Baby Caleb is blessed.

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Always Falling!

Ellie is always falling and tripping.  I know it comes with being a child and learning to balance that head on your shoulders as your legs grow twice as fast as the rest of your body; but this child falls all the time!  This particular day she was looking through a Shopko Toys mailer and Izzy was trying to take it from her.  In an attempt to keep it to herself she spun around to jerk the magazine out of Izzy hand and landed face first (nose first) on the front step.  These are photos of the next day.  Ya, it’s pretty funny looking.

 

 

My brother, Danny was commenting on how little kids fall all the time and he remarked that he just wants to say “Stop falling!” to his children.  He then said that must be how Heavenly Father feels when he continually watches His children fall.  Now whenever I repeat the same mistakes and continually stumble over the same weakness I tell myself that Heavenly Father is thinking, “Just stop falling” and then he patiently picks me up and hugs me and kisses it better and let’s me try again. 

Nieces and Nephews!!

Ya know, I realized a couple months ago that I really don’t have many pictures of my nieces and nephews on the Vandenberg side.  So, I have made more of an effort to carry my camera to every event.  

Aren’t they cute? 

These little beauties are Xavier (X), Evelyn (Evvie), Isaac, Shirley, and Brennon.  I have been so blessed to have married into a family that loves little ones and are so cute with them…and they make cute kids!  I love these little ones!

Best Friends: Baylee Funk

Baylee is not only our next door neighbor, but the daughter of our greatest friends.  She is so much fun.  Her and Ethan always have a good time together!  Their latest kick is playing Wii or computer games.  I think their favorite right now is Plants vs Zombies. 

Ethan and Baylee have always been friends and enjoyed each others company.  I think she is like having another sister for Ethan.  The other day he told me that Baylee was his best friend.  He asked if that was weird because she is a girl. I said absolutely not.  I let him know that she makes a great best friend because she likes him for who he is and he like being with her.  Baylee is just wonderful and I absolutely love her!

 

 

 

Ethan and Bridger get baptized!

There's something rather special about watching your first child get baptized. I cannot even begin to explain the swelling in my heart as I watched Ethan descend into the font with his father. I just felt overwhelmed watching the two men I love most in this world share in this sacred event together.

Ethan was so nervous all day. Each time his nerves would get to him, Ethan would ask Corey to practice with him. Somehow that just calmed him. Ethan slowly walked down the stairs into the font and kept close to his daddy. They assumed the position and my heart felt like it would burst with pride. I smiled big as I looked at my little son surrounded by water and dressed in white...adorned with his glasses. Yep, he wore his glasses. Corey said the prayer and Ethan went under the water completely...just like they practiced. When he emerged he let out this big sigh as if to say, "It's over" or "I did it." The audience chuckled and I was beaming and fighting back tears.

After Ethan's confirmation, he walked up to me and said, "Mom, I was really scared until I walked into the water. Then I felt really proud of myself." I told him I felt the same way: very proud of him. Corey told me that the blessing he gave Ethan moved him and touched him more so than the blessing he gave Ethan at his baby blessing. I will let Corey talk about that.

This was a great day! One of the best of my life!

WAX LIPS…need I say more.

E turns 8!

These are the only pictures we got of E on his birthday.  We were just having too much fun to think about the camera.  Ethan loves to go to Olive Garden every year on his birthday.  He orders the same thing:  Zuppa Soup and a Root Beer.  Corey and I bring a bag of presents and E opens them while we wait for the food and after we are finished.  No, there are not a lot of presents…our food just comes really fast. :) 

Ethan is a truly amazing boy!  I am so proud of how hard he tries in school and how he wants so badly to succeed at everything he does.  I am grateful for his tender heart.  I love that he is sensitive to the needs of others.  He is a cuddly boy and loves to give hugs and cuddles.  He always tells me he loves me when he leaves the house…I hope that always continues. 

I can’t believe E is getting baptized!  I am so proud of him.  Heavenly Father has blessed me to be able to raise one of his choicest of spirits.  Love you buddy.