Adin's First Meal

Yesterday was an exciting day for Adin... we decided to finally give him his first solid food (which by the way, isn't really very solid... more like milk with a little rice cereal added)! Even though I had just fed him, he was eager to try something "new", and couldn't seem to get enough!!! As you are looking at the pictures, no we do not have a high chair yet, he is sitting in his swing (I think we are going today to see what we can find).

Before I fed him, I washed the bowls and spoons- he picked out his favorite!
First Bite
Notice how he is leaning in for more
...I just couldn't feed him fast enough
Needless to say... I think he likes it
He even tried to feed himself!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! (lots of pics)

We had a wonderful Christmas with Mom and Dad! We got here Saturday evening (a little later than planned, due to a missed exit that took us on a detour through San Francisco!) But we made it and have had a lot of fun talking, playing games, and lots of shopping! And of course sharing Christmas together.

Adin sticking out his tongue at Grandma Suzy Adin with Grandpa Ken
CHRISTMAS DAY (Adin's 1st Christmas!!!) Baby Adin Santa with Auntie Ria Adin with his stocking that I made for him (not totally finished with it, but done enough to fill it) Adin's gift to Benny, wrapped up in painting tape... hehe Uncle Ben gave Adin a cute sock monkey, and his first match-box car and Ben is wearing the beanie I made for him. Mom wearing the scarf I crocheted for her
Miah gave me a giant Apple box, filled with tree bows (left over from trimming the Christmas tree), a brick, and my "Mexico blanket". I thought there must be a small gift hidden inside... but that was it. Thanks Miah, you are soooo thoughtful!!! Okay- so Miah brought out my real present after the fun of watching me open a box with essentially nothing in it... he got me the Kitchen Aid I have been wanting- I can't wait for the possibilities it holds (Miah just got it so I would make him more yummy food, like bread and cookies, etc, etc!) Miah playing with some wind-up toys that were on Adin's gifts. We had a wonderful Christmas, and hope that you all did too!!! We love you all!!!!!!
PS. I chose purple as the color for my font, because Caleb told me that it is a common Christmas color ;)

My Early Christmas gift

Curtains
I have searched for a long time for Dining room curtains that I liked. Over the summer, my poor dining room was adorned with blankets (blinds just don't keep out enough heat here in Arizona!). When I finally found ones that I liked at IKEA, we didn't have the money- those darn new babies... just take all your money : ) I received a little birthday money in Sept, and so I went to IKEA to get them, but my luck, they were out. So I kept checking online, every week, but still not in stock. They finally got them in stock around the beginning of November, but wouldn't you know my luck, we didn't have any extra money to be buying curtains. (Such a sad tale, I know!!!) Well, Miah finally sent me yesterday to go get the curtains I have been wanting for half a year now ("Merry Christmas!" he said), and I am so pleased with the way my dining room looks now- I love it!closer up
Beanie Project
One of the young men in our ward wanted to make hats for the Phoenix Children's hospital for his eagle project. They asked him to make 300, so he enlisted the help of the ward! I picked up some girly yarn, and started crocheting away (I was in the mood for something other than blue). Since I have been gone most of the month though, I have only been able to make a couple, but I am so glad that I have been able to help out a little bit!
Seattle Trip
Unfortunately, I don't have many pictures to share of our trip, but Adin and I just got back a couple of days ago from Seattle. (Adin was pretty uncooperative for photos, so even the ones I have aren't so great) It has been a long three years since I have been there. I have not only missed the beautiful green landscape and the constant nearness to the ocean, but mostly I missed family. The first couple of days we were there, Adin and I stayed with the Croziers (might as well be family!!). Adin absolutely LOVED their dogs, Charlie and Chet. I was able to get a pic of him with one of the dogs, but Adin stopped laughing andsmiling when I caught it, in fact he almost looks mad! Then we went over to Paul and Kerri's for a few days. It was so much fun spending time with them. It felt to me like old times when I used to live with them. Kerri sewed like crazy for Maria's wedding- I tried to help as much as I could with cutting and stuff. Kerri did an amazing job on the bridesmaid sashes, Savannah's flower girl jacket, and the baby boys' "ties". We also got to go shopping for dresses for Maya and Savannah- we found the perfect dresses, and I think they looked absolutely beautiful! I think Adin enjoyed his cousins as well.

Savannah holding Adin- he started crying the second I got the camera out... lil' stinker!
After the wedding, I went over to Pete and Tasha's. It was so nice and relaxing, since all the wedding stuff was finished. Poor kids, had to listen to Adin scream and cry the ENTIRE car ride home from the rehearsal dinner (about 45 min or an hour... I don't know, it felt like forever to me!!!). The boys still loved Adin, and I think he really enjoyed them too. It is amazing to me how much all the boys have grown up, it was so fun to spend time with them. Of course, they were all hoping that my plane would get snowed in, and that I would have to spend more time with them!

Taylor and Austin with Adin
Right before I left, the boys came in from the snow for a picWe miss all of you up there!!!!!! Thanks for letting us come and spend time with you!

Our BIG news!!!
I know that I mentioned this when we were up in Seattle, but it looks like it is going to become a reality... we are going to move back!!!! We are shooting for this Summer, October at the very latest. I missed family so much, and Miah really wants to get his Masters at UW, so it looks like it is really going to happen. I am so excited!!! After getting to spend a little time with you all, I knew that I couldn't wait so long to see family again. I am terrible at keeping up communication... being close just seems the easiest way. So I hope you guys weren't kidding when you said you wished you could see me more often!! I love you all!!!!!

Utah Trip

Last Wednesday, we received a call from Miah's mom. She was in the hospital with heart problems. We wanted so bad to come up to support her, but money was definitely a hindrance. Well, Miah is fortunate enough to work for a wonderful company, with extremely compasionate owners, and well, his boss bought both of us tickets to fly up to Utah for her. I am so thankful for their generosity and kindness!!! Once we arrived, we found out that she definitely needed to have open-heart surgery. The surgeon felt she could wait it out through the Thanksgiving weekend, so we were able to spend some quality time with her before the surgery.

Because of the short notice, none of us were prepared for Thanksgiving. We were just planning on grilling some Salmon that she had on hand, but when her home-teacher came over in the morning to assist Miah in giving a blessing, he insisted that his family bring some food over for us. We were able to enjoy a delicious traditional Thanksgiving dinner... pumpkin pie and all!!! Despite the terrible circumstances of us being there, we had SOOOOO much to be thankful for! Since she was under strict orders to take it easy on her body, I went and picked up a 1000-piece puzzle. It was pretty difficult- took us two days to complete, but it was a lot of fun!

Saturday night, we wanted to go up to Temple Square to see the temple lights. Miah called ahead and found out they did have wheelchairs that we could rent, so we could all go. There were so many people there, it was almost too hard to enjoy, but it was still fun and beautiful! We have a few pics, but they did not turn out very well. We really need a new digital camera, but that will have a wait a little while. Here are some of the pictures anyways.

Adin, Grammy, and Katrina in front of Floating manger

Grammy, Miah, and Adin

Adin and Me

Adin

Our family in front of the Joseph Smith Memorial tree.

Grammy, Katrina, and Adin

Me and Adin

We spent most of Monday at the hospital, running around doing all the pre-surgery junk they make you do... like answer the same questions 4,000 times, fill out the same paperwork for 20 different people, etc, etc! We had to be in the hospital at 6am on Tues morning. We were all up until about 12:30 that night, and then when Barbara couldn't sleep, then Miah stayed up with her until about 2:30. So, we were all pretty tired the day of the surgery. They actually started the surgery around 7:30am, and they were done around 12:30. It was a long time in the waiting room, but thankfully, the surgery went well. She is doing so well now, that the doctor said she might be able to come home today! (That is excellent, since the hospital stay for this surgery is usually at least 4-7 days!)

We had to leave on Wednesday, but were able to meet her other daughter, Rachel, at the airport. Then, I had to turn around and repack to head to Washington... which is where I am now! Adin and I are a little tired from traveling (he is quickly becoming a professional traveler!), but are SUPER excited to be here. We will be sure to update the blog with pics of Adin with his Aunts and Uncles and cousins... I am so excited for him to meet them!

Splish - Splash Adin's takin a bath!

Adin really loves taking a bath. He loves kicking and splashing. Most recently, he has begun to enjoy his bath toys as well. Miah called me in the other day to show me that he had managed to grab onto two at the same time... I just couldn't resist a picture. He wouldn't take his eyes off his ducky, which is just as cute!! I had to throw in a picture of Adin in his bathrobe, just because I love it too!!

The Wedding Planner

As most of you know, Maria is getting married here in less than one month... holy moley, I know, its crazy!! I am super excited, and super busy at the same time! Although I am living in a totally different state, I have been busy helping Maria get everything planned and put together. It is pretty fun and exciting... especially since for my own wedding I was so blissfully in love, that I was pretty oblivious to everything that was going on (thank goodness for wonderful family members who put a lot of time and energy into pulling everything off beautifully!!!) I am so excited for her - being in love is probably the most wonderful feeling in the world!
Just to give you a little taste of what is to come, I created a little mosaic (yes, my first...thanks Kerri and Tasha for the inspiration, and the know-how), featuring the cute couple (picture taken and edited by Tasha), and a sampling of the ideas we are working on! It should be a beautiful wedding.PS I can't wait to see all of you in Seattle... so soon!!!!

Adin's Nursery

We are loving the extra bedroom in our apartment! Room 2 doubles as Adin's nursery and our desk/work area. It was so fun to finally put up his crib, along with the crib set we got for him. I haven't really done much else in terms of decorating the nursery, but this alone has been pretty exciting for me! Right now, his stuff only takes up a small corner of the room, but I know as he gets bigger/older, he will take up more space.What's amazing to me, is how well the crib and changing table match... both were given to us... by two different people! We really lucked out, and I couldn't be more grateful for their generosity!!!
Here is a closer up pic of the crib, although I am just realizing that I didn't even get the matching quilt in the picture... oh well, you get the idea - it is all boy!!

Baby Hippopotamus

Adin is such a big baby (as mentioned many times before), that about a month or so ago, Miah started calling him our baby hippopotamus, and the name has really stuck! The great thing was when I was getting him dressed last week, I noticed that a friend in the ward, who had made a few onesies for us, made one with a hippo on it. How perfectly appropriate!

Just yesterday, Adin started blowing raspberries! He is pretty excited about it, because for the past 24 hours, it is pretty much all he does! It is so fun to see him grow and learn new things... I love it!!!!

Adin's First Halloween

Adin dressed as a Bandito! Ariba! Ariba!
To celebrate Halloween, we went to Miah's sister, Shawna, in Glendale, for her ward's Trunk-or-treat. In order to get there on time, Adin and I met Miah at his work, which was fun, because his coworkers were able to see him all dressed up (which, mostly being Mexicans, they LOVED it!).
Adin with his cousin Jonathon.
Shawna gave him a baby-sized pumpkin bucket!!
Adin even helped me pass out candy!
And Adin did a little Trunk-or-treating!
All Done!!!

Happy Halloween

Our BIG move!!

Some move across town, or to a neighboring city. Some move all the way across the country. But our move was the biggest... we moved TWO buildings away!!!! We have been living in a 1 bedroom apartment, which worked great for us. But with a new addition to the family, we quickly began to outgrow our humble home. We went to the leasing office to see what was available in two months when our lease was up, and they offered us a great deal on a 2bed, 2bath apartment if we would move in two weeks! They waived the $230 early-transfer fee, and they gave us a detached garage for free (usually $65/mo).
So we quickly packed up our apartment, and this weekend we made the big move. I told Miah that I would check with someone in the ward for a wagon, so I could start moving some little things, like clothes and food, while he was at work on Friday. But he told me not to worry about it, he could bring one from work. Let me tell you, this was no little wagon! It's as big as a bath tub (only thankfully, not as heavy)! I tried to take a couple of pictures of Adin helping me, but they didn't turn out so great. I am posting them anyways though- just because it was so cute. It was especially funny on the ride back, when it was empty, and he was laying on his back, kicking his little feet as though he were pedaling a bike!
Especially bad lighting on this next picture, but it was cute how he was holding onto the clothes, as if to keep them from falling off!
It is so nice to have the extra space! Right now our new apartment is still pretty messy, but it is slowly coming together. I don't want to post my full address online, but for those of you who have my old one (on Queen Creek Rd), the apartment number is simply #1077, instead of #1052.

A Simple Testimony

Jesus said love everyone, treat them kindly too.
When your heart is filled with love, others will love you.

Tribute to Grandpa Bob

When I was born, neither of my Grandfathers were still alive. My older brothers and sisters though, were fortunate enough to have a wonderful Grandpa from their Dad (My mom's first husband). This man, Robert Horsley, took me, and later my little sister and brother, under his wing as his own grandchildren, just as my dad tried to take in my older brothers and sisters as his own children. Grandpa Bob loved me unconditionally, and I feel so honored and fortunate to have had him in my life. I wanted to scan a couple of pictures to post on my blog, but unfortunately the scanner available to us in the office was not working, which has only added to my emotions today. His memory will always live in me. My words could never do him justice. He lived a good life! I am so sad that I could not go up to Seattle to at least see him one last time- I hope that he knows that I love him and miss him.

I am so glad that at least all of my other brothers and sisters were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to see him, and I pray he felt my love through them. I love my family, and wish that we could solve our differences. Life is so short! We never know when our time will come. I have never been good at keeping in touch, or in expressing my love. But I want to take this opportunity, when our hearts are feeling a little heavy, to express my love to each one of my brothers and sisters. I hope that each and everyone of you know that I love you, and that I would do anything in my power, at any time, to be there for you, to do anything that you asked of me. I love you!!
I love you Grandpa- I look forward to seeing you on the other side!

Upcoming Elections

I have never been politically involved, in fact, I have often been politically annoyed! But as this years General Elections are approaching, I have realized the weight of the decision that lies ahead. When I first saw/heard Obama running for president, I was impressed. His charisma caught me, and I even felt that if Romney did not make the ticket, then I might swing to the Democratic side this election. But the more I have learned, the more it scares me that I even thought such a thing. I am now to the point that I fear what would happen if he were elected into office! He could destroy our nation from the inside - we would not need to fear terrorism, but our own government! I feel so blessed to live in this free country, and want to keep it that way. I was forwarded this letter written by Huntley Brown. He is a Black, Christian concert pianist. No matter our small differences, I think it is vital that Christians stand up together and fight for the values our country was founded upon. I am sorry that this is so long, but his words are so powerful, and they not only educate, but they bring up points that I cannot word so eloquenty. (The part about partial birth abortion is PAINFUL to read - I had no idea this was ever done... it is absolutely disgusting and Satanistic!!!!)

Why I Can't Vote For Obama
By Huntley Brown

Dear Friends,

A few months ago I was asked for my perspective on Obama, I sent out an email with a few points. With the election just around the corner I decided to complete my perspective. Those of you on my e-list have seen some of this before but it's worth repeating.

First I must say whoever wins the election will have my prayer support. Obama needs to be commended for his accomplishments but I need to explain why I will not be voting for him.

Many of my friends process their identity through their blackness.

I process my identity through Christ. Being a Christian (a Christ follower) means He leads I follow. I can't dictate the terms He does because He is the leader.

I can't vote black because I am black, I have to vote Christian because that's who I am. Christian first, black second. Neither should anyone from the other ethnic groups vote because of ethnicity. 200 years from now I won't be asked if I was black or white. I will be asked if I knew Jesus and accepted Him as Lord and Savior.

In an election there are many issues to consider but when a society gets abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning to name a few, wrong economic concerns will soon not matter.

We need to follow Martin Luther King's words, don't judge someone by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I don't know Obama so all I can go off is his voting record.

His voting record earned him the title of the most liberal senator in the US Senate in 2007.

NATIONAL JOURNAL: Obama: Most Liberal Senator in 2007 (01/31/2008)

To beat Ted Kennedy and Hilary Clinton as the most liberal senator, takes some doing.
Obama accomplished this feat in 2 short years. I wonder what would happen to America if he had four years to work with.

There is a reason Planned Parenthood gives him a 100 % rating.
There is a reason the homosexual community supports him.
There is a reason Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro, Hamas etc. love him.
There is a reason he said he would nominate liberal judges to the Supreme Court.
There is a reason he voted against the infanticide bill.
There is a reason he voted No on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage.
There is a reason he voted No on banning partial birth abortion.
There is a reason he voted No on confirming Justices Roberts and Alito. These two judges are conservatives and they have since overturned partial birth abortion. The same practice Obama wanted to continue.

Let’s take a look at the practice he wanted to continue.

THE 5 STEP PARTIAL BIRTH ABORTION PROCEDURE
A. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the (live) baby's leg with forceps.
B. The baby's leg is pulled out into the birth canal.
C. The abortionist delivers the baby's entire body, except for the head.
D. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby's skull. The scissors are then opened to enlarge the hole.
E. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted. The child's brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse. The dead baby is then removed.
God help him.

There is a reason Obama opposed the parental notification law.

Think about this: you can't give a kid an aspirin without parental notification but that same kid can have an abortion without parental notification. This is insane.

There is a reason he went to Jeremiah Wright's church for 20 years.

Obama tells us he has good judgment but he sat under Jeremiah Wright teaching for 20 years. Now he is condemning Wright's sermons. I wonder why now?

Obama said Jeremiah Wright led him to the Lord and discipled him. A disciple is one in training. Jesus told us in Matthew 28:19 - 20 'Go and make disciples of all nations.' This means reproduce yourself. Teach people to think like you, walk like you, talk like you believe what you believe etc. The question I have is what did Jeremiah Wright teach him?

Would you support a White President who went to a church which has tenets that said they have a

1. Commitment to the White Community
2. Commitment to the White Family
3. Adherence to the White Work Ethic
4. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the White Community.
5. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting White Institutions
6. Pledge allegiance to all White leadership who espouse and embrace the White Value System
7. Personal commitment to embracement of the White Value System.
Would you support a President who went to a church like that?

Just change the word from white to black and you have the tenets of Obama's former church. If President Bush was a member of a church like this, he would be called a racist. Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton would have been marching outside.

This kind of church is a racist church. Obama did not wake up after 20 years and just discovered he went to a racist church. The church can't be about race. Jesus did not come for any particular race. He came for the whole world.

A church can't have a value system based on race. The churches value system has to be based on biblical mandate. It does not matter if it’s a white church or a black church it's still wrong. Anyone from either race that attends a church like this would never get my vote.

Obama's former Pastor Jeremiah Wright is a disciple of liberal theologian James Cone, author of the 1970 book A Black Theology of Liberation. Cone once wrote: 'Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him.

Cone is the man Obama's mentor looks up to. Does Obama believe this?

So what does all this mean for the nation?

In the past when the Lord brought someone with the beliefs of Obama to lead a nation it meant one thing - judgment.

Read 1 Samuel 8 when Israel asked for a king.

First God says in 1 Samuel 1:9 'Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.'
Then God says
1 Samuel 1:18 ' When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.' 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. 'No!' they said. 'We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.' 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, 'Listen to them and give them a king.'

Here is what we know for sure.

God is not schizophrenic

He would not tell one person to vote for Obama and one to vote for McCain. As the scripture says, a city divided against itself cannot stand, so obviously many people are not hearing from God.

Maybe I am the one not hearing but I know God does not change and Obama contradicts many things I read in scripture so I doubt it.

For all my friends who are voting for Obama can you really look God in the face and say; Father based on your word, I am voting for Obama even though I know he will continue the genocidal practice of partial birth abortion. He might have to nominate three or four Supreme Court justices, and I am sure he will be nominating liberal judges who will be making laws that are against you. I also know he will continue to push for homosexual rights, even though you destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this. I know I can look the other way because of the economy.

I could not see Jesus agreeing with many of Obama's positions. Finally I have two questions for all my liberal friends.

Since we know someone's value system has to be placed on the nation,

1. Whose value system should be placed on the nation?

2. Who should determine that this is the right value system for the nation?

Blessings,
Huntley Brown

Father-Son

It is so much fun for me to watch Miah with Adin. He is such a wonderful father. It is thoroughly enjoying to watch their relationship grow. I have been able to catch a few precious moments together, and a few that are just fun!

Feeding Adin his first, and only bottle so far, in the hospital.

Daddy reading to Adin

Giving Adin his first bath.

Trying to interest Adin in his floor playmat.

Napping togetherDaddy took Adin for his first swim.

If you ever need a reliable sitter, just give me a call! Note the leg keeping Adin on the couch.

Miah is teaching Adin to be a little stunt-devil