E A S T E R = New life = New beginnings

Brie, adorning her new bow and
hanging on to her new little Easter duck.

Easter gifts from my VERY generous and thoughtful Aunt Elaine and Uncle Bob. (Elaine is SO creative and could easily have her own little boutique.)


Our little family after Stake Conference.


"Bompa" taking Brie on a little walk to show her a new bird's nest in the yard, look at the peas coming up in the garden and to swing. He sure loves his little Brie.




Rain drops during the rainstorm on Saturday.

Spring flowers making their grand entrance. Can I just say that I LOVE Spring flowers...daffodils, crocus, and hyacinth...the ones that you can always count on coming up no matter what! Once they're here, I know spring is near.

It was SO wonderful spending time with friends and family this Easter weekend, eating good food, and taking part in fun "Easter Bunny" traditions.

Aside from all the fun festivities, I was so grateful to be reminded that Easter is about new life. It was timely to remember that even though I so often fall short and make mistakes that because of my Savior I can repent and change and start over. How grateful I am for that knowledge. How grateful I am for Springtime when new life surrounds us and reminds us of the
hope we can have in new beginnings.

Has it really...

Has it really already been 4 months since our sweet Brie came into our life? WOW! Time is so funny... in some ways it feels like yesterday that she was born and in other ways, it's as if I don't remember life before Brie! In any case, I am so grateful for that sweet little girl...fussy moments, cooing, blowouts, spitting up, more fussy moments, teething, giggling, slobbering, smiling...I'll count all of it as a blessing if it means having my little squiggle bug in my life!

Journeys.

Wow, the weather has been beautiful lately! Monday I decided it was time for Brie to have her first experience with Spring by way of a little "nature walk" around the yard. And thanks to Tyler and Tiffany we had the perfect outfit for the occasion :0)

The summer before Bryan and I got married, my dad put a great little bench swing in the backyard. Brie and I of course had to take a little break before wandering on around the yard. She looked so cute just hanging out. (I wonder what she thinks of all these new experiences!)

Speaking of journeys, I wanted to mention how grateful I was for General Conference. I had been thinking about several of my needs and concerns beforehand and felt that the Lord addressed them all. My "theme" (the area in my life that I want to focus on) as of late is self-mastery. Now, when I say self-mastery I don't mean perfection. Oh no :0) I just mean that I really have the desire to take charge of my life, and to do way with those things that are holding me back. How grateful I am for this Easter week...that I am more fully reminded of my Savior as I set out on this new journey.

One last thought. Bryan and I decided that, in addition to writing out our gratitude lists (and one reason why we love our spouse) at the end of each day, we'd like to add one reason why we love our Savior. It's a new addition of two days, but I have appreciated the way it has helped me think more deeply about the Lord's influence in my life on a daily basis. How blessed we are to be alive at this time! And what a BEAUTIFUL world that we live in! :0)

Have you ever heard...

Brie roar? Ok, so she doesn't actually roar per se, but at times she does sound like she's growling and make noises like a baby mountain lion would make. So at such moments we affectionately call her our little mountain lion cub :0)

Well anyway...for the last two months she's been teething. I know, so early. We're not positive but she sure is extra slobbery, fussy at the most random times and "gums" everything!

My mom, always so thoughtful...went out and bought the cutest little lion chew toy for Brie. At first she had no idea what to do with it. But, since last week--when she started grabbing for things and sticking them in her mouth--she has loved her little lion and carries it around with her. What a cute pair :0)

As I have loved you.

Brie was having a hard time the other day. She was really fussy and I just couldn't seem to help her out. I finally decided it was time for a chage of scenery and a "field trip" up to visit grandpa and grandma. As I walked into my parents' room the song, "Love One Another" started playing.

As I have loved you, love one another.
This new commandment: love one another.
By this shall men know ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one for another.

As I listened to the words and held Brie I started to tear up, thinking of the love that the Savior has shown me, and the fact that His love is endless, even on my "fussy" days. I was grateful for the gentle reminder to continue loving my little daughter, especially in that moment when I felt frazzled and ineffective as a mother. How grateful I am for inspiring music and for the example of One who has paved the way.

Belle Petite Photographie.

Ok, ok...so I might have gone a little overboard with this whole blog thing! :0) But for those of you who are interested, I finally set up a blog where I can post some of my photography.

www.bellepetitephoto.blogspot.com

Maybe someday I'll take pictures on the side, but for now I'm just building up my portfolio. Thank you to my friends and family who have allowed me to take your pictures. And if anyone is interested, just let me know.

The lovely blue bulb nose thingey.

So cold season is back in force and Brie is officially on cold #2. Not too bad. Anyway, at one point during her first cold I was trying to use one of those weirdo shaped things that clears out your baby's nose. I was honestly a bit hesitant and afraid that I would hurt Brie, but she apparently got a kick out of it! :0)...it's kind of hard to see, but when she opens her mouth up wide she is smiling! (Uncle Tim was nice enough to film this for us.)

Happy Birthday Grandma! :0)

So yesterday was my mom's birthday...no matter how old she really is ;0)...I personally think she doesn't look a day over 35. Young at heart and beautiful! :0) Anyway, here is a little photo shoot I did of Brie and "grandma" a few days ago. How blessed we are to be living with my parents and to have Brie surrounded by family.

Rolling over!

Last week we went up to Grandpa and Grandma Stevenson's to stay a few days. The first day there I put Brie down for a nap--in one of the guest room's, on her tummy. I set up the monitor about two feet away and went downstairs to check my email and such. About 45 minutes later I heard Brie cooing and talking. She sounded content so I decided to let her be while I finished things up. About 10 minutes later the monitor was sounding fuzzy and a little garbled. I decided to go check on Brie to see what was going on. I opened the door...and there she was a couple of feet away from where I had put her ON HER BACK, and she was kicking the monitor! (That must have been the interference I had heard :0)) HOW IN THE WORLD HAD SHE GOTTEN THERE?! :0)

I decided to investigate. I put her back on her tummy, waited and this is what I saw...

I called Bry at work to tell him about our daughter's new found mobility! (Good for her, bad for us! :0) No more setting her anywhere while I do things around the apartment!)

When he got home from work we set her on her tummy again so Bry could see for himself!

Brie's baby blessing

Brie's baby blessing day (1 March 2009) was wonderful! It was so nice being in sacrament meeting together, finally as a complete family, with Brie by our side. (Her eyes were so wide, taking everything in!) It was also special to see her encircled by two of her great grandfathers, who grandfathers and her father*. How grateful I am for these good and faithful men who worthily use the priesthood to bless the lives of others. With all that is wrong in the world, I am grateful for such goodness that helps to make things right.

Since Brie was blessed and officially given her name, I thought I'd mention the meanings of Briana Joyce. Briana means strong, noble and virtuous and Joyce means rejoicing, cheerful and merry. Wouldn't you all agree that her name fits her pretty well? :0)

*Her Uncle Tim was also in the circle--microphone AND binkie holder! :0)

I of course was running behind trying to get ready
(After all, it's not every day that I actually
shower and do my hair and makeup! :0))
so Bryan got Brie all ready to go for her big day!

Here they are! Brie is looking a little unsure
of this whole bloomer, poofy dress and bib thing! :0)

The proud parents kissing sweet Briana Joyce.

I love her look here...she has been so alert from day one!

Fun to think that just a little over three months ago
Brie was making her big entrance into the world!
I sure love that little girl. She has brought so much joy
into my life with her sweet smile, beautiful bright eyes,
giggles, snuggles, and coos. How grateful I am to be her mother!

Thecutestblogontheblock.

SO...I love the cutest blog on the block website, but I haven't quite figured out this background thing. Shouldn't the background also be in the center of the blog page? In any case, if any of you know how to make that one work, I'd love to know. Thanks!

A simple little cough makes the world go round! :0)

SO, the last few weeks Brie has been extra fussy. As I started being more observant I noticed that she wasn't having regular messy diapers, she was fussy when eating and was having a hard time sleeping. Last weekend she developed this little cold with a cough. I was worried, of course, but quickly realized that when she coughed her bowels were clearing out...then when it came time to nurse she was happier...and nap time has been much more... napping! Anyway, it's no fun hearing her cough or breathe through a stuffy nose, but I am grateful for those blessings in disguise...those answered prayers that come in unexpected ways! :0)

And the winner is...

So I don't know if it is fair of me to already name the winning contestant, but...last night I came down to our apartment to find the yellow flower taking center stage! I have to admit that I thought the red one would win, but the yellow one decided to pull a fast one on me! Anyway, I've never been so entertained with withering flowers! (Thanks for humoring me :0))

Welcome to parenthood!

So a few nights ago while in bed trying to fall asleep I was thinking of how fun it's been to look around our apartment and find little remnants of a baby everywhere...a bunch of little signs that there is DEFINITELY a baby living here! Anyway, I decided to compile a little collection of pictures...here they are! We sure love you Brie! :0)

Brie laughing...oh, the cutest thing!

Saturday afternoon had been kind of a rough day for Brie...she had been extra fussy, didn't nap well, etc. However, at one point in the evening Bryan was holding her and singing up a made up song to her when she cracked up laughing! Thankfully "grandma" was there to film it because it was a priceless moment! :0)

Little Cupid Kisses

So I finally figured out how to upload videos on my blog. I don't know why it took me so long...it was SUPER easy and straight forward! This is a little movie clip of Aunt Rachie and Brie. She was flying Brie over to give me kisses. It was the CUTEST thing ever! Hope you enjoy! :0)

Gerbera Daisies.

So, I have a love-hate relationship with Gerber Daisies...they are one of my FAVORITE flowers, but they live for such a short time! As for the beautiful bouquet Bry gave me for Valentine's Day, these are the five remaining :0( I thought I might as well be optimistic about the whole thing so...

Here are our five beautiful contestants! Which one do you think will live the longest?! Any ideas? :0)

My sweeties!

I think this year's Valentine's Day was the best ever! To start it off Bryan and I tag-teamed making heart shaped french toast and inviting my family down for a mini breakfast. A little bit later Bry came home (he'd been out with some others in the ward collecting cans for the Food and Care Coalition) with a beautiful bouquet of BRIGHT and CHEERY gerber daisies!!!

For lunch we had heart shaped grilled cheese and BBQ sandwiches with tomato soup and the three of us (Bry, Brie and me) spent the afternoon together! It was so fun having Brie a part of this year's Valentine's Day! She is definitely the LOVE of our life!

That evening Bry made me an AWESOME dinner! He planned it all out...he was going to make it all, we were going to dress up and then eat at 6:30. But since having a baby seems to throw plans and schedules out of whack :0) I helped him finish up the dinner and set the table....and we ate in our Saturday grubbies. It was great! Nice and relaxed, delicious food and so fun to be spending Valentine's dinner cozy and at home with Bry! (OH...for dinner Bry prepared steak, baked potatoes (with sour cream and chives), asparagus, garlic crescent rolls and lemon water. YUMM!)

Bry also surprised me with some Valentine's gifts...a new gratitude journal (our first one is just about finished), dove chocolate hearts (he knows how much I LOVE chocolate), a bag of conversation hearts AND a HUGE pack of AA batteries so that I am never again caught off guard when the camera batteries die! What a guy. I SURE DO LOVE HIM!!! :0) :0) :0)

OH, I can't forget that my dad brought home a sugar cookie (complete with our names written on top with frosting.) for each of us! Earlier in the day I had mentioned that growing up my FAVORITE Valentine's tradition was when he'd come home from work with sugar cookies (personalized with our names). He had stopped doing it several years ago, and apparently he had no idea that we had even liked that tradition. Needless to say that after having told him he surprised us all by bringing some home like old times! Thanks dad!

We finished the evening off by watching "Emperor's New Groove" while I cut Bry's hair...such fun times and what an awesome day!

Je t'aime, Bryan! Ish liebe dish!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

How grateful we are to be blessed with such wonderful family and friends. We sure do love you all!
Happy Valentine's Day! :0)

Collages of Mine.

Let's be honest, since Brie's birth I have taken many a picture and made many a collage :0) Yesterday I decided it'd be fun to set up a blog so I could easily share my latest collages with friends and family. It's password protected (I don't want Brie's pictures to be floating out there on the internet!) so if any of you would be interested in "subscribing" just let me know and I'll send you an "invite" email.

Twin Ground Hogs.

So yesterday, February 2nd--Ground Hog Day, was my 26th birthday! Yep, 26! Crazy, eh? It was a wonderful day thanks to my dear family and friends. THANK YOU! :0)

The women on Bryan's side of the family (Julia, Julie, Kim, Heather, Liz (and Lilli :0)) and Katie took me out for lunch at BYU's Legend's Grille. We had a great time chatting and eating and just being together! We decided that we definitely need to get together more often!

Here I am with my adorable niece (Liz and Alan's daughter) Lilli...we're doing our fishy faces! One day I saw her doing this face and thought it was so cute. She turns TWO on Saturday, and I can not believe what a big girl she is getting to be! What a cutie! And so fun to have in the family! :0)

Me and Bry at Brick Oven...my family took us all out for dinner! You can't beat Brick Oven, it's just classic and so much fun! Thanks Pops and Biscus for taking us out! :0)

For part of my birthday present Rach gave me an ADORABLE memory can that she had put together. For probably at least a half hour we read through the memories, reminisced, laughed and just had a good time! perfect way to spend a twin birthday!! :0)

Matt (Elder Sheets) sent us a Christmas/Birthdays package this week...all the girls in the family got a scarf from the Ukraine. Being the silly Sheets girls that we are, we couldn't help but do "Match Maker" poses! I sure love my sisters and how thoughtful of Matt! (And thanks mom for being our photographer!)

Anyway, what a great birthday! One year older and wiser too ;0) Like I said, it really is my family and friends that made this day special.

And last but not least, I just wanted to thank my mom for giving birth to me and raising me. (Being a mom now brings a hold new meaning to those two things.) You have been such a WONDERFUL mother! I couldn't have asked for anyone better. Thank you Biscus, I sure do love you!

(Me and my cute mom! I think I was almost nine months pregnant here. And hey, it's probably appropriate to choose this picture when I'm mentioning BIRTHdays and MOMs :0))

New do's.

So apparently I'm not smart enough today to figure out how to order these pictures so that they are chronological. Oh well...I'll just post them backwards :0)

Em, Tim and I decided to hang out and try a new recipe. This one was "Raspberry cream cheese coffee cake" or something to that effect. In any case...it was a major hit! SO yummy! I decided to use a heart cookie cutter to cut out a few pieces and thought it'd make a great Valentine's treat.


A picture of the real deal from the cook book. Of course nothing ever turns out quite like the recipe says!

Em, Tim and I at work in the kitchen. Fun times! :0)

Which brings me to...my hair cut! It was time for a change. It's not quite as short as I would have liked, but I think the girl at David Douglas did a nice job.

Yeah for haircuts! :0)

Venturing out to the mailbox!

So let's face it, Brie and I don't get out much, especially Brie! This morning I needed to take some letters out to the mailbox and decided it was a great excuse to snuggle her up (in an ADORABLE snow suit...thanks Kristina! :0)) and take her out with me. Here she is looking so cute...
And of course, since I am a picture fanatic I asked my dad if he take a picture of our mini walk! Being the great and proud grandpa that he is, he accepted! :0)

Weekend with my sweetie!

Bry ended up being able to come home Friday evening which was a fun treat :0) We made lasagna for dinner and got ColdStone for dessert. It was great being together again after five days without seeing each other!

As a surprise for Bry coming home for the weekend I decided to decorate for Valentine's early. I didn't want to spend a lot of money so I bought a few small decorations, a bunch of fun Valentine's paper and then decked out the apartment with little cut out hearts. It may have been a BIT much, but I wanted Bry to feel LOVED! :0) Here is a picture showing some of the cut out hearts.

Nursery Frogs.

For my baby shower gift one of my visiting teachers made this adorable frog quilt. For those of you who don't know...I LOVE frogs! I decided to hang it up in the nursery (well, the "baby corner" :0)). Anyway, this morning I finally decided it was time to do a little photo shoot with Brie and the quilt. I sat her up on her little changing table, but every time I went to take a picture she would slump over to the side. SO, I decided to use frog stuffed animals to hold her up! Here is the result...

I love the face she is making here...it fits right in with the frogs! :0)

What a cutie!

I love this picture...You look at Brie then me and Bry and wonder where she got her genes! :0)

One of our first family pictures!

Briana Joyce Graden :0)

So Tuesday it will already be SIX weeks since Brie's birthday...I can't believe it! She is already getting so big! My mom, Rach and I measured and weighed Brie at her 1 month mark and she was over 9 lbs.

Life is good. I feel SO blessed to be living in my parent's basement apartment. They (as well as the Gradens) have been wonderful to help us out FREQUENTLY! I don't know how I'd stay sane without their help!!

As many of you know Bryan has officially started his first busy season with KPMG. He spent last week in Seattle and got to spend Saturday with Grandpa and Grandma Graden (which was a special treat!). I picked him up from the airport yesterday evening...it was SO nice having him home, even if it was for less than 24 hours!! He left this evening for Logan where he'll be spending the next five days. It definitely isn't what we prefer, but we feel that it is the right thing for now...and we know that the Lord has blessings in store...we just need to open our arms to receive them!

Anyway, Brie's already had her "midnight snack" and is back in bed which means that I need to be sleeping too :0)

I'll post more later!