Eames Blessing Day

January 4, 2015 we blessed our sweet baby, Eames Stephen Heslop. Paul gave an amazingly beautiful blessing (I know I am a bit biased but I had multiple people comment on how great Paul did). It was a really special and relaxing day. Because our home doesn't accommodate many people, we only had the grandparents over for a little lunch following the meeting. I was very grateful for all of our family who came to support us despite the lack of the traditional party and food that usually follows these kind of occasions. I figured this would most likely be my last baby and I wanted a low-key, low-stress gathering afterwards. I was so grateful because I felt like we could really focus on Eames and the sweet blessing he is in our family. 

Bryce Canyon

My Grandma Anderson and all that family went camping at the Ruby's Inn Campground at the beautiful Bryce Canyon this last week. Paul had to finish out a business trip in L.A. so it was just me and the kids on this camping adventure. Not going to lie, I was super un-excited about tentin' it up with the kids for multiple nights. Especially since Stewart had never camped a day in his life! My kids turned  out to be troopers though. They both slept all the way through the first night, even with poor little Carter screaming every few hours just feet from us. The next night little Stew had kicked his blankets off and it was a chilly night. He was rattin' around and when I tried to put the blanket back on him, he popped up in his pack n' play. I put him in my sleeping bag with me which was super fun for about four minutes until he fell back asleep but not before he staked out his territory which was about 85% of the bag. I was mega uncomfortable the rest of the night but it was worth having my littles sleep so well.

It was fun to play cousins and let Lily and Stew run around and be dirty little kids for once.  Babies in arms, we all went on a gorgeous hike overlooking the Queen Victoria Trail. It is amazing to see the creations that God has put on this Earth. I know I have never been one for enjoying the beauties of nature but I really was stunned by how gorgeous everything was (my mom would be proud that I even noticed!).

 

Easter

Our Easter saturday was stuffed full of hunts, eggs, friends, family, sugar highs, and fun! We started off at the neighborhood Easter egg hunt at the park. There were thousands of eggs! Lily was set after she found about three, I had to convince her to pick up a couple more that she just happened to walk by. Silly girl!!

Then we headed straight to Jeff & Keri's for hot cocoa, snickerdoodle bread (yumm-o), and some more hunting.

We ended the fun-filled day with the traditional egg hunting, hot-dog roasting, frisbee throwing afternoon at great-Grandma Heslop's. The kids were all tuckered out after the long day outside running around.

Easter Sunday was a day to reflect on Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice for all of us. What a gift and a blessing it is to know that I don't have to be perfect but that I can still live with Heavenly Father, Jesus, and my family. Christ suffered and atoned for my sins so that I can repent. Another comfort to know is that He felt all of my pain as well. I try to remember that in the times that I feel so alone, because I am never alone.

That night was the viewing for sweet Grandma Eames. It was a great experience as I tried my best to explain the wonderful plan of salvation to my baby girl. Lily was so sweet as I know she was trying to understand death and our savior and the amazing thing that Jesus did for us. He died for us so that we can live with him and our Heavenly Father again when we die. What a sweet blessing to be able to live in heaven with those we love. Lily kept asking why Grandma Eames was sleeping. She wanted to view the casket multiple time to see if she was awake yet. I explained that Grandma's body was here but that her spirit was in heaven with her family and with Jesus.

Lily has the sweetest spirit and this experience made me so grateful to be her mother. It is so amazing to see her little mind and heart grow. I look forward to sharing my testimony with her and teaching her many more gospel principles.

Stewart Christmas Party

The annual Stewart Christmas party was low-stress, no-mess, and super fun. How is that might you ask?! The surprising answer is Chuck-a-Rama! Sweet Grandma Nana Stewart reserved a private room for us all to come and eat what we may. I know the little ones (meaning James) loved the all-you-can-eat style, especially when it came to the dessert selections. I sure love my sweet grandparents and all that they do and give to us. They truly are the greatest!

After lunch we got to go back to Grandma's for a relaxing visit with cousins. And of course, Grandma Nana out-did herself with the thoughtful abundance of gifts to everyone. Lily was ecstatic when she opened her very own pink wiggle car!

We are so blessed to have such an amazing family. I feel each year I realize more and more just how much sweet Grandma and Grandpa Stewart do for their family. I hope to be as charitable to my family as they have been to us.