My family......and me.

Recently I have been working to reconstruct some misconceptions I've formed about myself.  It's always an interesting journey to pause, evaluate, and sometimes redirect ones path to finding self, purpose, and happiness.  Perhaps one day I will have my vision restored, if I can ever fully peel off these crackling layers, and begin to see myself as I know God does....  But just for today, I feel grateful for the layers He has helped me remove in the past year.  This may not make sense to many of you, so I hasten to add the key to my search for self-understanding: 

That he who will find himself, must lose himself to God.

I was actually only intending to post this great picture of my family (we're so lucky to have a photographer in the family now--Thanks Terral!).  And I found myself thinking about what an influence these great people have had in shaping who I am, and who I am trying to become.  I sure love you Family!

Pensive photography

Miriam's Uncle Terral is photographer.  He asked us if he could use her as a model for a school project, and this is the end-result.  I love seeing this softer side of her.  It reminds me of several of the special attributes she came to earth with--compassion, kindness, nurturing, and sensitivity to the Spirit.

Angel of Mine

Seven week old sweetheart. 

Hmmm.  Can you tell what we like to do at our house?

We just can't get enough of his cuteness!

Haircuts

I always like to do something very different with my hair after I have a baby--as evidenced by my picture on my "Blessing Day" post.  I had my hair permed, and cut 8-10 inches off with layers.  Kind of drastic for me...and sadly, I miss my long hair.  I should have just stuck with curls for my "change". 

Miriam has been talking about getting her hair cut for a while, but I made her think about it for a long time before I consented (knowing how long it takes to grow out).  But she was sure that's what she wanted.  Blair was a little bummed about it. He really loved her long hair--but he wasn't the one who had to wade through the screaming and the crying every single morning trying to fix it.  (Can you tell I wasn't as sad to help her go "short?)  She really likes it, and it has made my mornings a lot more pleasant!

Blessing Day

We blessed Colter on November 1st.  He was 6 1/2 weeks old, and keeps growing at an incredible rate.  We had a record number of family members who were able to come and support us, and we had a wonderful brunch with all of them.  I'm so thankful Blair and I have large, loving, supportive families.  We love occasions that bring us together.

I'm also super grateful to see the way Blair honors the priesthood that he holds.  He has had many opportunities to use this special gift this year, and if anything, the respect and faith and awe we feel toward this sacred powers has increased with thought and use.

Colter is such an angelic addition to our family.  He so very rarely cries, and is easily comforted (at least by Mommy).  I'm not sure if my memory has just faded, but it sure seems like he is growing faster, and learning quicker than my other babies.  He definitely started smiling at us earlier.

Halloweeners

They hold a history fair at Miriam's school for Halloween, and each class dresses up according to a specific time period in history.  The first grade studied Ancient Egypt.  Miriam made a perfect little Egyptian Princess.

Of course that wasn't what she wanted to be for the "real" Halloween.  Thankfully the Tinkerbell costume from two years ago still fit nicely. That's our little little pixie!

I was really pleased with how Tane's Batman costume turned out.  And I discovered a new favorite craft help--sticky back felt!  I love convenient time-saving inventions like that.  I'm compiling a mental list of the people I want to meet and thank when I get to "the other side".  Whoever thought of this stress saver will get my thanks.  Along with the genius who came up with wet wipes--one of my all time favorite inventions!

Tait was our darling little "ghostie".  He really made trick-or-treating fun this year, walking up the street singing "Ha-ppee Ha-o-een!" over and over to anyone who would listen.  Along with his cute "tri-er trea".

Colter Washington Keck

Miriam, Tane and Tait welcome their baby brother, Colter Washington Keck to our family.

Born on September 16th, 2009, at 8:03 am in Payson, Utah.

Tipping the scale at 8lbs 7.5oz

Stretching the tape to 22inches!

Blair and Lisa having a DDR party. In an effort to encourage little Colter to join us, we decided to have a DDR party. Blair finally beat Lisa in one song, and it took a handicap to beat her.

This was an exciting experience for us because it was our first spontaneous birth. He got us out of bed at 3:30am this morning when Lisa's water broke. Lisa's labor was quite quick, surprising the doc. He barely showed up in time to catch him as he came out. What a handsome dude!

Lisa's one tough Mama! Literally! She got lots of kudos from the nurses about how tough she was during the labor and delivery. She had this baby naturally - without an epidural! You go girl!

The proud Papa. He had the easy job of rubbing Lisa's feet and back and wispering sweet nothings in her ear. He would try to make her laugh in the middle of a contraction. Then about 20 seconds later, Lisa would finally give him a courtesy smile.

Tait was naturally so sweet and gently with his new little baby brother, "Coh-ker." He was so excited to bring his mom a picture he drew and a special yellow rose he chose for her.

The kids were able to pick out a rose for their mother, they were so excited! Tane is a very kind and caring brother, it is easy to tell how much he loves his new little brother.

Miriam was very disappointed when she found out she wasn't getting a baby sister. She has since opened her heart and accepted her baby brother lovingly. She wrote Mom a special card telling her that she loved him and is going to do her very best for him. She is going to make a good diaper changer!

Mom and the kids - they have all had a special bonding at their individual births. It was a special moment when the kids came in and met their baby brother for the first time. They were all excited to give him hugs and hold him.

Two days ago Tane came up to Lisa and out of the blue said "When this baby comes out, Mom. He's gonna come out cheering for BYU."