I could hardly breathe beginning this last week as I knew what I was about to face.  My Grandfather passed away, and his funeral was being held Wednesday morning.  My siblings and I had the honor to sing at his funeral.  My sister was able to fly in from Illinois to attend his ceremony.  I suppose that is one great thing about funerals, is that we have the opportunity to come together as family.  The funeral was beautiful.  Maybe not two words you picture being in the same sentence...beautiful & funeral, but it was, and I will tell you why, my Grandmother, Ercel.  I sat there during the burial ceremony, and watched her.  I could only imagine what she may be feeling, experiencing, or thinking.  Her eyes so tender, as her sweetie was carried to his place of burial.  My Grandfather served in the Military, and as we watched these soldiers fold the flag and handle it with the utmost respect and care, I had never felt more patriotic, than at that moment.  It was an emotional day, as I realized how glad and blessed my family and I are, to have the knowledge that we have of this gospel, and its far reaching blessings of eternal families.

The next part of my week was helping to plan our Ward Fall Festival, and a lot of it was last minute planning, so it was a big stress for the week, but it was a success and it was so fun to see everyone dressed up!!!

That same night, Ricky's parents drove up from Emmett to be in town for the Merrick's Blessing.  His Grandparents were also able to be here, along with most of my family.  This was such a special day, and I love being able to watch as Ricky has some tender moments with his boys, this day being one of those moments.  It was a beautiful blessing, and we were so grateful to have so much of our family come and be a part of this special day.

Following the blessing, I had the opportunity to teach Relief Society.  Since Merrick has been born, I have felt really MIA in my church responsibilities.  I was feeling very inadequate as Relief Society President, and felt like I needed to stand up and teach.  I have been so blessed by our ward and our sisterhood.  I have never needed them so much than in these past few weeks.  I love each of them.

It was an emotional week, with a lot of family gatherings in between all these big events (also my brother's birthday on Sunday).  But at the same time such a fun week.

 



Family Photo Trial Run

My Trial Run

So, it was a BEAUTIFUL fall day, and I decided to do a "trial" run at family photos.  Which as you can see, turned out to be a photo shoot of Braxton, a few of Ricky, A few of me, and a couple of Merrick, and none of us ALL together.  Shooting children can be quite difficult, and it just so happen to be not a happy moment for merrick.  Braxton eventually warmed up, and I am still trying to teach Ricky how to take basic photos, so, we will get one all together so.......hopefully.  We went to the U of I arboretum, which I absolutely fell in love with while we were there and found SO many places to snag some beautiful photos.  I can't wait to go back!

 ***(Warning:  Several photos posted)***

ENJOY:)

Holy Moly! Time Flies!

Happy 1 Month Merrick!

I cannot believe it has already been 1 month!  In some ways....I can however believe it:)  What a MONTH!  Challenging, physically drained, emotionally drained, sleep deprived, starving for normality, stressed, at my "wits" end, all these feelings in this past month.  And today, 4 weeks later, I get to see this.  A smile.  Not just one, or two, but several.  My heart melted, and a sigh of  relief came over me.  I CAN do this.  We have decided to transition to formula.  Yes.  There,  I said it, F-O-R-M-U-L-A.  It was beginning to be too much for me & starting to really affect our family cohesiveness.  I wrestled over and over with this decision.  And I did NOT come by it lightly.  I prayed, pondered, and decided.  And I think that is enough said.  These past few days, I have been closer than ever back to my "bubbly" Brynn self.   I had to keep telling myself, these things:  I CAN be awoken by a screaming toddler and spend part of the night calming him back down, I CAN nurture a sick child, I CAN give all the hugs & kisses a mom can give, I CAN change poopy diapers by not one, but TWO children, I CAN make breakfast, lunch & dinner, I CAN do laundry, I CAN put them to bed, I CAN teach them to say their prayers and read their scriptures, I CAN manage to somehow keep a SEMI-clean home, I CAN play with my kids, I CAN laugh, I CAN cry, but I CANNOT nurse.  And, I'm okay with that, because I CAN be a good Mom.  So today, when Merrick smiled, I smiled too, for what seemed to be something rather foreign or not in my nature as of lately.  Thank you, Merrick.  For reminding me about the simple joys, and for teaching me to love being a mommy once again.

Love You!  Happy 1 Month!