Earlier I has shared a link to a story about a family in need of our prayers, to read the post go here. Well Dear Victory has returned to His Father in Heaven. The experience has been a faith building time for so many and a good reminder as Victory's mother said to, “Hug your children for me and know that family really is what matters most.” Her quote was taken from here. I know that Families ARE Forever, and that we can be together as families for all eternity through the amazing sealing powers that come through ordinances in the Temple. As I was contemplating last night of what I had happened to this dear family I thought, "The Plan of Happiness really is a plan of happiness. What could be more happy than having your family and the ones you love with you for all ETERNITY!" It brings such peace and joy into my heart and soul to know this is true and to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am also grateful for the knowledge that Jesus Christ mourned with those that mourned. He knows what we are going through and it is okay to mourn loss. I feel such comfort to know that my Savior knows me, he knows my joys and heartaches and is there with me when I need him. I can choose to live in a way that will always allow me to have the companionship of the Spirit, to help led me and guide me. This life is not an easy one but through trials we can become stronger more vigilant sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us. He can and will provide strength to us to overcome ALL things just as His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ overcame all things for US. This day and everyday I echo this sweet mothers words; Hug your children, and loved ones and know that what matters most is family. I do not think we can be reminded of that too often. May God Bless You All Today and Always!
Nov 13, 2011
Nov 5, 2011
Owie!
Warren was playing at his sitters house and pulled his diaper bag off the couch and one of the rings on it scratched his head on Friday the 4th of November. This is his first "owie" but knowing how much I got hurt as a kid and how much Zack did as well, I am sure it won't be his last. He is still so cute, even with his first owie. I just love his big blue eyes and smile!
Warren loves cuddling with Daddy. He is 6 1/2 months old here.
First Snow!
We woke up to snow this morning, Saturday, November 5th, 2011. Warren's first snow storm. We decided to take him out and let him experience the snow first hand. He really seemed to like it and probably would have stayed out longer had we let him.
All bundled up and ready to go out.
I think that Warren really liked the snow and if this is any indication of his future, he will probably love the snow just like his Daddy.Disneyland Treats
Grandma and Grandpa Ludlow went to Disneyland with Elizabeth , Aunt Amy and Uncle Mike and their kids over UEA and brought Warren back a treat. It was a huge hit. He even liked it with the wrapper on, but Mom and Dad gave in and let Warren chew on the lollipop until he dropped it and then we took it away, which led to a very unhappy little boy.
We took his lollipop away to unwrap it and he was one unhappy little boy.
I love his little face in this picture, it almost says, "Just leave me alone with my lollipop and no one will get hurt."
Carrots!
Warren tried carrots and baby food for the first time on October 24th, 2011. He did such a good job and ate the entire jar, then went after the spoon.
Do I have something on my face?
Mmmmm Carrots.
Just Because!
Jessi and Warren, hanging out in their Carharts. 
Warren playing in the rocking horse, at Great-Grandma LaRue's house.
I just love this onsie. He wore it to church a few weeks ago. His first "white shirt and tie"
Loving his Johnny Jumper
After his first Halloween party. So happy!
Warren is getting so big. He is just over 6 months here.
Zack thinks Warren kind of looks like Mr. Magoo here. I just think he is adorable.
Another picture after the Halloween party. Warren sporting the Griffindor tie and his Halloween shirt.
Trick or Treating
Great-Grandma and Grandpa Wiberg invited us to go trick or treating at their new apartment complex and we had so much fun! Aunt Amy and Uncle Mike and their kid came as well as Aunt Jenelle and her girls, who flew in from Chicago for a visit. We all had a great time walking around the three floors and finding which houses had the pumpkins on their doors so we could trick or treat. This was Warren's first time trick or treating, and he even got some candy for Mom and Dad to enjoy. Luck for us it was just a few pieces. We had a great time and are so glad that Great-Grandma and Grandpa Wiberg invited us. It was warm and a great first trick or treating experience for Warren.(The picture above is everyone who dressed up to go trick or treating.)
Ward Trunk or Treat
We had our ward's Trunk or Treat and annual Halloween party a few weeks ago and had so much fun dressing up as characters from Harry Potter. Zack had mentioned that he thought it would be fun to have Warren be baby Harry Potter, Zack be Hagrid and I would dress up as someone from the book. So we did. All the little kids at the party kept coming up and saying, "It's baby Harry Potter!" We really had a good time and loved seeing all the costumes. Warren hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa handing out candy.
Except his airhead which he still has, and would not let go of.
Aunt Jessie and Uncle Mat's Hallloween Party!
Mat and Jessi threw a Halloween party this year, and we had so much fun! We had soup and all sorts of Halloween treats then carved pumpkins and just hung out. Thanks guys for a fun night. (The picture above is Mat with his 60 pound pumpkin they grew in their garden.)
Oct 6, 2011
Love
Warren in Daddy's hat, right before Priesthood session, October 1st, 2011.This little man and his sweet smile just makes me smile and brightens my day! I never knew how hard being a mother really is and how often I just want to cry and do not know what to do, but there are those moments which out weigh everything else, where he makes me so happy to be his mother and we have so much fun! I love making him laugh, and hearing him laugh, it is so contagious. Warren is learning so much, he can sit up very well, he reaches for and can grab most everything, including my dinner, and is moving into his bigger car seat. I can't believe how fast he is growing up. I am loving it and love being his Mama!
Oct 4, 2011
Please Pray for Victory!
I know that our prayers are heard and answered. So I am asking that we take a moment and pray for this dear boy and his family and all those in need this day and every day.
God Bless You!
Aug 28, 2011
Change is the name of the game!
If I know one thing it is that life is always changing and we have gone through a lot of changes in the last month but mostly this last week. Warren turned four months on August 20th and is getting so big. Below is a snap shot of him on his four month birthday. Don't mind the drool he has become a slobber machine. Warren has rolled over from his stomach to his back half a dozen times, loves to grab his toes and jabber, and he has started to sit up a little.
Another change around here was Uncle Robert leaving on his mission on August 17th. Here is Robert and Warren after Robert's farewell. Warren's onsie says "My uncle is the best"
Zack also has changed schools that he works at and started another part time job, so I won't get to come home and see these to snuggling after work anymore.
Both Zack and I also started school again last Monday. I am in my last semester of classes on campus as long as I pass my Praxis Test that I take in a few weeks, then I will be student teaching in January and graduating in April. I may even be graduating on Warren's first birthday which would be a lot of fun. So that is where our life is right now, Zack working two jobs and going to school, Shaunna working and going to school and Warren being a trooper as he gets passed around to various family members while we work and go to school. We are so thankful for all the help we are and have received it has been such a blessing knowing Warren is with people who love him and care for him while we are away.
Jul 5, 2011
Remembrances
A few days ago I was sitting alone with Warren reading a journal I have been trying to keep for him and reminiscing about my pregnancy, his birth and these last few months when a sweet and to me scared memory was recalled to me. I feel like I need to get it out and Thank my Father in Heaven for it, and since this is part of my journal I am posting it here.
Zack and I had been trying to have a baby for what felt like an eternity to us, but in reality it was just about 3 1/2 short years. I had seen so many friends and family experiencing the joy of pregnancy, becoming parents and raising families and though I was very happy for them it was a heart wrenching time. Don't get me wrong I had some amazing times with Zack while it was just the two of us, but out hearts would ache for the child that we wanted and we did not always understand why we were not able to conceive. Looking back I am grateful that Zack and I had almost five years together just the two of us, to grow, learn and experience life together. I am better prepared to me a mother to Warren and juggle the life that we have created for ourselves than I would have been when we thought we were ready for a child, which is now just over 4 years ago. (Not that I really felt prepared at all, or do on most days, but I have a better sense of what I want from life and I am not letting myself stray from the goals we have set for our family like I would have 4 years ago. Especially FINISHING school!)
The memory that I recalled was from April 11th, 2010. Zack and I were in California in my sister-in-law and brother-in-law's ward. They had just had their dear sweet girl sealed to them for Time and All Eternity in the Newport Beach Temple and we were attending church with them where their new son would receive a name and a blessing from his father. The hymns that were sung that day changed my life and I can still feel the emotions and peace that came over me while singing those scared hymns. The line that I remembered so clearly the other day was "His voice is heard ye shall obtain" and "through him I'll gain my fondest dreams." As I sat there in the chapel of our church I received the knowledge that I would gain my fondest dream, that my Heavenly Father knew me and knew that I wanted to be a mother. I just needed to wait until the time was right. At that time I did not know when that would be, I honestly figured it would be years down the road after much more heartache and longing. But I felt peace that my hopes and dreams would come true. I would obtain what I wanted most in life. The peace I felt that day carried me through some hard days that laid ahead for me and Zack. Just because I had felt that peace and knew I would be a mother did not mean my heart stopped aching. Father's day 2010 was an especially hard day for my little family even though I had this experience two months before. Knowledge does not always make the pain and sorrow go away but it can help make things easier to bear and that is what this knowledge did for me.
When I learned that I was pregnant in August 2010, I did not remember this experience. I was just in shock and awe. But now I can look back and realize that my Father in Heaven knew me and that Sunday in April He was letting me know that I was not forgotten. He was reminding me of the love He has for me and was teaching me to be patient and trust in Him, to have faith in His plan and to enjoy life. I am very grateful for the experience that let me know I would be a mother one day. That one day came sooner that I would have ever thought, especially as I sat there in sacrament meeting in tears being taught and comforted. Almost 4 months to the day of this experience I thought that I might be pregnant but discounted the thought. Yet I was and this experience helped prepare me for what was and is to lie ahead.
Personal revelation does exist and can bring great comfort and peace into our lives if we but open our hearts and minds to the Spirit. We are beloved sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father who wants us to be happy and obtain our fondest dreams. Sometimes to achieve these dreams we have to let go of ourselves and submit to the will of the Father. That is what I feel happened to me last year. I tried to let go of myself and my sorrows and enjoy what my life held at that time.
Jun 28, 2011
Heritage Days
This past week, June 20-25 was the annual Heritage Days for Syracuse City. I am usually working Saturdays and do not get to see the parade, but since I am still on leave we were able to go as a family. We walked to the parade route and watched it with some friends from the ward. We had a great time and even got to see my grandma, sister, sister-in-law and nephew in the parade. They were walking for Operation Adopt a Ghost. It is an organization that sends letters and care packages to soldiers who deployed. It was so much fun to see them walking and seeing my cute nephew in his little wagon and camo gear.
Warren during the parade,
"Hmm, what is this parade, my mom keeps talking about?"
Mommy and Warren during the parade.
After the parade we got Uncle Robert and headed over to a local park for the booths and carnival rides. Zack saw a stand that sold fried Twinkies and decided to try one. He said it was not as good as he thought and probably would not have another one. The booth also sold fried coke. Which I thought was interesting. It was a coke batter that was fried and then had ice cream and a bunch of other stuff with the ice cream and batter. I am not a coke fan so I did not try it, but maybe if I did I would have tried it .
The picture of Zack's Twinkie is at the top of the post, I accidentally deleted the post and did not want to redo the entire post.
Later that night the city had fireworks and we had debated about going to see them or staying home, since we can sometimes see a few from the deck. I also had been talking about how we could get on the roof and watch the fireworks, and silly me I should have known Zack would really do it. I had never, that I could remember, been on a roof and I defiantly had never been on ours especially at night. Zack and I decided to go get some frozen yogurt from YogurtStop and then hurried home to see the fireworks. Zack got the ladder out and put it on the deck then convinced me to get up there and watch the fireworks. We were able to see four different cities firework shows. It was an interesting experience and I might even do it again, we shall see.
Zack enjoying his frozen yogurt on the roof.
Me on the roof,
trying not to think about having to climb back down, in the dark.
The weekend just got better, because to top it off we had most of our family over Sunday for a BBQ and some croquet. I did not take any pictures but we really had a nice time with everyone this past weekend. Summers are so much fun.
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