The Arrival of Baby Dallin

 Our Julia Joy gave birth to a beautiful baby boy June 19, 2018, in Kirtland, WA, at 10:52 am, 8 lbs., 10 oz. 20.5 inches long. We couldn't be happier. This righteous, pure couple has been pleading for a baby for many years, as well as so many in the family. Countless prayers and fasting in behalf of this desire for them to be parents. Our hearts our full of gratitude to our Heavenly Father for blessing them so abundantly. Julia had a good pregnancy, labor and delivery. It's never easy, but to have things go so well is truly a blessing. It was a joy for Dad and I to come up to Kenmore on Monday, June 18th when we heard that Julia was in labor. We arrived about 8:30 pm. I immediately began helping Julia get through her contractions as did Austin. Within a few hours, they were on their way to the hospital, and thankfully they didn't send her home. She labored through the night.

When I arrived about 9:30 am, I walked in to her room and I immediately felt the presence of the spirit. It was evident that heaven was very near. I wish I would have taken a picture, because Julia was glowing. She looked radiant, and there was a calm, peaceful feeling in the room. I was glad I could be there to encourage Julia as she began pushing. It was a team effort with the nurse, Austin, and myself. Julia was amazing, giving it everything she had and more. She pushed for over 2 hours.

I'm so thankful for the amazing blessing of being there to witness the miracle of birth. After having nine babies, it was fascinating to see it all happen without the pain of childbirth. It truly is a miracle!!! Dad was in the waiting area, anxiously awaiting the news. There was so much going on, I hardly had a minute to let him know. But as soon as the word got out to the family, there was a flood of congratulations from everyone. They named him Dallin Glen Doutre. I especially love the name as we named our second son, Dallin. Of course, Dallin was thrilled. His comment: "And thus I achieve immortality." Janelle responded, "HE'S SO CUTE!!!!  And you're probs my Dallin's favorite sibling right now Jules." 

Austin took right to being a Dad. He was smitten, as was Julia and all of us. I love this picture of Dallin looking at his Daddy.

 I loved holding him, and I managed to get this cute picture of him as he laid in my arms.

Because Mom and baby were doing so well, they were able to go home the next day. This was his little going home outfit. He's so big, he'll only be in his newborn clothes for maybe 10 minutes.

 Little Dallin is checking out his new surroundings at home.

 Julia & Austin are so happy to be a family together at home. Quoting from Julia's blog, "I remember when we were in Pocatello living in a tiny studio, we were eating dinner, and I distinctly remember feeling that we were missing a little boy next to us. Well three years later, he's here and we are SO grateful he is."

 Dallin looks so much like his Daddy's baby picture.

 I love the hug he's giving his mommy in this picture. He is three days old here.

 Four days old.

Five days old and wrapped in the cute swaddle blanket from Clementine, that Emily gave her.

He changes every day. He is six days old. Oh, we love this little one so much. I'm so thankful I can be here to help out. It is truly a joy for me.

Family Time

On March 15th, Thursday, Vivi flew to Hawaii, thanks to a generous gift from Ondalynn and Meredith. That was a special break for Vivi who works so hard at home and the school, working in the lunch room. She had so much fun visiting Meredith's family and enjoying beautiful, Hawaii. She returned early in the morning of the 20th. We took care of Clark, Daisy and Kaeley on Friday the 16th because they were out of school. Brett picked them up early that evening. We hurried on to see "Les Miserables" put on by Gresham High School. Ondalynn, Gary, Sydney and Julia joined us, too. It was absolutely incredible! I couldn't believe the acting and singing of these young people. I didn't need to see it done professionally. 

I love to see the children and their families getting together. March 8th Seth was speaking at the University of Utah, and he arranged a visit with Alice-Anne & Gary and their family. I love seeing those happy faces.

The families are taking advantage of having the Williams' in Hawaii to plan their family vacations there. Meredith & Bryan are great hosts, and they are so good to open their home to everyone. Ondalynn & Gary's family had a terrific week there soaking up the sun. The day before they left, the Vance's hosted the family gathering for Easter in their home. Julia & Austin, Seth & Tiffany and the boys, and Vivi and her children all gathered on for General Conference and the Easter dinner. We were in Utah for Conference, but we're so glad they got together. What fun they have.

Friday, April 13th, Vivi didn't have work as school was out for the day. Dad tended Clark, Daisy, and Kaeley at our home and Vivi and I did a temple Endowment session. It was so lovely to be there with her and have lots of time to visit quietly in the celestial room. Then a quick lunch before hurrying home to rescue Dad. He treated the kids to Taco Bell for lunch.

We love having close by to see occasionally. Seth turned 40 this year. Now that's hard to believe! He had meetings in Portland a few days after his birthday, so we were so happy he came and stayed overnight with us. The next morning we all left for the temple early to meet Seth's boys, Jackson, Addison, and Preston at the baptistery for their youth temple trip. It was so wonderful to see them dressed in white, loving this opportunity to be in the temple. Seth and Dad helped with confirmations and witnesses. I hurried on to an Endowment session.

Tiffany and her Dad, Preston Gee stayed with us on Sunday evening, April 22nd and the 23rd. They went skiing together on Monday and then hiked the Gorge on Tuesday. He treated us to breakfast out on Tuesday morning. Monday night we hosted the sister missionaries and Bro. Larry Norr, who's wife, Donna, died the end of December. We enjoyed a delightful visit with Preston and Tiffany.

Seth participated in a panel discussion at the U of O campus in downtown Portland on Friday, May 18th. It was entitled, Freedom of Expression Series: Response and Responsibility in an Age of Technological and Social Disruption. There was a delicious complimentary lunch for those who registered in advance. One of the men on the panel sat at our table. He is an advisory to Pres. Trump for Asian relations. He has his own PR business and travels frequently across the country speaking to various groups. Seth had sent him some of his work in preparation for this panel discussion. He said to us, "Your son is amazingly brilliant." That was nice to hear. Others who knew Seth made similar comments. It was a treat for us to see him in action and see how recognized as a "rock star" (used by the professor introducing him) in his field, the new journalism with social media. He was eloquent in his delivery. Tiffany praised him for that and he said it probably comes from teaching on a regular basis. It was Gary's last day of work with Mill Creek Developers in Portland where he was instrumental in developing high rises in downtown Portland. He started his new job with an estate developer for the IDM company today, May 23rd!

May Highlights & Sydney's musical

Crismon & Danielle plan is to stay in Boulder for this year with the hope of being accepting into a PhD program next year. He’s been accepted to work on campus with the Admissions office for the coming year. He and Danielle are having a life changing experience in Italy for 10 days with her family. Her mother’s family is from a small village in Italy. There were able to plan a reunion with relatives still there, and 35 relatives came from the US for this gathering.

Seth also has been in Europe for 10 days for a conference that he co-chaired in Munich and Prague. Gary Vance has recently switched to another Real Estate Developer IDM. He’s office is just 5 minutes from home. He’s loving not having 7-8 hours or more a week in commuting.

Emily & Bronson arrived in Madison, WI, the end of May where Bronson begins working for Epic Systems Corporation on June 4th. Emily & Bronson visited the Johns family one last time before moving. We are blessed to be close enough to see Sydney perform in her HS musical, 42nd Street. attend other school and church activities with our grandchildren. It’s a joy to serve in our callings, plant a garden, and enjoy this spectacular time of the year with the trees and bushes in bloom. Oregon is especially beautiful in May!

Mother's Day

I'm so blessed to be a mother of nine beautiful, wonderful children. They are the joy of my life. My joy has been increased many fold as we have welcomed 25 (soon to be 26) precious grandchildren to our family. Our daughters are terrific mothers to their children, and we have been blessed with special daughter-in-laws who are amazing mothers, too. We gathered at the Vance's for our Mother's Day dinner. Earlier that day, we attended the Spanish Branch to hear Paul & Linda Johns speak before leaving their mission and heading home the next day. They have been tremendous missionaries and we will miss them greatly. When Alice-Anne saw this picture of us with the Johns, she said, "That explains why Kenna and Spencer are so tall, and why Elliot and Claire are so short.

Crismon Graduates with his Masters

Crismon's Master's graduation from the University of Colorado at Boulder, on May 10th was a monumental event. He graduated with a Master's in Chinese, with an emphasis in Chinese Literature. We are so very proud of Crismon for his excellent work. We were grateful we could celebrate with them, along with Scott & Laurie Swain and Grandma Taso. It was delightful to get to know her. She's a sweetheart. Crismon chose not to wear a cap and gown, and not to attend the early morning Commencement with all the graduates. However, Crismon and Dad did go the Commencement, afterall, to observe some of it. We all attended the individual college ceremonies.

We enjoyed a delicious Italian meal later that day. The next morning, Crismon & Dad hiked up to the Flatirons, the striking, slanted, reddish-brown sandstone formations that make up a portion of the Boulder's foothills on the west side. Later in the day we attended the Denver temple, and dinner at a very unique Restaurant. The Swain's stayed close to the airport that night, and we went on to the airport for a late night flight home. Crismon & Danielle are so faithful and good. They honor us by their wonderful lives and service to our Heavenly Father.