Branson. Silver Dollar City. Springfield.

(8-13 May 2013)

A few weekends ago the Hintzes and our little family headed down South for a little vacation.  When we got to Ozark we stopped in to have dinner at Lambert's.  It was kind of crazy trying to eat dinner with 2 babies and 4 little ones, but it was fun anyway.  I especially loved seeing Brie bravely raise her hand when the hot rolls came out.  Good ol' Home of the Throwed Rolls ;0)

(notice Alex's Cheetos face and fingers.  Oh boy :0))

The drive down was beautiful with all of the green rolling hills.  Thankfully the kids napped for most of the drive, but the last 45 minutes or so Elijah was screaming...he doesn't like being in his car seat and wouldn't take a bottle.  He had Brie in tears by the time we pulled up to where we were staying (Branson Towers Hotel) because it made her so sad to hear him crying  like that :0(  She ended up being sick for part of our trip and I think that, the excitement of traveling with friends, lots of road trip snacks and potential motion sickness) contributed to that.  Poor girl.  She, Elijah and I ended up spending part of a day in the hotel watching cartoons and napping so that she could get feeling better. 

Bry took Alex to Silver Dollar City for the morning (they did some smaller rides, tested a myriad of BBQ sauces and rode the train) then came to pick us up so we could spend the afternoon in the park.  Thankfully Brie was feeling much better by that point and was able to ride some of the kiddie rides!  I took Brie and Alex on a river rapid one (Lost River of the Ozarks)...Alex of course got splashed by all of the waterfalls and rapids and was crying by the end.  He was totally soaked and scared by the whole thing, poor kid. We got off the ride and I said, "let's go show Dad how wet we got!!"  That seemed to help a bit.  Other than that we just wandered around enjoying the fun western ambiance of the park and reliving some of Bry's childhood memories.  We got a funnel cake (oreo), Brie won a stuffed animal bear, and we spent the rest of the time riding some smaller rides with the kiddos.  Alex LOVED the Happy Frog ride and Brie and I did the swings (Magnificient Wave Carousel) together.  We finished off the day with me riding one of the "bigger" rides (Electro Spin).  The sun was starting to set and it felt like I was flying up over the trees....what a beautiful view and fun way to end the day.  It was such a pleasant afternoon with our little family. A BIG thanks to Bry's high school friend who got us free passes for the day!!!

Yes, that's Little Lij crying in the background.  

Filming and holding him wasn't quite working out :0(

After getting the kids down the Hintzes listened to our monitor so Bry & I could have a mini date.  We went and got peach cobbler and ice cream and listened to a man playing turn of the century type music (am I thinking right, Bry?) on a grand piano in the lobby.

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Saturday we had breakfast in our PJs at the hotel then spent the rest of the morning at the pool.  It was so cute to see the kids in their floaties swimming around (thank you Diana and Cynthia for lending us your Puddle Jumpers!), and so nice to relax in the hot tub too!  Once we were all ready and packed up we headed to Springfield.  Bry decided to take a scenic route so he could point out some memorable places from his childhood.  It took us quite a bit longer to get into town, but it was fun to let him reminisce (sorry Hintzes who were following us! ;0)).  

We went to Bass Pro to let the kids run around, see the COOL displays & live fish and to climb on the ATVs.  They were in heaven! Those were some of my favorite moments from the trip :0)  At that point the Hintzes headed back to St. Louis and we headed to Andy's for some frozen custard. (I wish we had been able to spend more time with the Hintzes, but the interactions we did have were fun.)  It's like Ted Drewe's, but they have chocolate custard.  So what did I order, the triple chocolate custard of course!  to. die. for.  Comme c'est délicieux :0)

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The rest of the time we spent with Ben & Ashley in the beautiful and spacious home they're now renting.  It was so wonderful to just let the kids do their thing...running here and there, out through the breezeway into the back yard.  It was great!

Ben & Ashley not only hosted us for a few nights, but also hosted a BBQ so Bry could reconnect with some Springfield friends. (Apparently we didn't get a picture of Taylor & Stephanie and Geni, and Rusty & Glenda Cane before they left.  Bummer.)  Although I don't know any of his friends very well, it was fun to see them again and catch up a bit...and be reminded that God puts specific people in our lives for different seasons and different reasons.  What would life be without good friends and family who support, strengthen and inspire us? 

the Allisons.

Bro. Zahn, Alex, Bry, Ben, Liam & Charlie Zahn.

Ashley, Me, Brie, Sarah and Autumn Zahn.

(Our three mothers-in-law were best friends here in Springfield and have since passed away.  It seemed special to be spending time together...almost as if we were carrying on the legacy of their friendship.  It'll be neat to meet the three of them someday.)

Saturday evening, after the BBQ, we put the TIRED kids down and Ben & Bry chatted while Ashley & I had a good ol' heart to heart.  Ashley, thank you for sharing, listening and giving words of encouragement.  It was SO wonderful to reconnect with you again!!

Sunday was Mother's Day.  Ben (& Bry) made us a delicious home-cooked meal (omelette, yogurt parfait with Ashley's homemade yogurt & granola and fruit AND toast with Ashley's homemade wheat bread).  Oh delish! And so nice to sleep in and not make breakfast ;0)  We attended church in the chapel that Bry attended as a boy.  It was cute to have him point out, that's where my family would often sit...and this is where I first passed the sacrament.  We even ran into a sweet older couple who had known Bry's family.  It was great to listen to the talks and attend church, but I have to mention that Elijah was really making sure I was doing my motherly duties on Mother's Day ;0)  He blew out of his diaper twice and spit up all over me three times!

That evening we went over to the Petersen's for a laid back dinner (eat what and when you want) while the family did a Google Hangout with their brother Jarom who is on an LDS mission in Florida.  At one point I was outside, the sun was beginning to set and was casting a beautiful golden and cheery light on the surroundings and a pleasant breeze was blowing (I've realized that most of my favorite moments are outside with beautiful weather and a slight breeze :0)).  For whatever reason it made me think of Bry's Mom, Vicki.  It seemed fitting to be back in Springfield, where most of Bry's memories of his Mom were made, on Mother's Day.  We ended up driving past the two homes that they lived in and Bry told us a bit about Grandma Vicki...baking cookies and brownies, loving and serving others.  It was a sweet way to end the day.

Monday morning we enjoyed the nice weather: blew bubbles, did wagon rides, colored with sidewalk chalk and I did mini photo shoot of Ari.  What a beautiful blond, blue-eyed girl!  Before we left Bry, Alex and Ben went and got us carne asada burritos from the Purple Burrito. Muy, muy rico. Yum.  MUCHAS gracias :0)

As always, it was hard to say goodbye!  We sure love those Petersens.  If only we could spend more time together, but I can't complain...I feel so blessed that we live in Missouri and get to do these fun little weekend trips occasionally.  They are good for the soul :0)

And there you have it, our first official vacation as a family of five.  It was sweet to be making so many wonderful memories with my kiddos over Mother's Day weekend.  I have SO much to learn as a Mom.  Most days I feel like I'm in the refiner's fire and half the time I feel like I'm getting burnt ;0), but I really love those sweet kidoodles and am SO grateful to be their Mom.  (And I'm so grateful to my Mom and Grandma who have taught me SO much about being a Mother.  I think so often of how my Mom would handle things and the never-ending love that she shows for us kids.  I love you, Mom!)

Our Savior's Love.

Matt's visit ended on a particularly sweet note.  Since none of the grandparents would be able to come visit any time soon and since we had no immediate plans of visiting Utah, we decided to bless Elijah while Matt was in town. 

For those of you who don't know, while we were in the hospital after Elijah's birth I was holding him in bed one day when the thought came to me to sing to him, "Our Savior's Love" and that it would be "his song" (Brie's song is "Beautiful Bright-Eyed Brie", Alex's is "We Love You"). Well as we were walking in (late ;0)) to Sacrament meeting,  "Our Savior's Love" happened to be the opening song.  It was a sweet "coincidence" that made his blessing day even more special!   

As I was jotting down notes during the blessing I suddenly recognized little coos coming through the microphone over the loud speaker...it was Elijah contently cooing while his Father pronounced the blessing.  It was so sweet. 

After church I snapped a few more pictures of Matt & little Lij.  It was so cute to see Lij looking intently at Matt and smiling.  Those two have a special connection and I'm sure they'll be great friends!

 (The collar on his blessing outfit was making him root so I changed him into these overalls afterwards.  For his blessing he wore the same outfit that Alex did on his blessing day.)

 

         Our Savior's Love.

1. Our Savior's love

Shines like the sun with perfect light,

As from above

It breaks thru clouds of strife.

Lighting our way,

It leads us back into his sight,

Where we may stay

To share eternal life.

2. The Spirit, voice

Of goodness, whispers to our hearts

A better choice

Than evil's anguished cries.

Loud may the sound

Of hope ring till all doubt departs,

And we are bound

To him by loving ties.

3. Our Father, God

Of all creation, hear us pray

In rev'rence, awed

By thy Son's sacrifice.

Praises we sing.

We love thy law; we will obey.

Our heav'nly King,

In thee our hearts rejoice.

Text: Edward L. Hart, b. 1916. (c) 1977 IRI

Music: Crawford Gates, b. 1921. (c) 1977 IR

Uncle Matt.

(25 April - 5 May 2013)

(sure love mon petit frère grand, Matt!)

It was SO fun having mon petit frère grand come and visit.  We LOVED having him in our home!  Highlights from his visit include:

getting Steak 'n Shake milk shakes (and shooters) * Elijah meeting Matt for the first time, instantly smiling and cooing...then spitting up and blowing out on him.  It was like he was excitedly trying to show Uncle Matt all that he was capable of doing ;0) * Matt helping me take the kiddos to a Dr.'s appt. * getting fun snacks from Costco * a fun-almost-surprise Circus Train birthday party for Matt, Alex and Adam * chatting with my little yet wise brother * Matt spending lots of time assembling Alex's new little Coupe * attending the ward fundraiser, Matt pitching in to win hot fudge sauce at the auction * Matt helping me with the kids!! * the Brandt family coming over for ice cream (the highly wanted hot fudge ;0)) and "Starry Night" lemon curd cupcakes * getting a Gooey Louie * Studio C clips (Driver's Ed :0)) * Elijah sleeping through the night!!! * taking a walk with the kiddos to the church, enjoying the beautiful Spring weather * picnic lunch outside the DUC * ice cream and Studio C (automated background check :0)) *  Goodwill Outlet * going to Best Buy--Microsoft surfaces, tablets, touch screens * Matt watching Brie & Alex AND Hansen boys while I "swapped" callings with Cegan * Ted Drewe's * Brie telling Matt that he looks good in anything.  She still has a crush on him ;0) * Maggiano's * Matt spending several hours getting Ruth Anne's old iPhone unlocked and up and running for me to use! * Matt & I doing a mini cooking competition with rice crispy treats (PB chocolate and apple pie) * watching "Wreck it Ralph" * all 6 of us doing the Jim Schoemel 5k Walk--pretty sure we came in very last, but we did it! *  3 free sandwiches from Jersey Mike's * Matt & Bry taking care of kids at Hintze's while I shot a wedding at the Botanical Gardens * Matt giving Bry a beautiful blessing * Matt standing in the circle for Elijah's baby blessing * doing crêpes for our last dinner together * watching Matt with the kids.  He's such a great uncle and will make a wonderful father some day * having so much Matt time all to ourselves!

 (One evening we all got dressed up a little and headed to Maggiano's for dinner, emphasizing to Brie what a special occasion it was.  She was so excited.  Alex and Brie were generally very polite and well-mannered, and we had a delightful and delicious dinner.)

Matt, want to make this birthday trip out to St. Louis a tradition?! ;0)  We sure love you!  You're welcome any time!

Circus Train.

Last year we talked Matt into coming out to visit around his birthday.  Remember this 1-2-3 Cheerio birthday party?  Well he decided to come out again this year to visit at the end of April.  How could we not do another combined birthday celebration? ;0)  Considering that Alex and Adam LOVE trains and cars and trucks...animals...and POPCORN...I decided to do a Circus Train theme.  Laura was a great sport and let me run with my crazy scheme ;0)  In the end this is how it turned out...

I JUST realized that I had the month wrong on our "circus train posters"...oops.  Good thing they weren't really for advertising an event ;0)

Since the boys were going to have presents to open at the party we didn't want Matt to be empty-handed.  I decided to make him this little card with "tickets" for some of the main outings we had planned while he was here (dinner at Maggiano's, Ted Drewe's, Gooey Louie cake and trip to Goodwill Outlet).

Who: Gradens + Hintzes + Jon's parents & Brexton + Matt

When: Friday 26 April, 2013

Where: Hintze's place in Crestwood

What:  BBQ, "Wonder Pets" circus train episode + popcorn, cupcakes and presents

Some of the highlights from the party include: the kids eating in and being pushed around in their "box cars" (empty boxes from Costco ;0)) * yummy BBQ food * silly mustache straws * Fitz's rootbeer * the kids enthralled while watching movie & eating popcorn * Adam demolishing and polishing off a cupcake or two :0) * Alex, Matt & Adam swirling around on the toy ferris wheel * Matt being the star of the show * the kids dancing and twirling and chasing around with the streamers

Thanks, Jon & Laura, for hosting and manning the grill!

a Few Firsts.

(16 March 2013)

While Rach and Starla were in town Bry gave Elijah his first bath.  Unlike the other two, he didn't cry at all...and since then has only cried during one bath.  He typically just lays there and soaks it up contently ;0)

(18 April 2013)

A few weeks ago Brie gave Elijah his first {pumped} bottle of milk.  He took it like a champ...and Brie thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.  She LOVES her baby brother!

dancing in my dreams.

From preschool to my freshman year of high school I participated in some sort of dance class.  The majority of those years it was "Creative Dance" a BYU modern dance program for children.  (Have I mentioned this before?)  I LOVED it!  Unfortunately when I was 11 I didn't get signed up in time to take the class and ended up doing a year of beginning ballet instead.  That was kind of the official end of creative dance for me.  I did audit a beginning modern dance class at BYU the semester after my mission, but haven't done much with it since.  I was never an amazing dancer, but the desire to dance has never left.  In fact many nights I dance in my dreams.  If not in real life, at least I make it happen then :0)

In any case, I try to foster a love for dance, movement and music within my kids.  It brings me joy to see them dance.  A few weeks ago it was a beautiful Spring evening so we took a family stroll.  Brie was flitting about, picking flowers, laying in the grass and dancing in the wind.  It really was so joyful.  

not ready yet.

Tonight I tried to put Elijah down twice, both times with no success.  I let him cry for a few minutes the second time, then decided that he must not be ready to sleep.  I brought him downstairs, sat down on the couch with my knees up and sat him in my lap facing me and asked him if he wanted to talk, like I often do if he's not settling down.  He was so quiet at first then Bry came down and he started talking away excitedly to Bry.  I stroked his sweet soft head as he cooed away.  It made me cry, what a sweet interchange.  I wonder if he had missed interacting with his Dad today and wanted to spend time with him before going to bed.  That Elijah sure has a sweet and sensitive spirit.  We love you!

oatmeal.

Oftentimes Bry will start a pot of oatmeal (usually good ol' fashioned oats, chia seeds...and sometimes flax seeds) in the mornings.  He let's it simmer while he gets ready and then I usually come down and add brown sugar, honey, fruit and spices.  He grabs some to take with him as he runs out the door and then the kids and I usually finish it off after they've gotten up.  This morning while eating breakfast I called Bry so the kids could tell him good morning and we could have a family prayer.  Brie thanked him for making the yummy oatmeal.  Bry commented that he just made the oatmeal but that I turned it into something yummy.  It got me thinking, that our oatmeal for breakfast was pretty representative of me and Bry, our roles and relationship.  He so often does the behind-the-scenes, non glamorous yet foundational and vital tasks that keep our household running.  Although I too have my own mundane tasks, I am often the one that gets to add some creativity and spice to life.  Both roles are different and both roles are important, and together they make something great!  I sure am grateful for my early-morning-oatmeal-making husband ;0)...and that we get to work side by side in this wonderful journey of life!

our Schmemmie.

(29 March - 7 April 2013)

Em flew out and spent her ENTIRE Spring Break with us...SO thoughtful of you, Schmem.  As always we LOVED having her here.  There is nothing like having my big sis come, tapping into her wisdom, laughing at her hilarious stories, her spoiling the kids with cute gifts and lots of attention, eating up her yummy cooking, and having good ol' heart to hearts. (I was reminded of how I have always been able to talk to her about ANYTHING and come away feeling better about life.)   This time in particular, with new Baby Lijah and all, she was so great to help with the kiddos, make meals...get the kids to clean up their disaster of a room, and put up with her irritable little sister ;0)   I am so grateful for her and the time we got to spend together.  Here are some highlights from her visit:

late night chats * Target runs * Park Forest Easter egg hunt * Easter baskets with the kiddos * cooking up a storm Saturday evening to get ready for Easter brunch and dinner * heart 2 heart * Em making us Easter dinner * watching "The Other Side of Heaven" * Em taking the kiddos to the park * Em helping me babysit a few kids * watching "Cars" and IMO's pizza {living room} picnic *  Em watching all 3 kids so I could grocery shop by myself * watching "Parental Guidance" * Em taking care of Elijah late at night so Bry & I could go to sleep * listening to portions of the children's book she's writing (Princess Sue Sue, Dilly...) * staying in PJs * daily naps * Ted Drewe's * Man coming to pick up the washer & dryer unannounced, the house being a wreck.  oh the joy ;0) * Pappy's BBQ picnic at Wash-U with Bry, Em & kiddos (surviving our drive there ;0)) * Alex cuddling up next to Em to watch "Blue's Clues" or "Wonder Pets" :0) *  going over to Ruth Anne's to look through her jewelry (Ruth Anne giving her the necklace she'd made for Em to wear on her wedding day) * Em watching the 3 kiddos so Bry & I could get dessert at Cheesecake Factory * Em helping me figure out how to better handle and discipline Alex (more consistent time outs, Alpha Dog ;0)) * watching "Les Miserables" * seeing Brie dress up in the new outfits Em had given her * Em making us a crockpot breakfast casserole * Em soaking up the snuggle time with Little Lij * attempting to watch General Conference and wrangle the kids * Em & I making cookie dough cheesecake bars * late night IMO's Pizza delivery ;0) * Em making us dinners * cooking up puffed pancakes for Schmem * making a silly little Graden Family collage card *

We love you, Schmem!!

Easter with Em, take 2 :0)

Emmie came out again to visit us around Easter time.  I say we make this a tradition :0)  Before I do an official post about her visit, I wanted to post about Easter.  Saturday we {made it in time} saw the Easter Bunny and did an egg hunt at the complex play ground.  The kids loved her (yes, Sarah from the office said that this was a girl bunny), even Alex!  They kept hovering around her and giving her hugs.  Gotta love it! During nap/quiet time I made scrapbook paper monogram tags for each of our bags...inspired by some that I had seen at Target. It made for a fun little creative outlet while Em snoozed with Elijah on the couch, and it will be fun to use them each year.  After Alex got up from his nap the kids came downstairs to find their Easter bags.  We had little bags for each of the kids (with fun surprises added from Bompa & Mémé and Aunt Rachie) and then Em emptied her carry-on with all sorts of other cute clothes, candy and gifts for the kids AND for us.  She has always been UBER thoughtful!

Remember me mentioning the Panda Cheese commercials?  Well when I saw this panda bear at the Outlet I couldn't help but buy it for Alex!  Then I found these little panda treats and knew they had to go in his Easter bag ;0)

Before heading out for church we of course had to get a little family picture.  If you look closely Elijah is also sporting a bow tie ;0)  Good ol' Target dollar bins.

Sunday morning Ed & Ruth Anne came over for brunch then joined us for Sacrament meeting.  It was so nice to spend the morning with them, especially since they just recently moved away :0(  After sacrament meeting I came home and started coming down with a really nasty cold that put me out for the rest of the day.  Sweet Emily whipped up a lovely Easter dinner for us while Bry wrangled the three kids.  Bless you, Schmem!  Bring back memories from Thanksgiving? ;0)

With it being Easter weekend and all I was especially grateful for the conversation that Em and I had one night after she got into town.  We talked a lot about baggage, change, repentance, making mistakes and the Savior's atonement.  I'll probably say this each year, but even though I don't even start to comprehend the atonement, I am grateful that I have this life to learn, to change and grow and to become more like my Heavenly Father!

My little man is TWO.

 

Tomorrow is Alex's birthday.  I really can't believe he will already be two.  Where has the time gone?!  He especially seems so grown up since Elijah's birth.  His speech has totally taken off and he wants more and more to be independent, but he is as busy as ever!!  A few weeks ago Brie asked when I was going to have another baby (love the things kids say!) and I said not til Alex is a BIG boy and can help out ;0)  He is one busy kid and keeps me SO busy.  Thank heavens that he is such a champion napper!!  The last several months have been challenging with him, but I sure love that little guy to pieces.  He just wants to do big people things yet does everything with such intensity and vigor that it usually breaks something or hurts someone.  Bless his little heart.

Some of you may know that it is almost impossible to get a "good" picture of Alex (where he's actually looking and smiling) so that last little while I've grabbed my camera at any and every possible photo op of this kid.  

Here is a series I took during snack time after church last week.  Oh the many faces of Alex.  The ones where he is actually smiling is because I got Brie to come stand by me and asked her to get him to laugh.  Isn't that smile killer? :0)

 If I were to sum up Alex I would have to include that...

• he is such a tease!  He loves to get reactions out of people, especially Brie.
• he loves cars and trucks and is constantly carrying around his Lighting McQueen car or vrooming his garbage truck.
• he loves popcorn (part of our severe thunderstorm tradition) and FREQUENTLY says, "thunder, popcorn!"
• he is SO fast.  If I turn for one or two seconds he is out of sight!  

• I love his eyes...they're not quite hazel and not quite brown, and when he's not getting into trouble they're so sweet ;0)
• he loves breakfast and especially loves his bran flakes and whole milk, but the other meals are hit and miss.  He currently loves avocados ("cados"), mexican food, eggs, chicken, cucumbers, cheese, dates, bread and sometimes noodles.
• he loves to play outside and let's us know when he's ready to go play by saying, "shoes on, outside" and peeking out of the mail slot.
• he LOVES to watch "Blues Clues", and "Wonder Pets" (thank you Emily ;0)) and will actually sit still for a few minutes when they're playing.  I snagged these pictures while he was watching an episode of "Blues Clues"...

 Even though he is concentrating here and not smiling, isn't he handsome?! ;0)  And I just love that he's got his car in hand.  (Thank you, Azhar, for ALL of the boys clothes you've given us.)

• he is usually found with a coin or two in hand.  He likes to find them, carry them around and stuff them in random places ;0)

• he loves when we use the blender and especially loves smoothies!
• he loves our neighbors' animals (Sparky, Winceton and Toppy)

 

• he loves his Dad!  He loves to tickle and be tickled by his Dad...usually the first thing he says when he wakes up is "see Daddy" and loves for his Daddy to carry him around.
• he is typically an AWESOME napper (usually 3 to 4 hours...I know, I know, I'm SO lucky, it's true.  I think I'd have a nervous break down otherwise ;0)).

• he must take after his sister and likes to "accessorize" in entertaining ways ;0)  My favorite is when he walks around in Brie's Hello Kitty galoshes or her princess heels.
• he is our little parrot and catches on SO quickly to new words.
• he loves to sing and will frequently fill in the blanks when we're singing his favorite nursery songs ("Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam", "Bubble, bubble, bubble" , "Twinkle Little Star" , "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission" , "I'm a Child of God")

• he is expert at throwing tantrums, flailing and flinging himself on the ground.  Gotta watch out for this one when he gets upset!  Have any of you seen the top five Panda Cheese commercials?! (Thank you, Rebecca for posting that on your blog!...many of good laugh has been had :0))  The panda totally reminds of us Alex.  Sweet, innocent little eyes and then he grabs my glasses off of my face', chucks his plate across the room, ETC.!

• he WISHES he could sit at the table for meals, but we're not yet ready for that fallout, so we contain him in highchair for breakfast, lunch and dinner...but I'll often let him do snack time at the table.  He loves that!
• he earns himself frequent time outs and a second or two into the time out he is saying, "sorry {Mama, Brie, Dada...).  If only sorry meant not doing it again ;0)
• he has quite the collection of "friends" (Blue, Boo, Giraffe and his monkey pillow) that he usually insists on having with him when he sleeps.  He always asks for "more water" in his sippy before getting zipped into his peapod.

• he loves his brother and whenever he sees him says, "see baby lijah...kiss head"
• he has started kneeling down and folding his arms when we say family prayers.  With some help he says his own, "thank you a food...thank you a popcorn...thank a Brie..." etc.
• he loves to put his dirty diapers in the pail and throw garbage away for me in the trash.  Pretty much he loves doing anything "grown up" like sweeping, mopping, putting dishes in the dishwasher, and I try to let him "help" as often as he can.
• after a few weeks of me saying, "let's make your hair extra handsome" and spraying his hair into a little mohawk he now requests "hair handsome, spray"
• lately I've caught him doing sweet little things like bringing Elijah a blankie or sharing his snacks.  Tonight we were having carmel corn for dessert, I was sitting on the couch nursing Elijah when Alex noticed that my bowl was empty.  He took it, filled it with popcorn and handed it back to me.  HOW SWEET!  It totally blew me away!  There is a sweet little self behind that busy and mischievous little face, I knew it ;0)

As busy and crazy as you can OFTEN be...we sure love you Alex, and hope you know it.  

Happy second birthday sweet boy :0)

on my mind and heart.

There have been a few things on my mind and heart lately and I want to record them so that I don't forget them.

• I have forever had a great fear of needles.  Before being pregnant I had never had my blood drawn.  My first glucose test, while pregnant with Brie, was a very anxiety-filled experience.  The whole hour wait was filled with nervous anticipation and fear.  The second time around it was a tad bit better, and this third time I felt like the Lord wanted to teach me something.  After drinking that lovely sugary drink {couldn't I just bring in a big gulp Sprite or something?} I sat down in the waiting room...nervous butterflies started to invade.  But at the same moment a thought came to mind that my kids were in good hands (with Meghann, one of my sweet visiting teachers), the waiting room was quiet, I had a good book to read and an hour to myself and that I should enjoy it.  I decided to follow the thought and the butterflies quickly drifted away.  Occasionally I'd look up at the clock, see that I was getting closer to when I'd get my blood drawn, and I'd get nervous again.  But just as quickly as the anxiety returned a gentle reminder would come to not worry about that now...but to enjoy the serenity of the current moment.  Eventually the hour was up, my name was called and I walked back to the room.  The butterflies came back, I was pricked and it did hurt, but my blood was drawn within a minute and I was free to go.  How grateful I was that I had listened to those inspired thoughts.  What a difference experience I was able to have because I decided to not give into the pain or fear any longer than I needed to.  It made me think of the scripture in the Bible,  Matthew 6:34 "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
• I have a lot to learn about forgiving and am trying to set down that road to find greater peace and love in my life.  As a parent I have found it hard to forgive when my kids seem to do the same thing over and OVER again.  (You know, since I never make the same poor choices...never ;0))  And it's in those moments that I get so frustrated and upset.  But the other day I had the thought that part of patience comes as we choose to forgive in the moment instead of overreact.  Instead of seeing the mishap as the 500th offense I can choose to forgive, see it with fresh eyes and act with patience and love.  That was eye-opening to me.  I hope now that I can apply it.
•  Bry and I were just mentioning how we have felt so blessed lately.  On days when we should be exhausted with no energy and less patience...we have been buoyed up and our efforts prospered.  We truly feel that the Lord is with us and that our prayers, and those of friends and families, have been answered.
• My greatest job right now is a mother to my children.  It is primarily up to me to teach and to nurture them.  If I am too busy to patiently teach them the lessons they are to learn...I am too busy.  Sure we all lose our tempers, but if I am consistently getting frustrated with my kids while in a panicked rush out the door, I am missing the mark.  I recently saw this Mormon Message on Motherhood (I just LOVE Mormon Messages!), and loved this quote...
  "Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for." 
• Speaking of  Mormon Messages that I love, have you seen the one on Fatherhood? Being Reclaimed? or Courage?
• Last week I did my first grocery run with all 3 kids and it went OK.  I brought graham crackers, had a small grocery list ready to go, and told myself that it was OK if I didn't look all put together or had a crying baby and/or fussy kids...and we made it through :0)  The same thought dawned on me when I was traveling alone with 2 kids.  I can travel alone with 2 kids, it is possible, I just may not look completely put together in the process.  I can grocery shop with 3 kids, it IS possible, I may just not be graceful doing it, and that's OK.  How much more am I able to do if I just let go a little bit?...let go of my pride?...of my need to look put together and in control?

cooing.

A few weeks ago Elijah started to coo.  It is the sweetest sound and melts my heart.  On Sunday I was released from my calling (of Young Women Secretary) at church.  It came as a surprise and mixed with postpartum hormones I was a bit emotional all day.  After church Bry sat down with me in the dining room, put my feet in his lap to rub them and asked how I was taking the news.  Elijah was fussing nearby in his swing.  I went over, picked him up and put him on my lap.  He looked up at me with his bright eyes, cooed and smiled.  It was as if he knew that I was having a hard time and wanted to brighten my day.  A few times recently he has stopped nursing, looked up at me, smiled and cooed.  What a sweet season of life this is.  I sure love our little Lij.

St. Patty's 2013.

With Elijah being less than 2 weeks old I didn't have any plans of celebrating St. Patrick's Day this year.  Good ol' Rach and Starla got up and put together a fun and festive breakfast for us.  While our little leprechauns were cooking I went out to our shed, dug out our St. Patty's box and pulled out a few things to add to the occasion (thanks to the party we put on last year).  It was a fun last hurrah before the girls flew out that afternoon.  We love you two!

Change of trip plans.

Several months ago Rach told me that she and some friends had booked a trip to Mexico, but she kept feeling like she shouldn't go.  She finally backed out of the trip, and a little while later decided to use her plane voucher and time off to come visit us instead.  Her roommate, Starla, who was in the same situation, decided to come out too.  (I was a little nervous about having her come, just because I ddin't know her very well and knew that postpartum would be me at my finest ;0) I shouldn't have worried though because Starla was SO sweet and helpful and fun to have around.  By the end of the 10 days she felt like an adopted sister :0)) They arrived 3 days after we got out of the hospital with Elijah.  The whole 3 kid thing was all very new, I had several weeks of recovery ahead of me (Dr. Smith and the discharge nurse advised me not to drive for 10 days and not to lift anything heavier than the baby for 2 weeks.), and it was like two angels had arrived to help us out.  They did EVERYTHING for me...meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, taking care of Brie & Alex.  I felt so spoiled yet so blessed, knowing that it would have been SUCH a hard adjustment without them here.  Some of the highlights from their visit include:

R & S sneakily loading up Dad's Costco cart with snacks and goodies for us * Rach rubbing my feet * Ted Drewe's a time or two ;0) * R & S braving the cold, rainy weather for a few nights in a tent on our back porch (totally Rach's idea!) * R & S holding Elijah in the middle of the night so Bry & I could sleep longer * R & S walking with Brie in the rain to church, all 3 with an umbrella in hand * R & S making us pulled pork salads since they couldn't bring me my beloved salad from Café Rio * doing a mini "newborn" photo shoot of Elijah * doing a berry chocolate trifle (FHE lesson on each member being different yet adding to the sweetness of the family) * Pop Tarts and Lucky Charms * doing a sibling photo shoot  (matching dinosaur outfits for the boys from Grauntie, Brie being the photo bomb ;0)) * Starla watching all three kids so Rach & I could go on a twin date-- Road House for lunch, Easter supplies from Target * "Out of the Hood" experience at the Goodwill Outlet, finding a few treasures for the kids--panda bear, pig, garbage truck and sun glasses * doing crazy faces on Rach's phone * Custard cones from Lion's Choice * R & S giving Elijah his first sponge bath (umbilical cord stub falling off accidentally, oops!) * R & S taking turns snuggling with Little Lij * Rach snapping pictures of our family of five (Starla getting pooped on by a bird!) * R & S taking the kiddos to story time * R & S entertaining Brie in the morning so we could sleep longer (having crackers ready to stave off hunger ;0)) * Rach and Brie making chocolate chip cookies (and freezing extra for later :0)) * watching "Corrina, Corrnia" * Jelly Belly Bean combinations * "Talk, don't Squawk." * R & S running errands * Penny reward system, treats, "Robin Hood" * R & S watching the kiddos so we could do a double date with the Hintzes * Bry, Brie and I making R & S a crêpe breakfast--Rach's "nuts about crêpes" combination * R & S treating us to Fitz's for dinner * R & S making us a special St. Patrick's breakfast * 

Thank you for EVERYTHING, girls!

catching sleep.

I was just looking through some pictures (that Starla took while she was in town visiting a month ago).  There were at least a handful of me napping with little Lijah.  Almost six weeks in I am still soaking up the snuggle time with this little man when I can.  He sleeps relatively really well at night, but interrupted sleep is interrupted sleep so naps are my best friend :0)  Just had to keep things real and post one of the pictures that Starla snagged of me snoozing away...

keeping my cool.

Oh man, I made it through a hairy moment with the kids and didn't lose it.  I'm really trying to keep this Orange Rhino Challenge!  Sometimes it feels like they're out to get me ;0)  Brie being defiant, Alex not listening, Elijah pitching in with his little cry.  I ended up putting Brie and Alex in their room, turned on our Walt Disney Pandora station and rocked Elijah to sleep.  We all needed a little time to cool down.  30 minutes unsupervised in their room, do I dare go see the aftermath?

bask.

My friend, Rebecca is SO great at soaking up and recording sweet moments with her family.  She often posts on her blog conversations that she's had with her daughter.  I'm OCD about recording all of our family happenings ;0), but I want to be better at recording those little fleeting moments.  And those conversations that I have with my kids...the ones that are so funny and sweet, but that I'll forget about before I know it. 

This morning Brie was of course the first to wake up of the kids.  Elijah was stirring so I climbed into bed, nestled him next to me and nursed him.  Brie snuggled up next to him.  The house was quiet, the fan was gently blowing above, the birds were chirping through the open window.  It was one of those moments that you bask in.  Loved every minute of it.

cigarettes.

Today we were visiting with our friends, Ed & Ruth Anne, out front when Ed pulled out a cigarette, lit it up and starting smoking.  Alex pointed to it and said, "yucky, dirty, garbage."  Ruth Anne laughed and mentioned that Alex was right!  She wishes that he'd quit smoking, apparently Alex does too ;0)

Bompa's visit

(2-9 March 2013)

Apparently this little man was waiting for his Bompa to be in town for his birthday, and I'm so glad he was!  Not only was it great that he & Brie got to spend the day together while I was in labor, but it was so fun that he got to come see Elijah brand new at the hospital :0)  I have to mention how impressed (and grateful) I was that he single-handedly got the kiddos fed, teeth brushed, in jammies and in bed...just to have us call him when Elijah was born to have him come to the hospital with the kids.  He was so sweet to pile them in the van and bring them over, even at 9:00 PM.  Thanks, Dad!  Aside from that he was so great to help Mom out with everything while we were at the hospital AND did so much for us when we got back home (grocery shopping, cleaning up, doing "fix-it man" projects off our list, and playing with the kids).  Thank you also for the beautiful bouquet of flowers and all of the food and supplies from Costco!!  We love you, Bompa :0)