The Brinkmeyer Family

Happy 11-Month Birthday

2012-01-22T11:58:00.000-08:00

11 months ago today we welcomed her baby brother into her life. Planning a 1-year-old's birthday party just doesn't seem possible!

Rock It Out Sista'

2011-12-29T08:05:00.001-08:00

I soooo wish I knew how to play the guitar...Santa delivered this on Christmas morning and it brings tears to my eyes to see her "playing" it and singing her little heart out! I think God has blessed her with the talent of singing! (She did mention during the CMA's when Taylor Swift was sitting on the couch playing her guitar that she "wants to grown up, sit on a couch, play a guitar, and sing to an audience"...at the rate she is going, this could happen!
I told Justin last night that I am seriously considering picking up one for me...the same size. The bigger ones are just too bulky for me! I have always wanted to learn how to play...do you see a future rock start in the making??!!

Rub-A-Dub-Dub

2011-12-29T07:59:00.000-08:00

Kendyn has now officially grown out of the kitchen sink and into the bathtub for bath time! Santa delivered a new bath seat and now sure how long he will use it...he is more interested in playing in the water and splashing around! He reminds us so much of his big sister...the minute we used to undress her, she would make a mad-dash for the bathroom knowing it was time for WATER!!! Yesterday, I was doing some laundry and Kayin wanted some "swim" time in the tub...I closed the door so Kendyn wouldn't be intrigued by the water, and he just sat by the door and screamed! He wanted so badly to be in there splashing around!!

Brinkmeyer Christmas

2011-12-27T08:12:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos from when Justin's mom and dad were here last week. It was so nice to have them around during such a crazy time at school! I can't imagine what we would have done without them (actually, I can...I would look like a walking zombie...Justin's holiday hours were crazy late this year!)

Grandma & Grandpa with the kids...surprised Kendyn sat long enough for a picture!

Kayin with her new doll she picked out with Grandma Brinkmeyer

All these new toys and want does he want...a BOX!!!

The kids playing in her new princess playhut

A new leotard for dance...good thing it's long sleeved! It's getting chilly!

Kendyn's new rocking chair
Baking cupcakes with Grandma

Frosting

Going for a ride on lil' airplane
The infamous Perkins breakfast...Kayin requests this every time they are here!

Brinkmeyer Christmas

2011-12-26T10:14:00.001-08:00

I am playing catch up...so bear with me! Justin's brother and family came for their annual visit to Nebraska during Thanksgiving and we had a great time! Kayin was thrilled to have her cousins around! Here are just a few we took from that weekend.

Milestone

2011-12-26T09:56:00.001-08:00

Last week we had family pictures (which unfortunately, I have to sadly report they were not that great and we rescheduled) and Kendyn had his first haircut! I was so bummed to miss this "first" but knew it needed to be done before the pictures! His hair was starting to curl in the back it was getting so long! Thanks to Lori M. for a great job!!

Update

2011-10-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been awhile again since I have posted anything, but I guess it's better late than never!

* I had what was supposed to be an outpatient surgery, but turned into an overnight stay at the hospital due to complications.

*Kendyn is CRAWLING and on the go! He is pulling himself up and standing next to things...not sure, but think he will be walking by Christmas time (if not earlier)

* Kayin is learning more signs at school as another way to communicate with people. It's been really cute, she is showing her brother everything she is learning!

* Justin's holiday hours will start soon...it doesn't seem possible that Christmas is in about 2 months!

Kayin decided to take her tights off and wear them as a hat...this made my day! :) And put a smile on my face!

Here is our BIG boy! He has brought so much joy to our lives and we love who he is becoming! His personality really is starting to show and we can't wait for the next chapter...learning to walk!
This is pretty much is constant state right now...MOVING!

10 On Tuesday

2011-09-13T18:22:00.001-07:00

Well, I think it would be safe to say that this poor blog hasn't had any love or attention for about 6 weeks! :( So sorry about that kids, but let's just say life with two young ones at home certainly has created some obstacles! Don't get me wrong, they are totally worth it, but with the hubby's schedule and the amount of meetings that have been crammed into the first 5 weeks of school, I feel a little overwhelmed! I know all of you want recent pictures of the kids, but tonight is just not going to be it. It's 8:23 and I have yet to eat dinner and we are working on getting the lil' man asleep. Speaking of which, here are our Top 10 Happenings in the Brinkmeyer Household since last updating!

10. Kendyn is now on the move, and has been for about 2 weeks! He is a little scooter and kind of does a leap frog action when wanting to move. Every now and then, he will crawl, but he is finding it faster and more efficient to "hop"!!

9. Kayin is our lil' ballerina! She started dance the end of August and beams every time she walks onto that dance floor. We are fortunate enough to also have two of her friends from daycare there on the same night! She has caught on to the steps rather quickly!

8. Husker football has officially started and schlepping two children downtown to tailgate and watch the "Big Red Band" has been quite a daunting task. However, to see the smile on her face and excitement when she hears them coming down that street is priceless!

7. Speaking of Huskers...her theme request for her 5th birthday...HUSKERS!!! (And no, it doesn't seem possible that she will be turning 5)!!!

6. Kayin also started Preschool! She was accepted into the Peer Model program at Prescott for the hearing impaired program. When I tell people this, they give me quite the eye because she is far from being hard of hearing. But when I explain to them that children are recommended due to their language development and vocabulary skills, they understand how and why she is in the program. She loves school and I try not to be that "helicopter" mom always wanting to check in with her teacher! The first couple of weeks were hard, and we narrowed it down to the bus ride after school, but now, that's all she talks about!

5. School is underway and in FULL force! I feel like I have been in my classroom for more than a month (I have with summer school) but not with all the same kids. Last year I co-taught but this year, I thoroughly am enjoying my own room again...but it is kind of hard to get adjusted back to not having to worry about doing activities or planning without "okaying" it with someone else.

4. Fall is right around the corner and I CAN'T WAIT!!! I enjoy summer, but I am more than ready for cooler temperatures!

3-2-1. I know, I am kind of cheating here, but these last three are biggies!

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary where my grandmother was admitted to St. E's...on Grandparent's Day...and our lives were changed forever.

It was 4 days after her second amputation...I won't forget that day...Kayin, myself, my brother, and his wife headed up to Madonna to visit with Grandma and when we got there, a good family friend was there and met us in the hallway and said things weren't good...and they weren't.

I won't forget how she looked when we went into the room...so still and extremely jaundice. I spoke with the on-call physician at Madonna and they had made the call to send her to the ER at St. E's. I made the call to my mom and things then suddenly were a blur.

Luckily, I was able to find someone to come and get Kayin and I headed to the hospital with her. All I wanted to do was hold my grandmother's hand and tell her it was going to be okay. After all the family had gotten there, we periodically took turns in her temporary room in the ER.

The next few hours were a little hazy, and I am not sure if family headed to a hotel, home, or what....but I was in the room with her when the ER doctor said she was heading for an ultrasound, she looked at me, grabbed my hand, and wanted me to go. That was a pivotal moment for me...seeing her wince in pain and grimace during the ultrasound. The tech soon realized that I had somewhat of a medical background due to all the questions I was asking.

When we found out they were admitting her, my sister in law and I headed back to Madonna to gather up her cards, flowers, and few belongings she had, one of which was her security blanket. That night, my brother, my sister-in-law and I were there by her side when they moved her to her room. I remember covering her with her security blanket, leaving for home, and crying all the way. (I could type more, but I still haven't eaten and Kayin isn't in bed...I'll finish more next week and have a box of kleenex's by the computer)!

Kayin and I got extremely close with her during her 9 month stay at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital fall of 2009-Early summer 2010. There wasn't a day that went by when we didn't stop and see her (how could we not, we only live about 5 blocks from there)! Of course, there were times when she would tell me that I should not have come and have our little girl out in the "that kind of weather" but deep down, I knew that she enjoyed those visits just as much as Kayin did.

10 on Tuesday

2011-08-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get back into the routine of things, especially with school starting in about two weeks (although I feel like I have been back full time since I started teaching EdVenture on July 11th). So, here is the 10 on Tuesday for today!! Enjoy!!

10. My 3 page school "To-Do" list has slowly been shrinking and on Friday, it finally could fit all on ONE...yes folks, 1 page!! I can't tell you how excited I am that it has finally happened and I am feeling pretty good about it!

9. With that being said, I am having so much fun decorating and putting things together for my room! Last year, I co-taught (which was a good experience) but was ready to have my own room again. Although, i do feel like I am a new teacher in Kindergarten!!

8. On July 21nd, my brother and his wife welcomed Jack Wayne!! He is absolutely ADORABLE and we are so happy he is here (finally)!!
7. Kendyn LOVES his exersaucer!! I was a little lenient to put him in it at first, but once he got the hang of it (and with his BIG sister's help), all he wanted to do was play with the gidgets and gadgets on there!
6. I don't know about anybody else, but this HEAT has got to go!! I like hot, but when you add the humidity it takes your breath away when you open a door to go anywhere! My first round of beans didn't do so well, I think we might have had fresh green beans three times and then they were done (it could have been a combo of not watering the three days I was out for the surgery and the heat). So, I planted another round this past weekend and am hoping they do well because there is nothing like fresh green beans from the garden!

5. Speaking of garden, my friend and I had grand plans for planting a garden and I feel like I have not helped much...between her being pregnant, me having a newborn, and this heat, we will be lucky to get everything we planted. However, I was able to make some fresh bruschetta with tomatoes and basil from the garden and it was YUMMY!! I also picked something last week when I worked in it and have NO IDEA what it is!! I am tempted to take it in to Earl May and have them help me figure out what it is...my guess is that it is some sort of squash!

4. This is priceless...don't you think? Kayin loves to read to her brother and he is entranced with all the books she reads him...even the princess ones!
3. I am recovering well from the surgery, but have realized that my body has gone through two major surgeries in 6 months time. I am trying to take it slow and not overdo it because Lord knows I don't want to have something like this recent ER trip happen any time soon!

2. I get to meet the rest of my NEW BIG Kindergarteners this week at family meetings! I have been teaching EdVenture and 6 out of my 19 kiddos have been attending so I am looking forward to getting to meet the rest of them!

1. I hope everyone is sitting down...our little BIG girl will be starting Preschool in two weeks! Kayin will be a peer model in the hearing impaired program at Prescott!!! The program seeks out one or two individuals with a high vocabulary and language development beyond most of their peers. She was recommended by the teacher last year after she had met her on different ocassions. She had asked me if I had thought about it, and really, we hadn't. Kayin's daycare provider, "M" does such a great job with the kids that she already knows all of her letters, a majority of their sounds, can count 100+, write her name, knows some two letter sight words, and is inquisitive beyond what we would have ever imagined! But, the teacher background in me knows how important it is to have some school experience prior to entering Kindergarten. Although we are excited, it means that our little girl, isn't "little" anymore!!

5 Months

2011-07-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind it has been the past week! I was hoping to upload pictures today as I am sitting in my quiet house (explanation later), but the computer is being funny. So, maybe tomorrow!! But, I will give you a the scoop on what's been happening at the Brinkmeyer household this past week!

First and foremost, today Kendyn turned 5 months old...ALREADY!!! I know, it seems just like yesterday I was going in for our scheduled c-section and welcoming him into our lives. He has brought so much joy and laughter that having two really makes us feel "complete" (although I keep telling Justin I wouldn't mind just one more)! He really changes from day to day and he has grown up so fast! Among other things, he LOVES to laugh, smile, play peek-a-boo with his sister (the other day when we were coming back from Grand Island both of them got to giggling so hard tears were rolling down their faces), eat his toes, roll over, cuddle with his "lovey", and interact with anyone that comes in contact with him. One thing that he despises, which we learned real quick on our vacation, is being in his car seat. One would think that the motion of the car would put a baby in a sleep transe...nope, not him! I told my hubby that if we were going to do a long road trip again in a car we may need to look at getting a van where we can be more mobile and accessible to the kids (and I am kind of ready for a mom-van anyways)!

So, back to the "whirlwind" of the week...it all started on Friday evening (and in retrospect, if I think back, it probably has been going on for awhile just never put two and two together).

Friday night was our Prescott Summer Festival and about half-way through the festivities I wasn't feeling good. The past couple of weeks, any time I ate, I had a tummy ache (which I thought was either an ulcer or heartburn...oh how I was WRONG)!!! Well, Friday night came and went with the pain continuing and waking up Saturday morning, I thought I was coming down with the flu. Justin headed to work, leaving me behind with the kids. Around 10:30 I was in so much pain I could barely walk, hold Kendyn, sit, nothing felt comfortable.

I broke down and called the hubby around 11:45 and told him that I needed him to come home because I thought this may cause for a trip to the ER. So, I made a call to my OB and talked with the doc on call...his thought was maybe a hernia (since exactly two years ago on our anniversary, the 16th of July, I had exploratory surgery of my abdomen and with the recent c-section, probably could be it) and suggested I head to the ER. What??!! Again??!! There must be something about July 16th that my body just does not agree with!!

Luckily we have a great friend here who came and rescued us around 2:00 to sit with the kids while we headed there and gradually, as you would think, the pain continued to get worse and worse. I give a shout-out to the BRYAN LGH ER staff because they were wonderful and got me checked in right away, had the on-call doc come in and look and if his eyes could tell a story, pretty sure they would. He looked at Justin and verbatum asked him, "Has your wife's belly button always been this big and purplish/blue looking?!" Needless to say, both of us weren't sure what to say (because it really is a body part that I don't look at because quite frankly, after having two children and two c-sections, it's kinda hard to see)! With that being said, Justin and I talked and I told him to head back to work because who knew how long it would be before things started rolling and happening (this was about 4:00).

Well, after having to drink the lovely contrast liquid for a CT scan, the ER doc on-call making a phone call, I went in for emergency surgery for an incarcerated/strangled hernia at 6:45!!! Unfortunately, Justin and the kids didn't make it to the hospital in time to see me off and give me kisses (which was probably the hardest part)! I lost it in the operating room when they told me he had just gotten there and would see me after I woke up. I asked if he could at least come back and give me a kiss....it was our anniversary, for goodness sake. But, wasn't going to happen.

So, after two nights in the hospital, being scolded by the ER doc for waiting this long (I guess it could have turned out to be a ruptured hernia if I had waited any longer), no more than Ibuprofen 800 for pain meds, not being able to work at summer school for a week, my gracious coustins taking the kids in the morning so I can rest....I am home and doing well...although I do feel like I have had another c-section!

What A Week!!!

2011-07-09T18:44:00.001-07:00

Here are some random shots from vacation. I am too tired to take the time to organize and comment on every picture tonight...fussy baby who is teething and trying to unpack are the priority right now (as well as preparing myself for teaching 4 weeks of summer school starting Monday). When I get a chance later this week, I will post more pictures with details. These are just a few of the week's events! :) Enjoy!

10 On Tuesday

2011-06-28T21:29:00.003-07:00

Hopefully this post will "post" on Tuesday...it's 11:29 so I have 30 minutes!

10. This weekend Kendyn was baptized...here are some of the pictures!

We had to wake Kendyn up a little so he knew what was going on...but right after I had woken him up, he went back to sleep!

My grandfather was able to make the service. Oh how it has changed since Kayin was baptized 3 years ago. Both sets were able to make it...sadly, both grandmothers (Kendyn's namesakes) were watching from up above and my other grandfather is not able to be mobile as easily as he used to be.
Aunt Maggie givin' Kendyn some love!Nana & Papa Grandma & GrandpaGodParents Josh and Maggie will be welcoming their little boy soon!! GodParents John and Audra will be welcoming their little girl soon!! Don't you just love that smile on Kendyn?! Our family with Pastor Sheri...it was kind of neat! We had Kayin baptized at this same church when we first moved here and a lot of the congregation commented on how much she continues to grow and how much Kendyn looks like her!

Auntie Char came all the way from North Carolina!! Again, don't you just love that face?!

9. This weekend was filled with lots of events! We started out by having a little get together for my parents' birthdays, followed by my sister-in-law's baby shower, and finishing out the weekend with Kendyn's baptism. Justin's parents were able to fly out for the event and took the kids to the hotel for awhile...Kendyn couldn't get enough of the water! He loves to swim!! 8. And here is our other little waterbug swimming with Grandpa. She still is a little worried to go under the water but if she had floaties or a life jacket on, pretty sure she would want to be in the water all day and by herself (miss little independent)! 7. This sequence of pictures captures the many faces of Kendyn...one minute he can be laughing and smiling... ...and the next minute something has him scared and he is crying! 6. Who can resist this little face? He turned 4 months on the 22nd of June, ALREADY, and has grown up so fast! He can roll over (has completely rolled over twice, but isn't sure he likes doing it), can pull himself up on his hands when having tummy time, eat his toes (this is a favorite of his now that he is teething), if holding your hands, can lift up his head and go from a sitting to standing position! We have a feeling he may be a fast crawler and in no time, be walking! This morning, during tummy time, he lift his bottom like he was getting ready to crawl! 5. We are ready for VACATION!!

4. Speaking of vacation, after summer school training last week, I will probably have to spend some time "working on school stuff"...whoever claims that teachers still get 3 months off in the summer, well, I would like to see their proof of that claim!

3. I am running out of things to say and it is now 12:04...

2. I have to take Justin to work in the morning at 7:30...

1. Hence, why I am going to sign off now!

10 on Tuesday (okay, I know it's early, but tomorrow is going to be BUSY)!

2011-06-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

I know I am a day early, but I know some of you have been requesting a new post filled with pictures. So, here is my 10 on Tuesday on Monday night! :) Tomorrow is going to be too busy to try and squeeze one in! :)

Today we were fortunate to utilize Justin's day off and take some family pictures! I will start with the last one of the day that we took...both of the kids were at their breaking point and were done!! I am not going to put all of them up (there were about 157 to choose from) and needless to say, it was hard to narrow it down!

10. I love that Kayin continues to hold her brother even though he clearly has had enough of the pictures!
9. We love how this one turned out! Their smiles are PRICELESS!!

8. Again, love the smiles on both of the kids...this was obviously at the beginning of the session!
7. Kayin has had this same smile since she was born and the sparkle in her eyes continues to glow!6. I think her brother is going to follow in her footsteps with his smile and sparkle!
5. The kids and I spent this past weekend in Clay Center and Grand Island. Kayin had a blast playing with the neighbor "girly girls" and can't wait to go back!

4. My new room is just about set up for the new school year. There is a possibility that I will be teaching all four weeks of summer school and I would really like to have the room completed before we leave on vacation to Chicago on the 29th. We return home on the 8th and if I teach all four weeks, we start on the 11th of July and go through the 5th of August....not much of a summer but the extra money will be nice!

3. Did I mention VACATION??!! We will be heading to Chicago/Northwest Suburbs for a couple of days, then head down to Charleston (where Justin is from), and make a swoop up through the Ozarks. It will be nice to get away and visit with friends...we haven't been back since Kayin was about 18 months!

2. The weather has not been cooperating to be outside, which is why we have no pictures of the new pool and the kids in it! Today it was a mere 67 degrees outside...a beach vacation may be on the schedule sometime soon!

1. I got my first pink and black box in the mail yesterday! It was so exciting to open it up and put together the orders for my MaryKay clients!! I ordered some new product for myself and LOVE it!!!

Change in Playlist

2011-06-05T13:44:00.001-07:00

Just to let you know, something has happened with Playlist and if you would like to hear the music selection for the post, you need to scroll to the bottom of the page and click play! :)

BIG BOY!!!

2011-06-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

Sitting in the Bumbo chair like a big boy!!

Happy Happy Birthday

2011-06-04T20:20:00.001-07:00

Well, the date finally arrived and it was TIME TO CELEBRATE!!! It has become something to think about each year around Kayin's birthday....do we celebrate on her actual birthday with friends or wait? This year, the answer was easy...we needed to wait (not only was Kendyn still pretty young, but my grandmother had just passed away and her funeral was on Good Friday). And actually, waiting is something I think we are leaning more and more towards...the timing has been perfect the last two years because I can devote my time to the party planning after school is out.

It's hard to imagine our lil' girl is 4...going on 20! This last year has been such an emotional roller coaster ride -- introduced not only to heaven (twice), but also puppy heaven as well as life with a new little brother. She has grown up so much this last year and I am sure that I am repeating myself, but it's hard to imagine that she is 4 and growing up so fast!

She had a great time and enjoyed seeing all of her friends--she has been counting down the days the last couple of weeks and today was no different. Refusing to take a nap, not wanting to eat, wanting to help decorate, insisted on making cupcakes at 6:00 in the morning...today proved to be quite a day!

Here are some pictures from the party...ENJOY!
Wouldn't be a garden/flower party without planting flowers with her friends!
Some of the table decorations...I forgot to take pictures of the table with everything on it (oops)! The glass jars I had left over from a flower arrangement from something I had here at the house, put a little scrapbook paper on them with ribbon and woala...coordinating decorations! And...I couldn't resist these flowers at a local grocery store!
She wanted to do crafts with her friends like she does at "M"s house for daycare...we had left-over foam animal critters from the last week of school (camp week) and found foam flower bookmarks at Hobby Lobby. This was a great activity and independent for little ones!
She opted to do cupcakes this year instead of a cake...found these straws at Dollar Tree, but cut the tops and bottoms off enough to put into the cupcake for a decoration! The Dollar Tree was a friend of mine for this party! :)

10 on Tuesday

2011-05-31T20:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay...no new pictures to post, but hopefully by the end of the week I will have some! The last two weeks have been crazy with trying to pack up my room at school and complete all the end of the year "junk"...so if you are someone who likes pictures, patience...

10. Our district office caught on fire last night and nothing was saved. It's hard to believe that everything is gone...the technology, new math curriculum, all the artwork from students that adorned the office, personal items from staff members, the list could go on and on...

9. I am officially in my NEW room (with a little bit of sweat and tears, I moved ALL of my stuff by myself today). Co-teaching was a good experience, but I am ready to have my own space again. I will walk in with a blank slate!

8. It's a good thing we are going to CHICAGO this summer!! There is NO teacher store here in Lincoln and I need some supplies!! :) I wonder if Justin will let me hook up a U-Haul??!!

7. This was the first Memorial Day with both Grandmas gone...it was a hard day on Monday.

6. The other morning, Kendyn was fussing around his usual time of 5:30 wake-up call. I went into his room and he had both of his legs through the slats in the crib and was just talking to himself, smiling away and looking at the ceiling fan.

5. Speaking of Kendyn, the little man had rolled himself over this morning!! Justin heard fussing and went into his room to find him on his belly!!! He has gotten quite strong in the last month or so!

4. We are planning a lil' girl's (or should I say BIG girl's 4th birthday party for this weekend). She can't wait to celebrate with her friends and do some "gardening" crafts/activities!! I usually have my party hat on by now, but needed to get through today first! :) So, tomorrow, let the PARTY planning begin!! :)

3. I am really looking forward to getting my MaryKay business going...it's been fun to get my first order in!!

2. Vacation can't come soon enough...so ready to get away for awhile, however, Kendyn is NOT a good traveler!

1. It's 11:00 and I am tired...need to catch some sleep so I can post pictures tomorrow! :)

10 on Tuesday

2011-05-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know many of you are wondering where the pictures are, but you should be happy that I am finding the time to blog (I promise to work on adding some new pictures)! Life has been quite hectic since returning to work and trying to adjust has taken some time. So, today's 10 on Tuesday is a reflection on the last couple of weeks or returning back to work full time!

10. We now have 2 angels in heaven watching over us. On Tuesday, April 19th, my dad's mother passed away. It's amazing how this woman had the tenacity to beat the odds every time she turned the corner. At her age, she battled several different kinds of cancer like no one ever had! She was an amazing woman and it's hard to imagine that we can't just pick up the phone and call her anymore. I had a harder time with this death, possibly because it had only been about 7 months since my other grandma had passed, or maybe it was the fact that I couldn't visit her every day like I did Grandma Betty, or maybe the fact that my dad is an only child...not sure, but it has been hard!

I was cleaning through our cards today---and this woman didn't miss a birthday, holiday, anniversary, you name it. As I was going through them and sorting into new baby cards, holiday cards, birthday cards...I found an Easter card, from her, dated April 10th. I have a feeling she knew that Easter this year was going to be a little different. We miss you and love you Grandma Lou!!

9. With that being said, the weekend prior to me heading back to work was kind of a blur....her funeral was on Good Friday, we celebrated Easter by attending church with my grandfather in Geneva (home of the other grandmother that passed away in September), and we celebrated our princess's fourth birthday on Easter Sunday! Looking back at the calendar, Grandma passed away exactly 8 weeks after Kendyn Lou-Douglas was born and a week before Kayin turned four.

8. The first week back was bittersweet...I was more than ready to have a routine and get our family back on a schedule, but yet wanted time to grieve and didn't have that opportunity.

7. We couldn't have asked for a better sitter for Kendyn. Due to the amount of pregos and new babies at Kayin's daycare, we needed to find someone for Kendyn. Luckily, our good family friends J & A offered to help out!! I am pretty sure A is around most of the time, but every now and then I know J gets a turn! They have three amazing girls and another one on the way...she is SUPER MOM and rocks at watchin' my kid (and when Kayin gets a chance, she goes too)!!

6. Do you ever feel that there isn't enough time in the day to get the littlest things done? When I was home on maternity leave I felt like I accomplished soooooo much and could get everything on my "to-do" list crossed off. Now, I purposely write things I have already done on a "to-do" list so I can feel good about getting something done....even if it was accomplished before I wrote the dang list!

5. After some hard thinking and pro/con lists, I have leapt into the world of selling MaryKay!! I attended a meeting about 4 weeks ago and honestly had no intention of signing up to be a consultant. However, after talking with my director and laying some things out on the table, I figured "Heck, what is there to lose? I LOVE make-up, enjoy seeing how happy good lookin' skin makes people feel, and getting to know some pretty amazing women, I figured...GO FOR IT!!" So, if you are ever in need of some product, let me know!

4. This past weekend, the kids and I, okay...mostly Kayin and I, planted our pots!! And boy was it fun!! I went into Campbell's Nursery around 5:45 on Friday night...started pulling some things into my cart when I noticed I was doing what I DID NOT WANT TO DO THIS YEAR!!! Purchasing the same ole' flowers I ALWAYS do! So, I asked for some assistance and wouldn't you know, they were closing at 6:00. Well, I was bound and determined to get help from someone and luckily, "J" recommended to come back Saturday morning, EARLY (as it was Mother's Day weekend) with pictures of the pots and their dimensions.

Well, I did just that! Went home that night, snapped a few photos, took some measurements and returned back on Saturday morning. In about 30 minutes, we had 7 boxes loaded with flowers and plants and none of it was even remotely close to what I have planted in the past. The teacher in me, of course, took notes as to what plants/flowers went into each pot and where as well attached the identification tags to the pictures of the pots so next year, if I like what I have this year, I can be ready!! And yes, I do promise to get the pictures up soon!

3. I still have yet to see any of the royal wedding coverage...I don't even think I have seen a picture of Kate's full wedding attire!

2. Last week Justin took the kids for their check-ups. Kayin has to follow up with an orthopaedic opthamologist. One of her eyes is not 20/20 vision...I wouldn't be surprised if we end up getting glasses down the road. When she was born, her right eye looked as though some of the iris had "leaked" into the pupil. I can't quite remember what the technical term is, possibly a detached iris strand? We have always had to get it checked out and Dr. R wasn't overly concerned, but wants us to keep an eye on it. Kendyn was weighing in at almost 12 pounds!! He is following his sister's path in being long and lean! He is in the 85th%ile for length...and he certainly didn't get it from me!

1. Assessments, Assessments, Assessments.....and REPORT CARDS!!!

10 on Tuesday

2011-04-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

I know it is Wednesday again before I am posting this, however we have had a few busy days...went to visit some friends in Omaha, headed to the doctor, scheduling appointments, and spending a TON of time outside (supposedly it is to snow outside this weekend!)

10. Kendyn loves to be talked to and all of the 3 month developmental milestones recommended by our doctor, he is already doing. Cooing, smiling, responding back to
someone talking, lifting head and neck up during tummy time...hopefully it will continue!

9. I couldn't ask for a better daddy for my two children. He not only is a great daddy but a great husband. Both his children adore him and although he wants to be done having kids, I am indifferent about this subject. :)

8. Kayin and I found these...for A BUCK...in the dollar bins at Target. Hoping to get them started inside and transplanted outside when this "supposed" snow is past! Nothing can beat fresh herbs from the garden!
7. If you have a Sam's membership...GO AND PICK THESE UP!!! I usually don't promote business for a local company, however, these are DELISH!!!! And they are healthy for you!! I have been craving chips for the last couple of weeks and these hit the spot (and have much fewer calories!
6. The Spring Game is this weekend (although it is supposed to snow) and daddy has to work. :( We will miss him, but Kayin has been looking forward to this since last Fall. She is just too young to justify spending $50+ for a ticket not knowing if she will sit through the whole game. This is the perfect opportunity for her not to only see and listen to the Big Red Band, but also to go in through those magical gates into Memorial Stadium.
5. We recently went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast and I found these little gems! Perfect for place settings with dyed Easter eggs...and....they were only a BUCK!!
4. Need I say more?? You wouldn't know it by this sweet, sleeping face, however....we have had some sleepless nights here at the Brinkmeyer household. Neither kiddo has been acting their normal, cheery self, so, we headed to the doctor this morning and this lil' nugget has an ear infection...BOOOOO!!! Who knew that an almost 2-month old could get these?! (They must come in pairs because Kayin has one as well and we see an ENT next week to discuss repeat tube insertion). He has gained just over a pound in about 2 weeks--weighed in at 11 pounds today (he did have his clothes on, but not sure if that would make much of a differenct).
3. For the first time this Spring, we are witnessing the blossoming of our beautiful magnolia tree in our backyard! In the past, the weather changes to 65+ temps and then suddenly, drops to a mere 25-30 degrees and without fail, kills the blossoms! However, with the weather changing, once again, rapidly this weekend, not sure how much more we will get out of the tree.
2. I LOVE HER!!! Kayin and Daddy were outside and when she rushed into the living room, she entered with this "flower from the tree". I asked her why she had picked it for me and she said, "Because I love you and you are special to me. Plus, you are my mommy!"
1. This is not a gas smile! This child LOVES to smile and coo!! Not ready to leave it in a couple of weeks when I head back to school! Oh well, my friend "A" will get to enjoy him!!!

10 on Tuesday

2011-04-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

10 on Tuesday (okay, it's really Wednesday but yesterday went way too fast)!!

10. I have adjusted to having two children and life is WONDERFUL!! I couldn't ask for anything more...other than to be a stay at home mom! I go back to work in two weeks and it doesn't seem possible that at that time, Kendyn will be 8-weeks and we will only have 4 weeks of school left!
9. Found this little outfit at Gap and he looks quite handsome...and like a little man!
8. Our friends came over last week for a birthday party/visit with friends from CA and "J" got Kayin hooked on getting tattoos!! The only downside is that she wants them to be permanent and fights to take a bath!
7. Have I mentioned that life is WONDEFUL with two children and the adjustment has been without any major problems (except for those bags under the eyes)??!!
6. Can't resist this sweet little head in a knitted hat we picked up the week he was born...
5. And can't resist this little smile and the excitement any time we go to the mall and ride the carousel!
5. Kendyn got his first experience dying Easter eggs!!

4. Not sure how much you can tell, but when Kayin was 6-weeks old, we ventured to Myrtle Beach and I unearthed this picture. Kendyn is a spitting image of his sister at that age. It will be interested to see how he changes...or doesn't compared to Kayin!
3. Our child has major air in his lungs...exhibit A: Kendyn in his crib (do you see the object in the lower right hand corner)
Exhibit B: Kendyn's pacifier...
Exhibit C: My pointing to the pacifier that Kendyn "shot" out of his mouth!!
2. Someone got ahold of the spatula when we made cupcakes last week...I hope they were good!

1. I have thoroughly enjoyed spending my maternity leave with the kids. Its amazing how fast time has flown!! It's also amazing to see the love that my children already have for each other. I am going to miss waking up to a cup of coffee having a deep conversation with Kayin and then holding my baby as we do so!

Happiness Is...

2011-03-28T18:22:00.001-07:00

Happiness is...
Realizing that we have an addition to the backseat the adds to our precious cargo. To see how Kayin smiled the day she got to FINALLY put her baby in the backseat with her was priceless.
Happiness is...
Seeing how your fast your children grow up and change...okay, really, I am not that happy about it. However, it has been a tremendous journey the day we became parents!
Happiness is...
Being pregnant and knowing that the love between you and your husband will magnify the day you welcome the little miracle you created.
Happiness is...
Seeing the love that our parents have for their grandchildren.

Happiness is...
Need I say more??!!
Happiness is...
Knowing that we have a GIRLY-GIRL on our hands (however this could get us into trouble down the road)! There isn't a day that goes by when I am putting on make-up that she doesn't want to be involved and put on her own! Her Aunt Amy, Uncle Corey, and cousins Mitchell and Graham recently gave her an early birthday present...and guess what it was??!! MAKE-UP!!! I am pretty sure the beam on her face from eye to eye tells it all!

Happiness is...
Meeting my aunt from North Carolina for a lunch date with the kids. Whenever she is in Nebraska for a visit, it's always a must to make it a point to have a visit. She adores our children (as does my other aunt) and we are so fortunate to have them in our lives!
Happiness is...
Letting our daughter pick her outfits out and seeing her creation...eat your heart Carson Kressly!! Let's see...today I believe it was a pair of cowgirl boots, pink heart tights, her RED tutu, the brown dress, a long sleeve shirt, and she let me pick out the bow...I went for red!

10 On Tuesday

2011-03-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

10. On Saturday, Nana & Papa joined my cousins, their children, and my grandfather for the Shrine Circus here in Lincoln. It was bittersweet for me...I wasn't able to go due to the lil' man, but so LOVED seeing the smile on my lil' girl's face!
9. Before she went, Kayin expressed how SCARED she was of clowns...you wouldn't be able to tell by this picture! She said when she returned home that her favorite part of the circus was, "Seeing the clowns mommy!! They were sooooo silly and made me laugh sooooo hard!"
8. Can you believe this lil' guy is a month old...TODAY??!! I went to bed last night thinking about how emotional I was that Monday night before our scheduled c-section.

7. Yet another art project that I think we are going to try this summer...maybe not so elaborate as this one, but who doesn't have a clay pot laying around somewhere? This is a birdhouse and from the looks of it, we don't think it will be too difficult to put together--and how colorful!
6. Kayin and I had a girl date today at our neighborhood library for story hour. She was a little hesitant to sit up with the "crowd of kids" but after awhile, moved on up there!!
5. Yesterday marked yet another birthday for me! I don't know who was more excited...Kayin or daddy when they found the cookie cake! Good thing they didn't put all the candles on...we could have had a fire!
4. Nothing sweeter than listening to Daddy read a story to his kiddos.
3. Resting with Nana...pretty sure he could stay in this position all day long! He loves to SNUGGLE!!
2. She falls in love with him more and more every day. It's amazing to see how protective she is of her little brother and how much she LOVES him!! Justin and I couldn't have asked for a better bigger sister for Kendyn!

1. I am pretty sure that these next 4 weeks that I get to stay at home and finish my maternity leave are going to FLY by!!

Look what I can do!!

2011-03-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

Kayin giving her little brother some lovin' after working so hard doing this:
Really working hard on tummy time and building my muscles!! Not too sure about it, but watch what I can do!!

He not only did it once, but 3 TIMES!!!! He did some grunting to get the job done, but we were so proud of him!! His legs and arms were flailing away and we can already tell he is going to be one strong little guy!! Way to go Kendyn!!

Week 2

2011-03-12T15:48:00.000-08:00

Nothing sweeter than this face (and his big sisters of course)!!!
Kayin found some leg warmers and decided she would turn her short sleeve into long sleeve and her shorts into pants...she is totally into dressing herself right now!
While doing our art project for Easter, Kayin decided she would add some decorations to her hands!
Painting the Easter egg door decoration. I outlined the flowers and she filled in...she did an awesome job!!
My OB with the kids...I love how Kendyn is looking up at her taking it all in. She was wonderful and we couldn't have asked for anyone better. I have actually told Justin that this experience was completely different than with Kayin and as I was laying on the operating table, told him I was ready for another one. She leaned over the infamous blue curtain and told me, "Not quite yet, Jess!"
Checking out the playgym.
Kayin showing him the different animals
This is probably one of my favorites so far. He loves to hold onto the little charms when I feed him and he LOVES, and I mean, LOVES to snuggle!!

2011-03-04T09:46:00.000-08:00

We took Kendyn to his first check-up after dismissal from the hospital and we couldn't have asked for a better doctor!! He is great with the kids and Kayin loves to visit him (unless he has to do something with her ears). She was so excited to help out and was anxious to hear his heartbeat!!
One week old already!!
Getting some lovin' from his older sister!
Chillin' on the boppy--he loves to hang out in the boppy and take everything in. He isn't quite sure about tummy time yet but we are working on little increments of time to build up his strength!! He is attempting to lift his head and is a strong little guy!
Not sure what he thinks about Harper yet--got a good look at him today!
My art project I worked on the other day--got the idea from the doctor's office. A nurse had seen something similar and new she could make it. I think it was about 1/4 of the original price. I picked up the supplies with coupons and 1/2 off deals! It's a great decoration to bring in Spring!
On the topic of craft projects...I am sure you have seen these wooden door decorations...for anywhere from 25-40 dollars! Justin and I are both creative enough that we thought we would give it a try and make one ourselves! Justin picked up the wood (already pre-ctu into 3 x 3 foot squares) at Home Depot (for about 5 dollars), drew on the design, and then cut it out. It was my job to paint the shamrock, tie on the bow, and hang with wire. It turned out pretty cute and gave me a little something to do at home on during my stay on maternity leave. We have stocked up wood for the upcoming holidays to make some more!

10 on Tuesday

2011-03-01T13:18:00.000-08:00

10 On Tuesday

10. What a whirlwind it has been, but we couldn't be more blessed!! We welcomed Kendyn Lou-Douglas Brinkmeyer exactly a week ago on Tuesday, February 22nd. He is an amazing addition and we can't wait to get to know him! Kayin has been an amazing big sister so far and LOVES him to pieces!!9. Yesterday, when Kendyn was napping, I overheard Kayin in his room--she had taken a blue teddy bear and placed it by his feet, drawn his curtains closed, and was sitting on her stool reading him a story. She is liking this "big sister" role!
8. Daddy took time away from the hospital to spend with Kayin out in the snow during the snow storm we got on Thursday . They had lots of fun and Kayin's favorite part...throwing snow balls at Daddy!
7. My mother-in-law has adorned her neck with these little charms representing each grandchild. Lillian Vernon, of course, has changed some things around and the pink Mary Jane with some "bling bling" had a matching blue bootie for boys, but no longer carry it! But, I wear my little silver charms around my neck showing them off!

6. Have you ever wondered how you could possibly function on about 3 hours of sleep? For the first couple of nights at home, this is exactly what we were thinking as we were waking up during the night for feedings. The whole "feeding" process for me is taking about 2 hours...due to latching, supplementing, then pumping. Prior to leaving the hospital, we had many conversations with the lactation consultants for suggestions. I had difficulty with my "equipment" when Kayin was born and for the 6-weeks following her birth, tried everything to be successful with breasfeeding. However, it just wasn't working and I was a walking zombie 24/7. When speaking with the lactation consultants last week, I was dropped another bombshell that my "equipment" may not work again. I was devasted, but they were so supportive in helping us try lots of different techniques! I know what is best for Kendyn, but this just may not work. We are looking at it in a new perspective this time and taking it day by day. Luckily, he is still wanting to latch on, although only for a short time, but knowing that he is getting some of the nutrients I can provide to him is a good feeling.

5. With that being said, I have learned alot about myself as a mommy and a wife.

4. I am slowly learning to let go of the little things...laundry, dishes, making the bed, taking a shower every day, dusting, vacuuming. They'll get done one of these days and my new motto: a messy house is a LOVED house!

3. Kayin had a great time with both sets of her grandparents here. While Grandma and Grandpa Brinkmeyer were here, they spent some time at The Children's Museum here in Lincoln. I am not sure what her favorite part was...

2. While Nana and Papa were here, Kayin helped bake treats for our OBGYN's office and the Labor and Delivery 5th floor nurses. She even convinced us to have a dance party...which has now become a nightly ritual with Kendyn!! She and Papa spent some time outside in the snow. She was upset because the snow was "too hard" to make a snow angel so Papa had to "stir" it up to make it softer.
1. I think I hear someone starting to wake up ... gotta go!

He's Finally Here

2011-02-28T18:35:00.001-08:00

I am working on a full birth story, but here are just a few pictures to entice you!! We couldn't be any happier and are amazed at how life is with two beautiful children!

I am working on a full birth story, but here are just a few pictures to entice you!! We couldn't be any happier and we are amazed at how life is with two beautiful children!

SNOW DAY FUN!!!

2011-02-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

Harper could play all day in the snow if we let him!
Trying to catch snow flakes on her tongue!
Making her favorite...SNOW ANGELS!!! Isn't the smile priceless?!

Catch Up Time!!

2011-01-26T14:11:00.000-08:00

Whew, I didn't realize that it had been such a long time since I had blogged and posted pictures! We have been busy preparing for the lil' man and the month of January has seemed to FLY by!!
I haven't been really good at posting belly pictures...but here is one that Kayin took of my growing belly!! I think this was around 32 weeks.

The hospital that we are delivering lil' man at offered a SUPER SIBLING class. We signed up Kayin and if you can't tell by her face...she was ECSTATIC about everything she learned! Not sure what she liked more...learning about the boy parts, seeing the nursery, or holding the baby on the tour of the labor and delivery floors! Mommy and Daddy couldn't believe the size of the rooms as well as the ammenities they offer!!
Practicing her skills of feeding
Making sure she holds the head
Practicing her diapering skills...she looks like a pro!!
The baby was anatomically correct and her first thought was, "he has a tail!"

I caught Kayin reading to her babies in the lil' man's room one night. She was reading them bedtime stories. We are pretty sure she wants to start counting down the days until her little brother arrives.

Lil Man's Room

2011-01-04T02:47:00.000-08:00

Well, the room is almost complete! We are just waiting on the delivery of our "man cave" chair, (this time, instead of a rocker, we decided to go with a leather recliner that rocks...Justin says the only thing now he needs in the room is a flat screen and he is good to go) bed sheets, and possibly one more art print. We have had fun decorating and scouring the antique shops here in Lincoln to find all sorts of goodies (just like we did with Kayin's room when we were waiting her arrival).These canvases have been around the block a time or two. They started out as an art project in Kayin's play area downstairs before she moved down there. Next, they became her headboard and were covered with coordinating fabrics to her Pottery Barn bedding set. Now, we have tore off the fabric and used coordinating paint colors to fit in with the ROUTE 66 fabric we are using in the room. We took the 7 states that the highway traveled through and labeled the cities. Of course, they aren't 100% perfect, but that's what creativity is all about!
This is the ladder shelf that was in Kayin's room prior to her moving downstairs with new furniture. We have searched and scoured local antique shops to find all these vintage goodies! We wanted to go with a theme that we won't have to change out as he grows...and it's been fun creating all the memories as we shop around!
Good thing my mom has some sewing experience because I am not sure I would have been able to tackle the bedskirt like she did!! It was a daunting task, but after searching for the fabric (which Justin found by the way) we dove in and took a chance. The pleats were the hardest, but we think it turned out just dandy!
Found a tutorial online on how to make this mobile...I will honestly say, it took a bit longer than I had expected it to, but used the left over ROUTE 66 fabric from the curtains, bedskirt, and bumper pads along with some coordinating fabric and WAOLA...you have a mobile!
This piece has been around the block a time or two as well. We picked it up at a garage sale the first summer we were here and kept in in our room until we decided it was a quilt rack. Then, it got a coat of paint to go in Kayin's room (again...before she moved downstairs to her new room) and now it's in lil' man's room serving as the same purpose for some knick knacks we have come across.

Christmas With Grandma and Grandpa Brinkmeyer

2011-01-04T02:39:00.000-08:00

Baking Day with Nana

2011-01-04T02:25:00.001-08:00

Random Thoughts on New Year's Eve

2010-12-31T20:12:00.000-08:00

As I sit and type this, my body is telling me I am not tired....who would have thought I would still be up at 10:15 New Year's Eve?!

Justin and I were talking tonight about how our lives have changed just in the past five years! We remember when I first moved to Illinois, how we always had to go out for New Year's and bring in the new year with a few cocktails.

We also talked about our memories in Joliet at Bobby's Tap one year--I think that was the year we walked home and made a pit-stop and the infamous Joe's Hot Dogs for some late night snacks!

This year has definitely been one to remember and we are looking forward to 2011!! We lost my mom's mother on September 23rd (seems just like yesterday). My mom's mother was here in Lincoln at Madonna Rehabilitation Center and there wasn't a day that went by that we didn't stop and visit...Kayin even knew the directions coming home from daycare. The day she headed home in June was bittersweet--so lucky she was able to go home for some time, but yet hard on us to not have those visits with her at Madonna. When word came that she had to have another surgery three months later, we knew she had a tough road to fight. She fought until she had no more fight in her... she had family by her side the whole time supporting her.

Our little bundle of joy will arrive sometime in February and if all goes well, his birth day will be February 22nd. It's kind of crazy to think that we are having a boy...we are hoping I can make it to full term without going on bedrest. Kayin is looking forward to being a big sister and keeps asking if I "am done making him yet"!

Christmas Eve, my brother and his wife announced that they are expecting a baby in July!!! We couldn't be happier!!! Kayin will have lots of practice by then!

We hope to post some pictures soon! We went through our camera and realized it's been some time since we have put any up!

Handy Hands

2010-12-14T15:11:00.000-08:00

Justin scored this 9-drawer dresser at a garage sale this summer and it has found a PERFECT home in Kayin's new bedroom!! With a little bit of TLC, a couple coats of paint, and new drawer pulls, it has turned out quite cute!! I will post before and after pics next!!
Tried to get her doing the "Vanna White" pose but this is as good as it got. :)
Kayin was insistent on helping us put on the drawer pulls...and she did a great job!!
Daddy even let her help with the drill a little bit!
Can't seem to get enough Harper pictures on here...he was laying down behind the chair downstairs and the pile of hang up clothes fell on him. As you can tell, it bothered him quite a bit...NOT!!!

Tis The Season

2010-12-13T06:34:00.001-08:00

My attempt at redoing our wreath for the front door--got the idea from my sister-in-law and added a few different touches...if only I could find battery operated white lights to put in it!

I came upstairs from doing laundry and to my surprise, found not only Kayin snuggled up in her new blanket...but Harper too!! Can't you just sense the EXCITEMENT in his eyes?"Baking day with a friend...Nutter Butter Santas!! So cute and SOOOOOO EASY!!
An assortment of the ingredients...this doesn't include my pile of "junk"!

Redecorating Part 2

2010-12-05T16:41:00.000-08:00

Kayin playing with her Little Tikes Nativity Scene...although I try and put them in the correct spots, she would much rather just play with them.
In the midst of making room for the new baby in the house, we had to do some rearranging. Kayin is now downstairs and LOVING IT!!! The headboard and footboard came from a salvage find from my husband. We painted them up and they look brand new! Her dresser was another garage sale find that we painted...lots of storage and perfect for all of her clothes!

Redecorating

2010-12-05T16:10:00.000-08:00

We have been planning and deciding on lots of little things for the lil' man's bedroom and I think we have finally agreed on major decisions...one being his name!!We aren't telling the name until he is born (but if you are close, most likely, Kayin will tell you his name). When Kayin was born I scored some wooden letters at Hobby Lobby and painted them to go with her bedding. Fortunately, as I was walking around Hobby Lobby last weekend on Black Friday, I scored...AGAIN!!! This time, the letters are finished with an antique look and all we have to do is hang them on the wall!!! And yes, for those of you who are guessing, his first name will start with a "K"...and don't worry, the sex hasn't changed! It was confirmed again last week with another ultrasound.
I have been reading a blog of a friend and they are adopting a little boy from Ethopia and she recently made a mobile for his room. I got this idea from her and although it took a little longer to make, we are completely in LOVE with it!! His room is really starting to come together and we can't wait to see all the pieces in place!
If you couldn't tell by the vintage name sign, we are going with a vintage/antique look in the room. I scored these at my parents place...planning on filling them with marbles or something of that sort, but they are awfully hard to come by.
When we found out we were having a girl the first time around, we had no problem picking out bedding (a shout of to Pottery Barn Kids) and coordinating accents. However, this time around, it was proving to a daunting task. Justin suggested this fabric and as I kept looking at it, it grew on me! So, we bought enough yards to make curtains, a bed skirt, and a crib bumper...on my grandma's sewing machine that I acquired right before she passed away.
These are the curtains with the pattern fabric at the bottom. We were going to paint the room, but with all the accessories, it's coming together!

Pregnancy

2010-11-07T19:12:00.001-08:00

26 weeks and counting...and yes, I still have 16 weeks to go. Not sure how considering I am continuing to grow at a fast pace. With our first pregnancy, I was really good with emailing everyone pictures on a weekly basis. However, now with our family blog and facebook capabilities, that doesn't happen. This pregnancy has proven to be COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than the first one!

* I had some difficulties with spotting until around 16-weeks

* Continue to have "morning sickness" (although I have it morning, noon, and night)

* Was diagnosed with gestational diabetes (which has had its perks...have lost weight due to really watching what I am eating). Numbers aren't horrible and OBGYN isn't too concerned, but being preventive before the possibility of them getting that way.

* Starting to have the oddest cravings...didn't really have any with Kayin--just wanted fruit and salad ALL THE TIME with her. Don't even want to tell you what I have been craving with this lil' guy!

* Tired ALL THE TIME

* My boobs....well, they HURT and we are hoping that it's a good sign (hopefully this time I will be able to breastfeed and won't be too stressed out for my milk not to come in...with Kayin, there were so many things going on that my milk never did come in)

* Having some major back issues early on in the pregnancy has sent me to Motherhood Maternity for a fashion "belt" for bellies....but I am telling you, the sucker WORKS!!! Takes so much pressure off my back and actually has helped me walk !

The list could go on and on but considering that the time change happened last night and it is really 9:30 instead of 8:30 I see on our clocks...I better get to bed! That's the other thing...did I mention I am TIRED ALL THE TIME??!!

Halloween

2010-11-07T19:03:00.001-08:00

Mommy wasn't feeling the greatest on Halloween, hence the number of pictures. Kayin insisted on being a Husker cheerleader since, oh, about March. About a week before Halloween, changed her mind and wanted to be a Pink Princess. Although we didn't get a home-made costume this year from Nana (nobody to blame but an indecisive 3 1/2 year old) we pulled through with a flowergirl dress she wore in my brother's wedding a year and a half ago. Not to bad for putting it together three days before Halloween, huh?!

2010-11-04T01:02:00.000-07:00

Oh where, oh where, did our camera go??
I was out of commission for a couple of days this week due to the baby growing and putting major pressure on my lower back...severe BACK PAIN (and just a little over half-way there....so hoping we make it to at least 38 weeks) and I wanted to post some belly pictures, Kayin pictures, and family pictures. However, we, for the life of us, can't find our camera!!! So, if you see one laying around, PLEASE LET US KNOW!!!

2010-10-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

I wonder where my blog could be? Did it disappear? Did it run away from neglect?

Have you ever felt so totally overwhelmed that things get pushed off and off and then as you are reading up on everyone's blog you take a look at yours and realize it has been about a month and a half of not touching it??!!

We are here...I PROMISE!!!

I'm pretty sure with the death of my sweet grandmother, "morning sickness" (although I get it throughout the day still), meetings before/during/and after school, Husker football, a list a mile long for Fall break, and about 100 million other little things there just doesn't seem to be enough time for it all!!

I should probably be trying to rest since I have recently done something to my back and can't walk today, or trying to get the lil' Princess ready for Halloween, or maybe finishing the new rooms for the transition of the baby (which I will post pictures soon...I SWEAR) but instead, felt compelled to write something so you know we haven't really fallen off the planet!

Psalm 23

2010-09-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

This morning at 8:27, another Angel made their way to heaven: Betty Bumgarner...my grandma

The Lord Is My Shepherd

A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

Grandma, I can just imagine what you are doing right now--probably having a feast you have prepared for all your friends who have been waiting for you. God opened his arms this morning and you peacefully became his and you have your final resting place. You no longer have to suffer and go through this fight and we are so lucky to have had you in our lives. I am working on putting together some pictures for you!!

GOOOO BIIIIIIII REEEEEEED

2010-09-05T16:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked the start of fall football here in Lincoln and Kayin couldn't wait!! For the last several weeks she has been asking when she "gets to see the Big Red Band"!! Well, today her wish was granted and she was thrilled to see the band, tailgate, get a few pictures with some band members, and see the CHEERLEADERS!!! She was thinking of being a Big Red Band member for Halloween but I think has since then changed her mind to being a Husker cheerleader!!

Sniff Sniff

2010-08-17T05:11:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is our official first day of school and although I am more than ready to get on a routine and schedule, I am going to miss spending the days with our three year old daughter! I am pretty sure I say this every year, but I have learned so much about her and have seen her blossom to be such an amazing little girl. We have had our moments, but I have never laughed or cried so hard as I did this summer with her!

10 on Tuesday

2010-08-10T06:16:00.000-07:00

The summer is officially over...as I am working on the blog today I am in a computer profile class at school. So, here is my 10 on Tuesday for the kick-off to the school year!

10. Learn how to create a profile on our webpage...hopefully to upload classroom newsletters.

9. Manage a classroom blog

8. Create several picture schedules for some of our new students (after meeting some of them, these will come in handy)!!

7. Finish our family meetings

6. Make name-tags for: coat hooks, cubbies (mailboxes) desks, folders

5. Hang up the new apple clock that papa picked up at Scholastic

4. Get lots of rest tonight as our first official "back to school" day begins tomorrow with meetings, meetings, and more meetings.

3. Finish organizing the books in our "book closet".

2. Did I mention get lots of rest tonight?

1. Plan the first week of school...

Of course, the list could go on and but I won't go into the details.

Vacation Part 3

2010-08-07T16:08:00.000-07:00

As I sit here typing this entry, countdown to starting back up again has begun!! Although I have had family meetings and classes this week, we "officially" report back on Wednesday. We have had a great summer together...it definitely was a whirlwind and kept us busy!! Here are some more pictures from vacation in Canada!!

Here is Grandpa Brinkmeyer's brother, Ken, with Kayin down by the river that runs through the city of Edmonton.

All of the light traffic control boxes were painted -- these were in Strathcona which is a very artsy little town. A lot of fun shops and UNIQUE merchandise!!

A little sneak peak of the mountains (this got out of order for some reason, but it's on our way to Banff). City Building downtown Edmonton

Fields of canola...these were close to LIME GREEN in color!!

2010-07-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

Signing and filling out our declaration card for Customs to get into Canada...this makes is official!!

Checking out Aunt Amy's jewelry!!

Watching the sea lion show at the Edmonton Mall...for any of you out there who like to shop--they have over 800 stores with an attached hotel!! We couldn't believe the size of this place! There was an official size ice hockey rink, a waterpark, a miniature golf course (Uncle Joshy would LOVE IT) and a little lake running through the middle...absolutely incredible!

Ice Hockey Rink

Olympic statue on a corner in Strathcona (about 20 minutes from Edmonton). Found several new things from jewelry to souvenirs in this little town!

VACATION PART 2

2010-07-24T21:16:00.001-07:00

Passed out and zonked even before the plane left out of Minneapolis!!

Showing Baby Baby what she sees out the window!

On the flight, they offered complimentary snacks...these little biscotti cookies were a hit!!

Checking out what's for sale in the Skymall magazine!

Reading to mommy and Baby Baby

VACATION PART 1

2010-07-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am trying to figure out how to change the font color to match the new background and I can't!! Hopefully soon I will remember since it has been quite awhile from the last blog post!!
We arrived safe and sound from a WONDERFUL two-week vacation in Canada and words can't even express how thankful we are to Grandma and Grandpa Brinkmeyer for organizing it and making it happen!! Kayin and I were able to meet some family members for the first time and we definitely made a lot of memories!!
I know many people who read this enjoy the videos of pictures, but most of you relish in the single pictures with descriptions! So, with that, I am going to be doing a series of posts about the vacation. With over 200 pictures to choose from, there is no possible way to include all of them unless I do a short slideshow for one of the posts (which I might do if I can remember how to put one together).

The first part is at the Fletcher household!! We made it just in time for a Toad themed birthday party!!

N with his HUGE bullfrog!!

Someone is missing from this picture!!

Having Aunt Jessi pain my nails before vacation!

Swinging with N on the swingset

Look at all these toads!! I believe the boys caught most of them behind their house at the lake!

Swimming--first lesson

2010-06-12T18:28:00.000-07:00

Today was the big day...SWIMMING LESSONS!!! I honestly don't know who was more excited-mommy or Kayin! She has, from day one, loved the water and we couldn't wait to get her signed up somewhere! I have a friend at school who subs every now and then and I love her spirit and her way with kids. When I realized she gave lessons, I knew where I wanted Kayin to go. She has recently renovated her back yard to accomodate this massive pool (which I am just a little jealous) and has quite the system going! She has been giving lessons for quite some time and although we couldn't be out there watching every little move our little fish was making, we watched anxiously from the "parent pool house". The last five minutes she lets parents come out, show off what the swimmer has learned and assigns a little homework assignment! :) This week, we are working on our "circles in the water" and "1, 2, 1, 2" chasing ducks in the pool!! ENJOY!!

Party!!

2010-06-12T18:07:00.000-07:00

After months and months of planning, her party was a HIT!! The weather was beautiful and everything was amazing! Thanks to everyone who helped out! These were one of Kayin's presents...needless to say, we think they fit her personality quite well!

Don't ask.....

Could this cake have gotten any cuter? We are fortunate enough to have connections through my aunt with a teacher friend here in town that makes cakes. She has made every birthday cake for her and it has now become a tradition!!

It's Almost Here

2010-05-24T17:13:00.003-07:00

I can feel it. I can smell it. With that in mind...out with the old and....

In with the NEW!!! I couldn't convince the better half to keep the bigger pool so this one will have to do. Luckily, it is large enough for me to lay in on a raft and work on the summer tan. As you can tell, Kayin was anxious to get in the water!!

Say Cheese!!!

As we were filling up the pool, she wanted to get in but was quickly reminded how cold the water can be!!

And it's about time for this party to start!! We have been collecting numerous luau party materials and it can't come fast enough!! This is truly a party that we have been planning for! And yes, decorations include PINK flamingos (along with a lot of other things)!!

It

2010-05-24T17:13:00.001-07:00

Whoo Hoo

2010-05-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

What a relief it is to know that REPORT CARDS ARE DONE...DONE...DONE!!! And not to mention a week before they officially have to be completed!! Let the weekend begin, and if the weatherman is right--we will be enjoying some time outside!!

10 on Tuesday

2010-05-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

We have lived here for almost three years and have NEVER BEEN TO THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM...until now!! I have a feeling that this won't be the last time either (or at least we hope not because we bit the bullet and bought a family year pass)!! Get ready for the "many faces of Kayin"!

10. Is this not the coolest thing every? A life-size Connect Four Game!! Kayin got the idea, but needed a little boost to put the pieces in the top! I am thinking this may be something fun for indoor recesses.....9. Pilot Kayin gearing up for her marathon of flying this summer to Canada. She had her first flight when she was about 6 weeks old and did great!! Good thing we started flying with her when she was young--she now knows what to ask the Pilot for when she steps on the plane...her WINGS!! They always give her a pair even though it's not her "first flight".

8. Shopping at the grocery store with Daddy...not too sure what she has in the cart but do remember she made three trips!!

7. Firefighter Kayin to the rescue!

6. Anyone in need of a doctor? Kayin has always been intrigued with babies and now since her recent visit to Dr. R for her three year check-up has shown interest in becoming a baby doctor. She couldn't get enough of these little ones!!

5. Chef Kayin preparing a pizza for mommy and daddy. Kayin loves to cook...and I mean LOVES to cook! At night, when we get ready for dinner, she is right up there wanting to "be a chef and get messy"!!

4. Wandering through the tree...this was probably the scariest thing for her--wasn't too sure about all the holes and mazes to crawl through! But, loved to peek out and scream "BOO"!!

3. Thank goodness mommy is somewhat talented in the painting department (or maybe it was due to a little coaxing on what she could get painted on her face)!

2. Where's the water? Guess we will need to make a trip down to Aunt Mimi's lakehouse for some real boating action with Uncle Jerry!!

1. Water, water everywhere!

Rain Rain Go AWAY!!!!

2010-05-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Mother Nature,

I know you may be going through menopause right now, BUT PLEASE.GO.AWAY!!!! I don't mind that you send Mr. Rain along, as he is providing the nourishment for all our flowers, plants, and garden seedlings, but I am over it...D.O.N.E with the rain!!

We have had our furnace on all week (despite the hubby's wishes) and all I want to do is cuddle in bed and do nothing!! Which, as you know, is not in the vocabulary or mind set of a teacher the last three weeks of school!!!

I did however, spend some time deep cleaning a few closets, bathrooms and organized another shelf in Kayin's room due to the sloppy mess outside not to mention the delightful streams of light and booming thunder around 4:45 this morning!

I could go on and on just like you, but please, send some warmer temperatures our way....AND SOON!!!!

Love,
The Brinkmeyers

Things I am Thankful For (just to name a few)

2010-05-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

I know it's Tuesday...but...I'm feeling like my blog is getting a little dreary...so here is a list of what I am thankful for (in no specific order)
1. Justin and Kayin's sweet faces
2. sunshine
3. waking up with Kayin snuggled between the two of us
4. my parents
5. Justin's parents
6. the park
7. going out with friends
8. Friday night Art Walks here in Lincoln
9. being part of a bigger picture
10. good music/dancing
11. text messaging
12. looking forward to church on Sundays
13. ice
14. having a coworker who wants to co-teach Kindergarten next year
15. having Kayin play make-up with me
16. singing
17. ice cream and brownies
18. spending time with my grandparents
19. flower pots filled to the brim with flowers
20. God's word, and the peace it gives my heart
21. outdoor shopping malls
22. bagels
23. hugs
24. scrapbooking
25. watching Kayin talk to her babies when she doesn't know I'm listening
26. lakes
27. my new flip flops
28. old friends
29. my new lip gloss
30. conversations at the dinner table
31. swinging with Kayin on the porch swing
32. fake laughing with Kayin, which always turns into real hysterical laughing
33. My brother and his wife
34. Justin's brother and his family

The list could go on, but I'm tired and need my beauty sleep...

Kayin's Birthday Blog Posts

2010-04-25T14:00:00.001-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

School Days

2010-04-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

You know you are a teacher when you have already started counting down the days!!! We just returned from a field trip and it was quite an experience!

10 On Tuesday

2010-04-20T09:31:00.001-07:00

10. We have had a rough couple of weeks around the Brinkmeyer household and Saturday we forgot about everything and enjoyed a family day! The Husker Spring Game was on Saturday and who would have thought that the Spring Game would be a sold out event! The mobs of people downtown were amazing to see and the "sea of red" was definitely present! Kayin had a blast and was thrilled to see "Coach Bo", Suh, and the "Big Red Band"!!

9. Gearing up for the big party on June 5th has found me finding TONS, and I mean TONS of decorating ideas for the luau! The invites are officially done and several things have been ordered...thank goodness school is out on June 4th!

8. Kayin loves to spend time outside and I think if she could, would stay all day/all night out there! Our fantastic neighbors split up their hostas and we now have nine hostas spread around the back yard. All we need are the planters boxes to magically fill up and ground cover along the back...which another friend is delivering to the house today! :)

7. We worried about switching Harper's dog food...but have had no problems! He loves it and so do we at $15.00 cheaper for a large bag!!

6. Had a great friend from Illinois (actually a high school buddy of Justin's) stop by and stay a couple of nights...always great to see him!

5. Speaking of which...we had the most AMAZING dinner last night and I DIDN'T HAVE TO COOK...yup, you heard me right! It felt so wonderful to come home with the aroma of ribs braising in the oven and the hubby telling me everything as taken care of! The ribs were out of this world -- and whatever concoction the two of them used was delicious!! We also cooked up some rosemary/garlic/olive oil potatoes on the grill...YUMMO!!!

4. What is it with a three year old waking up in the middle of the night and crawling into bed with you?! Although I love cuddling with her, it is becoming a pattern and last night at 2:00 she tells us she wants a princess bed...do ya' think princess sheets would be okay and grant that request?!

3. Really hoping the rain stays away today so I can go and plant some ground cover in the back yard....

2. Running out of things to say...

1. I have a huge pile of papers staring at me that I could be grading during lunch so I can enjoy Kayin tonight...guess I'll get a marker and start checking!!

Spring Game

2010-04-18T05:24:00.001-07:00

Sitting in the stands with mommy and daddy...

Luckily about 30 members of the Big Red Band came out...and they were about 5 rows in front of us! Kayin was unsure about some of the loud music, but got up and started clapping and dancing most of the time!

Mommy and Kayin waiting in the tunnel for the players to come through.

The infamous SUH...she said him and held out her hand and got a high five!! And a response of, "She sure is a cute little Husker doll!"

Cody Green was next in line.

Kayin pointing to her year of birth as well as all the players that lettered that year

Getting ready to walk down in the "tunnel"...Kayin couldn't wait!!

Watching the players warm up with daddy

Outside the confines of Memorial Stadium...it's quite a site even to go down just to walk around and take a tour!

Waiting with Nana and Papa to go into the game!

Walking over the bridge from our tailgate spot to the game

Tailgating with daddy

Go Big Red

2010-04-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

As I type this tonight, we keep hearing the pitter patter of little feet...I have a feeling telling Kayin that we are going to see the "Big Red Band" tomorrow has got her all excited and she won't be able to sleep!

There is something about living in a small city where college football is what everyone lives for and quite honestly, it brings about a new life in the city! I remember going last year tto the Spring Game simply to tailgate and was SHOCKED and overwhelmed at the crowd and mobs of people! It was as if you were standing in a season game and the "sea of red" was all around you! Last year was the first year we really got into the football games and mostly went down to listen to the band, tailgate, and hang out with some great people! Tomorrow will be the kick of it all with the Spring Game! Justin has the day off and we are making a day of it! Can't wait to see the excitement on Kayin's face when we walk through those gates of Memorial Stadium! Stay tuned for pictures! We'll see how long she lasts up in the stadium but for $10.00 a ticket...couldn't pass that up!

Easter

2010-04-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

Having a little easter egg hunt in Nana and Papa's backyard.

I'd say Kayin score pretty well with the Easter bunny! Justin gave me a bad time, but I figured right now there is only one, so why not?!

Easter Sunday at church...she kept wanting to smell the Lillies!!

Nothing says easter like a basket full of colorful eggs!

10 on Tuesday

2010-03-23T14:48:00.000-07:00

I am ONE TIRED MAMMA!!! Kayin and I have been cleaning and organizing like fools today but let me tell ya', it FEELS GREAT!!! Although a trip someplace during break would have been nice, we are spending some MUCH needed time around the house with daddy!!! We made a "to do" list about a month ago consisting of what we wanted to accomplish during my week "off". After today, there is a sense of "aaaaahhhhh" due to my OCD and "MUST HAVE ORGANIZATION" around here!

10. Report cards are FINISHED!!! Just one more round to go (it seems so unreal that we only have one more quarter this year)!

9. Passports are underway--got pictures taken, paperwork in and now are waiting patiently! 2 week vacation in Canada can't come fast enough--ready to introduce Kayin (and myself) to several members of Justin's extended family!

8. I have been wanting to do something for Kayin's bedroom...so, this is what we worked on today...
First and foremost was putting bedding and blankets into some storage bins in her closet. I also organized her clothes--not showing ALL of them...and took out fall/winter and getting ready for spring/summer!
These first two pictures are what we started with....notice the location of the bed as well as her dresser (they will change)!!

This is the new location of her dresser...we still need to hang up her "Kayin" bow holder to the right...the green vase with white polka dots was a bargain at Hobby Lobby (had a little chip on the bottom, barely noticable, but was 40% off and then I asked if I could get another 25% off due to the chip...sure enough....$16.99 vase for $7.00)Here is her NEW HEADBOARD!!! Got the idea from a fellow blogger that I follow and let me tell you, it was super easy! Downstairs, in Kayin's play area, we had done a project with blank canvas. Well, instead of buying new ones, we decided to hang pictures up and re-use these! The fabric was on sale as well as the velcro...I think for the total project -- $18.00!!!
Kayin even got into helping me hang them up!
7. Hoping that bringing this little guy out will help Spring "hop" out of Mother Nature!
6. Worked on organizing the basement, especially Kayin's toy/play area...found these lovely gems at Target (although Walmart in GI had them cheaper, came to Lincoln to buy them and the Walmart here in Lincoln didn't carry the brand!!!) Anyhow, the last thing that needs to be done is take pictures of what is inside of the bins, label and voala...instant organization!!!
So, this is what her new area looks like...without the little knick knacks on the top of the storage bins as well as her new pictures that we are hanging up--Love the new space now!

5. Kayin made this suncatcher a couple of weeks ago at "M's" house...LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! Just a paper plate with a hole cut out with clear contact paper covering-then the kids loaded on the cut tissue paper!! Can't help but display this one on the dining room window!

4. Our washing machine is on the fritz and the laundry keeps piling up...I am thinking about taking a trip to a laundromat--although, it's a DISTANT THOUGHT!!!!

3. Justin scored on the birthday--he has been such a great guy this week and has been treating me to little odds and ends (washing the car, letting me sleep in, making the bed after he gets up, unloading the dishwasher...just to name a few)

2. Wishing Aunt Mimi and Uncle Jerry a Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary! She emailed me and tells me it's 92 degrees at the Ozarks...told her to bring some of that weather up here with her when she comes back!

1. I am treating myself to a haircut tomorrow...not sure how short I will go, but definitely getting some major highlights!! (Can you tell I am ready for SUMMER???!!!) I am sure I will post pictures!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

2010-03-22T06:54:00.001-07:00

Happy Early Birthday to ME!!!

2010-03-17T18:44:00.000-07:00

Justin and Kayin had a secret hiding and mommy didn't even know it! Justin had a friend (E) come over and do Kayin's hair. Sporting her braids and bows, the two of them headed over to the studio and had some pictures taken! Completing the surprise was showing up at school with a framed portrait!! LOVE YOU!!!

Blowin' Kisses

2010-03-17T04:25:00.000-07:00

Enough Already!!

2010-03-17T04:11:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, we live in Nebraska where the weather is so unpredictable! Just when we thought the snow was over, a little dusting came down last week! So, Kayin and I did a little fashion show to help the weather along a bit!
Gotta love these green GAP shoes Justin found at Once Upon A Child!! Match perfectly with the outfit!

10 On Tuesday

2010-03-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

1. Didn't I just get done with report cards??!!

2. Can anyone say...SPRING BREAK??!! (We start officially at 3:38 on Friday afternoon and that day can't come fast enought right now)

3. I have started writing a to-do list of what I want to accomplish not only here at the house but also at school during break. I know it seems a little crazy for a teacher to be spending some of her time at school during break, but it will allow me to spend the upcoming weekends with my daughter rather than feeling like I need to be spending time at school!

4. Speaking of which, looking at the calendar, can't believe our lil' Punkie Doo will be turning 3 in about a month!! Where did the time go??!!

5. We are starting to plan her party...it's gonna be a BLAST!!

6. I have two more sections of report cards to enter and then I am DONE!!! Hoping to be finished before break.

7. Love, and I mean love listening to Kayin say her bedtime prayers and adding all the "extras" she wants to pray for at night.

8. Kayin just told me, "Mommy, I'm not going to tell you our secret, even if you ask!" Apparently her and daddy have something planned for mommy's birthday!

9. Looking at the calendar for the summer: 3-day class in June, week long conference in June, 2-day training in June, 2 week Canada vacation in July (in conjunction with our 5 year wedding anniversary), a 3-day class the end of July, and possibly starting my Master's Program the first part of August! For those of you who think that teachers must have it "easy getting three summer months off", I challenge you to prove it!

10. I am hoping to upload some pictures of Kayin in spring like clothes tonight...this weather needs to CHANGE...and SOON!!!!

2010-02-27T17:07:00.001-08:00

Songs

2010-02-21T18:16:00.001-08:00

Do any of you who faithfully read this and have a blog created know how to insert music in? I would love to include music when I blog, but don't know how!

Happy Birthday Grandma!!

2010-02-19T04:35:00.000-08:00

10 on Tuesday

2010-02-16T04:32:00.000-08:00

1. I have one more post until it's 200...watch for a super duper post filled with some special things!

2. Is anyone else getting tired of the snow and cold weather??!! We got some light flakes over the weekend with interstates closed, preventing Nana and Pap from visiting us! We haven't seen them since the holidays! A beach vacation is calling our names, I think!!

3. There is nothing like falling asleep on freshly washed sheets (with a body that has relaxed in a bath)...

4. Yesterday was a plan day at school, meaning no kids...and for the first time this year, I felt like I got a TON done! Maybe it was the fact that I spent about 4 hours there on Sunday...which I have tried my hardest not to be spending weekends at work!

5. Someone made the comment to me the other day, "You're a teacher...must be nice to have plan days with no kids, weekends off and three months off during the summer!" I look at that person, explained exactly what a "Plan Day" was, reiterated that weekends aren't really "down time" and then started to give them the low down of summer plans...I think she faced the reality rather quickly!!

6. I think I have mentioned this in previous 10 on Tuesdays, but when did our little girl grow up so fast??!!

7. Had a great early Valentine's Day gift from my two sweethearts---delivered flowers to me at school on Friday...

8. To let my hair grow or cut it short again...that is the question!

9. Why does it seem that laundry NEVER gets caught up??!! I have tried to keep on schedule with one load a day...can only imagine what families with more children do...maybe I could solicit for suggestions...

10. We are taking a family vacation to Canada this summer for about two weeks...after watching the Olympics, extremely EXCITED!!! The Canadian Rockies look absolutely beautiful!! Not to mention that Justin and I are going to try and escape on a little two day get away for our 5-year anniversary while we are up there (which just happens to be on our exact date)!!

Winter Olympics 2010

2010-02-09T18:27:00.001-08:00

Last year during our annual ski trip, the Canadian relatives gave each of the kids a children's book about the winter olympics. I am not sure who is more excited...Kayin or mommy!! Mommy is planning on encorporating it into the curriculum at school! The Canadians sent out some official gear from up north this year! No doubt in my mind that Kayin will be sitting with her teddy bear and daddy all cozy watching hockey and downhill skiing! (When we were reading the book, she noticed the characters were downhill skiing just like cousins M & G and Uncle C and Grandpa at the ski trip)!!

Our Little Valentine

2010-02-09T18:20:00.000-08:00

Kayin sporting her new "duds". This picture truly captures it all! She was so excited to show it off when I explained to her what the t-shirt said!
Aunt Mimi had picked this up for Kayin last year and it was too BIG!! This year, fits PERFECT!!

Packing up the Valentine's day treats for the kids at daycare. She must have a crush on the boys...she wanted to give them TWO boxes of sweethearts!!

They're coming....

2010-02-07T05:48:00.000-08:00

I know some of you who read this religiously wonder if I am still around due to the lack of posts the last couple of weeks. Things around the Brinkmeyer househould have been rather chaotic and crazy, but alas, we are ALIVE!! I have a camera full of pictures that need downloading and I am crossing my fingers that I will get that done this afternoon (hoping that Kayin goes down for a nap)! So, stay tuned for the updates!!!

Snapshots of Ski Trip

2010-01-26T19:05:00.001-08:00

Our friends Jess and Justin live outside of Omaha near the airport. The girls played a little "beauty shop" and Kayin got her nails painted! I think it is safe to say that the girl LOVES to have her nails done and adores anyone that can put a pretty flower with a sparkle on her nail!! Thanks guys for the great laughs....decided against putting up the pictures from the Wii experiences!! Anyone want a banana? Here we are waiting for the airplane at about 6:00 in the morning. Kayin was a trooper and couldn't wait to board!

Kayin and daddy waiting for the take-off!! Kayin is becoming a veteran with flying! She has been flying ever since she was about 6-weeks old. She didn't cry or fuss ONE time on the plane. She was asking all sorts of questions and was very intrigued by all the new buttons!!

My child...yup...can't stand to have ANYTHING on her feet. I think on this particular leg of the trip she had taken off her shoes and socks (even though they were double knotted), rolled her pant legs up, and was "picking the fuzzies" out of her toes! At least we didn't find them in her mouth!!

She's done it again...

2010-01-26T18:23:00.000-08:00

As I was trying to accomplish something in our basement (tackling the amount of bins of clothes and attempting to downsize), Kayin found her markers and decorated her leg.

10 on Tuesday

2010-01-19T19:03:00.000-08:00

1. Apparently my child thought that homemade chili and cinnamon rolls was not sufficient enough for dinner this evening! She decided to try a little marker...blue washable to be exact!

2. I have done something to my back and have been in excruciating pain the last week and a half. I started physical therapy last week (and come to find out that my PT is a son of an old family friend) and these sessions are brutal! The first night, I found myself heading to bed around 8:10!! Imagine having your finger jammed...but your vertebrae instead. Putting it into English terms for all of you. To make matters worse, I have a tilted pelvis! I have about 10 exercises/stetches that I do on a daily basis and I must say that the cold and damp weather isn't helping any!

3. We are packing up and heading out for our annual ski trip this weekend. This is the first time Kayin will be a "true" passenger in her carseat in her own seat on the plane. We are trying to pack everything into carryon luggage (we fly out early Friday and return late Sunday) so if you are flying this weekend and see a crazy daddy trying to man handle two carryons, a carseat, a three year old, and a gimping mom, that will probably be us!

4. We SURPRISED daddy this weekend for his birthday! Although I felt miserable I know how important birthdays are for me and wanted to do something special for Justin. At the last minute (partially due to how I am feeling with my back) I decided to ask his manager if she could schedule him until close -- sorry babe but it's the only way it was going to work! As people got off of work, they headed over to a nearby establishment. Kayin and I surprised him with balloons at work, sang happy birthday to him and decided to take him "out to eat". If he wouldn't have kept on prying with where to eat, I am pretty sure we would have pulled it off. However, he figured out that there was something going on for me to be pretty adament about going to OC!!

5. Today was a plan day and I am feeling more overwhelmed with what I need to get done before we leave! Good thing I went in yesterday for about 4 hours!

6. Have I mentioned that we are flying to Chicago for the ski trip?! Yes, I think I did! But, the one part I am missing is that after the flight we then get to ride in a car for almost four hours. My PT isn't too thrilled about this but HIGHLY recommended that we stop every 30-45 minutes for me to get out and stretch. I would love to say to have a strong drink waiting for me by the time we get there, but a nap may be more what the doctor ordered!

7. I have never waited this long to completely finish my report cards. Goal=get them done before we leave Thursday for Omaha. (Not so sure that will happen but I am hoping)!!

8. Kayin is surprising us more and more each day with her vocabulary, questions, and wishes at the wishing well where my Grandmother is right now for rehabilitation.

9. My back is starting to stiffen up....

10. So I must finish this post, do my stretches, and HEAD TO BED!

Year in Review

2010-01-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

Now that I know how to do a slideshow with pictures, thought I would try this out and make one of the past year! (Since I have had three snow days...and will have the weekend to get caught up on bloggin)!!

Enjoy! These were some of our captured memories during 2009!

Yet another snow day!!

2010-01-07T07:36:00.000-08:00

Well, LPS has used up all their snow days as of today! With two more snow days this week, Kayin and I are keeping ourselves busy!

This morning, I asked Kayin to get dressed and put on a pair of pants and a long sleeve shirt. Guess the -35 degree temperatures aren't going to stop her!!

Here she is getting a pedicure from mommy! We were going to venture to where mommy gets her nails done, but the weather isn't cooperating. Kayin had the works! Scrub, cuticle oil, and who can forget the polish??!!

Happy New Year!!

2009-12-31T20:07:00.001-08:00

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!!!!

2009-12-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas

2009-12-28T18:31:00.000-08:00

More pictures...

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

Christmas

2009-12-28T17:18:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-22T19:13:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-21T12:07:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-19T12:23:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-09T20:52:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-01T19:30:00.001-08:00

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!

2009-12-01T19:20:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-17T20:15:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-04T18:15:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-02T16:54:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-30T19:29:00.001-07:00

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!

Sweet Little Baby

2009-10-13T21:20:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I found this picture on our shutterfly account and hopefully it will come through for me! I was looking back at baby pictures of Kayin and isn't she just the cutest little thing? I miss those baby days but LOVE the age where she is now! Not sure what happened and I can't get the Husker picture to move, but that was a three month picture of her with her Husker gear on! Hopefully this weekend they can pull out another win for us!