I love to see the Temple...

 

Last week or so my little girl turned a 1 1/2. We celebrated by taking pictures. I just love this dress my friend Karen got me for baby girl. It's perfect for spring. I tried taking pictures at the park, but it was too bright. We headed over to our Temple across the street instead and I am so glad we did. I love them even more. This building is so dear to us and will be her temple. It will be where we take her baptism photos. Where she can go to do baptisms for our ancestors when she is 12. And where she might even get married.

I love the windows with the agave plant. I love the colored specks in the planters around the temple. I love the flowers. And I love the feeling when I am here.

In our church when children turn 18 months they can start going to nursery for the last two hours. They play, have a simple lesson, read books, sing songs, and color pictures. She has been visiting and is loving it. Her leader Donna is sweet as can be. She adores my girl. I know she will be taken care of when I go to class. 

I got her a bracelet for this little milestone. Even though it is a small one. I want to remember how small her wrist was when she was only 18 months. It's already so much bigger than her blessing bracelet. The little charm says "I am a child of God". I hope and pray that she can have a testimony of this for herself. That she is Heavenly Father's child. And He loves her dearly. And He is always there for her. I am so thankful for nursery and the leaders that teach good things to these sweet little ones.

This picture is my favorite!!! I love her smile! And I love how you can see all the teeth she is getting. I love her blonde hair and green eyes. And I love how she looks in white, especially at the temple. This little ray of sunshine is such a light in our family. She has such a sweet, loving heart. She adores her brothers. And they simple dote on her. I think each of them has only gotten frustrated with her once in their lives. They are so patient and loving. I love the love they have for her.

And I love her love for shoes, jewelry, dogs, and now bows. This beautiful one is made by my dear friend Alex. I love how feminine she is. And I love that she also loves Star Wars, Pokemon, and Superheros like her brothers. She is working so hard on standing and getting stronger everyday.

She loves her doggie stuffed animal my mom got for the boys years ago. She is always giving him hugs and kisses. It was hard to get him out of her hands to take these pictures. 

This little girl has my heart! Thanks for letting me share her pictures. Time is going so fast. Trying to remember and cherish every moment.

Thankful Thursday

I wanted to take a moment each Thursday this month to focus on something I am thankful for. I have been thinking a lot about my best friend's Grandma this last month. Dear Sweet Sister Hinkson, or Grandma, has been in my life for 20 years now. She came to my baptism when I was 11 years old. I had never met her, but she came to support me.

She is always friendly and you can tell she loved to serve others. My BBF"s mom worked so Grandma was usually driving her grand-daughters around to their activities. She could sew, cook, bake. When I was about 12 she taught me and my BFF  Jayne how to sew. I was really horrible. I was always un-picking my stitches and doing it again, while Jayne was able to go on to the next stage. (The seam ripper is still one of my most used tools. I have two just in case.)

Grandma Hinkson showing my oldest her flowes

I would make small things or skirts. Then I was 16 and she made me my first formal dress for me. It was empire waist with pink chiffon and peter pan sleeves. Sometimes I can't believe I asked her to make it for me. I think I may have asked her to help me make it, but I am pretty sure she did most of it. She taught me how to read patterns when sewing.

We have kept in touch through the years and I love seeing her. Especially at fabric stores. I hope she is happy I am still sewing. She taught me something that has blessed my life so much. I went on to sew my own formal dresses. I make my Halloween costumes, baby blessing dresses, home decor, and so much more. This skill has saved me money and has helped me work on my talents. She didn't have to invest that much time in me. I can't tell you how many blonde grandchildren she has. She had a full and busy life. Lots of children and grandchildren. Always callings and responsibilities. Her husband always had lots of callings and responsibilities. But she took time out of her busy life to help me. I am so thankful for that.

Not only did she teach me how to sew, but she is an amazing example of a woman of faith. She shared goodness and her testimony. She was positive and funny. She made lots of yummy treats. And she taught me you only had to wash your hands if the people you were cooking for were there when you were making it. (I am sure she always washed her hands, but that still makes me laugh)

I want to be like her. I want to help and teach others. We should take time out to help our youth and young friends, whatever our talents are. Let us share our talents and passions with those around us. Let us help and uplift each other. Because we never may know our influence.



An extra thankful thought! This morning we were able to get squeezed to see a GI specialist with Phoenix Children's Hospital. Otherwise our appointment would have been in February. I have been keeping a food diary (why I wasn't do this earlier, I have no idea?) so I brought that along with the rest of Baby Girl's medical folder.

She weighs a whopping 18 lbs and 12.6 oz!!!!

And this office told me about a WHO Growth Child chart they use for breastfed babies around the world and she is in the 18% for her weight!!! I wanted to cry that she was even on the chart! And 15% for her height. They told me it was a better way to gauge breastfed kids progress and their percentile.

We have been pushing good fats, especially the last two weeks. French toast every morning. And I don't add milk, just straight heavy whipping cream. And butter. Always butter. And she has been loving hummus as well.

We got to meet with a dietitian. She saw her previous numbers and totally understood our concerns, but thinks she is doing great. We will be meeting with them in 3 months to make sure. And they could call us back to come in sooner if her blood work shows something, but I am thrilled! And so thankful. The dietitian told me we are doing the right things. Here are somethings to help, but keep up the great work. And I really appreciate it because it is stressful. I want her to thrive and do well. Meal time is already complicated enough with my crazy diabetic kid. :)

There is so much to be thankful for!!

Baby Elsa Costume Tutorial

   Halloween is probably my 2nd favorite holiday (right below Christmas). Before I married my sweet heart I made him promise to have matching Halloween costumes every year. Of course when we had our first son we included him in our theme. To be honest, I am surprised our kids still are on board with doing a family theme. I thought for sure when they started school they would want to do their own thing.
   I was thinking Avengers or Lord of the Rings for this year because I have 3 boys. I asked them last year (because I plan way in advance) and they said they wanted to do Frozen. Super Surprised. But I have no problem letting my baby girl be Elsa. They told me I should be Elsa because I am older, and baby sister should be Anna. But I knew her hair was coming in blond. And she makes the cutest little Elsa, if I do say so myself.

And in case you haven't heard of Little Miss Basics you should check them out. They are my favorite under shirts for babies. Their Girlie tee is my favorite. I can put it under any sleeveless dress. And  I knew their long sleeve top would be perfect for my baby Elsa costume. It's form fitting and snug and would look more like Elsa's dress. Plus I can re use it and make any dress perfect for the fall, or in my case winter. My baby was a trooper taking pictures in the Arizona heat. 

Step 1: Using a dress that fits snug cut out a front piece on a fold. I made mine a sweetheart, you could make it straight across to make things easier. Cut out 2 on the fold so you can line it. Also cut out 1 interfacing to make it stiffer.

Step 2: Cut out four rectangle back pieces and two interfacing

Step 3: Iron interfacing to the wrong side of one of your front pieces.  Sew the 2 front piece, right sides together. Turn it out and press.

Step 4: Iron interfacing to wrong side of 2 of the rectangles. Put the right sides together. Before you sew them together pin in your tulle. I just cut a long piece of tulle and arranged it in a pleat so I could have as much tulle as possible. I sew the rectangle in a U share so only the bottom wasn't' sewn together. Sew and Press

Step 5: Sew sides to front. Because I am not perfect on making pattern pieces I had way more in the back than I needed. I like to play it safe, and I wanted to have enough for the zipper. I just pinned it together. And Later I hand stitched the flaps down, adjusting the extra tulle to fold over.

Step 6: Cut out long rectangles for the Bottom. You can use a dress as a pattern. I made mine longer than the bodice measurement so I could have some gathering. For the back cut two pieces that will be sewn together so make it a big wider to account for the seam allowance of sewing it together.

Step 7: Sew two back skirt pieces together; then sew to the front pieces. I left a slit on both sides. Iron hem and stitch. Pin the skirt to the bodice, matching side seams and such. 

Step 8: Sew together. Then you can sew your zipper to your dress. (kerr-azy story about putting in my 1st zipper. It was the day of Winter Formal in my Jr. year. I went next door to my neighbor to ask her which of the sewing machine feet that I held in my hand was the zipper foot. She looked at me like I was crazy and let me know. And I did it. It wasn't perfect, but hey, I had a dress for that night. And it was an awesome dress)

If you haven't done a zipper, don't be scarred. Sometimes I will read through a tutorial again because my dyslexic brain mixes things up a bit. I like this one here. She is one of my favorite bloggers. Love her!!! And after you put in your awesome zipper, in case it's a little less awesome, the tulle covers it up so we are all good. ;)

Step 9:Hem the very bottom if you haven't done so. Then add a little hook to the top of your zipper.

Notes: I would recommend zig zagging each piece if you use any kind of fraying material. It just makes everything easier. And it will hold up better in the long run.

The wig makes her costume more fun! Years ago when I saw this tutorial I knew if I ever had a daughter, she would need a Rapunzel wig. I added some bangs and made her braid go to the side to make it look more like Elsa. I would recommend that thick woolly yarn. It makes it easier to cover the cap. You can use different colors. I like that mine has some silver sparkles in it. 

I hope this tutorial help you out. There are patterns available at most fabric stores but my little peanut is just too small for most patterns I find. Happy Sewing!!!

Love my sweet girl! No frozen hearts here with this doll face. More family frozen costume to come...

Baby Girl's 1st Cookie and Sunday Thoughts

Tonight seemed like the perfect night to have my baby girl try her first cookie. I thought she might enjoy a gingersnap and seeing how my friend Judy makes the best Gingersnaps we had to use her recipe.

Ginger loved it! When I tried to pull it away, she tugged it back. Her older brothers were so excited she got to eat her first cookie. And they were excited to eat some as well. Some how as I was taking pictures of my girl little Yoda got a cookie even though he didn't eat his dinner.

Last week our Bishop (our local leader of my church) asked us to join him in fasting for a family in our ward that has some pretty big things going on right now. He shared how he has personally felt strength when others have prayed and fasted for him.

I have no idea who this family is. But my heart was touched. Because I too have felt the quiet strength that comes when you are being sustained by the prayers of others I knew our family should join. The first time I can remember feeling supported by others was when our second son was admitted to CHOC. He was 3 years old and we were pretty sure he had diabetes. I knew his numbers weren't good and our good friend told us we needed to get him there. 

While in the hospital room I was reflecting on what was happening. I thought about how much my husband and I were praying for him. And then I felt it. The quiet power when others, who love you, are offering prayers on your son's behalf. And not just mentioning it as a after thought at the end of their prayer, but sincerely petitioning on his behalf with full heart. In the coming weeks, people were telling me how they are praying for our brave son. I remember my dear Stake President telling me he put his name on the prayer roll at the temple. I know he is so busy and has stewardship over hundreds and yet he was concerned about my little 3 year old. It made me love and appreciate them so much more. It made me want to be better about sincerely praying as a family for others.

And of course I felt the peace, love, and prayers when we were in the NICU with our baby girl. She was so loved. So many prayers offered for her from all faiths. People who had never met her seeking the Lord to heal and care for her. My heart was so touched. And I know it made a difference.

Our experiences help us to have more compassion and love for others. I am so thankful for all those who have offered prayers for myself and my family. And I was more than happy  to extend my love to this family that I never met. My oldest son is having a hard time with fasting. And he promised last week he would join us (for at least 1 meal).

Before we started our fast I asked my husband to find a video to help our children prepare and understand this great work that we were doing by fasting. I hope this video inspires you as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qQApICCALo


This video above was perfect to invite the spirit and testify that we can all do good things and look for service. I am so thankful for so many people who have served and prayed for me. Our eldest had a good experience with his fast. It was hard, but I think he felt good. And, extra blessings arrive tonight by way of yummy brownies from a member of our church who wanted to welcome us to the ward.  I know that we can look for ways to serve and help others and find true happiness. I know praying and fasting for others can bring strength and peace. I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who hears our prayers and answers them.

Baby Girl's 1st birthday

Hello. Welcome to my little blog. I meant to start this two months ago when my family, following a prompting left beautiful Orange County, to move to Arizona. My sweet baby girl turned 1 this month. Turning one is always special. I love first birthdays!! They don't have to be big. They don't have to themed. But they do need to have cake for babies to play in. I always wait a whole year to give my babies sugar, so you can understand why eating the cake is my favorite part.

But this birthday was more than that.  Last spring my baby girl was diagnosed with Osteopetrosis. When she was born last year she was in the NICU for 3 weeks. It was really hard on the whole family. They let her go home but we didn't really know what the problem was. Then there was the endless doctor visits. CHOC was amazing. And we saw so many specialists. Then we were told about her condition. It's kinda like osteoporosis, only more rare. And instead of porous bones, her bones were really brittle. And not only would they petrify over time but they would stop performing their functions.  Her best bet was to get a bone marrow transplant and go through chemo. If not she most likely wouldn't live past two. 

She had a bone marrow test to find a match along with tons of other testing. She was so good at giving blood. She would just cry upon initial poking. Long story short we felt inspired to move even with all this going on. And days before we were to leave I get a call. Turns out she doesn't have Osteopetrosis. Genetic tests that took weeks and weeks came back negative. They don't know what is going on. She still needs be monitored and make sure it isn't anything else big. But she doesn't need a bone marrow transplant!

My little sweetheart wasn't going to be celebrating her birthday while going through chemo. She wasn't going to be in a hospital room, possibly not able to be around her 3 older brothers who she adores. (I was planning on decorating her hospital room) Her birthday party would celebrate her birthday and her life. That she is living and healthy. We had to travel to California to celebrate there. I wanted her to be surrounded by people who love her and adore her. People who have been praying for her and offering their bone marrow. Her birthday meant so much to be. And we are so thankful for wonderful family and friends who celebrated with us. Some of them traveling far. 

Of course I don't have nearly enough pictures of her party. But I am so thankful I was able to get some. Baby girl's little boyfriend from the NICU was able to be there which was so wonderful. He was there even longer than she was. And isn't her cake gorgeous??? One of our favorite babysitters made it for her, which made it even dearer to me. She liked eating her cake. She has made some huge strides in eating these past couple of months. I thought we might have to do pudding. 

I am so glad we were able to celebrate with her "One"derland party. She looked darling in her Alice dress I made for her. I love the book Alice in Wonderland. And I hope she develops a love for reading. I look forward to reading with her. 

Happy Birthday my beautiful girl. I have waited so long for a daughter. I am so thankful you are in my life. You are brave and strong and have gone through so much for being so small. You are such a joy to our family. Everyday is a gift with you. I am so thankful for everyday I get with you. I think you are such a miracle. I have been praying that you would have the gift to be healed. I am humbled and honored to be your mother. I know you will continue to be a light to our family and those around you. When I thought you might leave us sooner than I planned, I knew I could never be angry. Because I am just a steward. You really belong to our Heavenly Father. And whatever time I get with you, I will take and cherish it. I love you!!