- Spring is here with warm weather.

- Natalie goes to her first dentist visit Thursday, it will be interesting to see how it goes.

- Looking forward to an impromptu Stake Conference this Sunday with a visiting General Authority.

- Made a delicious BBQ Chicken Salad for dinner tonight. It had black beans, corn, avocado, tomato, lime juice, cilantro and ranch mixed together, on lettuce with chicken as a topping. Justin had his in a tortilla as he never eats lettuce.

-My bathrooms got cleaned today and the floor mopped, which means I can check this off my to do list and rest peacefully tonight. Hope you are having a great week!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Monday- Potty Training

Today, Natalie and I started the first day of our 3 Day Potty Training Method. She made it to the toilet twice, and had several accidents. I do think she is showing signs of understanding better and I am hoping tomorrow is better. I have to admit this evening it was hard for me to keep up my intensity of watching for her signals because Justin came home. However, it is totally great that Justin was home! A Monday night with His presence does not happen very often. We even had Family Home Evening.

I gave a lesson on praying and Natalie ran around in circles and wanted to look at other pictures in our Gospel Art Book rather than the praying picture. Justin and I ended up coloring her picture for her. It was a great evening. I look forward to completing these three days of potty training and having my husband home again tomorrow night. Happy Monday y'all.


Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Trip

It is 9:42 p.m. and while I usually would be reading a book or getting this prego body ready for bed at this time, I really wanted to get at least one post done for my blog today, so here it is. A couple of weeks ago I was invited to a retirement party for my high school basketball coaches. They have coached girls basketball for 25 years and were ready to be done. This presented me with an awesome opportunity to visit my family as well!

Natalie and I flew to Ontario on Tuesday morning and stayed through Saturday afternoon. During that time we were able to see all 18 cousins, one of my best friends, spend an evening at my parent's wards Relief Society Activity, and visit with my grandma and great aunt and uncle. The highlights for Natalie were cousins, Tux my parents black lab, Josie the kitty, Aunt Mary, and Grandma and Papa Corn.

 

These two are 6 weeks apart. Mr. Trey is quite the tease, but he and Natalie played fairly well together. Natalie is enjoying a "chalk-it". My Dad buys little heart shaped chocolate boxes for all of the children and grandchildren on Valentines Day. He has been doing this for several years and is a fun little tradition we all look forward to.

She was such a good girl on the flights both ways and did really well with visiting everyone. It is too bad we don't live closer to her cousins, because they are a fun group of kids. It was especially sweet to watch her love on my younger sister's baby girl. We were driving home from lunch in town and Natalie held baby Henley's hand for about 5 minutes.

The retirement party was nice. There was a special presentation before the start of the Varsity Girl's Basketball game. Then the game and a reception afterwards for conversing with our coaches. I wrote them each a personal letter and there was a basketball, picture frame and scrapbook to sign for each of them.

It was also fun to see teammates I had not seen in 9 years. We caught up on all the life happenings. I missed seeing the many who were unable to make it. It will be fun to attend my 10 year reunion next year.

Going back to my old high school was sort of surreal. I have been in there since I graduated, but there are many things that have changed from how I remembered "Ontario" High School being. The demographics of the community have greatly changed over the last 5-10 years and have thus created major change in the school. I know the school faces great challenges that are a little disheartening to me when I think about my Alma Mater. Other than that, the school looks mostly the same.

The trip was fun, the right length of time and very rejuvenating for me. I am grateful for my parents always being such gracious hosts. Hopefully we make it back for Memorial Day.

Justin was happy to have us home. He picked us up at the airport at 5:30 and we came home to Papa Murphy's pizza, balloons, chocolates and flowers for Valentines day. Natalie especially loves her Frozen balloon Justin selected for her. It was a bummer that we missed him this week. The two weeks prior he had been out of town. He was able to be in Portland for this week of work, but it is so hard to plan with his job and we never know. I am grateful he was so understanding. 

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Weekend Getaway

Justin had a free one night stay at a Best Western that needed to be used before the end of January. We quickly planned an over- nighter to Lincoln City. We had not been to the coast since Natalie was two months old. It was so nice to get out of our house and go do something just as our family. We were so lucky that the sun was out that weekend and it reached 60*. Natalie LOVED watching the water and said over and over, "Osen." We also ate at a few yummy restaurants and went swimming at our hotel. It is hard to live so far away from our families, but there are some major perks to living over here as well.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Christmas Celebrations

Since we drove to my parent's for Christmas, we decided to have Natalie open some of her bigger toys before we left. The trampoline was from Grandma and Grandpa Corn, the rocking horse was made by Grandma Blazzard and the wagon was from Justin's brother's family. 

She was excited and surprised, and could not decide which toy to play with first. 

I don't have a close up picture of the rocking horse, but Justin' mom is very talented and it is very cute. 

We call her "Molly" and Natalie loves to rock on her and give her kisses. 

This was Christmas morning at my parents. Natalie did alright opening presents at first, but after a while got tired of it and just wanted to sit on the cardboard box with a book she got.

Notice her lovely runny nose. She fought a cold for a little over two weeks.

Poor girl.

We had a wonderful time with my family. We had not celebrated with them in about 3 three years, so it was especially nice for me to be there. We had  a lot of yummy food, fun games and visiting. Natalie enjoyed seeing her cousins, but she especially enjoyed them when it was on a smaller scale. 16 of them were there on Christmas Eve night and it got a little overwhelming. My parents were so kind and patient to let us stay with them. Natalie had a hard time sleeping while we were there. Usually she just ended up in bed with us, after crying very loudly. We even had clear roads on the way there. Coming over the Blue Mountains on the way back was treacherous, but we made it and are grateful to be home sleeping in our own beds.

It was also important and good to be able to see my grandparents on both sides. They are getting older and I know they won't always be around. These years every time I get to see them I am grateful for. Christmas is a peaceful time of year.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

2014 From the Blazzard's

 I was so grateful to get this picture of our little family. 

For one reason or another, taking a picture of us all looking decent has not been a priority this year.

This was the last Sunday before Christmas and we all felt well enough to smile and look pretty.

Sorry to those who sent me their Family Christmas Cards. 

I would have loved to have returned the favor, but it just didn't happen this year.

We all loved seeing you though!

This little angel is such a light in our life. 

She was not a fan of this dress, but tolerated it.

I loved how poofy it was and she did not.

7 things the Blazzard's did in 2014

1. Bought their first home in Sandy, Oregon

2. Justin started teaching Youth Sunday School in our new ward and Ruth taught the Beehives.

3. Natalie started going to nursery and has grown a full head of beautiful hair.

4. Justin and Ruth painted the downstairs in their home while Natalie had a weekend of teething. We all survived, but there were many tears.

5. Ruth got called to be the Primary President. 

6. Natalie's vocabulary is increasing daily and we are trying to decrease her views of Frozen.

7. Justin traveled out of the Country for his first time to Canada and drove to

 Utah 4 different times only getting a snowmobile ride in once.

 It has been a great year, full of growth, traveling the I-84, changes and learning for our little family. We look forward with faith in our Savior to what 2015 will bring. 

Best wishes and a Happy New Year to you and your family. 

We will be ringing in the New Year asleep in our cozy beds. 

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Spring from March to April

From Friday March 28th to April 7th Natalie and I were in Ontario, OR hanging out with my parents. Our trip to visit them was not supposed to last this long, but like life always does, there was an unexpected twist to our week. Two weeks ago Justin announced he would be driving to South Dakota for work leaving on Friday and returning the following Thursday. He intended to make it to his parents home in Utah and hopefully squeeze in a snowmobile ride on Saturday before finishing the thousands of miles trek to South Dakota. Since my parents is on the way he offered to drop me off so I could catch up with them. At first I was reluctant to go. I had some things planned for the week and didn't want anything to come up during this closing process on our home, and not be here to address the issue, causing the process to be drug out. Then Wednesday afternoon I had a strong prompting that I needed to go with Justin.

So, Thursday I packed our bags and Natalie gave us a great wake up call Friday morning at 4:30 a.m. We were on the road and safely arrived at my parents house at 1 p.m. Justin chatted for a while and continued to Utah. The day went well and we retired to bed. Natalie had a fitful night of sleeping. The last time she woke up was about 4:30 in the morning again. After I got her back to sleep, my mind was racing and a feeling of deep concern and worry came over me for Justin. A few minutes later my phone began to ring. It was about 5:30 a.m. at this time. I don't know about you all, but a phone call at that time is very unusual for me. Justin was on the other line. 

"We found Dad passed out on the bathroom floor at 3:30 this morning. I am in Park City right now at the E.R. They are preparing to life flight him to Salt Lake. He had a blood clot break loose in an artery in his head and there is intense bleeding that isn't stopping. He is going to have to have surgery and it is life threatening."

I cried, and prayed and worried. Barry (my father-in-law) is only 52 years old. When Justin started talking I thought for sure he was going to tell me his Grandfather or something had passed away, not his Dad was teetering on the edge of death. Justin was a rock and supported his family through the next four days of surgery, ICU stay, tests, and procedures.

It is a miracle, and happened because of Priesthood blessings and prayers, but my father-in-law woke up without any severe damage and was walking within two days of the surgery. It was a wild week, but there were many apparent tender mercies. 

If Justin had not been there that night, his mom would have been all alone to handle the situation. Since Justin was in town, his younger brother Brad and his wife came to visit as well. Both of them were able to give Barry a blessing as soon as they found him. They were also able to help support and get there mom around to where she needed to go. It was also a blessing that this took place early that morning, because Justin and him were supposed to go snowmobiling later that morning. If this had happened in the woods, who know's what would have happened.

It was also a blessing for me to be with my family that week. Justin didn't have to worry about us being along through this difficult time and I was able to get a lot accomplished for my Grandma's 80th birthday celebration that is coming up.

Natalie and I missed Justin terribly. I would like to say that I was perfectly supportive of him being gone for so long and just maintain a positive attitude all hours of the day, but that would be a lie. Having a husband that travels alot for work and then having to extend this trip for a lot longer is highly stressful and hard. I am working on choosing to be happy and grateful, but some days are better than others. 

Natalie had an ear infection on Monday the 31st, followed by a week of fighting a cold and horrible teething. She had her first antibiotics, 103* fever and fall down the stairs. She also loved all of the fresh air, Grandma's black lab tux, being able to play outside and not have to worry about strangers or cars, ice cream, chasing grandma's indoor kitty and sharing her cat food.

 

My parents were so kind to host us for that long and are always great about lending a listening ear and helping us have fun while there. Any time not spent taking care of Natalie was spent working on decorations for the birthday party. I think I went to Jo Ann's like 7 times that week. After many hours, and some worrying about paint not sticking to glass jars that I tried to paint for two hours, and a older sister who helped me push through to touch up the jars, we finally had success. Hopefully they look as nice as I think they do at the party.

It was wonderful to get to spend time with my siblings and nieces and nephews. Becoming a mother has really helped me have a greater appreciation of human life and seeing others as individuals. I guess it has just helped me overcome a little bit of my selfishness. I am grateful to have so many woman in life who live to share the good that comes from their mother heart. Even the sisters who do not yet have children are amazing nurturers who teach, help and love all children or any person placed in their path.

                         Playing with cousin Trey.

March 29th was the General Women's Meeting of the LDS church. My sister Mary happily had me and Annie (another older sister) and Megan (her daughter) over to watch the broadcast and dinner. Mary went out of her way to prepare a yummy dinner and let Natalie tear her house apart for a few hours. We went to ice cream afterwards. 

My brothers were also very kind. One day during our visit we rode to the dump with my younger brother Kevin. He then treated us to donuts and ice cream. He also listened to me vent several of my frustrations later that week.

Living away from family for so long has given me a better view on how amazing my family really is when I go to visit. Justin felt the same way as all of his family lent their love and support that week. We are both so blessed to come from strong families with people who live exemplary lives. 

Lastly, I was terrible at taking pictures this week. I feel so bad because there was so much to capture. My camera's battery was dead and I never fully charged it, so it wouldn't work when I did think to take pictures. Next time will be better, I promise!  

The morning after fevering through the night. Thankfully it broke, but she had some wild hair.

Natalie was not a fan of the ride home. The morning we were getting ready to leave my mom asked her a couple different times if she was excited to go home. Natalie shook her head yes each time. I guess she didn't realize the car ride was part of the package. We had to pull of a middle of no where exit for her to take a break. Justin and her were playing for a minute here.

Us at the exit.Thankfully she didn't have a fever this day.

Natalie loved being outside at my parents house. She was excited to go outside this morning at our house. All of the walking she was able to do on flat ground in Ontario really helped her improve her walking overall. She would walk back and forth and all over the sidewalks at my parents. Funny thing though, she really didn't want to have anything to do with the grass. If she falls down on grass, she won't touch it to get up. She just waits for someone to come pick her up. She doesn't like the texture of it.

Justin's aunt was so kind to send him with a ton of little girl clothes she was getting rid of. This hat was one of the items. Natalie looks adorable in it, but won't leave it on. So, I tried it on her favorite toy 'Sadie.' Justin said she looked like a gypsy.

Small Steps

Last week Justin was gone for six days straight. 

The more important part of that news is that I was able to be more positive 

than I normally am when he is gone for that length of time. 

There is a simple math equation that could show the importance of this.

Happy Wife = Happy Husband 

It felt good, but I know that the strength to focus on the good rather than the negative came from the Lord.

 I wasn't perfect, but overall I coped far better than any previous time. When we put in effort to change, the Lord will always help us, and I sure need his help.

The weather was gorgeous last week with lots of sunshine.

N and I spent a lot of time outside, since she reorganizes my house when we are in.

We also survived two hours of Stake Conference by ourselves. 

It was sure nice to see Justin come in that front door Sunday evening. 

He took Monday off to recharge and we had an enjoyable day of being a family.

Natalie was happy to have her daddy home and loved playing with him.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

February

The shortest month of the year, but I feel like it has been a little long this time around. I think it is just because I am tired of the winter weather. We had a huge snow storm (especially for this area) the second weekend of the month. Church was cancelled, and while I feel a little guilty saying this, I was celebrating! It was a cold, exciting weekend that we were able to hunker down and pretend like the world didn't exist because no one could get anywhere anyways. By Monday, I had cabin fever being that I had not really gone anywhere since the Thursday before. Luckily the snow melted off on Tuesday morning and we broke out of the house!

Justin has been on the road again for work. The last two weeks he was gone pretty much the whole time with the exception of two days. It was crazy, and some days are harder than others, but this week I have appreciated him being home so much more!

Natalie and I have maintained a pretty consistent schedule with story time at the library, running errands, play dates, and work out class. We will be excited when it warms up a bit and we can get outside to walk and go to the park again. Living here I have had some really neat opportunities to interact with people who have beliefs and cultures that are so different from anything I have ever experienced before.

Last week at story time I talked to a mother who was Muslim and originally from Kuwait. For a small town farm girl, this was really exciting! She was awesome and very kind. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and was simply impressed with how she lives her life and religious beliefs. If there are many more people in the world like that, there is a lot of good being accomplished.

It has been enlightening this last year to find common ground with people that do not share my same beliefs, but are still great people. I have made friends with an atheist, a woman who never wanted to be a mom until she changed her mind when she was older, and some who have moved here leaving there families a long ways a way. All of these people have made me stretch as a person to get to know them and I am so glad they did. The world is a big place full of interesting people and I know God is trying to teach me that day by day.

We tried to go to the temple one time this month. It is about a 35 minute drive there and we definitely have to be organized and planned for such an event with getting a babysitter. Well, everything was worked out with the exception of the checking the temple schedule. Yeh, we got there and they were closed. It was a huge disappointment and reminder to check the temple schedule. We are going to try again this weekend and I am fairly certain we will be successful.

I made some amazing zucchini muffins last weekend for Justin's Uncle's family that was in town. I didn't tell the kids what kind of muffins they were because I wanted them to try them first. His little cousin who is eight asked, "What is that magical green stuff in them, it makes them so yummy!"

When I told him it was zucchini he was surprised! He said, "I don't even like zucchini but those are good." He ate like four more. The recipe is on the 71 toes blog.  We had a great time with the cousins and his aunt and uncle. They came in late Friday night and after touring some waterfalls in the Gorge left that afternoon.

We have been doing some light house hunting. Things almost got pretty serious last week. We prayed about on particular house before completing the paperwork on it and felt strongly not to go ahead with it. So we are waiting, praying and saving for the right one. The housing market here is intense. Meaning expensive (compared to what we are used to) and it is going up.

Valentines Day we were able to go on a date, Hurray! Olive Garden and a trip to Kinko's so I could make some copies for my lesson. It was really enjoyable to be just a couple for a couple of hours.

Last thoughts for February, Justin is amazing. He works so hard at being a good worker so that he can provide well for us. (I hope that makes since) He brought home a completed operator's manual for the product he is in charge of for his company. It is huge and technical and boring, but he helped write it. It has been two years this month since we moved here and he has accomplished so much in not only his career, but also being a great husband and father. I couldn't do what I am doing without him and We could not do what we are doing without the Lord. As this month wraps up I am continually reminded of the Lord's generous tender mercies and guidance in our life.

Sorry this is so long. That is February. Maybe I will get a new computer soon and can be more consistent in the blogging world. Enjoy these pictures of what February has brought for our almost one year old.

Crazy hair after the ponytail falls out because of nap time.

 Playing with her new shoes

 Trying to get the camera from mom.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

11 Months Old

Wow, this post has been on my to do list for a couple of weeks now, but with our college computer dying this is the first time I have been able to really get it done without a computer crashing on me. Here we go. She is 11 months old and on the move!

She took her first consecutive steps on January 29th

Since then she has been very diligent at practicing her walking each day

This week she has walked up and down the hall and through the kitchen without falling. 

I bought her a pair of shoes to wear when we are out and about and she is still getting used to them.

Her hair is coming in thick and red. It is beautiful and ADORABLE in a pony tail.

She is still a social butterfly. Many people refer to her as the "ward" baby because she will go to pretty much anyone and is always friendly to those who approach her. 

She ripped a hymn book page last Sunday. It was just a corner, but I felt terrible. 

She has been obsessed with them since she was like five months old. 

She doesn't really like vegetables. I keep offering them, so hopefully this changes throughout this year.

She has figured out how to open cupboards and gladly unloads them for me multiple times a day.

She is growing in her ability to express her love for us. It is the sweetest thing in the world to have her lay her head on your shoulder and she give you a hug. 

She keeps me on my toes everyday with her curiosity about anything that she can get into. 

Only 11 more days and she will be ONE!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning

 What our Christmas Eve looked like before putting Natalie to bed

 You like the shake weight Justin won at a white elephant gift exchange? 

He is excited to get super toned arms with it.

 

 Justin was reading a John Deere 'Johnny Popper' story to us. 

It was a gift from my parents for Natalie and Justin. 

He then read from the Bible the story about the first Christmas.

  

After Natalie went to sleep we watched "It's a Wonderful Life." I had not seen it in quite a long time and thoroughly enjoyed it. I do believe life really is wonderful! Especially at Christmas time.

Lastly,

 Santa made it!

Christmas Morning

 Natalie enjoyed ripping the paper.....

 and some chocolates, and then she headed off to do her job for the day of unloading the DVD's

Justin and Ruth Blazzard