in the "salon."

Brie has been to a salon a few times (both times were paid for) to get her hair cut, but  usually I use a set (we got from our wedding) to cut Dad and Alex's hair.  It didn't surprise me when Brie used some of her Book Bucks to get a "free hair cut" coupon, but it cracked me up when Alex chimed in that he wanted one too!  So about a week ago during school one day, the boys and I drove over to Midwest College of Cosmetology.  It was Alex's first time getting his hair cut in a "salon" and I was amazed by how still you sat the whole time!  (Lij, on the other hand, was mr. squirmy in the stroller next to me ;0))  Rod did a nice job.  It was interesting to watch how meticulous he was, and I realized what a haphazard job I do with your hair cuts!  In any case, you look extra handsome with your new hair cut.  Now if only we could get your {never-noticed-it-before-now} cowlick to lay flay!  Maybe I need to ask Uncle Matt for pointers...

In less than 24 hours...

...(Dad's) Uncle John and Aunt Marlene won you kiddos over!  They are now honorary grandparents :0)  July and the beginning of August were particularly hard months for us.  We wanted to visit family in Utah, we wanted to be at Uncle Rex & Aunt Heather's wedding, and were feeling homesick with few connections here in Normal.  We were overjoyed when John & Marlene mentioned having a conference in Chicago and wanting to come visit for a night!  It meant SO much that they'd drive 5 hours (round trip) to come stay with us.  They took us to Meat head's for dinner, shared fresh produce from Washington (grape tomatoes, the BEST nectarines, watermelon) and Tilamoo cheese.  Then the four of us adults chatted after the kids went to bed.  Sunday morning we had waffles (we learned how to crisp them up and make them dippers) Uncle John played with you kids on the swing set, and showed you how to make their famous chocolate chip cookies.  We all got ready, got some pictures together then headed to church.  They said their goodbyes from there and headed out.  It was a quick trip, but packed full of love.  Dad & I were so touched by their attentiveness, generosity and thoughtfulness.  We hope to be like them when we grow up :0)

5th graders are too loud.

Brie, your first week of school went really well til Friday.  You were eating your lunch when I came to pick you up because apparently your stomach hurt at lunch time, you missed us and wanted to come home :0( On the short drive home you asked how many more years of school you had.  I didn't have the heart to tell you the truth (LOTS) so I told you "several."  You replied, "that's too many."  And went on to tell me how you missed being at home and felt like you didn't have time to do anything with us anymore.  I emphasized that the weekends were filled with fun family time, but this morning you needed a lot of convincing to go back to school.  When Dad & I asked you why you didn't want to go back you said that the 5th graders were too loud at lunch, you missed being with us and you couldn't do monkey bars like Eden.  Today seemed to go better and although I miss you too each day, I hope you can see all the fun things about Kindergarten.

BIG First Day!

What have I been doing during nap time this week now that Brie's in school?  BLOG!  It's been good to catch up...and even better to keep my mind off of Brie.  It is hard that we now have such limited time with her during the week :0(  Our current one-on-one time is after the boys go to bed.  I sit next to her on her bed, she dictates the events of her day and I jot them down in her little journal.  It's been a nice chance to get a few more details out of her about her day and it's nice to just be her & me for a few quiet minutes.

Needless to say that it is nap time and I thought I'd blog about Brie's BIG first day in Kindergarten!  

First off it was really fun getting you ready for school, Brie.  Although the school supply shopping at Walmart was exhausting for you, Alex and me, we both had SO much fun sprucing up your wardrobe with several items from Target.  And we loved piecing together different outfits and hanging them up for easy picking during the school week.  The night before school started you got your promised bubble bath in our big tub.  You were in heaven :0)  Afterwards, we laid out your outfit then I did a pretend "sleepover"...got in my jammies and snuggled with you for a little bit before giving you a final squeeze.  You had a hard time falling asleep that night, but Monday morning you were up by 6AM and in our room around 6:15 to show us how you were all dressed and ready for the day.  I figured that we might as well take advantage of the extra time so we came downstairs and did a mini-photo shoot.  You were so bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and excited...but yawning between poses ;0)  

This is one of my favorite shots.  How cute are you?!  Our little kindergartner, our sweet Brie!

After breakfast, getting your lunch and bags of school supplies, all five of us headed over to Grove Elementary.  Mrs. Kauten handed us an instruction sheet, we found your desk (Briana Graden) and I helped you deposit your various supplies around the room and you checked them off the list.  You got a  few first day of school pictures (just you then one with the whole fam, taken by Mrs. Kauten's mom).  At that point the whole group watched "Kissing Hand" on the smart board then it was time for final hugs and to say goodbye.  None of us cried, I think I did all of my crying Sunday night, and you seemed so capable and comfortable there.  Maybe in part because of all of the times you've visited Aunt Emmie's class.  I was glad not to worry about that.  

After school the boys and I navigated the very full parking lot and picked you up.  You were so nonchalante and seemed like this whole school business was a piece of cake and normal.  

I did a special back-to-school dinner (for you and Dad) then we drove over to Carl's for ice cream.  While there you started getting phone calls from people (Bompa & Mémé, Aunt Emmie, Aunt Rachie, Grammie Ruth) wondering how your first day had been.  I don't think you quite understood why, so I told you that your first day of Kindergarten is a BIG deal...it's almost like a holiday except it only happens once in your life!  It really is a BIG First Day!

After the first day you barely said what you did, maybe because it was too much to process.  Thankfully as the week has gone on you've been a little more verbal about what you've been doing at school.  I still wish I could just be a fly on the wall.  I miss you here at home, but I know it's time for you to spread your wings.  I love you SO much Brie and am glad that no matter where life takes you, you will always be my daughter.  I'm glad we can share the journey!

Childhood Treasures with my Girl.

Well the countdown is over; Kindergarten started yesterday.  I'm so glad that Brie and I have so many mother-daughter memories to look back on from the last year.

One of our summer quiet time bucket list items was dressing up for a Tea Party Tuesday.  I squeezed into an old dress of mine, we danced around to classical music and had a fancy tea party.

Another afternoon was magical as I opened up my childhood treasure bin and shared a flood of memories with you Brie, my little girl, just like I had always dreamed.  We looked through all of my old things: dolls, clothes, perfume, jewelry (best friend necklaces included, remember those Rebecca?! :0)), trinkets, postcards, diaries, even my little glass cupcake that still housed hidden notes to myself in elementary school.  I let you pick out a few favorite things for you to use.

I can't believe you're in Kindergarten, Miss Brie, but you had to grow up sometime.  I love you!!

Bry's 31!

Bry is 31!  It's kind of fun being older than him for 6 months of the year ;0)  This year reminded me of our first year in St. Louis.  We had moved in a month earlier and I decided to do a surprise party for Dad and invite all of the Latter Day Saint  families in the complex (plus Kate & Steve :0)) over for trifle.  It was super fun, but now that we live in a house...in a neighborhood...it's not quite the same thing.  I decided to skip the big party and celebrate just the five of us, and it was great.

The night before, while he was up late working on lesson plans, I decked out the dining room and sewed a birthday chair cover.  I had seen a cute one on Pinterest and attempted to make a similar one.  I love making traditions for our little family :0)...2 1/2 hours later and we now have something else that we can use for each birthday.

For breakfast I made him a little waiting-for-the-streusel-cake-to-bake biscuits and gravy for Dad's breakfast in bed. Then he came down to have streusel cake with the family.  Alex had been throwing up the day before so poor kid had to nibble on a biscuit while the rest of us enjoyed sausage, gravy and streusel cake.  After breakfast you kids loaded in the van and we dropped off ALL of the remaining boxes at the Walmart Recycling Center.  Then during Roo's morning nap Brie & Alex worked on Dad's birthday present from them: cleaning the garage and van.  You guys were good workers!  You helped me assemble a shelf, pick up garbage, sweep, straighten up the van, vacuum and clean it inside and out.  Apparently our bathroom window had been open so Dad heard the whole process, but he LOVED your present! (we sent him on a little scavenger hunt that led him to the garage.)  He was SO excited about the garage being cleaned and organized for the first time ever (we could fit 2 cars in there now if we wanted to!) and was thrilled that the van got some much needed TLC.

During naps Brie, you were my little trifle-making helper.  It was so fun putting it together with you, laughing (about how the pudding was jumping into the bowl), and licking the various bowls and spoons clean :0)

For dinner we had traditional BBQ food then we had our Cookies & Creme Trifle with homemade strawberry frozen yogurt.  Yum.  We all loved the trifle...I think it's one of the best ones we made.  The layers consisted of: Double chocolate bread, chocolate pudding, oreos, crushed oreos, whip cream (with a little bit of chocolate pudding powder mixed in).  Can we say chocolate?! :0)  I gave Dad "the Incredibles" (one of his favorite Disney Pixar movies) for his birthday then we loaded up to check out Grove's class lists to see who Brie's kindergarten teacher would be.  It was a great day spoiling your very deserving Dad.  We sure love you, Bry!  Here's to another great year!!

Summer Reading.

We didn't make many new friends this Summer, BUT...we did stay busy frequenting Normal's Public Library.  They have a fantastic children's program that we dove into!  About once a week we went to get a new stack of books.  (With every reading log we turned in (5 books or 2 1/2 hours of reading) the kids each got $10 book bucks.)  We also took part in several of the FUN activities they offered including a stuffed animal pet clinic, meeting Pete the Cat and Martha.  They went all out with coloring pages, crafts, snacks, pictures and all.  I was really impressed and grateful for fun outings that I didn't have to plan or prepare.  By August 11th you kids finished the 6 logs and cashed in your bucks for: free hair cuts, free hamburgers from Meatheads, a ticket to the planetarium, free ice cream cones from Carl's and color-changing pencils.  You ALSO each got a free book and 4 tickets to a Cornbelter's game.  I loved all the time I spent on our blue bean bags reading to you three...I LOVED how excited Roo would get to read the Choo-Choo book, how Alex was forever asking to read the truck and tractor books and how Brie especially loved the Pig Princess and Strawberry Shortcake books.  I remember summer library time and checking out books as being some of  my best summer memories from my childhood.  I hope it's the same for you kids!

a Special Sealing.

 (2 August 2014)

At the beginning of the month we drove to St. Louis to be present for the sealing of Ben & Ashley to their newly adopted son, Deven.  It was such a sweet experience.  It reminded me how the Lord wants us to be fully committed to our families, that the going will not always be easy, but that we can make it through... especially if we remember to include the Lord in our relationships.  It gave me a stronger desire to try harder with Alex.  We are still having {what seems like} many ups and downs.  The super intense moments aren't as frequent, but I still lose my temper too often :0(  We'll get there, baby steps.  Last week I finished reading "the Peacegiver."  It really opened my eyes to how we each need the Savior and how He is always there to bring us peace.  I pray that I can petition the Lord more often to help me fight the inner battles that I face.  I'm grateful how the temple helps to give us a much broader and eternal perspective and reminds me that it's all worth it.  Now I just need to keep that focus on a daily basis...

According to iPhone, 11.

Cute Alex and his green (favorite color) sno cone in Navuvoo.

 Getting our pocket-sized family made to send in Rex & Heather's wedding package.

 handsome Alex in a new outfit from Grauntie.

 Trying out Shepherd Park.

 It's always a pleasant surprise when the kids bring in red tomatoes and not green ones ;0)

Picnic at Tipton Park.

 Skyping with Heather & Rex when they opened their wedding packages from us.

 New outfit from Grauntie for Miss Brie.

 Just liked this selfie and wanted to include it.

 Playing with pom poms.

 Laying out Pioneer gallery wall for dining room.

 Getting ready to paint an old hutch that my mom gifted me.

 Making cookies for FHE (talking about how each ingredient is important and plays a different role)

 You kids were SO cute and excited to get a CAR cart at Menards :0)

 spray painting in garage.

 Oh Lij and those ducky lips :0)

 Right after this Lij slid head in to the sink, silly little man.

 Alex checking out the guinea pigs at Petco.

 Oh boys, partners in crime ;0)

 Dad spent a whole date night helping me with projects to get my craft room closer to being done.  Now that's true love :0)

 The Hermanas came to help Eva move

 Alex lending us his muscles as well :0)

 I don't know if we helped or hindered, but it was a fun family outing.

 A lovely sunset.

 Alex playing handyman.

 Sometimes while Dad works from home he will make us all snacks, these pretzel sandwiches were a hit.

 123499 miles.  

 Pretty side view of our church building.

 One Sunday Alex, you fell asleep on the way home from church (15 minute drive).  I carried you in, sat down on a bean bag in the family room and happily held you for almost an hour til we had to wake you up for dinner.  You're still my little man :0)

 Dad checking out the corn.

 3 kiddos + 2 vehicles + dad = fun Sunday stroll

 goofy Graden girls :0)

 The repair man had quite the audience while fixing our cold water faucet for the tub.  It broke, was gushing out water and wouldn't turn off.  It happened on a Saturday night so we had to keep the water main off until Monday morning.  Bless indoor plumbing and running water!

 Brie practicing writing her name for kindergarten.

 Hermanas Frisbie and Israelson.

 Oh Roo and his love for dogs :0)

 A few new outfits for Kindergarten, I had to restrain myself.  I've always loved back to school shopping!

 Used this tea cup and thought of Rebecca and her coordinating tea cup in Utah.  So glad she started my love for herbal tea and tea parties!

 We are definitely in a college town and Walmart is kicking off ISU's new school year in a big way!

 After finally finding all of Brie's school supplies...was this a check list or a scavenger hunt?!

 Playing airplane

 and then trains.

 During our quick overnight trip to St. Louis we had a lovely picnic in the World's Fair Pavilion...

 spent the night at Homewood Suites in Chesterfield...

  and went to the Butterfly House.  Costa Rica...soon-to-be home to our Hamilton cousins!

 Finally decided to go see a chiropractor (Dr. Griesbaum) for some SI joint, back and neck pain.

 We had some ward members (the Wisers) over for FHE.

 Made some cute cutoff shorts for brie.

 Adding a few personal touches from home to Brie's pencil box.

 Making 2 kinds of scones (chocolate chip & pecan and blueberry) for Tea Party Tuesday.

 Playing with trains while waiting for his Occupational Therapy evaluation with Easter Seals.  It looks like Alex will be getting therapy for some sensory processing issues.

 a little lunch box carrier I made for Brie...

 Perusing creative lunch box meals together.

 My handsome little date ("Planes, popcorn, ice water, and cookies) while Brie & Bry did a father-daughter back-to-school camp out.

 My parents brought back matching penguins for the kids from their trip to Antartica.  Alex kept confusing Brie's for his so she requested that we add some feminine accessories.  Here we have a very cute Penguina :0)

 Alex being my little chopper for our pizza night.

 The Hermanas teaching the primary kids some Spanish and talking about the importance of Family Home Evening.

 Roo crashing my Sunbeams class, he fit right in.

 When did Alex get so big?!

 Alex had a stomach bug earlier in the week.  I went to Wal-Mart to get some BRAT diet food and needed to pick up some other items to stalk our house.  I wonder what all of the college students thought when they saw applesauce, bananas, white bread, rice and 2 toilet plungers ;0)

 Making some tags for our Redbird Retreat for when people come to visit.  Hint, hint ;0)

 Brie & Alex, you helped me clean and organize the garage AND wash the van for Dad's birthday present...

 ...such hard workers!

 Going to Grove to find out the name of Brie's kindergarten teacher.

 I love when Alex requests to sit on my lap to read stories and puts his sweet little hand next to mine.

We've been working on Graden Groceries, a few laminated tags, some spray-painted boxes, and empty food boxes and voilà.

 Brie (& Alex) helping with little chores to earn back all of their stuff from their laundry room bins.

 The cute Home Sweet Home sign that Uncle Tim so thoughtfully sent us.

Wow, it always surprises me to look through my phone pictures and see the various things that fill our days.  It's kind of been a homesick month, wishing we could see family and that we had friends here...but I'm glad that I have you three cuties to keep me busy.  And Dad's worked from home a lot which has allowed for a lot of outings and errands during nap time.  Although every day has its ups and downs, I'm happy to have you three!  Thanks for loving this often OCD, grumpy, yet trying-my-darndest mother of yours ;0)