Friday, December 30, 2011

So CUTE!!!



Who does she look like???

We have no clue (some great grandma or aunt???)

Christmas Eve...Thanks MOM

Thanks to MOM, April, and the Family (I am sure Dad and Hunter went shopping too;) we had presents to open. And we used some of the wrapping paper to make ornaments for our little 2 foot tree (baby Joy size).

We LOVE OUR FAMILY!!!





















Kissing in the Metro...

The Taiwanese are still getting used to some public affection...


You can bet we were getting some stares!

Christmas Card 2011



One more miracle

It is a small one...but nonetheless still a miracle.

Joy and I were rushing out the door--but to my horror couldn't find her other shoe.
We looked everywhere. EVERYWHERE.

But to no avail.

Finally, I thought, "Well, we haven't said a prayer yet. Surely God knows where it is."
But then I thought, "But it is such a small thing...He wouldn't care about that. Plus, I don't have time to say a prayer."

Finally, after wasting some more time searching, I knelt down (while Joy swung between fits of closing her eyes and pulling my hair) and we said a prayer asking Father to help us find that little shoe.

Literally, one second after we finished the prayer, I am still on my knees on the bed and get this thought that perhaps the shoe is somewhere hidden in the folds of the bed blanket.

I lifted up the blanket and there was the shoe!

Some might wave this off as merely a coincidence.

But I have had too many like this to know it is not.

We said a thank you prayer.

Suddenly, we felt this feeling of pure love...and at that moment I just knew that right then Father was smiling down on us and was grateful we remembered to give Him a chance to remind us--and especially my little Joy-- of His power, His knowledge, and His love.

I hope that I, like my mom did with me, can constantly help Joy see His hand and miracles...and get answers to her prayers.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Praise the Lord!

I just have to tell you my experience last night/morning.

Joy was up screaming for a bit. Then I couldn't go back to sleep for several hours.

I was so frustrated. I wanted to shake James awake and let him know of my sad tale. (misery loves company) But I have an excuse--sleep really affects me. Or at least, I let it affect me.

Finally, I got up and did what always helps me relax. Opened up the Scriptures. I read 3 Nephi chapter 26-27.

So beautiful.

The Lord opened my eyes to some marvelous insights that I never before understood.

I received some powerful and strong urging about the importance of writing in a journal--about life and about spiritual experiences and feelings. It will be like scripture to our children. Even our Father writes!

I love the scriptures. I love Father and I love hearing His words.

He has given us so much to be grateful for. Even the hardships of life...end up blessing us (like occassionally being an insomniac)

After that, my frustration was gone. I was so at peace and felt so much love fill my soul.
I fell asleep immediately.

Throwing up at the post office

This past week I sent a Christmas package to my family.
(yeah, I know, a little late. But at least they will have something to open for New Years Eve!!!)

It took almost 3 hours.

Who knew?

I should have brought lunch...

By the end, I was so frustrated. Joy was screaming and hungry.

Suddenly, I could tell I was going to throw up. That's what pregnant ladies do when they haven't eaten.

I quickly opened the package of gifts and found some food I was sending the family and tore it open so I could stuff something in my mouth and stop the urge to throw up.

But it was too late. There was no stopping this one.

I grabbed a very small plastic bag.

Then I told the post office employees that I needed to use their bathroom because I was going to throw up.

Suddenly, there it went.

Fortunately, the small bag was sufficient until I could make it to the bathroom.

They became a lot quicker with helping me after that.