bedtime

Hi. I have come to a decision that scary monsters are driving me nuts. I have been woken up about every night for the past two weeks from Maci being scared of monsters. I'm not sure if it is her curtains, a shadow or some other random thing. I've looked up lots of different ideas to try and remedy this situation...however, I can't decide what to do. If you have ever had this problem... I'd love to hear what your solution is.

Hi! It's been a long time. I mean a LONG time. I'm glad to finally be blogging again. I have been so busy since my last post and lots has happened. I need to fill you in but cant at the moment. I'll put in a picture for now.....speak to you again soon. I hope.

I was watching my kids play outside last night. It was fun. They giggle and laugh and pretend and do all those things that kids should do. As I watched them, I realized that "this too shall pass:" My oldest is going to be 14 on August 4th. 14!!! Time fly's by too fast. I remember the day that Lexie took her first steps and how she used to be able to mimic every referee call for basketball. That was years ago. How Taya used to fumble up all her words..... bouncy ball and commote (for remote) other cute things like that. Brie just used to be so little and didn't do much at all..... she can crawl now. Even my little three year old is so big now. Potty training (finally...yah!) and saying so many more sentences and making sense.

I guess what I've learned is that we should grab each day as it comes. Make memories that will remain with you, always. To write in my journal EVERY DAY, so that I can remember those things that we did that are worth remembering. One day, I will be old and grey and these memories won't come to my mind anymore. I'll need to remember. Let's hope I continue to write down and take pictures of these things so that I and my kids will REMEMBER.

Another good talk to watch is

I was reminded today of something that I don't do enough in my life. Watch this video...it was inspiring to me.

Doing crazy things

Well, I've gone crazy. I've dyed my hair blonde. It's not my favorite but its definitely different.  Sometimes looking for something outside of the norm isn't always a great idea. Sometimes, sticking to what you know is the best idea.

Brie's appointments went well at primary children's hospital. Not anything new was told to us but hopefully what we did find out will help her with her ongoing pain. Every time I go there I realize how incredibly blessed we are. Brie could be so much worse. Two families I had spoken to had children that had varying types of transplants. 100days of hanging around after its done and that's if everything goes perfectly. As difficult as our problems are, they could be so much harder. I'm grateful for our trials. It proves to me that Heavenly Father knows us and what we need to experience to grow.

We also went to Boondocks, my cousin Jared's house and the Hogle Zoo. It was a long trip but fun. Life is about making memories and hopefully my kids remember this trip. I appreciate Jared and Kristi for letting us hang out. It was so much fun. I really miss the gatherings the Brownings' used to have. Great food and lots of laughs. I was so privileged to have such a great extended family. I now have a lifetime of memories to keep close to my heart. And I feel like I made some new memories at Jared's house to add to those of the past. Lol. I'd share but it was too embarrassing.

Steve is busy at work and doing such a great. He keeps in line and we continue to read scriptures over the phone nearly every single night. I love you Mr. Belnap!!

I helped Lexie mow the grass today. And now, I'm so itchy. Does anyone else ever experience annoyances that just drive you nuts?? Ie...wasps, bees, itchy grass clippings, allergies, etc I'd love to hear what bothers you.

I can't believe that I am so far behind on my blog. 2013 has been a challenging year for Brie. Her health has been so horrible. Poor kiddo! I'd show you some updated pics but my phone won't let me. Hopefully some upcoming visits to primary children's hospital in Utah will help us get some answers. Alexis made the bonneville high school dance team for next year. Ya! Go honeybees!! Taya is in limbo land. She doesn't know what she'd like to do. She likes basketball, so she'll probably do that. Little Maci is three now and a big handful. Oh my!! At least she's stopped writing on the walls. Steve just got hired on to the Big West conference in officiating. Yippee!! Onward and upward. Congrats to him on the big score!

I'm busy being mommy. Nurse mommy mostly these days. I love my job! It's the best job in the world, just sometimes the hardest. I found a new saying that I love, thought I'd share it with you...."Life has no remote, so get up and change it. " kinda direct but I get complacent sometimes and forget that I am the one who can change what I don't like. It's my job to do that and no one else's. Well I had better get going with my day. Hope your day is cheerful, exciting and spent with family!!

I can't believe the summer is gone and fall is nearly gone now. It was a busy summer as they always seem to be. The Browning's had two really special get togethers. Uncle Jerry and Aunt Karen's 50th wedding anniversary and mission farewell. And Aunt Verla's 90th Birthday. I was able to visit with so much family. It was like a dream. A wonderful dream that I didn't want to end.

Alexis has had her 13th birthday and wow is she different. More mature, funny, into fashion, loving and bit more of a spit fire. Brie had her 7th birthday. She's had a rough year but now she is gaining weight and feeling a bit better. Yippee!! Taya just turned 10 too! They all are getting so big. I can hardly believe my own eyes. I swear they were just little toddlers the other day. But life is great, even with all of it's many challanges. Each step is a great ride. Oh, and the randon Monkey picture....just had to add it. We call Brie our "monkey-kin". And I think that is just the cutest picture of a monkey ever.
Hope everyone is healty and as happy as I am. Even with bad health news and hot summer days and screaming kids.....I wouldn't give any of it back. :)