Over the past few weeks I have rediscovered how fragile life truly is. Life and death both are miracles. I have seen friends and loved ones leave this life in a blink of an eye; life forever changed. It is amazing to me to see how the world still goes round and that life continues forward no matter what happens. I have also seen how the people left behind have been strengthened so that they might continue on their journey one step at a time.

As loved ones leave this world, new friends and family enter this world full of life and love. As Keeli has entered my world I have been overcome with her spirit and purpose. Everyday I think about how I am so blessed to have her by my side today and how we never know how long we get to spend with each other.

President Thomas S. Monson in his recent Ensign article “May we so Live” stated beautifully, “How fragile life is, how certain death. We do not know when we will be required to leave this mortal existence. And so I ask, “What are we doing with today?” If we live only for tomorrow, we’ll eventually have a lot of empty yesterdays. Let us ask ourselves the questions: “Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?””

I am awestruck to think I have been blessed with a beautiful baby girl, a wonderful husband, and a family who is always there for me. Each day truly is a gift and although I do not know why I am given the gift of life today and others are not, I do know that I want to fill my todays so tomorrow I will never have regrets. So today I watched Keeli sleep and looked into her beautiful face. I talked and laughed with my mom. I kissed my husband goodbye and made sure he knew I loved him.

As Thomas S. Monson says, “We can quicken our step, bolster our courage, and bask in the sunlight of truth. We can hear more clearly the laughter of little children. We can dry the tear of the weeping. We can comfort the dying by sharing the promise of eternal life. May we resolve from this day forward to fill our hearts with love. May we go the extra mile to include in our lives any who are lonely or downhearted or who are suffering in any way. May we “cheer up the sad and make someone feel glad.” May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business, but will be able to say with the Apostle Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.””

More Pictures!!

Here are some more pictures of Keeli! Can you tell what her favorite past time is these days?

Napping with mom!

Posing so pretty for the camera

We stuck here in the sun to help with her Jaundice and boy she was a happy camper. She loves to smile in her sleep and Eric caught a lot of very cute ones!

Smile Big!

So cute!

Keeli's first bath! She was cold!

Getting nice and clean! She loved when we ran the water over her head to wash her hair.

Keeli Anne Harper is Here!!

Baby Harper is here! Keeli Anne Harper was born Monday July 7th at 4:07 in the morning. She was scheduled to be induced Monday; however, she decided she wanted to come a few hours early when my water broke Sunday night at 11:30. Labor was short and sweet and made me so grateful for epiderals. She was 8 pounds 2 ounces, 20 inches long, and cute as can be! She is healthy and strong and Eric and I are loving every minute with her. She definitely feels like a part of our family we can't live without. Here are a few pics of her so far....enjoy!

Being Grateful

Count your many blessings....name them one by one....

Being able to step back and see the blessings in life can be difficult at times. When the world seems to be falling down around you the best cure can often be pulling out the perspective glasses and searching for the good in life. There are staple blessings like faith, family, friends, and being alive that will always be there in times of need. There are also everyday little blessings that seem to slip from your grasp if you do not slow down and take the time to see them. A call from a sister, a hug from a parent, dancing in the living room with my husband to no song just for fun, having a toilet that flushes.... and the list goes on. When the walls are tumbling down around you I hope you can find the strength to look....it may be hard, but oh so worth it. Look for the blessings that have made you who you are. Then hopefully the walls crumbling around you will begin to turn into blessings that are making you who you should be. In the end some of the hardest times end up being the best times if we let them. Never forget to whip out the perspective glasses....and you might be surprised....they might just turn into sunglasses that reflect the many rays of sunshine trying to penetrate your life.