Happy New Year!!

Well, I was going to post some pictures of today's "cleaning out" project however when I try to import them, it's coming up with some random typing in the text box!! So, I will just write some thoughts I have right now.

This year is ending with a lot of emotion for our family! Below are my "hopes and dreams" for the year 2010!!

Laugh each day
Love every minute
Enjoy each day as it comes
Work hard
Play harder
Talk to God and know that he is in control
Live intentionally
Enjoy life's little moments
Learn something new
Leave work behind to enjoy home

ENJOY!!!!

Christmas

More pictures...

Can you tell what she was excited to get! This child talks about babies ALL THE TIME!!!

Christmas

Here are some pictures of Kayin at Christmas. For those of you who are waiting for Chrismtas Eve pictures...they are on my dad's camera which we didn't have a cord for. Of course, when I went to Walmart to put them on a CD to bring home and blog with--THEY WERE CLOSED! So, once I get those, I will be sure to post them!

Kayin had a blast at Christmas this year! She enjoyed being a little elf and delivering presents to everyone! At one point, however, when we came home after three Christmas' she said, "Mommy and Daddy, I don't want to open any more presents! I am too tired!"

Funny Girl

We have been attempting to let Kayin dress herself...this is what she came up with tonight! Yes my friends, it's her shirt put on her legs! If this doesn't bring a smile to your face I don't know what will!!

Christmas Vacation part 1

Well, holiday break is upon us and we have to keep our lil' missy entertained somehow. Today, I decided to break out the makings for a gingerbread house. She had a great time and I can't believe how meticulous she was with the decorating and placement of candy. I am pretty sure a couple of pieces snuck their way into her mouth.

10 on Saturday

I know--it just doesn't have the ring of "10 on Tuesday" but this week has thrown some major curveballs for our family and I am just now getting to the blog. I am still wondering how people can do it everyday! Proud of you kids!!

1. Have any of your children ever just broken out in song singing at the top of their lungs? Today when Kayin woke up (5:45 I might add) she was belting out "Jingle Bells" like we had never hear before! She definitely loves to sing and hearing her that early this morning was a start to a great day!

2. On Tuesday, my mom's mother had to have half of her foot amputated. She is diabetic and has a long road ahead of her. The prognosis doesn't look good but with family, friends and the power of prayer we are hoping she can heal from the surgery, manage the physical therapy, and get some high caloric/high protein food in her. The next three weeks will be critical as it will show if she can heal from surgery. Christmas has always been her holiday so the time we have will be extra special here at our house with the family prior to going to see her!

3. Justin's grandfather passed away early this morning. He hasn't been well for quite some time and he has joined his queen up above. He was a man full of laughter, a great sense of humor, and most of all a big heart! He will be missed by a lot of people! The memory I have of him is from our wedding and seeing him "gettin' jiggy with it" out on the dance floor was pretty comical. Not to mention the 3 grandfathers complaining of the "damn heat out here" with their tuxes!!

4. Always count your blessings....EVERY DAY!!

5. I have been saying this quote since seeing it on my grandparents Christmas letter: We are too blessed to be depressed.

6. During this time of year, I love the late night 5 minute conversations my husband and I have when he gets home from work. He knows exactly where to find me--on the chaise lounge in the living room. I stay up waiting for him just to look forward to these talks. Needless to say, we need each other like we never have before this week!

7. Christmas break has started and although I will have two weeks off, it's going to be a pretty full schedule! Christmas with my parents/brother & sis in law, Christmas with dad's parents, hosting Christmas at our house with the Bumgarner side (mom's family), visiting Grandma after the big holiday meal and letting the great grandkids open their gifts with her, hosting an UGLY sweater/Husker party, day away in Omaha with a girlfriend, the in-laws coming for a visit, my Auntie Char's birthday party (21 all over again...how can that be??!!), attempting to finish Christmas cards--although the more and more I think about it, they are looking like they might get out as a New Year's card, and maybe....just maybe....looking at some school stuff.

8. I was hoping we would make it through the new year without anything "hitting" the house. However, picked Kayin up from daycare yesterday and she was running a low-grade fever. Today, coughing, congestion, fever....so, here I go again with Cloroxing everything and hoping nobody else gets it. Luckily, we have a week until the house is full with family!!!

9. Why is it that when it is hot outside, our dog wants to come in, but on cold wintery days, he wants to dally-doodle outside! I swear Harper must be part wolf or something....he ABSOLUTELY LOVES THE SNOW!!

10. Please, please, please keep our family in your prayers. It has been a long week and next week is right around the corner!

SNOW DAY #2

Kayin and I decided we would stay in today for snow day #2!! It was way too cold outside! We were so busy around the house that lil' missy decided not to take a nap and she teetered out about 7:30...what a sweet precious face, huh?! She loves, loves, loves the Christmas tree and actually "wrote" Santa a letter and told him that she is not going to be on the NAUGHTY luist this year. I guess all the kids at M's having been talking about the different lists that Sanat has....

This was a craft I saw on someone's blog a couple of weeks ago and decided I would give it a whirl. It's a super easy thing to do and goes great with Kayin's bedroom!!!

Kayin and I decided we would stay in today and clean out some toy bins for Toys for Tots annual toy drive. She unearthed several things she had forgotten about and by the looks of it, is ready for summer!

SNOW DAZE

Snow Day #1 was filled with playing outside!! Kayin was enthralled with the white fluffy stuff and stuck it out like a trooper! She actually cried when we told her it was time to come in!

Christmas Countdown

And don't worry, we didn't forget about a PINK tree in Kayin's room adorned with all the ornaments she has received as gifts!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Our house is starting to look like Christmas! I have been busy decorating here and there the last couple of weeks and since our color is silver, most likely will stay up until after January! Of course you don't get the full effect when you can't see the white lights in person, but on some nights, I go out to the living room to just look at the twinkling white lights on the tree and gaze at the nativity scene. This year, we are really talking with Kayin about the meaning behind Christmas. Although she thinks it's mostly about presents, she is starting to understand the story of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

I had found this idea in a catalog a couple of years ago and came across silver ornaments at Hobby Lobby 75% off last year...completely forgot I had them, but they decorate our "family" wall perfectly!

Here is what we call our "family" wall. We have taken some pictures on the Brinkmeyer side and are waiting to have some taken with the Lees side. Hopefully after the holidays, we will be able to arrange the pictures in some sort of family tree fashion (the shelves will not NOT be relocating...although they look great, they are a pain in the a** to put up)!!!

Here is the nativity seen on top of our tv cabinet. It takes center stage!!

Due to the new furniture, our tree had to find a new home in the corner! I have always had the tree in front of the window but this new location is working out quite well!

Downstairs sofa table decorated with santa, garland, and Christmas tree. We have a total of 6 trees downstairs (and they aren't all full size either)!!

Pictures, pictures, and more pictures!

Kayin and I made a lakehouse picture frame for Aunt Mimi to thank her for the fabulous time we had down at the Ozarks during Fall Break! Needless to say, you can see what Kayin pulled off of the frame!! (They are little flip flop stickers)!!

10 on Tuesday

10. During our recent visit to Grand Island, Nana had to witness Kayin at her "finest". She tried explaining to me that she didn't want to take her shoes off and get ready for bed. When I gave her the choice of either going to bed with her shoes on or having me help her, she LAUNCHED a shoe across the room and exclaimed, "No, I don't want to." When I quickly turned and explained to her that it was not okay to throw her shoes, she went ahead and threw the other one! Needless to say, Nana was a bit surprised!

9. We have our selections for the pictures a friend took down in Kansas City and it wasn't an easy decision! She took some great photos and captured Kayin with her sweet, little innocent smile! Can't wait to get them and put them on display in the house.

8. My dear husband hung up out outside lights last week and it was so calming to drive up to our house with twinkling white lights shining! We have yet to do the bushes outside and I am hoping to get them done this week. Have a feeling the weather is changing, and soon!!

7. I frequently get headaches, but lately, the migraines have TAKEN OVER!!! For some reason, I tend to get a head cold along with migraines when the barometric pressure changes and the weather starts turning. I woke up Friday morning in severe agony and should have stayed home from school, but I perservered and made it through!

6. We went to church with my parents on Sunday and Kayin was an absolute doll!! She sat and sang, drew pictures, played the piana with Nana and went up for children's sermon. She even asked to go back next Sunday!

5. I am so excited about Thursday night! I am joining MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). I have been talking with a couple of girls from work and I think this is something that I really need. Justin is getting into his busy time of the year and I need an outlet! This week we are making shoebox care packages for men and women overseas.

4. Kayin has found the presents under the tree...but knows NOT TO TOUCH THEM!! If she touches them, they go "bye bye" until Christmas.

3. As I sit here downstairs typing this, I can see four trees in my sight and a strand of garland on our sofa table. What would make it even better is if I had tomorrow off to spend the day with Kayin and Justin!

2. We are working on some crafty projects for Christmas gifts this year--can't wait to post some pictures!!! (will be awhile since it's awhile until Christmas...but we may post a "clue")

1. We are taking a family picture and will start working on our Christmas card and letter soon!! I haven't sent one out since I was pregnant with Kayin. Figured it's been a little while so I better keep people updated!

10 on Tuesday

10. Can't imagine what the kids will be like after holiday break! These last two weeks have been crazy and we have had to review procedures and expectations over and over and over again!

9. Kayin has found a new love: LIP GLOSS and JEWELRY!!

8. Why is it that your body can't handle those late nights anymore? We tailgated for the Husker game and my oh my, it was a lot of FUN but definitely still feeling it! And can I mention how loud that stadium sounded!! It was absolutely crazy!

7. I must admit, have already started decorating for Christmas. Not really looking forward to the weather that goes with it, but there is just something about twinkling white lights!

6. Finished up yard work last week with a grand total of 30 BAGS OF LEAVES!! Luckily, our neighbor came and mulched on Sunday to get the rest that had fallen down.

5. Trying to be true to my word and not spend so much time on school work. Would love to be able to take a mental health day soon, but with a little one, those days are limited!

4. Justin's busy season is starting and we take advantage of every minute we can get together! Last night had a dinner as a family, which rarely happens this time of year!

3. Looking at Kayin's professional photo shoot pictures....we have some tough decisions ahead of us! She did an amazing job and it's just a shame that the kid doesn't like to be a ham for the camera!

2. Almost done with Christmas shopping--hopefully we will be able to take advantage of black Friday sales for us!!

1. Looking at everything that needs to get done before the upcoming holidays, have sat down and started making a list of what groceries need to be bought, what last minute gifts we need to purchase, what the menu is going to look like, and making doctors/photo appointments. The fun never ends!

Ozark Pictures

So I was quickly reminded that I needed to add some pictures from vacation! So, here they are! :)

Kayin enjoying a ride on a John Deer tractor at a nearby neighbor's house at Aunt Mimi's lakehouse.

If you look really close, mommy put on polka dots and a Jack-O-Lantern face! She sat perfectly still while I did this .... we had to fill out time somehow with the rainy weather!

The girls out to lunch at Baxter's overlooking the lake.

Decorating her pumpking with Hello Kitty stickers!

10 on Tuesday

Oh to be back at work and in the swing of things...it never changes (OR SLOWS DOWN)!! It is 10:15 PM as I type my 10 on Tuesday because I vowed to myself that I WOULD GET THIS DONE TONIGHT! We had a wonderful Fall Break and enjoyed every minute of it...so I thought I would do a 10 on Tuesday reflecting on the past week and a half.

10. I will never drink wine again like I did Thursday night after arriving in Arlington Heights! It sure was fun but I was not feeling so hot throughout the night and Friday morning!

9. Visiting Aldrin (where I used to teach in Schaumburg) brought back some great "first teaching moments"! I saw many of my former students and realized that my first class are 8th GRADERS THIS YEAR!!! Time doesn't seem to be slowing down any!

8. Wearing heels and dancing all night at a wedding reception makes for some sore piggies the next day! It was a blast J & A and we had a great time! You made a beautiful couple and we were so happy to have been there to help you celebrate! S & K, thanks so much for your hospitality and letting us crash at your place...good times, good times!!!

7. Driving 10 hours in the car home from Chicago on Sunday and turning around to drive 7+ hours to the Ozarks with a 2-year-old made for an interesting car ride--but she was such a trooper!! We even stopped in Kansas City to have a photo shoot with a gal named Jen from JCooper Photograpy! Kayin had 7 outfit changes, took pictures for about 2 hours and was still going strong at the end! We saw the sneak peek and for the first time, the photography brought tears to my eyes. Have a feeling that the gallery pictures are going to be rather difficult to choose from!

6. Spending a week at the lake with no worries = PURE HAPPINESS AND SOLITUDE!!

5. Now granted, it rained a majority of the time, but it was so peaceful and calm down there! Thanks to Aunt Mimi for her wonderful home as well as spoiling us....just a little!! (Oh yes, and to Grandma Brinkmeyer for making the trip as well)!!

4. Found a new spot to go shopping at down at the Ozarks - Victorian Station -- Reminds me so much of the Canterbury Shoppe in Barrington where I used to work to have a little cash on the side (although most of my paycheck was spent right there at the boutique)!!

3. Cuddling with Kayin in the morning looking out on the water--could have done it every day!

2. Seeing the bond that Kayin has developed with Aunt Mimi is truly priceless! This will definitely be a yearly event (even if it does include blowing a million leaves around)!!

1. Kayin's favorite thing about vacation - "Jumpin' on the bed with Aunt Mimi, mommy!! It was so silly!!"

Happy Halloween

All dressed up -- this costume was a hit! Nana's tradition is to make the costume each year...she has a tough one to top after this!

Waiting on our driveway for trick or treating! Next year I think we are going to have to have Nana bring the costume that day--she was asking all week to wear her ladybug costume and buzz around the house!Daddy trick or treating with his little girl--have a picture like this from last year and hope these types of moments continue for awhile! She is growing up right before our eyes!
"Nana, I'm ready...come on....there is candy waiting for me!"
Happy Halloween!!

Photo Shoot

Could she get any cuter? On our way down to the Ozarks, we had a family friend take pictures of Kayin and I must say--she has been the only one who brought tears to my eyes looking at my child's picture! She truly captured Kayin in all of her "girly" qualities and we can hardly wait (or maybe we can because the decision will be way too hard to make on what pictures to order) to see her gallery!

I can just hear her laughing in her Halloween costume, seeing her little innocent eyes looking into that camera, and posing like a princess!