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

Weeks in the Summer

We have sure enjoyed having Justin around for the last week. He dilligently worked each night and Saturday to build these shelves for our cluttered garage. We both cannot wait to get all of our stuff on them and have a clean garage!

 Natalie and I have been enjoying the warm sunshine and play time. We live really close to a park with a splash pad and usually end up there at least once a day. Each Wednesday we meet up with some other moms and toddlers for a play group. This week we hosted and made good use of the splash pad once again. I am so grateful I have made friends with these ladies. We are all unique and come from very different walks of life, but really learn alot from one another.

We went to the Washington County Fair last Saturday to see family friend's animal exhibits. We had a good time smelling hay and enjoying some Oregon Dairy Women ice cream. That night I cut Justin's hair for the first time. It was a big confidence booster. I refused to do it when we first got married. He is so patient and like his dad says, "The difference between a good an bad haircut is about 3 days." I think his looks pretty alright for a first timer.

Natalie is signing and communicating more and more. She is definitely changing into an all out toddler. Over the last week she has really gotten into playing with and trying to wear my shoes, necklaces, holding her baby doll, and wearing an apron when in the kitchen with me.

While Western Oregon may not have good sweet corn, they do have amazing berries. Natalie and I went and picked at a U-Pick last week. She isn't really a fan of blueberries and mostly just squishes them and throws them on the floor. Justin and I really like them though, especially in muffins.

Just a few more quick pictures from life with our little 16 month old:

 She was pleasantly surprised to find the mop bucket still full after her nap yesterday.

 

Prior to going to bed last night, she insisted on going outside to sit and read her book.

I think she is getting pretty good at putting off the bedroom routine.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

When I take a shower and get ready for the day while Natalie is awake, 

this is what the bathroom looks like.

She loves going in and out of the sliding doors on our shower.

 

Today was a much needed peaceful Sabbath day.

 It is so important for me to have that time to step back and look at life through the lens God wants me to, and not the way the world would have me.

We attended church, I was able to study the scriptures and do some indexing, had a nap, and played as a family together. We also visited our dear friends and shared an ice cream bar and walk to the park.

I worry and ponder often if I am doing all that I can or not enough, or too much. 

Being a stay at home mother is awesome and a great privilege, but with it comes it's own set of worries and struggles.

One of the things that is hardest for me is that there isn't a set standard of 

what you need to do each to day to be successful. 

That is totally up to you, your own motivation and your priorities as to what you do.

 I don't know if I am making sense to anyone reading this, but not having set boundaries of what to do to be successful can be stressful for me. 

During college I learned in an education class about different kinds of learners. 

One of these types is those who like to have the specifications laid out before them so they know exactly what they need to do to succeed (or get an A). 

That type of learner would be me.....

Tying this all together, there are tons of voices out there telling you what makes you successful and important as a mother, human being, etc

During the week, I feel like these influences pull me in so many different directions.

I could spend all my time trying to do what others value and find important for a family, 

and still not find the success I am looking for as a mother and the nurturer of my children.

While there are many different good things, ultimately I want to be doing 

the right and best things for my family.

The only one who knows that and can guide me is the Holy Ghost.

 Today helped me  be still and regain my focus on what the Lord needs

 me to be doing for the success of my family.

Taking time to slow down and remember God is one of my favorite parts of our life each week.

Memories

One nice thing about moving is that it requires you to sift through all of your belongings at least twice.

Once in the packing and again when you remove it from the box.

I found these little gems the other day and cannot decide whether to hold onto them or escort them

to the round filing cabinet.

Justin and I made these as one of our projects in the welding class we took together TWO times. 

The first time we both failed because we were engaged and made some poor decisions about going to class or hanging out a while longer. :)

Thankfully we learned our lesson and the next semester were outstanding with 100% attendance.

These little guys always bring a smile to my face when I find them. Thinking of all of the fun, hard, and growing up times college gave us. 

The teacher for this class was one of my favorites as well.

Mr. Reece, he was always encouraging to us and has a very inspiring life story.

He decided he didn't want to be a big machinery mechanic all his life, so he and his wife went to college, after having their four kids. 

He went on to earn a masters degree and built biofuel plants in many different locations.

I think our fisherman will have to stay a few more years.

I also stumbled across is picture. It was taken during the days known as, "Justin wasn't sure he was really ready to seriously date me so he did some stupid things," days. It was the first picture I had of him and I sure cherished it. I was bummed when I got the camera roll developed and he was sticking his tongue out..... That funny joking side he has is one of my favorite things about him though. The picture was taken after we were done snowmobiling when it was about 0* outside and had only half thawed on the ride back. Fun memories! 

What memories do you enjoy thinking about from your past?