And Then There Were 4

We are so excited to announce another edition coming to our family August 2014. We couldn't be happier and we are so excited for Brynlee to have a sibling to play with! She's going to be a great sister.  Though I don't think she's excited to get kicked out of her crib... luckily she has many nights to enjoy it before she's evicted. We're doing great and I'm feeling pretty good. Just tired- typical. I'm so grateful that thus far I have not been one to throw up with my pregnancies. Life is good :)

The Wedding

We added another one to the Draper family this last week! Congratulations to Lindsey & Rusty. It was such a blessing to be able to go to their sealing ceremony and celebrate their marriage with them! It was also such a great reminder to me of how I felt on my wedding day. Sitting in the sealing room with Rob holding hands and just sitting in the quiet allowed me to go back to the day we got married almost 3 years ago. I can't believe how far we've come, and all the things we've accomplished together. And to have Brynlee and know that our little family is sealed together for eternity. That alone makes being a member of the church so easy. I would do anything to be with my family forever. 

 I wish I took time to take more pictures... and to take good pictures... but I guess we just so wrapped up in the fun of the day that it slipped my mind. I was grateful for the sloppy shots I was able to snap.

The one big melt down of the night was over this little cup of candy. "Somebody" (Daddy) knocked into her and her candy flew all over the floor. There were instant tears. I went out into the hall to find her thinking she was terribly hurt- then learned she was sad her candy spilled. Oh boy...

Moving

After about 9 months of anticipating our first move as a family, we did it. Mom & Dad left on a mission to Argentina the end of November, and we moved in to their house a few weeks later. I thought it would be hard to entertain Brynlee while packing and moving, but she surprised me! She found a whole lot of new ways to have fun. What a goof!

We are so grateful to be able to live at Mom & Dad's while they're gone. Though it was extremely hard to say goodbye to our home and friends in Orem. We've been there since we got married. It's where we started our life together as newly weds. Where we became a family of 3. Where we created our family traditions. And so much more. We have so many wonderful friends we had to leave behind, but that's the great thing about best friends. You know no matter how far apart you live, you'll stay in touch. We have, and we feel so blessed to have met all the people we did. Orem will always be home :)

Christmas... Finally!

I'm feeling a wave of guilt that I didn't take more pictures this Christmas!!! But in my defense, we didn't do very much this Christmas except for move. Not so fun. We were so tired trying to get moved and last minute Christmas shopping done, and Rob taking finals, that we just really didn't want to do all the things we usually do. More guilt? Ya, maybe a little. But I think if we forced ourselves to do all our "normal" Christmas traditions we wouldn't have really enjoyed them anyway. But, despite all the busy we did get to do some fun things. 

 One night we decided to take Brynlee down to ride the carousel for the first time. It just so happened it was on the night and at the exact time they were turning on the lights at the Riverwoods. Surprise! So we got to get 50% off yummy candy, sit by a fire place, see Santa (from afar), see the lights turn on, and watch some awesome fireworks! Way to kick off the season.

 And I did happen to get pictures of Brynlee on Christmas morning. She was a lot more fun to buy for this year, and boy did she get a lot! She also has become a pro at getting through wrapping paper. Last year was full of bags, but this year she acted as if she's known how to do wrapping paper all along.

Thanks to cousing Britta, Brynlee got some fun dress up things! She could use a new hair do to complete the outfit though.

Well, Christmas was great and we enjoyed it! Though it was different and more overwhelming than any other one we've had, we managed to still do some fun things and enjoy each other. 

Halloween Part 2

Just wanted to put this cute picture up b/c, well, it's cute! Brynlee and Addy for Halloween :)

Gibberish to English

Well, Brynlee still does gibber gabber ALL THE TIME, but some of her words are starting to sound like English! It's funny that I'm sad about this b/c I love her little language so much. But it is so nice to be able to understand her a little to know what she wants and needs. Here are a few of the words she knows:

Thank You
Bye Bye
See ya Soon
Hallow! (Hello)
Peek a Boo
Where are you
Lots of animal names and sounds (cow, dog, duck, horse, sheep, lion)
Rob (I accidentally taught her this. Maybe I should start calling him "Dad)
Grandpa
Grandma
Cracker
Candy
Rudy & Abby (Rob's dog's names. Every dog is Rudy)
Bath
Uh-oh
Please
Show
O.K.

Brynlee is VERY good at saying please and thank you without us prompting her to. She is such polite little girl, and is learning so much!

Colorado & Costume

First of all I wanted to brag about how stinkin' cute Brynlee is for Halloween this year! I am so glad I chose sock hop. Mainly b/c of the glasses! She loves to wear them and leaves them on for the most part. I'm proud of my homemade skirt, and I think she would catch any little man's attention at a dance :)

 I had the chance to go visit sisters in CO with my parents this last month. It was so much fun, and was so nice to take a vacation from our own life and have some fun. Brynlee discovered how to dip things. She dips everything now! She loves ketchup so much she decided to drink it once her fries were gone. She even dipped her cookie in the ketchup I had on my hot dog the other night.... uh... gross!

 Brynlee and Liam had a lot of fun catching up and playing. We wish they lived closer!

It was a fun trip! We hope to be able to visit again soon! Thanks Mom & Dad for letting us tag along :)

Josh

My mind has been racing this week. One of my best friends from college went into the hospital this week b/c he was having some issues. They found bleeding in the brain and did surgery.  During the surgery they removed a tennis ball sized tumor from his brain. They weren't sure if the tumor was malignant or benign. The tests came back saying it is the most aggressive kind of tumor you can have. He has a sweet wife, a one year old boy, and another little boy due in a week. He has been attending Palmer Chiropractic School for the past year.

I don't think there have been many moments I haven't been thinking about them. I can't believe what they're going through and what they must be feeling. I've been receiving updates on his condition and I'm amazed at the attitude and strength he has. Most of the things he has been saying have been uplifting and full of gratitude. Including things about his testimony, gratitude for the priesthood, etc. It's during times like these that I am humbled and think maybe my problems aren't as bad as I thought.

Even though this isn't happening to my husband, I have reflected even more on the atonement of Jesus Christ and what the Gospel means to me. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows us so intimately and can give us the peace we need to get through the hard things we face. I am so grateful for my eternal family and the blessings of the temple. Though we go through things we don't know how in the world we'll get through them, somehow we do. And we are never alone. Please keep their family in your prayers.

Twenty-Five

Today I turn 25 years old. I don't feel old by any means, but 25 years means I've lived for a quarter of a century! Kind of fun to think about. Well, I've been thinking a lot about all of the things that I've learned throughout my 25 years, and there are a lot! In honor of my birthday I will share 25 of them with you :)

1. Don't bug your big sister in the bathroom- you'll get your teeth kicked out and your eyebrows shaved off.
2. Families are forever.
3. "Home is where my Mother is"
4. Playing kissing tag only results in being punched in the nose.
5. You can have more than one best friend.
6. Working as a team can accomplish so much more than working alone.
7. It's ok to cry when bearing your testimony. Nobody remembers anyway.
8. The Atonement is real.
9. Yes, if you stick an M&M up your nose, it will indeed melt.
10. If you have a thought to serve someone, follow it.
11. When you're sad about something, have a good cry and let it all out- then move on. Holding it in is too much work and too painful.
12. Laugh at yourself when you make mistakes.
13. You don't need an ACL. After replacing it 3 times, you learn to live without.
14.Treat your family better than anyone- they are the ones you'll be with forever.
15. Having a frosting fight is worth the clean up- most of the time.
16. Being a Mom is the greatest job and reward!
17. NEVER eat a spoon full of cinnamon!!!
18. Live in the moment, not in the future. Don't continually wish for things in the future, enjoy what you're doing now.
19. Going to the temple regularly is essential to spiritual self-reliance and happiness.
20. Go on regular date nights- especially after you have children.
21. Communicate! In every way, especially with your spouse. It takes more than a lifetime to learn to    communicate well.
22. When your daughter poops in the bathtub, don't try to shove it down the drain. Scoop it out.
23. If you're going to start a tickle fight or wrestling with your husband, remember he's much stronger than you are... is it worth it?
24. Take time to play with your children. Time passes way too quickly.
25.  Come What May and Love It

September Happenings

Some blog posts don't have a theme to them. This is one of those posts. I have just taken a couple of fun pictures of Brynlee the past few weeks and thought I'd share and document. We were excited to get all dressed up in our BYU attire for the big BYU Texas football game last week. I think she makes a pretty cute lil' cougar if I do say so myself. 

 The past few weeks Brynlee has decided that one of her new favorite things to do is pull my shirts off their hangers in the closet and carry them around, and sometimes put them on :) This is one she did all by herself. She has also put on one of my sports bras and wore it for a few hours before we took it off to eat. What a hoot :)

 And this last picture is one I've been meaning to take for quite a while. Brynlee's room is very unique. Why, you ask? Well, b/c I made it myself. She sleeps in the storage room! Our apt only has a master bedroom, and though it worked to have her in with us for 6 months or so, Mom and Dad wanted lil' miss Brynlee out. I bought some fabric and hung it along the wall to cover up as much of the cement walls as I could. The B on her dresser is something I made for her before she was born. We were even able to fit in a cute purple rug (not pictured), and I made some tissue pom poms to add color and decor. I am quite pleased! And the best part is Mommy, Daddy, and Brynlee all sleep SOOO much better at night!

Camping

We had so much fun going camping as our last hoorah before school started again for Rob. This was also Brynlee's first time camping. We were going to get down and dirty in tents, but b/c of the heavy rain forecast we relocated to some quaint little cabins in Coalville. We stayed perfectly warm and dry :)

 Brynlee had no shortage of fun or attention. She had people begging to walk around with her. It was quite relaxing for Rob and I- no complaints here. And I think that smile is evidence of how much fun she had.

 We also had fun playing all sorts of games with the football, soccer ball, and frisbee. We have an inkling that Brynlee will be some kind of baller- soccer or basketball. She is always carrying around a ball if there is one available.

My favorite part of the trip was roasting marshmallows and making Reese's s'mores! Yum! If you've never tried it... shame on you! Go get some supplies and try it before the weather gets cold! You will be converted to a new way of s'mores. 

Reaching Out

I came across this quote by President Hinckley tonight while reading a book I have, "One Bright Shining Hope."

"Reach out to help one another. All of us need help from time to time. We need encouragement. We need friends who will stand by us through thick and thin. I ask each of you to be that kind of friend."

I love this! I could not go through this life on my own. I am so grateful for the people in my life who lend helping hands. Especially at harder times in my life, I am so grateful for my family and friends who do so much for me. Whether you live around the corner or across the country I am blessed by all you do for me! I have felt all the prayers in our behalf at this time, and the love I feel from those in my life is so powerful. 

I truly believe that the Lord at times sends specific people into our lives at the perfect time to help us through something. I have a friend that has been that person for me through the past few weeks. She knows very little about me, yet she has been the first to offer to take Brynlee, to bring me remedies for sickness, to be a listening ear, to hug me when I cry, and to spread her contagious happiness for life. 

I am so grateful that the Lord is so mindful of us, and knows exactly what we need in times of trial- even before we know the trial is coming. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to be strengthened through tribulation. And he doesn't want us to feel alone. I hope every single one of my family and friends knows that at one time or another, you have been the friend that the Lord has sent me to help me. I feel so blessed!

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!

Mother Dear I Love You So

I am no doubt the luckiest Mom in the world. I know many people probably feel that way, so I'm happy to join the Motherhood club this year. Last year Brynlee was due just before Mother's Day. Did she come? No, she came after. This year is my first official year as a Mom. It has been one of the best years of my life. I can't imagine a better calling than motherhood.

Today I decided to bring Brynlee home from church during the last hour for her nap b/c she has been running a fever. I love to take advantage of the times she is sick and will let me snuggle her and rock her. Yes, I've learned that being a Mom is not easy. Lots of days I don't know how I'm going to make it to bedtime. But it's the moments like rocking my baby, getting an unexpected sloppy kiss on the lips, having those tiny arms wrap around my neck and hug, when she smiles and laughs just b/c I'm looking at her- these are the moments that make every frustration worth it.

There are so many amazing women in my life. I am so blessed to have a beautiful, strong, supportive, and capable mother who has loved me every day, always been there to listen, given life changing advice, and really has been one of my best friends. She has taught me more than I ever realized growing up, but now that I have a little one of my own, I realize how much my Mom has taught me. She has always been an example to me of what a daughter of Heavenly Father should be doing. I think about how I'm ever going to teach Brynlee the things my Mom taught me, and I can only pray that I do a good job! Thank you Mom for your example and for loving me in spite of all my mistakes. You are the mother I hope to become! I love you.

I am also truly blessed to have 4 older sisters and a sister in law who I look up to more than they know. They are so creative, patient with their children, full of life, and strong LDS women. It's nice to have so many examples of Mothers raising young children. I admire all they do and the relationships they have with their kids.

With marriage comes in-laws. I have a wonderful Mother in-law who is the perfect example to me of selflessness. She hardly ever puts herself first. She is the first one to offer to lend a helping hand or babysit the neighbors kids. I am so grateful for her example, and know Brynlee will learn much from her. My sister in-laws have become my great friends, and I am so grateful for eternal friends who accept me for who I am and are always there to help. I am so blessed!

And just a little thank you to all my girlfriends who are more like my sisters than my friends. I am amazed at the bond that we have. It has been so fun to have and raise our first babies together. I know that no matter where we all live, or what we're doing, I can always count on my besties to be there for me. Thank you for all you do for me!

So... Happy Mothers Day! I Love you all :)