Dear Baby,
I’ve been thinking of writing this letter for a long time. Here it is—finally. I LOVE YOU!!!
Baby, I don’t know whether you are a boy or a girl yet. If you’re a girl, we’re probably going to name you Emma Pearl (a name we’ve loved since before Zachary was born). If you’re a boy—boy oh boy! I don’t know what we’re going to name you. We have a list of possible names, but nothing that is at the top of the list. Not right now anyway.
There are a lot of “what if this is a girl” questions that I’ve been answering in my mind, maybe not in reality. Maybe.
Like, what about the bedroom? Well, right now the plan is you’ll share it with your brother. So, if you’re a boy, you’re going to be sharing a green room with brown monkeys and blue curtains. If you’re a girl, you’re going to be sharing that same room.
What about clothes? Well, if you’re a boy, that’s no problem. You’ll just wear hand-me-downs from your brother. If you’re a girl, you’ll probably have more new stuff than he did. But, you’ll also get some hand-me-downs from a friend in our ward.
So, there are a lot of questions like those that we’ll answer when we bring you home.
In the meantime…here’s some information about how my pregnancy is going. You haven’t made me swell up all over the place like Z-man did. I mostly just have my belly where you reside. You don’t seem too inclined to grow like a monster. It’s been nice.
However, I am experiencing some pains that I didn’t experience with Zach. Like my legs and hips hurt really bad. Walking is hard. Turning over in bed is hard. But I’d do this all over to get you here safe and sound.
I love watching you squirm around in my belly. I love feeling you twist and turn. I love knowing that you’re alive.
Because I’ve known so much joy with Zachary, I can’t wait to meet you. I know you’re going to add so much to our family. I hope you enjoy having Zachary as your brother. He is so sweet and silly. I’m certain he’ll make you giggle and laugh—which are sounds of heaven to me.
I’ve been taking pictures of my belly size each week for the last two months. I’ll make a collage after you get here.
Seriously—I’m so happy you’re coming. I’m so happy you’ve chosen us. I pray for you every day.
I love you!
Your Mom
P.S.
Baby, I love you too. I can't love you the same way Mom loves you, but I love you in my own special way. Be safe inside the best woman I know. Your Mom!!!
I love you,
Your Dad
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
A Big Deal to Me
It may not be a big deal to most people—but it is to me. Yesterday evening, as we were pulling our coupons out of our newspaper, Zachary went over to Mark, picked up a newspaper bag, took it to the garbage, and disposed of it. Then he went back over to Mark and did the same thing with the second newspaper bag.
It was a big deal to me because Zachary did something nice, purposely, without being asked. I was super impressed and thankful.
This past week, Zachary has really, really been understanding and responding to phrases. I can ask him to pick something up and put it in the garbage. I can ask him if he will let me change his diaper. I can ask him if we can put his shoes on. I can tell him something is on the floor that he is looking for. I can tell him his drink is on the chair by the table. He also understands "Let's go get the mail" and "Dad's home!" When I say that one, he runs to the door.
Those are some examples. He responds to them. (The diaper thing—sometimes he will respond favorably, other times he runs away.) It’s been wonderful and amazing.
He’s getting so big! He’s getting so smart! And he’s still as silly as ever.
It was a big deal to me because Zachary did something nice, purposely, without being asked. I was super impressed and thankful.
This past week, Zachary has really, really been understanding and responding to phrases. I can ask him to pick something up and put it in the garbage. I can ask him if he will let me change his diaper. I can ask him if we can put his shoes on. I can tell him something is on the floor that he is looking for. I can tell him his drink is on the chair by the table. He also understands "Let's go get the mail" and "Dad's home!" When I say that one, he runs to the door.
Those are some examples. He responds to them. (The diaper thing—sometimes he will respond favorably, other times he runs away.) It’s been wonderful and amazing.
He’s getting so big! He’s getting so smart! And he’s still as silly as ever.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Zachary - 16 Months
Dear Zachary,
It's been four months since I last wrote you a letter. But I really wanted to write you today, on your 16-month birthday.
Zachary, since you got your cast off, you have really, really had a mind of your own. You have wanted to do things yourself and you get upset when I won't let you.
We're so glad we taught you two signs: water and food. Boy, that sure helps me out. You can now tell me when you're thirsty or when you're hungry. Sometimes you sign the wrong thing and realize quickly that you did when I offer you the solution. Cute.
You're not full-speed running still. But, you are definitely not hindered at all by your previously broken leg. You do run, just not fast. And you climb on things. And you jump on things. The only thing that I can see leftover from the broken leg is a slight inward pointing of your right foot. I think that has already started adjusting itself as well. Thank goodness.
You can show us where your nose, mouth, eyes, ears, hair, feet, hands, knees, and belly button are. We've been having fun with that.
You love feeding yourself. You're not that bad with a spoon or a fork. I'm impressed anyway.
You are still a gem when it comes to putting you to bed at night. Your dad reads you a story while I change your diaper and put your pajamas on. Then we sing two or three songs, most often primary songs. We give you Woods and your sippy cup of water. We kiss you and tell you we love you. And then we lay you in your bed. Rarely, rarely do you cry any more. We're so proud of you.
You still love pulling out all the pots and pans. One thing that cracks me up is that you often put Woods in one of the pans you're "cooking" with.
This morning you brought Woods into the bathroom as I was pouring your bath. You insisted Woods joined you in the tub. Typically I wouldn't allow it, but today I did. Afterall, Woods was going to take a bath with the laundry later. I now know Woods floats.
You still won't have a thing to do with milk. Since I stopped nursing you--you won't touch milk. We've offered it to you a zillion times. Nope. Not interested.
We play with cars and trucks a lot lately. Much more than with blocks. You make car sounds and I think they're great!
Lately you've been taking a two hour nap. When you went to one nap a day, it was consistently three hours, so I was sad when you started waking after two hours. However, as I write this, you're to 2.5 hours. Keep sleep Boy!
You don't talk much. I hear of other children your age who seem to be talking more. Honestly, it doesn't bother me. I understand the words you do say, like dog, Dadda, ball, balloon, and bird. Are there other words? Um--not that I can think of off the top of my head.
One of my favorite things lately is that you blow raspberries on my belly! Hahahah! Oh my word--hahahah! You understand, "Do it again!" And you readily oblige. Totally, totally makes me laugh. You bury your whole face in my belly when you do it. Your little face is all wet by the time we all get a grip.
One of your favorite things lately is closing doors on us, especially on me. For instance, you watch me wash my hands in the bathroom. As I go to the towel to dry my hands, you get a big smile and you "get ready." Then you giggle as you close the door on me. It's now a contest whether or not I can get out of the bathroom before you slam the door shut.
We're so glad you're in our family. We hope you are a good big brother in a few months.
Love you!
It's been four months since I last wrote you a letter. But I really wanted to write you today, on your 16-month birthday.
Zachary, since you got your cast off, you have really, really had a mind of your own. You have wanted to do things yourself and you get upset when I won't let you.
We're so glad we taught you two signs: water and food. Boy, that sure helps me out. You can now tell me when you're thirsty or when you're hungry. Sometimes you sign the wrong thing and realize quickly that you did when I offer you the solution. Cute.
You're not full-speed running still. But, you are definitely not hindered at all by your previously broken leg. You do run, just not fast. And you climb on things. And you jump on things. The only thing that I can see leftover from the broken leg is a slight inward pointing of your right foot. I think that has already started adjusting itself as well. Thank goodness.
You can show us where your nose, mouth, eyes, ears, hair, feet, hands, knees, and belly button are. We've been having fun with that.
You love feeding yourself. You're not that bad with a spoon or a fork. I'm impressed anyway.
You are still a gem when it comes to putting you to bed at night. Your dad reads you a story while I change your diaper and put your pajamas on. Then we sing two or three songs, most often primary songs. We give you Woods and your sippy cup of water. We kiss you and tell you we love you. And then we lay you in your bed. Rarely, rarely do you cry any more. We're so proud of you.
You still love pulling out all the pots and pans. One thing that cracks me up is that you often put Woods in one of the pans you're "cooking" with.
This morning you brought Woods into the bathroom as I was pouring your bath. You insisted Woods joined you in the tub. Typically I wouldn't allow it, but today I did. Afterall, Woods was going to take a bath with the laundry later. I now know Woods floats.
You still won't have a thing to do with milk. Since I stopped nursing you--you won't touch milk. We've offered it to you a zillion times. Nope. Not interested.
We play with cars and trucks a lot lately. Much more than with blocks. You make car sounds and I think they're great!
Lately you've been taking a two hour nap. When you went to one nap a day, it was consistently three hours, so I was sad when you started waking after two hours. However, as I write this, you're to 2.5 hours. Keep sleep Boy!
You don't talk much. I hear of other children your age who seem to be talking more. Honestly, it doesn't bother me. I understand the words you do say, like dog, Dadda, ball, balloon, and bird. Are there other words? Um--not that I can think of off the top of my head.
One of my favorite things lately is that you blow raspberries on my belly! Hahahah! Oh my word--hahahah! You understand, "Do it again!" And you readily oblige. Totally, totally makes me laugh. You bury your whole face in my belly when you do it. Your little face is all wet by the time we all get a grip.
One of your favorite things lately is closing doors on us, especially on me. For instance, you watch me wash my hands in the bathroom. As I go to the towel to dry my hands, you get a big smile and you "get ready." Then you giggle as you close the door on me. It's now a contest whether or not I can get out of the bathroom before you slam the door shut.
We're so glad you're in our family. We hope you are a good big brother in a few months.
Love you!
P.S. Your mother wanted me to add to this letter to tell you about one of the words you know. Today, you were on the floor playing with one the frying pans saying "hot." You've said "hot" for quite a while now. But, tonight you were pretend cooking!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
My 32nd Birthday!
Woohoo! I turned 32!
It's true. And I'm not upset about it at all. When am I supposed to be annoyed with birthdays? I don't know if I'm going to get that way. I love my birthday.
Mark spoiled me--AGAIN. Mark is so amazing. I married the best, best, best man for me.
The day started out with breakfast. Mark made me pancakes. Sitting on the table were three bags of presents!!!!
In the bags I found a new cookie jar, stickers that say “The best things in life aren’t things”, a new wallet, and three bottles of awesome lotion. Mark pays way better attention than I realize a lot of the time. He’s so good.
I celebrated my birthday all week. On Tuesday, I went to lunch with Mark. We went to Red Robin. On Thursday (my birthday), I went to lunch with my friends, DeeDee and Jill. We went to Noodles and Company. DeeDee and I went to Cold Stone after Noodles. Thursday night Mark had training (that I forgot about), so I went to dinner with my friend, Jamie. We went to Mimi’s Café. On Friday I went to lunch with my friend, Teddi. We went to Thaifoon. Friday night I had a party. And Saturday, Mark and I went to lunch again—because Mark was at training again and only had a half hour break. We went to Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill.
All of these meals were free (for me). I had birthday coupons for all of them except Thaifoon—and Teddi paid for that one. I haven’t used all of my birthday coupons yet. In fact—I better use my free ice cream coupon at Baskin Robbins tomorrow!!!
The birthday party was GREAT! I wanted a white elephant party, so that’s what I had. I also wanted it to be fun and funny! So, I made some additional rules. They worked GREAT! Everyone participated and it was a blast.
The new rules?
* The first person picks a present as usual.
* The following participants must either
* Draw a challenge from a bowl in order to get permission to open a new gift OR
* Steal a present that has already been unopened.
* The present is “safe” or “frozen” on the third trade (fourth person).
Here are some of the challenges that I had in the bowl:
* For 45 seconds, tell us about your first day working at the zoo—in the ELEPHANT HOUSE.
* For 45 seconds, tell us about the importance of fiber in your diet.
* For 45 seconds, tell us—with enthusiasm—about the most exciting thing that happened to you yesterday.
* For 45 seconds, tell us what you would change if you RULED THE WORLD.
* For 45 seconds, speak to a group of vegetarians on the virtues of red meat.
* For 45 seconds, sing the theme song to Mr. Ed.
* Lucky you! You get to wear ITEM #1 for the rest of the game!
* Show us your favorite “stupid human trick.” Or make a funny face for 20 seconds.
* For 45 seconds, SING your introduction (name, favorite color, occupation, pets, etc.) like a RAP STAR!
I had a lot more that were not used. But it was great! The shy people picked already opened presents—leading to more trading. And the brave people gave us all a show.
Thanks Mark for a wonderful birthday! I love you!
P.S. This is how short my hair is these days. I chopped it on New Year’s Eve.
P.P.S. Here are pictures from the party.
It's true. And I'm not upset about it at all. When am I supposed to be annoyed with birthdays? I don't know if I'm going to get that way. I love my birthday.
Mark spoiled me--AGAIN. Mark is so amazing. I married the best, best, best man for me.
The day started out with breakfast. Mark made me pancakes. Sitting on the table were three bags of presents!!!!
In the bags I found a new cookie jar, stickers that say “The best things in life aren’t things”, a new wallet, and three bottles of awesome lotion. Mark pays way better attention than I realize a lot of the time. He’s so good.
I celebrated my birthday all week. On Tuesday, I went to lunch with Mark. We went to Red Robin. On Thursday (my birthday), I went to lunch with my friends, DeeDee and Jill. We went to Noodles and Company. DeeDee and I went to Cold Stone after Noodles. Thursday night Mark had training (that I forgot about), so I went to dinner with my friend, Jamie. We went to Mimi’s Café. On Friday I went to lunch with my friend, Teddi. We went to Thaifoon. Friday night I had a party. And Saturday, Mark and I went to lunch again—because Mark was at training again and only had a half hour break. We went to Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill.
All of these meals were free (for me). I had birthday coupons for all of them except Thaifoon—and Teddi paid for that one. I haven’t used all of my birthday coupons yet. In fact—I better use my free ice cream coupon at Baskin Robbins tomorrow!!!
The birthday party was GREAT! I wanted a white elephant party, so that’s what I had. I also wanted it to be fun and funny! So, I made some additional rules. They worked GREAT! Everyone participated and it was a blast.
The new rules?
* The first person picks a present as usual.
* The following participants must either
* Draw a challenge from a bowl in order to get permission to open a new gift OR
* Steal a present that has already been unopened.
* The present is “safe” or “frozen” on the third trade (fourth person).
Here are some of the challenges that I had in the bowl:
* For 45 seconds, tell us about your first day working at the zoo—in the ELEPHANT HOUSE.
* For 45 seconds, tell us about the importance of fiber in your diet.
* For 45 seconds, tell us—with enthusiasm—about the most exciting thing that happened to you yesterday.
* For 45 seconds, tell us what you would change if you RULED THE WORLD.
* For 45 seconds, speak to a group of vegetarians on the virtues of red meat.
* For 45 seconds, sing the theme song to Mr. Ed.
* Lucky you! You get to wear ITEM #1 for the rest of the game!
* Show us your favorite “stupid human trick.” Or make a funny face for 20 seconds.
* For 45 seconds, SING your introduction (name, favorite color, occupation, pets, etc.) like a RAP STAR!
I had a lot more that were not used. But it was great! The shy people picked already opened presents—leading to more trading. And the brave people gave us all a show.
Thanks Mark for a wonderful birthday! I love you!
P.S. This is how short my hair is these days. I chopped it on New Year’s Eve.
P.P.S. Here are pictures from the party.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Christmas 2010
What a GREAT Christmas!
Have I mentioned how awesome Mark is? Well—he is!
Christmas Eve Morning
This morning we got a special delivery! We got a new table and chairs!!!
When we first got married, all I had was a card table with four matching folding chairs. Mark did something very nice—that I didn’t appreciate at first. But, after a day or two, I realized how thoughtful and how good it was of Mark to find us a “real” table and chairs. The table and chairs Mark found us were hand-me-downs from someone who received them as hand-me-downs. So we were the fourth owners of them.
Being the fourth owners, the table and chairs had their problems. One of the six chairs bit the dust—we were unable to save it. And, about a month before Christmas, I moved the table and completely broke a table leg off. I wasn’t the first, though. As we examined the damage, we found a great amount of wood glue and other attempts to make that leg stay.
Mark and I decided it was time for our own table and chairs. We looked at four furniture stores. We ended up buying it from RC Willey. Our criteria was that it was small enough to put in our condo, that it seated at least six, and that there be a leaf so we can extend it. Ta da! What do you think?
Christmas Eve Evening
We had our “big” dinner on Christmas Eve. I grew up doing that, though I didn’t catch on for a long time. The big dinner was Christmas Eve so we would have leftovers to nuke on Christmas Day.
Since Mark and I were not going to Ferron, or anywhere else, we invited one of our friends over to share dinner with us. Her name is Melanie Ray. She’s one of my best friends. Her husband has worked every Christmas Eve and Christmas since we’ve known each other.
We had ribs again. We had sweet and sour pork ribs (good), mesquite seasoned beef ribs (AWESOME), baked potatoes, Jell-O salad, rolls (thank you bread machine), green salad, and a mixed fruit drink. Yum! It was delicious. We didn’t even eat dessert because we were all full.
Following dinner we made paper placemats. Melanie participated. It was great. I did mine diagonal this year.
Christmas Morning
Christmas morning we woke up at our regular time, 7:30. Zachary wasn’t as impressed with the paper as many people say one-year-olds normally are. He did get the whole “rip the paper” bit. And he did enjoy the boxes. But, he was most impressed with the big, new toy that was sitting on our couch (a Sit ‘n’ Spin) and with the talking, singing dog our neighbor gave him.
Mark was most confused when he opened a gift to Zachary that contained two frying pans. “Huh?” I told Mark that I put Zach’s name on them because Zachary is ALWAYS pulling out the pots and pans. Hehehehe….
Mark got two new dress shirts for work, one dark purple and one dark green. He got a Kodak PlaySport HD video camera. It’s waterproof—so we can take it swimming! I feel bad, though, because I didn’t realize that I needed an SD card for it. I tried reading everything I could about it, and I was under the impression that it would record up to an hour on the hard drive. I also got Mark a pretty sweet hoodie. He wanted one that zipped all the way. I got it for a steal at Macy’s. Mark looks GREAT in it. And he likes it—so we both win!
Mark got me a food processor! I broke my old one a while ago, and I’ve been “sad” every time I’ve cut onions since then. Mark got me a water filter for our 72 hour kit. When I first opened that box, I was totally confused. “A water filter? But we have a filter in the fridge.” Then I realized it was emergency related. Cool! Mark got me a small plaque that says, “Wise men still seek him.” I’ve been so impressed with that thought since I first saw it this December. I can’t get it out of my head. He also gave me this other little wood thing that says “FAMILY.” I’ve put it up above the hallway door. I love it. I got a nice, grey maternity sweater that I helped pick. And my favorite gift, the one that surprised me the most, was a beautiful white button-up sweater that I can wear to church. I am super surprised Mark even remembered me mentioning a sweater like that—because I’ve forgotten when I even mentioned it.
In our family this year, Dustin's family had our family. They got us some Rubbermaid storage containers for our flour, sugar, bread flour, and rice. Love them!!! It’s so nice to have all that in matching containers now.
Christmas Afternoon
Talk about a nice, lazy day. We ate cinnamon rolls our friends gave us the day before. And we took a nap.
We went over to my brother’s house for an hour and a half. They have six kids. They were showing us all their Christmas loot. Good times, good times. Zachary loved it.
Wednesday, December 29
We went to Ferron after Mark got home from work on Wednesday. We left right as a snowstorm hit the valley. Luckily, we got out of the valley before it was terrible. The worst place for us was over Billy’s Mountain.
Mom and Dad gave us some awesome gifts. They are super thoughtful. We got a wok! They gave us a giant book titled The New York Times: Complete Civil War. Mark got a new shirt. Zachary got some new pants and a load of books. He also got this freakin’ awesome flannel and faux fur hat. And I got a maternity skirt and a maternity sweater!
We had a great time in Ferron. We just relaxed—which was necessary since Zachary didn’t sleep well at night and was Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde during the days. We think he was a bit in pain from teething and that he was just tired from not sleeping well at night.
Have I mentioned how awesome Mark is? Well—he is!
Christmas Eve Morning
This morning we got a special delivery! We got a new table and chairs!!!
When we first got married, all I had was a card table with four matching folding chairs. Mark did something very nice—that I didn’t appreciate at first. But, after a day or two, I realized how thoughtful and how good it was of Mark to find us a “real” table and chairs. The table and chairs Mark found us were hand-me-downs from someone who received them as hand-me-downs. So we were the fourth owners of them.
Being the fourth owners, the table and chairs had their problems. One of the six chairs bit the dust—we were unable to save it. And, about a month before Christmas, I moved the table and completely broke a table leg off. I wasn’t the first, though. As we examined the damage, we found a great amount of wood glue and other attempts to make that leg stay.
Mark and I decided it was time for our own table and chairs. We looked at four furniture stores. We ended up buying it from RC Willey. Our criteria was that it was small enough to put in our condo, that it seated at least six, and that there be a leaf so we can extend it. Ta da! What do you think?
Christmas Eve Evening
We had our “big” dinner on Christmas Eve. I grew up doing that, though I didn’t catch on for a long time. The big dinner was Christmas Eve so we would have leftovers to nuke on Christmas Day.
Since Mark and I were not going to Ferron, or anywhere else, we invited one of our friends over to share dinner with us. Her name is Melanie Ray. She’s one of my best friends. Her husband has worked every Christmas Eve and Christmas since we’ve known each other.
We had ribs again. We had sweet and sour pork ribs (good), mesquite seasoned beef ribs (AWESOME), baked potatoes, Jell-O salad, rolls (thank you bread machine), green salad, and a mixed fruit drink. Yum! It was delicious. We didn’t even eat dessert because we were all full.
Following dinner we made paper placemats. Melanie participated. It was great. I did mine diagonal this year.
Christmas Morning
Christmas morning we woke up at our regular time, 7:30. Zachary wasn’t as impressed with the paper as many people say one-year-olds normally are. He did get the whole “rip the paper” bit. And he did enjoy the boxes. But, he was most impressed with the big, new toy that was sitting on our couch (a Sit ‘n’ Spin) and with the talking, singing dog our neighbor gave him.
Mark was most confused when he opened a gift to Zachary that contained two frying pans. “Huh?” I told Mark that I put Zach’s name on them because Zachary is ALWAYS pulling out the pots and pans. Hehehehe….
Mark got two new dress shirts for work, one dark purple and one dark green. He got a Kodak PlaySport HD video camera. It’s waterproof—so we can take it swimming! I feel bad, though, because I didn’t realize that I needed an SD card for it. I tried reading everything I could about it, and I was under the impression that it would record up to an hour on the hard drive. I also got Mark a pretty sweet hoodie. He wanted one that zipped all the way. I got it for a steal at Macy’s. Mark looks GREAT in it. And he likes it—so we both win!
Mark got me a food processor! I broke my old one a while ago, and I’ve been “sad” every time I’ve cut onions since then. Mark got me a water filter for our 72 hour kit. When I first opened that box, I was totally confused. “A water filter? But we have a filter in the fridge.” Then I realized it was emergency related. Cool! Mark got me a small plaque that says, “Wise men still seek him.” I’ve been so impressed with that thought since I first saw it this December. I can’t get it out of my head. He also gave me this other little wood thing that says “FAMILY.” I’ve put it up above the hallway door. I love it. I got a nice, grey maternity sweater that I helped pick. And my favorite gift, the one that surprised me the most, was a beautiful white button-up sweater that I can wear to church. I am super surprised Mark even remembered me mentioning a sweater like that—because I’ve forgotten when I even mentioned it.
In our family this year, Dustin's family had our family. They got us some Rubbermaid storage containers for our flour, sugar, bread flour, and rice. Love them!!! It’s so nice to have all that in matching containers now.
Christmas Afternoon
Talk about a nice, lazy day. We ate cinnamon rolls our friends gave us the day before. And we took a nap.
We went over to my brother’s house for an hour and a half. They have six kids. They were showing us all their Christmas loot. Good times, good times. Zachary loved it.
Wednesday, December 29
We went to Ferron after Mark got home from work on Wednesday. We left right as a snowstorm hit the valley. Luckily, we got out of the valley before it was terrible. The worst place for us was over Billy’s Mountain.
Mom and Dad gave us some awesome gifts. They are super thoughtful. We got a wok! They gave us a giant book titled The New York Times: Complete Civil War. Mark got a new shirt. Zachary got some new pants and a load of books. He also got this freakin’ awesome flannel and faux fur hat. And I got a maternity skirt and a maternity sweater!
We had a great time in Ferron. We just relaxed—which was necessary since Zachary didn’t sleep well at night and was Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde during the days. We think he was a bit in pain from teething and that he was just tired from not sleeping well at night.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Out of the Mouth of Babes
Most Sunday mornings I get the newspapers from the porch and remove the coupons for Andrea. If Zachary is awake, which he usually is, I let him play with the newspaper. His play often includes tearing the newspaper into pieces.
When I went to clean up his mess I noticed a piece he tore that read, "More Holiness Give Me." Though we normally think of this phrase our plea to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, I read it as Zachary's plea to me to provide him more holiness in his life. I reflected on my responsibility of a father in teaching my son the way to find happiness now and for eternity. That is a such a humbling privilege and challenge. I am honored to be a father and respect my father so much more now as a parent.
May we all bring holiness to our family, friends, and love ones.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Our 2010 Christmas Letter
Please click on each of the pictures to get a better view of the letter. Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The Hales and Santa
I may not be able to stop laughing for a couple days. It probably won't take you that long though.
Zachary wasn't particularly fond of Santa. Mark was. (This Santa happens to be the second counselor. The other man in the pictures is the first counselor. And of course, Mark is the bishop.)
I also think the family picture of us with Santa is rather good. I like it!
Zachary wasn't particularly fond of Santa. Mark was. (This Santa happens to be the second counselor. The other man in the pictures is the first counselor. And of course, Mark is the bishop.)
I also think the family picture of us with Santa is rather good. I like it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)