Brie is 3!

Brie is three! During her birthday breakfast Bry and I took turns telling things that we love about Brie. Some of them included Brie being fun, happy, having lots of personality, making funny faces, being sweet with Alex, and being so great to help Mama.

Aside from the things listed on the picture, Brie loves changing her outfit and "matching" different articles of clothing. If she had it her way she would only wear skirts and dresses... with leggings or tights :0)

She loves her little brother and really has done a great job sharing her toys, her things, her parents ;0) She loves to tickle him, blow on his tummy and make him laugh.

One of her favorite things is being my helper...she loves to do what I'm doing! Usually I try to run with that. It's generally so cute to have her little energetic self as my side kick.

Although she is such a girly girl, she hates to have her hair done and runs around and plays with the boys wit the best of them. I kind of think she's going to be our girly tom boy and I love it!

Brie is becoming so capable and wants so much to be independent and to do things on her own, in her own way…especially if it’s NOT what Mom and Dad want :0) But what 3 year old is not going through that? Little by little we’re getting the hang of things and I really am finding much more joy in motherhood. There is joy to be had, I just need to recognize it and embrace it.

Brie you are a sweet, fun-loving, creative, cute girl and we sure love you! Happy Birthday!!

Tis the Season...

...to be sick!

It seems like we pick up one bug and just as we're getting over it we pick up another. What fun ;0) Do any of you seem to be having the same problem this season? After a friend mentioned how inundated we are during the holidays with sweets*, feeling some stress from all of the scheduled activities, AND staying up late to get things done...it dawned on me, no wonder we are more likely to get sick at this time of year. We eat junk, we tend to be overly scheduled, are extra stressed and don't get enough sleep! That's not to say that I'm not enjoying the Christmas season (because I am!) and that I don't enjoy getting yummy Christmas goodies from sweet friends and thoughtful neighbors (because I do!), but I think I would enjoy the season more if I took better care of myself. One of my goals this year is to use moderation when it comes to eating. I think it's OK to have a sugar cookie or some fudge, just not 10 cookies or half the pan of fudge :0)

In any case, I hope you are all enjoying this wonderful time of year...and hopefully not getting too many bugs!

*Bry & I have started brainstorming healthier holiday "treats" to give away. So far we've thought of freezer jam, wassail, clementines and dried fruit. Do you have fun ideas up that lane? I'd love to hear them if you do!

Clustered Together.

Keeping with tradition, we each mentioned something we were grateful for with each Christmas ornament we hung on our little tree. My heart melted as Brie's first 4 or 5 things all involved Alex. i.e. I'm thankful for my baby brother, I'm thankful for making Alex laugh...Oh how I love those two.

The following day I looked over at our tree and noticed a whole cluster of ornaments. Brie had apparently been rearranging and had squeezed nearly 20 bulbs on one tiny branch. My "OCD" tendency was to move them all back, but NO WAY, not this time. I love looking at that cluster and thinking of my cute, creative, curious little Brie :0)

One word...

H.a.n.d.s.o.m.e.

Earning my Title.

Other than the last few days (Alex has been a little sick and is teething so he hasn't had his usual appetite), I definitely feel like I've been earning my title of Mom.

M.O.M. = Maker Of Milk

This little guy is a guzzler. He has been eating purées at meal times, is nursing just as much if not more, and is still up 1 to 2 times a night to nurse. Maybe it's a growth spurt?

In any case I'm trying to savor these moments with him. My favorite is to sit up on my bed, snuggle up with my fleece blanket and hold him close while he's calm, still and quietly nursing....I know that these days will be gone before I know it.

Gone and Done it.

When Bry mentioned Brie's hair getting straggly I knew it was time to finally cut it. I've been trimming her bangs periodically for the last year and a half, but haven't had the heart to trim the rest of her hair. I have to admit I was a sad to see several inches of her hair go. Oh well, life definitely goes on, and let's be honest...she doesn't care! She was happy to get a hair cut :0)

Bring on the snow!

Watching the garbage truck. Still a favorite :0)

Brie = personality :0)

After getting back from our trip (more details on that later) Brie wanted to try out her new winter gear from Bompa & Mémé (vest, mittens and boots). Even though it doesn't look particularly cold in these pictures, it was! Brie stood out there a few minutes, long enough to watch the garbage truck come and go, and raced back in to get warm. I think her choice of tights and skirt didn't quite cut the windy day. In any case it was cute to see her outfitted for the snow, and I can't get enough of her raccoon tuque. Love it.

Such a Warm Welcome.

On Thanksgiving morning we left my Parents' place in Provo and by afternoon we were back home in St. Louis, carrying in luggage, taking quick showers and heading over to Ashley's Mom's house for dinner. We were so grateful for them warmly welcoming us into their home, sharing a beautiful and delicious Thanksgiving meal, graciously entertaining our kiddos, and then generously sending us home with left overs. How thoughtful and sweet of them. We had such a pleasant evening, thank you!

I almost forgot to include some things I'm thankful for! Counting my blessings always does my spirit some good, so before I finish this post, here go a few...
my health
my dear Bry and sweet kiddos
a warm place to live
the gospel that guides my life...
...and a Savior who helps to turn my wrongs into rights
family
transportation
technology (to so easily keep in touch with friends & family)
good food
the spirit
the chance to change
the beauties of the Earth
friends
Brie's giggle
my camera :0)
music
Apostles and Prophets on the Earth today
bright colors
my senses
Alex's smile
the team that Bry & I make

**Two side notes: their turkey was SO big that it broke the oven rack. Now that's big! I love the center right picture of Alex, that sweet grin on his face. What a cutie. **

Is it safe?

I recently read that if you want to check toys to see if they're safe for babies to play with, you grab an empty toilet paper roll and see if the toy can slide through. If it can, it's a no go.

The other day I had Brie be my "tester"...after about 10 minutes we had a whole basketful of "toys for Alex". Plus she now has a better idea of what things she needs to keep off the floor AND she doesn't seem quite as possessive with her toys. Win-win.

Lavendar.

For those of you who recall this post about our dear friends, Ben & Ashley...they've been chosen to adopt a little girl next month. We could not be happier for them! :0)

Last month Ashley's Mom threw the most adorable lavendar butterfly baby shower, ever! (I of course said yes when Ashley asked if I could take a few pictures of some of the details.) It was fun documenting such a delightful event, but even more fun to be there to celebrate with Ashley... to see her on the receiving end of the excitement, anticipation and gratitude that surrounds the birth of a baby. What a joyous occasion!