Harlem Rebecca

My son Tyler and his wife Kieonah had a beautiful baby girl on August 5 2018. Her name is Harlem Rebecca and she joins 17 month old big brother Staten James. The babies have New York themed names because Mom and Dad met as missionaries in New York. And she is the 8th generation of first born girls named Rebecca in my maternal family. They are living with us right now while Tyler finishes his colllege degree and I am loving it so much❤️

Staten James Allred

On Tuesday, March 22. 2017, my daughter-in-law Kieonah gave birth to my 3rd grandson, Staten James Allred. Staten was born at 10:57 PM, weighing 7 lbs 15 ounces, 21 1/4 inches long. His name was chosen for Staten Island, because my son Tyler met his wife Kieonah when they were both serving as missionaries for the LDS church in the New York New York North mission. 

Kieonah had invited me to be in the room with her when she delivered the baby, and while I was honored that she asked, I really didn't think I wanted to be there. Her Mom would be there, Tyler would be there, and I just wasn't sure I should. But once her contractions started, I knew I couldn't leave. It was an amazing experience, watching this teeny little girl go through 15 hours of labor to bring my son's son into this world. 

Every time a contraction started, she reached for Tyler's hand. And hour after hour, his hand was there for her. 

My kids drove 6 hours to be there, and seeing them hold Ty's baby was a moment I will never forget. 

Rogue was fascinated that there is someone littler than him. I think they will be good friends as they grow up. 

Ken was amazing. He waited in this tiny waiting room all 15 hours, going out for food when Ty needed something. We are so blessed to have Ken in our lives. 

And now I'm excited to watch my youngest child raise his own family. 

Life is good :) 

Tyler's Wedding

 A few months before Tyler came home from his mission, he sent me a long letter telling me that he had met a Sister missionary out in the mission field. He assured me that they had done NOTHING inappropriate and didn't even email each other on pdays, but that he would probably want to spend some time with her after they got home from their missions. They would actually be flying home on the same day. Sisters serve for 18  months, Elders for 24 months. So I began email correspondence with the young lady, Kieonah Smoot. I loved her before I met her. She told me that the first time she knew Tyler was someone special was one day in the Bronx when he had received a package in the mail. The Elders were teasing him, saying "Ooh, is that from a GIRL?" and he replied "The only girl that really matters... my Mom". They came home in August, got engaged in November and married on January 16 in the Manti temple. We couldn't be happier! 

 I LOVE that both of my sons chose wives who are so much like their sister. Zack's wife McKenna is on the left, my daughter Ashli on the right. 

This was tough for me. I cried buckets of tears as I shared this dance with my youngest child. Probably in part because he had Zack play "The Baby" by Blake Shelton. From the first time I heard that song, it brings me to tears. I am so happy that my kids have all found wonderful spouses and I hope they have amazing marriages.