Walking

So.... I got a new laptop and I think this means I can keep my blog updated! I am excited as I feel it is important to record this life of mine. When I tried to run my old computer it would start up and then randomly crash at different times. It will be nice to have a reliable computer again.

A few experiences from the last day I wanted to record for my memory. In August, I am doing a relay race from Portland to the Coast with a team. Instead of running it is a walking team. It works out well for the stage of life I am in right now. Natalie and I have been walking the last couple of days in preparation for this. We have several hills in this new town we moved to and one in particular is rather steep. As I finished the climb yesterday, a car slowed down next to me and an old man rolled down his window to give me a fist pump congratulation for making it up the hill. It made me laugh and feel very accomplished. What a great guy. He was headed to pick his wife up at the care center on the corner of that hill.

Before leaving for the walk I had put a pair of hand me down crocs from a cousin on Natalie. She was not thrilled about them, but I of course thought they were cute and made her wear them. When we finished our walk I noticed she had one croc in the stroller with her and some how we lost the other along the way. She knows how to take care of her dislikes. (haha) I got in the car and drove our route, thankfully I found the little purple shoe along the way. Maybe she thinks they are ugly, like my good friend Kaci informed me when we made her wear them as a State FFA Officer.

Walking has been such a good practice as a mom. To get outside in the fresh air and be able to think is priceless for my sanity. Natalie is a good little trooper as well, because sometimes our walks get long and right now it is kind of hot here. Nothing compared to where most of you live, but for the acclimatized Western Oregon people it is a bit much. Justin was so kind to get home early from work one night to install our window AC unit. It makes all the difference for sleeping at night. I sure do love summer!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

We have the power to....

I got barked at the other day by an older gentleman. I went with the missionaries for our church to visit a lady. It was freezing cold and I was in a hurry. I pulled up to the curb and thought I had pulled past the mailbox stationed on the curb close to me. I didn't check it though and just headed into the house. Forty five minutes later we emerged. I went to my car and began the process of strapping Natalie in to her car seat with her big puffy purple coat. I suddenly hear a very gruff voice asking me to not ever block his mailbox again if I come back. 

I looked out and quickly apologized and said I would be pulling forward. It seemed to fuel his anger. He gave me a few more short sentences with stern looks and a voice dripping with irritation. Again I apologized and quickly left.

I really felt terrible about this. I had not set out today to inconvenience anyone, but it happened because I am human and didn't realize the impact that split decision would have. 

I have also been greatly blessed by the kind actions of strangers the last couple of days. At two different stores I had individuals offer to take my cart back so I could take care of Natalie. While checking out at Joann's today I was taking longer than I should have because of having to search the diaper bag for an item I needed to return. When I glanced behind me to the growing line, an old lady greeted me with a smile and said that I was no problem. I actually made her feel better because she often forgets things as well. We exchanged a laugh and I left. Her patience, humor and warm smile brightened my day immensely and made me feel of worth.

As I pondered my different experiences the over those 48 hours, my reflections brought clarity to many truths I already know but continue to refine with experience.

1. Be kind to strangers! Your words and actions impact others for better or worse whether you know that person or not.

2. Be conscious of your decisions and way you choose to do or say things. They can cause frustration, more work and hurt feelings for others.

3. Realize that very rarely do people intentionally do things to hurt or inconvenience others. Most often they simply don't realize they have wronged you.

We are all imperfect beings with great power. I want to be more conscious of being kind and help leave a person with a better day than they already have.

Motherhood

My mom tells this story of  me:

As a little girl I came to her crying one day

She asked me why?

I told her

"People keep asking me what I want to be when I grow up

and I tell them I want to be a mom."

That was not an acceptable answer,

They would always say,"That is fine but what else?"

What else?

Really, I just want to be a mom.

To my little self-

I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation and the Gift of Eternal Families.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard



Rocking Chair Story

One of the last things I wanted to get for our babies room was a rocking chair. I had been searching on Craig's list for the last little while trying to find a deal. We had also been praying we would have our needs met. Last Sunday a friend in my ward asked me out of the blue, "Do you have a rocking chair, and would you like one?" 

I was so excited and instantly knew this was an answer to our prayers. Gratefully I accepted her offer. We traveled to her home to find this nice glider waiting for us. It came with a footstool and has completed the nursery. 

This story emphasizes the quote to me, "God does notice us, and he watches over us.But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore it is vital that we serve each other." Pres. Spencer W. Kimball.

This chair has been passed through three families in our ward now for baby rocking. I can't wait to use it to rock my baby too.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Things That Brighten Your Day

I planted this Christmas Cactus from a cutting in a greenhouse class about 2 years ago. Last year it bloomed around Christmas time. I wasn't sure if we were going to get a bloom out of it this year because Christmas came and went with no signs of such an event.

Then in February I started to notice growth on the tips that looked like possible blooms. Sure enough, earlier this week it did just that. They are beautiful to look at and a warm reminder of God's love. His creations are beautiful.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Water

I try to drink a lot of water on a daily basis. I have found that if I fill a mason jar with water, I drink more. This is purely because it is a lot larger than a glass and I fill and obligation to finish it. Justin thinks it is weird. Do you ever drink from a mason jar?

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Positives of January

Blessings I have this January

Sun for 5 days in a row in the Pacific Northwest

A wonderful husband

A workout class to go to 3 days a week with friends

Walks with sunshine and music

Brownies (Not a great choice but they sure satisfied a craving)

Baby Girl Blazzard and her frequent movements reminding me she is there

A job

Time to work on baby projects (pics to come soon)

Teaching the CTR 4 class at church (All little boys and they are so dang cute!)

The scriptures

My Savior

Time to try out new recipes from my new cook books

Learning life lessons with my spouse

Les Miserables (we enjoyed seeing that last weekend)

Food and a coat

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Ben Dog

My little sister texted me last Saturday to let me know this beautiful dog had passed away. 

I got Ben when I was 12. I begged my dad for him. 

He gave in and he never should have. 

I took care of Ben, but I never trained him like I promised I would.

 I learned a lot from my experience with him. Luckily for me he was a very nice, happy go lucky dog. 

Almost two years ago he was diagnosed with cancer. 

Summer of 2011, he had a bad day where he laid down in the shade and wouldn't get up. My dad thought that was it, he was going to have to put him down. 

The next day he was fine and went on to live for another year and a half. 

Over those years he has had a tumor growing in his face/nose. When we saw him at Christmas he looked pretty bad. The Friday after Christmas was a hard day for him, but he still went on his walk and ate like normal. The next morning he passed away. 

I am glad he went peacefully. 

Love that dog.

Sometimes I wish people and animals didn't have to grow old.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

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

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

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

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