Newly Wed

Our first photo together, besides the thousands of wedding photos we took! We were on our honeymoon in Belize. Today is our 6 year anniversary and tonight we watched our wedding video for only the second time since we've been married. Hoping it would be a delightful experience as we laughed and remembered that sweet day, I decided to bring us both down by getting extremely emotional over it all. On my wedding day there was a lot going on besides Dave and I, yet that is what I focused on. When I watch it again, I don't focus on Dave and I and instead I find myself feeling all the emotions that go with the 'other stuff' that was going on. My parents had recently separated and were divorcing, I was leaving an incredible family in Mississippi (the Youngs) and saying goodbye to that chapter of my life, and my mom's health was steadily declining. On top of that, to see both my mom and grandmother (who are now both deceased) brings so much longing from my heart. To be with them, to hear their voices, to be under their authority and guidance...I miss those times. I also found myself grieving over what could have been. My life with Dave is far better than that wedding day, by far. We have had many adventures and still do to this day! Yet I find myself wondering if I made wrong decisions on where to live, what jobs to take, etc. I'm at a point in my life that I'm realizing how quickly time passes. I may not have very long, I might have 60 more years, but either way I know I need to be living out of who God made me to be, or I'm wasting time. I fear that I am not and I'm not sure where to go from here...

We Will Miss You, Kirby

One of my favorite memories of Kirby is when he lived with Dave and I in Salida for one year. He would come out of the house each time and roll in our mulch. Kirby got very dirty that year and he played hard, too! Several times he went with us snowshoeing, with Brandy and Noah, all while snow balls formed and grew larger as we hiked along. Sweet Kirby...he was so loyal to Julie, to my mom, and to his ball. He had the sweetest temperment, was amazingly soft and fluffy, and always wanted to jump up on your lap..especially if you were laying out by the pool. Kirby, I am so glad Julie picked you! Thank you for loving on all of us, for posing for so many photos, and giving us lots of years to enjoy you. Now you can rest.

Dave Loves Turtles

It's true. He loves any turtle, anywhere, doing anything. We could see them at the aquarium in a tank and he is enthralled. We could find one in the wild (such as this one) and he is totally captured by the reptile. Most likely Owen and possibly Mae will turn out to be the same way. Which I would much rather our children be excited about nature and animals than excited about staying inside to play...so far they are happy anywhere!
This photo was taken while we were on a family trip (with Julie and Jared) at Cypress Spring Ranch in Texas hill country. There are few places on earth that compare in beauty..rolling hills, fresh live water, cypress trees everywhere, sunsets that are so peaceful, and the constant sounds of animals (exotic and native) throughout the days and nights.

The Blazer Family

This is our best shot at looking casual and natural while being photographed by our dear friend Brooke Shepard (www.brookeschwabphotography.com). Mae is not convinced that this is even a good idea. She ended up crying after this photo and didn't stop until after her nap. Kerrville, Texas is the perfect backdrop for family fun.

Owen's Throne

This is my little man. Owen is now babbling, showing preferences in all areas of life, and loves hanging with mom and dad. His greatest love, however, is Mae (his big sister)...and then Noah (the family dog).

Chore Time

Mae loves helping around the house during our chore times! All she needs is a little direction and she is off. Days at home are her favorite. Mae loves when her friends come over to play and equally loves staying at home with just Mom and Owen. We spend lots of time in our backyard jumping, playing house, building forts, watering the 'garden', and anything else we can think of. Owen plays on his picnic blanket and watches the action. Life with little kids force me to be content with less action, less going. Most days of the week we stay at home, with a few trips out here and there. I find that when we do get out, Mae is eager to get back home. (I need it for my sanity on days that I'm too tired to stay engaged the whole day!)
Banana bread is baking in the oven, the house is clean and quiet, kids are healthy and sleeping, Dave and I are excited to spend time with our friends tonight...life is good.

Welcome to the family, Owen!

Owen Lewis Blazer was born on a beautiful morning in September. He loves his sleep still, has a heck of a smile, and is already getting used to his big sister Mae climbing all around him. His dad is holding him in this photo when he was one day old.