Troutdale Baby Shower

I am so behind on blogging. We have had computer problems lately, which has left me with my Ipad, and writing long blog posts is really not conducive to that mini screen. I do love it though for everything else. Here is my effort to get caught up.

People continuosly ask me how we like it up here. It has been just over a year since we moved here and while it has had its very hard times, overall I can say we like it quite a lot and know we are meant to be here. The reason I can say this confidentally is largely due to our ward. They are amazing! While it is hard to be away from family, it is not nearly as hard as it could be because of the love that our ward family has shown us.

The first weekend in March some of my good friends here hosted a baby shower for me. It was perfect and alot of fun. Several people joined us, I got adorable little girl clothes, blankets, diapers, and much more. We had some good laughs and alot of great brunch style food.

Yummy Fruit N' Yogurt Parfaits, Mini Muffins and Fruit Bowl

Beautiful bright flowers I was able to take home and enjoy for the

next week

Guests at the shower

This is Mya. She is super cute and has the best one liners for a

7 year old. After every present I opened she asked if she could

the bag and the tissue paper. It was driving her mother crazy

and she kept telling her, no and stop asking. I think she made

it out of the party with a couple things of tissue paper and sacks.

She told me at church the next day that she put them in the middle

of her bedroom floor and jumped in them like a pile of leaves.

What better way to use all those stacks of tissue paper.

I might try it next time I have a party like this.

Isn't this so cute! I loved it.

First game we played- Baby Ratler

You have to get all of the gum balls from one soda bottle

to the other... In the fastest amount of time.

I won....

They gave the prize to the runner up.

I guess it isn't fair for me to win... LOL

Second game I played- Dress a baby like you are late for church

And do it blindfolded

I think I lost this game.

The baby ended up looking like a gangster

Alot of smiles that day. Thank you Crown Point Ladies!

You sure know how to make a girl feel loved....

and how to clothe a baby!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

She's Here!

Welcome to the world! 

Natalie Lois Blazzard

March 9, 2013

6:50 a.m.

7lbs 4oz

20 in. long

The most beautiful person I have ever seen

Dad and Mom LOVE you

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

35 Weeks

35 Weeks and 6 days.... Had to snap the pic myself because we forgot to on Sunday when Justin was home. When I saw pics of other women's bellies that were this big in my first trimester I was scared for it to happen to me, now it just seems normal. 

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

34 Weeks

I don't know how we have gotten to this point but here we are. I remember during college when you only had six weeks left of the semester it just seemed as though time flew. I have learned alot the last eight months, and I know this is just the beginning. We are headed to a bBreastfeeding and Infant Care class tomorrow and next Saturday we are taking a Child Birthing class.

I spent a lot of time debating over whether to take classes from the hospital or not. I have read a ton of information on child birth and just wasn't sure quite what to do. I am the type of person that may over prepare and I always want to have all of my bases covered. The biggest thing holding me back was the cost, but after deciding that education is expensive, I bit the bullet and signed up for both classes. I will let you know if they were worth it and if I felt like they were essential for me as a first time mom.

So far, I think I am over my nervousness of everything. I am just ready to have her. She moves alot and her movements have become pretty strong. It is incredible to feel her and I am always grateful for the reminder that she is doing well. Justin and I are are very excited to meet her.

Sleeping is becoming more difficult. I wake up about every 2-3 hours to use the bathroom. A body pillow has been a major blessing the last couple of weeks, along with going to bed early. I have to say I have learned how much work it is to make these bodies for the spirits that come to this earth and I am so grateful my Mom chose to do it seven times. Exercise has been a huge help for coping with the muscle and joint stretching and pains of pregnancy. I have incorporated walking, resistance training and yoga into my daily activities. These last six weeks I am definitley going to focus more on the relaxation techniques with yoga and walking. I am starting to crave a good run. I can wait though.

Belly pics to come next week.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

CTR 4

I have been teaching a CTR 4 class for the first part of this year. The lady who will teach it premanantly had back surgery, so she has been out for a short while. They are all boys and it has been quite entertaining. A couple of weeks ago I told them I was going to have a baby. Next questions out of there mouth, "Really, where is it?" and "How is it going to come out?"

My response to the latter, "Go ask your mom."

Favorite part of the day for them and me, the Goldfish crackers we have at the end of class.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard