Increased Faith

This past week has been quite the ride for our family. I'm not one to post all of my sorrows and woes publicly, but I am pretty sure the only people who read my blog are those that I would tell anyway.

After being thrilled and full of joy and happiness to be expecting another little baby in March, we were shocked with the unfortunate news from our doctor that our little one has no heart beat. As she talked to us about our options I felt like I was somewhere else. "This can't possibly be happening to me. What do they know? It's probably too early to see a heart beat. I'm not suppose to have a miscarriage, that doesn't happen to me." These were all thoughts to go through my mind.

Once I finally realized and accepted that there was nothing I could do to change the situation I took a couple days to simply be sad. To grieve and cry as hard and long as I wanted. I also, thanks to friends and family close by, was able to send Brynlee to play while I had a Mommy day and reflect on the situation spiritually. I had no idea what to do so I knelt on my knees and expressed my feelings to my Heavenly Father. I knew that through the spirit he would tell me what I needed to hear and he would comfort me. As I read my scriptures, listened to conference talks, and listened to music, I learned so much about myself.

I had no idea how to explain how I was feeling, and I had no idea how to deal with the heartache. I listened to a particular song by Hilary Weeks that put my feelings into perfect words:

"I believe that everything happens for a reason... But sometimes life sends a storm that's unexpected and we're forced to face our deepest pain. When I agreed that God could put this heart inside me, I understood that there would be a chance that it would break. But I know he knows exactly how I'm feeling, and I know in time he'll take the pain away. I've felt joy- the kind that makes my heart want to sing, so my tears are not a surrender. I'll feel that way again."

I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. When we agreed to come to this earth we knew we would feel heartache and sorrow, but we accepted that b/c we knew His plan is perfect. In order to feel joy we have to feel sorrow. What is the reason for this? I don't know. But I do find comfort in the fact that someday I might be able to lend help and understanding to someone going through the same thing. That is what our Savior does for us. He has experienced everything we do. Along with all the other women who know how I feel, the Savior is my strength and place of peace. 

I am also grateful for the added strength to my testimony. Elder Andersen said, "With faith comes trials of faith, and increased faith." I have faith that our Heavenly Father's plan is perfect, that b/c I have faith it will be tested and tried, and in the end is strengthened and solidified.  The Plan of Happiness allows me to know that someday I will be able to be this child's mother and get to know him. Though hard and heartbreaking, I'm grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving me a way to strengthen my testimony.

Together Since 2011

I am in love with this picture! As fun and silly as it is, it has also been inspirational to me. In the world we live in today, marriage is not viewed to be as sacred as it once was. People think they can get out of it whenever they are unhappy or things aren't coated with sugar just like they wanted. Many couples are deciding to forego marriage and simply live together with a mutual agreement that they will be faithful. What kind of a life is that?

I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of eternal families and a commitment and covenant that lasts for eternity. I will never forget my wedding day and our sealing ceremony. As I looked at Rob I knew there was no one else I want to spend my life with, and eternity. He is my best friend, my confidant, my partner in crime, the father of my children, and the only person in the world that I confide in and tell everything to.

I know I'm not perfect, and I don't always treat him as he should be treated- especially on those rollercoaster emotional days, but he is so patient with me, and loves me more and more every day. It's easy to let the sparks and twitterpation feelings we had when we were dating die down, but the love I feel for him is deeper than I ever knew it could be. So in 50 years, I know you'll see us walking down the street, holding hands, wearing shirts that say, "Together Since 2011", and we will be more in love than we ever  were.

Burrup Family Reunion 2013

Well, another family reunion has come and gone, and we are so sad to have had to say goodbye to all our wonderful family, but we LOVED the week were able to spend with them. Everyone traveled from Utah, Colorado, and Minnesota to gather at a cabin in Silverthorne, Colorado. We did lots of fun things! On the 4th of July we got up for a morning hike- this seems to be a tradition we have started with Brynlee. The rest of the day was spent playing games, eating lots of great food, and watching fireworks over the lake from the balcony of our cabin. 

 Friday we had a pool tournament and a fooseball tournament. Rob and I got out in the first round of pool, but made a huge come back in fooseball taking 2nd place to Erin & Jared. They were just too good for us! The girls did some fun crafts thanks to Erin, and I now have my one and only Valentine's Decoration! Can't wait to put it up.

Saturday was a really fun day b/c we got to go white water rafting! It was a blast. Carrie was a trooper and took pictures for everyone. So I will have to post those pictures once I get them. Half of the group rode in the big raft boat, and the other half rode in Duckies! They are small two man boats, and they were Rob and my favorite. The rest of the day was full of relaxing and enjoying each other.

Brynlee and all her cousins

The reunion was a great one, and a big thank you to Erin, Jared, Laurel, and Seth for putting the whole thing together! We love our family and are so sad to say goodbye!

Gibberish

Brynlee is quite the talker! Is it English? No, not that we can tell. Sometimes I'm convinced she's speaking the Adamick language that we all knew once upon a time and will speak again someday. Other times I wonder if a Chinese or Japanese person has come to teach her while I'm not paying attention. It is so unique, so cute, entertaining, and CONSTANT! I get a little nervous that she is going to talk constantly the rest of her life.

One of the fun things about her talking is that you can definitely tell she knows exactly what she's saying. Lots of times she'll look right at you and repeat herself. I try my best to respond appropriately to what she is saying, but it's just a bunch of guessing on my part. Part of me doesn't want her to learn to talk b/c I think her gibberish is so stinkin' cute!

I realized the other day she may be talking before I know it, so I wanted to get a video of her gibberish so I can listen to it and remember it always. I had my friend, Audge, call and talk to her. So, if you'd like to see it, you can find it on my facebook. The blog wouldn't upload the video... :(

First Comes Marriage...

No, we are not expecting another baby. But we were able to be a part of a wedding lately! Rob's little sister, Karlee got married to Jens Ashton! We are so happy for them and it was a great day. Much hard work and preparation went into the big day, and when all was said and done, it went perfectly. 

We are even more excited that they are moving in across the street from us in a few weeks! It will be so fun to have family in our ward and for Brynlee to get to spend extra time getting to know her new Uncle Jens. Congratulations you guys! We love you!

One Year Older and... Wiser? Well, I guess a little...

Brynlee turned one this weekend! We did our best to make her birthday a special one, and to be extra nice and patient with her when we would normally discipline or get frustrated. As parents, we did good! Ha ha, and for only having a one hour nap for the whole day, she was very happy and mostly pleasant! To start off the day, I got up and made her a #1 pancake. She loved it!

 Then we got dressed and went to get things for her big party that night. While we were out we stopped by Sweet Tooth Fairy and got FREE!!!!! cupcakes! Yes, I said free! On Fridays American First Credit Union buys 50 cupcakes, and AFCU members can go in and just get a free cupcake. I don't know if it's all locations, but it is at least ours! So Brynlee got her very own cupcake. She loved it too!

After running errands, the rest of the afternoon was spent playing with her friend, Adalynn, while Audrey and I made her cake. We did a bug theme, so a caterpillar cupcake cake seemed fitting. It was fun, and turned out pretty good.

 I wish I got more pictures of her with actual people at the party! I guess we were just too busy having fun, but here are a few candids of the cake smash. She loved it once she worked her way past the layer of frosting.

 And this is how she ended up- cake all over face, chair, clothes, in her hat, hair, eye, and nose. It took a couple washings to get everything out of her nose ha ha!

 Mom, Brynlee, and Dad

Brynlee and Adalynn. 

I wish we got a picture of all her friends. Mason came too, but they had to leave before I got the camera out. 

So the party was a huge success! Brynlee is VERY loved and walked out of there like a bandit with a whole loot of stuff! She has no idea how spoiled she was.... or does she? Well, thanks to everyone who was able to come, and to those friends and family who aren't close by, we missed you and love you very much! Happy Birthday Brynlee! Here's to another great year of fun and learning new things!

One Year Come and Gone

One year has come and gone! We can't believe Brynlee is already a year old. We have loved the past year and are so grateful she was sent to our family. Look how much she's changed over the past year!

 Happy Birthday my sweet girl! You bring so much joy and happiness into my life, I can't remember what life was like without you :) I hope this next year will be a great one and we get to do lots of fun things together!