Tyler's Baptism

 I had a lot of fun taking pictures for Tyler's baptism announcement.  

Our family had just spent the afternoon at Bounce N' Slide and it was getting closer to sunset. 

I told Tyler to hurry inside and get on your church suit so we could head over to the church for pictures.  Tyler was in such a good mood and we got some fun shots.  Here are a few of my favorites:

We were in a hurry and I think those red shoes just scream personality with his suit!

Tyler's Baptism Day
Tyler was baptized and confirmed as a 

member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by his Dad.

The Stake Center's water heater wasn't working, so poor Tyler's baptismal font water was extra cold.

He was so brave to get in that cold water and make such a special covenant with Heavenly Father.

We are so blessed to have Tyler in our forever family.

Tyler is growing into a great young man.

Tyler didn't want to have a picture with me.

Grandpa and Grandma Ward (and Aunt Laura) woke up really early to make the drive up from Orem.

They gave Tyler a nice journal and a CTR tie tack.

My Grandma Hallstrom and Uncle Calvin came to the baptism as well.

Two of Tyler's best friends, Beck Susman and Jack Griffiths, came to support Tyler on his special day.

Others that were in attendance at the baptism: Tyler's Primary Teachers, Alan and Wendy McBride, the Primary President, Christi Nazer, Primary Counselor, Jenny Klinger,
Bishop Zeke Susman and his wife, Lacy Susman.
Dennis Livingston wasn't able to make it to the baptism, 

but he was sweet and brought over a nice handwritten card for Tyler.

These boys are hardly ever serious:

We had family come over to our house afterwards for a celebratory lunch.  

We had pizza, breadsticks, pop, carrots, oranges, brownies, and chocolate chip cookies.

We sang, "Happy Baptism Day To You" (to the tune of "Happy Birthday") 

and had Tyler blow out his candle.

Sam and I gave Tyler a very special gift: his own set of scriptures with his name engraved on it 

and a very nice scripture case.

Banner Artwork by Tyler

Julia's Blessing Day

Julia Elizabeth Ward was blessed on November 10, 2013.

Sam gave Julia a beautiful blessing.

It was a very nice day and we were lucky to have some family join us for Julia's special day:

Grandma & Grandpa Ward, Laura Ward, Laura & Brant, Great Grandma Hallstrom, and Uncle Calvin.

After sacrament meeting, we all came over to our house 

and enjoyed potato soup, fruit salad, etc. for lunch.  

 Julia was not a fan of this blessing dress.  I think she found it uncomfortable.

Uncomfortable or not, Julia still looked adorable in her dress.

On my third day attempting to get some glamor shots of Julia,
I settled on a few shots that were good enough.  

I'm sad we didn't get a group shot 

of everyone in attendance.

It was Grandpa Ward's first time meeting Julia.

 Grandma Ward enjoy seeing her granddaughter again.

Snippets of Our 2013 Thanksgiving via Instagram Photos

We are so grateful for wonderful full lives that we live.  Sam and I have been truly blessed being raised by amazing families.  We now have our own family of six to raise up in faith and righteousness.  We are so thankful for our home, Sam's job, and our 4 healthy children.  I could go on forever on what I'm thankful for, but the photo below will give you more of an idea of the specifics.

Our Uncompleted Thankful Tree! We are thankful for so much more than what this tree shows. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend!  #webelieveinblueleaves #usewhatyouhave

We had a very nice Thanksgiving this year.  We left our house about 10am and drove 2 hours to Orem.  We spent our time at Sam's parents' home.  Dinner was at 2:30pm and we had 15 people total eat together: our family of six, Sam's parents, Rosanne, Rafa, their two girls, Zoey and Sadie, Rafa's dad, Laura, and Laura's boyfriend, Josh.  The food was excellent!  The kids were in heaven playing with all the toys downstairs.  After the kids went to bed, the adults played a round of Apples to Apples and watched a little Harry Potter on TV.  The next morning, we just spent some quality time hanging out.  I took Julia on a morning walk around the neighborhood.  The weather was perfect this weekend!  Good food, good company.  Life is good!  

And now for some snippets from our time in Orem:

Sam and his dad are ready for turkey.

Julia's cousin, Zoey, wanted to feed her.  Zoey fed Julia for about 2 minutes and then she said she was all done.  As I took Julia from her, Zoey stood up, swiped the back of her hand across her forehead, and said "Whew!  Hard work!"  How adorable is that!

Grandma Ward is having some quality time with Julia & Tyler.

Playing the made up "Lego Train Game" with my boys.  We each strung some Lego train cars together, made a huge long trail of Legos around the room, and raced to see who's train could hold the most cargo.  Tyler won!  #somanytoysatgrandparentshouse

My boys insisted on having a string of Christmas lights on their bed at Grandma and Grandpa's place like they do at home!  #lovemyfestiveboys

Old Classic Game #boardgamemarathon

A sweet dollhouse with all the accessories you'd ever want.  #grandparentshouseistoyheaven

Dream dollhouse #playskoolrocks

Sunset on the road home

I love this quote!  It is a perfect thought to share with the Relief Society sisters since I'm serving as the Compassionate Service leader.

Welcome, Julia!

I had a my 36 week doctor's appointment on Wednesday, August 21st.  
At that appointment Dr. Kirkman checked me.  I was dilated to 2cm and was 90% effaced.  
He told me to take it easy until my 
next appointment (5 days later) when this baby would be considered full term.  
Also, the doctor told me to have my hospital bags with me on Monday
and to have a babysitter ready for my kids.
Grandma Hallstrom took this picture of me right before I left for my
37 week doctor's appointment on Monday, August 26th.
I had a feeling that this day was going to be an exciting one.

Last self portrait of this pregnancy.
My doctor's appointment was at 10am.  Dr. Kirkman was over at the hospital finishing up a baby delivery.  I had a 45 minute wait in the patient room so I took a couple pictures of my surroundings.

I can barely see my toes.  And yes, I gave myself this pedi.

Waiting patiently at the doctor's office.

Dr. Kirkman checked me again and told me that I was dilated to 3cm and 90% effaced.  
I was indeed in early labor!
I told him that I had been awake since 6am having some big contractions, 
but that they didn't bother me at all.  
He said that it'd be best if I headed on over to labor and delivery 
(the neighboring building).  I was scheduled for a 1pm c-section.

Where I spent 50+ hours this week. 

I called Sam and told him the great news.  I sent him home to get Tyler off to school 
and to tell Grandma Hallstrom that we'd need her to stay the rest of the day and the following morning.
I went to the hospital myself, got all checked in, and prepped for surgery.
Sam met me there and we waited for awhile.

Waiting. No pain.
I am not lying when I say that I was in no pain.  I was having contractions every 2-3 minutes.

About to meet our daughter!

Proud parents

Here she is... Julia! 

Julia Elizabeth Ward was born on August 26, 3013 at 2:15pm weighing in at 6 lbs 8 oz. and she was 18.5 inches long.

She's a keeper!

Nothing is better than this! I'm loving every second with my girl! #newbornsnuggles

#weneedeachother #tinyfingers

Loved having this reminder in my room.  #room24

I wasn't feeling good for the rest of the day.  I couldn't keep any food down until the next morning.  

Sam brought Grandma Hallstrom and the kids to meet Julia.  

We didn't quite get the classic family picture on the hospital bed like I wanted, 
but at least we got something.

View from my room. When the kids came to meet Julia, Brian said, 

"Oh look! There's pink clouds because we had a baby girl!" 

The next day, I saw a complete rainbow! #ilovethemountains

Breakfast in bed

Lunch with my Visiting Teacher, Heather Stephenson.
We had a nice visit #latergram #thanksforcoming#shebroughtlunch #caferiosweetporksalad
My mother-in-law and my second cousin, Angela Lewis also came to visit me in the hospital.

Grandma Ward with her 12th grandchild, Julia.
A special thanks to my Grandma Hallstrom and to my mother-in-law, Carolyn for their help
 with the kids while I was in the hospital.

I would like to end this post with Julia's mini newborn photoshoot... hospital style :)