Holy new year!

I can't believe that the holidays and 2009 are both done, over, caput, bye-bye, never to return again!!! The year went by so fast. I swear that every year goes by more quickly and with more vigor than the year before. As I get older (I am turning the BIG 3-0 on Thursday!!!) I realize more and more how precious time is. My 2 little children seem to be growing at a rate that is beyond my comprehension and it panics me on most days. Am I using my time wisely with them? Am I teaching them all they need to know while they are young? Am I missing a million moments meant to be cherished because of the thousand things I feel I need to get done each day? Do I tell them I love them as much as I should.... the questions go on and on in my mind as I look toward the future and try to be mindful enough to soak in the present. As the holidays were rushing in and I saw the new year approaching as quickly as it could be allowed, I found myself wanting to slow things down. I wanted to gather my little ones in my arms, hold them tight, and push time away from us... I wanted to stop it all together. At times the pangs I felt made me feel a little crazy, but I am now thinking that I cannot be the only one who feels this panic. Other people must look at their loved ones and think these very same thoughts. These are the thoughts that will keep me on my toes this year and will keep me mindful of what is really important in the coming months. My family is my purpose in life. To have them forever will motivate me to do the work I need to do spiritually, emotionally, and physically. They are the reason I will be a better person this year than I have ever been before... strong spiritually, motivated to have a deeply personal relationship with my Heavenly Father and my own spirit, and courageous enough to forgive, love unconditionally, and always see the good in those who may hurt me. This year I want to focus on resolutions that truly make a difference in my soul and I hope for all the success possible for all of my family and friends. I hope that each of you might be able to attain what you set out to do this year. Let's all focus on the fact that this year is passing us by no matter what we choose to do with it. Choose to do something meaningful and great. Loves to all of you!

We all love having Brynlee around to make us smile. Ryland can't stand to be away from her... I think he is driving Little B crazy lately because she has learned to walk, and Ryland loves to carry her around. I am constantly telling him to put her down or leave her alone because I feel bad for her when she is consistently whining in protest. The only time she gets to assert her independence is when Ryland is at school! She walks around the house all day when he is gone and is as happy as a clam about it. She is such a fun little girl! She makes us smile everyday with her sweet personality and her love for each of us. She is a complete and utter Daddy's girl. It is as if no one else exists when her Daddy is in the room. Shawn gets more loves and kisses from his little girl than I have ever seen! In fact, I have to practically beg her for a kiss and she gives them freely to him without any asking at all! Brynlee loves to watch Shawn and Ryland play and seems to get a serious kick out of their games. I had to post this video of her laughing while Ryland and Daddy bounced a ball back -and- forth in the kitchen. Her laughing was hysterical!

Halloween Fun for All

The kids spent friday night at my parents house so on Saturday Shawn and I drove over to spend Halloween night in Ontario. Ryland was so excited about trick-or-treating that he was a hyper little crazy man. He wanted to put his costume on ASAP! Getting him to eat dinner was a bit of a feat, but he got it finished. We put the costumes on the kids and walked up to see my great grandma, after which we did some trick-or-treating on our way back to Hooha and Boopa's house (that's what Ryland calls my mom and dad :) Ryland was so funny! He told us to stay by the road because he "is a big boy now, and can do it on [his] own." He walked up to those doors confidently, and proudly said thank you every time. Ryland got to choose what he was going to be this year. He chose to be a vampire, just like his daddy! Brynlee was a cute little ladybug. We laughed every time she waddled around with her wings on! By the end of the night they were both so exhausted that they immediately fell asleep in the car. It made for a very peaceful drive home ;)

Party Harty for Halloween

Shawn and I had our 1st annual Halloween party this year and it was a blast! We decorated the house to the hilt and had a bunch of friends over for a night of adult fun. We had TONS of good food, fog machines, spider webs, games, and live music. The night seemed to by in flawless fashion and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.. I know we did! I went a little overboard with the decorations, but let's face it, Halloween is sooo much fun to decorate for!! I couldn't help myself! Shawn even got so excited that he went out and bought 2 huge, scary guys to hang in the house. When I say huge, I really mean it... one of them was probably 12 feet tall! We were so busy hosting the party that we forgot to take pictures until after most everyone had already left! I should have taken some pics of the set up before people arrived to make it easier for next year. Now I am going to have to try to be better than usual at remembering how I did everything. I made all the food myself (minus the roasted chickens) and we had three full courses! Thank heaven's for my mom. She came over and helped me finish everything and get everything set up. I would have had a mental breakdown if she hadn't came to my rescue. Anyway, now it is a matter of figuring out how to make it bigger and better for next year ;0 here are a sampling of the few pics that I did manage to get.

Finally.... Brynlee is Blessed!

Saturday was a big day in our house... after 10 months, we finally blessed Brynlee. It was such a neat experience. We were able to have it done at home with our closest friends and family. Shawn's dad and his wife came in from Salt Lake, we had several Priesthood holders whom we love from our ward, my Ga and Papa, my Mom and our good friend Brittney. We wanted an intimate, spiritual experience and we definitely got it. Shawn gave one of the most touching Blessings I have ever heard and it was amazing how I was able to hear the Spirit take over his words. We put Brynlee down for a nap at 2:45 and everyone showed up right at 3pm. We were really hoping for Brynlee to fall asleep, so when it was time for the blessing I could quietly pick her up from her crib and hand her off to Shawn. That way she would sleep through it and be nicely quiet and not trying to move around. She is such a wiggler, and now that she is crawling she doesn't want to sit still for even a moment. My Papa gave an opening prayer and it was time to go get her. All was quiet as I neared her room. Then, as I opened her door and peaked in I saw her wide awake, and sitting up in her crib with a BIG grin on her face!! I was slightly worried as I handed her off to Shawn, but the Blessing began and she was silent. She was a perfect angel through the entire thing. Our friend Britt was able to get a perfect recording of it, which will always be a treasure to have. Brynlee is the most amazing and sweet little member of our family. She brings us all so much joy with her tender little heart and ability to love in the most precious way. We are blessed to have her. I know that the special gifts and abilities that her Dad blessed her with will guide her throughout her life.

Surgery...

Shawn had knee surgery yesterday after tearing his ACL and Meniscus while working out two weeks ago. His surgery went well and he is home, tucked away in bed. yesterday was difficult! He was super nauseous and very "loopy" after being put under anesthesia. I had to get up every four hours last night to make sure he had his meds and make sure his special Ice machine was working to keep his swelling down. Thankfully, he seems to be slightly better this morning after having breakfast. They said he will be walking within a few days and starting PT on Tuesday morning. The bummer is, he is now out for entire ski season! He was not too happy about this :) I will just be happy to know his knee is fixed and he can make a full recovery by next season. I have posted some pics of him all hopped up on percocet ... very funny!