Screaming Repentence

So I have not really written anything for months- I have been having so much fun spending time with Elizabeth.  I must say that I love motherhood.  I was apprehensive at first; thinking I would feel impatient, lost or lonely but I have not.  I find so much joy in the little things she does and the simple moments we have together.  I love watching her move, learn and develop.  I am so grateful that I have gotten this opportunity to be a mother! 

Here are some funny but very random 'moments' from our lives in the past couple of months (yes, it might be in multiple posts because I am writing during naps):

I am breast feeding Elizabeth. This is another thing that made me very nervous while pregnant; was I going to be able to? Was I going to want to? It felt immodest, would I feel uncomfortable the entire time? I learned that once you have the sweet baby bundle in your arms none of these things matter; it is just the two of you working together to make it work.  

 

Pictures taken 2-27-2013

 

Because it is a longer process Ben, who is so sweet and kind, got me a kindle to use as a timer, read on and entertain myself with.  I resisted the purchase at first because it seemed a little lavish but I must admit, I love it!  It is wonderful to be able to read and turn the pages easily with one hand; I have simple mindless games that I can play in the middle of the night; and I am able to time how long her feedings are. 

Every morning during our feeding Elizabeth and I listen to conference talks and the scriptures on the kindle.  I have never listened to the scriptures before and I have decided that I like it.  I was nervous that my mind would wander and I would get nothing from it, and truthfully sometimes it does, but I have also heard things and noticed things that I have never heard before.  The timbre and pace of hearing it is often different than how I would read it and this makes different words or phrases stand out more. 

One day I was listening (I think we were in 2 Nephi) and the phrase "ye must repent" was said.  Why I remember this exact phrase is because it was SCREAMED at me.  At the exact moment that phrase was said the timer (telling me she had been feeding 10 minutes) went off and instead of alarming it just turned the volume on the kindle up (extremely high).  It scared me soo bad that I jumped, which made Elizabeth jump and give me a confused annoyed look. Then I was engulfed in a fit of nervous, that just scared the pants off of me, laughter which also confused Elizabeth.  It was so funny that that phrase is what yelled at me- maybe the spirit 'whispers' through the kindle!!

Stones April Get Together

I have been a nervous Mom and did not wanted to take Elizabeth out to big groups until she was older and stronger and because of this we missed a lot of family get togethers at the beginning of this year.  This past Saturday, April 27, we were able to attend a family party at the Turner's house and it was so wonderful to be able to see everyone and be engulfed in the large family fun.  Grandma Stones and Melanie are visiting from Utah and it was fun seeing them.  We were able to get four generation pictures, with Elizabeth, and introduce her to her great grandmother.  As always, it was a fun and love filled evening!

Elizabeth and Evelyn

Gwyn and Elizabeth- only 5 months apart

Grandma with lots of Great Grandkids

Elizabeth's Baby Blessing

On Sunday April 28,  we had the opportunity to bless Elizabeth in church.  It is such a simple and short thing but so important and so special.  I am so grateful for Ben and that he is a worthy priesthood holder and can bring the priesthood strong into our home and our lives.  I am grateful that he was able to bless our sweet baby girl and to tell her what our Heavenly Father would have for her.  I am grateful for my father, father-in-law and Jesse for also being worthy to participate in this priesthood blessing. 

 

 We invited a family friend, Grant Sanders and his wife to come and watch.  They are not members of the church but came to show support and love.  I am grateful for the simple whisperings of the spirit that filled the room during the blessing and hope they felt its comfort and peace. 

I am glad that Melanie and Grandma Stones were able to be there for the blessing.  It is so wonderful to have pictures with them so Elizabeth will be able to see that they were there and that she knew them. 

I am also so grateful for Grandma Baker and her amazing talents in knitting Elizabeth's blessing cloths.  She looked adorable and everyone ooh'd and aww'd over her!

A Sister in my ward, and friend, wrote down some of the things she remembered from the blessing. I am grateful that she did this (I was going to write stuff down afterward but didn't and I remember hearing some of these promises and blessings.) Here is what she heard:

• You will be courageous in the gospel
• You will have (strong?) faith
• Appreciate the opportunities given you
• You will gain a testimony of the Savior through study (and faith?) so when trials/challenges come, and they will, you will (be able to?) lean on the Savior.
• Heavenly Father loves you and your parents and family love you.