What a Blessing

Cora was blessed by Jake at church on May 4th. It was such a wonderful day. We had lots of family come in that weekend for the event. They were also there for my birthday! Yep, I'm now the big 2-3. We went to Cattlemen's because I wanted some Prime Rib. I cleaned my plate. We also went to the Oklahoma City National Memorial. I've been there a few times, and every time I can't keep my composure the whole way through. The part that always gets me is when I see Ashley Eckles's little light up shoe in the display case of shoes they found in the rubble. This time a picture of Bailey Almon really got to me. Most of you probably remember the picture of the fireman carrying the little girl. That is Bailey. It wasn't that pcture, but the one that preceeds it. A rescue worker is handing her off to the fireman, and her mouth is wide open. I wonder what was going on to freeze it that way. Was she crying out or gasping for air? I suppose the most heartbreaking part is knowing she didn't make it. I can hardly stand all the devestation human beings are capable of, mostly that the devestation is carried out against living things. I've always been really sensetive to such things, but being a mom puts it all of overload. The most powerful thing is that it makes me want to be a better person.

4 Generations

Grandpa and Cora

Cora's blessing was amazing. I'd been anticipating it for weeks. I was so excited for her and Jake to share such a special moment. There was a such a sweet, strong spirit that filled the meeting. I bore my testimony at the end. I've been thinking a lot about the power within the bonds of family. I love that I belong to a church that proclaims to the world that the family is the fundamental unit of society. I feel more a part of eternity than I ever have before. All of my senses are heightened. Being a mom is seriously the greatest thing ever. I could have never imagined how fulfilling it would be. I loved celebrating my first Mother's Day yesterday.

Summer is almost here! Jake's finals week was last week. He is officially done with the first year of his master's. One year left! I'm getting so sad about leaving Oklahoma! We're going to San Diego when I'm done teaching so Jake can do some research for his thesis at UCSD. I'm excited to be going through Arizona. We're going to stop and see Lance and Deb (my biological father and his wife). We've never been to their house before. I'm excited to see Lance's studio (he's an artist), and all of his books, and their dogs. I'm also excited for them to meet Cora!

Cora at 12 Weeks

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