Thanksgiving 2014

We spent a lot of time with our family over the Thanksgiving Break. 

The first half was up in Logan. Now that the kids are all getting older things are louder and a lot more exciting. We went bowling. Andrue and Audrie enjoying that the most. 

The kids all sat down and had a Thanksgiving Dinner and for about 10 minutes they all sat and ate. All we could do was watch in amazement. 

We enjoyed movies, walks, cooking, and eating.

The second half was in North Salt Lake. Sundy prepared a beautiful set up with the china from her wedding. There was  a lot of colorful food. Once again, the kids had a great time playing and running around. Charlie loved playig with his older cousins Alia, Mel, and Harrison. The girls were also really cute with Olive getting her to laugh. 

Here's the updates on the kiddo's. 

 CHARLIE

is 3 and is still trying to get the three fingers together to show people. He is vibrant and funny. This morning he created a system where he had a string tied to our dresser and the other on the top of the bed. He was sending hangers with clothes down the line. I thought it was pretty creative. He is a great helper in the kitchen. He helps grade cheese, minces garlic, puts ingredients in the blender, etc. Its so fun and he's so excited to participate. He has been doing a pre-school co-op where me and 3 other moms take turns teaching our 3 year old boys. His two favorite letters are O (that's for Olive he yells!) and I, because he can write it all himself. I love seeing him learn!

OLIVE

is 15 months old. She is offcially a walker! For about 3 weeks now. She likes to stay close to me and i am often holding her while cleaning and cooking. But she has her alone time exploring the house and putting toys all over. She likes looking at books. Lately, she has been clicking her tongue and been a big time jabberer, although, we haven't heard any definite words yet. She is a sweet girl and give lots of kisses and snuggles. She is also a BIG eater. She'll eat almost anything and has a big appetite, which i am so grateful for. Also, a side note, she will NOT wear bows. Its a miracle i got a picture of her with this one that i made.

   

ANDY

is becoming an Entrepreneur. He is extending his schooling so he can focus on a start up he is working on with a partner. I love that he is getting to pursue his dream. And although i know it will be a challenge it will be a growing and learning experience he will have for the rest of his life. I love his ambition and passion to build and create great products. I am grateful for the time he takes to support me in mine as well. He's had many nights with the kids allowing me to pursue me interests.  

BLAIRE

I am enjoying teaching charlie letters and numbers. I love reading to him. I love playing with Olive. I am a ward missionary with a focus on Social Media. I visit teach two really great girls and gain so much from their experiences and thoughts. I am reading some great books, one about Harold B. Lee and miracles the other is called, 12 gifts for Christ. Andy and I have also been exercising everyday! We take turns going to the rec center at 6am. I have enjoyed the fitness classes: yoga, pilates, and zumba. I have never felt better! 

A new stage

We are staying at Andy's parents house tonight but the crib was taken. Andy got a couple blankets and a pillow to make a bed in the closet in our room. 

Charlie laid down excited about this new and different bed and I shut the door behind me in shock that he was going to bed this way. He has been in a crib since the day he was born. It's a funny feeling seeing little people grow up right before your eyes. 

Well Charlie didn't last long in his his new little bed. First excuse for coming out, "Mommy hug?" Then it was, "daddy?" Then I tried laying with him and it was, "grandmas coats." Then finally he said, "mommy bed" as he pointed to the door for me to leave. Yes Charlie I am happy to go to bed. Thank you. 

It was a sweet night with him. He grows up so much every day. I am sad to say the terrible two button has officially switched on. He is super independent, demanding, saying "I need it!" and "mine" a lot more. He is making messes and becoming more destructive. I don't love him any less despite it all! I still think he is a great little guy. This phase won't last forever so I'll just enjoy it.  

And by these pictures you can see he still is sweet and wonderful, but don't let that fool you. 

This boy is TWO! 

Olives Blessing

Olive had her big day.

She was blessed on Sunday December 1st.

I got the dress from White Elegance. I had bought it when i found out we were having a girl.

I was so excited!

We had the blessing at Andy's parents house. 

Both sides of our families were there except my sister Keli and her family.

It was a nice gathering. A beautiful blessing. And testimonies afterward from George and Andy.

A thought or feeling came to me during the blessing. I bet my grandma (whose name is Yvonne) is here.

It was neat to think she and grandpa were also there for the event.

A big dinner afterwards. 

It was a perfect evening to bless our Olive Yvonne Watanabe.

Brother and Sister. This is the best we could do. 

The Watanabe Family

The Whitaker Family: notice Cache with the yellow swimming goggles. Classic.

I like the before photo photo.

Sweet little bracelet from Grandma Sundy.

Happy Fourth

It was a great fourth of July spent with Andy's family on the 3rd at the Eaglewood Course for there big celebration. James and his band, Rebel Zion, entertained people arriving. The kids loved rolling down the hills, dancing to music, snacking, and just enjoying the fun family atmosphere. This was Charlie's FIRST big night out. He has had a pretty strict bedtime of 7 o'clock but this was a special occasion. Charlie made it until 9 before he started looking pretty out of it so i took him home for bed. I was glad we could have a good time and enjoy the party as a family. 

The next morning we drove to Tremonton to my Aunt Trisha's house for our annual Whitaker Fourth of July breakfast. We ate breakfast, had a traditional flag raising and reciting the pledge of allegiance, and then sang Happy Birthday to my Grandpa, who will be turning 90 this year. I got a picture of my dad's sister, Joy's family and his other sister Trisha's family. We failed to get a whole group picture and one of my own family. But i am glad we got what we did. 

Also, the kids found some lost kittens and Lily couldn't let go of this one. She was pretty sad when the owner came looking for them. 

I love the Fourth of July! 

Its a fun holiday to celebrate and remember how blessed we are to live in this great country!

Celebration of Suyeko

Andy's grandmother Suyeko passed away on April 28th. She was 96 years old and lived an incredible life. She was a devote Buddhist and an example to all who knew her. 

I have never attended a traditional Buddhist funeral. The Reverend did some Japanese chanting. He shared an uplifting message about the Buddhist beliefs. He talked about how Suyeko was now wrapped in the arms of compassion. These things rang true because I believe Suyeko is home with the God you gave her life. It says in Alma 40:11 Now, concerning the ^astate of the soul between ^bdeath and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are ^ctaken ^dhome to that God who gave them life.

Suyeko emulated the qualities of Jesus Christ and because of who she was the spirit was so strong as everyone shared their thoughts and love for "grandma". 

I feel so grateful i got to know her, even if it was a short time. 

•  Suyeko always had the cutest biggest smile! 
• She loved to garden and last summer she was out there often! 
• She was the one who got to announce baby girl coming. 
• She was known for her honesty :) For better or for worse.
• She was a great cook! I had the privileged of making inari sushi with her a number of times for family gatherings. I was always grateful for her corrections and helping me get them just right.
• She loved her family and it was apparent in everything she did.
• At the graveside service everyone got a balloon and after a moment of silence we sent our balloon, symbolically, to Grandma. It was a beautiful sight! 

I love this video of Suyeko's life. Cousin Stephanie put it together.

Suyeko Sunada Watnabe: Memorial video

Seventy and still going strong!

Andy's Dad turned 70 this week. George is 70 but you would never know it. He is so young at heart! He is a good man. I feel lucky to have gotten to know him so well as we have lived here at the Watanabe Residence. All the family came. We enjoyed food, visiting, and playing with the kids!

George and his Mother Suyeko who is 96

Suyeko is the sweetest great-grandmother!

You can always find Sundy reading to the kids
 once the night is winding down. 

a day of white

 This is our niece Alia. This last weekend she was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The moment i walked into the building to see her baptized, i felt the spirit pour over me. Everyone feels the spirit differently. And so i will describe the way i felt, you may or may not feel the spirit this way. For me, on Alia's baptism, i felt like the air was thick and full of warmth. My heart felt full of love and gratitude. She made sacred promises with Heavenly Father and in return she received the gift of the Holy Ghost. How grateful i am for the gift of the Holy Ghost, to guide and direct me, to correct and comfort me, to teach and warn me. We can always have the Holy Ghost with us as we are striving to keep God's commandments. In church this last Sunday, one of the speakers quoted Elder Packer, "If we are willing to change, we will have the spirit". Since then i have been pondering, what can I change? Change is just another way of looking at repentance. Repentance is when we change our will to Gods. I know i am happier when i am doing just that! Back to the baptism- it was a perfect day! Alia's white dress represents how clean and pure she was after entering the waters of baptism. It made me also reflect on taking the sacrament. Every Sunday when we take the bread and water, we can be as clean as Alia on her baptism day. 
We had lunch with all the family afterwards. The kids took off running and playing. I love this picture of Harrison.

Cute Graeme is walking everywhere these days!

This is Will, he is a sweet boy.

Charlie enjoyed his first taste of strawberries! 

tribute to Sundy

We gathered together with family today in celebration of Sundy's birthday. Sundy is my fabulous mother-in-law. We enjoyed good food, good conversation, and being together. Everyone shared their appreciation for the birthday girl at her husband's (George my father-in-law) direction :) Comments were made about: help with school papers, teaching, loving, caring for the grandchildren, her example of determination and hard work, her great listening skills etc. All very true things! I want to share ONE of the many things I appreciate about Sundy. 

1. She is the reason why i have such a good husband. A husband who is kind and sensitive to my needs. I have a husband who listens to me and is understanding. She taught him well. I will be eternally grateful for the way she raised him. Sundy is an admirable person. 

Okay, one thing just won't do!

2. She not only raised a good son but has the same love for her grandchildren. She is my favorite babysitter (equaled only by my own mother!) and because of her i hesitate to ask anyone else. 

3. Sundy is compassionate, understanding and listens to my fears and worries. 

4. She is helpful and gives wonderful advice. 

Mother-in-laws seem to get a bad rap, but I know I've got good one! 

Here are just a few pictures from our evening. 

Holding Baby Sa 

Alia loves to read! She reads this story to her dad James.

This is our adorable nephew Graeme. 

George's mother Suyeko. I love her.
She is such a kind and sweet woman.
It's always a treat to have her around. 

Andy's parents: Sundy and George

The newest addition

Lagisa Grace Sanoe Watanabe

I love all her hair!

We got a new addition to our Watanabe Family. Andy's brother James and his wife Sa had baby #3. She is a beautiful little girl. I absolutely love newborn babies. Lagisa is an angel!

 Charlie got to hang out with his cousins, Mel and Alia, while Sa had the baby. He loves his cousins! A few cute thing the girls did with Charlie... we were driving in the car to Nick and Hailey's (Hailey is Andy's sister) and Charlie was getting a bit fussy. I told the girls he think's its funny when you sneeze. They started fake sneezing. Charlie turned into a laughing monster, he loved it! The drive was a bit long so once Charlie got bored of the sneezing he started to cry. The girls sang to him in their beautiful voices; first the Baby Bumble Bee song, and then I am a Child of God. They were so sweet with him!

Family and Friends

I thought it would be fun to add some more pictures from the wedding. Andy and i don't take pictures often so these will do for now. I love my family and friends! How grateful i am for them for keeping my life interesting, exciting, and sane. I know i wouldn't have been able to get through life on my own.