A Week of Wonderful Blessings

Gosh, it's been a wonderful couple of days. Here's a few pictures to recap the events and let all know that we're doing great. Rich and Sarah arrived in Provo last Thursday and we've been busy, busy ever since.
Friday morning found us at the Provo Temple with Lindsay, such a wonderful experience for her and for all of our family. Love that girl. We're so proud of her!

And then, in spite of Claire's enthusiasm for the BYU Cougars, they managed to blow the biggest game of the season against their arch rivals, the Utes. Oh well, we had lots of fun anyway!

And then today was Blessing Day for Claire Elizabeth Brewer. Her daddy gave her a beautiful blessing...what an angel has arrived in our family.

Is there anything more peaceful than a newborn?

Here's our little Claire getting ready for her first Thanksgiving meal! So much more has happened these last few days. We had a very fun photography session with our friend Katharine and she has said that maybe just a few of them turned out. OK, so she took over 600. And then to top things off, it's Chris' 26th birthday today. Two cakes and two pies later we're all full. We want all of our dear friends and family to know how grateful we are for each of you. We have SO very much to be grateful for. Hugs to all!

Feeling Immense Gratitude Tonight

So the love of my life gave me a little scare this week. Actually, a big scare. For all of the details, check out Rich's blog. The link is to the right, titled Rich's Ramblings. Suffice it to say, at least the man hasn't lost his sense of humor! Looking back on the previous week I can only say how blessed I feel. I know prayers were answered. I know my good husband was watched over and protected. I know he has a lot more work to do while on this earth and it's not his time to check out yet. I know that my Heavenly Father is watching over our family. I felt His kind arms around me in my hour of need. I felt His direction when making phone calls and arrangements to get home so quickly. It all worked out so well. I felt such relief walking into the ICU and seeing my sweetheart after almost 4 weeks of being apart. He's my best friend, best support, best counselor and I look forward to many years of "grandparenthood" together.
I'm open to any and all ideas regarding how to get him to slow down and also how to take some time for himself. We all need to work on our diet and exercise program. Maybe that will be a great family goal for the new year. In the meantime, don't let the men in your life ignore symptoms. Be persistent about getting answers to health issues. Follow up!

It has been a wonderful Sabbath Day. While not all of us made it to church today, we were able to spend a lot of time, on this blustery day, relaxing together with our fireplace glowing, and listening to several sessions of conference again. I am SO grateful for leaders who guide us and speak words of comfort for the perilous times that we live in. We felt so blessed today.

You Be The Judge...Who Does Claire Look Like?

First up is Katie, weighing in at 9 lb. 10 oz. Where did all that dark hair go??
Next up is Joseph, weighing in at a whopping 12 lbs. Believe it, I saw the birth certificate!!

And then we have Claire, weighing in at 9 lbs. even! I think she's a beautiful combination of both of them. And by the way, the winner of the contest to guess her birth weight was none other than YaYa Brewer...she was right on the number. Gramma Bowerman guessed 9 lb. 1 oz. We grandmas know best! We also know that Bowermans and Brewers make big babies...maybe now the doctor will believe us.

Everybody is Going To Wish They Had an Aunt Lindsay!

So Lindsay was over tonight when Claire was set to have her first bath at home. She couldn't resist pulling some accessories out of the drawer and trying them on Claire. Too funny!
A girl can't have too many bows and jewelry!

After Claire's first bath...oh, they smell so good. I'm so glad "Baby Magic" is still around. Claire is wrapped up in a special blanket made by Grandma Brewer, also known as "YaYa". What an angel she has been...so far!

A Very Long Day...With the Best Ending Possible!

She's here, she's here, she's here!! Claire Elizabeth Brewer arrived at 11:38 p.m. last night, 9 lbs. and 20 1/2" long. There are not words to describe the emotions I feel with the arrival of this little (big) angel! Katie was awesome, pushing for well over an hour and a half. What a trooper! Claire seems to be so peaceful and calm, a perfect addition for Joseph and Katie. I'm sure Katie's blog will have more details of the day itself and all of their thoughts and emotions. As for me, I just feel such gratitude for this miracle that has come to our family. Grandma loves you!

Tomorrow Is The Day!!

Claire is being a little stubborn, so it seems we're going to have to force the issue! Katie is scheduled to be induced tomorrow some time. Even an exciting BYU game last night didn't do the trick, so we'll p-a-t-i-e-n-t-l-y wait for the hospital to call to tell us to come in. In the mean time any other ideas of what I could sew for her nursery? This has been too fun...a whole room for the baby! I don't think any of my kids had a whole room to themselves while they were a baby.
Katie and I found this amazing line of material based on Eric Carle's book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar". It's perfectly bright and cheery.

Katie and Claire are to be guests of honor at a shower this coming Saturday, the 8th, so she really better hurry and get here. Everyone is so excited to meet her.

The picture below is the anxious daddy, waiting, practicing, and basically all ready for his daughter's arrival.

While We Wait...We Quilt!!

I've been in Utah for three Saturdays now, and all three Saturdays have found me at this incredible quilting store in West Jordan called "The Material Girls Quilt Shop". It is the best! Oh my, the inspiration is too much. Some people are so clever. I just want to stand and look and look some more. I could be surrounded by fabric, all different colors and combinations and patterns, and it would still never be enough! Anyways, Lindsay had been given some fabric not too long ago and decided to get into the quilting spirit. Last night she laid it all out. This is before she sewed all the strips together. It is turning out great. She has an amazing eye for color and patterns. This is one that Lindsay started...ummmm, five years ago or so. I brought it with me and Katie decided to finish it. She laid it all out and we've been working together on it. I didn't take a picture of the quilt I'm doing for Sarah, but it's sure going to be cute also. A surprise finish!!