6 months old

With all the construction and visits to the doctor, we almost missed this milestone: Ruthie is now 6 months old. While her arrival into the world was a big surprise, we feel hugely blessed to have this sweetheart in our family. She brings sunshine into our home, something the Lord knew this past year that we would need more of.

She definitely has her daddy's heart. I'm not sure he'll ever let her grow up and move away...

Remodeling time!

Here is the update of all the upheaval in our lives. After deliberating for many months on how to accommodate our growing family, we chose the messiest solution: remodel. I am the contractor, which means I have spent hours on the phone arranging demolition, steel beams, trash collection, roofing, etc. Though it has been a consuming project, we are really excited for the end result.

This was the saddest part of demolition. We are so sad to see this tree go.

The walls in front of our home are completely stripped, including insulation. If it weren't for good weather, we would freeze!

Interesting view from inside the garage:

When the project is done, this area will be part living room, and part bedroom.

Stay posted for more pictures! The foundation will go in later this week!

When your doctor prescribes a Priesthood blessing...

After watching Ruth struggle against what I though was a cold, I finally decided to take her to the doctor. It turns out that she has RSV and her oxygen saturation was only reading 89%. When she didn't respond well to a breathing treatment, TWO doctors came in to look at her. To make a long story short, she was on the verge of needing admittance to the hospital. I had no idea she was so bad. After a long pause, my doctor (who is LDS) said, "Well, has your husband given her a blessing?"

Ruth ended up coming home with me, along with two prescriptions. The very best prescription, however, was a priesthood blessing. Joseph and his dad met us at the house and administered a blessing of healing. We worked all evening and into the night to make her breathing comfortable. About 3:00 am, she turned a corner. I took her back to the doctor yesterday. He couldn't believe that this was the same child he saw the day before; she looked so much better. I know for a fact that it was a miracle. I am so grateful for the priesthood and for such an immediate answer to prayer. I have witnessed the Lord's tender mercy.

Below is a stirring three-minute video titled "Thought of You" -- a collaboration by two BYU professors

Thought of You from Ryan J Woodward on Vimeo.

Back to the grind

I must say, it is fun to watch these kids grow. James' vocabulary is growing, along with his ideas about the world. Here are two of his favorite things: monkey, and choo-choo. Looks like monkey might not fit into this train..

This is such a cutie! and sooo sweet!

This is her favorite thing: attention from her brothers, even if it is a bit rough and tumble!

Nothing beats blanky time.

Phoenix fun

For new year, we ventured to Phoenix to visit with Joseph's sisters. It was cold and rainy in Mission Viejo, so we thought the weather would improve in Arizona. Wrong! It was freezing! We still managed to get in a few activities. Our favorite was a trip to a dairy farm.

Somehow, this chicken made it into two pictures. I have never held a chicken before. It was so light!

See the tractor in the background? James says, "mine"!

David and a few cousins. Ready, one.. two..

Three!

Wow! Did you see this superhero?

Santa came to town..

What a crazy season it has been! We have had so much fun, complete with parties, visits with santa, cookies, and decorations! Here are some highlights..

David asked Santa for a lego Atlantis scorpion. Thankfully, Santa was listening.

James wore this hat for the entire month of december. I thought they made a cute duo as rudolph and santa.

Nothing beats homemade sugar cookies..

Don't worry, Ruthie, next year you will get to sample those cookies!!

This was my favorite highlight. Our ward did a nativity for the Christmas party. Joseph and David were lucky enough to be shepherds. The costumes were borrowed from someone in our stake who collects and sews these. It was a really special opportunity.

It is so fun to watch the excitement and wonder of the season through my children's eyes. I do believe in the Christmas spirit!