New Artist

Our little artist! She officially discovered crayons on walls today.

Little Blessings

My testimony has grown, again, in the power of prayer and priesthood blessings. Lydia has been sick with a bad cough, a small fever, and the ever-present runny nose for the last three or four days. Normally, I am a big believer in letting sicknesses run their course and bodies heal themselves. When a significant amount of lost sleep is involved, however, my policies change rapidly. It never ceases to amaze me how powerful a good night sleep is and how miserable a bad night sleep is. After Lydia had two terrible nights sleep, which meant I had two terrible nights sleep taking care of her, I was ready to call on every power I could.

I had been praying for her speedy recovery, but knew that, this time, she needed more. Collin gave her a priesthood blessing before bed last night. He blessed her that she would sleep and that she would heal. She still woke to cough a few times before we went to bed. I was preparing myself for another long night of binkie-finding and back-rubbing. I prepared in vain.

Heavenly Father heard and answered our prayers. She's not totally healed, but she slept for almost 13 hours last night. Her poor body needed that sleep to help her recover. She still coughed a little here and there, but not enough to fully wake her or cause her major troubles.

I know, through these small miracles, that Heavenly Father loves us. We are His children - all of us - and He is just waiting for us to ask for His help so He can answer our prayers. I know Jesus is the Christ and that, through the atonement, He felt all our pains and all our sicknesses. He understands what we go through, no matter what we are facing. I know the power of God is available for man through the Priesthood that was restored through Joseph Smith. He was a prophet and President Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet today. I bear to you my testimony of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

First Words!

While signing is old hat for Lydia, she has recently started adding verbal communication to her repertoire. In the last two weeks, she has said her first few words, none of which are a reliable "Mama" or "Dada." She instead uses regularly "uh oh," "yummy," "hi," and a very breathy "yeah!" This girl cracks me up...and she better start saying "Mama" soon or she'll be in trouble!

Malayna's Baby Blessing

We had the awesome opportunity to drive to Rexburg to be with Whitney and Ryan when Malayna received her baby blessing.

They are such a cute little family!

The wonderful priesthood holders who participated in the blessing.

The Dilworth Cousins! I'm honestly amazed that Lydia and Maya did not go immediately for Malayna's eyes. They were so gentle with her, it was awesome!

Malayna's sweet blessing dress