Zoey's Easter Blessing Day

We had an extra-special Easter Sunday this year as we had Zoey's blessing that day. We were so grateful that Corey's parents and sisters were able to come visit for the occasion. Corey performed the ordinance during sacrament meeting. I sang "He is Risen" with the choir, and I also sang a duet, "Because He Lives," with a friend. I think it is the first time I have sung a duet since Corey's mission farewell! Her blessing was beautiful. I had a hard time deciding which dress to have her wear. In college, I worked at a dress shop and bought several beautiful blessing dresses. I tried some on her a few days before, and had tentatively decided on one. It was a little wrinkled from being in storage so long, so I decided to iron it....Needless to say, the fabric didn't take kindly to my efforts. It wasn't completely ruined, but I decided to change the dress at the last minute. I love the one I chose for her. I wish I were more crafty and talented like my amazing sister in law, Meadow, who sewed beautiful blessing dresses for her daughters. Oh, well! It is fun to finally have a little girl to wear the dress 14 years after purchasing it! I hope we'll have another girl or two so I can put the other dresses to use! The beautiful blanket behind Zoey was lovingly crocheted by my Grandma Alexander.

 I just love the look on her face in the picture above!

 Love that lace!

 She's smiling more and more these days. We love it!

I love these two little angels!!!

Video Catch Up

Here are a few of the happenings at our house this past month:

Zach's new favorite thing this month is an Elmo floor puzzle that Nana brought him. In 2 weeks he went from needing help to put it together to memorizing the puzzle by the shape of the pieces--even from the back! We discovered this when Corey was putting the puzzle together with Zach, and when Corey asked for a certain piece, Zach went and grabbed a piece that was face-down--and correct. Corey couldn't believe it, so tried it with another piece. Sure enough, Zach knew where Elmo's nose was on the face-down piece. We realized that he knew every piece of this puzzle from the back by its shape. I have no idea how. This kid amazes us!

This little princess has been making my day by smiling more and more frequently. Corey even had her laughing today for the first time!

So today I had the joy of hearing Zoey scream like I have never heard her scream before. I was in the kitchen making dinner and Zach decided to pull her from the couch onto the floor. My heart stopped and then broke when I rushed to her side. I think he was probably just trying to pick her up. I don't think he realizes she is really human and fragile and can get hurt and feel pain. Plus, he is just a rough little 2 year-old boy, as you can see from this next clip. I am just seriously worried that he will injure her badly if I don't keep a constant eye on her. I came into the room a week ago and he was laughing and had placed a large blanket over her face. Ugh!! How do I help him not to do this??

He really is a good big brother and loves to give her "loves" and kisses. I know he doesn't realize he's hurting her, but I hope we can teach him how to be more careful!!

Things are going really well here. Corey is wrapping up the trimester with high marks, and I have been given some great job offers that will hopefully allow me to help provide for our needs while only being away 1-2 days a week. We feel so very blessed by our Father in Heaven. I know He watches over us and hears our daily pleas for health, safety, inspiration, and protection. I am also very grateful for the law of tithing, which has taught me to acknowledge that all that I have has been given to me by the Lord, and I am glad to be able to give a portion of that in return to assist in the building of His kingdom, and helping the poor and needy. Committing a portion of our income to our faith helps me to better budget the remaining amount, and to be more honest and generous in every aspect of my life. I know we have been blessed beyond words, both financially and spiritually, for choosing to pay our tithing and offerings. I know God hears and answers our specific prayers, as is evidenced by the great opportunities we have been blessed with.