Welcome to God's Family Brayden

A baptism is such a wonderful day.  So much joy and love and filled with God's greatest blessing.  Brayden asked me to be one of his godmothers with a shirt text that said - "Every prince needs a godmother." And of course I said yes and Mary did as well.  So today and this cold winter day, we stood in front of family and St. Paul and pledged to help watch over him and love him and guide him to lead a Christian life.  Such an honor to play an important role in his life.

My lil man!

Smiling at this favorite aunt :) 

So peaceful

The whole fam

The Godmothers

So much happiness in this picture

The Ewald girls and their kids... a total of 5 now

Cabin Fun

After Uncle David's Christmas party, I decided to drive up to the cabin with the girls and then kidnapped K&K.  We had so much fun despite the cold, cold temperatures.  The kids sledded A LOT, I cuddled with Brayden A LOT!  Lots of fun was had by all!

Have your loves in order

While listening to the Hoda show on my drive home from work. She mentioned something to made total sense but not something I’d ever thought about before... “have your loves in order.” She went on to talk about her daughter and boyfriend and how everything feel into place when she realized that was what she loved most. Not work or money. Then she was truly happy. She has her loves in the right order. 

So for 2018, I want to make sure I always have my loves in order. God and family are at the top of my list of Ioves!

Happy New Year

So new years wasn't too exciting this year.   We spent most of the evening in the car driving back from the cabin.  Also Ryan was at his brother's in preparation to driving to Iowa for his uncle funeral. 

So I gathered up some of my most favorite people - Greta and Lola and Karle and Kahle.  It felt like old times.  I had spend many new year's with K&K when they were little and I was single. 

We blew up 2 air mattresses and all cuddled in on the family room floor, and watched a movie and tried our best to stay up til midnight - no one made it - even after I set my alarm - might have helped it I set it for 11:57 PM instead of AM.  But oh well. 

Then New Year's day, the rest of the Welden's joined and we watch a miserable Michigan game and snacked and had a great time.

So here's to 2018!  Happy New Year!!

A miracle from God - Brayden

As the count down began, the excitement began to mount over Julie having her baby. If she didn't respond to text message within an hour, I assumed she was at the hospital.   Everyone was so excited for them.

The day finally came for her water to break (luckily at the doctor) and then to the hospital.  After a long night, he was finally born.  Brayden Jason Ruth.  And he was perfect - cone head and all.  A sweet bundle of love at 6 pounds, 9 ounces and 18 1/2 inches long.  So very proud of Julie for pushing him out.  And Jason for being Julie's protector.  What a truly perfect moment this must have been for them. So much hard work and hurt, but in the end God answered their prayers.

When the text came in, and we were off to the races to get to the hospital to meet him. And it was love at first sight for me.  I can remember the same exact feeling when I met Karle and Kahle for the first time.  It's like your heart grows just a little bit.  And the girls were just in aw over him and wanted to love him and hold him. 

I just love the feeling at the hospital after you have a baby.  There is just so much love and joy in the room.  It is one of the most blessed moments. And I was so happy to be able to share it with Jason, Julie and Brayden.

Dear God 

Thank you so much for answering prayers and giving Julie and Jason this most perfect gift.  They prayed for him for a long time and you brought this miracle into our lives. You truly are almighty. 

Amen

Christmas lights fun

We planned a fun night for the girls to go to MIS and drive through the Christmas lights, see reindeer and Santa.  And it was so fun.  We got there plenty early and didn't have to wait in line.  We actually waited to go in until it was darker.

First we saw Santa and then the reindeer.

We packed special snacks and drinks for the girls and let them sit up front with us.

Then we finished the night off with dinner on the drive home and PJs.  Both girls were sound asleep before we got home.  So fun!  Can't wait to do it again next year. 

First snow fall

The girls love snow.  Plain and simple.  Greta has been asking for snow since summer and we finally got enough to play in.  So much fun!