Hope's Power....

About 3 months after Karleigh passed away, Chris and I found out we were pregnant with our cute Chloe. We were thrilled with the news, as we had been wanting another baby for a while and hadn't had much success. As I look back over the timing in which Chloe came into our home, it is so apparent to me why we needed to wait a bit longer than our human eyes understood. As the hormones began raging and the grief of loosing Karleigh seemed almost unbarable at times, I struggled with trying to sort out all the different feelings I was having. Would this baby replace Karleigh? Would Karleigh be sad that I was not always thinking about her? Would I be able to love this baby like I loved Karleigh and Zach? Would I be able to care for this new baby with all the saddness I felt? I felt SO lost, so hopeless and so sad.
We couldn't decide on a name for Chloe. We always gather a bunch of names and then once we see our little ones in person, then we can decide who they look like. I distinctly remember though that I knew her middle name was supposed to be Hope. I talked to Chris about it, and he agreed. I didn't know why. I didn't know even all the definitions and meanings of the word Hope. But I knew that even though I couldn't understand how it was possible at the time, that this new little baby growing inside of me would bring my family and I, Hope.
I have had different definitions of the word Hope that have all sounded and felt like they could be "the answer" to describing how this little Chloe Hope could change our hearts and bring the needed healing into our home. It was no accident that she was born when she was. It was no accident that her middle name is Hope. I have often said that she came with a big load to carry right from the very beginning - to help her mom, dad and brother heal. But she has done it beautifully and flawlessly. In conference, President Uchtdorf, gave a fabulous talk on Hope. It touched me deeply and finally I had words to describe what I have been feeling about Chloe's name. I am grateful everyday for all of my children. They have all taught me so much and I love them and my wonderful husband more than anything in this world. But for today, I want to remember and record why Hope is such a fitting name for my girl. "Hope has the power to fill our lives with Happiness. Hope sustains us through despair. Hope teaches that there is reason to rejoice even when all seems dark around us. No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations. ....Never give in. Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit. For the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart." - President Uchtdorf


My Chloe Hope gladdens my heart every day. She has definetely brought HOPE back into our home and into our lives. I am grateful that she was sent to our family.

Watch this 2 minute video on YouTube. It is worth 2 minutes of your time today. (I can't figure out how to just copy the video on to my blog. Any advice?)

Welcome Baby Ruth

My sister, Marci, just had baby #3!! She is adorable and doing great! Welcome to the world, Ruthie! I can't wait to squish you and kiss your cute cheeks!

Ruth Lynn Weatherspoon

September 23, 2009

7 pounds 5 ounces
18 1/2 inches

(another darling quilt from my mom)

Bedtime conversation....

After a LONG weekend of ER visits and drama, bedtime couldn't come soon enough last night! Chris was putting Chloe to bed last night and had this cute little conversation with her...

(Chris typing....)

I am rocking Chloe while putting her to bed.
Zach opens the door: Chloe, did you brush your teeth?
Dad: Zach, we are going to bed now.
Zach: Okay. (closes the door)
Chloe: Dad, my teeth are not dirty.
Dad: We will clean them in the morning.
Chloe: There’s salt and pepper on my teeth. So, they are not dirty.
Dad: Okay.
A few moments later Chloe notices the place where Dad’s I.V. was in his arm. She pulls a hair out in the vicinity.
Dad: Ow.
Chloe (gently touching the insertion point and looking in my eyes with a concerned look): That hurts, huh?
Dad: No, not that part.
Chloe: Did it hurt at the doctor?
Dad: Yes.
Chloe: Did you say “Ouch?”
Dad: No.
Chloe: Then you’re brave.
Dad: Yeah.
Chloe: I am brave too. We are both brave and strong too. I can carry heavy things.
Dad: You can?
Chloe: Yeah, and I drop them on my feet. So, I am not very strong (while cocking her head to the side and doing her classic wince face).
Dad: Yeah, you are strong.
Chloe: Not very much. Just this much (shows how big with her thumb and finger ½ inch).
Dad: Oh, I think you are stronger than that.
Chloe: Nope. I am this big (shows how big with her thumb and finger ½ inch). And you are this big (shows how big with her thumb and finger 2 inches).
Dad: That’s all?
Chloe: Yep.
Dad: Okay, let’s sing two songs.
Chloe: But, dad, I am three, so I get three songs.
Dad: Do you want one song?
Chloe: Okay, two is fine. Mmmmm…. I want walk in the light and temple song.

Hello from Parker

Since most all of my family hasn't had a chance to meet Parker, I thought I would post a short video of him talking. Like all my other children - he is loud. But, he is cute nonetheless.

Hello everyone! I am 7 months old now, but still don't have any teeth. I sit, roll everywhere and love to babble and play. I am very ticklish and still a great snuggler. My hair is starting to fill in and get thicker, which is causing my longer hair to puff up more. My mom really loves it! I have a new trick that I love to do. When my mom and dad are talking to me, I scrunch up my nose, smile big and start breathing really fast and loudly through my nose. It is super cute and really funny! Enjoy looking at my cute face!!!

Sing me a song

Today's Tender Mercy...

I want to write this down because I know how my brain works....I forget things!!

Today while Chloe was at preschool, Parker and I went over to a friends house from the ward to help do some painting. She is trying to get her house ready to put up on the market so they can move soon. Parker was super patient and happy as usual playing with toys. This friend asked me to tell her about Karleigh - her story and then I ended up telling her about how she died, etc. She had a genuine interest, and for some reason today, I felt in the mood to talk about her. Usually I don't mind because I like to keep her memory alive and share her life with others. It helps me deal with my loss easier. Sometimes though, when people are just asking for the sake if being nosey and have no real interest in caring about what you are saying - that is when I don't share as much. Anyway - we talked as we prepped the room for painting. I got through most all of it without tears, until we got to the "how it ended" portion. That is always the hardest part to share. But I did, and I am glad that I did. It helps me to get it out.

It was finally Parker's eating/nap time, so I went into the other room to feed him and put him down for a nap. All of my kids have something in common - they are either really cranky or just plain hyper before bed. Usually it is the hyper and wild side, which is so much better than the cranky!! Parker decided he needed to be wild for a few minutes and wanted to play.

As we sat in the other room, he was laying down in my arms and I was tickling him. He has a tendency to hold his laugh in and only let it out sometimes. As I was tickling his neck, he started laughing harder and harder. All the sudden, his laugh totally and completely caught me off gaurd! I stopped for a second and thought to myself, "That sounded just like Karleigh's laugh! No, it couldn't have! He has never sounded quite like that before!" So I started tickling him again and again. And he did the same laugh - over and over! I started crying as I tickled and smiled at him. It only lasted for about 30 - 60 seconds, but it was a little piece of Heaven - literally!! I wanted him to keep doing it over and over, but he soon tired of it and wanted to just eat and go to sleep. I have tried to get him to laugh like that again during the day, but he just laughs like his cute self.

This was a laugh that I haven't heard for 4 1/2 years. It was Karleigh's belly laugh. It was not a loud laugh, but a deep chest laugh. I know that probably doesn't make sense, but it does to me. Oh, I wish I had a video camera running for that minute today. I have tried to replay it over and over in my head today so that I can keep hearing it. How I miss that laugh!!

I am grateful today that I was able to hear that laugh of my sweet daughter through my darling son. What a wonderful little gift I was given today. I am grateful to my Father in Heaven for this small tender mercy.

More visitors!!

Last weekend, we had even more visitors come crash at our house! Chris's younger brother, Curtis, was getting hitched and all of the siblings and their families, Chris's parents and grandparents came in town for the occasion. We had a great time with everyone here! Everyone was super helpful and the kids had a blast! If I am counting right, we had about 18 extra people staying with us - then add us 5 into the number - so 23 people. We would have had 11 more, but they decided to stay other places.

The only picture I got of some of the family that was here with us. This is Chris's brother, Clinton and family.

Curtis and Shannon's wedding was beautiful and they were floating in the clouds. They looked so happy and excited! They got married in the Mesa, AZ Temple. I am so grateful that we have beautiful temples that make it possible to be united through the eternities - not just while we are here on earth! What a blessing!

Mesa, AZ Temple

(taken on the day of the wedding)

Just Married!! Congratulations!!!!

Beautiful Shannon

Well, it's summertime in Arizona....that means - HOT!!! The cousins all tried to find a little corner of shade to keep cool in while waiting for Curtis and Shannon. We ended up taking family pictures before the reception later that night. It was just way to hot to keep the kids and little babies outside for very long.

Hot little Parker. He was super sleepy and had a rough time while we were in the sealing. But, in Parker fashion - he quickly turned his frown around and was his happy self.

Stephanie (Chris's older sister) with Chloe and Parker.

Cousin Ian trying to find a little sliver of shade to keep cool.

Handsome Zach!

I sure do love this boy! Man, he is growing up so fast!

Grandpa Stimpson (Chris's dad) with Chloe.

Sisters

Stephanie, Melanie, Kimberly & Brittany

Curtis and Shannon at their reception. Beautiful couple!

Yes, I know these next two pictures are kind of scary! Chris decided to crash the party and dress up in....ummm....I don't know what! Something nasty - that's all I know! He loves to embarrass his siblings when he can!

Family pictures

Stimpson Family

(except for Chris's youngest brother, Brian, who is on a mission in Germany)

Siblings pictures (minus Brian)

Stephanie, Brittany, Kimberly, Melanie, Curtis, Chris, Clinton

Our family

My hottness husband!! I love you!!! If you look close, I am wearing a butterfly on my sweater, plus the butterfly earrings and necklace TJ made for me. Karleigh was near all day! I am so grateful that I am married to my wonderful Chris in the temple! I couldn't imagine not being with him forever!

Can you blame me?

I just want to eat him up all day long!!! Oh...I just can't get enough of this darling little fella! He is just SO dang adorable and always so happy!! Looking at this picture makes me want to just go scoop him up out of bed (even though he's sound asleep) and rock him, kiss him and snuggle him! Man he's cute!!!He is 6 months old now and rolling over and doing very well sitting. He still needs pillows behind him, but can sit and play with toys by himself for about 5 minutes. He babbles all the time and is eating baby food really well....well, except for he is figuring out that fruits are much tastier than veggies!

Parker is so much fun and still loves to cuddle. I hope that he never quits wanting to cuddle with his mommy! He is starting to squeeze back when you hug him and still loves to slobber all over my face when giving kisses - and I totally love every last bit of his slobber!!

I love you, my sweet baby boy!!!

Yeah for visitors!

Visitors are wonderful! Especially when it is your wonderful parents and siblings! The occasion....just because! Just for fun! Actually, it wasn't to see me at all! It was to see my darling kids! I am just the side attraction these days!

We had a great time with some of my family a couple weekends ago. My Dad, Mom, David (brother...who just got home from his mission to CA in June!), and Joy (hottie sister!) dropped off my other brother Brian at the MTC (Missionary Training Center) (serving in the Omaha, NE mission) on August 12th (Joy turned 15 that day too!!). The next day, they drove from Utah to Arizona to see us! So fun! Thanks Grandpa Clay for loaning them your car! So nice of you! They were here for just a few short days, but we thouroughly enjoyed our time with them! I wish they could have stayed longer. Baxter (our dog) did too!! Here are some pictures from our hangout time...

Parker chillin' on the couch early one morning with Grandpa Clay (yes, my son is playing with a doll...and it doesn't bother me one bit! =) Can I just tell you...I have the best dad!

We took a trip up to see the Mesa Temple and go through the Visitor Center there. It is a really neat place. This is David being a good uncle and keeping Parker happy.

Having fun!

Playing with Grandma! Can I just tell you...I have the best mom!!!

Uncle Douglas (Davey's middle name) helping Chloe with the movie. He is headed out to BYU-I in a week or so! (Yes, he's single!!)

Hottness Joy! Joy really is simply fabulous! She is super classy, intellegent and beautiful....oh, and super sweet! We did some shopping one of the days she was here. It was so nice to have my well-dressed, classy sister giving her older, frumpy sister pointers on how to dress! I need to take her with me every time I shop!!! She was a huge help!

Chloe had planned before they even came to play hair bows with Davey! Look at the sheer excitement on her face! She had so much fun putting her bows in his hair!! Thanks for being a good sport, David! It was great to see you again! We missed you while you were away on your mission!

Chloe's turn!

Did I mention Joy is fabulous! She got Parker to sleep twice in one day. Once was at church (and she held him the whole time too!!) and once was after church. She will make a great mommy some day! (Notice Parker is almost as big as Joy!! haha)

Chloe's first photo shoot! This is just one of the many random pictures she took while playing with my camera.

The other thing Chloe was totally looking forward to was playing dress-up with Joy-Joy! She was super excited when I said she could also put on make-up! She wanted to wear it all - especially Joy's "lip-GLASS!"

Zach decided to get in on the action. (ssshhhh, don't tell him you know!)

He didn't want his picture taken proving that he was wearing makeup!

Yes, Joy is wearing Chloe's tutu!

Joy turned 15 while they were in Utah, but didn't get a birthday cake on her birthday! So, we made her a belated cake! Happy Birthday, Wiggy!!